Comparison of Improved Unidirectional Dual Velocity-Encoding MRI Methods.

BACKGROUND: In phase-contrast (PC) MRI, several dual velocity encoding methods have been proposed to robustly increase velocity-to-noise ratio (VNR), including a standard dual-VENC (SDV), an optimal dual-VENC (ODV), and bi- and triconditional methods. PURPOSE: To develop a correction method for the ODV approach and to perform a comparison between methods. STUDY TYPE: Case-control study. POPULATION: Twenty-six volunteers. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5 T phase-contrast MRI with VENCs of 50, 75, and 150 cm/second. ASSESSMENT: Since we acquired single-VENC protocols, we used the background phase from high-VENC (VENCH ) to reconstruct the low-VENC (VENCL ) phase. We implemented and compared the unwrapping methods for different noise levels and also developed a correction of the ODV method. STATISTICAL TESTS: Shapiro-Wilk's normality test, two-way analysis of variance with homogeneity of variances was performed using Levene's test, and the significance level was adjusted by Tukey's multiple post hoc analysis with Bonferroni (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed no extreme outliers, normally distributed residuals, and homogeneous variances. We found statistically significant interaction between noise levels and the unwrapping methods. This implies that the number of non-unwrapped pixels increased with the noise level. We found that for ß = VENCL /VENCH  = 1/2, unwrapping methods were more robust to noise. The post hoc test showed a significant difference between the ODV corrected and the other methods, offering the best results regarding the number of unwrapped pixels. DATA CONCLUSIONS: All methods performed similarly without noise, but the ODV corrected method was more robust to noise at the price of a higher computational time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 1.

A descriptive ranking of blood pressure and physical fitness of Latin-American ethnic schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: There is a general lack of information about how insufficient physical activity impacts blood pressure and physical fitness in Latin-American ethnic minorities. AIMS: To describe the interactions between insufficient physical activity, blood pressure, and physical fitness outcomes in Latin-American schoolchildren of different ethnicity. METHODS: This was a prospective, international, multi-center, and cross-sectional study of three Latin-American countries involving schoolchildren from seven ethnic groups of Colombia (Tikuna, Nasa, Embera), Brazil (African, Mulato), and Chile (Mapuche), and also European schoolchildren from Brazil and Chile. Data were categorized based on whether participants were physically active (PA) or insufficient physical activity (iPA) using the WHO physical activity recommendations. The main outcomes were systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial (MAP) blood pressure, and scores for physical and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, by estimated V˙O2max), handgrip muscle strength (HGS), and standing long jump (SLJ). Secondary outcomes were anthropometric measures (weight, height, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], waist-to-height ratio), and body fat percentage (BF%, limited data by country). Primary and secondary outcomes were ranked. RESULTS: For both PA and iPA categories, significant interactions between ethnic groups were found concerning SBP/DBP (F(37.7), ES 0.08; F(51.5), ES 0.08), V˙O2max (F(37.7), ES 0.08; F(51.5), ES 0.08), HGS (F(33.8), ES 0.07; F(5.03), ES 0.04), and SLJ (F(64.3), ES 0.14; F(64.3), 0.14). In the iPA category, Mapuche schoolchildren were classified 1st (119.5; 81.5) with highest SBP/DBP and highest MAP (94.6 mmHg); Embera schoolchildren were classified 1st with lowest V˙O2max (33.7 mL/kg/min); and European schoolchildren were classified 1st (19.9 kg) with lowest HGS and SLJ (121.4 m) physical fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Under conditions of insufficient physical activity conditions, Mapuche schoolchildren had the most detrimental blood pressure, whereas Embera, Tikuna, and European schoolchildren had the lowest levels of physical fitness. These results serve to highlight the need for the early and appropriate promotion of physical activity based on ethnic differences in Latin-American schools.

Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity parameters with blood pressure: fitness and fatness in youth Latin-American ethnic minority.

Background: In spite of wide international evidence about cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and adiposity in association with cardiovascular disease, there is poor evidence about this relationship in schoolchildren of ethnic minorities.Aim: To examine the relationship between CRF and body composition on blood pressure (BP) in a sample of ethnic minority schoolchildren from three Latin-American countries.Material and methods: A descriptive cross sectional study of total n = 3866, mean age 12.5 (2.7) y [girls n = 1997, mean age 12.8 (2.8) y; boys n = 1869, mean age 12.2 (2.7) y] schoolchildren from three Latin-American countries (Colombia, Brazil, Chile). Main outcomes were CRF, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage (%BF), and BP (systolic SB, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure (MAP).Results: In both sex, and after adjusting for covariates (age and ethnicity group), negative CRF by V˙O2peak levels were associated with a higher body fatness parameters (BMI, WC, WHtR and %BF p<0.001), and blood pressure measures (systolic BP, diastolic BP, and MAP; p<0.001). A lower CRF (by V˙O2peak) was associated with a higher BP in girls (systolic SB -0.15; -5.10 (0.30), diastolic BP -0.14; -4.43 (0.23), and MAP -0.15; -4.93 (0.26) at p<0.001), and boys (systolic SB -0.02; -0.85 (0.32), DB -0.07; -2.23 (0.23), and MAP-0.06; -1.89 (0.25 at p<0.001). There was a significant association between a 'high-CRF + low-%BF' with a lower systolic SB diff = - 9.6 [0.7], diastolic BP diff= - 11.0 [0.6]; and MAP level diff = - 10.6 [0.6] all p<0.001). There was a significant association between a 'high-CRF + low-BMI' with a lower systolic diff = - 10.3 [1.1], diastolic diff = - 11.2 [1.1], and MAP diff = - 10.9 [1.0] all p<0.001.Conclusion: A lower CRF is associated with a higher body fatness parameters, and higher BP levels in Latin-American ethnic schoolchildren.Abbreviators: %BF: Percentage of Body fat; BIA: Bioelectric impedance analysis; BMI: Body mass index; BP: Blood pressure; CRF: Cardiorespiratory fitness; CVD: Cardiovascular disease; LDL-cholesterol: SD: Standard deviation; WC: Waist circumference; WHtR: Waist-height to ratio; V˙O2max: Maximal oxygen consumption; V˙O2peak: Peak of oxygen consumption.

Muscle mass to visceral fat ratio is an important predictor of the metabolic syndrome in college students.

This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the muscle mass to visceral fat (MVF) ratio and cardiometabolic risk factors in a large population of college students in Colombia and to propose cut-off points of this index for the metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of 1464 young adults recruited from the FUPRECOL (Asociación de la Fuerza Prensil con Manifestaciones Tempranas de Riesgo Cardiovascular en Jóvenes y Adultos Colombianos) study were categorised into four groups based on their MVF ratio. Muscle mass and visceral fat level of the participants were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cardiometabolic risk factors including lifestyle characteristics, anthropometry, blood pressure and biochemical parameters were assessed. The prevalence of moderate to severe obesity, hypertension and the MetS was higher in subjects in quartile (Q)1 (lower MVF ratio) (P <0·001). ANCOVA revealed that the subjects in Q1 had higher cardiometabolic disturbances, including altered anthropometry, blood pressure, muscle strength and biochemical parameters after adjusting for age and sex compared with young adults in higher MVF ratio quartiles (P <0·001). Muscular mass and physical activity levels were significantly lower in subjects with a lower MVF ratio (P <0·001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated that in men the best MVF ratio cut-off point for detecting the MetS was 18·0 (AUC 0·83, sensitivity 78 % and specificity 77 %) and for women, the MVF ratio cut-off point was 13·7 (AUC 0·85, sensitivity 76 % and specificity 87 %). A lower MVF ratio is associated with a higher risk cardiometabolic profile in early adulthood, supporting that the MVF ratio could be used as a complementary screening tool that may help clinicians identify young adults at high cardiometabolic risk.

Development of an Aotus nancymaae model for Shigella Vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy studies.

Several animal models exist to evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of candidate Shigella vaccines. The two most widely used nonprimate models for vaccine development include a murine pulmonary challenge model and a guinea pig keratoconjunctivitis model. Nonhuman primate models exhibit clinical features and gross and microscopic colonic lesions that mimic those induced in human shigellosis. Challenge models for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and Campylobacter spp. have been successfully developed with Aotus nancymaae, and the addition of a Shigella-Aotus challenge model would facilitate the testing of combination vaccines. A series of experiments were designed to identify the dose of Shigella flexneri 2a strain 2457T that induces an attack rate of 75% in the Aotus monkey. After primary challenge, the dose required to induce an attack rate of 75% was calculated to be 1 × 10(11) CFU. Shigella-specific immune responses were low after primary challenge and subsequently boosted upon rechallenge. However, preexisting immunity derived from the primary challenge was insufficient to protect against the homologous Shigella serotype. A successive study in A. nancymaae evaluated the ability of multiple oral immunizations with live-attenuated Shigella vaccine strain SC602 to protect against challenge. After three oral immunizations, animals were challenged with S. flexneri 2a 2457T. A 70% attack rate was demonstrated in control animals, whereas animals immunized with vaccine strain SC602 were protected from challenge (efficacy of 80%; P = 0.05). The overall study results indicate that the Shigella-Aotus nancymaae challenge model may be a valuable tool for evaluating vaccine efficacy and investigating immune correlates of protection.

Multiple motion encoding in phase-contrast MRI: A general theory and application to elastography imaging.

While MRI allows to encode the motion of tissue in the magnetization's phase, it remains yet a challenge to obtain high fidelity motion images due to wraps in the phase for high encoding efficiencies. Therefore, we propose an optimal multiple motion encoding method (OMME) and exemplify it in Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) data. OMME is formulated as a non-convex least-squares problem for the motion using an arbitrary number of phase-contrast measurements with different motion encoding gradients (MEGs). The mathematical properties of OMME are proved in terms of standard deviation and dynamic range of the motion's estimate for arbitrary MEGs combination which are confirmed using synthetically generated data. OMME's performance is assessed on MRE data from in vivo human brain experiments and compared to dual encoding strategies. The unwrapped images are further used to reconstruct stiffness maps and compared to the ones obtained using conventional unwrapping methods. OMME allowed to successfully combine several MRE phase images with different MEGs, outperforming dual encoding strategies in either motion-to-noise ratio (MNR) or number of successfully reconstructed voxels with good noise stability. This lead to stiffness maps with greater resolution of details than obtained with conventional unwrapping methods. The proposed OMME method allows for a flexible and noise robust increase in the dynamic range and thus provides wrap-free phase images with high MNR. In MRE, the method may be especially suitable when high resolution images with high MNR are needed.

[Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in a sample of Colombian schoolchildren: an evaluation of the psychometric properties of the KIDMED questionnaire]. / Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en una población escolar colombiana: evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario KIDMED.

INTRODUCTION: Objective: since childhood and adolescence are critical periods for the acquisition of eating habits and lifestyles that will persist into adulthood, having a questionnaire that estimates adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the school-age population is necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the validity, reliability, and factor structure of the KIDMED questionnaire in a group of children and adolescents from Cali, Colombia. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study using a self-reported questionnaire in 167 schoolchildren (53.8% girls, mean age 13.3 ± 3.2 years). Cronbach's alpha and Cohen's kappa (κ) were calculated as reliability and reproducibility indicators. The extraction of main components by varimax rotation allowed to define the communalities of the proposed items as a measure of validity. Results: overall, one in every 3 schoolchildren showed an optimal Mediterranean diet pattern. The KIDMED questionnaire showed moderate reliability and reproducibility values (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71-0.77, and κ = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45-0.77). The factor structure showed six factors that accounted for 60.6% of the total variance with an adequate goodness-of-fit test (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.730), and Bartlett's sphericity test (X2 = 414.8, p < 0.001, g/l = 120). Conclusions: the KIDMED questionnaire shown evidence adequate psychometric properties as an instrument for assessing adherence for assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet in schoolchildren in Colombia. Future studies should focus on investigating the confirmatory structure and/or convergent validity of the questionnaire in different age groups for generating comparable data.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: como la infancia y la adolescencia son periodos críticos para la adquisición de hábitos alimentarios y estilos de vida que serán perdurables en la edad adulta, contar con un cuestionario que estime la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea de la población escolar es necesario. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas, en términos de fiabilidad, reproducibilidad y validez, del cuestionario KIDMED en un grupo de niños y adolescentes de Cali, Colombia. Métodos: estudio transversal de 167 escolares (53,8% niñas, edad media de 13,3 ± 3,2 años). El alfa de Cronbach y el kappa de Cohen (κ) se calcularon como indicadores de fiabilidad y reproducibilidad. Un análisis factorial exploratorio, con un método de extracción de componentes principales y rotación ortogonal (varimax), se aplicó como medida de validez. Resultados: en la población general, 1 de cada 3 escolares acusaron un patrón de alimentación mediterránea óptima. El cuestionario KIDMED mostró valores de fiabilidad y reproducibilidad moderados (alfa de Cronbach = 0,79; IC 95%: 0,71-0,77, y κ = 0,66; IC 95%: 0,45-0,77). La composición factorial exploratoria arrojó seis factores que explicaron el 60,6% de la varianza total y adecuados valores de bondad del ajuste (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0,730) y del test de esfericidad de Bartlett (X2 = 414,8, p < 0.001, g/l = 120). Conclusión: el cuestionario KIDMED cuenta con propiedades psicométricas adecuadas como instrumento de valoración de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en escolares de Colombia. Futuros estudios deberán centrarse en investigar la estructura confirmatoria y/o la validez convergente del cuestionario en diferentes grupos de edad para generar datos comparables.

Optimal Dual-VENC Unwrapping in Phase-Contrast MRI.

Dual-VENC strategies have been proposed to improve the velocity-to-noise ratio in phase-contrast MRI. However, they are based on aliasing-free high-VENC data. The aim of this paper is to propose a dual-VENC velocity estimation method allowing high-VENC aliased data. For this purpose, we reformulate the phase-contrast velocity as a least squares estimator, providing a natural framework for including multiple encoding gradient measurements. By analyzing the mathematical properties of both single- and dual-VENC problems, we can justify theoretically high/low-VENC ratios such that the aliasing velocity can be minimized. The resulting reconstruction algorithm was assessed using three types of data: numerical, experimental, and volunteers. In clinical practice, this method would allow shorter examination times by avoiding tedious adaptation of VENC values by repeated scans.

Fat-to-Muscle Ratio: A New Anthropometric Indicator as a Screening Tool for Metabolic Syndrome in Young Colombian People.

Fat-to-muscle ratio has been proposed as an alternative approach for assessing body fat. The objective of this study was to explore fat-to-muscle ratio thresholds in metabolic syndrome (MetS) diagnosis; it was hypothesised that the fat-to-muscle ratio is a good predictive indicator of MetS in a large population of young Colombian adults. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1416 subjects (66.6% female), aged from 18.1 to 25.1. As part of the study, measurements of the subjects' anthropometric indicators, serum lipid indices, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose were taken. Body composition was measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). A new variable (ratio of fat mass to muscle mass, in kg) was calculated. Following the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition, MetS includes three or more metabolic abnormalities. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression determined the discriminatory ability of the fat-to-muscle ratio to predict MetS. According to the IDF, the best fat-to-muscle ratio cut-off point for detecting MetS in men was 0.225 kg, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83, sensitivity of 80%, and specificity of 70%. For women, the fat-to-muscle ratio cut-off point was 0.495 kg, the AUC was 0.88, and the sensitivity and specificity were 82% and 80%, respectively. In conclusion, our results showed that the fat-to-muscle ratio cut-off points from ROC analyses demonstrate good discriminatory power for detecting MetS in young Colombian adults.

Association of Muscular Fitness and Body Fatness with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: The FUPRECOL Study.

This study investigated the associations of muscular fitness and various indicators of body fatness with cardio-metabolic risk factors and determined the muscular strength and body fatness thresholds for detecting a high risk of cardio-metabolic dysfunction in young adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1798 collegiate students (61.5% females, mean age 20.5 years). Muscular fitness was determined by using a handgrip strength test and normalized grip strength (NGS = handgrip (kg)/body mass (kg)). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), percentage of fat mass (BF%), fat-mass index (FMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were also included as body fatness measurements. A high cardio-metabolic risk cluster was derived by assessing triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, fasting glucose, and blood pressure. Logistic regression models showed that men and women with lower NGS had an increased cardio-metabolic risk odds ratio (OR) = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 2.9, p = 0.006, and OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.5, p = 0.036, respectively). In both sexes, higher levels of all fatness parameters were also associated with increased cardio-metabolic risk (p < 0.001). In both men and women, high FMI had the highest OR for clustered risk (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 2.6 to 8.4, and OR = 7.3, 95% CI 3.4 to 9.7, p < 0.001, respectively). Combined analysis showed that unfitness (lower NGS) and high fat had the highest OR for WC and FMI in men and women, respectively (OR = 5.5, 95% CI 2.6 to 11.4, OR = 7.7, 95% CI 2.3 to 15.8, p < 0.01). Muscular strength and body fatness are independently and jointly associated with increased cardiometabolic risk in young adults, which suggests that both are predictor variables for this.

Tri-Ponderal Mass Index vs. Fat Mass/Height³ as a Screening Tool for Metabolic Syndrome Prediction in Colombian Children and Young People.

Tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) and fat mass index (FMI) have been proposed as alternative approaches for assessing body fat since BMI does not ensure an accurate screening for obesity and overweight status in children and adolescents. This study proposes thresholds of the TMI and FMI for the prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and young people. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 4673 participants (57.1% females), who were 9-25 years of age. As part of the study, measurements of the subjects' weight, waist circumference, serum lipid indices, blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose were taken. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The TMI and FMI were calculated as weight (kg)/height (m³) and fat mass (kg)/height (m³), respectively. Following the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition, MetS is defined as including three or more metabolic abnormalities. Cohort-specific thresholds were established to identify Colombian children and young people at high risk of MetS. The thresholds were applied to the following groups: (i) a cohort of children where the girls' TMI ≥ 12.13 kg/m³ and the boys' TMI ≥ 12.10 kg/m³; (ii) a cohort of adolescents where the girls' TMI ≥ 12.48 kg/m³ and the boys' TMI ≥ 11.19 kg/m³; (iii) a cohort of young adults where the women's TMI ≥ 13.21 kg/m³ and the men's TMI ≥ 12.19 kg/m³. The FMI reference cut-off values used for the different groups were as follows: (i) a cohort of children where the girls' FMI ≥ 2.59 fat mass/m³ and the boys' FMI ≥ 1.98 fat mass/m³; (ii) a cohort of adolescents where the girls' FMI ≥ 3.12 fat mass/m³ and the boys' FMI ≥ 1.46 fat mass/m³; (iii) a cohort of adults where the women's FMI ≥ 3.27 kg/m³ and the men's FMI ≥ 1.65 kg/m³. Our results showed that the FMI and TMI had a moderate discriminatory power to detect MetS in Colombian children, adolescents, and young adults.

Características clínicas predictoras de déficit de vitamina B12 de diabetes mellitus 2 tratada con metformina / Clinical characteristics of vitamin B12 deficiency predictors in metformin-treated type-2 diabetes mellitus

ntroducción: el consumo de metformina se asocia con déficit de vitamina B12. Objetivo: identificar las características clínicas predictoras del déficit en mayores de 18 años con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) tratados con metformina. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal analítico en 100 pacientes entre 50 y 85 años con DM2 tratados con metformina por más de 3 meses, con registro de niveles de vitamina B12 en la historia clínica, atendidos en un programa de diabetes de medicina familiar en Bogotá DC, Colombia. Resultados: la media de duración de la enfermedad fue 9.6 años, el uso de metformina varió entre 1 y 5 años (32%), la dosis más utilizada estuvo entre 1001 y 2000 mg (65%), polifarmacia en 45% y la prevalencia del déficit en 27%. En el modelo de regresión logística se encontró que el tiempo de uso se comporta como factor predictor de déficit de vitamina B12 (OR=0,01 IC95% 0,01-0,03) (p<0,05), la polifarmacia (OR=1.21 IC95% -0,06-2,5) y la duración de la diabetes (OR=1.14 IC95% 0,99-1,32) emergen como factores predictores, pero sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa.Conclusión: el tiempo de uso de metformina es una característica clínica que puede ser predictora del déficit de vitamina B12, la prevalencia del déficit en nuestro estudio fue alta, consideramos recomendable realizar una búsqueda activa en la práctica clínica

ntroduction: the metformin use is related to vitamin B12 deficiency. Objective: to identify the clinical characteristics that predict B12 deficiency in metformin-treated type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, aged 18 years or older. Materials and methods: analytical cross-sectional study including 100 T2DM patients aged between 50 and 85 years, on metformin for more than 3 months, with vitamin B12 levels recorded in their clinical record, seen in a family medicine diabetes program in Bogotá DC, Colombia. Results: the median duration of the disease was 9.6 years, metformin use ranged between 1 and 5 years (32%), the most commonly used dose ranged between 1001 and 2000 mg (65%), polypharmacy was evidenced in 45% and B12 deficiency prevalence was 27%. The logistic regression analysis showed that time of metformin use behaved as a predictor of vitamin B12 deficiency (OR=0.01 CI95% 0.01-0.03) (p<0.05). Polypharmacy (OR=1.21 CI95% -0.06-2.5) and diabetes duration (OR=1.14 CI95% 0.99-1.32) emerged as predictor factors, but with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion:duration of metformin use is a clinical variable that can be a predictor of vitamin B12 deficiency. Prevalence of B12 deficiency was high in our study. We recommend an active search of this deficiency in clinical practice

Optimal Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet and High Muscular Fitness Are Associated with a Healthier Cardiometabolic Profile in Collegiate Students.

The aim of the study was to investigate the combined association of adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and muscular fitness (MF) with cardiometabolic health in collegiate students. The present cross-sectional analysis consisted of 1248 (714 females) healthy collegiate students (20.1 ± 2.7 years old). Adherence to a MedDiet was assessed by a KIDMED (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index) questionnaire. Standing broad jump, standing vertical jump, and isometric handgrip dynamometry were used as indicators of MF. The cardiometabolic profile was assessed using the following components: triglycerides, blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, glucose, and waist circumference. Analysis of covariance shows a significant difference in the cardiometabolic profile of both genders between the high MF/low MedDiet and high MF/optimal MedDiet groups, and the low MF/low MedDiet and low MF/optimal MedDiet groups (p < 0.001). No difference was found on cardiometabolic profile between high MF/optimal MedDiet and high MF/low MedDiet, both in males and females. Additionally, logistic regression shows that both female (odds ratio (OR) = 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.8⁻3.7); p = 0.02) and male (OR = 3.38; 95% CI: (1.9⁻5.8); p < 0.001) participants in the optimal MedDiet/high MF group had the highest odds of expressing a healthier cardiometabolic profile as compared to those in the low MF/low MedDiet group. In conclusion, a combination of high MF levels and optimal adherence to a MedDiet is associated with a healthier cardiometabolic profile; however, high MF levels seem to circumvent the deleterious effects of having a low adherence to a MedDiet.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Factors in Colombian Collegiate Students: The FUPRECOL-Adults Study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the major public health problems worldwide. The objective of the present study is to investigate the prevalence and the associated variables of MetS in Colombian collegiate students. This cross-sectional study included a total of 890 (52% women) healthy collegiate students (21.3 ± 3.2 years old). The prevalence of MetS was determined by the definition provided by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). We further examined associations between the prevalence of MetS and related factors, such as age, gender, anthropometric and body composition, weight status, and nutrition profile. The overall prevalence of MetS was 6.0% (95% CI = 4.5% to 7.6%), and it was higher in men than women. The most prevalent components were low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, waist circumference, and blood pressure levels. The predisposing factors for having a MetS included: being male, over 23 years old, overweight or obese, and having an unhealthy waist-to-height ratio. In conclusion, the occurrence of MetS in young adults is substantial. These findings may be relevant to health promotion efforts for collegiate students in order to develop prospective studies and screening for young adults, which will aid in targeted intervention development to decrease cardiometabolic risk factors.

Body Adiposity Index Performance in Estimating Body Fat Percentage in Colombian College Students: Findings from the FUPRECOL-Adults Study.

Recently, a body adiposity index (BAI = (hip circumference)/((height)(1.5))-18) was developed and validated in adult populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of BAI in estimating percentage body fat (BF%) in a sample of Colombian collegiate young adults. The participants were comprised of 903 volunteers (52% females, mean age = 21.4 years ± 3.3). We used the Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, linear regression, Bland-Altman's agreement analysis, concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) and the coefficient of determination (R²) between BAI, and BF%; by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)). The correlation between the two methods of estimating BF% was R² = 0.384, p < 0.001. A paired-sample t-test showed a difference between the methods (BIA BF% = 16.2 ± 3.1, BAI BF% = 30.0 ± 5.4%; p < 0.001). For BIA, bias value was 6.0 ± 6.2 BF% (95% confidence interval (CI) = -6.0 to 18.2), indicating that the BAI method overestimated BF% relative to the reference method. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was poor (ρc = 0.014, 95% CI = -0.124 to 0.135; p = 0.414). In Colombian college students, there was poor agreement between BAI- and BIA-based estimates of BF%, and so BAI is not accurate in people with low or high body fat percentage levels.

Comparison of Three Adiposity Indexes and Cutoff Values to Predict Metabolic Syndrome Among University Students.

PURPOSE: Obesity and high body fat are related to diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in all ethnic groups. Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MetS, the aim of the present study was to compare body adiposity indexes (BAIs) and to assess their various cutoff values for the prediction of MetS in university students from Colombia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 886 volunteers (51.9% woman; age mean 21.4 years). Anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, waist circumference [WC], and hip circumference [HC]) were measured, and body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. MetS was defined as including ≥3 of the metabolic abnormalities (WC, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides, fasting glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure [BP]) in the definition provided by the IDF. The BAIs (i.e., BAI-HC [BAI], BAI-WC [BAI-w], and [BAI-p]) were calculated from formulas taking into account, height, weight, and WC, and for the visceral adiposity indexes, a formula, including WC, HDL-C, and triglycerides, was used. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MetS was 5.9%, higher in men than in women. The most prevalent components were low HDL-C, high triglyceride levels, WC, and BP levels. The receiver operating characteristic curves analysis showed that BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p could be useful tools to predict MetS in this population. CONCLUSION: For women, the optimal MetS threshold was found to be 30.34 (area under curve [AUC] = 0.720-0.863), 19.10 (AUC = 0.799-0.925), and 29.68 (AUC = 0.779-0.901), for BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p, respectively. For men, the optimal MetS threshold was found to be 27.83 (AUC = 0.726-0.873), 21.48 (AUC = 0.755-0.906), and 26.18 (AUC = 0.766-0.894), for BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p, respectively. The three indexes can be useful tools to predict MetS according to the IDF criteria in university students from Colombia. Data on larger samples are needed.

Fatness mediates the influence of muscular fitness on metabolic syndrome in Colombian collegiate students.

The purpose of this study was two-fold: to analyze the association between muscular fitness (MF) and clustering of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components, and to determine if fatness parameters mediate the association between MF and MetS clustering in Colombian collegiate students. This cross-sectional study included a total of 886 (51.9% women) healthy collegiate students (21.4 ± 3.3 years old). Standing broad jump and isometric handgrip dynamometry were used as indicators of lower and upper body MF, respectively. Also, a MF score was computed by summing the standardized values of both tests, and used to classify adults as fit or unfit. We also assessed fat mass, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and abdominal visceral fat, and categorized individuals as low and high fat using international cut-offs. A MetS cluster score was derived by calculating the sum of the sample-specific z-scores from the triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, fasting glucose, waist circumference, and arterial blood pressure. Linear regression models were used to examine whether the association between MF and MetS cluster was mediated by the fatness parameters. Data were collected from 2013 to 2016 and the analysis was done in 2016. Findings revealed that the best profiles (fit + low fat) were associated with lower levels of the MetS clustering (p <0.001 in the four fatness parameters), compared with unfit and fat (unfit + high fat) counterparts. Linear regression models indicated a partial mediating effect for fatness parameters in the association of MF with MetS clustering. Our findings indicate that efforts to improve MF in young adults may decrease MetS risk partially through an indirect effect on improvements to adiposity levels. Thus, weight reduction should be taken into account as a complementary goal to improvements in MF within exercise programs.

Percepción de barreras para la práctica de la actividad física y obesidad abdominal en universitarios de Colombia.

Objetivo: evaluar la relación entre la percepción de las barreras para la práctica de la actividad física (AF) con la presencia de obesidad abdominal (OA) en universitarios de Colombia.Métodos :estudio descriptivo y transversal en 5.663 sujetos entre 18 y 30 años de edad (3.348 hombres), pertenecientes a tres ciudades de Colombia. Se midió la circunferencia de cintura (CC) como indicador de OA y el riesgo se clasificó según valores de referencia internacionales. La autopercepción de barreras se determinó con el cuestionario Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ-21) validado en Colombia. Se calcularon razones de prevalencia (RP) entre cada dominio del cuestionario y clasificación de OA.Resultados: la prevalencia de obesidad abdominal fue del 10,4% con diferencias por sexo (7,3% hombres vs.12,6% mujeres p < 0,01). La "falta de tiempo", la "influencia social" y la "falta de habilidades" fueron las barreras más prevalentes para cesar la práctica de AF en el grupo de entrevistados con OA en ambos sexos. Al comparar los estudiantes con CC saludable, la RP de presentar OA fue mayor en el grupo de mujeres que en hombres en los dominios del cuestionario BBAQ-21 "falta de tiempo" (RP = 1,33 [IC 95% 1,11-1,60]) vs.(RP = 1,14 [IC 95% 1,03-1,26]) y "falta de recursos" (RP = 1, 93 [IC 95% 11,67-2,24])vs. (RP = 1,83 [IC 95% 1,68-1,99]), respectivamente.Conclusión: una mayor autopercepción de las barreras para realizar AF se relacionó con mayor frecuencia en el grupo con OA en universitarios de Colombia.

Factores de riesgo y síntomas de asma infantil en estudiantes de dos colegios de Cali / Risk factors and symptoms of childhood asthma in students from two schools in Cali (Colombia)

Resumen Introducción: Factores de riesgo como alergias, historia familiar, infecciones respiratorias, bajo peso al nacer, exposición a humo de tabaco y síntomas frecuentes tales como: sibilancias, disnea o tos persistente, se presentan en niños con asma. En Cali son escasos los estudios que aborden esta temática. Objetivo: Describir factores de riesgo y síntomas en estudiantes con diagnóstico de asma en dos colegios de la ciudad de Cali. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal. Se recolectó información a cuidadores de niños(as) en edades entre 6 y 14 años, a través del cuestionario del estudio Internacional de Asma y Alergias en la Infancia (ISAAC). Resultados: De 324 encuestas resueltas por cuidadores, 77 niños presentaban asma. Para esta población el 60% de los niños eran mayores de 9 años de edad, 56% eran niñas; 68% pertenecían al estrato socioeconómico medio-bajo. Se encontró antecedentes de enfermedades como bronquiolitis en el niño y asma y rinitis en los padres, factores de riesgo como piso inadecuado en el hogar, ausencia de lactancia materna y asistencia al jardín. El 40,3% presentaron disnea, tos y sibilancias. Conclusiones: Factores de riesgo como el sexo, piso inadecuado y síntomas como disnea, tos y sibilancias fueron los más frecuentes en niños con asma.

Abstract Introduction: Allergies, family history, respiratory infections, low birth weight, and exposure to tobacco smoke are risk factors for asthma, whose symptoms in children include wheezing, dyspnea, and persistent cough. There is a lack of studies about asthma in Cali (Colombia). Objective: To describe risk factors and symptoms in students diagnosed with asthma in two schools from the city of Cali. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was developed, which gathered information from caregivers of children aged between 6 and 14 years old using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Results: Out of the 324 surveys completed by caregivers, 77 children had asthma. 60% of this population were older than 9 years of age, 56% were girls, and 68% belonged to the lower-middle socioeconomic stratum. History of diseases such as child bronchiolitis and asthma and rhinitis in the parents were revealed. Some risk factors that were identified included inadequate flooring of the house, lack of breastfeeding, and attendance to kinder garden. 40.3% of children had dyspnea, cough and wheezing. Conclusions: Risk factors like gender, inadequate flooring, and symptoms such as dyspnea, cough and wheezing were the most frequent in children with asthma.

Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en una población escolar colombiana: evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario KIDMED / Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in a sample of Colombian schoolchildren: an evaluation of the psychometric properties of the KIDMED questionnaire

Objetivo: como la infancia y la adolescencia son periodos críticos para la adquisición de hábitos alimentarios y estilos de vida que serán perdurables en la edad adulta, contar con un cuestionario que estime la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea de la población escolar es necesario. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas, en términos de fiabilidad, reproducibilidad y validez, del cuestionario KIDMED en un grupo de niños y adolescentes de Cali, Colombia. Métodos: estudio transversal de 167 escolares (53,8% niñas, edad media de 13,3 ± 3,2 años). El alfa de Cronbach y el kappa de Cohen (?) se calcularon como indicadores de fiabilidad y reproducibilidad. Un análisis factorial exploratorio, con un método de extracción de componentes principales y rotación ortogonal (varimax), se aplicó como medida de validez. Resultados: en la población general, 1 de cada 3 escolares acusaron un patrón de alimentación mediterránea óptima. El cuestionario KIDMED mostró valores de fiabilidad y reproducibilidad moderados (alfa de Cronbach = 0,79; IC 95%: 0,71-0,77, y ? = 0,66; IC 95%: 0,45-0,77). La composición factorial exploratoria arrojó seis factores que explicaron el 60,6% de la varianza total y adecuados valores de bondad del ajuste (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0,730) y del test de esfericidad de Bartlett (X2 = 414,8, p < 0.001, g/l = 120). Conclusión: el cuestionario KIDMED cuenta con propiedades psicométricas adecuadas como instrumento de valoración de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en escolares de Colombia. Futuros estudios deberán centrarse en investigar la estructura confirmatoria y/o la validez convergente del cuestionario en diferentes grupos de edad para generar datos comparables

Objective: since childhood and adolescence are critical periods for the acquisition of eating habits and lifestyles that will persist into adulthood, having a questionnaire that estimates adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the school-age population is necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the validity, reliability, and factor structure of the KIDMED questionnaire in a group of children and adolescents from Cali, Colombia. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study using a self-reported questionnaire in 167 schoolchildren (53.8 % girls, mean age 13.3 ± 3.2 years). Cronbach's alpha and Cohen's kappa (?) were calculated as reliability and reproducibility indicators. The extraction of main components by varimax rotation allowed to define the communalities of the proposed items as a measure of validity. Results: overall, one in every 3 schoolchildren showed an optimal Mediterranean diet pattern. The KIDMED questionnaire showed moderate reliability and reproducibility values (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79, 95 % CI: 0.71-0.77, and ? = 0.66, 95 % CI: 0.45-0.77). The factor structure showed six factors that accounted for 60.6 % of the total variance with an adequate goodness-of-fit test (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.730), and Bartlett's sphericity test (?2 = 414.8, p < 0.001, g/l = 120). Conclusion: the KIDMED questionnaire shown evidence adequate psychometric properties as an instrument for assessing adherence for assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet in schoolchildren in Colombia. Future studies should focus on investigating the confirmatory structure and/ or convergent validity of the questionnaire in different age groups for generating comparable data