Hemostatic state of children with type 1 diabetes.

PURPOSE: Hyperglycemia is one of the factors responsible for the molecular alterations that modify hemostasis. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of circulating molecules that have a prothrombotic impact on the child and adolescent population with type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: There were 35 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (11.0±2.5 years of age and a median 3.7±2.0 years of the disease) with no vascular complications and 20 healthy controls with similar age, sex, and body mass index included in the study. The evaluated parameters were fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI1), von Willebrand factor antigen, and standard coagulation tests (platelet count, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time). Glycemic control was evaluated by hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose tests, and the presence of retinopathy and nephropathy was ruled out. The data obtained were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 20.0 and expressed as mean±standard deviation. The Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to investigate correlations between variables. RESULTS: Diabetic patients showed significantly higher levels of fibrinogen (308±66 mg/dL vs. 246±18 mg/dL, P=0.0001), PAI-1 (41.6±12 ng/mL vs. 11.7±1.0 ng/mL, P=0.0001), and von Willebrand factor antigen (284%±55% vs. 121%±19%, P=0.0001). However, standard coagulation tests did not show differences between the 2 groups. PAI-1 was correlated with glycemia, hemoglobin A1c, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor antigen. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of fibrinogen, PAI-1, and von Willebrand factor antigen were found in the pediatric and adolescent population with type 1 diabetes mellitus, which suggests a prothrombotic state.

Testing the Efficacy of a Web-Based Parent-Adolescent Sexual Communication Intervention Among Puerto Ricans.

This randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of a Web-based intervention to increase sexual communication between parents and adolescents. Parent/adolescent dyads (n = 660) were recruited from communities in the San Juan area and randomly assigned to the Cuídalos sexual communication or physical activity program. Parent assessments were obtained preintervention and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Parents in the experimental group reported significantly more sexual communication (ie, peer pressure, sexual prevention, protection, risk) over time than parents in the control group. Results support the efficacy of the Cuídalos Web-based format and provide insight into future Web-based sexual health interventions for this population.

Móleculas protrombóticas en niños con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1 / Study of prothrombotic molecules in type 1 diabetes mellitus children

Introducción: la hiperglucemia contribuye a cambios moleculares que alteran la hemostasia. Objetivos: determinar moléculas circulantes que indiquen la presencia de un estado protrombótico en una población infanto juvenil con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1), sin manifestación clínica de enfermedad vascular, y compararla con una población control. Pacientes y métodos: se estudiaron 35 pacientes con DM1, de 11,0±2,5 años de edad y 3,7±2,0 años de evolución de la enfermedad, sin complicaciones vasculares y 20 controles sanos de edad, sexo e IMC semejantes. Se determinaron: fibrinógeno (Fg), inhibidor del activador del plasminógeno 1 (PAI-1), antígeno del factor von Willebrand (FvW:Ag), ligando CD40 soluble (sCD40L) y pruebas globales de coagulación como recuento de plaquetas, tiempo de protrombina (TP) y tiempo de tromboplastina parcial activado (APTT). El control glucémico se evaluó mediante glucemia en ayunas y A1c, y se descartó la presencia de retinopatía y nefropatía. Los datos se analizaron con el programa SPSS 20 para Windows y se expresaron como media±DE. El coeficiente de Pearson se usó para investigar las correlaciones entre las variables estudiadas. Resultados: los pacientes con DM1 presentaron valores significativamente mayores de Fg (308±66 vs 246±18 mg/dL, p=0,0001), PAI-1 (41,6±12 vs 11,7±1,0 ng/mL, p=0,0001), FvW:Ag (284±55 vs 121±19 %, p=0,0001) y sCD40L (1608±109 vs 149±17 pg/mL, p=0,0001). Sin embargo las pruebas globales de hemostasia no mostraron diferencias entre ambos grupos. El PAI-1 y sCD40L se correlacionaron con glucemia, A1c, Fg y FvW:Ag. Conclusiones: los niveles elevados de Fg, PAI-1, FvW:Ag y sCD40L sugieren la presencia de un estado protrombótico en la población infanto juvenil con DM1

Introduction: hyperglycemia contributes to molecular changes that alter hemostasis. Objectives: to determine molecules of a prothrombotic state in a child-juvenile population with type 1 diabetes (T1D), without clinical manifestation of vascular disease, and compare it with a control population. Patients and methods: thirty-five patients with T1D (11.0±2.5 years and 3.7±2.0 years of disease duration), without vascular complications and 20 healthy controls were studied. Plasma fibrinogen (Pf), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), von Willebrand factor antigen vWF:Ag and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and coagulation global tests such as platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were determined. The data obtained were analized by Statistics SPSS 20 software and were expressed as the mean±standard desviation. Pearson coefficient was used to investigate correlations between variables. Results: diabetic patients presented significantly higher values of glycaemia, A1c, Fg (308± 66 vs 246±18 mg/dL, p=0.0001), PAI-1 (41.6±12 vs 11.7±1, 0 ng/mL, p=0.0001), vWF:Ag (284±55 vs 121±19%, p= 0.0001) and sCD40L (1608±109 vs 149±17 pg/mL, p=0.0001). However, overall hemostasis tests showed no differences between both groups, PAI-1 and sCD40L correlated with glycemia, A1c, Fg and vWF:Ag. Conclusions: high levels of Fg, PAI-1, vWF:Ag and sCD40L suggest the presence of a prothrombotic state in the infant population juvenil with DT1

Periodontitis and oral human papillomavirus infection among Hispanic adults.

INTRODUCTION: Research on the association between periodontitis and oral human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is inconsistent. The cross-sectional association of severe periodontitis with oral HPV infection was investigated in a sample of Hispanic adults. METHODS: Data from the 2014-2016 San Juan Overweight Adults Longitudinal Study (n = 740) was analyzed. Periodontitis assessment and self-collection of oral HPV samples followed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey methodology. Periodontitis was defined using the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology definition. HPV typing was performed using polymerase chain reaction. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: 5.7% of participants had oral HPV infection and 20.3% had severe periodontitis. Adults with severe periodontitis had higher odds of oral HPV infection than those with none/mild disease (OR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.0-8.4, p < 0.05) in multivariable analysis. Adults with clinical attachment loss≥ 7 mm and pocket depth PD≥ 6 mm had 2- to 3-fold higher odds of HPV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Severe periodontitis was positively associated to oral HPV infection. Longitudinal evaluation of periodontal inflammation's role in acquisition and persistence of oral HPV infection is needed, as periodontitis screening could identify individuals at increased risk of HPV-related oral malignancies.

Longitudinal survey of lead, cadmium, and copper in seagrass Syringodium filiforme from a former bombing range (Vieques, Puerto Rico).

Trace element composition in plant biomass could be used as an indicator of environmental stress, management practices and restoration success. A longitudinal study was conducted to compare Pb, Cd, and Cu content in seagrass Syringodium filiforme collected at a former bombing range in Puerto Rico with those of a Biosphere Reserve under similar geoclimatic conditions. Trace elements were measured by atomic absorption after dry-ashing of samples and extraction with acid. In general, levels of Pb, Cd, and Cu varied during 2001, 2003, 2005-2006, and 2013-2016. Results showed that bioaccumulated concentration of these trace elements were consistently higher, but not significant, at the bombing range site. As expected in polluted areas, greater variability in Pb and Cd content were observed in the military impacted site with levels up to 14 and 17 times higher than seagrass from the reference site, respectively. Although a decrease in Pb was observed after cessation of all military activities in 2003, the concentration in plant biomass was still above levels of ecological concern, indicating that natural attenuation is insufficient for cleanup of the site.

[ATTITUDES TOWARDS SEXUAL COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND ADOLESCENTS IN PUERTO RICO]. / ACTITUDES HACIA LA COMUNICACIÓN SEXUAL ENTRE PADRES/MADRES Y ADOLESCENTES EN PUERTO RICO.

Communication between parents and adolescents about sexuality faces challenges due in part to sociocultural factors. This study aimed to document the attitudes of parents and adolescents about communication regarding sexuality. The results emanate from the baseline measurement of the Cuídalos Project. The presented data is part of a larger study that aimed to evaluate a web-based module to foster communications between parents and adolescents (13-17 years of age) on health-related issues. In this article, we present the baseline data in which participants answered questions on their comfort when talking about sexual health issues. The sample was composed of 458 parent/adolescent dyads (n=916). We carried out a frequency and central tendency analysis of the gathered data. The average age for adolescents was 15 years of age, and 15% were sexually active. Adolescents reported better attitudes towards sexual communication than parents. Still, parents understood that they shared sufficient information on sexuality related topics. Parents and adolescents reported some level of difficulty and lack of comfort when talking about specific prevention methods. Results highlight the need to incorporate parents into interventions geared for adolescents and their sexual health. In Puerto Rico, it is necessary to develop programs that aim to reduce high-risk sexual activity among adolescents.

[ACCESS TO AN ONLINE EDUCATIONAL MODULE ON SEXUAL HEALTH FOR LATINO/A ADOLESCENTS]. / ACCESIBILIDAD DE UN MÓDULO EDUCATIVO EN LÍNEA SOBRE SALUD SEXUAL PARA ADOLESCENTES LATINOS/AS.

Project Cuídalos aimed to test the efficacy of a web-based intervention aiming to increase communication on sexual health topics between parents and adolescents in the Puerto Rican population. To achieve this goal, we implemented a longitudinal experimental design which examined whether the intervention would impact communication about sexuality between the participants (N=1,320). Parents completed a web-based interactive module in recruitment centers throughout Puerto Rico. Afterwards, parents could revisit the web-based workshop on their own. The process of accessing the workshop proved to be challenging. To explore why, we expanded our design and incorporated a qualitative component that included semi-structured telephone interviews to 23 randomly selected participants. After transcribing the interviews, we conducted a content analysis from which six thematic categories emerged: 1) perceived impact of the module in the parent-adolescent relationship, 2) communication between research team and parents, 3) platform to access the module, 4) assistance to complete the module, 5) remote access to the module, and 6) changes to the module for future implementations. Our findings will allow us to refine our intervention and offer recommendations to similar efforts using the Internet to increase their impact.

[STIGMA AND HIV / AIDS AMONG PUERTO RICAN PARENTS / MOTHERS AND ADOLESCENTS]. / ESTIGMA Y VIH/SIDA ENTRE PADRES/MADRES Y ADOLESCENTES PUERTORRIQUEÑOS/AS.

Communication between parents and adolescents about sexuality is important for the healthy development of young people. Stigmatizing attitudes towards HIV/AIDS may adversely impact this communication. The aim of this study was to identify stigmatizing attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among Puerto Rican parents and adolescents. This effort is part of the Cuídalos Project which aimed to test a web-based intervention to increase communication about sexuality and health among parents and adolescents through an experimental design with 458 parent/adolescent (13-17 years of age) dyads. For the purposes of this article we report descriptive statistics on HIV/AIDS stigma attitudes gathered as part of our baseline measurement. Both parents and adolescents manifested stigmatizing attitudes towards HIV/AIDS. In light of these results it is necessary to continue developing interventions to reduce stigma among this population. Parents can be an invaluable asset to reduce stigma among adolescents and to help prevent sexual risk behaviors and new infection.

Inflamacion subclinica en diabetes tipo 1 infanto-juvenil / Subclinical inflammation in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes / Inflamação subclínica em crianças e adolescentes com diabetes tipo 1

En ninos y adolescentes con diabetes tipo 1 (DT1) puede aparecer precozmente un estado de inflamacion subclinica. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar los niveles plasmaticos de moleculas proinflamatorias en una poblacion infanto-juvenil con DT1, sin evidencias clinicas de complicaciones vasculares y correlacionar estos parametros entre si y con el grado de control glucemico y tiempo de evolucion de la enfermedad. Se estudiaron 42 pacientes con DT1 (21M/21F), de 10 a 13 anos, que se compararon con un grupo control. Se evaluaron: recuento de leucocitos, formas solubles de E-selectina (sE-S) y molecula de adhesion celular vascular 1 (VCAM-1), mieloperoxidasa (MPO), TNF-á, Fibrinogeno (Fg) y uPCR. Los datos se expresaron como mediana y rango intercuartil. Los diabeticos presentaron niveles aumentados de: sE-S [108 (69-150) vs. 68 (52-86) ng/mL, p=0,003], VCAM-1 [785 (732-835) vs 712 (658-758) ng/mL, p=0,04], uPCR [1,00 (0,67-1,70) vs. 0,20 (0,18-0,87) mg/L, p=0,01]. No se observaron diferencias en las moleculas estudiadas segun el grado de control glucemico y tiempo de evolucion de la enfermedad. La uPCR se correlaciono con glucemia en ayunas, HbA1c, sE-S y VCAM1. Los niveles elevados de uPCR, sE-S y VCAM-1 sugieren un estado proinflamatorio asociado a activacion endotelial en ninos con DT1, potenciando el riesgo de enfermedad vascular.

In children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D), clinical manifestations of vascular complications are uncommon; however, endothelial disturbance and a pro-inflammatory state can emerge early. The objectives of this work were: I) to determine plasma levels of proinflammatory molecules in a T1D pediatric population with no clinical evidence of vascular complications; II) to correlate these parameters with each other, and with glycemic control degree and disease duration. Forty-two patients with T1D (21 M/21W), aged 10 and 13 years and an evolution time not more than 6 years were compared with a control group. The biochemical parameters evaluated were: WBC, sE-S and VCAM-1, MPO, TNF-á, hsCRP and plasma Fg. Glycemic control was performed by determining fasting glucose and HbA1c. Data were expressed as the median and interquartile range. Increased levels of sE-S [108 (69-150) vs. 68 (52-86) ng/mL, p=0.003], VCAM-1 [785 (732-835) vs. 712 (658-758) ng/mL, p=0.04], hsCRP [1.00 (0.67-1.70) vs. 0.20 (0.18- 0.87) mg/L, p=0.01] were found in diabetic patients compared with the control group. No differences in the studied molecules were observed when diabetic patients were grouped according to glycemic control degree and evolution of the disease. hsCRP correlated with fasting glucose, HbA1c, sE-S and VCAM-1. High hsCRP, sE-S and VCAM-1 levels suggest a proinflammatory state associated with endothelial activation in children and adolescents with T1D, potentiating the risk of vascular disease.

Em crianças e adolescentes com diabetes tipo 1 (DT1), um estado de inflamação subclínica pode aparecer de forma precoce. O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar os níveis plasmáticos de moléculas pró-inflamatórias em uma população infanto-juvenil com DM1 sem evidências clínicas de complicações vasculares e correlacionar estes parâmetros, entre si com o grau de controle glicêmico e tempo de evolução da doença. Foram estudados 42 pacientes com DM1 (21M/21F), de 10 a 13 anos, que foram comparados com um grupo controle. Foram avaliadas a contagem de leucócitos, formas solúveis de E-selectina (sE-S) e molécula de adesão celular vascular 1 (VCAM-1), mieloperoxidase (MPO), TNF-á, fibrinogênio (Fg) e PCRus. Os dados foram expressos como mediana e intervalo interquartil. Os pacientes diabéticos apresentaram níveis aumentados de SE-S [108 (69-150) vs. 68 (52-86) ng/mL, p=0,003], VCAM-1 [785 (732-835) vs. 712 (658-758) ng/mL, p=0,04], PCRus [1,00 (0,67-1,70) vs. 0,20 (0,18-0,87) mg/L, p=0,01]. Não foram observadas diferenças nas moléculas estudadas segundo o grau de controle glicêmico e tempo de evolução da doença. O PCRus foi correlacionado com glicemia em jejum, HbA1c, sES e VCAM1. Os níveis elevados de PCRus, sE-S e VCAM-1 sugerem um estado pró-inflamatório associado com a ativação do endotélio em crianças com DM1, aumentando o risco de doença vascular.

Biomarcadores de inflamación subclínica en pacientes infanto-juveniles con diabetes tipo 1 / Subclinical inflammation biomarkers in an infant-juvenile patients with type 1 diabetes

La diabetes tipo 1 (DT1) se asocia a un riesgo incrementado de complicaciones vasculares. Las citoquinas proinflamatorias IL-6, MCP-1 y TNF-α han sido implicadas en el desarrollo de estas complicaciones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar los niveles plasmáticos de IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, PCRus y fibrinógeno (Fg) en pacientes infanto-juveniles con DT1 y su asociación con el grado de control glucémico y tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad. Se estudiaron 45 pacientes con DT1 (24 M/21 F), edad 11,2}1,8 años, con tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad de 3,1}3,0 años, sin complicaciones vasculares, que se compararon con 20 sujetos sanos. Se determinaron los niveles plasmáticos de IL-6, MCP-1 y TNF-α, Fg, PCRus, recuento de leucocitos, glucemia en ayunas y HbA1c. Se descartó la presencia de retinopatía y nefropatía. Los datos fueron analizados con el programa SPSS 15 para Windows. Los niños diabéticos presentaron niveles mayores de IL-6 (1,10}0,74 vs 0,68}0,19 pg/ml; p=0,005), MCP-1 (130}49 vs 95}18 pg/ml; p=0,02), PCRus (1,02}1,07 vs 0,43}026 mg/l; p=0,007), Fg (299}59 vs 246}18 mg/dl, p=0,0001), respecto de los controles. No se observaron diferencias significativas de TNF-α entre ambos grupos. Al agrupar a los diabéticos según el grado de control glucémico (HbA1c <8% y ≥8%) y el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad (≤3 y >3 años), no se encontraron diferencias significativas en las moléculas estudiadas. En los diabéticos la HbA1c se correlaciono con IL-6, MCP-1 y PCRus. Estos resultados reflejan un estado proinflamatorio en la población diabética estudiada.

Enfoque de los factores de riesgo de la lepra con las determinantes sociales de la salud / Approach to the risk factors for leprosy based on social determinants of health

Objetivos: identificar los factores de riesgo de la lepra, según las determinantes de salud. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de carácter transversal. La muestra estuvo constituida por todos los casos de lepra notificados en la provincia desde 2009 hasta mayo de 2011. Para la obtención de la información se revisaron las tarjetas de enfermedades de declaración obligatoria y las encuestas epidemiológicas. Se utilizó como medida de resumen el porcentaje. Resultados: los principales factores de riesgos que se identificaron en el elemento de la biología humana fue la infección multibacilar; en el medio ambiente, el riesgo de la convivencia con pacientes con baciloscopia positiva; en la organización de la atención de salud el fallo del sistema de salud, al prevalecer la detección espontánea de los casos; en cuanto a estilos de vida, la conducta individual de las migraciones. De forma general, en la base socioeconómica, 40,7 por ciento de los pacientes tenían bajo nivel escolar. Conclusiones: estos factores de riesgo socioeconómicos, son de importancia ya que se conoce que el Mycobacterium leprae, es un germen transmisible, que requiere condiciones especiales para manifestar su patogenicidad, condicionamientos inmunogenéticos de receptividad individual y predominantemente. Alteraciones inmunoreactivas, determinadas por factores socioeconómicos que deprimen los mecanismos de defensa a la invasión bacteriana en grupos poblacionales que viven en hacinamiento, con déficit nutricionales y alteraciones metabólicas, así como un conjunto de factores dependientes de la pobreza, propios de países subdesarrollados, y que juegan un papel determinante en la presentación de la enfermedad(AU)

Objectives: identify the risk factors for leprosy on the basis of health determinants. Methods: cross-sectional observational descriptive study. The sample consisted of all the leprosy cases reported in the province from 2009 to May 2011. Data were obtained from notifiable disease cards and epidemiological surveys. The summary measurement used was percentage. Results: the main risk factors identified were the following: in human biology, multibacillary infection; in the environment, living with positive bacilloscopy patients; in health care, failure of the health system, since spontaneous detection prevails; and in life styles, the individual behavior of migrations. From a socioeconomic point of view, 40.7 percent of patients had a low schooling level. Conclusions: these are important socioeconomic risk factors. It is a well known fact that Mycobacterium leprae is a communicable germ requiring special conditions to manifest its pathogenicity: individual immunogenic reception conditioning and most of all immunoreactive alterations determined by socioeconomic factors depressing the defense mechanisms against bacterial invasion in population groups living in crowded conditions, with nutritional deficits and metabolic alterations, as well as a number of poverty-related factors typical of underdeveloped countries, which play a decisive role in the development of the disease(AU)

Enfoque de los factores de riesgo de la lepra con las determinantes sociales de la salud / Approach to the risk factors for leprosy based on social determinants of health

Objetivos: identificar los factores de riesgo de la lepra, según las determinantes de salud. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de carácter transversal. La muestra estuvo constituida por todos los casos de lepra notificados en la provincia desde 2009 hasta mayo de 2011. Para la obtención de la información se revisaron las tarjetas de enfermedades de declaración obligatoria y las encuestas epidemiológicas. Se utilizó como medida de resumen el porcentaje. Resultados: los principales factores de riesgos que se identificaron en el elemento de la biología humana fue la infección multibacilar; en el medio ambiente, el riesgo de la convivencia con pacientes con baciloscopia positiva; en la organización de la atención de salud el fallo del sistema de salud, al prevalecer la detección espontánea de los casos; en cuanto a estilos de vida, la conducta individual de las migraciones. De forma general, en la base socioeconómica, 40,7 por ciento de los pacientes tenían bajo nivel escolar. Conclusiones: estos factores de riesgo socioeconómicos, son de importancia ya que se conoce que el Mycobacterium leprae, es un germen transmisible, que requiere condiciones especiales para manifestar su patogenicidad, condicionamientos inmunogenéticos de receptividad individual y predominantemente. Alteraciones inmunoreactivas, determinadas por factores socioeconómicos que deprimen los mecanismos de defensa a la invasión bacteriana en grupos poblacionales que viven en hacinamiento, con déficit nutricionales y alteraciones metabólicas, así como un conjunto de factores dependientes de la pobreza, propios de países subdesarrollados, y que juegan un papel determinante en la presentación de la enfermedad(AU)

Objectives: identify the risk factors for leprosy on the basis of health determinants. Methods: cross-sectional observational descriptive study. The sample consisted of all the leprosy cases reported in the province from 2009 to May 2011. Data were obtained from notifiable disease cards and epidemiological surveys. The summary measurement used was percentage. Results: the main risk factors identified were the following: in human biology, multibacillary infection; in the environment, living with positive bacilloscopy patients; in health care, failure of the health system, since spontaneous detection prevails; and in life styles, the individual behavior of migrations. From a socioeconomic point of view, 40.7 percent of patients had a low schooling level. Conclusions: these are important socioeconomic risk factors. It is a well known fact that Mycobacterium leprae is a communicable germ requiring special conditions to manifest its pathogenicity: individual immunogenic reception conditioning and most of all immunoreactive alterations determined by socioeconomic factors depressing the defense mechanisms against bacterial invasion in population groups living in crowded conditions, with nutritional deficits and metabolic alterations, as well as a number of poverty-related factors typical of underdeveloped countries, which play a decisive role in the development of the disease(AU)

[Tumor necrosis factor-alpha in a children population with overweight]. / Factor de necrosis tumoral alfa en una población infanto-juvenil con sobrepeso.

The child overweight is associated with overweight/obesity at the adult age. The obese adipose tissue produces an increase of proinflammatory cytokines as the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), causing a deleterious effect on vascular functions. The aim of this work was to evaluate TNF-α levels in a children's population with overweight and its relationship with clinical and laboratory variables. Thirty overweight children were studied, with ages between 8-13 years old, and twenty control children. In both groups waist circumference was measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. The inclusion criterium was a >85th < 95 th BMI percentile for age and sex. In both groups were determined: fasting blood glucose (glucose-oxidase method); plasma insulin (ECLIA); plasma fibrinogen (Fg, Clauss method); high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP, immunoturbidimetric method); plasma myeloperoxidase (ELISA); TNF-α (ELISA); lipid profile (enzymatic methods); erythrosedimentation rate (ESR) and homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA). Data were expressed as the median and interquartile range. Correlations between variables were investigated with the Spearman's coefficient. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. The TNF-α levels were higher in overweight children [15.4 (13.2-24.0) vs. 12.7 (11.2-14.8) pg/ml; p = 0.028]. Levels of Fg, plasma insulin, HOMA index, uCRP and triglycerides were also statistically significant higher than the control group. The TNF-α was positively correlated with the waist circumference (r = 0.654; p = 0.021). The high TNF-α levels found, with the CRP and Fg levels, confirm a low grade proinflammatory state associated to abdominal obesity in the studied population.

Factor de necrosis tumoral alfa en una población infanto-juvenil con sobrepeso / Tumor necrosis factor-alpha in a children population with overweight

El sobrepeso infantil está asociado a sobrepeso/obesidad en la edad adulta. El tejido adiposo en obesos produce una cantidad incrementada de citoquinas proinflamatorias como el factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-a), ejerciendo un efecto deletéreo sobre la función vascular. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar niveles de TNF-a en una población infantojuvenil con sobrepeso y su relación con otras variables. Se estudiaron 30 niños con sobrepeso (12 varones) de edades entre 8-13 años, se midió circunferencia de cintura (CC) e índice de masa corporal (IMC) y fueron comparados con 20 controles de edad y sexo semejantes. Se consideró criterio de inclusión un IMC = 85 < 95 percentilo para edad y sexo. En ambos grupos se determinó: glucemia en ayunas (método glucosa oxidasa), insulina plasmática (ECLIA), fibrinógeno (Fg, método de Clauss), proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (uPCR, método inmunoturbidimétrico), TNF-a (ELISA), perfil lipídico (métodos enzimáticos), eritrosedimentación y se calculó el índice HOMA. Los datos se expresaron como mediana y rango intercuartil y con el coeficiente de Spearman se investigaron las correlaciones entre variables, considerándose significativo un p < 0.05. Los niveles de TNF-a fueron mayores en los sujetos con sobrepeso [15.4 (13.2-24.0) vs. 12.7 (11.2-14.8) pg/ml; p = 0.028]. También resultaron más elevados los valores de Fg, insulina plasmática, índice HOMA, uPCR y triglicéridos. El TNF-a se correlacionó con la CC (r = 0.654; p = 0.021). Los niveles elevados de TNF-a, uPCR y Fg encontrados confirman un estado proinflamatorio asociado a obesidad abdominal en la población estudiada.

The child overweight is associated with overweight/obesity at the adult age. The obese adipose tissue produces an increase of proinflammatory cytokines as the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), causing a deleterious effect on vascular functions. The aim of this work was to evaluate TNF-a levels in a children’s population with overweight and its relationship with clinical and laboratory variables. Thirty overweight children were studied, with ages between 8-13 years old, and twenty control children. In both groups waist circumference was measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. The inclusion criterium was a >85th < 95 th BMI percentile for age and sex. In both groups were determined: fasting blood glucose (glucose-oxidase method); plasma insulin (ECLIA); plasma fibrinogen (Fg, Clauss method); high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP, immunoturbidimetric method); plasma myeloperoxidase (ELISA); TNF-a (ELISA); lipid profile (enzymatic methods); erythrosedimentation rate (ESR) and homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA). Data were expressed as the median and interquartile range. Correlations between variables were investigated with the Spearman’s coefficient. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. The TNF-a levels were higher in overweight children [15.4 (13.2-24.0) vs. 12.7 (11.2-14.8) pg/ml; p = 0.028]. Levels of Fg, plasma insulin, HOMA index, uCRP and triglycerides were also statistically significant higher than the control group. The TNF-a was positively correlated with the waist circumference (r = 0.654; p = 0.021). The high TNF-a levels found, with the CRP and Fg levels, confirm a low grade proinflammatory state associated to abdominal obesity in the studied population.

Factor de necrosis tumoral alfa en una población infanto-juvenil con sobrepeso / Tumor necrosis factor-alpha in a children population with overweight

El sobrepeso infantil está asociado a sobrepeso/obesidad en la edad adulta. El tejido adiposo en obesos produce una cantidad incrementada de citoquinas proinflamatorias como el factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-a), ejerciendo un efecto deletéreo sobre la función vascular. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar niveles de TNF-a en una población infantojuvenil con sobrepeso y su relación con otras variables. Se estudiaron 30 niños con sobrepeso (12 varones) de edades entre 8-13 años, se midió circunferencia de cintura (CC) e índice de masa corporal (IMC) y fueron comparados con 20 controles de edad y sexo semejantes. Se consideró criterio de inclusión un IMC = 85 < 95 percentilo para edad y sexo. En ambos grupos se determinó: glucemia en ayunas (método glucosa oxidasa), insulina plasmática (ECLIA), fibrinógeno (Fg, método de Clauss), proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (uPCR, método inmunoturbidimétrico), TNF-a (ELISA), perfil lipídico (métodos enzimáticos), eritrosedimentación y se calculó el índice HOMA. Los datos se expresaron como mediana y rango intercuartil y con el coeficiente de Spearman se investigaron las correlaciones entre variables, considerándose significativo un p < 0.05. Los niveles de TNF-a fueron mayores en los sujetos con sobrepeso [15.4 (13.2-24.0) vs. 12.7 (11.2-14.8) pg/ml; p = 0.028]. También resultaron más elevados los valores de Fg, insulina plasmática, índice HOMA, uPCR y triglicéridos. El TNF-a se correlacionó con la CC (r = 0.654; p = 0.021). Los niveles elevados de TNF-a, uPCR y Fg encontrados confirman un estado proinflamatorio asociado a obesidad abdominal en la población estudiada.(AU)

The child overweight is associated with overweight/obesity at the adult age. The obese adipose tissue produces an increase of proinflammatory cytokines as the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), causing a deleterious effect on vascular functions. The aim of this work was to evaluate TNF-a levels in a children’s population with overweight and its relationship with clinical and laboratory variables. Thirty overweight children were studied, with ages between 8-13 years old, and twenty control children. In both groups waist circumference was measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. The inclusion criterium was a >85th < 95 th BMI percentile for age and sex. In both groups were determined: fasting blood glucose (glucose-oxidase method); plasma insulin (ECLIA); plasma fibrinogen (Fg, Clauss method); high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP, immunoturbidimetric method); plasma myeloperoxidase (ELISA); TNF-a (ELISA); lipid profile (enzymatic methods); erythrosedimentation rate (ESR) and homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA). Data were expressed as the median and interquartile range. Correlations between variables were investigated with the Spearman’s coefficient. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. The TNF-a levels were higher in overweight children [15.4 (13.2-24.0) vs. 12.7 (11.2-14.8) pg/ml; p = 0.028]. Levels of Fg, plasma insulin, HOMA index, uCRP and triglycerides were also statistically significant higher than the control group. The TNF-a was positively correlated with the waist circumference (r = 0.654; p = 0.021). The high TNF-a levels found, with the CRP and Fg levels, confirm a low grade proinflammatory state associated to abdominal obesity in the studied population.(AU)

Factor de necrosis tumoral alfa en una población infanto-juvenil con sobrepeso. / [Tumor necrosis factor-alpha in a children population with overweight].

The child overweight is associated with overweight/obesity at the adult age. The obese adipose tissue produces an increase of proinflammatory cytokines as the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), causing a deleterious effect on vascular functions. The aim of this work was to evaluate TNF-α levels in a childrens population with overweight and its relationship with clinical and laboratory variables. Thirty overweight children were studied, with ages between 8-13 years old, and twenty control children. In both groups waist circumference was measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. The inclusion criterium was a >85th < 95 th BMI percentile for age and sex. In both groups were determined: fasting blood glucose (glucose-oxidase method); plasma insulin (ECLIA); plasma fibrinogen (Fg, Clauss method); high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP, immunoturbidimetric method); plasma myeloperoxidase (ELISA); TNF-α (ELISA); lipid profile (enzymatic methods); erythrosedimentation rate (ESR) and homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA). Data were expressed as the median and interquartile range. Correlations between variables were investigated with the Spearmans coefficient. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. The TNF-α levels were higher in overweight children [15.4 (13.2-24.0) vs. 12.7 (11.2-14.8) pg/ml; p = 0.028]. Levels of Fg, plasma insulin, HOMA index, uCRP and triglycerides were also statistically significant higher than the control group. The TNF-α was positively correlated with the waist circumference (r = 0.654; p = 0.021). The high TNF-α levels found, with the CRP and Fg levels, confirm a low grade proinflammatory state associated to abdominal obesity in the studied population.

Enfoque de los factores de riesgo en lepra: un enfoque a partir de las determinantes sociales de la salud / Focus of the risk factors in leprosy: a focus starting from some social health determinants

Introducción: la lepra es una enfermedad infecciosa crónica, granulomatosa, transmisible aunque poco contagiosa, causada por el bacilo Mycobacterium leprae, que afecta principalmente la piel, los nervios periféricos, la mucosa de las vías respiratorias superiores, los ojos y otras estructuras. Objetivo: identificar los factores de riesgo de la lepra, enfocado según las determinantes de salud, en las que se estudiarán la biología humana, condiciones y estilos de vida, medio ambiente, organización de los servicios de salud, y la base socioeconómica. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de carácter transversal, el universo del estudio estuvo constituido por los 27 casos de lepra notificados en la provincia de Pinar del Río, Cuba, de enero del 2009 hasta mayo del 2011. Para la obtención de la información se revisaron las tarjetas de declaración obligatoria y las encuestas epidemiológicas. Se utilizó como medida de resumen las frecuencias absolutas y el porcentaje. Resultados: los principales factores de riesgo que se identificaron fueron: en el elemento de la biología humana, la infección multibacilar; en el medio ambiente, el riesgo de la convivencia con pacientes con baciloscopía positiva; en la organización de la atención de salud, detección espontánea de los casos de lepra; en cuanto a los estilos de vida, la conducta individual de las migraciones, y de forma general en la base socioeconómica el 40,7% de los pacientes tenían bajo nivel escolar..

Introduction: leprosy is a chronic, infectious, granulomatous, transferable disease, although is not very contagious, caused by bacillus Mycobacterium leprae that affects the skin, the outlying nerves, the mucous membrane of the breathing superior roads, the eyes and other structures. Objective: to identify the risk factors of the leprosy focused in health determinants, in those that study the human biology, condition and lifestyles, environment, organization of the leprosy focused and the socioeconomic base. Materials and methods: observational descriptive study of traverse character, the universe of the study was constituted by the 27 cases of leprosy notified in the county of Pinal del Río, Cuba, from January of 2009 to May of 2011. To obtain the information the cards of mandatory declaration and the epidemic surveys were revised. It was used as summary measure the absolute frequencies and the percentage. Results: the main risk factors identified were: in the element of the human biology, the multibacilar infection; in the environment, the risk of the coexistence with a patient with positive baciloscopy test; in the organization of the health attention, spontaneous detection of the leprosy cases; as for the lifestyles, the individual behavior of the migrations, and in a general way in the socioeconomic base 40.7% of the patients had low school level..

Assessing awareness and use of evidence-based programs for cancer control in Puerto Rico.

The Community Cancer Control Outreach Program (CCCOP) is a community-academic partnership aimed at developing and implementing a cancer control outreach, research, and training program in Puerto Rico. The CCCOP surveyed 56 partners to assess their awareness, training needs, and use of resources related to evidence-based programs (EBPs). Despite relatively high levels (70 %) of confidence in adopting EBPs, there were low levels of awareness (37 %) and use (25 %) of existing EBPs resources. Respondents' who had used EBPs resources were more likely to have positive beliefs about EBPs than nonusers (p<0.05). Training needs were high among respondents and no significant differences were found between those who had and had not used existing EBPs resources. These findings can guide the development of training tools and technical assistance to increase the use of EBPs for Latino audiences.

Estratificación epidemiológica en el control de los factores de riesgo de la tuberculosis / Epidemiological stratification to control the risk factors of tuberculosis

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal, con el objetivo de implementar la estratificación epidemiológica en el control de los factores de riesgo de la tuberculosis, provincia Pinar del Río, 2008-2010. El universo de estudio lo constituyó, los habitantes de la provincia en cada uno de los años estudiados. Se revisó el registro de dispensarización y las encuestas epidemiológicas; de ellos se obtuvieron los factores de riesgo: alcoholismo, hábito de fumar, diabetes mellitus, ancianos solos, desnutrición, inmunodeprimidos y casos viviendo con VIH/Sida. Para el procesamiento de la información se trabajó con Microsoft Excel y MapInfo Professional. Se utilizó la metodología estratificación epidemiológica de riesgo hasta nivel municipal; los estratos para los factores de riesgo como para la enfermedad, se clasificaron en: muy alto, alto, mediano y bajo riesgo. Para determinar la significación de cambios se utilizó la prueba Mc Nemar. Los resultados mostraron que en el 2009, el 50 por ciento de los municipios que en la estratificación del 2008 estaban en el estrato de muy alto y alto riesgo, el 85,7 por ciento cambiaran de estratos, lo que indica un mejor control de los factores de riesgo. El proceso de estratificación en el 2010, no logró cambios favorables en los municipios con mayor riesgo en el 2008, estando el 65 por ciento clasificado en estratos de muy alto y alto riesgo, pues el plan de acción previsto, no fue ejecutado con efectividad y seriedad por los jefes de programa, debido a inestabilidad y ausencia de los mismos en los municipios de mayor riesgo...(AU)

A descriptive, longitudinal study aimed at implementing epidemiological stratification to control the risk factors of tuberculosis in Pinar del Rio province was carried out form 2008 to 2010. The target group was comprised of the inhabitants of the province for each of the years under study. Records and epidemiological survey were revised; taking into account the risk factors of alcoholism, smoking, diabetes mellitus, old people living alone, malnutrition, and immunosupression plus HIV/AIDS cases. To process the information Microsoft Excel and Professional MapInfo were used; making use of the epidemiological methodology to stratify the risks up to the municipal level; the strata to the risk factors of the disease were classified as: very high, high, middle and low risk. McNemar test was applied to determine the significance of changes. Results showed that in 2009, 50 per cent of the municipalities having strata of very high, and high risk in 2009 changed their levels (85,7 per cent), which pointed out a better control of the risk factors. The process of stratification in 2010 did not achieve favorable changes in municipalities that presented higher risk factors, since the foreseeable action plan was not serious and efficiently fulfilled by the leaders of the program, due to the instability and non-attendance of them in the municipalities with higher risk factors...(AU)

Estratificación epidemiológica en el control de los factores de riesgo de la tuberculosis / Epidemiological stratification to control the risk factors of tuberculosis

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal, con el objetivo de implementar la estratificación epidemiológica en el control de los factores de riesgo de la tuberculosis, provincia Pinar del Río, 2008-2010. El universo de estudio lo constituyó, los habitantes de la provincia en cada uno de los años estudiados. Se revisó el registro de dispensarización y las encuestas epidemiológicas; de ellos se obtuvieron los factores de riesgo: alcoholismo, hábito de fumar, diabetes mellitus, ancianos solos, desnutrición, inmunodeprimidos y casos viviendo con VIH/Sida. Para el procesamiento de la información se trabajó con Microsoft Excel y MapInfo Professional. Se utilizó la metodología estratificación epidemiológica de riesgo hasta nivel municipal; los estratos para los factores de riesgo como para la enfermedad, se clasificaron en: muy alto, alto, mediano y bajo riesgo. Para determinar la significación de cambios se utilizó la prueba Mc Nemar. Los resultados mostraron que en el 2009, el 50% de los municipios que en la estratificación del 2008 estaban en el estrato de muy alto y alto riesgo, el 85,7% cambiaran de estratos, lo que indica un mejor control de los factores de riesgo. El proceso de estratificación en el 2010, no logró cambios favorables en los municipios con mayor riesgo en el 2008, estando el 65% clasificado en estratos de muy alto y alto riesgo, pues el plan de acción previsto, no fue ejecutado con efectividad y seriedad por los jefes de programa, debido a inestabilidad y ausencia de los mismos en los municipios de mayor riesgo.

A descriptive, longitudinal study aimed at implementing epidemiological stratification to control the risk factors of tuberculosis in Pinar del Rio province was carried out form 2008 to 2010. The target group was comprised of the inhabitants of the province for each of the years under study. Records and epidemiological survey were revised; taking into account the risk factors of alcoholism, smoking, diabetes mellitus, old people living alone, malnutrition, and immunosupression plus HIV/AIDS cases. To process the information Microsoft Excel and Professional MapInfo were used; making use of the epidemiological methodology to stratify the risks up to the municipal level; the strata to the risk factors of the disease were classified as: very high, high, middle and low risk. McNemar test was applied to determine the significance of changes. Results showed that in 2009, 50% of the municipalities having strata of very high, and high risk in 2009 changed their levels (85,7%), which pointed out a better control of the risk factors. The process of stratification in 2010 did not achieve favorable changes in municipalities that presented higher risk factors, since the foreseeable action plan was not serious and efficiently fulfilled by the leaders of the program, due to the instability and non-attendance of them in the municipalities with higher risk factors.