A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru.

Objective: The DoTT (Decreasing Time to Therapy) project aimed to minimize the interval between fever onset and medical interventions for children with febrile neutropenia. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementing the DoTT project on the hospital time to antibiotic (TTA) and patient time to arrival (PTA) at the hospital in children with febrile neutropenia admitted to the emergency department. Methods: The DoTT project was implemented at a Peruvian hospital and followed the World Health Organization (WHO) multimodal improvement strategy model. Components included creating a healthcare delivery bundle and antibiotic selection pathways, training users of the bundle and pathways, monitoring patient outcomes and obtaining user feedback, encouraging use of the new system, and promoting the integration of DoTT into the institutional culture. Emergency room providers were trained in the care delivery for children with cancer and fever and taught to use the bundle and pathways. DoTT was promoted via pamphlets and posters, with a view to institutionalizing the concept and disseminating it to other hospital services. Results: Admission data for 129 eligible patients in our registry were analyzed. The TTA and PTA were compared before and after the DoTT intervention. The median TTA was 146 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 97-265 minutes) before the intervention in 99 patients, and 69 minutes (IQR 50-120 minutes) afterwards in 30 patients (p < 0.01). The median PTA was reduced from 1 483 minutes at baseline to 660 minutes after the intervention (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Applying the WHO multimodal improvement strategy model to the care of children with febrile neutropenia arriving at the hospital had a positive impact on the PTA and TTA, thus potentially increasing the survival of these patients.

Antimicrobial Diterpene Alkaloids from an Agelas citrina Sponge Collected in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Three new diterpene alkaloids, (+)-8-epiagelasine T (1), (+)-10-epiagelasine B (2), and (+)-12-hydroxyagelasidine C (3), along with three known compounds, (+)-ent-agelasine F (4), (+)-agelasine B (5), and (+)-agelasidine C (6), were isolated from the sponge Agelas citrina, collected on the coasts of the Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico). Their chemical structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, HRESIMS techniques, and a comparison with literature data. Although the synthesis of (+)-ent-agelasine F (4) has been previously reported, this is the first time that it was isolated as a natural product. The evaluation of the antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis showed that all of them were active, with (+)-10-epiagelasine B (2) being the most active compound with an MIC in the range of 1-8 µg/mL. On the other hand, the Gram-negative pathogenes Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were also evaluated, and only (+)-agelasine B (5) showed a moderate antibacterial activity with a MIC value of 16 µg/mL.

Antibody response in patients admitted to the hospital with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection: results from a multicenter study across Spain.

AIM: To evaluate the serological response against SARS-CoV-2 in a multicenter study representative of the Spanish COVID pandemic. METHODS: IgG and IgM + IgA responses were measured on 1466 samples from 1236 Spanish COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital, two commercial ELISA kits (Vircell SL, Spain) based on the detection of antibodies against the viral spike protein and nucleoprotein, were used. RESULTS: Approximately half of the patients presented antibodies (56.8% were IgM + IgA positive and 43.0% were IgG positive) as soon as 2 days after the first positive PCR result. Serological test positivity increased with time from the PCR test, and 10 days after the first PCR result, 91.5% and 88.0% of the patients presented IgM + IgA and IgG antibodies, respectively. CONCLUSION: The high values of sensitivity attained in the present study from a relatively early period of time after hospitalization support the use of the evaluated serological assays as supplementary diagnostic tests for the clinical management of COVID-19.

Correlating indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity in a sample of buildings in tropical climates.

The incidence of several respiratory viral infections has been shown to be related to climate. Because humans spend most of their time indoors, measures of indoor climate, rather than outdoor climate, may be better predictors of disease incidence and transmission. Therefore, understanding the relationship between indoor and outdoor climate will help illuminate their influence on the seasonality of diseases caused by respiratory viruses. Indoor-outdoor relationships between temperature and humidity have been documented in temperate regions, but little information is available for tropical regions, where seasonal patterns of respiratory viral diseases differ. We have examined indoor-outdoor correlations of temperature, relative humidity (RH), and absolute humidity (AH) over a 1-year period in each of seven tropical cities. Across all cities, the average monthly indoor temperature was 25 ± 3°C (mean ± standard deviation) with a range of 20-30°C. The average monthly indoor RH was 66 ± 9% with a range of 50-78%, and the average monthly indoor AH was 15 ± 3 g/m3 with a range of 10-23 g/m3 . Indoor AH and RH were linearly correlated with outdoor AH when the air conditioning (AC) was off, suggesting that outdoor AH may be a good proxy of indoor humidity in the absence of AC. All indoor measurements were more strongly correlated with outdoor measurements as distance from the equator increased. Such correlations were weaker during the wet season, especially when AC was in operation. These correlations will provide insight for assessing the seasonality of respiratory viral infections using outdoor climate data, which is more widely available than indoor data, even though transmission of these diseases mainly occurs indoors.

[Physical activity and sedentary behaviors among people with cancer]. / Nivel de actividad física y sedentarismo en personas con diagnóstico de cáncer en Chile.

BACKGROUND: One of the side effects of cancer treatment is a low level of physical activity (PA) due to fatigue and pain. AIM: To quantify PA levels in Chilean people with cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of the National Health Survey 2016-2017 including 6,233 participants, comparing those with and without a self-report of cancer was conducted. Levels of PA and sitting time were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: 3% of participants [confidence intervals (CI): 2.6; 3.9] reported having cancer and 34% [95% CI: 22.7; 46.7] of these reported being physically inactive, compared to 25% [95% CI: 22.5; 27,3] of those without cancer. Participants with cancer performed 56 and 77 minutes/day lower vigorous and total PA than participants without cancer. No differences between groups were observed for commuting PA, moderate PA and sedentary time. Lower level of PA was independent of the years elapsed since the diagnosis of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: People with cancer are less physically active than their counterparts without the disease.

Sociodemographic patterns of urine sodium excretion and its association with hypertension in Chile: a cross-sectional analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the main factors (sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle and health status) associated with high Na excretion in a representative population of Chile. DESIGN: Na excretion (g/d), a valid marker of Na intake, was determined by urine analysis and Tanaka's formulas. Blood pressure was measured by trained staff and derived from the mean of three readings recorded after 15 min rest. The associations of Na excretion with blood pressure and the primary correlates of high Na excretion were determined using logistic regression. SETTING: Chileans aged ≥15 years.ParticipantsParticipants (n 2913) from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010. RESULTS: Individuals aged 25 years or over, those who were obese and those who had hypertension, diabetes or metabolic syndrome were more likely to have higher Na excretion. The odds for hypertension increased by 10·2 % per 0·4 g/d increment in Na excretion (OR=1·10; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·14; P < 0·0001). These findings were independent of major confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Age, sex, adiposity, sitting behaviours and existing co-morbidities such as diabetes were associated with higher Na excretion levels in the Chilean population. These findings could help policy makers to implement public health strategies tailored towards individuals who are more likely to consume high levels of dietary salt.

P1G10, the Proteolytic Fraction from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis, Stimulates Tissue Repair after Acute Exposure to Ultraviolet B Radiation.

BACKGROUND: P1G10 is a cysteine proteolytic fraction from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis latex, obtained by chromatographic separation on Sephadex-G10 and ultrafiltration. This fraction enhances healing in different models of skin lesions, and displays a protective/healing effect against gastric ulcers, where it was suggested an antioxidant role. METHODS: We evaluated here the effect of topical treatment with P1G10, in mice lesions induced by UVB. RESULTS: After single exposure to 2.4 J cm-2 UVB, P1G10 reduced erythema, increased cellularity of hypodermis, enhanced MPO activity and IL1ß, and inhibited COX2 levels. These results point to an anti-inflammatory effect by P1G10. This fraction displayed antioxidant activity by reversing the depletion of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reducing the catalase activity increased by UVB. These changes may be related to a reduction in MDA observed in groups treated with P1G10. P1G10 also inhibited MMP-9, caspase-3 and pkat while increasing p53 levels.

[Lifestyles of Chilean housewives. Analysis of the 2009-2010 Chilean Health Survey]. / Caracterización de los estilos de vida en dueñas de casa chilenas. Análisis de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: Housewives represent a important proportion of the Chilean population. However, there is limited evidence about their lifestyles. AIM: To characterize lifestyles and determine the level of compliance with healthy lifestyles guidelines of housewives in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Housewives from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey were included. The variables studied included levels of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, diet, hours of sleep and smoking. Compliance with healthy lifestyle behaviors was evaluated through logistic regression, granting a value of 1 for compliance and 0 for non-compliance. A healthy lifestyle was defined as meeting at least four healthy behaviors. RESULTS: Housewives aged > 55 years had a higher BMI and waist circumference compared to those aged < 40 years. Housewives were also more likely to report moderate alcohol consumption and were more likely to meet a healthier lifestyle score (Odds ratio = 1.52 [95% confidence intervals: 1.09 to 2.11], p = 0.013). No significant age trends were observed for other lifestyle behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Housewives had high levels of central obesity, excess body weight and high levels of salt intake but low alcohol intake. Their healthy lifestyles behaviors increased along with increasing age.

Octopus maya parasites off the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. I. Faunal assemblages.

The red octopus Octopus maya Voss et Solís-Ramírez, 1966 is an endemic species found exclusively off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico; its fishery is one of the most important along the Atlantic coast of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. To date, the parasite fauna of Octopus spp. in southern Mexico remains unknown. In this study, we present the parasite fauna of O. maya from 8 localities along the Yucatán Peninsula. From August 2009 to June 2010, a total of 1202 specimens of O. maya were caught by artisanal fisheries and examined. Twenty parasite taxa were recorded from all octopus examined: 7 cestodes, 8 digeneans, 3 nematodes, 1 copepod and 1 coccidian. All taxa are new records for this host species, and the sampled locations represent new records of the geographic distribution of these parasite taxa. The gills and the intestine were the micro-habitats in which the highest number of taxa were found. More than half of the parasites (13 taxa) that we found infected O. maya via its feeding habits, although a high number of taxa (n = 9) colonized via active transmission. Cestoda and Digenea were the taxonomic groups with the highest number of taxa. Prochristianella sp. showed the highest prevalence and mean abundance values in the localities where it was present. This work represents the first study on the parasite fauna of any cephalopod species in Mexico.

Cysteine Proteases from V. cundinamarcensis (C. candamarcensis) Inhibit Melanoma Metastasis and Modulate Expression of Proteins Related to Proliferation, Migration and Differentiation.

Previous studies showed that P1G10, a proteolytic fraction from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis latex, reduced the tumor mass in animals bearing melanoma, increased in vitro DNA fragmentation and decreased cell adhesion. Here, we present some molecular and cellular events related to the antimetastatic effect induced by the CMS-2 fraction derived from P1G10 in metastatic melanoma B16-F10 and melanocyte Melan-a. Using difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, we identified four proteins overexpressed in tumor cells, all of them related to proliferation, survival, migration and cell invasion, that had their expression normalized upon treatment with CMS-2: nucleophosmin 1, heat shock protein 65, calcyclin binding protein and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4H. In addition, some antioxidant and glycolytic enzymes show increased expression after exposure to CMS-2, along with an induction of melanogenesis (differentiation marker). The down regulation of cofilin 1, a protein involved in cell motility, may explain the inhibition of cell migration and dendritic-like outgrowth in B16-F10 and Melan-a, observed after CMS-2 treatment. Taken together, it is argued that CMS-2 modulates the expression of proteins related to metastatic development, driving the cell to a more differentiated-like state. These effects support the CMS-2 antimetastatic activity and place this fraction in the category of anticancer agent.

[Correlates of sedentary behaviors in Chile: evidence from the National Health Survey 2009-2010]. / Factores asociados a sedentarismo en Chile: evidencia de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behaviors are one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. AIM: To identify factors associated with high sedentary behaviors in the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 5,040 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010. Physical activity level and sedentary behavior (sitting time) were measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Highly sedentary behaviors were determined as > 4 hours per day of sitting time. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of highly sedentary behavior. RESULTS: Forty seven percent of the study population reported spending more than 4 hours per day sitting. The prevalence was higher in women. The main factors associated with high sedentary behavior were: high income levels (Odds ratio (OR):1.91 [95% Confidence intervals (CI:1.61-2.27]); being woman (OR:1.39 [95% CI:1.24-1.56]): having central obesity (OR:1.15 [95% CI:1.02-1.30]), being physically inactive (OR:2.35 [95% CI:2.06-2.68]), and living in an urban area (OR:1.92 [95% CI:1.63-2.26]). Other factors associates with high sedentary behavior were: being smoker, having a television set, computer and private car at their homes. Participants reporting a poor self-reported health and wellbeing and those with diabetes or metabolic syndrome were more likely to be highly sedentary. CONCLUSIONS: The main factors associated with high levels of sedentary behavior are socio-demographic issues, lifestyles and health status.

[Parental support for physical activity in schoolchildren and its influence on nutritional status and fitness]. / Apoyo parental para realizar actividad física en escolares de 6 años de edad: influencia sobre el estado nutricional y fitness.

INTRODUCTION: Parents are key models for transmitting and teaching healthy lifestyle habits to their children. Our objective was to determine the influence of the economic and motivational support, and parental involvement in their children physical activity (PA) and its relationship with nutritio nal status and cardiorespiratory fitness. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study which included 70 six-year-old schoolchildren. Parents completed the "The Parental Influence on Physical Activity Scale" questionnaire. Anthropometric variables were measured according to the Chilean Ministerial Technical Standard for the supervision of children from 0 to 9 years old; PA intensity was measured with triaxial accelerometers GT3X and the VO2max estimation was performed using the Navette Course test. RESULTS: The average body mass index was 17.9 ± 2.9 kg/m2, the obesity prevalence and VO2max were 57.1%, and 38.05 ± 16.9 ml/kg/min, respectively. Moderate PA during the physical education (PE) class was significantly higher in boys compared to girls (p < 0.006). The economic and motivational support of the parents did not significantly influence the body weight of the children, BMI, waist circumference, PA intensity, and VO2max. Children supported by their parent showed significant differences with moderate PA performed in PE compared to those who were not suppor ted by parents (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Parental support of their children in performing physical activity influences the levels of moderate PA that they do during PE classes. This type of study should be continued and the PA should be measured daily.

The Central Nervous System of Jawless Vertebrates: Encephalization in Lampreys and Hagfishes.

Lampreys and hagfishes are the sole surviving representatives of the early agnathan (jawless) stage in vertebrate evolution, which has previously been regarded as the least encephalized group of all vertebrates. Very little is known, however, about the extent of interspecific variation in relative brain size in these fishes, as previous studies have focused on only a few species, even though lampreys exhibit a variety of life history traits. While some species are parasitic as adults, with varying feeding behaviors, others (nonparasitic species) do not feed after completing their macrophagous freshwater larval phase. In addition, some parasitic species remain in freshwater, while others undergo an anadromous migration. On the basis of data for postmetamorphic individuals representing approximately 40% of all lamprey species, with representatives from each of the three families, the aforementioned differences in life history traits are reflected in variations in relative brain size. Across all lampreys, brain mass increases with body mass with a scaling factor or slope (α) of 0.35, which is less than those calculated for different groups of gnathostomatous (jawed) vertebrates (α = 0.43-0.62). When parasitic and nonparasitic species are analyzed separately, with phylogeny taken into account, the scaling factors of both groups (parasitic α = 0.43, nonparasitic α = 0.45) approach those of gnathostomes. The relative brain size in fully grown adults of parasitic species is, however, less than that of the adults of nonparasitic species, paralleling differences between fully grown adults and recently metamorphosed individuals of anadromous species. The average degree of encephalization is found in anadromous parasitic lampreys and might thus represent the ancestral condition for extant lampreys. These results suggest that the degree of encephalization in lampreys varies according to both life history traits and phylogenetic relationships.

Effects of an afterschool community center physical activity program on fitness and body composition in obese youth.

Physical activity (PA) promotes health in obese youth and is an important adjunct to medical weight management. Access to structured fitness programmes for obese, low-income youth is limited and potential benefits of such programmes are poorly understood. We describe an urban afterschool fitness programme for obese youth and participants' changes in fitness and body composition. A case series of 30 youth (age: 11.5 ± 2.5 years) with BMI ≥95th percentile and physician referral received a 24-wk programme scholarship. The programme, offered 4 times a week for 90-min.session, included aerobic, strength, and self-organised PA. Primary outcomes, measured at baseline (BL) time 1 (4-8 wk) and time 2 (12-16 wk) were BMI, per cent body fat (%BF), fat-free mass (FFM), heart rate during a treadmill test, and muscular strength (one repetition maximum (1RM)) and endurance (reps at 70% of 1RM) on the leg press (LP) and chest press (CP). Average participation was 1.5 ± 0.6 visits per week for 18.7 ± 6.5 weeks. Between BL and time 2, LP and CP 1RM and endurance significantly improved (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant interaction for %BF with boys losing 5.2% (P > 0.05) while girls lost 0% (>0.05). Obese youth attending an urban fitness programme for at least three months improved strength and body composition, but average attendance was below planned levels.

[Sedentary lifestyle is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors independent of physical activity]. / El sedentarismo se asocia a un incremento de factores de riesgo cardiovascular y metabólicos independiente de los niveles de actividad física.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior is a main risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. AIM: To investigate the association between sedentary behavior and metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed 322 participants aged between 18 to 65 years. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured with accelerometers (Actigraph®). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, percentage of body fat, diet and blood markers (glucose, lipid profile, insulin and HOMA-IR) were measured with standardized protocols. RESULTS: Thirty four percent of participants were physically inactive and spent on average 8.7 h/day on sedentary activities. Per one hour increase in sedentary behavior there were significant adverse changes in glucose (4.79 mg/dl), insulin (2.73 pmol/l), HOMA-IR (0.75), BMI (0.69 kg/m²), waist circumference (1.95 cm), fat mass (1.03%), total cholesterol (9.73 mg/dl), HDL-cholesterol (-3.50 mg/dl), LDL-cholesterol (10.7 mg/dl) and triglycerides (12.4 mg/dl). These findings were independent of main confounding factors including total physical activity, dietary factors, BMI and socio-demographics. CONCLUSIONS: The detrimental effect of sedentary behaviors on cardiometabolic and obesity-related traits is independent of physical activity levels. Therefore, reducing sedentary time should be targeted in the population apart from increasing their physical activity levels.

[Effects of a lower body weight or waist circumference on cardiovascular risk]. / Menor peso corporal, de índice de masa corporal y de perímetro de cintura se asocian a una disminución en factores de riesgo cardiovascular en población chilena: Findings from the Chilean health surveyç.

BACKGROUND: Overall and central obesity are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. AIM: To investigate the association of body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with cardiovascular risk factors in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 5,157 participants from the National Health Survey 2009-2010. Prevalence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and low HDL-cholesterol) were defined using international recommendations. BMI and WC were measured using standardized protocols. RESULTS: A five percent lower body weight, BMI and WC were associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk factors. For each 5% reduction in body weight, the risk for hypertension decreased by 8 and 9% in women and men respectively. Similar risk reductions were observed for diabetes (9 and 11% respectively), metabolic syndrome (23 and 30% respectively), low HDL cholesterol (13 and 13% respectively), high triglyceride levels (16 and 18% respectively) and total cholesterol (8 and 10% respectively). Similar findings were observed for BMI and WC. CONCLUSIONS: Lower body weight, BMI or WC are associated with important reductions in cardiovascular risk factors. A 5% reduction in these adiposity markers could be a perfectly feasible goal for lifestyle interventions.

[Risk factors associated with hypertension. Analysis of the 2009-2010 Chilean health survey]. / Factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de hipertensión arterial en Chile.

BACKGROUND: High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease, affecting 27% of the Chilean population in 2010. AIM: To determine the risk factors associated with the development of hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of the database of the 2009-2010 National Health Survey in which 4,901 participants were included. Socio-demographic factors, physical activity, eating habits, well-being and comorbidities were analyzed. RESULTS: Women had a lower risk of developing hypertension than men (Odds ratio (OR): 0.69, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.59-0.81, p < 0.01). In both men and women, the risk is greater over the age of 25 years (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.55-5.43, p < 0.01). The risk is greater in subjects who were overweight (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.31-1.98, p < 0.01), obese (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 2.56-3.95, p < 0.01), or had central obesity (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.85-2.72, p < 0.01). Subjects with a family history of hypertension and diabetes also have a higher risk. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the risk factors associated with hypertension allows public health policies to be tailored to its prevention.

Socio-demographic patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in Chile: results from the National Health Survey 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance of physical activity (PA) is essential for the development of health promotion initiatives. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of PA and sedentary behaviour with respect to socio-demographic factors in Chile. METHODS: A representative sample of 5434 adults aged ≥15 years (59% women) who participated in the Chilean National Health Survey (2009-2010) were included. Socio-demographic data (age, sex, environment, education level, income level and smoking status) were collected for all participants. PA levels were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: 19.8% [95% CI: 18.1-21.6] of the Chilean population did not meet PA recommendations (≥600 MET min week(-1)). The prevalence of physical inactivity was higher in participants aged ≥65 years, compared with the youngest age groups and was higher in women than in men. However, it was lower for participants with high, compared with low, education or income levels. The overall prevalence of sedentary risk behaviour (spending >4 h sitting per day) was 35.9% [95% CI: 33.7-38.2]. CONCLUSION: Physical inactivity correlates strongly with socio-demographic factors such as age, gender and educational level. Results identify social and economic groups to which future public health interventions should be aimed to increase PA in the Chilean population.

[Being physically active modifies the detrimental effect of sedentary behavior on obesity and cardiometabolic markers in adults]. / Ser físicamente activo modifica los efectos nocivos del sedentarismo sobre marcadores de obesidad y cardiometabólicos en adultos.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. AIM: To investigate whether the associations between sedentary behavior and cardiometabolic markers differs across physical activity levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross sectional study of 314 participants aged 18 to 65 years. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured, and body fat was derived from the sum of four skinfolds. Physical activity was measured objectively using accelerometers (Actigraph GT1M, USA®). A fasting blood sample was obtained to measure glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profile and high sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP). Those participants with an activity level > 600 MET.min-1.week-1 were classified as physically active. RESULTS: Thirty four percent of participants were physically inactive and spent an average of 8.7 h.day-1 in sedentary pursuits. Physically inactive individuals had poorer cardiometabolic health than their physically active counterparts. Per one hour decrease in overall sedentary behavior, there was a significant improvement in glucose (-8.46 and -4.68 mg.dl-1), insulin (-2.12 and -1.77 pmol.l-1), HOMA-IR (-0.81 and -0.56) BMI (-0.93 and -0.62 kg.m-2) and waist circumference (-2.32 and -1.65 cm) in physically active and inactive participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Being physically active may modify the detrimental effects of sedentary behavior on cardiometabolic and obesity-related traits.

[Inverse association of cardiorespiratory fitness with cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean adults]. / Fitness cardiorrespiratorio se asocia a una mejora en marcadores metabólicos en adultos chilenos.

BACKGROUND: A high level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important protector against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. AIM: To explore the association of CRF with several metabolic markers and estimate the variation of these parameters by an increase of 1 MET change in CRF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 447 adults (56% women) without medical history of cardiometabolic diseases. Physical activity evaluated using accelerometry, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood glucose and insulin and lipid profile were measured. HOMA-IR was calculated with fasting glucose and insulin levels. The submaximal Chester Step Test was used to measure CRF. RESULTS: CRF was significantly associated with the level and intensity of physical activity, and all metabolic markers (p-trend < 0.05), except with diastolic blood pressure. It was estimated that 1-MET increase in CRF is associated with waist circumference (ß -0.32 cm), fat mass (ß -0.22%), insulin (ß -0.67 pmol.l-1), HOMA-IR (ß -0.17) and HDL cholesterol (ß +1.46 mg.dl-1). All these associations were independent of main covariates such as age, sex, education, smoking and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: A higher level of CRF is inversely associated with several metabolic markers that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.