Cancer survivor inspiratory muscle training: systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The long-term impact of cancer treatment is associated with respiratory dysfunction and physical fitness impairment. Although inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown as an effective exercise therapy in cancer survivors, there is no evidence on the optimal dose, application moment nor specific population effects of this intervention. The main objective of this meta-analysis is to analyse the effects of IMT on pulmonary function, physical fitness and quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was preregistered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) register and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. We used a Bayesian multilevel random-effects meta-analysis model to pool the data. Multilevel metaregression models were used to examine the conditional effects of our covariates. Convergence and model fit were evaluated through specific model parameters. Sensitivity analyses removing influential cases and using a frequentist approach were carried out. RESULTS: Pooled data showed that IMT intervention is effective to improve pulmonary function (standardised mean difference=0.53, 95% credible interval 0.13 to 0.94, SE=0.19). However, IMT did not present statistically significant results on physical fitness and QoL. Metaregression analyses found that the type of cancer, the moment of application and the evaluation tool used had significant moderation effects on pulmonary function. CONCLUSION: IMT could be an important part in the management of side effects suffered by cancer survivors. Considering the current evidence, this intervention is highly recommended in patients diagnosed with oesophageal and lung cancers. IMT may provide superior benefits before the biological treatment and after the surgery. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: 304909.

Marcadores de funcionamiento renal en pacientes infectados por SARS-CoV-2. Revisión rápida de la literatura / Markers of kidney function among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. A rapid review of the literature

Resumen Objetivo: Resumir la evidencia científica sobre las alteraciones renales asociadas con la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión rápida con la metodología Cochrane. Resultados: La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) preexistente en pacientes con SARS-CoV-2 varió de 1 a 38% y la lesión renal aguda (LRA), de 2.9 a 86.4%. El pronóstico de la infección fue peor en pacientes con ERC y en aquellos con reserva renal remanente (RRR) intacta que desarrollaron LRA. El riesgo de muerte fue mayor (riesgo relativo combinado = 1.49; IC95%: 1.09-2.04) en pacientes infectados por SARS-CoV-2 con ERC preexistente. Los marcadores de RRR mostraron alteraciones en pacientes con SARS-CoV-2 graves y fatales; el marcador más utilizado fue la creatinina sérica. Conclusiones: La evidencia científica muestra la relevancia de la evaluación y monitoreo permanente de la RRR en pacientes hospitalizados por SARS-CoV-2 para mejorar el pronóstico de aquellos con ERC preexistente, así como de aquellos sin ERC que desarrollan LRA.

Abstract: Objective: To summarize the scientific literature on kidney abnormalities associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Materials and methods: It was conducted a rapid review using the Cochrane methodology. Results: Pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients ranged from 1-38% and acute kidney injury (AKI) ranged from 2.9-86.4%. The prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection was worse among those with CKD and those with normal remnant kidney function (RKF) that developed AKI. The risk of death was higher (pooled risk ratio =1.49; 95%CI: 1.09-2.04) among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with pre-existing CKD. The RKF markers showed alterations among severe and non-surviving SARS-CoV-2 patients; the most common marker was serum creatinine. Conclusions: The scientific evidence shows the relevance of the evaluation and permanent monitoring of the RKF in SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized patients to improve the prognosis of those with pre-existing CKD as well as the prognosis of those without CKD who develop AKI.

Predictores de la función renal en una cohorte de adultos mexicanos / Predictors of kidney function in a cohort of Mexican adults

Resumen: Objetivo: Examinar prospectivamente los predictores de alteraciones subclínicas de la función renal en adultos sin diagnóstico previo de enfermedad renal crónica. Material y métodos: Se analizaron datos de una cohorte de adultos mexicanos (n=757). La función renal (2010) se midió mediante la tasa de filtración glomerular estimada (TFGE-Cr), creatinina y ácido úrico séricos. Los predictores (2004) se identificaron con modelos de regresión lineal y logística. Resultados: Se clasificó 33% con TFGE-Cr disminuida. La TFGE-Cr fue menor en hombres, en >40 años y en usuarios de antihipertensivos; y fue mayor en aquellos con consumo proteico alto. Los predictores de la creatinina fueron similares a los de la TFGE-Cr. El ácido úrico disminuyó en participantes hombres, con obesidad, hipertensión e hipercolesterolemia. Conclusión. Los biomarcadores séricos convencionales son útiles para identificar alteraciones subclínicas de la función renal. Algunos predictores de la función renal son potencialmente modificables, por tanto susceptibles de intervención.

Abstract: Objectives: Our aim was to examine prospectively predictors of subclinical renal alterations among adults without chronic kidney disease. Materials and methods: We analyzed data from a cohort of Mexican adults (n=757). Kidney function (2010) was assessed with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR-Cr), serum creatinine and uric acid. Predictors of each kidney function marker (2004) were identified with linear and logistic regression models. Results: 33% had an eGFR-Cr <90 ml/min/1.73 m2. eGFR-Cr was lower among men, those >40 years old and users of antihypertensive medication; and higher among those with a high protein intake. Serum creatinine predictors were similar to those observed for eGFR-Cr. Uric acid decreased in men, among those with obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol. Conclusion: Conventional kidney function biomarkers are useful to identify subclinical alterations. Some predictors of kidney function are potentially modifiable, therefore susceptible for intervention among high-risk groups.

Health workers cohort study: methods and study design / Cohorte de trabajadores de la salud: métodos y diseño del estudio

Abstract: Objective: To examine different health outcomes that are associated with specific lifestyle and genetic factors. Materials and methods: From March 2004 to April 2006, a sample of employees from three different health and academic institutions, as well as their family members, were enrolled in the study after providing informed consent. At baseline and follow-up (2010-2013), participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, a physical examination, and provided blood samples. Results: A total of 10 729 participants aged 6 to 94 years were recruited at baseline. Of these, 70% were females, and 50% were from the Mexican Social Security Institute. Nearly 42% of the adults in the sample were overweight, while 20% were obese. Conclusion: Our study can offer new insights into disease mechanisms and prevention through the analysis of risk factor information in a large sample of Mexicans.

Resumen: Objetivo: Examinar diferentes desenlaces en salud y su asociación con factores genéticos y del estilo de vida. Material y métodos: De marzo de 2004 a abril de 2006, una muestra de empleados de tres diferentes instituciones de salud y académicas, así como miembros de sus familias, fueron enrolados en el estudio, previa firma de consentimiento informado. Durante la medición basal y el seguimiento (2010-2013) los participantes completaron un cuestionario autoaplicado, exámenes físicos y proporcionaron muestras sanguíneas. Resultados: Fueron incluidos participantes (10 729) de entre 6 y 94 años en la medición basal. De estos, 70% fueron mujeres y 50% del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Aproximadamente 42% de los adultos tuvieron sobrepeso y 20% obesidad. Conclusión: Este estudio puede ofrecer conocimientos sobre los mecanismos de la enfermedad a través del análisis de factores de riesgo en una muestra de mexicanos.

Risk of recurrent Helicobacter pylori infection 1 year after initial eradication therapy in 7 Latin American communities.

IMPORTANCE: The long-term effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication programs for preventing gastric cancer will depend on recurrence risk and individual and community factors. OBJECTIVE: To estimate risk of H. pylori recurrence and assess factors associated with successful eradication 1 year after treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cohort analysis of 1463 randomized trial participants aged 21 to 65 years from 7 Latin American communities, who were treated for H. pylori and observed between September 2009 and July 2011. INTERVENTIONS: Randomization to 1 of 3 treatment groups: 14-day lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (triple therapy); 5-day lansoprazole and amoxicillin followed by 5-day lansoprazole, clarithromycin, and metronidazole (sequential); or 5-day lansoprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole (concomitant). Participants with a positive (13)C-urea breath test (UBT) 6 to 8 weeks posttreatment were offered voluntary re-treatment with 14-day bismuth-based quadruple therapy. MEASUREMENTS: Recurrent infection after a negative posttreatment UBT and factors associated with successful eradication at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Among participants with UBT-negative results who had a 1-year follow-up UBT (n=1091), 125 tested UBT positive, a recurrence risk of 11.5% (95% CI, 9.6%-13.5%). Recurrence was significantly associated with study site (P = .03), nonadherence to initial therapy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.94; 95% CI, 1.31-6.13; P = .01), and children in the household (AOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01-1.35 per child; P = .03). Of the 281 with positive posttreatment UBT results, 138 completed re-treatment, of whom 93 tested UBT negative at 1 year. Among the 1340 who had a 1-year UBT, 80.4% (95% CI, 76.4%-83.9%), 79.8% (95% CI, 75.8%-83.5%), and 77.8% (95% CI, 73.6%-81.6%) had UBT-negative results in the triple, sequential, and concomitant groups, respectively (P = .61), with 79.3% overall effectiveness (95% CI, 77.1%-81.5%). In a single-treatment course analysis that ignored the effects of re-treatment, the percentage of UBT-negative results at 1 year was 72.4% (95% CI, 69.9%-74.8%) and was significantly associated with study site (P < .001), adherence to initial therapy (AOR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.15-0.42; P < .001), male sex (AOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.25-2.13; P < .001), and age (AOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02-1.27 per decade; P = .02). One-year effectiveness among all 1463 enrolled participants, considering all missing UBT results as positive, was 72.7% (95% CI, 70.3%-74.9%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: One year after treatment for H. pylori infection, recurrence occurred in 11.5% of participants who had negative posttreatment UBT results. Recurrence determinants (ie, nonadherence and demographics) may be as important as specific antibiotic regimen in determining the long-term success of H. pylori eradication interventions. Study findings are relevant to the feasibility of programs for the primary prevention of gastric cancer in high-incidence regions of Latin America. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01061437.

Diseños de investigación en epidemiología genética / Genetic epidemiology research designs

Se describen los distintivos de los diseños de investigación epidemiológica que son utilizados con mayor frecuencia en los estudios de asociación genética. Los estudios de casos y controles proporcionan un método eficiente para evaluar asociaciones entre genes candidatos y enfermedad. Los estudios de cohorte, por su parte, si bien aportan un mayor grado de causalidad, no son eficientes para la exploración inicial en la identificación de las asociaciones gen-enfermedad. Los estudios transversales son menos costosos, requieren períodos de tiempo más cortos y son de utilidad para estimar la prevalencia de enfermedades, de factores de riesgo o de variantes genéticas. Los estudios basados en familias han sido exitosos para encontrar alelos que confieren mayor riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedades de transmisión mendeliana.

This article describes the features of the epidemiologic research designs most commonly used in genetic association studies. Case-control studies are efficient in evaluating associations between candidate genes and disease. Cohort studies, in contrast, yield a greater degree of causality but are not efficient for the initial exploration to identify gene-disease associations. Cross-sectional studies are less expensive, require less time, and are useful for estimating the prevalence of diseases, risk factors, and genetic variants. Family-based studies have been successful in finding alleles that confer greater risk for developing Mendelian inheritance disorders.

Estudio epidemiológico de casos y autocontroles: una aproximación conceptual y metodológica / Case crossover studies: a conceptual and methodological approach

Los estudios de casos y autocontroles se clasifican como una variante de los estudios de casos y controles. Se han mencionado en la literatura científica desde hace aproximadamente 18 años, y son empleados en investigaciones epidemiológicas con exposiciones agudas o transitorias que pueden generar un evento en salud (infarto agudo del miocardio, asma, lesiones, enfermedades infectocontagiosas, entre otras). Para su manejo se requiere definir conceptos tales como disparadores, tiempo de inducción, periodo de caso, periodo de control. Su uso es limitado en la evaluación de exposiciones crónicas o no intermitentes. Por otro lado, este diseño reduce sesgos de selección, de información, de confusión y el sobrepareamiento. Una de sus ventajas es que requieren menor tamaño de muestra que un estudio clásico de casos y controles, donde los periodos de control se pueden obtener del mismo sujeto, sin la necesidad de entrevistar a otro tipo de controles. No obstante, para el cálculo del tamaño de la muestra se debe tener encuenta el enfoque de diseños pareados. Éste es un diseño donde los principios teóricos de homogeneidad, simultaneidad y representatividad se cumplen de manera singular.

Case crossover studies are considered as a variant of case control studies, and they have been included in the scientific literature since approximately eighteen years ago. They have also been used in epidemiological research on acute or intermittent exposures that may lead to a number of events including heart attack or cardiac arrest, injuries, asthma, etc. Application of this particular study design requires defining concepts such as: triggers, induction time, case period and control period. Its use is limited in studies on chronic exposures. On the other hand, this type of design may reduce selection and misclassification bias, confounding, and overmatching. Another advantage is that it requires a small sample size because the same case can be used as its own control in one or several periods. Nevertheless, sample size calculation must be assessed as a matched case-control study. This is a type of study in which theoretical principles are accomplished in a sui generis manner.

Cardiovascular risk evaluated by C-reactive protein levels in diabetic and obese Mexican subjects.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in obese and diabetic subjects, but it is unclear whether both these conditions have an additive effect on the variability of serum CRP levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study enrolled 385 men and women who were classified into 4 groups: (1) diabetes (n=97), (2) obesity (n=108), (3) diabetes/obesity (n=78), and (4) healthy (n=102). All were Mexican subjects from Guerrero State. Serum high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels were higher in both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)/obesity and obesity (5.1 mg/L) groups than in the diabetics (1.8 mg/L) without obesity. Only the measurements of obesity were strongly related to hs-CRP (body mass index, r=0.46 and waist circumference, r=0.41). The presence of T2DM and obesity explain 20% of the circulating hs-CRP level, following waist circumference (16%), leukocyte count (10%), diastolic blood pressure (6%), and female gender (4%). Obese subjects (odds ratio (OR)=6.3) and T2DM/obesity patients (OR=6.9) showed high risk for coronary disease and this effect was increased in T2DM/obesity women (OR=9.9). Also, abdominal obesity was associated with high coronary disease risk (OR=5.4), showing an increase in women (OR=7.3). CONCLUSION: High hs-CRP levels are related to obesity and central distribution of body fat, leading to a higher cardiovascular risk among Mexican subjects.

[Prognostic factors related to breast cancer survival]. / Factores pronósticos relacionados con la supervivencia del cáncer de mama.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prognostic factors for breast cancer in Mexican women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four hundred and thirty two women with breast cancer, admitted from 1990 to 1999 to the General Hospital of Mexico, were included to evaluate their survival using the Kaplan-Meier technique and Cox proportional hazard method. RESULTS: Overall 5-year survival was 58.9%. The shortest survival rate corresponds to the clinical stage (IIIB, 47.5%; IIIA, 44.2%; and IV, 15%), the haematological metastasis (21.4%) and surgical edges with positive tumor (12.5%). Lymph node-positive (RR, 1.9; IC95%, 1.3-2.8), clinical stage IV (RR, 14.8; IC95%, 5.5-39.7) and surgical edges with positive tumor (RR, 2.4; IC95%, 1.2-4.8) were the central prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: These results give consistency to diagnostic and therapeutic criteria for women with breast cancer who receive medical attention in Mexico, taking into consideration the characteristics of the tumor -such as extension, clinical stage and status of the lymph nodes- before making a decision as to the initial therapy.

Factores pronósticos relacionados con la supervivencia del cáncer de mama / Prognostic factors related to breast cancer survival

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los factores pronósticos del cáncer de mama en mujeres mexicanas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyó a 432 mujeres con cáncer de mama admitidas de 1990 a 1999 en el Hospital General de México para evaluar la supervivencia mediante las técnicas de Kaplan-Meier y los métodos de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. RESULTADOS: La supervivencia global a cinco años fue de 58.9 por ciento. La menor supervivencia corresponde a los estadios clínicos IIIB (47.5 por ciento), IIIA (44.2 por ciento) y IV(15 por ciento), la metástasis hematógena fue de 21.4 por ciento y el tumor positivo en bordes quirúrgicos de 12.5 por ciento. La invasión linfovascular (RR= 1.9; IC95 por ciento 1.3-2.8), el estadio clínico IV (RR= 14.8; IC95 por ciento 5.5-39.7) y el tumor en bordes quirúrgicos (RR= 2.4; IC95 por ciento 1.2-4.8) fueron los principales factores pronósticos. CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados dan consistencia a los criterios de diagnóstico y tratamiento de las mujeres con cáncer de mama atendidas en México y toman en consideración las condiciones de la tumoración, como extensión de la malformación, etapa clínica y estado de los ganglios linfáticos antes de decidir la conducta terapéutica inicial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prognostic factors for breast cancer in Mexican women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four hundred and thirty two women with breast cancer, admitted from 1990 to 1999 to the General Hospital of Mexico, were included to evaluate their survival using the Kaplan-Meier technique and Cox proportional hazard method. RESULTS: Overall 5-year survival was 58.9 percent. The shortest survival rate corresponds to the clinical stage (IIIB, 47.5 percent; IIIA, 44.2 percent; and IV, 15 percent), the haematological metastasis (21.4 percent) and surgical edges with positive tumor (12.5 percent). Lymph node-positive (RR, 1.9; IC95 percent, 1.3-2.8), clinical stage IV (RR, 14.8; IC95 percent, 5.5-39.7) and surgical edges with positive tumor (RR, 2.4; IC95 percent, 1.2-4.8) were the central prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: These results give consistency to diagnostic and therapeutic criteria for women with breast cancer who receive medical attention in Mexico, taking into consideration the characteristics of the tumor -such as extension, clinical stage and status of the lymph nodes- before making a decision as to the initial therapy.

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en los pacientes con tratamiento sustitutivo renal: el papel de la depresión / The role of depression in the quality of life among patients undergoing renal substitutive therapy

Antecedentes: La depresión está bien identificada entre pacientes con enfermedad renal terminal, sin embargo, pocos pacientes reciben evaluación o terapia médica para minimizar los efectos de este trastorno. Nuestro estudio evalúa la calidad de vida de estos pacientes y su relación con depresión. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en 123 pacientes mayores de 19 años de edad con tratamiento sustitutivo renal. La calidad de vida y la depresión se evaluaron mediante los cuestionarios de calidad de vida en enfermedad renal versión 1.3 (KDQOL SF-36) y el inventario de depresión de Beck. El estado metabólico se determinó mediante estudios de laboratorio. Los predictores de calidad de vida se estimaron mediante modelos múltiples de regresión logística ordinal. Resultados: En el módulo genérico del instrumento de calidad de vida, las calificaciones más altas correspondieron a las dimensiones de función social (62.7) y salud mental (65.9), mientras que para el módulo específico correspondieron a apoyo del equipo de diálisis (78.2) y apoyo social (75.3). El predictor de calidad de vida más consistente fue depresión. Conclusiones: La medición de calidad de vida, antes y después de la terapia dialítica, y la evaluación psiquiátrica temprana pueden ser muy útiles para monitoreo del mejoramiento, del deterioro y la respuesta al tratamiento antidepresivo durante la evolución de la insuficiencia renal terminal.

BACKGROUND: Depression is highly prevalent among patients with end-stage renal disease, nevertheless few patients are assessed or offered medical treatment to minimize its effects. This study assessed quality of life among these patients and studied the association between end-stage renal disease and depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study with 123 patients over 19 who were undergoing renal substitutive therapy. Quality of life and depression were assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form-36 and the Beck Depression Inventor. In order to measure the patients' metabolic state, we carried out medical and laboratory tests. Quality of life predictors were analyzed with multiple ordinal logistic regression models. RESULTS: The highest scores from the generic core belonged to social functioning dimensions (62.7) and mental health (65.9). For the specific core, the highest scores were in dimensions associated with support offered by the dialysis team (78.2) and from social support networks (75.3). Depression was the most consistent predictor of quality of life. CONCLUSION: The use of programs and measuring tools to measure quality of life prior to and during renal dialysis or hemodialysis, as well as a timely psychiatric evaluation, can be very useful in monitoring improvement, decline and response to anti-depressant treatment throughout the course of end-stage renal disease.

Overweight and obesity status among adolescents from Mexico and Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is on the rise among adults, adolescents and children worldwide, including populations living in developing countries. This study aimed to describe body mass index of adolescents from Mexico and Egypt and to evaluate non-nutritional correlates from two cohort studies. METHODS: Questionnaire data and weight and height measurements were collected in two large baseline studies in adolescents between 11 and 19 years old attending public school during the 1998-1999 school year in Mexico (n = 10,537) and the 1997 school year in Egypt (n = 1,502). The authors compared body mass index and correlates stratified by sex and country through multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 19.8 and 7.9%, respectively, among the Mexican adolescents and 12.1 and 6.2%, respectively, among the Egyptian adolescents. Based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition growth charts, for Mexico 18% of boys and 21% of girls were overweight and 11% of boys and 9% of girls were obese. In the Egyptian sample, 7% of boys and 18% of girls were overweight and 6% of boys and 8% of girls were obese. The most consistent correlates of body mass index in the Mexican population were age, years of education, smoking, vitamin intake and participating in sports, whereas the factors correlated among Egyptian adolescents were age and rural residence. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and overweight are becoming a problem among Mexican and Egyptian youth. Information about the risk factors associated with excessive weight gain during the adolescent period is a first step towards proposing prevention strategies.

Prevalence and determinants of male partner violence against Mexican women: a population-based study

OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo en violencia contra mujeres por parte de sus parejas, en una muestra representativa de aquéllas residentes en el área metropolitana de Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: De junio a septiembre de 1998 se realizó un estudio con base poblacional en 1 535 mujeres, de 15 a 49 años de edad. Para construir la variable dependiente se realizó análisis de componentes principales y, adicionalmente, análisis de regresión logística politómica, de lo cual se obtuvieron estimadores de razón de momios (RM), con intervalos de confianza (IC 95%). RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de violencia leve-moderada fue de 35.8%, y de severa 9.5%. La prevalencia de violación fue de 5.9%. Los principales factores asociados con violencia fueron los siguientes: nivel socioeconómico (RM= 0.57; IC 95%= 0.34-0.95); nivel educativo en ambas mujeres (prueba de tendencia p=0.01) y sus parejas (prueba de tendencia p= 0.002); años de convivir con la pareja (RM= 2.63; IC 95%= 1.55-4.45), uso de alcohol y drogas ilegales (RM= 2.56; IC 95%= 2.02-3.25, RM= 6.17; IC 95%= 2.37-16.03, respectivamente); violencia durante la niñez (RM= 3.40; IC 95%= 2.23-5.18) e historia de violación (RM= 5.89; IC 95%= 2.78-12.5). CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio confirma cómo la violencia en contra de las mujeres es un fenómeno prevalente en México. Las campañas de concienciación sobre violencia masculina se deben llevar a discusión pública. Los esfuerzos ayudarán a asegurar que las futuras generaciones de mujeres no experimenten violencia de pareja.

Ethics and communication between physicians and their patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and rheumatoid arthritis in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence that open communication concerning diagnosis of a disease substantially improves the doctor-patient relationship, in developing countries physicians often provide partial information. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study with 379 physicians practicing at 11 hospitals in Mexico City and in the central Mexican state of Morelos to quantify their communication patterns with patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and rheumatoid arthritis. Communication patterns were defined as physician self-reported communication with patients with regard to their diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Logistic, ordinal, multivariate models were constructed for analysis. RESULTS: Assigning a high level of value to communication (odds ratio [OR] 5.5, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.1-14.8), and bioethics training (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.3) were principal predictors of explicit communication with cancer patients. We found a very strong association between explicit communication with HIV/AIDS patients and an accepting attitude of the physician toward death (OR 34.6, 95% CI 8.5-141.0). As for communication with rheumatoid arthritis patients, we observed an association between a very paternalistic attitude on the part of the physician (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.9-24.1) and complete communication. CONCLUSIONS: In Mexico, physicians exercise power and authority over patients in an effort that they perceive as beneficial or preventing harm. In most cases, physicians do not seem to recognize or respect their patients' autonomy; therefore, communication is generally partial and vague. Our study established the need among physicians for bioethics and communication training. A discussion of this topic is necessary to transform the doctor-patient relationship and to establish a consensus for policies and norms for communication that benefits patients.

Coffee consumption and risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: In small, short-term studies, acute administration of caffeine decreases insulin sensitivity and impairs glucose tolerance. OBJECTIVE: To examine the long-term relationship between consumption of coffee and other caffeinated beverages and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: The Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals' Follow-up Study. PARTICIPANTS: The authors followed 41 934 men from 1986 to 1998 and 84 276 women from 1980 to 1998. These participants did not have diabetes, cancer, or cardiovascular disease at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: Coffee consumption was assessed every 2 to 4 years through validated questionnaires. RESULTS: The authors documented 1333 new cases of type 2 diabetes in men and 4085 new cases in women. The authors found an inverse association between coffee intake and type 2 diabetes after adjustment for age, body mass index, and other risk factors. The multivariate relative risks for diabetes according to regular coffee consumption categories (0, <1, 1 to 3, 4 to 5, or > or =6 cups per day) in men were 1.00, 0.98, 0.93, 0.71, and 0.46 (95% CI, 0.26 to 0.82; P = 0.007 for trend), respectively. The corresponding multivariate relative risks in women were 1.00, 1.16, 0.99, 0.70, and 0.71 (CI, 0.56 to 0.89; P < 0.001 for trend), respectively. For decaffeinated coffee, the multivariate relative risks comparing persons who drank 4 cups or more per day with nondrinkers were 0.74 (CI, 0.48 to 1.12) for men and 0.85 (CI, 0.61 to 1.17) for women. Total caffeine intake from coffee and other sources was associated with a statistically significantly lower risk for diabetes in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that long-term coffee consumption is associated with a statistically significantly lower risk for type 2 diabetes.

Nutritional determinants of epithelial ovarian cancer risk: a case-control study in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Variations in the incidence of cancer can be influenced by diet and specific lifestyles. In the last years, diet has been evaluated as an important factor in the development of ovarian cancer, even though the results have not been consistent. Dietary factors related to the risk of ovarian cancer in Mexican women were evaluated. METHODS: A case-control study in Mexico City was done during 1995-1997 in a social security hospital, evaluating 84 new cases of ovarian cancer and 629 controls. A validated questionnaire with 116 items about the frequency and type of food intake was used. The analysis of nutrients was done with the residual method adjusted for total energy intake and other predictor variables through logistic regression methods. Also, partition models estimated the total caloric intake for other sources. RESULTS: The nutrients negatively associated with ovarian cancer in the highest versus the lowest tertile were retinol (OR 0.52; p for trend = 0.03) and vitamin D (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23-0.80; p = 0.01; residual model). Additionally, carbohydrates were positively associated (partition model: OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.00-1.15), and tortilla intake did not show an association with ovarian cancer (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.78-1.17). CONCLUSIONS: The diet of the Mexican population is rich in carbohydrates; in Mexico corn intake is the main energy source. On the other hand, vitamins such as retinol and vitamin D were shown to be associated with this neoplasm in a protective way; nevertheless, further studies are necessary to allow us to corroborate our results. This is the first attempt in our country that relates the Mexican diet to ovarian cancer.

[Smoking and its association to heart ischemic disease]. / El tabaquismo y su fracción atribuible en la enfermedad isquémica cardiaca.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of cigarette smoking on coronary heart disease (CHD) and to propose a simple and efficient method to estimate its attributable fraction (AF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A matched case-control study was conducted in the Regional Hospital of Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (Mexican Institute of Social Security) in Morelos State, Mexico, from May to June-2000. Cases were 80 prevalent and incident patients with CHD. One-hundred-sixty controls matched by sex and age were randomly selected from the outpatient clinic. The attributable fraction was obtained through summary estimators, variances, and confidence intervals for matched designs with more than one control per case. RESULTS: The prevalence of cigarette smoking previous to the coronary event was 80%, compared to 62.1% in controls. Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios showed a positive association of cigarette smoking with CHD (OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 3.2-13.8). The attributable fraction among the exposed was 85% (95% CI, 74-95) while the population attributable fraction was 56% (95% CI, 45-66). The AF in exposed was 65% for males (95% CI, 53-77) and 31% for females (95% CI 14-47). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term smoking AF on CHD is greater than 85%. Such a high AF should be countered with the implementation of primary prevention measures to encourage smoking cessation and with smoking cessation clinics for active smokers. These are the two most important public health interventions to prevent CHD and a variety of chronic diseases.

El tabaquismo y su fracción atribuible en la enfermedad isquémica cardiaca / x

Objetivo. Evaluar el impacto que provoca el tabaquismo sobre la enfermedad isquémica cardiaca (EIC) así como proponer una metodología simple y eficiente de estimación estándar de la fracción atribuible a éste. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles pareado en el Hospital Regional No. 1 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social de Cuernavaca, estado de Morelos, México, de mayo a junio del año 2000. Los casos fueron 80 pacientes prevalentes e incidentes de EIC. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 160 controles de la consulta de medicina familiar pareados por edad y sexo. La estimación de la fracción atribuible se obtuvo a través de estimadores sumarios, varianza e intervalos de confianza para diseños pareados por más de un control por cada caso. Resultados. La prevalencia de tabaquismo previo al evento isquémico en los casos fue de 80 por ciento, comparado con 62 por ciento de prevalencia de los controles. La razón de momios de Mantel & Haenszel mostró una asociación positiva del tabaquismo con EIC (RM, 6.77; IC 95 por ciento, 3.2-13.8). La fracción atribuible entre los expuestos fue de 85 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento, 74-95), mientras que la fracción atribuible poblacional fue de 56 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento, 45-66); en hombres fue de 65 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento, 53-77) y en mujeres de 31 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento, 14-47). Conclusiones. La fracción atribuible de exposición prolongada al humo del cigarro en EIC en fumadores es de 85 por ciento, por esta razón medidas de intervención primaria para desalentar el consumo de tabaco, y el establecimiento de clínicas antitabaco en fumadores activos, continúan siendo las más relevantes medidas de salud pública actuales, no sólo para prevenir enfermedad cardiovascular, sino un gran espectro de enfermedades crónicas.

Objective. To assess the impact of cigarette smoking on coronary heart disease (CHD) and to propose a simple and efficient method to estimate its attributable fraction (AF). Material and Methods. A matched case-control study was conducted in the Regional Hospital of Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (Mexican Institute of Social Security) in Morelos State, Mexico, from May to June-2000. Cases were 80 prevalent and incident patients with CHD. One-hundred-sixty controls matched by sex and age were randomly selected from the outpatient clinic. The attributable fraction was obtained through summary estimators, variances, and confidence intervals for matched designs with more than one control per case. Results. The prevalence of cigarette smoking previous to the coronary event was 80 percent, compared to 62.1 percent in controls. Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios showed a positive association of cigarette smoking with CHD (OR, 6.7; 95 percent CI, 3.2-13.8). The attributable fraction among the exposed was 85 percent (95 percent CI, 74-95) while the population attributable fraction was 56 percent (95 percent CI, 45-66). The AF in exposed was 65 percent for males (95 percent CI, 53-77) and 31 percent for females (95 percent CI 14-47). Conclusions. The long-term smoking AF on CHD is greater than 85 percent. Such a high AF should be countered with the implementation of primary prevention measures to encourage smoking cessation and with smoking cessation clinics for active smokers. These are the two most important public health interventions to prevent CHD and a variety of chronic diseases.