Analysis of sedentariness in women from a gender and equity perspective.

ABSTRACTThis cross-sectional study aimed to analyse the social and gender-related factors influencing sedentariness in women, including occupation and family size (FS). We included women aged 45-70 years participating in the Breast Cancer Screening Programme of the Valencia Region (BCSP-VR) between November 2018 and October 2019 (n = 121,988). The response variable was sedentariness measured by sitting time in hours/day (h/day) (<3 h/day and ≥3 h/day). The explanatory variables were age, educational level, country of origin, living alone, childcare responsibilities, FS, disability, body mass index (BMI) and smoking status. Logistic regression models were adjusted for the whole sample and were stratified by occupation and FS. The variables that increased the odds of sedentariness were age ≥65 years (OR = 1.28; CI = 1.20-1.36), high educational level (OR = 1.39; CI = 1.31-1.47), non-manual occupation (OR = 2.38; CI = 2.27-2.48), living alone (OR = 1.11; CI = 1.05-1.17), disability (OR = 1.37; CI = 1.20-1.56) and BMI ≥ 30 (OR = 1.33; CI = 1.28-1.38). The variables decreasing the odds were large (OR = 0.90; CI = 0.87-0.96) and medium FS (OR = 0.93; CI = 0.90-0.97). Older age, high educational level and high BMI conferred a higher odd of sedentary lifestyle, independently of occupation and FS with statistical differences. Protective factors were childcare responsibilities in non-working women (OR = 0.86; CI = 0.74-0.99), large FS in women with manual occupations (OR = 0.88; CI = 0.80-0.97) and medium FS in housewives (OR = 0.91; CI = 0.86-0.97). This study identified social and gender-related inequalities in the factors influencing sedentariness, which were related to the type of occupation and FS.Highlights There are social and gender inequalities in the factors influencing sedentarinessNon-manual occupation increases the risk of sedentary lifestyleBelonging to a medium or large family decreases the risk of sedentary behaviourChildcare responsibilities are related to lower sitting time throughout the day.

Social mobility and healthy behaviours from a gender perspective in the Spanish multicase-control study (MCC-Spain).

There is evidence for the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on healthy behaviours but the effect of social mobility (SM) is not yet well known. This study aims to analyse the influence of origin and destination SES (O-SES and D-SES) and SM on healthy behaviours and co-occurrence, from an integrated gender and age perspective. Data were obtained from the controls of MCC-Spain between 2008-2013 (3,606 participants). Healthy behaviours considered: healthy diet, moderate alcohol consumption, non-smoking and physical activity. SM was categorized as stable high, upward, stable medium, downward or stable low. Binary and multinomial logistic regression models were adjusted. Those aged <65, with a low O-SES, D-SES and stable low SM are less likely to have healthy behaviours in the case of both women (physically active: OR = 0.65 CI = 0.45-0.94, OR = 0.71 CI = 0.52-0.98, OR = 0.61 CI = 0.41-0.91) and men (non-smokers: OR = 0.44 CI = 0.26-0.76, OR = 0.54 CI = 0.35-0.83, OR = 0.41 CI 0.24-0.72; physically active: OR = 0.57 CI = 0.35-0.92, OR = 0.64 CI = 0.44-0.95, OR = 0.53 CI = 0.23-0.87). However, for those aged ≥65, this probability is higher in women with a low O-SES and D-SES (non-smoker: OR = 8.09 CI = 4.18-15.67, OR = 4.14 CI = 2.28-7.52; moderate alcohol consumption: OR = 3.00 CI = 1.45-6.24, OR = 2.83 CI = 1.49-5.37) and in men with a stable low SM (physically active: OR = 1.52 CI = 1.02-1.26). In the case of men, the same behaviour pattern is observed in those with a low O-SES as those with upward mobility, with a higher probability of co-occurring behaviours (three-to-four behaviours: OR = 2.00 CI = 1.22-3.29; OR = 3.13 CI = 1.31-7.48). The relationship of O-SES, D-SES and SM with healthy behaviours is complex and differs according to age and gender.

Microftalmia bilateral asociada con quistes orbitarios. Manejo individualizado según el potencial visual. Reporte de caso clínico / Bilateral microphthalmos with bilateral orbital cysts: individualising the treatment according to the visual potential. A case report

Niño de tres meses diagnosticado de microftalmia y quistes orbitarios bilaterales. En la resonancia magnética se objetivó una microftalmia bilateral con quiste moderado en ojo derecho (OD) y quiste severo en ojo izquierdo. La exploración sugería un posible potencial visual del OD. Se decidió solo observación. A los dos años, la exploración mostraba una disminución significativa de los quistes con una agudeza visual de movimiento de manos gracias a la visión residual del OD. La microftalmia con quistes orbitarios es una anomalía congénita rara. Los quistes tienden a crecer con el tiempo. Actualmente no existe un protocolo estandarizado de manejo de esta enfermedad. A diferencia de nuestro caso, la agudeza visual en estos pacientes es normalmente de no percepción de la luz. La observación puede ser una alternativa terapéutica en casos severos ya que existe la posibilidad de una disminución, desplazamiento o regresión espontánea de los quistes

The case is presented of a 3-month-old infant diagnosed with microphthalmos and orbital cysts. Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed a bilateral microphthalmia with a moderate right cyst and a severe left cyst. Visual potential of the right eye was uncertain. Non-surgical treatment was decided. At the age of 2 years old, physical examination showed a significant decrease of the cysts and visual acuity of hand movements due to the residual vision of his right eye. Microphthalmos with orbital cyst is a rare congenital anomaly. Cysts tend to enlarge with time. At the moment, no standard protocol for the management of this pathology has been described. Unlike in our patient, visual acuity in these patients is usually of no-light perception. The observation could be an alternative in severe cases, since there is a possibility of spontaneous reduction, displacement, or regression of the cysts

[Knowledge in the prescription of Physical Exercise by Primary Care professionals in the Region of Murcia]. / Conocimiento en la prescripción de ejercicio físico en los profesionales de atención primaria de la región de Murcia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the Primary Health care professionals prescribe physical exercise (PE) using adequate knowledge criteria. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A comparative cross-sectional descriptive and observational study carried out in 32 health centres in the Region of Murcia. A total of 476 doctors and 327 nurses were included. A questionnaire was administered to all of them, in which the variables analysed were: Level of overall and specific knowledge by blocks of pathologies (lipids, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and generalities) on the prescribing of PE to patients with cardiovascular risk, as well as related variables associated with the quality of prescribing PE. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in knowledge were found in the group that recommends heart rate measurement in «30% to 70%¼ of their patients. Differences in the subgroups were observed in the sections on diabetes (P < 0.05), obesity (P < 0.05), and hypertension (P <0.05). When analysing the knowledge values obtained according to the proportion of patients to whom «very rarely¼ PE time is specified, significant differences are observed (P <0.05), showing doctors with a higher level of knowledge. The differences were accentuated between both professional groups in the group of respondents who specify time to «less than 30%¼ of their patients (P <0.01). There are no differences between those professionals who specify time to «more than 31%¼ of their patients, although the trend shows higher knowledge values among doctors. CONCLUSIONS: The prescription of physical exercise among Primary Care professionals is not carried out using adequate knowledge criteria.

Bilateral microphthalmos with bilateral orbital cysts: individualising the treatment according to the visual potential. A case report. / Microftalmia bilateral asociada con quistes orbitarios. Manejo individualizado según el potencial visual. Reporte de caso clínico.

The case is presented of a 3-month-old infant diagnosed with microphthalmos and orbital cysts. Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed a bilateral microphthalmia with a moderate right cyst and a severe left cyst. Visual potential of the right eye was uncertain. Non-surgical treatment was decided. At the age of 2 years old, physical examination showed a significant decrease of the cysts and visual acuity of hand movements due to the residual vision of his right eye. Microphthalmos with orbital cyst is a rare congenital anomaly. Cysts tend to enlarge with time. At the moment, no standard protocol for the management of this pathology has been described. Unlike in our patient, visual acuity in these patients is usually of no-light perception. The observation could be an alternative in severe cases, since there is a possibility of spontaneous reduction, displacement, or regression of the cysts.

Post-mortem toxicology in the diagnosis of sudden death in young and middle-aged victims.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the impact of the toxicological results found in cases of sudden death (SD) and to correlate the clinical, autopsy and genetic findings with the toxicology results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive SD in people aged between 16 and 50 years with medico-legal autopsies and toxicology studies were included over a 3-year period. The comparison between the toxicological data and demographic characteristics, clinical circumstances, autopsy, and genetic results were taken into account. RESULTS: 101 cases were finally included. They were predominately males (84%) and the mean age was 39.8 years. 52 (51.5%) cases had positive toxicological findings and in 25 cases (24.8%), toxic compounds were considered the first cause of death. Ethanol was the most frequently identified agent (69%), following by licit drugs (56%) and drugs of abuse (39%). Cases with positive toxicology were younger than those with negative results (37.9±9.1 vs. 41.9±7.8; p=0.02). Patients with more than 3 comorbidities showed an association with positive toxicological results (n=14 vs. n=3; p=0.017). The genetic study was performed in 70 (69.3%) SD cases. We identified pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 17.1% cases and uncertain significance variants in 42.8% cases. 58% of these variants were probably related to the cause of death. CONCLUSIONS: A large fraction of SD victims had positive toxicological findings and a quarter of deaths were directly caused by toxic substances. The identification of the factors that trigger SD provides a good approach to contribute in avoiding future episodes.

Estimating Aspergillus fumigatus exposure from outdoor composting activities in England between 2005 and 14.

Bioaerosols, ubiquitous in ambient air, are released in elevated concentrations from composting facilities with open-air processing areas. However, spatial and temporal variability of bioaerosols, particularly in relation to meteorology, is not well understood. Here we model relative concentrations of Aspergillus fumigatus at each postcode-weighted centroid within 4 km of 217 composting facilities in England between 2005 and 2014. Facilities were geocoded with the aid of satellite imagery. Data from existing bioaerosol modelling literature were used to build emission profiles in ADMS. Variation in input parameters between each modelled facility was reduced to a minimum. Meteorological data for each composting facility was derived from the nearest SCAIL-Agriculture validated meteorological station. According to our results, modelled exposure risk was driven primarily by wind speed, direction and time-varying emissions factors incorporating seasonal fluctuations in compostable waste. Modelled A.fumigatus concentrations decreased rapidly from the facility boundary and plateaued beyond 1.5-2.0 km. Where multiple composting facilities were within 4 km of each other, complex exposure risk patterns were evident. More long-term bioaerosol monitoring near facilities is needed to help improve exposure estimation and therefore assessment of any health risks to local populations.

Mortality of women with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: a population-based study from the Girona province, Spain (1994-2013).

PURPOSE: We aim to comprehensively describe the incidence and mortality trends of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the Girona province, Spain (1994-2013) and to estimate the all-cause mortality excess risk of diagnosed women. METHODS: Age-standardized rates of DCIS were estimated between 1994 and 2013. Standard mortality ratios (SMR) and absolute excess mortality were calculated overall and by tumor and patient characteristics. A sensitivity analysis was conducted excluding cases with a subsequent invasive breast cancer (sIBC). RESULTS: Of the 641 women included, 56 died (follow-up time: 8.4 person-years). Between 1994 and 2013, a significant increase in incidence and decrease in mortality was identified among women aged between 50 and 69 years old. Neoplasms and circulatory system disease were the most common causes of death. No excess risk of death was found overall, except for women aged < 50 years (SMR = 3.44, 95% CI 1.85; 6.40) and those with a sIBC (SMR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.26; 5.02), risk that lessened when cases with sIBC were excluded. Patients with sIBC also showed an excess risk (SMR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.03; 5.10). CONCLUSIONS: Among women aged 50-69 years old, incidence of DCIS has significantly increased yet mortality has decreased. Overall, the all-cause mortality risk of women diagnosed with DCIS remains similar to that of the general population except for women diagnosed before age 50 and those with sIBC, who showed a significant increased risk. Differential management of these patients should be considered.

Glycated hemoglobin and sleep apnea syndrome in children: beyond the apnea-hypopnea index.

PURPOSE: Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) are frequent conditions in pediatrics. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) is a useful homeostatic biomarker of glycemia and may reflect alterations deriving from sleep breathing disorders. The aim of this study was to relate the severity of OSA with blood HbA1C levels in children. METHODS: A descriptive observational study in snoring patients was performed. All patients underwent a sleep study and classified either as simple snorers (apnea-hypopnea index; AHI ≤ 1 episodies/h) or as OSA patients (AHI > 1 episodes/h). In the following morning, a blood glycemic profile (fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1C, and the HOMA index) was performed to every individual. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were included. HbA1C levels were shown to be increased in the moderate OSA (AHI > 5 episodes/h) group (5.05 ± 0.25 vs. 5.24 ± 0.29%; p = 0.019). Significant correlations were found between HbA1C values and AHI (r = 0.345; p = 0.016) and also with oxygen desaturation index (r = 0.40; p = 0.005). Correlations remained significant after adjusting by age and body mass index. The AHI-associated change in HbA1C was 13.4% (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: In the pediatric population, HbA1C is a biomarker associated with OSA severity, and this relationship is age- and obesity-independent. The fact that this association was observed in snoring patients could help the physician in the distinction between those patients affected with OSA and those with simple snoring. Therefore, HbA1C measurement could play a major role in the diagnosis and the management of the syndrome.

Presence, characteristics and equity of access to breast cancer screening programmes in 27 European countries in 2010 and 2014. Results from an international survey.

The European Union Council Recommendation of 2 December 2003 on cancer screening suggests the implementation of organised, population-based breast cancer screening programmes based on mammography every other year for women aged 50 to 69years, ensuring equal access to screening, taking into account potential needs for targeting particular socioeconomic groups. A European survey on coverage and participation, and key organisational and policy characteristics of the programmes, targeting years 2010 and 2014, was undertaken in 2014. Overall, 27 countries contributed to this survey, 26 of the 28 European Union member states (92.9%) plus Norway. In 2014, 25 countries reported an ongoing population-based programme, one country reported a pilot programme and another was planning a pilot. In eight countries, the target age range was broader than that proposed by the Council Recommendation, and in three countries the full range was not covered. Fifteen countries reported not reaching some vulnerable populations, such as immigrants, prisoners and people without health insurance, while 22 reported that participation was periodically monitored by socioeconomic variables (e.g. age and territory). Organised, population-based breast cancer screening programmes based on routine mammograms are in place in most EU member states. However, there are still differences in the way screening programmes are implemented, and participation by vulnerable populations should be encouraged.

Evaluation of emerging contaminants in a drinking water treatment plant using electrodialysis reversal technology.

Emerging contaminants (EC) have gained much attention with globally increasing consumption and detection in aquatic ecosystems during the last two decades from ng/L to lower ug/L. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and removal of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and related compounds in a Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) treating raw water from the Mediterranean Llobregat River. The DWTP combined conventional treatment steps with the world's largest electrodialysis reversal (EDR) facility. 49 different PhACs, EDCs and related compounds were found above their limit of quantification in the influent of the DWTP, summing up to a total concentration of ECs between 1600-4200 ng/L. As expected, oxidation using chlorine dioxide and granular activated carbon filters were the most efficient technologies for EC removal. However, despite the low concentration detected in the influent of the EDR process, it was also possible to demonstrate that this process partially removed ionized compounds, thereby constituting an additional barrier against EC pollution in the product. In the product of the EDR system, only 18 out of 49 compounds were quantifiable in at least one of the four experimental campaigns, showing in all cases removals higher than 65% and often beyond 90% for the overall DWTP process.

Colorectal cancer survival by stage of cases diagnosed in Mallorca, Spain, between 2006 and 2011 and factors associated with survival.

OBJECTIVES: To establish cause-specific survival by stage of colorectal cancer up to 8 years from diagnosis, and to identify factors which explain and predict the likelihood of survival. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective follow-up study of people diagnosed with invasive colorectal cancer during 2006-2011, identified through the Mallorca Cancer Registry. DCO and lymphomas were excluded. Sex, age, diagnostic method, site, histology, T, N, M, and stage, date of diagnosis, date of follow-up or death, and cause of death were collected. End point of follow-up was 31st December 2013. Multiple imputation (MI) method was performed to obtain stage when unknown. Actuarial and Kaplan-Meier methods were used for survival analysis. Extended Cox models were built to identify factors that explain and predict survival. RESULTS: 2889 cases were identified, 41.7% in women and 58.3% in men, with a mean age of 70.5 years. Unknown stage represented 15.3% of cases. After MI, 15% were in stage I, 26.7% were in II, 32.7% in III, and 25.6% in IV. Survival was 56% at the end of the 5th year. Survival by stage changed significantly after MI and was estimated to 83% at stage I, 73% at II, 62% at III, and 16% at IV. Extended Cox model showed that survival worsened with age, mucinous histology, and stage. Risk of dying was 17.0 times higher in stage IV compared to stage I, 3.7 times in stage III, and 1.6 times in stage II. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of colorectal cancer patients will survive 5 years after diagnosis, but only if diagnosed in stages I-III.

Nondestructive Detection of White Root Rot Disease in Avocado Rootstocks by Leaf Chlorophyll Fluorescence.

White root rot (WRR) disease caused by Rosellinia necatrix is one of the most important threats affecting avocado orchards in temperate regions. In this study, we monitored the progression of WRR disease at the leaf and root levels by the combination of nondestructive chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and confocal laser-scanning microscopy on avocado genotypes susceptible to R. necatrix. Leaf photochemistry was affected at early stages of disease development prior to the appearance of aboveground symptoms, made evident as significant decreases in the trapping efficiency of photosystem-II (Fv'/Fm') and in the steady-state of chlorophyll fluorescence yield (Fs) normalized to the minimal fluorescence yield (F0) (Fs/F0). Decreases in Fv'/Fm' and Fs/F0 were associated with different degrees of fungal penetration, primarily in the lateral roots but not in areas next to the main root collar. Aboveground symptoms were observed only when the fungus reached the root collar. Leaf physiology was also tracked in a tolerant genotype where no changes were observed during disease progression despite the presence of the fungus in the root system. These results highlight the usefulness of this technique for the early detection of fungal infection and the rapid removal of highly susceptible genotypes in rootstock avocado-breeding programs.

Total adult cardiovascular risk in Central America / Riesgo cardiovascular total en adultos en América América

Objective. To evaluate prevalence of cardiovascular risk among adults 40 years and older using population-based samples from six Central American countries. Methods. Risk factors were derived from a multi-national cross-sectional survey implemented in 2003–2006, which included a sample of 4 202 participants aged 40 years and older. Charts produced by the World Health Organization and the International Society of Hypertension for the Region of the Americas sub-region B were used to predict risk on the basis of factors including age, sex, blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, smoking status, and diabetes status. Results. Overall, 85.9% of the population was classified as having < 10% risk for cardiovascular events during the following ten years. The likelihood of being in this risk group decreased with age in both males and females. Four percent of respondents were identified as having > 20% risk. More than 75% of those with a 30–40% risk had previously been identified by health services, and an additional 23% were identified during the study, suggesting they could be diagnosed by opportunistic screening for diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Results of bivariate analysis showed that respondents who were male, older, obese and/or less educated had higher risk for cardiovascular events, but a multivariate analysis including education indicated highest risks for older, obese, and less educated females. Conclusions. Measuring cardiovascular disease risk identifies most cases of (or at risk for) diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among adults 40 years and older. This strategy can facilitate implementation of control programs and decrease disabilities and premature mortality.

Objetivo. Evaluar la prevalencia del riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares en adultos de 40 años de edad o mayores mediante el uso de muestras poblacionales obtenidas de seis países de América Central. Métodos. Se tomaron los factores de riesgo de una encuesta transversal multinacional realizada entre 2003 y 2006, que incluyó una muestra de 4 202 participantes de 40 años de edad o mayores. Se usaron gráficos producidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y la Sociedad Internacional para la Hipertensión de la Región de las Américas, subregión B, para predecir el riesgo sobre la base de factores como la edad, el sexo, la presión arterial, las concentraciones totales de colesterol sérico, y la situación con respecto al tabaquismo y la diabetes. Resultados. En términos generales, 85,9% de la población quedó clasificada en el grupo con un riesgo menor de 10% de sufrir episodios cardiovasculares en el transcurso de los 10 años siguientes. La probabilidad de pertenecer a este grupo de riesgo disminuyó con la edad, tanto en los hombres como en las mujeres. Se determinó que 4% de los encuestados tenían un riesgo mayor de 20%. Más de 75% de los que tenían un riesgo de 30% a 40% ya habían sido identificados por los servicios de salud y otro 23% fue identificado durante el estudio, lo cual indica que los diagnósticos pueden hacerse mediante un tamizaje oportunista para la detección de diabetes, hipertensión e hipercolesterolemia. Según los resultados del análisis bivariado, los entrevistados de sexo masculino, de edad más avanzada, obesos o con poca escolaridad tenían un mayor riesgo de sufrir episodios cardiovasculares, pero un análisis multivariado que abarcó el nivel educativo reveló que los riesgos más altos los tienen las mujeres mayores, obesas y con poca instrucción. Conclusiones. El cálculo del riesgo cardiovascular permite identificar la mayoría de los casos (o personas con riesgo de presentar) diabetes, hipertensión e hipercolesterolemia en adultos de 40 años de edad o mayores. Esta estrategia puede facilitar la puesta en práctica de los programas de control, así como reducir la discapacidad y la mortalidad prematura.

Total adult cardiovascular risk in Central America / Riesgo cardiovascular total en adultos en América Central

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate prevalence of cardiovascular risk among adults 40 years and older using population-based samples from six Central American countries. METHODS: Risk factors were derived from a multi-national cross-sectional survey implemented in 2003-2006, which included a sample of 4 202 participants aged 40 years and older. Charts produced by the World Health Organization and the International Society of Hypertension for the Region of the Americas sub-region B were used to predict risk on the basis of factors including age, sex, blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, smoking status, and diabetes status. RESULTS: Overall, 85.9% of the population was classified as having < 10% risk for cardiovascular events during the following ten years. The likelihood of being in this risk group decreased with age in both males and females. Four percent of respondents were identified as having > 20% risk. More than 75% of those with a 30-40% risk had previously been identified by health services, and an additional 23% were identified during the study, suggesting they could be diagnosed by opportunistic screening for diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Results of bivariate analysis showed that respondents who were male, older, obese and/or less educated had higher risk for cardiovascular events, but a multivariate analysis including education indicated highest risks for older, obese, and less educated females. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring cardiovascular disease risk identifies most cases of (or at risk for) diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among adults 40 years and older. This strategy can facilitate implementation of control programs and decrease disabilities and premature mortality.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO:Evaluar la prevalencia del riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares en adultos de 40 años de edad o mayores mediante el uso de muestras poblacionales obtenidas de seis países de América Central. MÉTODOS: Se tomaron los factores de riesgo de una encuesta transversal multinacional realizada entre 2003 y 2006, que incluyó una muestra de 4 202 participantes de 40 años de edad o mayores. Se usaron gráficos producidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y la Sociedad Internacional para la Hipertensión de la Región de las Américas, subregión B, para predecir el riesgo sobre la base de factores como la edad, el sexo, la presión arterial, las concentraciones totales de colesterol sérico, y la situación con respecto al tabaquismo y la diabetes. RESULTADOS: En términos generales, 85,9% de la población quedó clasificada en el grupo con un riesgo menor de 10% de sufrir episodios cardiovasculares en el transcurso de los 10 años siguientes. La probabilidad de pertenecer a este grupo de riesgo disminuyó con la edad, tanto en los hombres como en las mujeres. Se determinó que 4% de los encues-tados tenían un riesgo mayor de 20%. Más de 75% de los que tenían un riesgo de 30% a 40% ya habían sido identificados por los servicios de salud y otro 23% fue identificado durante el estudio, lo cual indica que los diagnósticos pueden hacerse mediante un tami-zaje oportunista para la detección de diabetes, hipertensión e hipercolesterolemia. Según los resultados del análisis bivariado, los entrevistados de sexo masculino, de edad más avanzada, obesos o con poca escolaridad tenían un mayor riesgo de sufrir episodios cardiovasculares, pero un análisis multivariado que abarcó el nivel educativo reveló que los riesgos más altos los tienen las mujeres mayores, obesas y con poca instrucción. CONCLUSIONES: El cálculo del riesgo cardiovascular permite identificar la mayoría de los casos (o personas con riesgo de presentar) diabetes, hipertensión e hipercolesterolemia en adultos de 40 años de edad o mayores. Esta estrategia puede facilitar la puesta en práctica de los programas de control, así como reducir la discapacidad y la mortalidad prematura.

Total adult cardiovascular risk in Central America.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prevalence of cardiovascular risk among adults 40 years and older using population-based samples from six Central American countries. METHODS: Risk factors were derived from a multi-national cross-sectional survey implemented in 2003-2006, which included a sample of 4 202 participants aged 40 years and older. Charts produced by the World Health Organization and the International Society of Hypertension for the Region of the Americas sub-region B were used to predict risk on the basis of factors including age, sex, blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, smoking status, and diabetes status. RESULTS: Overall, 85.9% of the population was classified as having < 10% risk for cardiovascular events during the following ten years. The likelihood of being in this risk group decreased with age in both males and females. Four percent of respondents were identified as having > 20% risk. More than 75% of those with a 30-40% risk had previously been identified by health services, and an additional 23% were identified during the study, suggesting they could be diagnosed by opportunistic screening for diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Results of bivariate analysis showed that respondents who were male, older, obese and/or less educated had higher risk for cardiovascular events, but a multivariate analysis including education indicated highest risks for older, obese, and less educated females. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring cardiovascular disease risk identifies most cases of (or at risk for) diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among adults 40 years and older. This strategy can facilitate implementation of control programs and decrease disabilities and premature mortality.

Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on the 24-h metabolic hormone profile.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with metabolic disorders. Sleep-disordered breathing could generate an altered rhythm in the expression of metabolic hormones, which could predispose to metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sleep apnea on diurnal variations in metabolic hormones. METHODS: Thirty-seven male, newly diagnosed, patients with OSA with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > or = 20/h and 11 male controls (AHI <10/h) matched for body mass index (±3 kg/m2) were included. Six different samples were obtained from each subject during a period of 24h. Levels of the metabolic hormones ghrelin, leptin, resistin, and adiponectin were measured in plasma by immunoassay. RESULTS: Patients with OSA (AHI (mean±SD) 46±26/h) were older than the controls (42±9 vs. 33±9 years, P=0.01). Differences in metabolic hormones between groups did not reach statistical significance at any point in the evaluation. No significant differences were observed in the area under the curve for any of the hormones analysed. Likewise, we did not detect diurnal variations in metabolic hormones. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the day-night variations in the levels of several metabolic hormones are not influenced by the presence of sleep apnea.

Stress hyperglycaemia in critically ill patients: potential role of incretin hormones; a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Stress hyperglycaemia is common in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting and has been related to a worst outcome. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to characterize the association of glucoregulatory hormones, mainly incretins, with the levels of glycaemia, and its relationship with outcome in ICU patients. METHODS: We prospectively studied 60 patients. Stress hyperglycaemia was diagnosed when glycaemia was < 115 mg/dL. At ICU admission we determined glycaemia, insulin, glucagon, cortisol, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) plasma levels. Groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test. The association between glycaemia levels and glucoregulatory hormones was evaluated using linear regression. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (75%) had hyperglycaemia. We observed no differences in glucoregulatory hormones levels between normo- and hyper- glycaemia groups. Glycaemia levels were not significantly correlated with insulin, glucagon, cortisol or GIP levels, but were correlated with GLP-1 (p = 0.04). GLP-1 was also correlated with cortisol (p = 0.01), but failed to show a significant correlation with insulin, glucagon or GIP levels. Lower levels of plasma GLP-1 were found in patients with stress hyperglycaemia requiring vasoactive support (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Glycaemia levels were correlated with GLP-1 levels in ICU patients. GLP-1 levels were also associated with cortisol. Patients with stress hyperglycaemia who required vasoactive support had lower incretin levels compared with those patients with stress hyperglycaemia who were hemodynamically stables. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01087372).

Development of robust discriminant equations for assessing subtypes of glioblastoma biopsies.

BACKGROUND: In the preceding decade, various studies on glioblastoma (Gb) demonstrated that signatures obtained from gene expression microarrays correlate better with survival than with histopathological classification. However, there is not a universal consensus formula to predict patient survival. METHODS: We developed a gene signature using the expression profile of 47 Gbs through an unsupervised procedure and two groups were obtained. Subsequent to a training procedure through leave-one-out cross-validation, we fitted a discriminant (linear discriminant analysis (LDA)) equation using the four most discriminant probesets. This was repeated for two other published signatures and the performance of LDA equations was evaluated on an independent test set, which contained status of IDH1 mutation, EGFR amplification, MGMT methylation and gene VEGF expression, among other clinical and molecular information. RESULTS: The unsupervised local signature was composed of 69 probesets and clearly defined two Gb groups, which would agree with primary and secondary Gbs. This hypothesis was confirmed by predicting cases from the independent data set using the equations developed by us. The high survival group predicted by equations based on our local and one of the published signatures contained a significantly higher percentage of cases displaying IDH1 mutation and non-amplification of EGFR. In contrast, only the equation based on the published signature showed in the poor survival group a significant high percentage of cases displaying a hypothesised methylation of MGMT gene promoter and overexpression of gene VEGF. CONCLUSION: We have produced a robust equation to confidently discriminate Gb subtypes based in the normalised expression level of only four genes.

Stress hyperglycaemia in critically ill patients; Potential role of incretinhormones; a preliminary study / Hiperglucemia de estrés en el paciente crítico; papel potencial de las incretinas; estudio preliminar

Background: Stress hyperglycaemia is common in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting and has been related to a worst outcome. Objective: The objective was to characterize the association of glucoregulatory hormones, mainly incretins, with the levels of glycaemia, and its relationship with outcome in ICU patients. Methods: We prospectively studied 60 patients. Stress hyperglycaemia was diagnosed when glycaemia was > 115 mg/dL. At ICU admission we determined glycaemia, insulin, glucagon, cortisol, glucose-dependent insulino -tropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) plasma levels. Groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test. The association between glycaemia levels and glucoregulatory hormones was evaluated using linear regression. Results: Forty-five patients (75%) had hyperglycaemia.We observed no differences in glucoregulatory hormones levels between normo- and hyper- glycaemia groups. Glycaemia levels were not significantly correlated with insulin, glucagon, cortisol or GIP levels, but were correlated withGLP-1 (p = 0.04). GLP-1 was also correlated with cortisol (p = 0.01), but failed to show a significant correlation withinsulin, glucagon or GIP levels. Lower levels of plasmaGLP-1 were found in patients with stress hyperglycaemia requiring vasoactive support (p = 0.02).Conclusions: Glycaemia levels were correlated withGLP-1 levels in ICU patients. GLP-1 levels were also associated with cortisol. Patients with stress hyperglycaemia who required vasoactive support had lower incretin levels compared with those patients with stress hyperglycaemia who were hemodynamically stables.(ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01087372) (AU)

Antecedentes: La hiperglucemia de estrés es habitual en el contexto de la Unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y se ha relacionado con un peor pronóstico. Objetivo: el objetivo fue caracterizar la asociación de hormonas glucorreguladoras, principalmente las incretinas, con las glucemias y su relación con el pronóstico de los pacientes de UCI. Métodos: Estudiamos de forma prospectiva a 60pacientes. La hiperglucemia de estrés se diagnosticaba cuando la glucemia era > 115 mg/dl. En el ingreso en la UCI, determinamos la glucemia y las concentraciones plasmáticas de insulina, glucagón, cortisol, polipéptidoinsulinotropo dependiente de glucosa (GIP) y péptido-1de tipo glucagón (GLP-1). Se compararon los grupos mediante la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis. La asociación entre las glucemias y las hormonas contrarreguladoras se evaluó mediante regresión linear. Resultados: 45 pacientes (75%) tenían hiperglucemia.No observamos diferencias en las concentraciones de hormonas glucorreguladoras entre los grupos de normo ehiperglucemia. Las glucemias no se correlacionaron de forma significativa con las concentraciones de insulina,glucagón, cortisol o GIP, pero sí con el GLP-1 (p = 0,04).El GLP-1 también se correlacionó con el cortisol (p =0,01), pero no consiguió mostrar una correlación significativa con las concentraciones de insulina, glucagón o GIP. Se encontraron menores concentraciones plasmáticas de GLP-1 en los pacientes con hiperglucemia de estrés que requerían soporte vasoactivo (p = 0,02). Conclusiones: las glucemias se correlacionaron con las concentraciones de GLP-1 en los pacientes en UCI . Las concentraciones de GLP-1 también se asociaron con el cortisol. Los pacientes con hiperglucemia de estrés que necesitaron soporte vasoactivo tenían menores concentraciones de incretina en comparación con aquellos con hiperglucemia de estrés con estabilidad hemodinámica(ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01087372) (AU)