Healthy diets positively associated with health-related quality of life in children and adolescents from low socioeconomic areas: Findings from the Greek Food Aid Program, DIATROFI.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship of diet with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in vulnerable children and adolescents. METHODS: Data included 6583 children and adolescents (aged 3-18 years old) from the Greek Food-Aid DIATROFI Program in the 2015 to 2016 and 2017 to 2018 school years. HRQoL was measured with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory questionnaire and diet with food frequency questionnaires. The healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI), animal score, and dietary patterns were investigated. RESULTS: The hPDI and animal score were associated with good HRQoL (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval], 10-unit increase: ORhPDI = 1.28 [1.05, 1.57], ORanimal = 1.51 [1.14, 2.00]) and physical (ORanimal = 1.62 [1.23, 2.13]), emotional (ORhPDI = 1.30 [1.07, 1.58], ORanimal = 1.41 [1.08, 1.85]) and school function (ORhPDI = 1.32 [1.09, 1.59], ORanimal = 1.46 [1.12, 1.89]). Dietary patterns of fruits, raw vegetables, and cheese were associated with good HRQoL (OR of 1-unit increase: 1.22 [1.13, 1.32]), and physical OR = 1.18 [1.09, 1.27]) and emotional function (OR = 1.09 [1.02, 1.18]). Starchy foods and sweetened beverages were associated with poor HRQoL (OR = 0.75 [0.63, 0.90]), and emotional (OR = 0.80 [0.68, 0.95]) and school function (OR = 0.72 [0.61, 0.85]). CONCLUSION: Healthy diets and dietary patterns were positively associated with the HRQoL of vulnerable children and adolescents, which may offer opportunities for prevention.

Perceptions of parents and children, participating in a school-based feeding programme in disadvantaged areas in Greece: a qualitative study.

AIM: The aim of this work was to explore parents' and children's attitudes towards healthy eating and the free provision of a daily school meal in underprivileged areas of Greece. METHODS: Twenty focus groups were conducted in 14 schools. Eligible participants were children/adolescents and their parents, who were recipients of a food aid, healthy nutrition school-based programme. Their perceptions towards healthy eating and related barriers, experience of a school feeding programme, other nutrition intervention initiatives were qualitatively evaluated. RESULTS: Most of the parents referred to the Mediterranean diet as a healthy dietary pattern. Nearly all parents were aware of their effect as role models and commented on the benefits of eating together as a family, as well as on the importance of improving their own dietary habits. Parents reported using various methods to promote a healthy diet, as part of their parenting role. They perceived their role as difficult, as they have to deal with children's resistance, financial constraints arising from the current economic crisis in Greece and busy work schedules. All students perceived the school feeding programme as health-promoting, reflecting their parents' perceptions. CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that although the traditional Mediterranean diet was perceived by the majority of the adults as a health and traditional dietary pattern, parents reported several barriers related to its adoption. In particular, the most common barriers included financial difficulties, limited time for food preparation and children's resistance to consume healthy foods.

[Universal newborn hearing screening in Cantabria (Spain): results of the first two years]. / Cribado universal de la hipoacusia congénita en Cantabria: resultados de los dos primeros años.

AIMS: We present the results of the first 2 years of universal newborn hearing screening in Cantabria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a descriptive study of screening with two levels of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions in 8,836 newborns, diagnostic confirmation with auditory brainstem response, and treatment. RESULTS: The coverage of the first two levels of otoacoustic emissions was 98.4 % and 99.5 %. The incidence of risk factors was 3.08 %. A total of 6.7 % of those studied in the first stage were referred to the second, and 0.7 % of those studied in the second stage were referred to testing of auditory brainstem responses. Of the patents referred to the second stage, 97.6 % attended, and of those referred to the third stage 87.1 % attended. The positive predictive value after the second session of otoemissions was 7.9 %, and the false positive rate was 3.3 %. Sensorineural and bilateral hearing loss was diagnosed in 11 children, and permanent unilateral hypoacousia was diagnosed in one child, representing an incidence of 1.38/1,000 newborns. Sixty percent were diagnosed before the age of 3 months and 100 % before the age of 7 months. Fifty percent began treatment before the age of 6 months and 90 % before the age of 1 year. Of three cochlear implants indicated, two were implanted at 11 and 13 months. The cost was 1.3 3 per child screened and 867 3 for each case diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: All the objectives of the first and second stages of screening were achieved. The continuity index anticipated for the third stage (87.1 vs 95 %) and access to treatment at 6 months (50 % vs 100 %) were less satisfactory, although these results compare favorably with those of previously published studies.

Cribado universal de la hipoacusia congénita en Cantabria: resultados de los dos primeros años / Universal newborn hearing screening in Cantabria (Spain): results of the first two years

Objetivo: Exponer los resultados de los primeros 2 años del cribado universal de la hipoacusia en Cantabria. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo del cribado con dos pases de otoemisiones de 8.836 neonatos, de la confirmación diagnóstica con potenciales evocados, y su tratamiento. Resultados: La cobertura de los dos primeros pases de otoemisiones fue del 98,4 y 99,5 %. La incidencia de factores de riesgo fue del 3,08 %. El 6,7 % de los estudiados en el primer nivel se remitieron al segundo, y el 0,7 % de los estudiados en el segundo se remitieron a potenciales. De los remitidos al segundo nivel acudieron el 97,6 %, y de los remitidos al tercer nivel el 87,1 %. El valor predictivo positivo tras el segundo pase de otoemisiones fue del 7,9 %, y los falsos positivos el 3,3 %. Se diagnosticaron 11 hipoacusias neurosensoriales bilaterales y una unilateral de transmisión permanente, lo que da una incidencia de 1,38 por 1.000 recién nacidos. El 60% fueron diagnosticados antes de los 3 meses y el 100% antes de los siete. Respecto al tratamiento, el 50 % lo iniciaron antes de los 6 meses y el 90 % antes del año. De los tres implantes cocleares indicados, dos se realizaron a los 11 y 13 meses. El coste ha sido de 1,3 3 por niño cribado y de 867 3 por caso detectado. Conclusiones: Se han cumplido los objetivos del primer y segundo niveles. No se ha alcanzado el índice de continuidad previsto para el tercer nivel (87,1% frente a 95 %) ni el acceso al tratamiento a los 6meses (50 % frente a 100 %), aunque estos resultados se comparan de forma favorable con otros publicados previamente

Aims: We present the results of the first 2 years of universal newborn hearing screening in Cantabria. Material and methods: We performed a descriptive study of screening with two levels of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions in 8,836 newborns, diagnostic confirmation with auditory brainstem response, and treatment. Results: The coverage of the first two levels of otoacoustic emissions was 98.4 % and 99.5 %. The incidence of risk factors was 3.08 %. A total of 6.7 % of those studied in the first stage were referred to the second, and 0.7% of those studied in the second stage were referred to testing of auditory brainstem responses. Of the patents referred to the second stage, 97.6 % attended, and of those referred to the third stage 87.1 % attended. The positive predictive value after the second session of otoemissions was 7.9 %, and the false positive rate was 3.3 %. Sensorineural and bilateral hearing loss was diagnosed in 11 children, and permanent unilateral hypoacousia was diagnosed in one child, representing an incidence of 1.38/1,000 newborns. Sixty percent were diagnosed before the age of 3 months and 100 % before the age of 7 months. Fifty percent began treatment before the age of 6 months and 90 % before the age of 1 year. Of three cochlear implants indicated, two were implanted at 11 and 13 months. The cost was 1.3 3 per child screened and 867 3 for each case diagnosed. Conclusions: All the objectives of the first and second stages of screening were achieved. The continuity index anticipated for the third stage (87.1 vs 95 %) and access to treatment at 6 months (50 % vs 100 %) were less satisfactory, although these results compare favorably with those of previously published studies

[Program of hearing loss early detection in newborn infants in Cantabria. Results of the first year of activities]. / Programa de detección precoz de la hipoacusia en neonatos en Cantabria. Resultados del primer año de funcionamiento.

AIMS: To report the findings in the first year of follow-up of the Cantabrian Program to screen newborn babies for congenital permanent hearing loss. METHODS: The study population consisted of infants born during a year period in Cantabria (Spain). Universal hearing screening by transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) in 2 stage protocol was performed. Infants with failure scores in these 2 stages and those with risk factors for hearing loss were referred for diagnostic evaluation with auditory brainstem response. Hearing aids were recommended for those infants who had bilateral hearing loss and referrals to infant speech and language rehabilitation. RESULTS: Out of the 4117 eligible babies, 3987 were studied. One hundred and ten (2.6) had risk factors for hearing loss, 3.5% were referred for audiological assessment and 1.2/1000 were diagnosed as having a permanent hearing loss. The false-positive rate was 0.72% after the two-stage screening procedure was performed. Positive predictive value for permanent hearing loss was 10%. CONCLUSIONS: During the first year working with the Cantabrian Screening Program for congenital permanent hearing loss in newborn babies, the most part of the proposed aims have been achieved.

The influence of dietary patterns on the development of thyroid cancer.

To elucidate the role of diet in the development of thyroid cancer, we conducted a case-control study of 113 persons with histologically-verified thyroid cancer and 138 controls, matched by age, gender and health unit. Socio-economic data, known risk factors and food consumption of more than 100 items were recorded by interviewer-administered prestructured questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to identify possible dietary patterns and logistic regression analysis was used to explore the effect of food items or dietary patterns on thyroid cancer. After adjustment for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and total energy intake, significant positive associations were observed for pork consumption, while negative ones were observed for tomatoes, lemons and pasta. Dietary patterns of fruits, raw vegetables and mixed raw vegetables and fruits, led to a reduced risk (corresponding odds ratios (ORs) 0.68, 0.71, 0.73) for all thyroid cancers and similar figures were obtained for papillary thyroid cancers. A dietary pattern of fish and cooked vegetables led to an increased risk (OR 2.79) of follicular cancer.

Programa de detección precoz de la hipoacusia en neonatos en Cantabria. Resultados del primer año de funcionamiento / Early hearing loss detection program for newborn babies in Cantabria. First year results

Objetivos: Evaluar los hallazgos obtenidos en el primer año de funcionamiento del Programa Cántabro para la Detección Precoz de la Hipoacusia Neonatal. Métodos: El ámbito de estudio incluyó a todos los recién nacidos en la Comunidad Autónoma de Cantabria (España) entre el 1 de abril de 2001 y 31 de marzo de 2002. El programa se dividió en 4 fases; las 3 primeras son las que se incluyen en este estudio: fase de screening con otoemisiones acústicas automatizadas (OAE), fase de diagnóstico con potenciales evocados auditivos (neonatos con OAE negativas y/o factores de riesgo de hipoacusia) y fase de tratamiento (adaptación de prótesis auditivas y rehabilitación logopédica). Resultados: Durante el periodo de estudio nacieron 4.117 niños, de los que 110 (2,6%) tenían factores de riesgo. Un 0,8 por ciento de los neonatos sin factores de riesgo y un 3,5 por ciento del total de los incluidos en el programa fueron remitidos a la fase de diagnóstico. 3.987 niños (96,8%) completaron el estudio. La incidencia de hipoacusia permanente fue de 1.2/1000. El valor predictivo positivo en los neonatos sin factores de riesgo fue del 10% y el porcentaje de falsos positivos respecto a la población sometida a screening del 0,72%. Conclusiones: En el primer año de funcionamiento del Programa Cántabro de Detección Precoz de la Hipoacusia Infantil se han cumplido la mayor parte de los objetivos de calidad propuestos (AU)

AIMS: To report the findings in the first year of follow-up of the Cantabrian Program to screen newborn babies for congenital permanent hearing loss. METHODS: The study population consisted of infants born during a year period in Cantabria (Spain). Universal hearing screening by transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) in 2 stage protocol was performed. Infants with failure scores in these 2 stages and those with risk factors for hearing loss were referred for diagnostic evaluation with auditory brainstem response. Hearing aids were recommended for those infants who had bilateral hearing loss and referrals to infant speech and language rehabilitation. RESULTS: Out of the 4117 eligible babies, 3987 were studied. One hundred and ten (2.6) had risk factors for hearing loss, 3.5% were referred for audiological assessment and 1.2/1000 were diagnosed as having a permanent hearing loss. The false-positive rate was 0.72% after the two-stage screening procedure was performed. Positive predictive value for permanent hearing loss was 10%. CONCLUSIONS: During the first year working with the Cantabrian Screening Program for congenital permanent hearing loss in newborn babies, the most part of the proposed aims have been achieved (AU)

Sobre la incidencia de meningitis neumocócica en Cantabria / No disponible

No disponible

Taxonomic characterization of two rubber degrading bacteria belonging to the species Gordonia polyisoprenivorans and analysis of hyper variable regions of 16S rDNA sequences.

Two cis-1,4-polyisoprene (isoprene rubber) degrading bacteria, strains VH2 and Y2K, were identified as strains of the species Gordonia polyisoprenivorans belonging to the Corynebacterineae, a suborder of the order Actinomycetales. Both showed characteristic growth and degradation of isoprene rubber as described previously for the type strain of G. polyisoprenivorans Kd2 (DSM 44302(T)). For strain VH2 the chemotaxonomic properties were investigated, and DNA-DNA hybridization experiments with the type strain revealed the affiliation to the species G. polyisoprenivorans. The comparison of the 16S rDNA sequences, and especially hyper variable regions of these, led to the classification of strain Y2K to the same species. At present, the species G. polyisoprenivorans comprises three different isolates which share the ability to degrade isoprene rubber potently but which were obtained from different geographic regions.

[Comparation of reactogenicity of vaccine combinations with an injection volume of 0,5 and 1 ml in infants]. / Comparación de la reactogenicidad de asociaciones vacunales con un volumen de inyección de 0,5 y de 1 ml en lactantes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the local and systemic reactogenicity of two vaccine associations in infants, in order to ascertain if a greater volume of injection is associated with a greater adverse effects rate. DESIGN: Intervention study, without random distribution. Site. A unit of vaccinations with free access and public dependency. PARTICIPANTS: 228 infants (138 male, 90 female) aged 2, 4 and 6 months that were attending to compliment their vaccine schedule. INTERVENTIONS: To those aged 2 and 6 months (group 1: 108 children) it was administered the association DTPw + Hepatitis B + Hib (Tritanrix-HB + Hiberix) with a volume of injection of 0,5 ml, and to those aged 4 months (group 2: 120 children) the association DTPw + Hib (Anatoxal Diteper + Hibtiter) with a volume of 1 ml. The injection was applied in the thigh and paracetamol was indicated in the following 24 hours. Adverse reactions were registered through telephonic interview, and nursing visit of those which might have presented some one. RESULTS: There were not meaningful differences between both associations in signs or symptoms analyzed (pain, inflammation, aseptic cyst, fever, behavior alterations, diarrhea, encephalopathy, hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode or inconsolable weeping). With both associations the local reactions rate (0% of inflammation or aseptic cyst) and fever (10%) were very inferior to the previous published data. CONCLUSION: The vaccine association with a volume of injection of 1 ml did not produce more adverse effects than the association of 0,5 ml. Both produced a number of local reactions and fever much less than previously published, what is attributed to the prophylactic use of paracetamol and other preventive measures. Therefore, the association elected for the vaccination at 4 months (DTPw + Hib with a volume of 1 ml) is useful and practical to improve vaccine coverage and for the welfare of vaccinated infants, upon avoiding them an injection and without provoking more adverse reactions.

Comparación de la reactogenicidad de asociaciones vacunales con un volumen de inyección de 0,5 y de 1 ml en lactantes / Comparation of the reactogenicity of vaccine associations with an injection volume of 0,5 and 1 ml in infants

Objetivo. Comparar la reactogenicidad local y sistémica de dos asociaciones vacunales en lactantes, para comprobar si un mayor volumen de inyección se asocia a una superior tasa de efectos adversos. Diseño. Estudio de intervención, sin distribución aleatoria. Emplazamiento. Una unidad de vacunaciones de acceso gratuito y dependencia pública. Participantes. Un total de 228 lactantes (138 varones y 90 mujeres) de 2, 4 y 6 meses que acudían a cumplimentar su calendario vacunal oficial. Intervenciones. A los de 2 y 6 meses (grupo 1, 108 niños) se les administró la asociación DTPw + hepatitis B + Hib (Tritanrix-HB + Hiberix®) con un volumen de inyección de 0,5 ml, y a los de 4 meses (grupo 2, 120 niños) la asociación DTPw + Hib (Anatoxal Diteper + Hibtiter®) con un volumen de 1 ml. La inyección se aplicó en el muslo y se indicó paracetamol en las 24 horas siguientes. Se registraron las reacciones adversas mediante entrevista telefónica y visita de enfermería de los que hubieran presentado alguna. Resultados. No hubo diferencias significativas entre ambas asociaciones vacunales en los signos o síntomas analizados (dolor, inflamación, enquistamiento, fiebre, alteraciones de conducta, diarrea, encefalopatía, episodio hipotónico-hiporreactivo o llanto inconsolable). Con ambas asociaciones la tasa de reacciones locales (0 por ciento de inflamación objetivable o enquistamiento) y de fiebre (23 de los 228 participantes, 10 por ciento), fue muy inferior a la publicada. Conclusión. La asociación vacunal con un volumen de inyección de 1 ml no produjo más efectos adversos que la asociación de 0,5 ml. Ambas originaron un número de reacciones locales y de fiebre mucho menor que lo previamente publicado, lo que se atribuye a la utilización profiláctica de paracetamol y otras medidas preventivas. Por lo tanto, la asociación vacunal elegida para la vacunación de los 4 meses (DTPw + Hib con un volumen de 1 ml) se considera útil y práctica para mejorar las coberturas vacunales y el bienestar de los lactantes, al evitarles una inyección y no provocar más reacciones adversas (AU)

Occupation and leukemia: a population-based case-control study in Iowa and Minnesota.

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that risk of leukemia may be associated with occupational or industrial exposures and risk may vary by the histological type of the disease. METHODS: A population-based case-control study was conducted in Iowa and Minnesota to evaluate the association between various occupations, industries, and occupational exposures and leukemia risk. A total of 513 cases and 1,087 controls was included in the study. A lifetime occupational history and other risk factor information were collected through in-person interviews, and a job-exposure matrix was used to assess possible risks associated with specific exposures. RESULTS: A significantly increased risk of leukemia was observed among agricultural service industries and among nursing and healthcare workers. Janitors, cleaners, and light truck drivers also experienced increased risk. Those employed in plumbing, heating and air conditioning industries, and sales of nondurable goods (such as paints and varnishes) had an increased risk. Printers, painters, and workers in the food and metal industries had a nonsignificantly increased risk of leukemia. Analyses by specific exposures and histology of leukemia showed that risk of leukemia associated with occupational or industrial exposures may vary by histological type of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: An increased risk of leukemia among workers employed in agricultural industries, nursing and healthcare workers, and in a few occupations with possible exposure to solvents is consistent with earlier studies. Associations of risk with occupations not observed previously deserve further assessment. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Urinary estrogen metabolites and mammographic parenchymal patterns in postmenopausal women.

It has been hypothesized that women who metabolize their endogenous estrogens predominantly via 16(alpha)-hydroxylation rather than via 2-hydroxylation and, as a result, have a low ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1):16(alpha)-hydroxyestrone (16(alpha)-OHE1) are at an increased risk of breast cancer. Epidemiological evidence in support of this hypothesis is scarce and mostly based on measurements made after the onset of the disease. To gain insight into the role of these metabolites in the etiology of breast cancer, we assessed their relationship with high-density Wolfe mammographic parenchymal patterns (P2/DY), a recognized indicator of risk of this tumor. The study was nested within a large cross-sectional survey on determinants of mammographic patterns carried out in a population-based breast screening program in Northern Greece. Urinary levels of 2-OHE1 and 16(alpha)-OHE1 were measured in a random sample of 70 postmenopausal women with P2/DY mammographic patterns and in a random sample of 70 women with N1 mammographic patterns, individually matched to the P2/DY women on year of birth, years since menopause and date of urine collection. Women with a P2/DY pattern had, on average, 58% higher levels of 2-OHE1 (P = 0.002) and 15% higher levels of 16(alpha)-OHE1 (P = 0.37) than those with an N1 pattern. The ratio of 2-OHE1:16(alpha)-OHE1 was 35% higher (P = 0.005) in women with a P2/DY pattern. Women in the highest one-third of this ratio were six times more likely to have a P2/DY pattern than those in the lowest one-third after adjusting for potential confounders (prevalence odds ratio, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.7-22.9; test for linear trend, P = 0.002). These findings seem to suggest that a high, rather than a low, 2-OHE1:16(alpha)-OHE1 ratio may be associated with an increase in breast cancer risk at postmenopausal ages, unless the pathway through which estrogen metabolites may affect breast cancer risk is unrelated to mammographic parenchymal patterns.

Vacunas extranjeras / Foreing vaccines

No disponible

Programa de detección precoz de la hipoacusia infantil en Cantabria / Early detection program of infant hipoacusia in Cantabria (Spain)

Se presenta el Programa de Detección Precoz de la Hipoacusia Infantil que va a implantarse en Cantabria a partir del presente año 2001. Se trata de un programa universal (no dirigido a grupos de riesgo sino a la totalidad de los recién nacidos) y gratuito (tanto para niños que nazcan en hospitales públicos como en privados de nuestra Comunidad). Se estructura en 5 niveles, de los cuales los tres primeros son los del screening propiamente dicho. En la población sin factores de riesgo se establecen dos niveles iniciales basados en otoemisiones acústicas evocadas, siendo remitidos los niños que no superen el 2º nivel a una unidad específica (Unidad de Diagnóstico Precoz de la Hipoacusia Infantil) donde se aplicarán potenciales evocados y/o otras técnicas diagnósticas hasta llegar al diagnóstico de confirmación y etiológico. Los niños con factores de riesgo serán remitidos directamente a la Unidad de Diagnóstico Precoz de la Hipoacusia Infantil para ser sometidos a potenciales evocados y/o otoemisiones acústicas evocadas. Se especifican los índices que se utilizarán para evaluar el programa y los objetivos del mismo (AU)

Cervical cancer screening in Greece.

The aim of this study was to describe the state of the art in cervical cancer screening in Greece by presenting the two regionally organised screening programmes that currently operate in the country. Both programmes were initiated in 1991 and are partly funded by the European Union. The Ormylia screening programme covers the population of Halkidiki (Northern Greece), a predominantly rural area. The second programme covers the regions of Messinia and Ilia (Southern Greece). Both programmes are targeted at women aged 25-64 years of age and a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test is recommended every 2-3 years. Electoral and municipal registries are used to identify the target population and personal invitations are sent to the eligible women in the screening programme. The Ormylia programme is based at the Centre 'Our Lady Who Loves Mankind', whereas mobile units are used by the Messinia and Ilia programme. Slide reading for the Ormylia programme is performed in the cytology laboratory of Alexandra Hospital in Athens and epidemiological support is provided by the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology (Medical School, University of Athens). A specifically designed database is used for data recording. Over 80% of the target population in the region have already been screened. Communication of results is by means of a personal letter upon a negative result and in person upon a suspicious result. Quality assurance in both programmes is based on the European protocol. These two programmes are the sole organised cervical cancer screening activities in Greece in the absence of a national programme. They employ well-trained personnel, they use modern equipment and have strict quality assurance procedures.

Comparisons of cervical cancer screening programmes in the European Union.

This paper summarises the similarities and differences between the cervical cancer screening programmes operating in the 15 Member States of the European Union as presented in the separate papers prepared by each country. The screening programmes are compared in terms of their duration of operation, type and sources of funding, invitation methodology, target population, organisation and quality assurance methodology with the aim of shedding some light upon the current situation of cervical cancer screening within the European Union.