Modification of Breast Cancer Milieu with Chemotherapy plus Dendritic Cell Vaccine: An Approach to Select Best Therapeutic Strategies.

BACKGROUND: The addition of dendritic cell vaccines (DCV) to NAC could induce immune responses in those patients with residual disease (RD) by transforming the tumor microenvironment. METHODS: Core diagnostic biopsies and surgical specimens from 80 patients (38 in the vaccinated group plus NAC (VG) and 42 in the control group (CG, treated only with NAC) were selected. We quantify TILs (CD8, CD4 and CD45RO) using immunohistochemistry and the automated cellular imaging system (ACIS III) in paired samples. RESULTS: A CD8 rise in TNBC samples was observed after NAC plus DCV, changing from 4.48% in the biopsy to 6.70% in the surgical specimen, not reaching statistically significant differences (p = 0.11). This enrichment was seen in up to 67% of TNBC patients in the experimental arm as compared with the CG (20%). An association between CD8 TILs before NAC (4% cut-off point) and pathological complete response in the VG was found in the univariate and multivariate analysis (OR = 1.41, IC95% 1.05-1.90; p = 0.02, and OR = 2.0, IC95% 1.05-3.9; p = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that patients with TNBC could benefit from the stimulation of the antitumor immune system by using DCV together with NAC.

A Quantitative Digital Analysis of Tissue Immune Components Reveals an Immunosuppressive and Anergic Immune Response with Relevant Prognostic Significance in Glioblastoma.

Objectives: Immunostimulatory therapies using immune checkpoint blockers show clinical activity in a subset of glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Several inhibitory mechanisms play a relevant role in the immune response to GBM. With the objective of analyzing the tumor immune microenvironment and its clinical significance, we quantified several relevant immune biomarkers. Design: We studied 76 primary (non-recurrent) GBMs with sufficient clinical follow-up, including a subgroup of patients treated with a dendritic cell vaccine. The IDH-mutation, EGFR-amplification, and MGMT methylation statuses were determined. Several relevant immune biomarkers, including CD163, CD8, PD1, and PDL1, were quantified in representative selected areas by digital image analysis and semiquantitative evaluation. The percentage of each immune expression was calculated with respect to the total number of tumor cells. Results: All GBMs were wild-type IDH, with a subgroup of classical GBMs according to the EGFR amplification (44%). Morphologically, CD163 immunostained microglia and intratumor clusters of macrophages were observed. A significant direct correlation was found between the expression of CD8 and the mechanisms of lymphocyte immunosuppression, in such a way that higher values of CD8 were directly associated with higher values of CD163 (p < 0.001), PDL1 (0.026), and PD1 (0.007). In a multivariate analysis, high expressions of CD8+ (HR = 2.05, 95%CI (1.02−4.13), p = 0.034) and CD163+ cells (HR 2.50, 95%CI (1.29−4.85), p = 0.007), were associated with shorter survival durations. The expression of immune biomarkers was higher in the non-classical (non-EGFR amplified tumors) GBMs. Other relevant prognostic factors were age, receipt of the dendritic cell vaccine, and MGMT methylation status. Conclusions: In accordance with the inverse correlation between CD8 and survival and the direct correlation between effector cells and CD163 macrophages and immune-checkpoint expression, we postulate that CD8 infiltration could be placed in a state of anergy or lymphocytic inefficient activity. Furthermore, the significant inverse correlation between CD163 tissue concentration and survival explains the relevance of this type of immune cell when creating a strong immunosuppressive environment. This information may potentially be used to support the selection of patients for immunotherapy.

Schizophrenia and Hospital Admissions for Cardiovascular Events in a Large Population: The APNA Study.

(1) Background: Patients with schizophrenia have higher mortality, with cardiovascular diseases being the first cause of mortality. This study aims to estimate the excess risk of hospital admission for cardiovascular events in schizophrenic patients, adjusting for comorbidity and risk factors. (2) Methods: The APNA study is a dynamic prospective cohort of all residents in Navarra, Spain. A total of 505,889 people over 18 years old were followed for five years. The endpoint was hospital admissions for a cardiovascular event. Direct Acyclic Graphs (DAG) and Cox regression were used. (3) Results: Schizophrenic patients had a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 1.414 (95% CI 1.031-1.938) of hospital admission for a cardiovascular event after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, low income, obesity, antecedents of cardiovascular disease, and smoking. In non-adherent to antipsychotic treatment schizophrenia patients, the HR was 2.232 (95% CI 1.267-3.933). (4) Conclusions: Patients with schizophrenia have a higher risk of hospital admission for cardiovascular events than persons with the same risk factors without schizophrenia. Primary care nursing interventions should monitor these patients and reduce cardiovascular risk factors.

Variability in the Control of Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care and Its Association with Hospital Admissions for Vascular Events. The APNA Study.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity, mortality, and hospital admissions. This study aimed to analyze how the differences in delivered care (variability of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) achieved targets) affect hospital admissions for cardiovascular events (CVEs) in T2D patients. Methods: We analyzed the electronic records in primary care health centers at Navarra (Spain) and hospital admission for CVEs. We followed 26,435 patients with T2D from 2012 to 2016. The variables collected were age, sex, health center, general practitioner practice (GPP), and income. The clinical variables were diagnosis of T2D, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), smoking, and antecedents of CVEs. We calculated, in each GPP practice, the proportion of patients with HbA1c ≥ 9. A non-hierarchical K-means cluster analysis classified GPPs into two clusters according to the level of compliance with HbA1C ≥ 9% control indicators. We used logistic and Cox regressions. Results: T2D patients had a higher probability of admission for CVEs when they belonged to a GPP in the worst control cluster of HbA1C ≥ 9% (HR = 1.151; 95% CI, 1.032-1.284).

The mutational load and a T-cell inflamed tumour phenotype identify ovarian cancer patients rendering tumour-reactive T cells from PD-1+ tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: Adoptive immunotherapy with tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) may benefit from the use of selective markers, such as PD-1, for tumour-specific T-cell enrichment, and the identification of predictive factors that help identify those patients capable of rendering tumour-reactive TILs. We have investigated this in ovarian cancer (OC) patients as candidates for TIL therapy implementation. METHODS: PD-1- and PD-1+ CD8 TILs were isolated from ovarian tumours and expanded cells were tested against autologous tumour cells. Baseline tumour samples were examined using flow cytometry, multiplexed immunofluorescence and Nanostring technology, for gene expression analyses, as well as a next-generation sequencing gene panel, for tumour mutational burden (TMB) calculation. RESULTS: Tumour-reactive TILs were detected in half of patients and were exclusively present in cells derived from the PD-1+ fraction. Importantly, a high TIL density in the fresh tumour, the presence of CD137+ cells within the PD-1+CD8+ TIL subset and their location in the tumour epithelium, together with a baseline T-cell-inflamed genetic signature and/or a high TMB, are features that identify patients rendering tumour-reactive TIL products. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that PD-1 identifies ovarian tumour-specific CD8 TILs and has uncovered predictive factors that identify OC patients who are likely to render tumour-specific cells from PD-1+ TILs.

Prospective validation of the Urgent Surgery Elderly Mortality risk score (USEM).

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to test the predictive ability and to compare the predictive ability of the USEM to SRS, SORT and ASA in a prospective sample. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A Prospective cohort of >65-year-old patients undergoing urgent abdominal surgery in a Hospital. Models calibration and discrimination were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULTS: A total of 500 patients with a median age of 78 years were included. The AUROC in the validation cohort was 0.824. The USEM overestimated mortality (Test Hosmer-Lemeshow p < 0.001), after recalibration the USEM provided an accurate prediction of postoperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: After the recalibration, the USEM had good discriminant power to estimate the risk of mortality in elderly patients after urgent abdominal surgery.

Association between diet quality indexes and the risk of short telomeres in an elderly population of the SUN project.

BACKGROUND: Shorter telomeres are associated with several age-related diseases, and lifestyle factors could influence this relationship. The aim of this study was to examine associations between salivary telomere length (TL) and diet quality using 5 evidence-based dietary indexes in an elderly (>55 years old) Spanish population of the SUN project (n = 886). METHOD: TL was measured using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Age-adjusted TL variable through residuals methods was used for all analysis. Diet quality was assessed by the Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS), Fat Quality Index (FQI), Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) index and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010). RESULTS: TL did differ according to sex, smoking status, and dyslipidemia in elderly subjects of the SUN study. In addition, subjects with dyslipidemia (compared to absence of dyslipidemia) had a significantly higher risk (27% vs. 18%, p = 0.015) of short telomeres (

[Changes in the physical activity of university students during the first three years of university]. / Modificación de la actividad física durante los tres primeros años de universidad.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: physical inactivity is the fourth most important risk factor for mortality worldwide and university students present this risk factor at a high level. Objective: to determine the changes in the physical activity of university students in Navarra during the first three years of college. Methods: prospective observational study of a cohort of university students. They participated in the first year, and two years later in the third year. The cohorts were comprised of 454 students who answered a voluntary and anonymous self-completion questionnaire with sociodemographic and physical activity related variables. Data were analyzed with SPSS v21.0. Results: of the participants, 67.4% (n = 306) were women and 32.6% (n = 148) were men. In the first year, 61.6% of students performed more than 150 minutes of physical activity per week. This percentage increased by 2.7%. The frequency of physical activity at least three times a week increased 6.1%, reaching 30.5% of students. Conclusions: university does not play a significant role in the promotion of physical activity, finding minimal modifications. In the future, it would be convenient to consider the reasons that hinder physical activity and design programs according to current recommendations.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la inactividad física constituye el cuarto factor de riesgo más importante de mortalidad en todo el mundo y los estudiantes universitarios presentan en un alto nivel este factor de riesgo. Objetivos: determinar la modificación de la actividad física de los estudiantes universitarios en Navarra durante los tres primeros años de universidad. Métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo de una cohorte de universitarios que participaron en el estudio en primer curso y dos años después, en tercer curso. Las cohortes fueron constituidas por 454 estudiantes que respondieron a un cuestionario de autocumplimentación voluntario y anónimo con variables sociodemográficas y relacionadas con la actividad física. Los datos se analizaron con el SPSS v21.0. Resultados: un 67,4% (n = 306) fueron mujeres y un 32,6% (n = 148) fueron hombres. El 61,6% de los estudiantes de primer curso realizaban más de 150 minutos a la semana de actividad física y se incrementó el porcentaje de estudiantes activos físicamente en un 2,7%. Entre quienes realizaban actividad física mínimo tres veces a la semana se observó un incremento del 6,1%, hasta alcanzar el 30,5% de estudiantes. Conclusiones: el periodo universitario no desempeña un papel significativo en la promoción de la actividad física, ya que se observan modificaciones mínimas en su práctica. A futuro, convendría plantearse los motivos que dificultan la actividad física y diseñar programas según las recomendaciones actuales.

The Urgent Surgery Elderly Mortality risk score: a simple mortality score.

INTRODUCTION: an increasing number of elderly patients undergo urgent abdominal surgery and this population has a higher risk of mortality. The main objective of the study was to identify mortality-associated factors in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery and to design a mortality scoring tool, the Urgent Surgery Elderly Mortality risk score (the USEM score). PATIENTS AND METHODS: this was a retrospective study using a prospective database. Patients > 65 years old that underwent urgent abdominal surgery were included. Risk factors for 30-day mortality were identified using multivariate regression analysis and weights assigned using the odds ratios (OR). A mortality score was derived from the aggregate of weighted scores. Model calibration and discrimination were judged using the receiver operating characteristics curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULTS: in the present study, 4,255 patients were included with an 8.5% mortality rate. The risk factors significantly associated with mortality were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, age, preoperative diagnosis (OR: 37.82 for intestinal ischemia, OR: 5.01 for colorectal perforation, OR: 6.73 for intestinal obstruction), surgical wound classification and open or laparoscopic surgery. A risk score was devised from these data for the estimation of the probability of survival in each patient. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) for this score was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.82-0.86) and the AUROC correct was 0.83 (0.81-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: a simple score that uses five clinical variables predicts 30-day mortality. This model can assist surgeons in the initial evaluation of an elderly patient undergoing urgent abdominal surgery.

Validation study of a Spanish version of the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (STICS-m).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Spanish version of the modified Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status (STICS-m) with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and predict its ability to detect the development of dementia. METHOD: 106 participants in a dietary intervention trial underwent face-to-face evaluation with the MMSE, and phone interview with the STICS-m. The correlation between STICS-m and MMSE was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of consistency. Secondly, 932 participants over 55 years old from the "Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" cohort were evaluated with the STICS-m and data on dementia diagnosis were gathered (median follow-up time of 6.5 years). A logistic regression model evaluated the association between STICS-m score or 2-year changes in STICS-m score and risk of developing dementia, adjusting for ApoE, age and years of university education. RESULTS: The ICC between the MMSE and the STICS-m was 0.31 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.13-0.48). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the development of dementia for each additional point in the baseline STICS-m score was 0.85 (95%CI: 0.72-1.02; p=0.084). When considering the 2-year change in the STICS-m score as exposure, the OR for the development of dementia was 0.79 (95%CI: 0.67-0.93; p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The weak correlation between the STICS-m and the MMSE reflects moderate-low concurrent validity. Even so, the STICS-m can be regarded as an useful tool in the epidemiological setting since increasing scores appear to be able to predict a lower risk of developing dementia.

Alimentación materna y desarrollo de alergias en menores de 6 y 7 años / Maternal feeding and allergy development in minors of 6 and 7 years

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de alergias en niños y niñas de 6 y 7 años y su relación con la nutrición materna Materiales y métodos: Este estudio transversal descriptivo de prevalencia de alergias en niños y niñas de 6 y 7 años y su relación con la alimentación de la madre recolectó la información a través del cuestionario del International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, el cual es empleado para describir el comportamiento epidemiológico de las enfermedades como asma, rinitis y eccema en niños y jóvenes; dicho instrumentos este fue resuelto por los padres de los menores previa firma y entrega del consentimiento informado. El cuestionario arrojó una confiabilidad del 0,78 en el α de Cronbach; a las categorías de interés de este estudio se les hizo análisis de proporción, y el contraste de hipótesis se realizó mediante diferencia de proporciones con intervalo de confianza en un nivel del 95 %, Resultados: Teniendo en cuenta los resultados sobre el consumo de alimentos de la madre en etapa de gestación y la presencia de síntomas de alergia en los menores, se concluye que: Valor-P = 0,05 Valor-Zα/2 = -34,6241 No se acepta la H0 para un α/2 = 0,025, se encontró en el estudio que aunque las madres refirieron haber consumido mayormente alimentos saludables, sus hijos presentaron síntomas de enfermedades alérgicas asociadas a asma, rinitis y eccema. Conclusiones: Este estudio, al igual que otros, no presenta un consenso sobre si la dieta materna influye positivamente en la disminución de alergias en los neonatos.

Abstract Objective: To establish the prevalence of allergies in boys and girls of 6 and 7 years old and their relation with maternal nutrition. Methods and materials: Descriptive transversal study of prevalence of allergies in boys and girls of 6 and 7 years old and their relation with theirs mother´s nutrition, information that was collected through the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire, which is used to describe the epidemiological behavior of diseases like asthma, rhinitis and eczema in kids and youths. It was resolved by theirs parents before their signature and delivery of informed consent. It was made a questionnaire throw one reliability of 0,78 in the α of Cronbach, an analysis of proportion to the categories of interest of this study and a contrast of hypothesis was made by the differences of proportions with the interval of confidence in a level of 95% Results: Given the results of the consumption of mother´s food in the gestation age and the presence of symptom of allergies in kids, it includes that: Value-P: 0,05 Value -Za/2: -34,6241, it´s not accepted the Ho for a α/2= 0,025. It was found in the study although mothers reported having consumed mainly healthy food, these children felt and showed symptom of allergic diseases, associated with asthma, rhinitis and eczema. Conclusions: This study as well as others, does not present a consensus looking if the maternal diet influences positively in the reduction of allergies in neonates.

Presencia de alergias en menores por consumo temprano de alimentos en Barranquilla, Colombia / Allergies in children due to early food consumption in Barranquilla, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de síntomas asociados a asma, rinitis y eccema relacionada con la ingesta de alimentos en menores de seis a siete años. Metodología Estudio descriptivo de prevalencia de asma, rinitis y eccema y la relación con el consumo de alimentos. Información obtenida en 1 520 escolares del Distrito de Barraquilla y su área metropolitana. Se empleó metodología ISSAC procesándose la información mediante el software SPSS versión 24 El cuestionario fue contestado por el acudiente del menor y solo se tuvieron en cuenta los que tenían debidamente diligenciado los consentimientos informados Se hizo análisis empleando Chi-cuadrado, y el valor P de significancia con un 95% de confianza. Resultados Para los 1 520 menores encuestados el alimento que presentó relación con alergias fue el pescado asociándolo con el asma, evidenciando que en la población puede ser factor protector para la aparición de eccema mostrando estadísticamente una P<0,05, un Chi-cuadrado: 4,566, IC 95% [0,3;0,8]. Conclusiones De los alimentos analizados el pescado es uno que presentó relación y se asoció como factor protector para el eccema, el consumo de la leche de vaca se relacionó como factor protector para rinitis; en lo referente a los demás alimentos y las alergias el estudio no es conclusivo en cuanto a si la ingesta temprana es un factor predisponente o desencadenante de ellas en los menores, o no lo son.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the prevalence of symptoms associated with asthma, rhinitis and eczema with food intake in children under six years of age. Materials and Methods Descriptive study on the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema and their correlation with food consumption. Information was obtained from 1 520 schoolchildren of the District of Barranquilla and its metropolitan area. The ISSAC method was used to process the information, which was provided by the child's guardian, using the software SPSS version 24. Only duly completed questionnaires with informed consents were considered. Analysis was made using a chi-squared test, with a significant P value and 95% confidence. Results In the 1 520 children surveyed, the type of food related to allergies was fish, associated with asthma, showing that this may be a protective factor for the population regarding the onset of eczema, with a statistically a P value of <0.05, chi-square of 4.566, and CI of 95% [0.3;0.8]. Conclusions The analyzed foods showed that fish is related and associated as a protective factor for eczema, while the consumption of cow's milk was related as a protective factor for rhinitis. Regarding other foods and allergies, the study is not conclusive as to whether their early intake is a predisposing factor or trigger in children.(AU)

Assessing variability in compliance with recommendations given by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) for patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care using electronic records. The APNA study.

OBJECTIVE: Assess compliance with the IDF recommendations for patients with Diabetes Type2 (DM2), and its variability, by groups of doctors and nurses who provide primary care services in Navarre (Spain). MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGIES: A cross-sectional study of a population of 462,568 inhabitants, aged ≥18 years in 2013, attended by 381 units of doctor/nurse (quota). Clinical data were collected retrospectively through electronic records. Using cluster analysis, we identified two groups of units according to the score for each indicator. We calculated the Odds Ratio, adjusted for age sex, BMI, socioeconomic status and smoking, for complying with each recommendation whether a patient was treated by one of the quota from the highest score to the lowest. 30,312 patients with DM2 were identified: prevalence: 6.39%; coefficient of variation between UDN: 22.8%; biggest cluster 7.7% and smallest 5.3%; OR=1.54 (1.50-1.58). The HbA1c control at ≤8% was 82.8% (82.2-83.3) and >9% was 7.6% (7.3-8.0), with OR 1.79 (1.69-1.89) and 2.62 (2.36-2.91) respectively. Control of BP and LDL-C show significant differences between the clusters. CONCLUSIONS: An important variability was identified according to the doctor treating patients. The average HbA1c control is acceptable being limited in BP and LDL-C.

[Association between cardiometabolic risk factors, physical activity and sedentariness in Chilean university students]. / Asociación entre factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos, actividad física y sedentarismo en universitarios chilenos.

INTRODUCTION: There is a huge evidence in adults, that a high level of physical activity and a low level of sedentariness are associated independently with a reduction of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF). This association has been poor evaluated in young people and the results are not conclusive. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between CMRF, physical activity and sedentariness in Chilean university students. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Sample of 326 students who enrolled at University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile, in 2014. They were selected randomly and stratified according to faculty, career and gender. We measured anthropometry, blood pressure, lipidic profile, glycemia, insulin resistance, tobacco and alcohol consumption. These variables were associated with physical activity level (PAL) and sedentariness using the IPAQ questionnaire. RESULTS: The students with a low PAL had a higher probability of abdominal obesity (OR: 4.68; IC 95% 1.86-11.73), metabolic syndrome (OR: 3.80; IC 95% 1.23-11.73) and triglycerides elevated (OR: 2.61 IC 95%; 1.18-5.75), compared with students with moderate and vigorous PAL (p < 0.05). There were no association between CMRF and sedentariness, even after fit by physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: We found an association between CMRF and PAL which was independent of sedentatiness. We believe it is very important to implement effective physical activity programs at universities. It is necesary to encourage students in order to increase the physical activity level to a moderate and vigorous range with the purpose of decreasing their cardiovascular risk. We consider it is recommendable to keep studying the association between sedentariness and CMRF.

Presencia de síntomas asociados a enfermedades alérgicas por consumo de alimentos en niños antes y después de los seis meses de edad en barranquilla - colombia / Presence of symptoms associated with allergic diseases by consumption of foods in children's before and after of six months old in barranquilla - colombia

En este trabajo de investigación, se determinó si la presencia de síntomas asociados a enfermedades alérgicas presenta relación con el consumo de alimentos en niños, antes y después de los 6 meses de edad, considerando estudios que indican que la ingesta temprana de alimentos, por parte de los menores, puede ser factor predisponente a padecimiento de enfermedades alérgicas. Se realizó mediante estudio de carácter descriptivo modalidad Cross, seccional en escuelas públicas y privadas del Distrito de Barranquilla, a nivel de básica primaria, aplicando el instrumento cuestionario ISAAC. Se obtuvieron 1.520 encuestas contestadas por los padres de los menores de niños y niñas, entre 6 y 7 años, 47% varones y 53% niñas. De los alimentos objetos del presente estudio, huevos, pescado y leche de vaca, los que presentaron valores significativos en relación a la presencia de síntomas enfermedades alérgicas fue: el pescado, para el asma, con un p valor < 0,05, y un OR: 2,40; en los demás alimentos, no se pudo establecer, mediante significancia relación entre el padecimiento de alergias y su consumo. Actualmente, no hay un consenso universal y este estudio tampoco concluye si la ablactación temprana y la ingesta de alimentos, antes de los seis meses de edad, pueda provocar la presencia de síntomas de enfermedades alérgicas. Se recomienda continuar con las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud e iniciar ingreso de alimentos a la dieta del menor, después de los seis meses.

In this research, it was determined whether the presence of symptoms associated with allergic diseases is related to food consumption in children before and after 6 months of age, considering studies that indicate that the early intake of food by children Can be a predisposing factor to allergic diseases, was carried out by means of a descriptive cross sectional modality in public and private schools of the District of Barranquilla at primary level through the instrument ISAAC questionnaire. We obtained 1520 surveys answered by the parents of the minors of children between 6 and 7 years old, 47% male and 53% female. Of the food items of the present study, eggs, fish and cow's milk, those presenting significant values in relation to the presence of allergic diseases symptoms were: fish for asthma with a p value <0.05, and an OR: 2.40 in other foods could not be established by a significant relationship between the allergy condition and its consumption. There is currently no universal consensus and this study also does not conclude whether early ablation and food intake before 6 months of age may lead to the presence of allergic disease symptoms, it is recommended to continue the recommendations of the World Health Organization and initiate food intake into the child's diet after six months.

[Cardiovascular risk factors among first and third year university students]. / Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en universitarios de primer y tercer año.

BACKGROUND: College students are in a critical stage in their life style due to the transition between high school and university and they may be prone to develop cardiovascular diseases. AIM: To compare the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in students from first and third year at the University of La Frontera, Temuco-Chile, according to faculty, gender and socioeconomic status (SES). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Anthropometry, blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose, insulin resistance (IR), sedentary lifestyle, tobacco and alcohol consumption were evaluated during 2014 in randomly selected 163 freshmen aged 19.2 ± 1.8 years and 163 third year students aged 21.7 ± 2.5 years (49% females), stratified by faculty, career and gender. RESULTS: 32.4% of students had prehypertension, 30.6% abdominal obesity, 26.3% insulin resistance, 25.7% dyslipidemia and 8.9% metabolic syndrome. Third grade students had higher prevalence of elevated total and LDL cholesterol and higher alcohol consumption, especially among students of middle and high socioeconomic level. Compared with students from the School of Medicine, students from the Education Faculty had 3.9, 3.3 and 2.7 times greater likelihood of being obese, having elevated LDLcholesterol and being smokers, respectively. Women had the highest prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and dyslipidemia. Men had the highest prevalence of prehypertension and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Educational programs are required to promote healthy lifestyles among these students.

Analysis of satisfaction after breast reduction comparing vertical scar versus inverted T-shaped technique using the Breast-Q questionnaire. Is patient satisfaction influenced by the amount of tissue removed?

BACKGROUND: Breast reduction is a procedure with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Many techniques can be used for this type of surgery; patient satisfaction can vary from one technique to another. The main aim of this study was to use Breast-Q for initial evaluation of patient satisfaction after breast reduction by either vertical or inverted-T technique and then determine if the quantity of breast tissue removed had any influence on patient satisfaction. METHODS: Eighty-four out of 288 patients operated on between 2000 and 2013 anonymously completed the post-operative version of Breast-Q Reduction/Mastopexy. Inverted T technique: 55 patients; vertical technique: 29 patients. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Comparison of mean scores of all Breast-Q scales showed no significant differences between the two techniques. With regard to satisfaction and quantity of removed tissue, statistically significant differences were observed in some scales, with positive correlations in the inverted T and negative correlations in the vertical technique, as more tissue was removed. Back pain is associated with inverted T technique as more tissue was removed. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques were similar regarding satisfaction. In this study, patients with large resection and high BMI more often had the inverted T technique and were just as happy as those with smaller resections, who more often had the vertical techniques.

Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en universitarios de primer y tercer año / Cardiovascular risk factors among first and third year university students

Background: College students are in a critical stage in their life style due to the transition between high school and university and they may be prone to develop cardiovascular diseases. Aim: To compare the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in students from first and third year at the University of La Frontera, Temuco-Chile, according to faculty, gender and socioeconomic status (SES). Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study. Anthropometry, blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose, insulin resistance (IR), sedentary lifestyle, tobacco and alcohol consumption were evaluated during 2014 in randomly selected 163 freshmen aged 19.2 ± 1.8 years and 163 third year students aged 21.7 ± 2.5 years (49% females), stratified by faculty, career and gender. Results: 32.4% of students had prehypertension, 30.6% abdominal obesity, 26.3% insulin resistance, 25.7% dyslipidemia and 8.9% metabolic syndrome. Third grade students had higher prevalence of elevated total and LDL cholesterol and higher alcohol consumption, especially among students of middle and high socioeconomic level. Compared with students from the School of Medicine, students from the Education Faculty had 3.9, 3.3 and 2.7 times greater likelihood of being obese, having elevated LDLcholesterol and being smokers, respectively. Women had the highest prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and dyslipidemia. Men had the highest prevalence of prehypertension and smoking. Conclusions: Educational programs are required to promote healthy lifestyles among these students.

A simple flow-cytometry method to evaluate peripheral blood contamination of bone marrow aspirates.

Bone marrow (BM) aspirates used for flow-cytometry (FCM) studies are usually obtained from a second aspiration, as the primary aspirate is used for morphological assessment. For this reason, the FCM samples unavoidably contain some blood; although, good-quality samples contain only a small amount. It is of utmost importance to assess the quality of samples prior to FCM analysis; yet, contamination with peripheral blood (PB) is not evaluated in most laboratories, possibly because the methods available are either qualitative or too complex for daily practice. Here, we propose a simple FCM method to quantitatively evaluate PB contamination in BM aspirates, by analyzing the percentage of plasma cells and CD34+ cells - two cell populations nearly absent from PB - and CD10+ granulocytes, which comprise the majority of the PB granulocyte population. We analyzed these three populations in 122 BM aspirates from subjects without hematological disease, and identified samples with PB contamination by performing a hierarchical cluster analysis. A discriminant analysis yielded a function, which we named the PB contamination index (PBCI). This index value gives a quantitative indication about the degree of hemodilution of a given sample. A threshold was identified that discriminates low-quality samples. The method and the threshold proved to be useful in BM aspirates infiltrated with malignant cells, with the exception of cases where hematological disease altered two of the three parameters included in the index. We have easily implemented the PBCI calculation in our daily routine, and find it very helpful for an accurate interpretation of FCM results in a large proportion of BM specimens. Limitations of the technique are discussed.

Normative Perceptions of Cannabis Use Among European University Students: Associations of Perceived Peer Use and Peer Attitudes With Personal Use and Attitudes.

OBJECTIVE: Perceptions of peer behavior and attitudes exert considerable social pressure on young adults to use substances. This study investigated whether European students perceive their peers' cannabis use and approval of cannabis use to be higher than their own personal behaviors and attitudes, and whether estimations of peer use and attitudes are associated with personal use and attitudes. METHOD: University students (n = 4,131) from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Slovak Republic, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom completed an online survey as part of the Social Norms Intervention for Polysubstance usE in students (SNIPE) Project, a feasibility study of a web-based normative feedback intervention for substance use. The survey assessed students' (a) personal substance use and attitudes and (b) perceptions of their peers' cannabis use (descriptive norms) and attitudes (injunctive norms). RESULTS: Although most respondents (92%) did not personally use cannabis in the past 2 months, the majority of students thought that the majority of their peers were using cannabis and that their peers had more permissive attitudes toward cannabis than they did. When we controlled for students' age, sex, study year, and religious beliefs, perceived peer descriptive norms were associated with personal cannabis use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.42; 95% CI [1.22, 1.64]) and perceived injunctive norms were associated with personal attitudes toward cannabis use (OR = 1.46; 95% CI [1.09, 1.94]). CONCLUSIONS: European students appear to possess similar discrepancies between personal and perceived peer norms for cannabis use and attitudes as found in North American students. Interventions that address such discrepancies may be effective in reducing cannabis use.