Modulation of neuronal activity in human centromedian nucleus during an auditory attention and working memory task.

Centromedian nucleus (CM) is one of several intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus and is thought to be involved in consciousness, arousal, and attention. CM has been suggested to play a key role in the control of attention, by regulating the flow of information to different brain regions such as the ascending reticular system, basal ganglia, and cortex. While the neurophysiology of attention in visual and auditory systems has been studied in animal models, combined single unit and LFP recordings in human have not, to our knowledge, been reported. Here, we recorded neuronal activity in the CM nucleus in 11 patients prior to insertion of deep brain stimulation electrodes for the treatment of epilepsy while subjects performed an auditory attention task. Patients were requested to attend and count the infrequent (p = 0.2) odd or "deviant" tones, ignore the frequent standard tones and report the total number of deviant tones at trial completion. Spikes were discriminated, and LFPs were band pass filtered (5-45 Hz). Average peri­stimulus time histograms and spectra were constructed by aligning on tone onsets and statistically compared. The firing rate of CM neurons showed selective, multi-phasic responses to deviant tones in 81% of the tested neurons. Local field potential analysis showed selective beta and low gamma (13-45 Hz) modulations in response to deviant tones, also in a multi-phasic pattern. The current study demonstrates that CM neurons are under top-down control and participate in the selective processing during auditory attention and working memory. These results, taken together, implicate the CM in selective auditory attention and working memory and support a role of beta and low gamma oscillatory activity in cognitive processes. It also has potential implications for DBS therapy for epilepsy and non-motor symptoms of PD, such as apathy and other disorders of attention.

Association between serum copper levels and risk of cardiovascular disease: A nested case-control study in the PREDIMED trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Certain trace elements have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum copper (S-Cu) levels and the risk of a first event of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a population of older adults with high cardiovascular risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a case-control study nested within the PREDIMED trial. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, a total of 207 incident cases diagnosed with CVD were matched for sex, age, and intervention group with 436 controls. Personal interviews, reviews of medical records, and validated questionnaires were used to assess known CVD risk factors. Biological serum samples were collected annually. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis was used to determine S-Cu levels. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using multivariate conditional logistic regression models. All participants had S-Cu levels within the reference values, 750 µg/L to 1450 µg/L. Among men, but not among women, the mean S-Cu concentration was higher in cases 1014.1 µg/L than in controls 959.3 µg/L; (p = 0.004). In men, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for CVD was 2.36 (95% CI 1.07-5.20 for the comparison of the highest vs. the lowest quartile; p for trend = 0.02), in women, it was 0.43 (95% CI 0.11-1.70; p for trend = 0.165). CONCLUSION: In older Spanish men with high cardiovascular risk, a significant association was observed between high S-Cu levels, but still within the reference values, and an increased risk of a first event of CVD. Our findings suggest a sex difference in CVD risk and S-Cu levels. To confirm this relationship and to analyze the differences observed between men and women, further studies are needed.

Allometric growth and larval development in Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru under culture conditions.

Allometric growth is a common feature during fish larval development. It has been proposed as a growth strategy to prioritize the development of body segments related to primordial functions like feeding and swimming to increase the probability of survival during this critical period. In the present study we evaluated the allometric growth patterns of body segments associated to swimming and feeding during the larval stages of Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru. The larvae were kept under intensive culture conditions and sampled every day from hatching until day 33 after hatching. Each larva was classified according to its developmental stage into yolk-sac larva, preflexion larva, flexion larva or postflexion larva, measured and the allometric growth coefficient of different body segments was evaluated using the potential model. Based on the results we can infer the presence of different ontogenetic priorities during the first developmental stages associated with vital functions like swimming during the yolk-sac stage [total length (TL) interval = 2.27-3.005 mm] and feeding during the preflexion stage (TL interval = 3.007-5.60 mm) by promoting the accelerated growth of tail (post anal) and head, respectively. In the flexion stage (TL interval = 5.61-7.62 mm) a change in growth coefficients of most body segments compared to the previous stage was detected, suggesting a shift in growth priorities. Finally, in the postflexion stage (TL interval = 7.60-15.48 mm) a clear tendency to isometry in most body segments was observed, suggesting that growth priorities have been fulfilled and the larvae will initiate with the transformation into a juvenile. These results provide a framework of the larval growth of L. peru in culture conditions which can be useful for comparative studies with other species or in aquaculture to evaluate the changes in larval growth due to new conditions or feeding protocols.

SWOT Analysis and Recommendations for Community Health Workers and Stakeholders Responding to COVID-19 Health Inequities.

Background. By 2023, 1,080,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Harris County. Systemic inequity and vaccine hesitancy have contributed to COVID-19 disparities. Community Health Workers provide health education and instrumental support to alleviate health disparities among vulnerable communities. We conducted an analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis in June 2022 among a broad coalition of Community Health Work stakeholders to better understand the local landscape in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. We recruited 33 community health workers and industry stakeholders in Harris County, Texas, to participate in the SWOT analysis. Participants were asked to describe their opinions on the SWOT facing the Community Health Work landscape and then rank the outcomes of the analysis to prioritize action. Results. A total of 19 themes were identified. Weaknesses included lack of respect and resources for Community Health Workers and poor coordination and capacity among the workforce infrastructure. Limited funding and lack of appreciation for Community Health Workers were deemed important threats. Diversity and community connection were critical strengths, and strong education, training, and raising awareness for community health work were considered opportunities to overcome identified weaknesses and threats. Discussion. Increased funding, greater coordination, greater respect, and amplified training can improve capacity for Community Health Workers and, therefore, improve public health outcomes for respiratory illness and viral infections such as COVID-19. This analysis helps fill an important research gap on the topic Community Health Workers responding to public health crises with racially disparate outcomes.

Long-Term Follow-Up on Bilateral Posterior Hypothalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for Treating Refractory Aggressive Behavior in a Patient with Cri du Chat Syndrome: Analysis of Clinical Data, Intraoperative Microdialysis, and Imaging Connectomics.

Posterior hypothalamic-deep brain stimulation (pHyp-DBS) has been reported as a successful treatment for reducing refractory aggressive behaviors in patients with distinct primary diagnoses. Here, we report on a patient with cri du chat syndrome presenting severe self-injury and aggressive behaviors toward others, who was treated with pHyp-DBS. Positive results were observed at long-term follow-up in aggressive behavior and quality of life. Intraoperative microdialysis and imaging connectomics analysis were performed to investigate possible mechanisms of action. Our results suggest the involvement of limbic and motor areas and alterations in main neurotransmitter levels in the targeted area that are associated with positive results following treatment.

COVID-19 in transplant recipients: The Spanish experience.

We report the nationwide experience with solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Spain until 13 July 2020. We compiled information for 778 (423 kidney, 113 HSCT, 110 liver, 69 heart, 54 lung, 8 pancreas, 1 multivisceral) recipients. Median age at diagnosis was 61 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 52-70), and 66% were male. The incidence of COVID-19 in SOT recipients was two-fold higher compared to the Spanish general population. The median interval from transplantation was 59 months (IQR: 18-131). Infection was hospital-acquired in 13% of cases. No donor-derived COVID-19 was suspected. Most patients (89%) were admitted to the hospital. Therapies included hydroxychloroquine (84%), azithromycin (53%), protease inhibitors (37%), and interferon-ß (5%), whereas immunomodulation was based on corticosteroids (41%) and tocilizumab (21%). Adjustment of immunosuppression was performed in 85% of patients. At the time of analysis, complete follow-up was available from 652 patients. Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 35% of patients. Ultimately, 174 (27%) patients died. In univariate analysis, risk factors for death were lung transplantation (odds ratio [OR]: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4-4.6), age >60 years (OR: 3.7; 95% CI: 2.5-5.5), and hospital-acquired COVID-19 (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.9-4.9).

[Association between physical activity and income levels in chilean adults]. / Niveles de actividad física y tiempo sedente según ingreso económico en Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: The Chilean population reports high levels of physical inactivity. The relationship between income level, physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors is not well known. AIM: To describe the levels of PA and sedentary time, according to income levels in the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017, which included 5,130 participants (52.9% women). The levels of PA and sedentary time were measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Income levels were established according to the self-reported income per capita of the households and presented as quintiles. PA levels according to income levels were estimated by linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Transport-related PA was higher in the lowest income quintiles (p = 0.039). There were no trends for income levels and PA domains including moderate, vigorous, total, occupational and leisure PA. The prevalence of leisure and occupational physical inactivities were higher in the lowest quintiles of income. Sitting time was higher in the higher income levels (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: People in the lowest quintile for income spent more time in transport-related PA and less time sitting. However, physical inactivity prevalence during leisure and work time were higher in people with lower income.

[Comparison between self-reported and device measured physical activity according to nutritional status]. / Comparación de los niveles de actividad física medidos con cuestionario de autorreporte (IPAQ) con medición de acelerometría según estado nutricional.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown if nutritional status could influence the accuracy of self-reported physical activity (PA) levels. AIM: To compare PA measured using the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and by accelerometry (ActiGraph) according to nutritional status in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study that used information from the GENADIO project carried out in Chile between 2009-2011. The sample consisted of 322 people. PA levels and sitting time were determined through the IPAQ self-report questionnaire and ActiGraph accelerometers (GTM1). The nutritional status was determined according to body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Compared with the measurement made with accelerometry, the IPAQ self-report questionnaire underestimated the levels of light PA, total PA and sedentary time in -171.5, -54.8 and -40.6 min / day, respectively. However, IPAQ overestimated the levels of moderate PA and vigorous PA in 91.0 and 47.3 min/day respectively, compared with accelerometry. Compared with normal weight, obese subjects reported higher levels of moderate PA (105.5 and 48.9 min/day, respectively) and vigorous PA (54.1 and 38.3 min/day respectively). Total PA had a greater delta of underestimation between IPAQ and accelerometer measurements in normal weight than in obese subjects (-122.1 vs -16.5 min/day, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of PA by means of a self-report questionnaire was discrepant with its objective measurement with an accelerometer. The discrepancy is even higher in obese people.

Multiple approaches to associations of physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet with all-cause mortality in older adults: the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea study.

PURPOSE: Although evidence indicates that both physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, a little is known about optimal intensities of physical activity and their combined effect with MedDiet in older adults. We assessed the separate and combined associations of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and MedDiet adherence with all-cause mortality. METHODS: We prospectively studied 7356 older adults (67 ± 6.2 years) at high vascular risk from the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea study. At baseline and yearly thereafter, adherence to the MedDiet and LTPA were measured using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: After 6.8 years of follow-up, we documented 498 deaths. Adherence to the MedDiet and total, light, and moderate-to-vigorous LTPA were inversely associated with all-cause mortality (p < 0.01 for all) in multiple adjusted Cox regression models. The adjusted hazard of all-cause mortality was 73% lower (hazard ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.19-0.38, p < 0.001) for the combined category of highest adherence to the MedDiet (3rd tertile) and highest total LTPA (3rd tertile) compared to lowest adherence to the MedDiet (1st tertile) and lowest total LTPA (1st tertile). Reductions in mortality risk did not meaningfully differ between total, light intensity, and moderate-to-vigorous LTPA. CONCLUSIONS: We found that higher levels of LTPA, regardless of intensity (total, light and moderate-to-vigorous), and greater adherence to the MedDiet were associated separately and jointly with lower all-cause mortality. The finding that light LTPA was inversely associated with mortality is relevant because this level of intensity is a feasible option for older adults.

Association of leisure time and occupational physical activity with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Chile.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA), both occupational (OPA) and during leisure time (LTPA), with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean adults. 5,157 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010 were included in this study. OPA and LTPA levels were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The association between both PA with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors was determined using logistic regression. Our findings showed a significant trend between higher LTPA and lower odds for obesity (OR 0.64 [95% CI: 0.53; 0.76], central obesity 0.52 [0.44; 0.61]) and other cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes (OR: 0.72 [0.55; 0.94]), hypertension (OR: 0.59 [0.50; 0.71]) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.62 [0.50; 0.78]). In contrast, OPA was only associated with lower odds of diabetes (OR: 0.79 [0.65; 0.98]) and hypertension (0.85 [0.74; 0.98]). In conclusion, LTPA was associated with a lower risk of all major cardiovascular risk factors, whereas OPA was only associated with a lower risk of diabetes and hypertension.

Joint effect of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean adults.

Background: To investigate the associations between combined categories of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) with markers of adiposity and cardiovascular risk in adults. Methods: Overall, 5040 participants (mean age 46.4 years and 59.3% women) from the cross-sectional Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010 were included in this study. MVPA and SB were measured using the Global Physical Activity questionnaire. Four categories were computed using MVPA- and SB-specific cut-offs ('High-SB & Active', 'Low-SB & Active', 'High-SB & Inactive' and 'Low-SB & Inactive'). Results: Compared to the reference group ('High-SB & Inactive'), those in 'High-SB & Active' and 'Low-SB & Active' were less likely to have an obese BMI (OR: 0.67 [0.54; 0.85], P = 0.0001 and 0.74 [0.59; 0.92] P = 0.0007, respectively) and less likely to have metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.63 [0.49; 0.82], P < 0.0001 and 0.72 [0.57; 0.91], P = 0.007), central obesity (OR: 0.79 [0.65; 0.96], P = 0.016 and 0.71 [0.59; 0.84], P < 0.0001), diabetes (OR: 0.45 [0.35; 0.59], P < 0.0001 and 0.44 [0.34; 0.56], P < 0.0001) and hypertension (OR: 0.52 [0.43; 0.63], P < 0.0001 and 0.60 [0.50; 0.72], P < 0.0001), respectively. Conclusions: Being physically active and spending less time in SBs was associated with lower adiposity and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors.

Active commuting is associated with a lower risk of obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome in Chilean adults.

Background: There is limited evidence on how active commuting is associated with health benefits in developing countries. The aim of this study therefore was to investigate the associations between active commuting and markers of adiposity and cardiometabolic risk in the Chilean adult population. Methods: In total, 5157 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-10 were included in this cross-sectional study. Active commuting was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured and used to define obesity and central obesity. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome were determined using WHO and updated ATPIII-NCEP criteria, respectively. Results: The main finding of this study is that a 30 min increase in active commuting is associated with lower odds for BMI > 25.0 kg m-2 (0.93 [95% CI: 0.88-0.98, P = 0.010]). Similarly, the odds for central obesity was 0.87 [0.82-0.92, P < 0.0001]. Similar associations were found for T2D (0.81 [0.75-0.88], P < 0.0001) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.86 [0.80-0.92], P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our findings show that active commuting is associated with lower adiposity and a healthier metabolic profile including lower risk for obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Higher levels of self-reported sitting time is associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes independent of physical activity in Chile.

Background: Sitting behaviours have increased markedly during the last two decades in Chile. However, their associations with health outcomes such as diabetes have not been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the independent association of self-reported sitting time with diabetes-related markers and diabetes prevalence in Chile. Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants (aged ≥18 years) from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-10 (n = 4457). Fasting glucose and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were measured by standardized protocols. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) was determined using WHO criteria. Physical activity (PA) and time spent sitting were determined using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Results: The odds ratio for T2D was 1.10 [95% CI: 1.04-1.16, P = 0.002] and 1.08 [1.02-1.14, P = 0.002] per 1 h increase in sitting time in men and women, respectively, independent of age, education, smoking, BMI and total PA. Overall, prevalence of T2D was 10.2 and 17.2% in individuals classified in the lowest and highest categories of sitting time, respectively. No significant associations were found between sitting time and glucose or HbA1c. Conclusions: Sitting time is positively associated with diabetes risk, independent of socio-demographic, obesity and PA levels, in the Chilean population.

[Association between FTO (ns9939609) genotype and adiposity markers in Chilean adults]. / Asociación entre el polimorfismo rs9939609 del gen FTO y marcadores de adiposidad en población adulta chilena.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have identified the role of Fat-mass-associated-gene (FTO) in the development of obesity. AIM: To investigate the association of FTO gene with adiposity markers in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 409 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. The association between FTO (rs9939609) genotype and adiposity markers was determined using linear regression analyses. Adiposity markers included were: body weight, body mass index, fat mass, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist/hip ratio. RESULTS: A fully adjusted model showed a significant association between FTO genotype and body weight (2.16 kg per each extra copy of the risk allele [95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.45 to 3.87], p = 0.014), body mass index (0.61 kg.m-2 [95% CI: 0.12 to 1.20], p = 0.050) and fat mass (1.14% [95% CI: 0.39 to 1.89], p = 0.010). The greater magnitude of association was found between the FTO gene and fat mass when the outcomes were standardized to z-score. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms an association between the FTO gene and adiposity markers in Chilean adults, which is independent of major confounding factors.

[Association of physical inactivity with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome in the chilean population]. / No cumplir con las recomendaciones de actividad física se asocia a mayores niveles de obesidad, diabetes, hipertensión y síndrome metabólico en población chilena.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is an important cardiovascular risk factor. AIM: To investigate the association of physical inactivity with obesity, metabolic markers, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and metabolic syndrome in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants from the National Health Survey 2009-10 (n = 5,157) were included in this study. Body mass index, waist circumference, metabolic markers (blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile) were the outcomes. Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome were determined using international criteria. Physical activity levels were determined using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and physical inactivity was defined as < 600 METs/minutes/week. RESULTS: Compared to their physically active peers, inactive men and women had a higher odds ratio (OR) for obesity (OR: 1.77 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.29-2.42], p < 0.01 and 1.25 [95% CI: 102-1.54], p < 0.035, respectively), diabetes (OR: 2.47 [1.80-3.38], p < 0.01 and 1.72 [1.35-2.19], p = 0.002, respectively) and hypertension (OR: 1.66 [1.31-2.09], p < 0.01 and 1.83 [1.54-2.18] respectively. An association of physical inactivity with central obesity and metabolic syndrome was observed only in men (OR: 1.92 [1.42- 2.58], p < 0.01 and 1.74 [1.23-2.47], p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Not meeting the physical activity recommendations is associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome, which are important cardiovascular risk factors.

BALF cytokines in different phenotypes of chronic lung allograft dysfunction in lung transplant patients.

The long-term success of lung transplantation (LT) is limited by chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Different phenotypes of CLAD have been described, such as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of cytokines and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as markers of these CLAD phenotypes. BALF was collected from 51 recipients who underwent (bilateral and unilateral) LT. The study population was divided into three groups: stable (ST), BOS, and RAS. Levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were measured using the multiplex technology. BALF neutrophilia medians were higher in BOS (38%) and RAS (30%) than in ST (8%) (P=.008; P=.012). Regarding BALF cytokines, BOS and RAS patients showed higher levels of INF-γ than ST (P=.02; P=.008). Only IL-5 presented significant differences between BOS and RAS (P=.001). BALF neutrophilia is as a marker for both CLAD phenotypes, BOS and RAS, and IL-5 seems to be a potential biomarker for the RAS phenotype.

Chromium Exposure and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in High Cardiovascular Risk Subjects　- Nested Case-Control Study in the Prevention With Mediterranean Diet (PREDIMED) Study.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data on chromium (Cr) exposure and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are still limited. Toenail Cr level (TCL) provides a time-integrated measure reflecting long-term Cr exposure. We measured TCL to assess the hypothesis that long-term Cr exposure was inversely associated with incident CVD in a population at high risk for CVD.Methods and Results:The associations between TCL and CVD were evaluated in a case-control study nested within the "PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea" (PREDIMED) trial. We randomly selected 147 of the 288 patients diagnosed with CVD during follow-up and matched them on age and sex to 271 controls. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used to assess TCL. In-person interviews, medical record reviews, and validated questionnaires were used to assess covariates. The fully adjusted OR for the highest vs. lowest quartile of toenail Cr was 0.54 (95% CI: 0.26-1.14; Ptrend=0.189) for the nested case-control study. On stratification for diabetes mellitus (DM), OR was 1.37 (95% CI: 0.54-3.46; Ptrend=0.364) for the DM group, and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.08-0.80; Ptrend=0.030) for the non-DM group (P for interaction=0.078). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings, although not statistically significant, are consistent with previously reported inverse associations between TCL and CVD. These results, especially for non-DM patients, increase the limited epidemiological knowledge about the possible protective role of Cr against CVD. (Trial registration: www.controlled-trials.com; ISRCTN35739639.).

Prophylaxis with enoxaparin for prevention of venous thromboembolism after lung transplantation: a retrospective study.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication after solid organ transplantation (SOT) and, specifically, after lung transplantation (LT). The objectives of this study were to evaluate prophylaxis with enoxaparin and to describe risk factors for VTE after LT. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 333 patients who underwent LT in our institution between 2009 and 2014. We compared two consecutive cohorts: one that received enoxaparin only during post-transplant hospital admissions and a second cohort that received 90-day extended prophylaxis with enoxaparin. Cumulative incidence function for competing risk analysis was used to determine incidence of VTE during the first year after transplantation. Risk factors were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. The cumulative incidence of VTE was 15.3% (95% CI: 11.6-19.4). Median time from transplant to the event was 40 (p25-p75, 14-112) days. Ninety-day extended prophylaxis did not reduce the incidence of VTE. In this study, the risk factors associated with VTE were male gender and interstitial lung disease. VTE is a major complication after LT, and 90-day extended prophylaxis was not able to prevent it. Large, multicenter, randomized clinical trials should be performed to define the best strategy for preventing VTE.

[Association of active commuting with obesity: findings from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010]. / Mayores niveles de transporte activo se asocian a un menor nivel de adiposidad y menor riesgo de obesidad: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: Active commuting is associated with a lower risk for obesity in developed countries. AIM: To investigate the association between active commuting and obesity risk in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Active commuting was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2) in 5,293 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were the study outcomes. The association between active commuting and obesity was investigated using linear and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Thirty four percent of responders [95% confidence intervals (CI): 32.6-35.1] were passive commuters. Active commuters had a lower BMI and WC than their passive counterparts. Thirty minutes increment in active commuting were associated with a -0.20 kg.m-2 lower BMI [95% CI: -0.33 to -0.07, p < 0.01] and a -076 cm lower WC [95% CI: -1.08 to -0.43, p < 0.01]. The odds of having a BMI > 25 kg.m-2 was 0.93 [95% CI: 0.88 to 0.98, p = 0.01] per every 30 minutes' increment in active commuting, whereas the odds for central obesity was 0.87 [95% CI: 0.82 to 0.92, p < 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: Active commuting is associated with a lower adiposity and lower risk for obesity in Chilean adults.

Frequent Consumption of Sugar- and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and Natural and Bottled Fruit Juices Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in a Mediterranean Population at High Cardiovascular Disease Risk.

BACKGROUND: The relation between the consumption of sweetened beverages and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is controversial. OBJECTIVE: This analysis evaluated the associations between intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages, and natural and bottled fruit juices and the incidence of MetS in elderly individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and without MetS at baseline. METHODS: We prospectively examined 1868 participants free of MetS at baseline from the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) study. MetS was defined by using the updated harmonized criteria of the International Diabetes Federation, the American Heart Association, and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Energy and nutrient intakes were evaluated at baseline and then yearly by using a validated 137-item food-frequency questionnaire. Multivariable-adjusted HRs for MetS and its components were estimated from mean intakes during follow-up. We compared the 2 highest consumption categories (1-5 and >5 servings/wk) with the lowest category (<1 serving/wk). RESULTS: A total of 930 incident cases of MetS were documented during a median follow-up of 3.24 y. When we compared consumption of >5 servings/wk with consumption of <1 serving/wk, multivariable HRs (95% CIs) for MetS incidence were 1.43 (1.00, 2.15), 1.74 (1.26, 2.41), 1.30 (1.00, 1.69), and 1.14 (1.04, 1.65) for SSBs, artificially sweetened beverages, natural fruit juices, and bottled fruit juices, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The occasional consumption of SSBs and artificially sweetened beverages (1-5 servings/wk) was not associated with the incidence of MetS in middle-aged and elderly individuals at high risk of CVD. The consumption of >5 servings/wk of all of the types of beverages analyzed was associated with an increased risk of MetS and some of its components. However, for SSBs and bottled fruit juices these associations must be interpreted with caution because of the low frequency of consumption in this population. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as ISRCTN35739639.