Heart Rate and Body Temperature Evolution in an Interval Program of Passive Heat Acclimation at High Temperatures (100 ± 2 °C) in a Sauna.

Heat exposure provokes stress on the human body. If it remains constant, it leads to adaptations such as heat acclimation. This study aims to observe the evolution of heart rate (HR), core temperature (Tcore), and skin temperature (Tskin) in an intervallic program of exposure to extreme heat. Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers were divided into a control group (CG; n = 14) and an experimental group (EG; n = 15). EG experienced nine sessions (S) of intervallic exposure to high temperatures (100 ± 2 °C), whereas CG was exposed to ambient temperatures (22 ± 2 °C). HR, Tskin, and Tcore were monitored in S1, 4, 5, 8, and 9. An important increase in HR occurred in the S4 compared to the rest (p < 0.05) in EG. A lower HR was discovered in S8 and S9 compared to S4 and in S9 in relation to S1 (p < 0.05) in EG. EG experiences a gradual decrease in Tcore and Tskin, which was detected throughout the assessments, although it was only significant in the S8 and S9 (p < 0.05). Interval exposure to heat at 100 ± 2 °C elicits stress on the human organism, fundamentally increasing Tcore, Tskin, and FC. This recurring stress in the full program caused a drop in the thermoregulatory response as an adaptation or acclimation to heat.

Validity and reproducibility of a method to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness in college adults / Validez y reproducibilidad de un método para estimar la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria en adultos universitarios

Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness is a predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Its assessment in different groups has clinical and public health usefulness. Objective: To evaluate the validity and reproducibility of a no-exercise method [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) method] to estimate the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2máx) in college adults. Materials and methods: This study included 94 healthy individuals of both sexes (18-55 years). The gold standard was ergospirometry. The validity and reproducibility were evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman method. Results: Among the participants, we found a mean age of 30.54 ± 9.33 years and a VO2máx of 41.29 ± 9.54 ml O2.kg-1.min-1; 48.9 % were women. A mean difference of VO2máx between ergospirometry and that estimated by the NASA method of 3.41 ± 5.64 ml O2.kg-1.min-1 was found. The concordance between the two methods was good, with an ICC of 0.858 (CI95% 0.672-0.926). The percentage of error was 29.70 %. The reproducibility of the two estimates by the NASA method was excellent, with an ICC of 0.986 (CI95% 0.927-0.995). Conclusions: The NASA method is valid and reproducible to estimate VO2máx in college adults. In addition, it is safe and easy to apply. Estimating cardiorespiratory fitness is recommended to improve screening in cardiometabolic risk programs and to implement timely interventions.

Introducción. La capacidad física cardiorrespiratoria es un predictor de mortalidad por enfermedad cardiovascular y por todas las causas. Su diagnóstico en diferentes grupos tiene utilidad clínica y en salud pública. Objetivo. Evaluar la validez y reproducibilidad de un método sin ejercicio implementado por la NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), para estimar el volumen máximo de oxígeno (VO2máx) consumido en adultos universitarios. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de validación de una prueba que incluyó 94 individuos sanos de ambos sexos (18 a 55 años). La prueba de referencia fue la ergoespirometría. La validez y la reproducibilidad se evaluaron mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, CCI) y el método de Bland-Altman. Resultados. Del total de los individuos incluidos en el estudio, 48,9 % fueron mujeres. La media de edad de los participantes fue de 30,54 ± 9,33 años y, la del VO2máx, fue de 41,29 ± 9,54 mlO2.kg-1.min-1. Se encontró una diferencia de medias de VO2máx entre la ergoespirometría y el estimado por el método implementado por la NASA de 3,41 ± 5,64 mlO2.kg-1.min-1. La concordancia entre los dos métodos fue buena, con un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,858 (IC95% 0,672-0,926). El porcentaje de error fue del 29,70 %. La reproducibilidad de las dos estimaciones por el método implementado por la NASA fue excelente, con un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,986 (IC95% 0,927-0,995). Conclusiones. El método NASA es válido y reproducible para estimar el VO2máx en adultos universitarios; además, es seguro y de fácil aplicación. Se recomienda la estimación de la capacidad física cardiorrespiratoria para mejorar la tamización en los programas de riesgo cardiometabólico e implementar intervenciones oportunas.

Validez y reproducibilidad de un método para estimar la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria en adultos universitarios / Validity and reproducibility of a method to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness in college adults

Introducción. La capacidad física cardiorrespiratoria es un predictor de mortalidad por enfermedad cardiovascular y por todas las causas. Su diagnóstico en diferentes grupos tiene utilidad clínica y en salud pública. Objetivo. Evaluar la validez y reproducibilidad de un método sin ejercicio implementado por la NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), para estimar el volumen máximo de oxígeno (VO2máx) consumido en adultos universitarios. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de validación de una prueba que incluyó 94 individuos sanos de ambos sexos (18 a 55 años). La prueba de referencia fue la ergoespirometría. La validez y la reproducibilidad se evaluaron mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, CCI) y el método de Bland-Altman. Resultados. Del total de los individuos incluidos en el estudio, 48,9 % fueron mujeres. La media de edad de los participantes fue de 30,54 ± 9,33 años y, la del VO2máx, fue de 41,29 ± 9,54 mlO2.kg-1.min-1. Se encontró una diferencia de medias de VO2máx entre la ergoespirometría y el estimado por el método implementado por la NASA de 3,41 ± 5,64 mlO2.kg-1.min-1. La concordancia entre los dos métodos fue buena, con un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,858 (IC95% 0,672-0,926). El porcentaje de error fue del 29,70 %. La reproducibilidad de las dos estimaciones por el método implementado por la NASA fue excelente, con un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,986 (IC95% 0,927-0,995). Conclusiones. El método NASA es válido y reproducible para estimar el VO2máx en adultos universitarios; además, es seguro y de fácil aplicación. Se recomienda la estimación de la capacidad física cardiorrespiratoria para mejorar la tamización en los programas de riesgo cardiometabólico e implementar intervenciones oportunas.

Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness is a predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Its assessment in different groups has clinical and public health usefulness. Objective: To evaluate the validity and reproducibility of a no-exercise method [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) method] to estimate the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2máx) in college adults. Materials and methods: This study included 94 healthy individuals of both sexes (1855 years). The gold standard was ergospirometry. The validity and reproducibility were evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman method. Results: Among the participants, we found a mean age of 30.54 ± 9.33 years and a VO2máx of 41.29 ± 9.54 ml O2kg-1-min-1; 48.9 % were women. A mean difference of VO2máx between ergospirometry and that estimated by the NASA method of 3.41 ± 5.64 ml O2.kg-1. min-1 was found. The concordance between the two methods was good, with an ICC of 0.858 (CI95% 0.672-0.926). The percentage of error was 29.70 %. The reproducibility of the two estimates by the NASA method was excellent, with an ICC of 0.986 (CI95% 0.927-0.995). Conclusions: The NASA method is valid and reproducible to estimate VO2máx in college adults. In addition, it is safe and easy to apply. Estimating cardiorespiratory fitness is recommended to improve screening in cardiometabolic risk programs and to implement timely interventions.

Effect of Handgrip Training in Extreme Heat on the Development of Handgrip Maximal Isometric Strength among Young Males.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and adaptive effects of passive extreme heat (100 ± 3 °C) exposition in combination with a strength training protocol on maximal isometric handgrip strength. Fifty-four untrained male university students participated in this investigation. Twenty-nine formed the control group (NG) and 25 the heat-exposed group (HG). All the participants performed a 3-week isotonic handgrip strength training program twice a week with a training volume of 10 series of 10 repetitions with 45-s rest between series, per session. All the subjects only trained their right hand, leaving their left hand untrained. HG performed the same training protocol in hot (100 ± 3 °C) conditions in a dry sauna. Maximal isometric handgrip strength was evaluated each training day before and after the session. NG participants did not experience any modifications in either hand by the end of the study while HG increased maximal strength values in both hands (p < 0.05), decreased the difference between hands (p < 0.05), and recorded higher values than the controls in the trained (p < 0.05) and untrained (p < 0.01) hands after the intervention period. These changes were not accompanied by any modification in body composition in either group. The performance of a unilateral isotonic handgrip strength program in hot conditions during the three weeks induced an increase in maximal isometric handgrip strength in both hands without modifications to bodyweight or absolute body composition.

Effects of Twelve Sessions of High-Temperature Sauna Baths on Body Composition in Healthy Young Men.

The health benefits of sauna baths are attracting ever-increasing interest. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 12 high-temperature (100 °C) sauna baths on body composition of 23 healthy young men, divided into a control group (CG) and a sauna group (SG). Both groups were initially evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), after which the SG experienced 12 sessions of sauna baths at high temperatures (100 °C). Initial measurements were carried out after the sauna sessions and after two weeks of decay in both groups. The muscle mass of the right leg (pre vs. decay: 9.50 (5.59) vs. 10.52 (5.15); p < 0.05; Δ 1.07%), bone mineral density (pre vs. post: 1.221 (0.35) vs. 1.315 (0.45); p < 0.05; Δ 7.7%) and bone mineral content (pre vs. post: 0.470 (0.21) vs. 0.499 (0.22); p < 0.05; Δ 6.17%) of the left leg increased in the SG after the sauna baths. It seems that exposure to heat at high temperatures could produce improvements in bone and muscle mass.

Efectos de un protocolo de ayuno intermitente sobre la composición corporal y perfil lipídico en estudiantes universitarios / Effects of a protocol of intermittent fasting on body composition and lipids profile in university students

El ayuno intermitente es una estrategia nutricional de creciente interés para el control del peso y mejora de la salud metabólica. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de un protocolo de ayuno intermitente sobre la composición corporal, perfil lipídico y los biomarcadores de riesgo cardiovascular en estudiantes universitarios. En este estudio experimental participaron 30 sujetos varones y fueron divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos, 15 sujetos constituían el grupo experimental (GE) (edad: 20,83±0,98 años) y 15 el grupo control (GC) (edad: 23,71±5,55 años). El GE realizó un protocolo de ayuno 16/8, dieciséis horas de ayuno y ocho horas de ingesta calórica sin limitaciones, dos días consecutivos a la semana durante cinco semanas. Se evaluó la composición corporal, la ingesta calórica, el perfil lipídico y los biomarcadores del riesgo cardiovascular al inicio, mitad y final del protocolo. Se observaron descensos significativos en el GE en pliegues cutáneos, perímetro cintura, porcentaje de grasa, perfil lipídico y biomarcadores del riesgo cardiovascular en comparación con GC (p<0,05). Se encontraron incrementos significativos en la ingesta de colesterol y ácidos grasos poliinsaturados en el GE al final del estudio (p<0,05). Se observaron descensos en el colesterol total, triglicéridos, lipoproteínas de baja densidad y biomarcadores del riesgo cardiovascular a lo largo del protocolo en el GE (p<0,05). Un protocolo de ayuno intermitente 16/8, dos días consecutivos por semana, durante cinco semanas, parece efectivo para mejorar parámetros de composición corporal y perfil lipídico, así como para mejorar los biomarcadores relacionados con el riesgo cardiovascular(AU)

Intermittent fasting is a nutritional strategy of high interest in weight control and improvement of metabolic health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intermittent fasting protocol on body composition, lipid profile and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in university students. In this experimental study thirty male subjects participated and were randomly divided into two groups; fifteen subjects constituted the experimental group (GE) (age: 20.83 ± 0.98 years) and fifteen the control group (GC) (age: 23.71 ± 5.55 years). The GE performed a fasting protocol 16/8, sixteen hours of fasting and eight hours of caloric intake without limitations, two consecutive days per week for five weeks. Body composition, calorie intake, lipid profile and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk were evaluated at the beginning, middle and at the end of the protocol. Significant decreases were found in GE in skinfolds, waist perimeter, % fat, lipid profile and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk as compared to GC (p <0.05). There were significant increases in the intake of cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the GE at the end of the study (p <0.05). There were decreases in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk throughout the study in GE (p<0.05). An intermittent fasting protocol 16/8, two consecutive days per week, for five weeks, seems effective to improve parameters of body composition and lipid profile, as well as to improving biomarkers related to cardiovascular risk(AU)

Características electroclínicas en pacientes menores de 18 años con errores innatos del metabolismo (EIM) y epilepsia / Electro clinical characteristics in pediatric patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) and epilepsy

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los errores innatos del metabolismo (EIM) son un grupo de enfermedades de origen genético, que entre el 40 % y el 60 % pueden manifestar crisis convulsivas. OBJETIVO: En este estudio se establecieron las características clínicas y electroencefalográficas en una muestra de 20 niños con diagnóstico de EIM y epilepsia. MATERIALES Y METODOS: La metodología utilizada fue un estudio descriptivo de series de casos retrospectivo. RESULTADOS: El 65 % de los pacientes de la muestra eran niños, el EIM de moléculas pequeñas fue el más frecuente (70 %). En cuanto a las variables clínicas, 90 % tenían encefalopatía, 75 % epilepsia refractaria y 55 °% crisis generalizadas. En electroencefalografía (EEG), 90 % de los pacientes tenían ritmo de fondo anormal, 80 % grafoelementos del sueño mal estructurados, 36 % de los afectados por EIM de moléculas pequeñas tenían patrón EEG multifocal y 100 % de los pacientes con déficit de producción de energía tuvieron patrón EEG focal. CONCLUSION: El tipo de EIM más frecuente en el estudio fue de moléculas pequeñas, con grados variables de encefalopatía y epilepsia refractaria. La anormalidad electroencefalográfica más frecuente fue el ritmo de fondo anormal debido a grafoelementos de sueño mal estructurados, en tanto que el patrón eléctrico fue dependiente de la edad y el tipo de EIM.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are a group of diseases of genetic origin and they may manifest with seizures at some point of their evolution such as 40 to 60 percent of cases. SUBJECT: In this study, the clinical and electroencephalographic characteristics were established in a sample of 20 children diagnosed with IEM and epilepsy. METHODS: The methodology was a descriptive way of retrospective case series. RESULTS: The group was constituted 65 % by males. The EIM of small molecules was the most frequent (70 %). Regarding the clinical variables, 90 % had encephalopathy, 75 % refractory epilepsy and 55 % generalized epilepsy. About the electroencephalographic facts, 90 % had an abnormal basal activity, 80 % poorly structured sleep elements. The most frequent electroencephalographic pattern in small molecules disease's patients was multifocal (36 %) but in deficit of energy production's patients was focal (100 %). CONCLUSION: The type of IEM that predominated in this study was small molecules, with varying degrees of encephalopathy and refractory epilepsy. The most frequent electroencephalographic variable was abnormal background rhythm, with poorly structured sleep graphoelements. The electroencephalographic pattern depends on the age and type of IEM.

[Comparative study of the variables of physical fitness and health among young athletes and sedentary males]. / Estudio comparativo de las variables determinantes de la condición física y salud entre jóvenes deportistas y sedentarios del género masculino.

INTRODUCTION: today, the practice of physical activity during adolescence brings important physical-health benefits that help develop a future well-being in later life. OBJECTIVES: the objective of this comparative study was to evaluate the physical condition, body composition and cardiorespiratory capacity among young athletes and sedentary people of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura (Spain). METHODS: two hundred and twenty-five male subjects, aged between 12 and 18 years, were divided into two groups: 175 athletes, divided into aerobic group (AEG), anaerobic group (ANAEG) and mixed sports group (MG); and 50 sedentary (SG) or control group. Their respiratory capacity (forced expiratory volume [FEV], peak expiratory flow [PEF], vital capacity [VC], maximum voluntary ventilation [MVV]) and body composition were assessed. They also performed the "Forest Service" step test by finding the VO2max. Also, the heart rate (HR) was recorded before the step, the maximum heart rate during the test and the HR in the subsequent recovery, as well as pre and post-test blood pressure. RESULTS: there were significant differences in body composition, blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory capacity in relation to athletes compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: physical activity provides benefits in aspects such as body composition, and cardio-respiratory function.

Serum concentration of cobalt, molybdenum and zinc in aerobic, anaerobic and aerobic-anaerobic sportsmen.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine changes in the serum concentrations of trace elements Cobalt (Co), Molybdenum (Mo) and Zinc (Zn) among high-level sportsmen. METHODS: Eighty professional athletes of different metabolic modalities (aerobic, anaerobic and aerobic-anaerobic), were recruited before the beginning of their training seasons. Thirty-one sedentary participants of the same geographic area constituted the control group. Co, Mo and Zn analysis was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: Serum concentration of Mo (p < 0.001) was higher among sportsmen compared to the control group values. Separated by modalities, the concentrations of Co in the aerobic-anaerobic athletes were lower (p < 0.01) than in the control group as well as than in the other athletes. The highest Mo concentration was found in anaerobic sportsmen (p < 0.001), followed by aerobic-anaerobic (p < 0.001) being both statistically higher in comparison with the control group. In relation to Zn, it was observed that aerobic-anaerobic (p < 0.001) and anaerobic (p < 0.001) sportsmen showed higher concentrations than the control participants. However, aerobic sportsmen showed lower concentrations (p < 0.01) than controls. CONCLUSION: This data manifest that long-term, daily physical training may induce variations in serum concentrations of several essential elements among sportsmen in comparison to untrained men and that these changes seems to be related to the sports modality practiced.

Estudio comparativo de las variables determinantes de la condición física y salud entre jóvenes deportistas y sedentarios del género masculino / Comparative study of the variables of physical fitness and health among young athletes and sedentary males

Introducción: hoy en día, la práctica de actividad física durante la adolescencia aporta importantes beneficios físicos-saludables que ayudan a desarrollar un bienestar futuro en años posteriores de la vida. Objetivos: el objetivo del presente estudio comparativo fue evaluar la condición física, composición corporal y capacidad cardiorrespiratoria entre jóvenes deportistas y sedentarios de la Comunidad Autónoma de Extremadura (España).Métodos: doscientos veinticinco sujetos varones, con edades comprendidas entre 12 y 18 años, fueron divididos en dos grupos: 175 deportistas, divididos a su vez en grupo aeróbico (AEG), grupo anaeróbico (ANAEG) y grupo de deportes mixtos (MG); y 50 sedentarios (SG) o grupo control. Se les evaluó la capacidad respiratoria (volumen espiratorio forzado [FEV], flujo espiratorio máximo [PEF], capacidad vital [CV], ventilación máxima voluntaria [MVV]) y la composición corporal. También se les realizó el test del escalón de "Forest Service" para hallar el VO2max. Se registraron asimismo la frecuencia cardiaca (FC) previa al escalón, la FC máxima durante el test y la FC en la recuperación posterior. Así como la presión arterial previa y posterior al test. Resultados: se hallaron diferencias significativas en la composición corporal, la presión arterial, la FC y la capacidad respiratoria en relación a los deportistas con respecto al grupo control (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: la actividad física aporta beneficios en aspectos como la composición corporal y la función cardiorrespiratoria

Introduction: today, the practice of physical activity during adolescence brings important physical-health benefits that help develop a future well-being in later life. Objectives: the objective of this comparative study was to evaluate the physical condition, body composition and cardiorespiratory capacity among young athletes and sedentary people of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura (Spain). Methods: two hundred and twenty-five male subjects, aged between 12 and 18 years, were divided into two groups: 175 athletes, divided into aerobic group (AEG), anaerobic group (ANAEG) and mixed sports group (MG); and 50 sedentary (SG) or control group. Their respiratory capacity (forced expiratory volume [FEV], peak expiratory flow [PEF], vital capacity [VC], maximum voluntary ventilation [MVV]) and body composition were assessed. They also performed the "Forest Service" step test by finding the VO2max. Also, the heart rate (HR) was recorded before the step, the maximum heart rate during the test and the HR in the subsequent recovery, as well as pre and post-test blood pressure. Results: there were significant differences in body composition, blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory capacity in relation to athletes compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: physical activity provides benefits in aspects such as body composition, and cardio-respiratory function

Descripción de las caracteristicas clínicas de las neoplasias mieloproliferativas crónicas (NMPC). Primer informe del registro colombiano de NMPC / Description of the clinical characteristics of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). First report of the colombian registry of MPNs

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: las neoplasias mieloproliferativas crónicas (NMPC) son relativamente raras, con incidencias que varían entre 0.47-1.03/100 000 habitantes. Se presenta el primer informe del trabajo del registro colombiano de NMPC, cuyo objetivo es describir las características clínicas de estos pacientes en nuestro país. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo observacional, multicéntrico, retrospectivo y prospectivo en ocho centros del país, de abril de 2013 a diciembre de 2014. Las variables cualitativas se presentan con frecuencias absolutas y relativas; y las cuantitativas se resumen en medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Resultados: once centros fueron aprobados, ocho ingresaron pacientes. En los primeros 179 casos reportados, 50% eran hombres, la edad promedio al diagnóstico 58.7 años (rango 19-92). Noventa y tres muestran trombocitemia esencial (TE); 55, policitemia vera (PV); y 31, mielofibrosis (MF). El 41% tenía esplenomegalia al diagnóstico; el 20% tuvo complicaciones trombóticas; y 12.85%, sangrado. Sólo en 57.5% se realizó JAK; de ellos, en 53.5% fue positivo, en especial sólo 60% de las PV. El 8% de los casos no tenía estudio de médula ósea, el 29.3% tiene algún grado de fibrosis. El hallazgo más frecuente fue hiperplasia megacariocítica en 59.78%. Más de 50% de pacientes estaban sintomáticos al diagnóstico. Sólo el 11% no recibió tratamiento farmacológico; los más frecuentes fueron hidroxiurea en 149 casos y ASA en 79. Con promedio de seguimiento de 52.6 meses; el 97.21% de los pacientes están vivos. Conclusiones: los hallazgos sugieren que algunas características de las NMPC podrían ser diferentes a lo reportado en otras series, lo que valida la importancia del esfuerzo de recoger información local.

Abstract Introduction and objectives: chronic MPNs are relatively rare, with incidences varying between 0.47-1.03 / 100 000 inhabitants. The first report of the work of the Colombian registry of chronic MPNs, whose objective is to describe the clinical characteristics of these patients in our country, is presented. Materials and methods: descriptive observational, multicenter, retrospective and prospective study in eight centers of the country, from April 2013 to December 2014. Qualitative variables are presented with absolute and relative frequencies, and the quantitative ones are summarized in measures of central tendency and dispersion. Results: eleven centers were approved; 8 admitted patients. In the first 179 cases reported, 50% were men; the average age at diagnosis was 58.7 years (range 19-92). Ninety-three present essential thrombocythemia (ET); 55, polycythemia vera (PV); and 31, myelofibrosis (MF). 41% had splenomegaly at diagnosis; 20% had thrombotic complications, and 12.85%, bleeding. JAK was performed in only 57.5%. Of them, in 53.5% was positive, especially in only 60% of the PV. 8% of the cases had no bone marrow study; 29.3% had some degree of fibrosis. The most frequent finding was megakaryocytic hyperplasia in 59.78%. More than 50% of patients were symptomatic at diagnosis. Only 11% did not receive pharmacological treatment, being the most frequent hydroxyurea in 149 cases and ASA in 79, with an average follow-up of 52.6 months. 97.21% of patients are alive. Conclusions: the findings suggest that some characteristics of chronic MPNs could be different from those reported in other series, which validates the importance of the effort to collect local information.

How does network structure affect partnerships for promoting physical activity? Evidence from Brazil and Colombia.

The objective of this study was to describe the network structure and factors associated with collaboration in two networks that promote physical activity (PA) in Brazil and Colombia. Organizations that focus on studying and promoting PA in Brazil (35) and Colombia (53) were identified using a modified one-step reputational snowball sampling process. Participants completed an on-line survey between December 2008 and March 2009 for the Brazil network, and between April and June 2009 for the Colombia network. Network stochastic modeling was used to investigate the likelihood of reported inter-organizational collaboration. While structural features of networks were significant predictors of collaboration within each network, the coefficients and other network characteristics differed. Brazil's PA network was decentralized with a larger number of shared partnerships. Colombia's PA network was centralized and collaboration was influenced by perceived importance of peer organizations. On average, organizations in the PA network of Colombia reported facing more barriers (1.5 vs. 2.5 barriers) for collaboration. Future studies should focus on how these different network structures affect the implementation and uptake of evidence-based PA interventions.

Niveles de actividad física, barreras y estados de cambio en una población urbana de un municipio de Colombia / Levels of physical activity, barriers, and stage of change in an urban population from a municipality in Colombia

Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel de actividad física, barreras y estados de cambio, en la población urbana entre 25 y 50 añosde edad del municipio de Santa Rosa de Osos, Antioquia.Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de prevalencia, con muestreo aleatorio bietápico en 357 personas sinenfermedad cardiovascular conocida; se administró una encuesta prediseñada para evaluar los niveles de actividad física, losestados de cambio y las barreras para la práctica de la actividad física.Resultados: La actividad física baja total fue del 9% y por ámbitos: trabajo 66.9%; transporte 60.8%; hogar 44.8% ytiempo libre 76.2%. Las barreras más relevantes para la práctica de la actividad física fueron la ®carencia de voluntad¼ (70%)y la falta de tiempo (46.2%). Los estados de cambio más prevalentes fueron el ®contemplativo¼ (40.3%) y el de ®preparación¼(17.1%).Conclusión: Se encontraron niveles de actividad física baja en los diferentes ámbitos de la vida diaria, acompañados deuna prevalencia alta de las barreras y de los estados previos a la práctica de la actividad física, principalmente en las mujeresy las personas obesas.

Epidemiology of foreign bodies injuries in Ecuador: a first look based on a single centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: The analysis of foreign bodies (FB) injuries in the upper aero-digestive tract is not available for Ecuador and in this context, the present article represent the is the first presenting to the international community the basic epidemiological data on the Ecuador's experience on foreign bodies juries. METHODS: Data on 258 cases were gleaned using Susy Safe database, choosing the cases coming from Ecuador's institutions, namely Francisco De Icaza Bustamante Children Hospital, in Guayaquil (Ecuador) which collects data on children injuries due to foreign bodies with the aid of a standardized case report forms. RESULTS: Patients showed a female:male ratio of 1:1.2. Fifty-three percent of the children were younger than 2 years of age, with a mean age of 3.22 years. The most frequent location of retrieval was the oesophagus (37.98%) followed by the ears (34.88%). Coins were the most frequent cause of accident (37.21%). Seeds and grain were the most frequent food FBs and they were seen in 13.95% of cases. Adult presence was recorded in 113 cases. There was indeed a significant correlation between the presence of an adult and the activity that the children were doing when the incident occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This first breach into the analysis of injuries in Ecuador gives the confirmation that the results coming from country's data agreed with the general Susy Safe ones. Similar preventive strategies are therefore highly recommended, stressing that primary prevention has the main role in children's protection.

Major histocompatibility complex class II polymorphisms and risk of cervical cancer in Puerto Rican women.

Association between HLA antigens and cervical squamous cell carcinoma has been described in several populations. To verify whether HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 diversity is related to cervical cancer in Puerto Rican women, 40 cases and 50 controls were HLA typed. DRB1*16 (POR=2.89) and DRB1*11 (POR=1.74) were positively associated with cervical cancer. A negative association was found with DRB1*01 (POR=0.52), DRB1*04 (POR=0.60), DRB1*14 (POR=0.33), DRB1*15 (POR=0.65), DQB1*04 (POR=0.33), DQB1*05 (POR=0.64) and DQB1*06 (POR=0.65). We suggest that HLA Class H polymorphisms are involved in genetic susceptibility to cervical cancer in Puerto Rican women. These results should be confirmed in studies with larger sample size to preclude the possibility of false positive observations.

Colesterol en líquido ascitico: utilidad en el diagnóstico de las ascitis malignas / Cholesterol in ascitic fluid: utility in the diagnosis of the ascities malign

Muchos esfuerzos se han hecho para diferenciar las ascitis benignas de las malignas en base a datos de laboratorio. La determinación de colesterol en líquido ascítico ha mostrado valores altos de sensibilidad y especificidad. Valores mayores de 40-50 mg/dl se asocian a ascitis malignas. Constituye un método económico, sencillo y rápido para orientar el diagnóstico de malignidad en ascitis. 16 pacientes que ingresaron entre octubre del 2000 y mayo del 2001 fueron incluídos en grupos según la etilogía de la ascitis. Se determinaron niveles de colesterol, triglicéridos y albúmina en plasma y en líquido ascítico. Se determinó Gradiente albúmina suero-ascitis, Gradiente colesterol suero-ascitis, y citología del líquido ascítico. Los resultados se obtuvieron a travéz de análisis de frecuencias, chi cuadrado y prueba de Fischer. En nuestro medio niveles de colesterol en líquido ascítico mayores de 80 mg/dl se asociaron al diagnóstico de malignidad