Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Muscle Strength for the Prevention and Treatment of Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Sarcopenia is a significant health concern primarily affecting old adult individuals, characterized by age-related muscle loss, and decreased strength, power, and endurance. It has profound negative effects on overall health and quality of life, including reduced independence, mobility, and daily activity performance, osteoporosis, increased fall and fracture risks, metabolic issues, and chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Preventive strategies typically involve a combination of proper nutrition and regular physical activity. Among strength training exercises, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) stands out as the most effective approach for improving muscle function in older adults with sarcopenia. The current review identifies and summarizes the studies that have examined the effects of HIIT on muscle strength in older adults as an element of the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. A systematic search using several computerized databases, namely, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science, was performed on 12 January 2023, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 224 studies were initially retrieved. A total of five studies met the selection criteria. HIIT training shows improvements in body composition and functional and cardiorespiratory capacity, has benefits on muscle strength, increases muscle quality and architecture, and is associated with muscle hypertrophy in healthy older adults. Nonetheless, given the shortcomings affecting primary research in terms of the limited number of studies and the high risk of bias, further research is warranted.

Regulation of plant carbon assimilation metabolism by post-translational modifications.

The flexibility of plant growth, development and stress responses is choreographed by an intricate network of signaling cascades and genetic programs. However, it is metabolism that ultimately executes these programs through the selective delivery of specific building blocks and energy. Photosynthetic carbon fixation is the central pillar of the plant metabolic network, the functioning of which is conditioned by environmental fluctuations. Hence, regulation of carbon assimilation metabolism must be particularly versatile and rapid to maintain efficiency and avoid dysfunction. While changes in gene expression can adjust the global inventory and abundance of relevant proteins, their specific characteristics are dynamically altered at the post-translational level. Here we highlight studies that show the extent of the regulatory impact by post-translational modification (PTM) on carbon assimilation metabolism. We focus on examples for which there has been empirical evidence of functional changes associated with a PTM, rather than just the occurrence of PTMs at specific sites in proteins, as regularly detected in proteomic studies. The examples indicate that we are only at the beginning of deciphering the PTM-based regulatory network that operates in plant cells. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that targeted exploitation of PTM engineering has the potential to control the metabolic flux landscape as a prerequisite for increasing crop yields, modifying metabolite composition, optimizing stress tolerance, and even executing novel growth and developmental programs.

Review of Functional Status and Hemodynamic Parameters in Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) With and Without Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APLS).

Pulmonary hypertension is a hemodynamic state defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure >20 mmHg and a pulmonary vascular resistance ≥3 WU, subdivided into 5 groups. Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) corresponds to group 4. The antiphospholipid syndrome is one of the most associated thrombophilia, with a prevalence of CTEPH of 2%-50%. A case-control study was conducted where data from the Right Cardiac Catheterization Registry of the PH Clinic were collected, with a diagnosis of CTEPH in patients aged 18-60 years and any sex. Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APLS) patients were separated from those with only CTEPH. It was developed in a statistical analysis based on frequencies, means, and standard deviation. The variables were evaluated using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Student's T, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-Square tests with a 95% confidence interval. A total of 12 patients with APLS diagnosis and 30 without it were identified. The comparison between both groups shows that the patients with APLS were younger (38 ± 14.35 vs 51.63 ± 15.02 years, P 0.010) and had a significant association with autoimmune diseases (25% vs 0%, P 0.003). The patients diagnosed with APLS were primarily men (7 vs 5), and no statistically significant difference was found between laboratory and hemodynamic parameters. Patients diagnosed with CTEPH and APLS are mainly male, younger mean age, and have a greater significant association with autoimmune diseases than patients with CTEPH.

Results from the 2022 Mexican report card on physical activity for children and adolescents.

Introduction: The Mexican Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents aims to assess the prevalence of movement behaviors and opportunities to perform them. Methods: Data on 11 indicators were obtained from national health surveys, census data, government documents, websites, and published studies. Data were compared against established benchmarks, and a grade between 0 and 10 was assigned to each indicator. Results: For Daily Behaviors, we found 34.5% of Mexican children and adolescents meet Physical Activity recommendations (Grade 3), 48.4% participate in Organized Sports (Grade 5), 35-75.8% engage in Active Play outdoors (Grade 4), 54.1% use Active Transportation (Grade 5), 43.6% spend <2 h in Sedentary Behavior per day (Grade 4), and 65-91% meet Sleep recommendations (Grade 7). Girls have lower physical activity levels and sports participation than boys of the same age. For Physical Fitness, we found 56.2-61.8% of children and adolescents have an adequate body mass index for their age (Grade 6). For Sources of Influence, we found 65-67% of parents engage in physical activity or sports in a week (Grade 7), 32.2-53.3% of basic education schools have a physical education teacher (Grade 6), and 37% of neighborhoods in Mexico have sidewalks with trees (Grade 4). Regarding Government, several policies and programs aimed at improving children physical activity were launched but their impact and allocated implementation budget are unknown (Grade 6). Discussion: Mexican children and adolescents engage in low levels of movement behaviors and have limited opportunities to perform such behaviors. The grades and recommendations provided here should be considered to improve such opportunities.

A Brief Review on Gender Differences in Mexican-Mestizo Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) at a Tertiary-Level Hospital.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a hemodynamic condition with different etiological groups but common pathophysiology. Gender differences have been studied in group 1 of the PH classification, the pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) group. PAH has an etiopathogenic basis in sex hormones and directly affects the pulmonary vasculature and the heart. Gender differences are observed before and after the age of 45 when women lose the cardioprotective effect of estrogen. A retrospective cohort study in adult patients ≤45 years and >45 years. We compared hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and imaging variables that demonstrated gender differences in adult patients with PAH below and above 45 years. Gender differences in adults ≤45 years were significant for the pronounced pulmonic component of the second heart sound (P2) and the right atrium pressure, on the other hand, more significant sex differences were observed in patients over 45 years of age including the pronounced pulmonic component of P2 (greater in women), the brain natriuretic peptide had a higher median in men, the same happened in the echocardiographic data referring to the area of the right atrium and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, abnormal values predominate in men. Although PAH has greater incidence and prevalence in women, the lesions corresponding to cardiac remodeling that subsequently led to right ventricular failure are more remarkable in men, raising their mortality. These findings help recognize its clinical usefulness and propose new research studies aimed at mortality and new pharmacological therapies that might unveil the pathophysiological mechanisms to treat PAH.

Mexico's 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth: Full report.

OBJECTIVES: Mexico's 2018 Report Card evaluates the opportunities available for Mexican children and youth to reach healthy levels of physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behavior. METHODS: The Report Card is a surveillance system that gathers data from national surveys, censuses, government documents, websites, grey literature, and published studies to evaluate 16 indicators in four categories: Daily Behaviors; Physical Fitness; Settings and Sources of Influence; and Strategies and Investments. Data were compared to established benchmarks. Each indicator was assigned a grade from 1 - 10 (< 6 is a failing grade) or "incomplete" if data was insufficient/unavailable. RESULTS: Daily Behavior grades were: Overall Physical Activity, 4; Organized Sport Participation, 5; Active Play, 3; Active Transportation, 5; Sleep, 7; and Sedentary Behavior, 3. Physical Fitness, received a 7. Settings and Sources of Influence grades were: Family and Peers, incomplete; School, 3; and Community and Environment, 4. Strategies and Investments were: Government Strategies, 6; and Non-Government Organizations, 2. CONCLUSION: Low grades in 11 of the 16 indicators indicate that schools, families, communities, and government need to work together to improve physical activity opportunities for children and youth in Mexico.

Mexico’s 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth: Full report

[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. Mexico’s 2018 Report Card evaluates the opportunities available for Mexican children and youth to reach healthy levels of physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behavior. Methods. The Report Card is a surveillance system that gathers data from national surveys, censuses, government documents, websites, grey literature, and published studies to evaluate 16 indicators in four categories: Daily Behaviors; Physical Fitness; Settings and Sources of Influence; and Strategies and Investments. Data were compared to established benchmarks. Each indicator was assigned a grade from 1 – 10 (< 6 is a failing grade) or “incomplete” if data was insufficient/unavailable. Results. Daily Behavior grades were: Overall Physical Activity, 4; Organized Sport Participation, 5; Active Play, 3; Active Transportation, 5; Sleep, 7; and Sedentary Behavior, 3. Physical Fitness, received a 7. Settings and Sources of Influence grades were: Family and Peers, incomplete; School, 3; and Community and Environment, 4. Strategies and Investments were: Government Strategies, 6; and Non-Government Organizations, 2. Conclusion. Low grades in 11 of the 16 indicators indicate that schools, families, communities, and government need to work together to improve physical activity opportunities for children and youth in Mexico.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. El boletín de notas de México correspondiente al 2018 evalúa las oportunidades a disposición de la población infantil y joven mexicana para que puedan desarrollar niveles adecuados de actividad física y sueño, y disminuyan el sedentarismo. Métodos. El boletín es un sistema de vigilancia que recopila los datos obtenidos en las encuestas nacionales, censos, documentos gubernamentales, sitios web, literatura gris y estudios publicados con respecto al análisis de 16 indicadores en 4 categorías: comportamientos diarios, estado físico, entornos y fuentes influyentes, y estrategias e inversión. Los datos fueron cotejados con los puntos de referencia establecidos. A cada indicador se le asignó una calificación entre 1 y 10 (< 6 significa reprobado) o fue marcado como “incompleto” si los datos eran nulos o insuficientes. Resultados. Las calificaciones obtenidas para los comportamientos diarios fueron: actividad física en general: 4; participación en actividades deportivas organizadas: 5; juego activo: 3; modalidades de transporte activas: 5; sueño: 7; y sedentarismo: 3. El estado físico obtuvo un 7. Las calificaciones para los entornos y fuentes influyentes fueron: familiares y pares: “incompleto”; escuela: 3; comunidad y entorno: 4. Para las estrategias e inversión: estrategias gubernamentales: 6; entidades no gubernamentales: 2. Conclusiones. Las bajas calificaciones obtenidas en 11 de los 16 indicadores demuestran que las escuelas, las familias, las comunidades y el gobierno tienen que aunar esfuerzos para mejorar las oportunidades que tiene la población infantil y joven en México para desarrollar niveles de actividad física satisfactorios.

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. O Report Card de 2018 para o México avalia as oportunidades disponíveis para que crianças e jovens mexicanos atinjam níveis adequados de atividade física, sono e comportamento sedentário. Métodos. O Report Card é um sistema de vigilância que reúne dados de pesquisas nacionais, censos, documentos governamentais, websites, literatura cinzenta e estudos publicados para avaliar 16 indicadores em quatro categorias: Comportamentos Diários, Forma Física, Ambientes e Influências, e Estratégias e Investimentos. Os dados foram comparados com indicadores de referência estabelecidos. A cada indicador foi atribuída uma pontuação de 1 a 10 (pontuações abaixo de 6 indicam reprovação) ou "incompleta" se os dados fossem insuficientes/indisponíveis. Resultados. As pontuações para o Comportamento Diário foram as seguintes: atividade física geral: 4; participação em esportes organizados: 5; brincadeiras ativas: 3; transporte ativo: 5; sono: 7; comportamento sedentário: 3. A pontuação para a Forma Física foi de 7. As pontuações para Ambientes e Influências foram: família e amigos, incompleta; escola: 3; comunidade e ambiente: 4. As pontuações para Estratégias e Investimentos foram: estratégias governamentais: 6; organizações não-governamentais: 2. Conclusão. As pontuações baixas em 11 dos 16 indicadores indicam que as escolas, famílias, comunidades e o governo precisam trabalhar juntos para oferecer mais oportunidades de atividade física às crianças e jovens no México.

Mexico's 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth: Full report / Boletín sobre actividad física en la población infantil y joven en México, 2018: informe completo / Atividade física entre crianças e jovens no México em 2018: relatório completo

ABSTRACT Objectives. Mexico's 2018 Report Card evaluates the opportunities available for Mexican children and youth to reach healthy levels of physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behavior. Methods. The Report Card is a surveillance system that gathers data from national surveys, censuses, government documents, websites, grey literature, and published studies to evaluate 16 indicators in four categories: Daily Behaviors; Physical Fitness; Settings and Sources of Influence; and Strategies and Investments. Data were compared to established benchmarks. Each indicator was assigned a grade from 1 - 10 (< 6 is a failing grade) or "incomplete" if data was insufficient/unavailable. Results. Daily Behavior grades were: Overall Physical Activity, 4; Organized Sport Participation, 5; Active Play, 3; Active Transportation, 5; Sleep, 7; and Sedentary Behavior, 3. Physical Fitness, received a 7. Settings and Sources of Influence grades were: Family and Peers, incomplete; School, 3; and Community and Environment, 4. Strategies and Investments were: Government Strategies, 6; and Non-Government Organizations, 2. Conclusion. Low grades in 11 of the 16 indicators indicate that schools, families, communities, and government need to work together to improve physical activity opportunities for children and youth in Mexico.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivos. El boletín de notas de México correspondiente al 2018 evalúa las oportunidades a disposición de la población infantil y joven mexicana para que puedan desarrollar niveles adecuados de actividad física y sueño, y disminuyan el sedentarismo. Métodos. El boletín es un sistema de vigilancia que recopila los datos obtenidos en las encuestas nacionales, censos, documentos gubernamentales, sitios web, literatura gris y estudios publicados con respecto al análisis de 16 indicadores en 4 categorías: comportamientos diarios, estado físico, entornos y fuentes influyentes, y estrategias e inversión. Los datos fueron cotejados con los puntos de referencia establecidos. A cada indicador se le asignó una calificación entre 1 y 10 (< 6 significa reprobado) o fue marcado como "incompleto" si los datos eran nulos o insuficientes. Resultados. Las calificaciones obtenidas para los comportamientos diarios fueron: actividad física en general: 4; participación en actividades deportivas organizadas: 5; juego activo: 3; modalidades de transporte activas: 5; sueño: 7; y sedentarismo: 3. El estado físico obtuvo un 7. Las calificaciones para los entornos y fuentes influyentes fueron: familiares y pares: "incompleto"; escuela: 3; comunidad y entorno: 4. Para las estrategias e inversión: estrategias gubernamentales: 6; entidades no gubernamentales: 2. Conclusiones. Las bajas calificaciones obtenidas en 11 de los 16 indicadores demuestran que las escuelas, las familias, las comunidades y el gobierno tienen que aunar esfuerzos para mejorar las oportunidades que tiene la población infantil y joven en México para desarrollar niveles de actividad física satisfactorios.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivos. O Report Card de 2018 para o México avalia as oportunidades disponíveis para que crianças e jovens mexicanos atinjam níveis adequados de atividade física, sono e comportamento sedentário. Métodos. O Report Card é um sistema de vigilância que reúne dados de pesquisas nacionais, censos, documentos governamentais, websites, literatura cinzenta e estudos publicados para avaliar 16 indicadores em quatro categorias: Comportamentos Diários, Forma Física, Ambientes e Influências, e Estratégias e Investimentos. Os dados foram comparados com indicadores de referência estabelecidos. A cada indicador foi atribuída uma pontuação de 1 a 10 (pontuações abaixo de 6 indicam reprovação) ou "incompleta" se os dados fossem insuficientes/indisponíveis. Resultados. As pontuações para o Comportamento Diário foram as seguintes: atividade física geral: 4; participação em esportes organizados: 5; brincadeiras ativas: 3; transporte ativo: 5; sono: 7; comportamento sedentário: 3. A pontuação para a Forma Física foi de 7. As pontuações para Ambientes e Influências foram: família e amigos, incompleta; escola: 3; comunidade e ambiente: 4. As pontuações para Estratégias e Investimentos foram: estratégias governamentais: 6; organizações não-governamentais: 2. Conclusão. As pontuações baixas em 11 dos 16 indicadores indicam que as escolas, famílias, comunidades e o governo precisam trabalhar juntos para oferecer mais oportunidades de atividade física às crianças e jovens no México.(AU)

Consensus in cardiology on non-vitamin-K oral anticoagulants for patients with atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: Non-vitamin-K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are known to have advantages over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, more than half of patients are still treated with VKAs. The absence of direct comparisons amongst NOACs and the insufficient evidence in some clinical situations could explain, at least in part, this predominance of VKAs. The aims of our study were: 1) to analyze the opinion of an expert panel on the role of NOACs in different clinical scenarios; 2) to elaborate specific consensus recommendations for the management of NOACs for each one of these situations.Patients and methods: An online survey was created covering distinct aspects of the use of oral anticoagulants in various clinical settings. A two-round modified Delphi approach was used.Results: Forty-eight experts responded to the survey. Consensus was reached on 58% (48/83) of the items. The panelists concluded that the term non-valvular AF should be avoided. In most clinical settings NOACs were preferred over VKAs. Once daily NOACs were preferred in elderly patients to improve therapeutic compliance and, in those over the age of 85, edoxaban could be the best choice. Edoxaban and apixaban were the favorites for patients with AF and moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the case of patients on triple antithrombotic therapy due to AF and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) the lowest effective NOAC dose should be used.Conclusion: Our study emphasizes that there are several clinical circumstances in patients with AF requiring complex decisions about anticoagulation treatment and offers some recommendations based on the consensus reached by an expert panel.

[Nutritional and functional state of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: effects of oral nutritional supplementation (OFOS study)]. / Estado nutricional y funcional en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica: efectos de la suplementación nutricional oral (estudio OFOS).

INTRODUCTION: Weight loss and malnutrition are associated with a worse prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the OFOS study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a new nutritional oral formula in adults with COPD with weight loss or malnutrition. METHODS: Prospective, single-centre, randomized, open-label and controlled trial conducted in Lima (Peru). A total of 99 outpatients of both sexes were included (control [GC]: 49; supplement [GS]: 50), aged from 18 to 80 years old, who had been diagnosed with COPD and that suffered from malnutrition or involuntary weight loss during the last months. Nutritional, functional and quality of life (QoL) variables were evaluated during a three-month intervention. RESULTS: At three months, there was an increase of body mass index (BMI) and fat free mass index (FFMI) significantly higher in the GS: IMC 5.3% vs 2.9%, p < 0.001; FFMI 3.2% vs 1.9%, p = 0.019. The GS showed a reduction of cases with BMI < 21 kg/m2 equivalent to 69% vs33% in the GC (p = 0.004). Functional variables showed a favourable improvement trend in GS, being significant for the hand-grip test in the subgroup of patients with low FFMI (p = 0.001). All QoL studied variables significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Oral supplementation with a complete, polymeric and normocaloric new nutritional formula for three months was well tolerated and effective for the nutritional support of patients diagnosed with COPD with weight loss or malnutrition.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la pérdida de peso y la desnutrición se asocian a un peor pronóstico de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC).OBJETIVO: el objetivo del estudio OFOS fue valorar la eficacia y tolerabilidad de una nueva fórmula nutricional oral en adultos con EPOC con pérdida de peso o desnutrición. MÉTODOS: estudio prospectivo, unicéntrico, aleatorizado, abierto y controlado realizado en Lima (Perú). Se incluyeron 99 pacientes ambulatorios de ambos sexos (control [GC]: 49; suplemento [GS]: 50), entre 18 y 80 años con diagnóstico de EPOC y con pérdida involuntaria de peso en los últimos meses o desnutrición. Se evaluaron variables nutricionales, funcionales y de calidad de vida (CV) durante un periodo de intervención de tres meses. RESULTADOS: a los tres meses, hubo un incremento del índice de masa corporal (IMC) y del índice de masa libre de grasa (IMLG) significativamente superior en el GS: IMC: 5,3% vs.2,9%, p < 0,001; IMLG: 3,2% vs.1,9%, p = 0,019. El GS mostró una reducción de casos con IMC < 21 kg/m2 equivalente al 69% vs.33% en el GC (p = 0,004). Las variables funcionales mostraron una tendencia a la mejoría favorable al GS, siendo significativa para la fuerza de la mano (hand-grip test)en el subgrupo de pacientes con IMLG bajo (p = 0,001). Todas las variables estudiadas de CV mejoraron significativamente en ambos grupos (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: la suplementación oral durante tres meses con una nueva fórmula completa, polimérica y normocalórica fue bien tolerada y eficaz para el soporte nutricional de pacientes diagnosticados de EPOC con pérdida de peso o desnutrición.

Programa de intervención con entrenadores y padres de familia: Efectos en las conductas del entrenador y el clima motivacional del equipo / Programa de intervenção com treinadores e pais: efeitos sobre o comportamento do treinador e o clima motivacional da equipe / Intervention program with coaches and parents: effects of the coach´s behavior and the team´s motivational climate

El presente trabajo muestra la aplicación de un programa de intervención con entrenadores y padres de familia de equipos juveniles de futbol en México, para la promoción de climas motivacionales de implicación a la tarea. La intervención con entrenadores se basó en las estrategias postuladas por el programa Mastery Approach to Coaching (MAC). Asimismo, estrategias de corte educativo se implementaron con padres de familia. Se contó con la participación de 81 futbolistas varones entre los 12 y 15 años, 4 entrenadores del sexo masculino y 34 padres de familia. Se obtuvieron cambios conductuales en los entrenadores, sin embargo, la intervención no produjo un clima motivacional de mayor implicación hacia la tarea (AU)

This paper presents the application of an intervention program with coaches and parents of youth soccer teams in Mexico, for the promotion task-involving motivational climate. The intervention with coaches was based on the strategies postulated by the Mastery Approach to Coaching (MAC) program. In addition, educational strategies were implemented with parents. It involved the participation of 81 male soccer players between 12 and 15 years old, 4 male coaches and 34 parents. Behavioral changes were obtained in the coaches; however, the intervention did not produce a motivational climate of greater involvement towards the task (AU)

Este artigo apresenta a aplicação de um programa de intervenção com treinadores e pais de equipes de futebol juvenil no México, para promover o clima motivacional de envolvimento com a tarefa. Intervenção treinadores baseou-se nas estratégias propostas pelo programa Mastery Approach to Coaching (MAC). Mesmo assim, estratégias educacionais também foram implementadas com os pais. Estiveram presentes 81 jogadores do gênero masculino entre 12 e 15 anos, 4 treinadores do gênero masculino e 34 pais. Foram obtidas mudanças comportamentais nos treinadores, no entanto, a intervenção não produziu um clima motivacional de um maior envolvimento com a tarefa (AU)

Results from Mexico's 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.

BACKGROUND: The Mexican Report Card on Physical Activity in children and youth was first developed in 2012 as a tool aimed at informing policy and practice. The objective of this paper is to update the Report Card to reflect the current situation in Mexico. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in Spanish and English using major databases, and complemented with government documents and national health surveys. Information on the 9 indicators outlined in the Global Matrix of Report Card Grades was extracted. Experts from Mexico and Canada met to discuss and assign a grade on each indicator. RESULTS: The physical activity indicator was assigned a C+, which was higher than in the previous report card. Sedentary behavior was assigned a D, which was lower than the previous report card. Organized Sports and Active Transportation, which were not graded in the previous report card, were assigned grades of D and B-, respectively. Government and Built Environment were assigned grades of C and F, respectively. Family and Peers and Active Play were not graded (INC). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of PA and sedentary behaviors among Mexican children and youth were below the respective recommended references. The implementation and effectiveness of current government strategies need to be determined. The Mexican Report Card is a promising knowledge translation tool that can serve to inform policies and programs related to physical activity.

Effects of lead exposure on growth and bone biology in growing rats exposed to simulated high altitude.

The existence of children living at high altitude suffering from lead (Pb) poisoning prompted us to investigate the long term effects of this pollutant on growth and bone biology in growing rats maintained at simulated high altitude (SHA). Pb and hypoxia (HX) significantly reduced body weight (-9.4 % and -24 %; p < 0.01) and length (-3 % and -8 %; p < 0.01); decreased femoral ultimate load (-16 % and -40 %; p < 0.01) and femoral energy absorption capacity (-18 % and -74 %; p < 0.01). Oral pathologic alterations were observed in experimental groups. Our findings revealed growth retardation and damages on femoral and mandibular bones that predispose to fractures.

Aluminum bone toxicity in immature rats exposed to simulated high altitude.

Aluminum (Al) is an element to which humans are widely exposed. Chronic administration induces a negative effect on bone tissue, affecting collagen synthesis and matrix mineralization. Its toxic effects are cumulative. Hypobaric hypoxia induces stress erythropoiesis, leading to hypertrophy of the erythropoietic marrow affecting the bone. This study was designed to evaluate the risk of Al bone toxicity among immature rats maintained at simulated high altitude (SHA) by mechanical assessment of stiffness and strength, calculation of some indicators of bone material and geometrical properties, as well as blood determinations. Forty growing rats were divided into control and experimental groups whether injected with vehicle or Al, as Al(OH)(3), three times a week for 3 months. Half of each group was exposed to hypobaric conditions (HX) by placing the animals in a SHA chamber. Both treatments negatively affected structural properties of bones, decreasing the maximum capacity to withstand load, the limit elastic load and the capacity of absorbing energy in elastic conditions. Al administration significantly depressed mandible structural stiffness, although diaphyseal stiffness was not modified. Indicators of bone material intrinsic properties, elastic modulus and stress, were significantly reduced by Al or HX. Treatments increased the diaphyseal sectional bending moment of inertia, suggesting that femur, but not mandible, compensates for the decline in the material properties with an adaptation of its architecture to maintain structural properties. The different biomechanical behaviors between the two kinds of bone are probably due to their different embryological origin and specific functions, as mandible is a bone that adjusts its strength to biting forces, whereas femur is designed to support load.

Efficacy of simvastatin in children with hyperlipidemia secondary to kidney disorders.

Children with hyperlipidemia secondary to renal disease develop premature atherosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis. The aims of this pilot study were to find the dosage and short-term efficacy of simvastatin and potential adverse events in children with chronic kidney diseases. This was a random, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial performed on children with hyperlipidemia secondary to kidney disorders. After being placed on a diet for 3 months, patients were randomly placed in one of two balanced group blocks and treated with diet plus placebo or simvastatin at doses of 5 mg for children weighing 30 kg or less and 10 mg for children weighing over 30 kg, for 1 month, and then doubled for two more months. After this treatment, patients were placed on a diet for a 3-month washout period. During the last trial phase, patients previously treated with simvastatin were administered a placebo, and vice versa. A total of 25 patients with ages ranging from 4 years to 17 years were included in the study. A significant decrease in the levels of serum cholesterol (26.4%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (35.4%) and triglycerides (23.1%) was noted during the study, primarily during the simvastatin treatments, in which case cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides decreased by 23.3%, 33.7% and 21%, respectively. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels increased moderately (10.7%) during the study but without differences during simvastatin treatment. No differences were found across groups with respect to adverse events. In the short-term the combination of diet and simvastatin was effective in lowering hyperlipidemia in children with renal disorders.

Modelos de investigación clínica / Clinical Research Models

Descubrir ha sido el propósito de la ciencia desde comienzos del renacimiento, pero la forma como se han realizado estos descubrimientos ha variado con la naturaleza de los objetos que se estudian y con los tiempos. El médico clínico que investiga necesita escoger tomando en cuenta los diferentes paradigmas, el diseño de investigación que se ajusta mejor al ambiente donde se realizará el proyecto con la finalidad de constituir conocimientos válidos, ya que el desafío para aquellos que quieran hacer investigación en el campo de la salud es a la vez teórico y pragmático, social e individual, político y ético. En el desarrollo de la investigación, el abordaje de acuerdo a la tendencia y estilo de pensamiento logra coherencia con el discurso en la investigación.

Relación entre perfil psicológico, calidad de vida y estrés asistencial en personal de enfermería / Burnout syndrome and its association to psychological profile and quiality of life in nurses

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar el síndrome de estrés asistencial y su asociación con perfil psicológico e indicadores de calidad de vida en el personal de enfermería de los servicios de urgencias, neonatología y oncología de un hospital universitario de tercer nivel en Bogotá. Hace parte de la línea de investigación en Psicología y Salud de la Facultad de Psicología de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Es una investigación no experimental con un diseño descriptivo correlacional; como instrumentos se emplearon el Inventario de Personalidad de 16 Factores (16Pf) de Catell, el MBI (Maslash Burnout Inventory), una entrevista semi-estructurada y un registro de observación. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva y la correlación Spearman. Adicionalmente se empleó el procedimiento multivariado de análisis múltiple de covarianza (MANCOVA), y finalmente se empleó r de Pearson en los casos que se consideró pertinente. Los datos fueron procesados a través del SSPS encontrándose que el síndrome no se presenta en el personal evaluado, aunque sí algunos síntomas; se encontró que factores como cansancio emocional y despersonalización; y factores de personalidad como prudente-impulsivo, confiado-celoso y sumiso-dominante, son predictores del desempeño ocupacional

Infección en el paciente diabético / Infection in the diabetic patient

Se analizaron prospectivamente 80 pacientes portadores de Diabetes Mellitus que ingresaron por proceso infecciosos en el Hospital Universitario "Angel Larralde"; en contrándose un predominio de pacientes mayores de 40 años y del sexo femenino, al igual que diabetes mellitus tipo II. No existió correlación con el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, así como el mal control metabólico no fue el factor predisponente en todos los casos. La presencia de complicaciones crónicas se correlacionó con una mayor frecuencia de procesos infecciosos siendo los más frecuentes: Neuropatía y Angiopatía. La Leucositosis no es constante y el tratamiento previo de la diabétes no influye en la evolución de la infección; siendo el promedio de hospitalización aceptable. La infección más frecuente es la de piel, mucosas y tejidos blandos, seguida por la infección urinaria; la positividad de los cultivos es elevada en las secreciones de piel, orina y esputo, siendo menor en hemocultivos. Los gérmenes que se aislaron con mayor frecuencia fueron E. Coli, P. Mirábilis y S. Aureus. Entre las infecciones de piel y tejidos blandos las ulceras y gangrenas en el pie diabético fueron las más frecuentes, originadas por gram negativo y Stafilococos Aureus