l-carnitine enhances the kinematics and protects the sperm membranes of chilled and frozen-thawed Peruvian Paso horse spermatozoa.

l-carnitine (LC) transports fatty acids to the mitochondria for energy production, reducing lipid availability for peroxidation through ß-oxidation. This research examines the effect of LC supplementation to two skimmed milk-based extenders on the cryosurvival of chilled (5°C) and frozen-thawed Peruvian Paso horse spermatozoa .An initial experiment determined the optimal LC concentration (0, 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 mM) when added to INRA-96® and UHT (skimmed milk + 6% egg yolk) extenders, using nine ejaculates from three stallions chilled for up to 96 h. Subsequently, the effect of 25 mM LC supplementation (the optimal concentration) on chilling (INRA-96) and freezing (INRA-Freeze®) extenders was evaluated using eight pooled samples from sixteen ejaculates (2 ejaculates/pool) from four stallions. Results indicated that all LC concentrations produced significantly higher values (P<0.05) for kinematic variables (total [TM] and progressive motilities, curvilinear [VCL] and straight-line [VSL] velocity, and beat-cross frequency [BCF]), and the integrity of plasma/acrosome membranes (IPIA) compared to non-supplemented chilled sperm samples for up to 96 h with both extenders. Moreover, the use of 25 mM LC was more efficient (P<0.05) in preserving the post-chilled values of velocity, BCF, and IPIA for the long term than lower LC concentrations (1-10 mM). Post-thaw values of total motility, the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), and IPIA were significantly improved (P<0.05) when INRA-Freeze extender was supplemented with 25 mM LC. In conclusion, supplementation of l-carnitine to skimmed milk-based extenders enhanced kinematic variables and protected the membrane integrity in chilled and frozen-thawed Peruvian Paso horse spermatozoa.

COVID-19 medical care direct costs during the first year of pandemic in a hospital converted for increasing bed capacity.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 health emergency caused an increase in the demand for hospitalization and high costs for the health system. OBJECTIVE: To estimate COVID-19 care direct costs from the perspective of the healthcare provider in a secondary care hospital that underwent conversion during the first year of health emergency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational study. Information on quantities of goods and services was obtained from the SINOLAVE and CVOED platforms and from hospital administrative sources. Four cost groups were defined and estimated with 2021 unit prices in US dollars. RESULTS: Mean hospital length of stay (n = 3,241 patients) was 10.8 ± 8.2 days. Average cost of care per patient was USD 6,557 ± 4,997. Respiratory therapy with assisted mechanical ventilation was used by 13% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The costs of COVID-19 medical care represent a large amount of resources. Most part of the costs (95%) were derived from hospital stay, respiratory therapy without assisted mechanical ventilation and costs related to personal protective equipment, hygiene, infrastructure adaptation and payments to medical personnel.

ANTECEDENTES: La emergencia sanitaria por COVID-19 causó un aumento de la demanda por hospitalización y costos elevados para el sistema de salud. OBJETIVO: Estimar los costos directos de la atención por COVID-19 desde la perspectiva del proveedor de servicios en un hospital de segundo nivel que fue reconvertido durante el primer año de la emergencia sanitaria. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. La información sobre cantidades de bienes y servicios se obtuvo de los sistemas de información SINOLAVE y CVOED, así como de fuentes administrativas del hospital. Se definieron cuatro grupos de costos y se valoraron en dólares norteamericanos con precios unitarios de 2021. RESULTADOS: La duración promedio de la estancia hospitalaria (n = 3241 pacientes) fue de 10.8 ± 8.2 días. El costo promedio de la atención por paciente fue de USD 6 557 ± 4 997. La terapia respiratoria con ventilación mecánica asistida fue utilizada por 13 % de los pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: Los costos médicos de atención por COVID-19 representaron una gran cantidad de recursos. La mayor parte de los costos (95 %) se derivó de estancia hospitalaria, terapia respiratoria sin ventilación mecánica asistida, así como de costos relacionados con equipo de protección personal, higiene, adecuación a la infraestructura y pagos al personal médico.

Serum lipids are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot case-control study in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. NAFLD is mediated by changes in lipid metabolism and known risk factors include obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. The aim of this study was to better understand differences in the lipid composition of individuals with NAFLD compared to controls, by performing direct infusion lipidomics on serum biospecimens from a cohort study of adults in Mexico. METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted with a sample of 98 NAFLD cases and 100 healthy controls who are participating in an on-going, longitudinal study in Mexico. NAFLD cases were clinically confirmed using elevated liver enzyme tests and liver ultrasound or liver ultrasound elastography, after excluding alcohol abuse, and 100 controls were identified as having at least two consecutive normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (< 40 U/L) results in a 6-month period, and a normal liver ultrasound elastography result in January 2018. Samples were analyzed on the Sciex Lipidyzer Platform and quantified with normalization to serum volume. As many as 1100 lipid species can be identified using the Lipidyzer targeted multiple-reaction monitoring list. The association between serum lipids and NAFLD was investigated using analysis of covariance, random forest analysis, and by generating receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: NAFLD cases had differences in total amounts of serum cholesterol esters, lysophosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins, and triacylglycerols (TAGs), however, other lipid subclasses were similar to controls. Analysis of individual TAG species revealed increased incorporation of saturated fatty acyl tails in serum of NAFLD cases. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and PNPLA3 genotype, a combined panel of ten lipids predicted case or control status better than an area under the ROC curve of 0.83. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results indicate that the serum lipidome differs in patients with NAFLD, compared to healthy controls, and suggest that assessing the desaturation state of TAGs or a specific lipid panel may be useful clinical tools for the diagnosis of NAFLD.

Soft drink intake is associated with weight gain, regardless of physical activity levels: the health workers cohort study.

BACKGROUND: While soft drink intake is positively associated with weight gain, no previous study has investigated whether leisure-time physical activity modifies this association. We estimated the association between soft drink intake and body weight, and explored if this association differed by levels of leisure-time physical activity. METHODS: We used data from the health workers cohort study, a prospective study of Mexican adults (20 to 85y old), including 1268 health workers and their families, who were assessed at baseline (2004-2006) and follow-up (2010-2012). We assessed soft drink intake (cola and flavored soda) using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We measured leisure-time physical activity using a self-report questionnaire, and categorized according to the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Body weight was measured by trained personnel. The association between changes in soft drink intake and weight change, and if such association varied by levels of physical activity was estimated through fixed-effect models. RESULTS: An increase in one serving per day of soft drink was associated with 0.10 kg (95% CI 0.00, 0.19) increase in weight per year. This association was not modified by leisure-time physical activity, as demonstrated by the magnitude of the coefficient of the interaction between soft drink, leisure-time physical activity, and time (- 0.03 kg, 95% CI - 0.27 to 0.21); people who complied with the WHO physical activity recommendations gained 0.36 kg/year per serving of soft drink, compared to 0.48 kg/year for people without sufficient physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Soft drink intake was associated with weight gain. Leisure-time physical activity did not modify the association between soft drink intake and weight gain. This finding challenges the idea that leisure-time physical activity is sufficient to counterbalance weight gain associated to soft drink intake.

[Predictors of kidney function in a cohortof Mexican adults]. / Predictores de la función renal en una cohorte de adultos mexicanos.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine prospectively predictors of subclinical renal alterations among adults without chronic kidney disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from a cohort of Mexican adults (n=757). Kidney function (2010) was assessed with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR-Cr), serum creatinine and uric acid. Predictors of each kidney function marker (2004) were identified with linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS: 33% had an eGFR-Cr 40 years old and users of antihypertensive medication; and higher among those with a high protein intake. Serum creatinine predictors were similar to those observed for eGFR-Cr. Uric acid decreased in men, among those with obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional kidney function biomarkers are useful to identify subclinical alterations. Some predictors of kidney function are potentially modifiable, therefore susceptible for intervention among high-risk groups.

OBJETIVO: Examinar prospectivamente los predictores de alteraciones subclínicas de la función renal en adultos sin diagnóstico previo de enfermedad renal crónica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizaron datos de una cohorte de adultos mexicanos (n=757). La función renal (2010) se midió mediante la tasa de filtración glomerular estimada (TFGECr), creatinina y ácido úrico séricos. Los predictores (2004) se identificaron con modelos de regresión lineal y logística. RESULTADOS: Se clasificó 33% con TFGE-Cr disminuida.La TFGE-Cr fue menor en hombres, en >40 años y en usuarios de antihipertensivos; y fue mayor en aquellos con consumo proteico alto. Los predictores de la creatinina fueron similares a los de la TFGE-Cr. El ácido úrico disminuyó en participantes hombres, con obesidad, hipertensión e hipercolesterolemia. CONCLUSIONES: Los biomarcadores séricos convencionales son útiles para identificar alteraciones subclínicas de la función renal. Algunos predictores de la función renal son potencialmente modificables, por tanto susceptibles de intervención.

Genetic variants in COL13A1, ADIPOQ and SAMM50, in addition to the PNPLA3 gene, confer susceptibility to elevated transaminase levels in an admixed Mexican population.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the accumulation of extra fat in liver cells not caused by alcohol. Elevated transaminase levels are common indicators of liver disease, including NAFLD. Previously, we demonstrated that PNPLA3 (rs738409), LYPLAL1 (rs12137855), PPP1R3B (rs4240624), and GCKR (rs780094) are associated with elevated transaminase levels in overweight/obese Mexican adults. We investigated the association between 288 SNPs identified in genome-wide association studies and risk of elevated transaminase levels in an admixed Mexican-Mestizo sample of 178 cases of NAFLD and 454 healthy controls. The rs2896019, rs12483959, and rs3810622 SNPs in PNPLA3 and rs1227756 in COL13A1 were associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT, ≥40IU/L). A polygenic risk score (PRS) based on six SNPs in the ADIPOQ, COL13A1, PNPLA3, and SAMM50 genes was also associated with elevated ALT. Individuals carrying 9-12 risk alleles had 65.8% and 48.5% higher ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, respectively, than those with 1-4 risk alleles. The PRS showed the greatest risk of elevated ALT levels, with a higher level of significance than the individual variants. Our findings suggest a significant association between variants in COL13A1, ADIPOQ, SAMM50, and PNPLA3, and risk of NAFLD/elevated transaminase levels in Mexican adults with an admixed ancestry. This is the first study to examine high-density single nucleotide screening for genetic variations in a Mexican-Mestizo population. The extent of the effect of these variations on the development and progression of NAFLD in Latino populations requires further analysis.

Incidence, psychosocial burden, and economic impact of genital warts in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the burden of genital warts (GW)in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We estimated the annual incidence of GW based on data reported by specialist physicians. We also assessed GW treatment practices, the average cost of treatment, and the psychosocial burden of GW among patients. RESULTS: The annual incidence of GW in Mexico was estimated to be 547 200 cases. Treatment procedures vary by specialist and patient gender. The estimated annual cost was $195 million USD. The psychosocial impact of GW was slightly greater in males than females. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first evaluation of the burden of GW in Mexico. Our data suggest that GW are common, with significant health-related costs and psychosocial impact.

OBJETIVO: Estimar la carga por verrugas genitales (VG) en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estimamos la incidencia anual de VG, con base en información proporcionada por médicos especialistas y el manejo de las VG, así como el costo promedio del tratamiento y la carga psicosocial de las VG. RESULTADOS: La incidencia anual de VG en México fue de 547 200 casos. Los tratamientos variaron según la especialidad y el sexo del paciente. El costo anual por VG fue de $195 millones de dólares estadounidenses. El impacto psicosocial de las VG es ligeramente mayor en hombres que en mujeres. CONCLUSIONES: Esta es la primera evaluación de la carga de VG en México. Los datos sugieren que las VG son frecuentes, tienen costos relacionados con salud e impactos psicosociales significativos.

Health workers cohort study: methods and study design.

OBJECTIVE:: To examine different health outcomes that are associated with specific lifestyle and genetic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: From March 2004 to April 2006, a sample of employees from three different health and academic institutions, as well as their family members, were enrolled in the study after providing informed consent. At baseline and follow-up (2010-2013), participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, a physical examination, and provided blood samples. RESULTS:: A total of 10 729 participants aged 6 to 94 years were recruited at baseline. Of these, 70% were females, and 50% were from the Mexican Social Security Institute. Nearly 42% of the adults in the sample were overweight, while 20% were obese. CONCLUSION:: Our study can offer new insights into disease mechanisms and prevention through the analysis of risk factor information in a large sample of Mexicans.

Broadband behavior of transmission volume holographic optical elements for solar concentration.

A ray tracing algorithm is developed to analyze the energy performance of transmission and phase volume holographic lenses that operate with broadband illumination. The agreement between the experimental data and the theoretical treatment has been tested. The model has been applied to analyze the optimum recording geometry for solar concentration applications.

Sustainable Dietary Score: Methodology for Its Assessment in Mexico Based on EAT-Lancet Recommendations.

We developed a Sustainable Dietary Score (SDS) based on the EAT-Lancet commission's recommendations and evaluated its adherence in a sample of Mexican adults. We used data on 1908 men and women aged 19 to 59 participating in the Health Workers Cohort Study in 2004. Fourteen of the healthy reference diet components were used to develop the SDS. We computed an individual SDS for each food component with scales from 0 (non-adherence) to 10 (perfect adherence), as well as a total SDS including all components, ranging from 0 to 140, based on a food frequency questionnaire. Our score incorporates characteristics of the context in which the score is applied, such as the high consumption of tortillas and eggs, and cut-off points that consider the nutrient deficiencies that prevail in the Mexican population. We propose a practical methodology to estimate a SDS incorporating a gradual score for a better distinction between the degrees of adherence to the reference diet proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission.

Trends of Antihypertensive, Antidiabetic, and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Use among the Health Workers Cohort Study, Mexico 2004 to 2018.

Background: Hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases in Mexico and worldwide. According to international practice management guidelines, the principal chronic management therapy is daily oral medication. Aim: We aim to describe the trends of antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs use among the Mexican adult population from 2004-2018. Methods: We analyzed data from the Health Workers Cohort Study (HWCS) for males and females aged >18 years. We calculated the prevalence of chronic diseases and utilization for every kind of antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and NSAIDs (measured by self-reported utilization) at baseline and two follow-ups (2004, 2010, and 2017). Trends were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Results: Hypertension prevalence increased from 19.8 to 30.3%, higher than T2D prevalence from 7.0 to 12.8% through fourteen years of follow-up. Like the self-reported dual therapy, the proportion of patients using beta-blockers and angiotensin II receptor blockers increased. Regarding T2D, the prevalence of metformin utilization increased to 83.9%. The utilization of common NSAIDs, mainly for muscular pain, remained around 13 to 16%. Conclusions: Our findings showed a changing prevalence of drug utilization for hypertension and T2D between 2004 and 2018 and consistent use of NSAIDs in the adult Mexican population.

Are Black and Latino adolescents being asked if they use electronic cigarettes and advised not to use them? Results from a community-based survey.

Objective: This study aimed to explore whether African American/Black and Hispanic/Latino adolescents are being asked about electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use (vaping) and advised not to use them. Methods: In 2021, adolescents (N = 362) with no vaping history, self-identified as African American/Black and/or Hispanic/Latino, and able to read and speak English and/or Spanish were recruited through partner schools and community-based organizations. Participants completed a survey reporting sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, and language of preference) and they were asked about e-cigarette use and/or were advised not to use them by a health professional. Results: In total, 12% of African American/Black and 5% of Hispanic/Latino participants reported not seeing a health professional in the year prior to enrollment. Of the participants who reported visiting a health professional, 50.8% reported being asked and advised about vaping. Over one-quarter (28.4%) of participants were neither asked nor advised regarding vaping. Compared to English-speaking participants, Spanish-speaking participants were significantly less likely to be asked about e-cigarette use (45.2 vs. 63.9%, p = 0.009) and advised not to use them (40.3 vs. 66.9%, p < 0.001). Moreover, compared to African American/Black participants, Hispanic/Latino participants were significantly less likely to be advised not to use e-cigarettes (52.9 vs. 68.6%, p = 0.018). Furthermore, compared to male participants, female participants were significantly less likely to be advised not to use e-cigarettes (51.3 vs. 68.2%, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Compared to English-speaking participants, Spanish-speaking participants were significantly less likely to self-report being asked about e-cigarette use and advised not to use them. Moreover, Hispanic/Latino and female adolescents were significantly less likely to self-report being advised not to use e-cigarettes compared to their Black/African American and male counterparts. Future research is needed to improve health professional attention toward asking about and advising against vaping among adolescents.

Decídetexto México: Recruitment and baseline characteristics of Mexican individuals who smoke in a cessation study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of digital and traditional methods and strategies in the recruitment of Mexican individuals who smoke into a cessation study. Recruitment method refers in general to either digital or traditional recruitment. Recruitment strategies refer to the particular recruitment type utilized within each recruitment method. Traditional recruitment strategies included radio interviews, word of mouth, newspaper advertisement, posters/banners placed in primary healthcare clinics, and medical referrals. Digital recruitment strategies involved emails and study advertisements through social media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and website. In a 4-month period, 100 Mexican individuals who smoke were successfully enrolled into a smoking cessation study. The majority of participants were enrolled via traditional recruitment strategies (86%) compared to the digital recruitment strategies (14%). Individuals screened in the digital method were more likely to be eligible to participate in the study, compared to the traditional method. Similarly, in comparison to the traditional method, individuals in the digital method were more likely to enroll in the study. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Both traditional and digital strategies made important contributions to the overall recruitment effort.

Prevalence of abnormal urinary albumin excretion in a population-based study in Spain: results from the HERMEX Study.

BACKGROUND: HERMEX is a population-based study which try to evaluate the relative weight of cardiovascular risk factors in the population of Extremadura. This report provides the data obtained about microalbuminuria in a large Spanish population. DESIGN AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, population-based study. A total of 3402 subjects were randomly selected from the Health Care System of Extremadura. The final sample included 2813 subjects (mean age 51·2 years, 53·5% female). Urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) in first morning urine sample was analysed. Microalbuminuria was diagnosed when UAER was ≥ 22 in men or ≥ 31 mg/g in women. RESULTS: Prevalence of abnormal UAER in general population was 5·5% (microalbuminuria: 4·7%; proteinuria 0·8%). Microalbuminuria grew slightly in patients between 65 and 74 years and showed a dramatic increase in subject older than 75 years (P < 0·001). Men showed a high prevalence of microalbuminuria (5·8% vs. women 3·6%; P = 0·006 chi-squared test). Increased UAER was more common in obese subjects (6·7% vs. 2·3%, P < 0·001), hypertensive patients (8·3% vs. 2·3%, P < 0·001) and diabetic ones (10·9% vs. 3·7%, P < 0·001). The multivariate analysis showed a positive correlation of abnormal UAER with body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, plasma creatinine and triglyceride levels. CONCLUSIONS: A low frequency of abnormal UAER was detected in a randomly selected sample of Spanish general population. This finding agreed with the low rates of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity observed in Spain in spite of a high prevalence of classic cardiovascular risk factors.

Effect of Melatonin and Caffeine Supplementation to Freezing Medium on Cryosurvival of Peruvian Paso Horse Sperm Using a Two-Step Accelerating Cooling Rate.

This research examined the antioxidant and cryoprotective effects of melatonin (ME) and caffeine (CAF) supplementation in freezing medium on the cryosurvival of Peruvian Paso horse sperm using a two-step accelerating cooling rate. Twenty ejaculates from four adult and fertile stallions were recovered, initially diluted with INRA-96®, and finally frozen with INRA-Freeze® with either no supplementation (as control), 1 µM ME, or 2 mM CAF using a two-ramp freezing system content inside a cryogenic-box and liquid nitrogen vapors. The sperm kinematic parameters and integrity of the plasma and acrosomal membranes of fresh semen and cryopreserved samples were evaluated using the CASA system (SCA-Evolution® 2018) and PI/fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agglutinin double fluorescent test, respectively. The oxidative stress of post-thaw sperm samples was also assessed using the CellRox Deep Red fluorescence test. The results showed that curvilinear velocity and average-path velocity were greater (p < 0.05) after freezing with CAF than the control group. In addition, there were significance differences (p < 0.01) between stallions (1-4) in post-thaw kinematic parameters regardless of ME or CAF addition. Both ME and CAF improved (p < 0.05) the proportion of sperm with intact plasma membranes and intact acrosomes. Nevertheless, neither CAF nor ME improved the oxidative stress after the cryopreservation process.

Graphene-Based Microwave Circuits: A Review.

Over the past two decades, research on 2D materials has received much interest. Graphene is the most promising candidate regarding high-frequency applications thus far due to is high carrier mobility. Here, the research about the employment of graphene in micro- and millimeter-wave circuits is reviewed. The review starts with the different methodologies to grow and transfer graphene, before discussing the way graphene-based field-effect-transistors (GFETs) and diodes are built. A review on different approaches for realizing these devices is provided before discussing the employment of both GFETs and graphene diodes in different micro- and millimeter-wave circuits, showing the possibilities but also the limitations of this 2D material for high-frequency applications.

Zero-Bias Power-Detector Circuits based on MoS2 Field-Effect Transistors on Wafer-Scale Flexible Substrates.

The design, fabrication, and characterization of wafer-scale, zero-bias power detectors based on 2D MoS2 field-effect transistors (FETs) are demonstrated. The MoS2 FETs are fabricated using a wafer-scale process on 8 µm-thick polyimide film, which, in principle, serves as a flexible substrate. The performances of two chemical vapor deposition MoS2 sheets, grown with different processes and showing different thicknesses, are analyzed and compared from the single device fabrication and characterization steps to the circuit level. The power-detector prototypes exploit the nonlinearity of the transistors above the cut-off frequency of the devices. The proposed detectors are designed employing a transistor model based on measurement results. The fabricated circuits operate in the Ku-band between 12 and 18 GHz, with a demonstrated voltage responsivity of 45 V W-1 at 18 GHz in the case of monolayer MoS2 and 104 V W-1 at 16 GHz in the case of multilayer MoS2 , both achieved without applied DC bias. They are the best-performing power detectors fabricated on flexible substrate reported to date. The measured dynamic range exceeds 30 dB, outperforming other semiconductor technologies like silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor circuits and GaAs Schottky diodes.

[Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of cardiovascular risk factors in the Extremadura population (Spain). HERMEX study]. / Prevalencia, detección, tratamiento y grado de control de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en la población de Extremadura (España). Estudio HERMEX.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence, detection, treatment and degree of control of cardiovascular risk factors in Extremadura. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Population study in Don Benito-Villanueva de la Serena health area (Badajoz). PARTICIPANTS: A random sample of the people between 25 and 79 years, who lived in this area, was selected. METHODS: History of cardiovascular risk factors and its treatment were obtained by questionnaire. Blood pressure and blood sample were obtained for all participants. We calculated the prevalence of each variable standardized for age and gender for the population of Extremadura. RESULTS: Of the 3521 eligible, 2833 (80.5%) participants were included, mean age 51.2 years, male 46.5%. Adjusted prevalence of current smoking in men: 40.5% (37.8-43.2), hypertension 39.5% (37.3-41.7), hypercholesterolemia, 37.9% (35.4-40.4), obesity 36.5% (33.9-39.1), diabetes 13.7% (12.1-15.4). Adjusted prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in women: 35,0% (32.9-37.2), hypertension 33,0% (31.3-34.7), obesity 30.7% (28.6-32.8), current smoking 26,6% (24.5-28.7), diabetes 12,0% (10.5-13.5). The detection level of each factor was above 70%, and the degree of control among those treated of 51, 62.3 and 74.7% for hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Extremadura's population is highly exposed to major cardiovascular risk factors, especially men. Smoking, obesity and diabetes stand in the national context as the most prevalent in our community.

Relationship between physical activity, lean body mass, and bone mass in the Mexican adult population.

We evaluated the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), bone mineral content (BMC), and lean mass (LM) in whole body (wb) and limbs of the Mexican adult population. Our results demonstrate that some types of LTPA with relatively high/medium impact on bones such as football, basketball, tennis, and weightlifting improve BMC and LM. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different kinds of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on bone mass values and its association with lean mass (LM) in the whole body (wb) and limbs of a large sample of Mexican men and premenopausal (pre-MP) women. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Health Workers Cohort Study. Bone mineral content (BMC, kg), bone area (cm2), and LM (kg) were measured with DXA. The LTPA level and the "sedentary" condition were determined using a validated questionnaire adapted for the Mexican population. One-way ANOVA tests evaluated the differences in weight, height, body mass index, and wb, lower limb (ll) and upper limb (ul) BMC and LM between the active (those who engaged in LTPA) and sedentary group. Relationships between BMC and LM values were analyzed. Slopes of the curves and Z scores of LTPA groups with respect to the sedentary group were compared. RESULTS: In men, both wb-BMC and ll-BMC were significantly higher in the groups performing basketball, football, tennis, weightlifting, and running, and all wb-LM, ll-LM, and ul-LM were higher in running, weightlifting, football, and basketball groups with respect to the sedentary group. Both the Z scores and the slopes of BMC-vs-LM relationships were higher than the controls, but only in the ll of male basketball and football players. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that some types of LTPA with relatively high/medium impact on bones, such as football, basketball, tennis, and weightlifting, improve both BMC and LM compared to sedentary individuals. Finally, this relationship is stronger for the bones found in the legs and it seems that women are less sensitive to this effect, possibly due to hormonal, dietary, and pharmacological reasons.

Association between tax on sugar sweetened beverages and soft drink consumption in adults in Mexico: open cohort longitudinal analysis of Health Workers Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in categories of soft drink consumption in a cohort of Mexican adults, three years after the implementation of the sugar sweetened beverage tax. DESIGN: Open cohort longitudinal analysis. SETTING: Three waves of the Health Workers Cohort Study, Mexico, spanning 2004 to 2018. PARTICIPANTS: 1770 people aged 19 years or older with information on drinks consumption available in at least one of the three cohort waves. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Change in probability of belonging to one of four categories of soft drinks consumption (non, low, medium, high) after the tax was implemented. Heterogeneity of associations by income and education was also assessed. RESULTS: Before the implementation of the tax, more than 50% of the participants were medium and high consumers of soft drinks and less than 10% were in the non-consumer category. After the tax was implemented, 43% of the population was categorised as medium or high consumers and the prevalence of non-consumers increased to 14%. Three years after implementation of the tax on 1 January 2014, the probability of being a non-consumer of soft drinks increased by 4.7 (95% confidence interval 0.3 to 9.1) percentage points and that of being a low consumer increased by 8.3 (0.6 to 16.0) percentage points compared with the pre-tax period. Conversely, the probability of being in the medium and high levels of soft drinks consumption decreased by 6.8 (0.5 to 13.2) percentage points and 6.1 (0.4 to 11.9) percentage points, respectively. No significant heterogeneity of the tax across income levels was observed, but stronger effects of the tax were seen in participants with secondary school education or higher, compared with those with elementary school or less. CONCLUSIONS: The Mexican sugar sweetened beverage tax was associated with a reduction in the probability of consuming soft drinks in this cohort of employees from a healthcare provider. The results cannot be extrapolated to the Mexican population, but they suggest that three years after implementation, the tax had helped to increase the proportion of people who do not consume soft drinks while decreasing the proportion of high and medium consumers.