Estado nutricional, factores sociodemográficos y de salud en estudiantes de nuevo ingreso a la UAZ / Nutritional status and social-demographical and health factors among newly enrolled students at UAZ / Estado nutricional, fatores sociodemográficos e de saúde em estudantes de novo ingresso à UAZ

Introducción El sobrepeso y obesidad son factores de riesgo para desarrollar complicaciones a corto y largo plazo. La población de nuevo ingreso a la universidad se considera un colectivo, especialmente, vulnerable desde el punto de vista nutricional. Objetivo Describir el estado nutricional, factores sociodemográficos y de salud en estudiantes de nuevo ingreso a la UAZ. Metodología Estudio de tipo observacional, transversal y descriptivo, que se realizó a 3,972 estudiantes universitarios de nuevo ingreso. Se logró el consentimiento verbal de los alumnos. Se capacitaron y estandarizaron a los pasantes de enfermería, medicina y nutrición, para llevar a cabo las mediciones. Se obtuvo información del estado nutricional, factores sociodemográficos y salud, así como mediciones antropométricas. Resultados Los hombres tienen mayor prevalencia de sobrepeso (24.1%) y obesidad (9.2%) que las mujeres (p < 0.001). Los hombres realizan mayor actividad física (73.6% vs 51.1%), consumen más alcohol (58.3% vs 34.3%) y tabaco (20.8% vs 9.5%) (p < 0.000). Se encontró una asociación positiva en los momios de sobrepeso en relación con los hombres (RM=1.22, IC 95% 1.02-1.45), edad de 19 años (RM=1.36, IC 95% 1.02-1.45), en las áreas de ciencias de la salud (RM=1.88, IC 95% 1.05-3.35), ciencias sociales (RM=1.93, IC 95% 1.06-3.48), humanidades y educativas (RM=1.90, IC 95% 1.01-3.53), ingenierías y tecnologías (RM=1.83, IC 95% 1.01-3.30). Discusión y conclusión Se puede contribuir a reducir las prevalencias de sobrepeso y obesidad de los estudiantes, a través de intervenciones dirigidas a modificar las conductas de riesgo durante la estancia universitaria, mejorar la alimentación y promover estilos de vida saludables.

Introduction Obesity and overweight are risk factors to developing short and long-term health-related complications; and newly enrolled university students are considered a vulnerable group in terms of their nutritional progression status. Objective To describe the nutritional status, and social-demographical and health factors among newly enrolled students at UAZ. Methodology This is an observational, transversal, and descriptive study on a sample of 3,972 newly enrolled university students who verbally consented on their participation. Nursing, medicine, and nutrition intern students were trained to carry out diverse assessments related to the nutritional status, social-demographical and health factors, and anthropometric data on the sample. Results Newly enrolled male students showed a higher prevalence of overweight (24.1%) and obesity (9.2%) in comparison to their female counterparts (p < .001). Male students showed having more physical activity (73.6% vs 51.1%) but also consuming more alcohol (58.3% vs 34.3%) and tobacco (20.8% vs 9.5%) (p < .000). Positive associations were found between the overweight numbers and, being male (RM=1.22, CI 95% 1.02-1.45), being 19 years old (RM = 1.36, CI 95% 1.02-1.45), being in the areas of health sciences (RM=1.88, CI 95% 1.05-3.35), being in the areas of social sciences (RM=1.93, CI 95% 1.06-3.48), being in the areas of humanities and education (RM=1.90, CI 95% 1.01-3.53), and being in the areas of engineering and technology (RM=1.83, CI 95% 1.01-3.30). Discussion and conclusion It is necessary to address to obesity and overweight problems among university students through interventions aimed at modifying risky behaviors during their university stay, improving the quality of nutrition, and promoting healthy life-styles.

Introdução O sobrepeso e a obesidade são fatores de risco para desenvolver complicações a curto e longo prazo. A população de novo ingresso à universidade considera-se um coletivo, especialmente, vulnerável desde o ponto de vista nutricional. Objetivo Descrever o estado nutricional, fatores sociodemográficos e de saúde em estudantes de novo ingresso à UAZ. Metodologia Estudo de tipo observacional, transversal e descritivo, que se realizou a 3,972 estudantes universitários de novo ingresso. Conseguiu-se o consentimento verbal dos alunos. Capacitaram-se e padronizaram os formados de enfermagem, medicina e nutrição, para levar a cabo as medições. Obteve-se informação do estado nutricional, fatores sociodemográficos e saúde, assim como medições antropométricas. Resultados Os homens de novo ingresso têm maior prevalência de sobrepeso (24.1%) e obesidade (9.2%) quanto as mulheres (p < 0.001). Homens realizam mais atividade física que mulheres (73.6% vs. 51.1%), consomem mais álcool (58.3% vs. 34.3%) e tabaco (20.8% vs. 9.5%) (p < 0.000). Encontrou-se uma associação positiva nas chances de sobrepeso em relação com aos homens (RM = 1.22, IC 95% 1.02-1.45), ter 19 anos de idade (RM = 1.36, IC 95% 1.02-1.45) nas áreas de ciências da saúde (RM = 1.88, IC 95% 1.05-3.35), ciências sociais (RM = 1.93, IC 95% 1.06-3.48), humanidades e educativas (RM = 1.90, IC 95% 1.01-3.53), engenharias e tecnologias (RM = 1.83, IC 95% 1.01-3.30). Discussão e conclusão Pode-se contribuir a reduzir as prevalências de sobrepeso e obesidade dos estudantes, a través de intervenções dirigidas a modificar as condutas de risco durante a permanência universitária, melhorar a alimentação e promover estilos de vida saudáveis.

Formula labeling violations to the WHO Code: a quantitative and qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND: The WHO Code on Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes is intended to be adopted as a minimum requirement by all governments and aims to protect infant health by preventing inappropriate marketing of breastmilk substitutes. Labels need to have correct and clear dispositions since they frequently are the only source of vital information for consumers regarding the content of the product and its uses. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine violations to the provisions of the International Code Article 9 regarding infant formula labeling existing in Puerto Rico. Methods: A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of 34 labels of infant formula was done. Instrument 4-A of the IBFAN Monitoring Project (IMPIII) and the Standard IBFAN Monitoring (SIM) was utilized. This instrument included 14 criteria that identified violations to the International Code of Breastmilk Substitutes on labeling. Descriptive analysis was used for all variables. The 34 labels evaluated represent 77.3% of infant formula labels of the four companies which market them in the island. RESULTS: All the labels (100%) that were evaluated were found to violate the Code in one or more of its dispositions. Most striking violations include: a statement that breastfeeding is best is lacking in 73.5%, as well as a statement that the product should be used only on the advice of a health worker. None of the labels are written in Spanish, the local language. Text which may idealize the use of infant formula or discourage breastfeeding is present in 97.1% of the samples, and the same percentage has a photo or picture idealizing the use of infant formula. CONCLUSIONS: It is vital to produce legislation that implants the WHO Code in Puerto Rico in order to regulate indiscriminate marketing practices and their subsequent ill effects on children's health and breastfeeding practices.

Exploratory study: breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes towards sexuality and breastfeeding, and disposition towards supporting breastfeeding in future Puerto Rican male parents

Identify the breastfeeding knowledge, the attitudes towards sexuality and breastfeeding and the disposition towards supporting breastfeeding in future fathers were the aims of this study. A non-probabilistic sample (n = 100) of future Puerto Rican male parents was used in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was used consisting of four sections. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis and t-test to the inferential analysis. 88.8of the participants presented a low level of knowledge. However, 81.6had a positive attitude toward sexuality and breastfeeding. Also, 92.0of the participants indicated much/enough willingness to support their partners in exclusively breastfeeding. Disposition to support the breastfeeding was associated with knowledge towards breastfeeding (p = 0.04) and attitudes toward sexuality and breastfeeding (p = 0.00). The knowledge and the attitudes, in this study, are strongly related with the disposition of the father to supporting the breastfeeding in the future.

Effectiveness in the implantation of law 155 of 2002 ordering the designation of spaces for breastfeeding in government agencies

As part of an effort to promote and protect breastfeeding among working mothers in Puerto Rico, Public Law 427 was passed in December 2000. This law grants a paid breastfeeding daily break for milk extraction in the workplace. In support of this initiative Public Law 155 was passed in 2002 ordering Secretaries, Directors, Presidents and Public Administrators of the government of Puerto Rico to designate breastfeeding spaces in the workplaces. OBJECTIVE: Describe the level of compliance with the dispositions of Law 155 in government agencies. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out. A sample of 28 government agencies was randomly selected, representing 25of the total number of agencies, and a structured telephone interview was administered using an instrument made up of 6 premises. RSEULTS: All (100) of the agencies had knowledge about the existence of this law, but only 50had set up and equipped the spaces. Of these, all had a table, a chair, and an electric outlet, 43had available running water, and 71provided a refrigerator for milk storage. Fifty three percent of the agencies reported having received followup communications to verify whether they were complying with the law, and 61reported having a written public policy in support of breastfeeding for working mothers. Only 54of the agencies stated they had offered some type of orientation to their women employees regarding their breastfeeding rights. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of over two years since the passing of Law 155, the majority of government agencies in Puerto Rico have not complied with its legal dispositions. It is necessary that the responsible entities watch for the satisfactory compliance with this law since working mothers need a secure and accesible place for milk extraction during the working day.

Structure-activity relationship on excitatory amino acid receptors

Actualmente se acepta que los aminoácidos carboxílicos L-Glu y L-Asp tienen un rol como neurotransmisores excitatorios en el sistema nervioso contral (CNS). En el presente trabajo hemos realizado un análisis teórico conformacional con un modelo de mecánica molecular sobre compuestos activos en QUIS y NMDA-receptores, en la búsqueda de una correlación estructrura-actividad. En estos compuestos, consideramos la distancia COO-..COO- como la más importante para el análisis de la actividad de los mismos sobre los distintos receptores de aminoácidos excitatorios. Sobre los QUIS-receptores: Hemos encontrado que Glu, Asp son móleculas muy flexibles que pueden pasar con facilidad de una conformación a otra y alcanzar la distancia de 3A- entre los dos grupos COO-. Todos estos compuestos muestran una importante población en conformaciones con esta distancia. El antagonista GDEE tiene un 90% de la población total en conformaciones plegadas con una distancia de alrededor de 3A- entre los grupos COO-. Sobre los NMDA-receptores: IBO es un análogo rígido y la distancia COO-..CO- es alrededor de 4A- en las diferentes conformaciones encontradas. Asp. Glu, ß-Amglu y NMDA tienen una considerable flexibilidad y pueden adoptar fácilmente las distancia requeridas. Ellos poseen una considerable población en conformaciones que presentan una distancia COO-..COO- de alrededor de 4A-. Se propone que conformaciones plegadas son importantes para la actividad en QUIS-receptors, mientras conformaciones extendidas serían importantes en NMDA-receptors

Estudios sobre Trypanosoma rangeli Tejera, 1920: VIII. Respuesta a las reinfecciones en dos mamíferos / Trypanosoma rangeli Tejera, 1920: VIII, Responses to reinfections in 2 mammals

Bajo condiciones experimentales se estudia el curso de la infección primaria y la respuesta a las reinfecciones por Trypanosoma rangeli en ratones albinos y Didelphis marsupialis. Durante el curso de la infección primaria en ratones, se observa una parasitemia relativamente baja y de corta duración. Los mismos muestran durante la primera reinfección una parasitemia escasa de cuatro días de duración, siendo resistentes a las sucesivas reinfecciones con T. rangeli. Los ejemplares de D. marsupialis exhiben una parasitemia de más larga duración, pero con un nivel de parásitos sanguícolas mucho menor que el detectado en el modelo ratón, siendo la respuesta a las reinfecciones similar a la observada en ratones. Se detectan anticuerpos hemaglutinantes en los sueros inmunes de ratones y Didelphis marsupialis, sometidos a la reinfección por T. rangeli. Se especula sobre la posible acción sinérgica de una respuesta inmune en el sitio de deposición en contra de las formas metacíclicas de T. rangeli y la acción de anticuerpos circulantes en contra de las formas sanguícolas, para explicar la resistencia de ambos modelos a las reinfecciones por T. rangeli

Inmunoproteccion en ratas por epimastigotes cultivados de Trypanosoma cruzi. / Immunoprotection in rats by cultured epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi

Las ratas Fischer (F344) machos infectadas experimentalmente con diferentes cantidades de tripomastigotes sanguineos de la cepa Tehuantepec de Trypanosoma cruzi desarrollan un aumento progresivo de la parasitemia, seguida por la muerte de los animales en la fase aguda de la infeccion.Las curvas de parasitemia muestran un patron comun y la muerte de los animales ocurre en periodos definidos. En esta cepa de ratas fue posible inducir una proteccion contra la enfermedad aguda despues de inocularlas con epimastigotes vivos, de cultivo. No se produjeron parasitemias al examen directo, no obstante una infeccion subyacente fue detectada tras cultivar celulas del bazo de animales protegidos. En el suero de todos los animales se demostro la presencia de anticuerpos anti-T. cruzi y altos niveles de IgG2a