Predictors for liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic patients with psoriatic diseases: A multicenter cross sectional-study.

Psoriasis has been related to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and, liver fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of liver fibrosis in psoriasis and identify predictors for fibrosis. This is a cross-sectional study conducted from December 2012 to June 2016 assessing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients attended at four centers in Mexico City. Data regarding history of the skin disease, previous and current medication, and previously diagnosed liver disease was collected. Liver fibrosis was assessed with four different non-invasive methods (FIB4, APRI, NAFLD score and elastography). We compared data based on the presence of fibrosis. Adjusted-logistic regression models were performed to estimate OR and 95% CI. A total of 160 patients were included. The prevalence of significant fibrosis using elastography was 25% (n = 40), and 7.5% (n = 12) for advanced fibrosis. Patients with fibrosis had higher prevalence of obesity (60% vs 30.8%, P = 0.04), type 2 diabetes (40% vs 27.5%, P = 0.003), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels (70.8±84.4 vs. 40.1±39.2, P = 0.002), and lower platelets (210.7±58.9 vs. 242.8±49.7, P = 0.0009). Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index (OR1.11, 95%CI 1.02-1.21), type 2 diabetes (OR 3.44, 95%CI 1.2-9.88), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (OR 1.01, 95%CI1-1.02) were associated with the presence of fibrosis. The use of methotrexate was not associated. Patients with psoriasis are at higher risk of fibrosis. Metabolic dysfunction, rather than solely the use of hepatotoxic drugs, likely plays a major role; it may be beneficial to consider elastography regardless of the treatment used. Metabolic factors should be assessed, and lifestyle modification should be encouraged.

Changes in substance use among adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Guatemala.

Objectives: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 16th, schools had to be closed in Guatemala and went to online teaching. We sought to analyze the change in substance use among high school students in Guatemala associated with the lockdown. Methods: Data from two surveys (2019, n=2096, and 2020, n=1606) of a student cohort in private high schools in Guatemala City was used. Logistic models for past 30-day cigarette, e-cigarette, marijuana, and alcohol (including binge drinking) were used, regressing these on survey wave, while adjusting for sex, scholastic performance, high school year of student, parental education, substance use, and household member tobacco use. Results: Prevalence declined for smoking (10% to 3%, p<0.001), e-cigarette (31% to 14%, p<0.001), marijuana (4.3% to 1.9%, p<0.001), and alcohol use (47% to 38.5%, p<0.001), and binge drinking (24% to 13%, p<0.001). Adjusted models showed wave 2 associated with lower odds of using cigarettes (AOR=0.44, 95%CI=0.32-0.62), e-cigarettes (AOR=0.41, 95% CI=0.35-0.49, p<0.001), and binge drinking (AOR=0.73, 95%CI=0.59-0.89; p=0.002). Conclusion: Among Guatemalan adolescents, COVID-19 restrictions were associated with a significant decrease in smoking, e-cigarette use, and binge drinking.

Factors Associated With the Changes in Smoking and Electronic cigarette use in Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis.

PURPOSE: Explore the factors associated with the changes in smoking and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and susceptibility among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We surveyed a cohort of students (7th-12th grade) from private schools in Guatemala. Baseline (May-September 2019) was conducted in-person and follow-up (June-November 2020) online during the lockdown. Separate Generalized Estimating Equations logistic models regressed current smoking (n = 3,729), current e-cigarette use (n = 3,729), smoking susceptibility among never-smokers (n = 2,596), and susceptibility to e-cigarette use among never-users (n = 1,597) on online ad exposure, visiting stores, social network smoking/e-cigarette use, substance use (alcohol, marihuana, and cigarette or e-cigarette), perceived harm of using cigarettes/e-cigarettes, sociodemographic characteristics, and survey wave. Interactions were assessed between time and ad exposures, friends smoking and e-cigarette use. RESULTS: Frequency of store visits, exposure to online ads, and the use of cigarette and e-cigarette lowered at follow-up. Online e-cigarette ads, having family and friends who smoke, and current e-cigarette use increased the likelihood of being a current smoker. Frequent exposure to online e-cigarette ads, having family who use e-cigarettes, and being a current smoker were associated with higher likelihood of current e-cigarette use. Exposure to either online ads or having friends that smoke or use e-cigarettes, increased susceptibility to using either product. Interaction results showed that high exposure to online e-cigarette ads overtime increased the susceptibility to use e-cigarettes. DISCUSSION: Exposure to online ads and friends and family cigarette and e-cigarette use increased adolescent consumption and susceptibility during the pandemic.

Chemicals in cigarette flavor capsules from Guatemala and Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The global market share for cigarettes with flavor capsules has grown exponentially over the last decade, particularly in Latin America. When smoking, consumers crush a liquid capsule in the filter that flavors the smoke. Little is known about the chemical constituents of the liquids in capsules or their potential health risks. METHODS: Based on consumer data and availability in Mexico and Guatemala, 31 flavor capsule brands were purchased (19 and 12, respectively) in 2020. Since some cigarettes included multiple capsules in a stick (up to 2) or pack (up to 4), the final analytic sample included 50 capsules. We conducted qualitative and quantitative analysis using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS, Agilent Technologies, Inc.). RESULTS: The qualitative analysis detected 296 compounds (range=9 to 67 per capsule), and all capsules contained menthol. Among the compounds detected in more than half the sample were limonene, menthone, benzaldehyde, eucalyptol and triacetin. Traces of nicotine were found in 22% of the capsules. In the quantitative analysis, menthol concentrations were 33 times greater than the next most common compound (limonene). Benzyl alcohol and vanillin were also found in high concentrations. Comparing same brand varieties across countries showed substantial variability in the concentration of menthol and other compounds. CONCLUSION: Menthol is an omnipresent constituent in capsule cigarettes, perhaps because of its anesthetizing and reinforcing addictive properties. Other compounds found are toxic, potentially carcinogenic, and may enhance addictiveness. Variance in the presence and concentrations of such compounds highlights the importance of product standards to regulate capsule content. IMPLICATIONS: This study evaluated the chemical content of capsule cigarettes from two Latin American countries that have two of the highest market shares for capsule cigarettes worldwide. Compared to other studies, our assessment included brand varieties from two countries to compare the differences in chemical content by country. Our results yield that menthol is found in all capsules, and that other chemicals found may prolong nicotine exposure and therefore reinforce the addictive properties of cigarettes.

Association of service facilities and amenities with adolescent birth rates in Mexican cities.

BACKGROUND: The association of the built environment and the structural availability of services/amenities with adolescent birth rates (ABR) has been overlooked in Latin America. We investigated the association of the availability, and changes in the availability, of services/amenities with ABR in 92 Mexican cities. METHODS: We estimated ABR using data on live birth registration linked to municipality of residence at the time of birth from 2008-2017. The number of services/amenities were obtained from the National Statistical Directory of Economic Units in 2010, 2015, and 2020 and grouped as follows: education, health care, pharmacies, recreation, and on- and off-premises alcohol outlets. Data were linearly interpolated to obtain yearly estimates. We estimated densities per square km by municipality. We fitted negative binomial hybrid models, including a random intercept for municipality and city, and adjusted for other social environment variables. RESULTS: After adjustment a 1-unit increase in the density of recreation facilities, pharmacies, and off-premises alcohol outlets within municipalities was associated with a 5%, 4% and 12% decrease in ABR, respectively. Municipalities with higher density of education, recreational and health care facilities had a lower ABR; in contrast, municipalities with a higher density of on-premises alcohol experienced a higher ABR. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the importance of economic drivers and the need to invest in infrastructure, such as pharmacies, medical facilities, schools, and recreation areas and limit the availability of alcohol outlets to increase the impact of current adolescent pregnancy prevention programs.

Presión arterial en recién nacidos sanos de término y pretérmino tardío en la Ciudad de México / Blood pressure in healthy term and late preterm newborns in Mexico City

Resumen Objetivo: Describir medidas de presión arterial sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD) y media (PAM) en recién nacidos sanos de término y pretérmino tardío para establecer parámetros de normalidad. Método: Estudio transversal realizado en el cunero fisiológico del Hospital Español, Ciudad de México. Se incluyeron 551 pacientes recién nacidos sanos. Las tomas de PA fueron realizadas dentro de las primeras 48 horas de vida con método oscilométrico. Posterior a la evaluación de normalidad, se realizó un análisis descriptivo de la población y cálculo de percentiles (25, 50 y 75) específicos para cada semana de gestación. Todos los análisis fueron realizados en STATA v14.2. Resultados: Los recién nacidos de sexo masculino tuvieron un valor medio de PAS de 64.6 mmHg en la semana 35 de gestación, este valor aumentó a 69.8 mmHg en la semana 40. El valor de la PAD fue de 42.6 mmHg en la semana 35 de gestación, disminuyendo a 40.8 mmHg para la semana 40. Los valores medios de PAS en los recién nacidos de sexo femenino fueron de 65.5 mmHg en la semana 35, teniendo un incremento a 73.5 mmHg en la semana 40. El valor de la PAD en la semana 35 de gestación fue 38 mmHg, incrementando a 41.3 mmHg en la semana 40. Conclusiones: Los valores de PA en recién nacidos sanos se modifican con la edad gestacional y el sexo. Estos resultados pueden servir como referencia para otros médicos ubicados en países o ciudades con alturas similares a la Ciudad de México.

Abstract Objective: Describe the measurements of systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure in healthy term and late preterm newborns to establish normal values. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in the nursery of the Hospital Español, located in Mexico City. A sample of 551 healthy newborns were included in the study. Blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken within the first 48 hours of life with the oscillometric method. After the evaluation of normality, a descriptive analysis of the population and calculation of percentiles (25, 50 and 75) specific for each week of gestation was performed. All analyzes were performed in STATA v14.2. Results: Male newborns had a mean SBP value of 64.6 mmHg at week 35 of gestation, this value increased to 69.8 mmHg at week 40; the systolic blood pressure (SBP) value was 42.6 mmHg at week 35 of gestation, which decreased to 40.8 mmHg at week 40. The mean SBP values in female newborns were 65.5 mmHg at week 35, increasing to 73.5 mmHg at week 40; the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) value at week 35 of gestation was 38 mmHg, increasing to 41.3 mmHg at week 40. Conclusions: The BP values in healthy newborns are modified by the gestational age and sex of the patients. These results can serve as a reference for other physicians located in countries or cities with a similar altitude than the one in Mexico City.

Blood pressure in healthy term and late preterm newborns in Mexico City.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the measurements of systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure in healthy term and late preterm newborns to establish normal values. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out in the nursery of the Hospital Español, located in Mexico City. A sample of 551 healthy newborns were included in the study. Blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken within the first 48 hours of life with the oscillometric method. After the evaluation of normality, a descriptive analysis of the population and calculation of percentiles (25, 50 and 75) specific for each week of gestation was performed. All analyzes were performed in STATA v14.2. RESULTS: Male newborns had a mean SBP value of 64.6 mmHg at week 35 of gestation, this value increased to 69.8 mmHg at week 40; the systolic blood pressure (SBP) value was 42.6 mmHg at week 35 of gestation, which decreased to 40.8 mmHg at week 40. The mean SBP values in female newborns were 65.5 mmHg at week 35, increasing to 73.5 mmHg at week 40; the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) value at week 35 of gestation was 38 mmHg, increasing to 41.3 mmHg at week 40. CONCLUSIONS: The BP values in healthy newborns are modified by the gestational age and sex of the patients. These results can serve as a reference for other physicians located in countries or cities with a similar altitude than the one in Mexico City.

OBJETIVO: Describir medidas de presión arterial sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD) y media (PAM) en recién nacidos sanos de término y pretérmino tardío para establecer parámetros de normalidad. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal realizado en el cunero fisiológico del Hospital Español, Ciudad de México. Se incluyeron 551 pacientes recién nacidos sanos. Las tomas de PA fueron realizadas dentro de las primeras 48 horas de vida con método oscilométrico. Posterior a la evaluación de normalidad, se realizó un análisis descriptivo de la población y cálculo de percentiles (25, 50 y 75) específicos para cada semana de gestación. Todos los análisis fueron realizados en STATA v14.2. RESULTADOS: Los recién nacidos de sexo masculino tuvieron un valor medio de PAS de 64.6 mmHg en la semana 35 de gestación, este valor aumentó a 69.8 mmHg en la semana 40. El valor de la PAD fue de 42.6 mmHg en la semana 35 de gestación, disminuyendo a 40.8 mmHg para la semana 40. Los valores medios de PAS en los recién nacidos de sexo femenino fueron de 65.5 mmHg en la semana 35, teniendo un incremento a 73.5 mmHg en la semana 40. El valor de la PAD en la semana 35 de gestación fue 38 mmHg, incrementando a 41.3 mmHg en la semana 40. CONCLUSIONES: Los valores de PA en recién nacidos sanos se modifican con la edad gestacional y el sexo. Estos resultados pueden servir como referencia para otros médicos ubicados en países o ciudades con alturas similares a la Ciudad de México.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: Transient elastography compared to liver biopsy for staging of liver fibrosis in primary biliary cholangitis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease, with 60% of patients being asymptomatic at diagnosis and 30% progressing rapidly into liver fibrosis. Liver biopsy is standard for staging fibrosis, but performance of non-invasive methods such as transient elastography (TE) have not been evaluated. We conducted a meta-analysis of articles up to May 2022 to evaluate the performance of TE compared with liver biopsy in adult patients with PBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two reviewers performed the search and assessed which articles were included. The quality of each study was evaluated according to QUADAS-2 and NOS. Meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity was conducted with a bivariate random-effects model. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, ID CRD42020199915. RESULTS: Four studies involving 377 patients were included. Only stages F3 and F4 were computed in the meta-analysis. TE had a pooled sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 92% for stage F3 and a pooled sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 94% for stage F4. The AUROC curves were 0.91 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.88-0.93) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.96-0.98) for stages F3 and F4, respectively. The mean cut-off points of TE for stage F3 were 9.28 kPa (95% CI 4.98-13.57) and for stage F4 were 15.2 kPa (95% CI 7.02-23.37). CONCLUSIONS: TE performance compared with liver biopsy in adult patients with PBC was excellent for staging liver fibrosis and was able to rule out cirrhosis in clinical practice.

Gender inequality, women's empowerment, and adolescent birth rates in 363 Latin American cities.

BACKGROUND: Gender inequality is high in Latin America (LA). Empowering girls and young women and reducing gender gaps has been proposed as a pathway to reduce adolescent pregnancy. We investigated the associations of urban measures of women's empowerment and gender inequality with adolescent birth rates (ABR) in 366 Latin American cities in nine countries. METHODS: We created a gender inequality index (GII) and three Women Achievement scores reflecting domains of women's empowerment (employment, education, and health care access) using censuses, surveys, and political participation data at city and sub-city levels. We used 3-level negative binomial models (sub-city-city-countries) to assess the association between the GII and scores, with ABR while accounting for other city and sub-city characteristics. RESULTS: We found within country heterogeneity in gender inequality and women's empowerment measures. The ABR was 4% higher for each 1 standard deviation (1-SD) higher GII (RR 1.04; 95%CI 1.01,1.06), 8% lower for each SD higher autonomy score (RR 0.92; 95%CI 0.86, 0.99), and 12% lower for each SD health care access score (RR 0.88; 95%CI 0.82,0.95) after adjustment for city level population size, population growth, homicide rates, and sub-city population educational attainment and living conditions scores. CONCLUSION: Our findings show the key role cities have in reducing ABR through the implementation of strategies that foster women's socioeconomic progress such as education, employment, and health care access.

Adolescent birth rates and the urban social environment in 363 Latin American cities.

INTRODUCTION: Latin America has the second-highest adolescent birth rate (ABR) worldwide. Variation between urban and rural areas and evidence linking country development to ABR points towards upstream factors in the causal pathway. We investigated variation in ABR within and between cities, and whether different features of urban social environments are associated with ABR. METHODS: We included 363 cities in 9 Latin American countries. We collected data on social environment at country, city and subcity levels and birth rates among adolescents (ages 15-19). We investigated variation in ABR within and between countries and cities along with associations between social environment and ABR by fitting three-level negative binomial models (subcities nested within cities nested within countries). RESULTS: The median subcity ABR was 58.5 per 1000 women 15-19 (IQR 43.0-75.3). We found significant variability in subcity ABR between countries and cities (37% of variance between countries and 47% between cities within countries). Higher homicide rates and greater population growth in cities were associated with higher ABR (rate ratio (RR) 1.09; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.12 and RR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.04, per SD, respectively), while better living conditions and educational attainment in subcities were associated with lower ABR after accounting for other social environment characteristics (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.92 to 0.98 and 0.78; 95% CI 0.76 to 0.79, per SD, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The large heterogeneity of ABR found within countries and cities highlights the key role urban areas have in developing local policies. Holistic interventions targeting education inequalities and living conditions are likely important to reducing ABR in cities.

The fallacy of science is science: the impact of conflict of interest in vaping articles

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To explore the association between reporting conflict of interest (COI) and having a positive outcome toward vaping in scientific articles. Methods. A cross-sectional study that analyzed a sample of 697 articles published between 2017 and 2020 regarding vaping. Information on the reporting of COI, type of COI (no conflict, conflict with the tobacco industry, pharmaceutical industry, or other), and country of publication were collected. To explore the association between reporting COI and having a positive result for vaping, two logistic regression models were fitted, both adjusted by country of publication. Results. From 88 articles that reported COI, 23 reported COI with the tobacco industry, 44 with the pharmaceutical industry, and 21 reported another type of conflict. We found that reporting any type of COI increased by 4.7 times the odds (OR 4.70; 95% CI [2.89, 7.65]) of having a positive result for vaping. Additionally, compared to other countries, manuscripts published in England had 2 times higher odds (OR 2.40; 95% CI [1.16, 4.98]) of reporting a positive result for vaping. Reporting COI with the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries increased the odds of favorable results by 29 times (OR 29.95; 95% CI [9.84, 90.98]) and 2 times (OR 2.87; 95% CI [1.45, 5.69]), respectively. Conclusions. In scientific articles, reporting COI and having positive results for vaping are highly associated. COI should be considered and caution should be exercised when using data for policy-making.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Explorar la relación entre notificar la existencia de conflictos de intereses y tener un resultado positivo con respecto al vapeo en los artículos científicos. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal que analizó una muestra de 697 artículos sobre vapeo publicados entre 2017 y 2020. Se recopiló información sobre la notificación de la existencia de conflictos de intereses, los tipos de conflicto (sin conflicto o conflicto con la industria tabacalera, con la industria farmacéutica o con otras industrias) y el país de publicación. Para explorar la relación entre notificar la existencia de conflictos de intereses y tener un resultado positivo respecto del vapeo, se adaptaron dos modelos de regresión logística, y ambos se ajustaron por país de publicación. Resultados. De los 88 artículos en los que se notificó la existencia de conflictos de intereses, 23 informaron sobre conflictos de intereses con la industria tabacalera, 44 sobre conflictos con la industria farmacéutica y 21 sobre otros tipos de conflicto. Se determinó que la notificación de cualquier tipo de conflicto de intereses incrementó en 4,7 veces las probabilidades (OR 4,70; IC del 95 % [2,89; 7,65]) de obtener un resultado positivo con respecto al vapeo. Además, en comparación con otros países, los artículos publicados en Inglaterra mostraron probabilidades 2 veces más altas (OR 2,40; IC del 95 % [1,16; 4,98]) de comunicar un resultado positivo respecto del vapeo. Informar sobre la existencia de conflictos de intereses con las industrias tabacalera y farmacéutica multiplicó las probabilidades de resultados favorables por 29 (OR 29,95; IC del 95 % [9,84; 90,98]) y por 2 (OR 2,87; IC del 95% [1,45; 5,69]), respectivamente. Conclusiones. En los artículos científicos, existe una clara relación entre notificar la existencia de conflictos de intereses y tener un resultado positivo con respecto al vapeo. Se debe considerar el conflicto de intereses y actuar con precaución al emplear estos datos para la formulación de políticas.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Examinar a associação entre declarar conflitos de interesses e obter resultados favoráveis sobre os cigarros eletrônicos em artigos científicos. Métodos. Estudo transversal que analisou uma amostra de 697 artigos sobre cigarros eletrônicos publicados entre 2017 e 2020. Foram coletadas informações sobre a declaração de conflito de interesses, tipo de conflito (ausência de conflito, conflito com a indústria tabagista ou farmacêutica, ou outras formas de conflito) e o país de publicação do estudo. Dois modelos de regressão logística foram criados, com ajuste por país de publicação, para examinar a associação entre declarar conflitos de interesses e obter resultados favoráveis para os cigarros eletrônicos. Resultados. De 88 artigos que continham a declaração de conflitos de interesses, 23 informaram conflitos com a indústria tabagista, 44 com a indústria farmacêutica e 21 outras formas de conflito. Declarar qualquer tipo de conflito de interesses foi associado a uma probabilidade 4,7 vezes maior (OR 4,70; IC 95% [2,89, 7,65]) de obter resultados favoráveis aos cigarros eletrônicos. Quanto aos países de publicação, verificou-se uma probabilidade duas vezes maior de os artigos publicados na Inglaterra (OR 2,40; IC 95% [1,16, 4,98]) informarem resultados favoráveis para os cigarros eletrônicos. Quando se declarou o conflito de interesses com as indústrias tabagista e farmacêutica, a chance de resultados favoráveis nos estudos foi 29 vezes maior (OR 29,95; IC 95% [9,84, 90,98]) e 2 vezes maior (OR 2,87; IC 95% [1,45, 5,69]), respectivamente. Conclusões. Observa-se uma forte associação entre declarar o conflito de interesses e obter resultados favoráveis para os cigarros eletrônicos em artigos científicos. O conflito de interesses deve ser levado em consideração, recomendando-se cautela ao utilizar os dados de estudos na formulação de políticas.

Soft drink and non-caloric soft drink intake and their association with blood pressure: the Health Workers Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: A few prospective studies have investigated the potential association of soft drink and non-caloric soft drink intake with high blood pressure using methods that adequately consider changes in intake over time and hypertensive status at baseline. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively examine the association of soft drink and non-caloric soft drink intake with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a sample of Mexican adults, overall and by hypertension status. METHODS: We used data from the Health Workers Cohort Study spanning from 2004 to 2018 (n = 1,324 adults). Soft drink and non-caloric soft drink intake were assessed with a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. We fit multivariable-adjusted fixed-effects models to test the association of soft drink and non-caloric soft drink intake with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The models were adjusted for potential confounders and considering the potential modifying effect of hypertension status at baseline. RESULTS: A one-serving increase in soft drink intake was associated with a 2.08 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.21, 3.94) increase in systolic blood pressure and 2.09 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.81, 3.36) increase in diastolic blood pressure over ten years. A stronger association between soft drink intake and diastolic pressure was observed among participants with versus without hypertension at baseline. We found no association between non-caloric soft drink intake and blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the hypothesis that soft drink intake increases blood pressure. While further studies should be conducted to confirm our findings, food policies and recommendations to limit soft drink intake are likely to help reduce blood pressure at the population level. We probably did not find an association between non-caloric soft drink intake and blood pressure because of the low consumption of this type of beverage in the cohort. More studies will be needed to understand the potential effect of non-caloric beverages on blood pressure.

The fallacy of science is science: the impact of conflict of interest in vaping articles.

Objective: To explore the association between reporting conflict of interest (COI) and having a positive outcome toward vaping in scientific articles. Methods: A cross-sectional study that analyzed a sample of 697 articles published between 2017 and 2020 regarding vaping. Information on the reporting of COI, type of COI (no conflict, conflict with the tobacco industry, pharmaceutical industry, or other), and country of publication were collected. To explore the association between reporting COI and having a positive result for vaping, two logistic regression models were fitted, both adjusted by country of publication. Results: From 88 articles that reported COI, 23 reported COI with the tobacco industry, 44 with the pharmaceutical industry, and 21 reported another type of conflict. We found that reporting any type of COI increased by 4.7 times the odds (OR 4.70; 95% CI [2.89, 7.65]) of having a positive result for vaping. Additionally, compared to other countries, manuscripts published in England had 2 times higher odds (OR 2.40; 95% CI [1.16, 4.98]) of reporting a positive result for vaping. Reporting COI with the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries increased the odds of favorable results by 29 times (OR 29.95; 95% CI [9.84, 90.98]) and 2 times (OR 2.87; 95% CI [1.45, 5.69]), respectively. Conclusions: In scientific articles, reporting COI and having positive results for vaping are highly associated. COI should be considered and caution should be exercised when using data for policy-making.

Prevalence of hepatitis C in the adult Mexican population: National Survey of Health and Nutrition 2018.

Background: Hepatitis C is a preventable and treatable disease that has been declared a public health problem. In 2012, the prevalence of HCV serum anti-bodies in the Mexican adult population aged 20 to 49 years was 0·30%. Methods: We randomly selected a probabilistic sub-sample of 12,389 adults (20+ years) from adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2018 who provided a venous blood sample. Anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA were determined for this sub-sample. We estimated the national prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies and the proportion with viral RNA detection and evaluated their association with sociodemographic characteristics for all adults and with sexual behaviours in those aged 20 to 49 years using logistic regression. Findings: The national prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in serum was 0·38% (95%CI 0·24, 0·59) in the population aged 20 years and older; 14·9% of them had viral RNA. In the population aged 20 to 49 years antibody prevalence was 0·23% (95%CI 0·11, 0·48), being higher for males and people living in urban areas. In the population aged 50 years and older, the prevalence was 0·59% (95%CI 0·34, 1·06). Interpretation: The prevalence of antibodies anti-HCV in people aged 20 to 49 years was similar in 2018 than in 2012, suggesting that the prevalence of HCV has remained stable. ENSANUT is a household study and could underestimate the prevalence of HCV. Further efforts must be made to identify cases in non-household populations. Funding: National Institute of Statistics and Geography and National Institute of Public Health of Mexico [CIEE/1807].

Hepatitis B infection in Mexican adults: Results of a nationally representative survey.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death if untreated. In Mexico, HBV vaccination for all children and adolescents was implemented in 1999. In 2000 the estimated HBV was 0.21% in the population aged 20 years and older. We estimated the national prevalence for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and its association with sociodemographic characteristics, including sexual behavior information for those aged 20 to 49 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey, blood samples were collected from a subsample of 2,280 adults to determine HBsAg. We estimated the national prevalence for HBsAg and evaluated its association with sociodemographic characteristics, adding sexual behavior information for those aged 20 to 49 years. We performed a multiple logistic regression to estimate the association of HBsAg and relevant variables. RESULTS: The 2018 estimated prevalence of HBsAg in the Mexican adult population was 0.51% (95%CI 0.19, 2.33), which represents 411,000 cases. This prevalence was higher than previously estimated and it was higher in women than in men (0.54% versus 0.46%, respectively). We did not find an association between HBsAg and sociodemographic characteristics or sexual behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination and screening strategies towards the elimination of viral hepatitis should be reinforced to further reduce the prevalence over the next years.

Equitability of Individual and Population Interventions to Reduce Obesity: A Modeling Study in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Modeling studies have estimated the potential impact and cost effectiveness of interventions to reduce obesity; few have focused on their equity across socioeconomic groups. This study aims to compare the equitability of individual- and population-level interventions to reduce obesity in Mexico. METHODS: Mathematical models were implemented to estimate the expected effect of 2 sugar-sweetened beverage tax scenarios (10% and 20%) and bariatric surgery, pharmacotherapy, and dietary advice as individual interventions to reduce body weight. Individual interventions were modeled using meta-analytical weight change, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the probability of access to healthcare services. For the tax, investigators obtained the baseline consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages from the National Health Survey 2012 and applied the reduction in sales observed in 2016 to estimate the caloric change and weight reduction. Implementation costs and cost per person, per kilogram, and equity were calculated for all interventions over a 1-year timeframe. RESULTS: The 20% tax produced the largest estimated increase (4.50%) in normal BMI prevalence, was the most cost effective, and had the largest and most equitable decrease in obesity across socioeconomic categories. Pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery produced sizable decreases in obesity prevalence (3.68% and 1.18%), particularly among the middle and high socioeconomic groups, whereas dietary advice had the lowest impact on normal and obese categories. CONCLUSIONS: Individual interventions were effective in reducing obesity; yet, they were more expensive and less equitable than population interventions. Obesity in Mexico affects all socioeconomic groups; available interventions need to be carefully analyzed to tailor a national strategy that is both effective and equitable.

The fallacy of science is science: the impact of conflict of interest in vaping articles / La falacia de la ciencia es la ciencia: el efecto del conflicto de intereses en los artículos sobre el vapeo / A falácia da ciência é ciência: o impacto do conflito de interesses em artigos sobre cigarros eletrônicos

ABSTRACT Objective. To explore the association between reporting conflict of interest (COI) and having a positive outcome toward vaping in scientific articles. Methods. A cross-sectional study that analyzed a sample of 697 articles published between 2017 and 2020 regarding vaping. Information on the reporting of COI, type of COI (no conflict, conflict with the tobacco industry, pharmaceutical industry, or other), and country of publication were collected. To explore the association between reporting COI and having a positive result for vaping, two logistic regression models were fitted, both adjusted by country of publication. Results. From 88 articles that reported COI, 23 reported COI with the tobacco industry, 44 with the pharmaceutical industry, and 21 reported another type of conflict. We found that reporting any type of COI increased by 4.7 times the odds (OR 4.70; 95% CI [2.89, 7.65]) of having a positive result for vaping. Additionally, compared to other countries, manuscripts published in England had 2 times higher odds (OR 2.40; 95% CI [1.16, 4.98]) of reporting a positive result for vaping. Reporting COI with the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries increased the odds of favorable results by 29 times (OR 29.95; 95% CI [9.84, 90.98]) and 2 times (OR 2.87; 95% CI [1.45, 5.69]), respectively. Conclusions. In scientific articles, reporting COI and having positive results for vaping are highly associated. COI should be considered and caution should be exercised when using data for policy-making.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Explorar la relación entre notificar la existencia de conflictos de intereses y tener un resultado positivo con respecto al vapeo en los artículos científicos. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal que analizó una muestra de 697 artículos sobre vapeo publicados entre 2017 y 2020. Se recopiló información sobre la notificación de la existencia de conflictos de intereses, los tipos de conflicto (sin conflicto o conflicto con la industria tabacalera, con la industria farmacéutica o con otras industrias) y el país de publicación. Para explorar la relación entre notificar la existencia de conflictos de intereses y tener un resultado positivo respecto del vapeo, se adaptaron dos modelos de regresión logística, y ambos se ajustaron por país de publicación. Resultados. De los 88 artículos en los que se notificó la existencia de conflictos de intereses, 23 informaron sobre conflictos de intereses con la industria tabacalera, 44 sobre conflictos con la industria farmacéutica y 21 sobre otros tipos de conflicto. Se determinó que la notificación de cualquier tipo de conflicto de intereses incrementó en 4,7 veces las probabilidades (OR 4,70; IC del 95 % [2,89; 7,65]) de obtener un resultado positivo con respecto al vapeo. Además, en comparación con otros países, los artículos publicados en Inglaterra mostraron probabilidades 2 veces más altas (OR 2,40; IC del 95 % [1,16; 4,98]) de comunicar un resultado positivo respecto del vapeo. Informar sobre la existencia de conflictos de intereses con las industrias tabacalera y farmacéutica multiplicó las probabilidades de resultados favorables por 29 (OR 29,95; IC del 95 % [9,84; 90,98]) y por 2 (OR 2,87; IC del 95% [1,45; 5,69]), respectivamente. Conclusiones. En los artículos científicos, existe una clara relación entre notificar la existencia de conflictos de intereses y tener un resultado positivo con respecto al vapeo. Se debe considerar el conflicto de intereses y actuar con precaución al emplear estos datos para la formulación de políticas.

RESUMO Objetivo. Examinar a associação entre declarar conflitos de interesses e obter resultados favoráveis sobre os cigarros eletrônicos em artigos científicos. Métodos. Estudo transversal que analisou uma amostra de 697 artigos sobre cigarros eletrônicos publicados entre 2017 e 2020. Foram coletadas informações sobre a declaração de conflito de interesses, tipo de conflito (ausência de conflito, conflito com a indústria tabagista ou farmacêutica, ou outras formas de conflito) e o país de publicação do estudo. Dois modelos de regressão logística foram criados, com ajuste por país de publicação, para examinar a associação entre declarar conflitos de interesses e obter resultados favoráveis para os cigarros eletrônicos. Resultados. De 88 artigos que continham a declaração de conflitos de interesses, 23 informaram conflitos com a indústria tabagista, 44 com a indústria farmacêutica e 21 outras formas de conflito. Declarar qualquer tipo de conflito de interesses foi associado a uma probabilidade 4,7 vezes maior (OR 4,70; IC 95% [2,89, 7,65]) de obter resultados favoráveis aos cigarros eletrônicos. Quanto aos países de publicação, verificou-se uma probabilidade duas vezes maior de os artigos publicados na Inglaterra (OR 2,40; IC 95% [1,16, 4,98]) informarem resultados favoráveis para os cigarros eletrônicos. Quando se declarou o conflito de interesses com as indústrias tabagista e farmacêutica, a chance de resultados favoráveis nos estudos foi 29 vezes maior (OR 29,95; IC 95% [9,84, 90,98]) e 2 vezes maior (OR 2,87; IC 95% [1,45, 5,69]), respectivamente. Conclusões. Observa-se uma forte associação entre declarar o conflito de interesses e obter resultados favoráveis para os cigarros eletrônicos em artigos científicos. O conflito de interesses deve ser levado em consideração, recomendando-se cautela ao utilizar os dados de estudos na formulação de políticas.

Prevalence of Covid-19 sequelae in the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2020 / Secuelas de Covid-19: Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2020

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the prevalence of Covid-19 sequelae and its association with sociodemographic and medical care characteristics. Materials and methods: Mexican adults that experienced Covid-19 symptoms and were seropositive to the N-protein of Sars-CoV-2 in the Ensanut 2020 responded to a question regarding sequelae. Associations were estimated using Poisson regression. Results: The prevalence of sequelae was 15.7%, being higher for people with higher education and who were hospitalized or treated at an emergency room during the acute Covid-19 phase. Conclusions: Self-reported sequelae associated to Covid-19 was frequent. Covid-19 sequelae could represent an important challenge for the health system and the Mexican society.

Resumen: Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de secuelas para Covid-19 y su asociación con características sociodemográficas y de atención médica. Material y métodos: Adultos mexicanos que experimentaron síntomas de Covid-19 y fueron seropositivos a la proteina N del SARS-CoV-2 respondieron una pregunta sobre secuelas. Se estimaron las asociaciones mediante regresión Poisson. Resultados: La prevalencia de secuelas fue de 15.7%, siendo mayor en personas con alto nivel educativo y que recibieron atención hospitalaria o de urgencia durante la fase aguda de Covid-19. Conclusiones: El autorreporte de secuelas asociadas con Covid-19 fue frecuente. Las secuelas por Covid-19 podrían representar un reto importante para el sistema de salud y la sociedad mexicana.

Right ventricular anatomical and functional parameters in healthy Mexican term newborns / Parámetros anatómicos y funcionales del ventrículo derecho en recién nacidos Mexicanos sanos

Abstract Objective: Right ventricle (RV) function plays an important role during fetal and neonatal transitional circulation. Despite the published echocardiography guidelines in children including neonates, there is scare evidence on RV assessment using echocardiography in Mexican neonates. This study was aimed at assessing RV function and anatomical measures in healthy term newborns and defines normal values in this cohort of patients. Methods: A prospective study involving healthy term newborns in a single center were enrolled in the study to assess RV, all patients were recruited within 24-72 h after birth. The right ventricular assessment was performed as per American Society of Echocardiography's guidelines. Results: Seventy healthy term newborns with a median gestational age of 38 (38.5 ± 2.7) weeks had RV function assessment and anatomical structures measures with a predefined ten echocardiographic parameters protocol. The mean values for: tricuspid valve diameter was 13 mm ± 1.8, basal diameter of the RV 16.7 mm ± 2, RV length 27.8 mm ± 2.2, mid cavity diameter 14.3 mm ± 1.7, RV-anteroinferior basal diameter 21.5 mm ± 2.5, tricuspid regurgitation gradient 13.3 mmHg ± 5.9, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 8.7 mm, right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) 4 chamber (%) 40.6 ± 7.5, tricuspid E/A 0.7 ± 0.5, myocardial velocities (cm/s) E´ 8 ± 2.7, A´ 9.6 ± 2.4, S´ 6.9 ± 1.2, myocardial performance index 0.5 ± 0.1, RVFAC 3 chamber (%) 37.8 ± 15.8, and pulmonary acceleration time mean value 58.8 ± 14.9. Flattening of interventricular septum was seen in 13% infants. Conclusions: This study describes echocardiographic parameters for anatomical structures and assessment of RV function in healthy term newborns during transitional circulation. We reported novel anatomical measures of the RV; this information can provide normal reference range values and be referenced while assessing RV function in normal and sick newborns during transitional circulation.

Resumen Objetivo: Realizar una valoración ecocardiográfica de parámetros anatómicos y funcionales del ventrículo derecho (VD) en recién nacidos de término (RNT) sanos durante el periodo transicional. Método: Estudio prospectivo en RNT sanos de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales del Hospital Español. Todos los pacientes fueron estudiados en las primeras 24-72 horas de vida, con base en las guías de la American Society of Echocardiography. Resultados: Se estudiaron 70 RNT sanos con una media de edad gestacional de 38 semanas de gestación (38.5 ± 2.7); en estos pacientes se obtuvieron 10 parámetros ecocardiográficos. El valor medio obtenido para la válvula tricúspide fue de 13 ± 1.8 mm, diámetro basal del VD 16.7 ± 2 mm, longitud 27.8 ± 2.2 mm, cavidad media del VD 14.3 ± 1.7 mm, diámetro basal anteroinferior 21.5 ± 2.5 mm, gradiente de insuficiencia tricuspídea 13.3 ± 5.9 mmHg, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) 8.7 mm, Fracción de acortamiento del VD (FAVD) 4 cámaras (%) 40.6 ± 7.5, E/A tricuspídeo 0.7 ± 0.5, velocidades miocárdicas (cm/s) E´ 8 ± 2.7, A´ 9.6 ± 2.4, S´ 6.9 ± 1.2, índice de rendimiento miocárdico 0.5 ± 0.1, FAVD 3 cámaras (%) 37.8 ± 15.8, tiempo de aceleración pulmonar 58.8 ± 14.9. Conclusiones: Este estudio describe parámetros anatómicos y funcionales del VD en RNT sanos durante el periodo de transición. Se reportan valores de normalidad que pueden servir como referencia.

Right ventricular anatomical and functional parameters in healthy Mexican term newborns.

OBJECTIVE: Right ventricle (RV) function plays an important role during fetal and neonatal transitional circulation. Despite the published echocardiography guidelines in children including neonates, there is scare evidence on RV assessment using echocardiography in Mexican neonates. This study was aimed at assessing RV function and anatomical measures in healthy term newborns and defines normal values in this cohort of patients. METHODS: A prospective study involving healthy term newborns in a single center were enrolled in the study to assess RV, all patients were recruited within 24-72 h after birth. The right ventricular assessment was performed as per American Society of Echocardiography's guidelines. RESULTS: Seventy healthy term newborns with a median gestational age of 38 (38.5 ± 2.7) weeks had RV function assessment and anatomical structures measures with a predefined ten echocardiographic parameters protocol. The mean values for: tricuspid valve diameter was 13 mm ± 1.8, basal diameter of the RV 16.7 mm ± 2, RV length 27.8 mm ± 2.2, mid cavity diameter 14.3 mm ± 1.7, RV-anteroinferior basal diameter 21.5 mm ± 2.5, tricuspid regurgitation gradient 13.3 mmHg ± 5.9, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 8.7 mm, right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) 4 chamber (%) 40.6 ± 7.5, tricuspid E/A 0.7 ± 0.5, myocardial velocities (cm/s) E´ 8 ± 2.7, A´ 9.6 ± 2.4, S´ 6.9 ± 1.2, myocardial performance index 0.5 ± 0.1, RVFAC 3 chamber (%) 37.8 ± 15.8, and pulmonary acceleration time mean value 58.8 ± 14.9. Flattening of interventricular septum was seen in 13% infants. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes echocardiographic parameters for anatomical structures and assessment of RV function in healthy term newborns during transitional circulation. We reported novel anatomical measures of the RV; this information can provide normal reference range values and be referenced while assessing RV function in normal and sick newborns during transitional circulation.

OBJETIVO: Realizar una valoración ecocardiográfica de parámetros anatómicos y funcionales del ventrículo derecho (VD) en recién nacidos de término (RNT) sanos durante el periodo transicional. MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo en RNT sanos de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales del Hospital Español. Todos los pacientes fueron estudiados en las primeras 24-72 horas de vida, con base en las guías de la American Society of Echocardiography. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 70 RNT sanos con una media de edad gestacional de 38 semanas de gestación (38.5 ± 2.7); en estos pacientes se obtuvieron 10 parámetros ecocardiográficos. El valor medio obtenido para la válvula tricúspide fue de 13 ± 1.8 mm, diámetro basal del VD 16.7 ± 2 mm, longitud 27.8 ± 2.2 mm, cavidad media del VD 14.3 ± 1.7 mm, diámetro basal anteroinferior 21.5 ± 2.5 mm, gradiente de insuficiencia tricuspídea 13.3 ± 5.9 mmHg, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) 8.7 mm, Fracción de acortamiento del VD (FAVD) 4 cámaras (%) 40.6 ± 7.5, E/A tricuspídeo 0.7 ± 0.5, velocidades miocárdicas (cm/s) E´ 8 ± 2.7, A´ 9.6 ± 2.4, S´ 6.9 ± 1.2, índice de rendimiento miocárdico 0.5 ± 0.1, FAVD 3 cámaras (%) 37.8 ± 15.8, tiempo de aceleración pulmonar 58.8 ± 14.9. CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio describe parámetros anatómicos y funcionales del VD en RNT sanos durante el periodo de transición. Se reportan valores de normalidad que pueden servir como referencia.