Citizens' perceptions of the presence and health risks of synthetic chemicals in food: results of an online survey in Spain / Percepciones de la ciudadanía sobre la presencia y los riesgos para la salud de compuestos químicos sintéticos en los alimentos: resultados de un estudio en línea en España

Objective: To explore factors influencing perceptions and viewpoints on the responsibility for the presence of toxic substances in food, on enforcement of laws and regulations that control human exposure to toxic substances in food, and on the effectiveness of such regulations. Methods: An online survey was completed by 740 individuals from several parts of Spain (median age, 47 years; 67% were women; 70% had completed university studies). Results: Over 87% of respondents said that it was possible that throughout their lives they could have accumulated in their body toxic substances potentially dangerous to their health. The attribution of the responsibility for toxic substances in food to a larger number of social groups was more frequent among respondents who consulted information about the problem more often (odds ratio [OR]: 1.92), who correctly identified factors that increase the likelihood of toxic substances in food being harmful to human health (OR: 2.86), who better knew the health problems that may be caused by such substances (OR: 2.48), and who recognised more food groups that tend to have concentrations of toxic substances potentially harmful to health (OR: 2.92) (all p values <0.001). Women were 65% less likely than men to answer that regulations on toxic substances in food are effective (p<0.001); and so were participants who identified more food groups with potentially toxic concentrations. Conclusions: Among study participants there was a widespread scepticism and distrust towards the enforcement and effectiveness of laws and regulations that in Spain aim to control human exposure to toxic substances in food (AU)

Objetivo: Explorar factores que influyen en las percepciones y puntos de vista de los ciudadanos sobre la responsabilidad de la presencia de sustancias tóxicas en los alimentos, sobre la aplicación de las leyes que en España controlan la exposición humana a dichas sustancias y sobre la efectividad de tales leyes. Método: 740 personas de varias partes de España (mediana de edad, 47 años; 67% mujeres; 70% con estudios universitarios) completaron una encuesta en línea. Resultados: Más del 87% de las personas encuestadas consideraron que era posible que a lo largo de su vida hubiesen acumulado en su cuerpo sustancias tóxicas potencialmente peligrosas para su salud. Atribuir la responsabilidad sobre la presencia de sustancias tóxicas en los alimentos a un mayor número de grupos sociales fue más frecuente entre quienes declararon consultar con más frecuencia información sobre el problema (odds ratio [OR]: 1,92), quienes identificaron correctamente factores que aumentan la probabilidad de que las sustancias tóxicas en los alimentos sean perjudiciales para la salud humana (OR: 2,86), quienes conocían mejor los problemas de salud que pueden ser causados por dichas sustancias (OR: 2,48) y quienes señalaron más grupos de alimentos que tienden a tener concentraciones de tóxicos que pueden ser perjudiciales para la salud (OR: 2,92) (todos los valores de p <0,001). Las mujeres fueron un 65% menos propensas que los hombres a responder que las regulaciones legales sobre sustancias tóxicas en los alimentos son efectivas (p <0,001), y también lo fueron las personas que identificaron más grupos de alimentos con concentraciones potencialmente tóxicas. Conclusiones: Entre los/las participantes en el estudio hubo un amplio escepticismo y desconfianza respecto a la aplicación y la efectividad de la legislación que en España aspira a controlar la exposición humana a sustancias tóxicas en los alimentos (AU)

Citizens' perceptions of the presence and health risks of synthetic chemicals in food: results of an online survey in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To explore factors influencing perceptions and viewpoints on the responsibility for the presence of toxic substances in food, on enforcement of laws and regulations that control human exposure to toxic substances in food, and on the effectiveness of such regulations. METHODS: An online survey was completed by 740 individuals from several parts of Spain (median age, 47 years; 67% were women; 70% had completed university studies). RESULTS: Over 87% of respondents said that it was possible that throughout their lives they could have accumulated in their body toxic substances potentially dangerous to their health. The attribution of the responsibility for toxic substances in food to a larger number of social groups was more frequent among respondents who consulted information about the problem more often (odds ratio [OR]: 1.92), who correctly identified factors that increase the likelihood of toxic substances in food being harmful to human health (OR: 2.86), who better knew the health problems that may be caused by such substances (OR: 2.48), and who recognised more food groups that tend to have concentrations of toxic substances potentially harmful to health (OR: 2.92) (all p values <0.001). Women were 65% less likely than men to answer that regulations on toxic substances in food are effective (p<0.001); and so were participants who identified more food groups with potentially toxic concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Among study participants there was a widespread scepticism and distrust towards the enforcement and effectiveness of laws and regulations that in Spain aim to control human exposure to toxic substances in food.

[Estimates of Target Population for Pneumococcal Vaccination in People over 50 years in Catalonia and Spain]. / Estimación de la población mayor de 50 años susceptible de recibir la vacunación antineumocócica en Cataluña y España.

OBJECTIVE: Published data about prevalence of distinct risk condictions for pneumococcal disease is scarce. This study investigated the prevalence of distinct risk conditions for pneumococal disease in Catalonian adults and stimated the potential size of target population for pneumococcal vaccination in Catalonia and Spain. METHODS: Cross-sectional population-based study that included 2,033,465 individuals older than 49 years-old assigned to the Catalonian Health Institute (Catalonia, Spain) at 01/01/2015. The Catalonian Health Institute Information System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP) was used to identify comorbidities and/or underlying conditions in each subject and establish potential target population for pneumococcal vaccination on the basis of their risk for suffering pneumococcal infections: 1) immunocompromised subjects; 2) immunocompetents subjects with any risk condition; 3) immunocompetents subjects without risk conditions. RESULTS: Of the 2,033,465 study subjects, 1,053,155 (51.8%) had no risk conditions, 649,014 (31.9%) had one risk condition and 331,296 (16.3%) had multiple risk conditions (11.4% in 50-64 years vs 21.2% in people older than 65 years, p smaller than 0.001; 21.8% in men vs 11.6% in women, p smaller than 0.001). Overall, 176,600 (8.7%) and 803,710 (39.5%) were classified in risk stratum 1 and 2, respectively. According to distinct risk strata considered, the target population for pneumococcal vaccination varied between 0.2-1.9 million in Catalonia and 1.5-2.3 million in Spain. CONCLUSIONS: In our setting, almost fifty percent of people ≥50 years have at least one risk condition to suffert pneumococcal disease. Adult population susceptible for pneumococal vaccination largely varies depending on the risk stratum considered as targeted people for pneumococcal vaccination.

OBJETIVO: La información publicada sobre la prevalencia de los distintos factores o condiciones de riesgo para padecer enfermedad neumocócica es escasa. El objetivo de la investigación fue describir en Cataluña la prevalencia de factores de riesgo de padecer enfermedad neumocócica en personas de 50 años o más y estimar el tamaño teórico de la población diana necesario para incluir la vacunación antineumocócica en Cataluña y España. METODOS: Estudio transversal que incluyó a 2.033.465 personas de 50 años y más asignadas al Institut Català de la Salut a 01/01/2015. Se utilizó el Sistema de Información para el Desarrollo de la Investigación en Atención Primaria de Cataluña (SIDIAP) para identificar las comorbilidades o condiciones de riesgo en cada sujeto y establecer su clasificación en la población potencialmente susceptible de ser vacunada en base a su riesgo de sufrir enfermedad neumocócica: 1) inmunocomprometidos; 2) inmunocompetentes con alguna condición de riesgo; 3) inmunocompetentes sin condiciones de riesgo. RESULTADOS: De las 2.033.465 personas estudiadas, 1.053.155 (51,8%) no tenían ninguna condición de riesgo, 649.014 (31,9%) tenían una y 331.296 (16,3%) tenían múltiples (11,4% en 50-64 años vs 21,2% en ≥65 años, p menor de 0,001; 21,8% en hombres vs 11,6% en mujeres, p menor de 0,001). En total, 176.600 (8,7%) fueron clasificadas en el estrato de riesgo 1 y 803.710 (39,5%) en el 2. Según los estratos de riesgo considerados, la población susceptible de vacunación antineumocócica se situaría entre 0,2-1,9 millones en Cataluña y 1,5-12,3 millones en España. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestro ámbito, casi la mitad de la población ≥50 años tiene alguna condición de riesgo para padecer enfermedad neumocócica. El teórico tamaño de la población adulta susceptible de recibir la vacuna antineumocócica varía enormemente en función de los estratos de riesgo considerados como diana para la vacunación.

Estimación de la población mayor de 50 años susceptible de recibir la vacunación antineumocócia en Cataluña y España / Estimates of target population for pneumococcal vaccination in people over 50 years in Catalonia and Spain

Fundamentos: La información publicada sobre la prevalencia de los distintos factores o condiciones de riesgo para padecer enfermedad neumocócica es escasa. El objetivo de la investigación fue describir en Cataluña la prevalencia de factores de riesgo de padecer enfermedad neumocócica en personas de 50 años o más y estimar el tamaño teórico de la población diana necesario para incluir la vacunación antineumocócica en Cataluña y España. Metodos: Estudio transversal que incluyó a 2.033.465 personas ≥50 años asignadas al Institut Català de la Salut a 01/01/2015. Se utilizó el Sistema de Información para el Desarrollo de la Investigación en Atención Primaria de Cataluña (SIDIAP) para identificar las comorbilidades o condiciones de riesgo en cada sujeto y establecer su clasificación en la población potencialmente susceptible de ser vacunada en base a su riesgo de sufrir enfermedad neumocócica: 1) inmunocomprometidos; 2) inmunocompetentes con alguna condición de riesgo; 3) inmunocompetentes sin condiciones de riesgo. Resultados: De las 2.033.465 personas estudiadas, 1.053.155 (51,8%) no tenían ninguna condición de riesgo, 649.014 (31,9%) tenían una y 331.296 (16,3%) tenían múltiples (11,4% en 50-64 años vs 21,2% en ≥65 años, p<0,001; 21,8% en hombres vs 11,6% en mujeres, p<0,001). En total, 176.600 (8,7%) fueron clasificadas en el estrato de riesgo 1 y 803.710 (39,5%) en el 2. Según los estratos de riesgo considerados, la población susceptible de vacunación antineumocócica se situaría entre 0,2-1,9 millones en Cataluña y 1,5-12,3 millones en España. Conclusión: En nuestro ámbito, casi la mitad de la población ≥50 años tiene alguna condición de riesgo para padecer enfermedad neumocócica. El teórico tamaño de la población adulta susceptible de recibir la vacuna antineumocócica varía enormemente en función de los estratos de riesgo considerados como diana para la vacunación (AU)

Background: Published data about prevalence of distinct risk condictions for pneumococcal disease is scarce. This study investigated the prevalence of distinct risk conditions for pneumococal disease in Catalonian adults and stimated the potential size of target population for pneumococcal vaccination in Catalonia and Spain. Methods: Cross-sectional population-based study that included 2,033,465 individuals ≥50 years-old assigned to the Catalonian Health Institute (Catalonia, Spain) at 01/01/2015. The Catalonian Health Institute Information System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP) was used to identify comorbidities and/or underlying conditions in each subject and establish potential target population for pneumococcal vaccination on the basis of their risk for suffering pneumococcal infections: 1) immunocompromised subjects; 2) immunocompetents subjects with any risk condition; 3) immunocompetents subjects without risk conditions. Results: Of the 2,033,465 study subjects, 1,053,155 (51.8%) had no risk conditions, 649,014 (31.9%) had one risk condition and 331,296 (16.3%) had multiple risk conditions (11.4% in 50-64 years vs 21.2% in people ≥65 years, p<0.001; 21.8% in men vs 11.6% in women, p<0.001). Overall, 176,600 (8.7%) and 803,710 (39.5%) were classified in risk stratum 1 and 2, respectively. According to distinct risk strata considered, the target population for pneumococcal vaccination varied between 0.2-1.9 million in Catalonia and 1.5-2.3 million in Spain. Conclusion: In our setting, almost fifty percent of people ≥50 years have at least one risk condition to suffert pneumococcal disease. Adult population susceptible for pneumococal vaccination largely varies depending on the risk stratum considered as targeted people for pneumococcal vaccination (AU)

Incidencia y mortalidad por infarto agudo de miocardio en la población mayor de 60 años del área de Tarragona / Incidence and mortality of ischaemic stroke among people 60 years or older in the región of Tarragona, Spain

Fundamentos. La información procedente de datos de base poblacional sobre la epidemiología del infarto agudo de miocardio es limitada. Este estudio analizó la incidencia y mortalidad por infarto en la población general mayor de 60 años del área sanitaria de Tarragona. Métodos. Estudio de cohortes que incluyó a 27.204 personas ≥60 años adscritas a 9 Áreas Básicas de Salud en la comarca del Tarragonés. Se realizó un seguimiento prospectivo durante 3 años, en los que se registraron todos los episodios de infarto diagnosticados entre los miembros de la cohorte desde 01/12/2008 a 30/11/2011. Se incluyeron exclusivamente los episodios con diagnóstico validado tras revisión de la historia clínica, se excluyeron los casos sin confirmación electrocardiográfica y por biomarcadores. Resultados: Hubo un total de 359 episodios confirmados de infarto, lo cual supuso una incidencia de 475 episodios por 100.000 personas-año (IC 95%: 428-527). La incidencia en hombres fue de 681 por 100.000 y en mujeres de 311 (p<0,001). Por edad fue 277 en el grupo de 60-69, 632 en el de 70-79 y 690 por 100.000 en los sujetos de ≥80 años (p<0,001). La incidencia en las personas con diagnóstico previo de cardiopatía isquémica fue de 2.844 casos por 100.000 personas-año. La mortalidad a los 30 días tras el diagnóstico alcanzó el 15,3%, en hombres 14,9% y en mujeres 16,0% (p=0,776). Conclusiones: La incidencia fue 2,2 veces mayor en hombres que en mujeres y aumentó considerablemente con la edad. También fue superior entre las personas con diagnóstico previo de cardiopatía isquémica. La mortalidad fue ligeramente más baja en hombres que en mujeres (AU)

Background: Population-based data available about the epidemiology of acute myocardial infarction is limited. This study investigated incidence and mortality from infarction among the general population over 60 years in Tarragona. Methods: Cohort study that included 27,204 individuals ≥60 years assigned to nine Primary Care Centers in the Tarragones county (Catalonia, Spain), who were prospectively followed between 01/12/2008 and 30/11/2011. During follow-up, all presumptive episodes of infarction were recruited among cohort members, but only confirmed cases (electrocardiogram and biomarkers confirmation) were included. Results: There were an amount of 359 confirmed episodes of infarction, which means a global incidence rate of 475 episodes per 100,000 person-years (95% CI: 428-527). Incidence was 681 in men and 311in women (p<0.001). According to age, incidence was 277 in 60-69, 632 in 70-79 and 690 per 100,000 in ≥80 years (p<0.001). Incidence was 2,844 cases per 100,000 person-years among those persons whom had history of prior coronary artery disease. Overall 30-day mortality rate was 15.3%, in male 14.9% and in female 16.0% (p=0.776). Conclusion: Incidence was 2.2 times higher in men than in woman and increased considerable by age. It was greater among patients with prior history of coronary artery disease. Mortality was slightly lower in men than in women (AU)

[Incidence and mortality of ischaemic stroke among people 60 years or older in the region of Tarragona, Spain]. / Incidencia y mortalidad por infarto agudo de miocardio en la población mayor de 60 años del área de Tarragona.

BACKGROUND: Population-based data available about the epidemiology of acute myocardial infarction is limited. This study investigated incidence and mortality from infarction among the general population over 60 years in Tarragona. METHODS: Cohort study that included 27,204 individuals ≥60 years assigned to nine Primary Care Centers in the Tarragones county (Catalonia, Spain), who were prospectively followed between 01/12/2008 and 30/11/2011. During follow-up, all presumptive episodes of infarction were recruited among cohort members, but only confirmed cases (electrocardiogram and biomarkers confirmation) were included. RESULTS: There were an amount of 359 confirmed episodes of infarction, which means a global incidence rate of 475 episodes per 100,000 person-years (95% CI: 428-527). Incidence was 681 in men and 311in women (p<0.001). According to age, incidence was 277 in 60-69, 632 in 70-79 and 690 per 100,000 in ≥80 years (p<0.001). Incidence was 2,844 cases per 100,000 person-years among those persons whom had history of prior coronary artery disease. Overall 30-day mortality rate was 15.3%, in male 14.9% and in female 16.0% (p=0.776). CONCLUSION: Incidence was 2.2 times higher in men than in woman and increased considerable by age. It was greater among patients with prior history of coronary artery disease. Mortality was slightly lower in men than in women.

Oxidative stress markers in predicting response to treatment with ferric carboxymaltose in nondialysis chronic kidney disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Nearly half of all non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients respond to iron therapy. Factors affecting anemia response to iron therapy are not well characterized. Oxidative stress (OS) is a recognized factor for anemia in CKD and promotes erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) resistance; however, the influence in predicting response to intravenous (IV) iron has not been evaluated. METHODS: Patients (n = 47) with non-dialysis CKD stages 3 - 5 (mean eGFR: 26 ± 10.4 mL/min/1.73 m2) and iron-deficiency anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL, transferrin saturation (TSAT) index < 20%, and/or ferritin < 100 ng/mL) received a single injection of 1,000 mg of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and were observed for 12 weeks. Based on erythropoietic response (defined as ≥ 1 g/dL increase in hemoglobin level), patients were classified as responders or non-responders. Baseline conventional markers of iron status (TSAT and ferritin), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and IL-6), OS markers (oxidized LDL, protein carbonyl groups, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), and catalase activity were measured. RESULTS: FCM resulted in a significant increase in hemoglobin, TSAT, and ferritin (10 ± 0.7 vs. 11.4 ± 1.3 g/dL, p < 0.0001; 14.6 ± 6.4% vs. 28.9 ± 10%, p < 0.0001; 67.8 ± 61.7 vs. 502.5 ± 263.3 ng/dL, p < 0.0001, respectively). Responders and non-responders were 34 (72%) and 13 (28%), respectively. Age, baseline hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, parathyroid hormone, and use of ESA or angiotensin-modulating agents were similar in both groups. Responders showed a tendency towards lower TSAT than non-responders (13.6 ± 6.5% vs. 17.2 ± 5.6%, p = 0.06) but similar ferritin levels. Inflammatory markers were similar in both groups. eGPx activity was lower in non-responders compared to responders (103.1 ± 50.9 vs. 144.9 ± 63.1 U/g Hb, p = 0.01, respectively), although the other proteins, lipid oxidation markers, and enzymatic antioxidants did not differ between the two groups. In the multivariate adjusted model, odds (95% CI) for achieving erythropoietic response to FCM were 10.53 (1.25 - 88.16) in the third tertile of eGPX activity and 3.20 (0.56 - 18.0) in the second tertile compared to those in the lowest tertiles (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased eGPx activity has adverse influences on response to FCM, suggesting that impaired erythrocyte antioxidant defense may be involved in the response to iron therapy in CKD patients.

Effect of ferric carboxymaltose on serum phosphate and C-terminal FGF23 levels in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients: post-hoc analysis of a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Some parenteral iron therapies have been found to be associated with hypophosphatemia. The mechanism of the decrease in serum phosphate is unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of IV ferric carboxymaltose(FCM) on phosphate metabolism and FGF23 levels in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD). METHODS: This is a post-hoc analysis of a prospective study carried out in 47 non-dialysis CKD patients with iron-deficiency anaemia who received a single 1000 mg injection of FCM. Markers of mineral metabolism (calcium, phosphate, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, PTH and FGF23[c-terminal]) were measured prior to FCM administration and at week 3 and week 12 after FCM administration. Based on the measured levels of serum phosphate at week 3, patiens were classified as hypophosphatemic or non-hypophosphatemic. RESULTS: Serum phosphate levels decreased significantly three weeks after FCM administration and remained at lower levels at week 12 (4.24 ± 0.84 vs 3.69 ± 1.10 vs 3.83 ± 0.68 mg/dL, respectively, p < 0.0001. Serum calcium, PTH and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D did not change over the course of the study. Serum FGF23 decreased significantly from 442(44.9-4079.2) at baseline to 340(68.5-2603.3) at week 3 and 191.6(51.3-2465.9) RU/mL at week 12, p < 0.0001. Twelve patients were non-hypophosphatemic and 35 hypophosphatemic. FGF23 levels decreased in both groups, whereas no changes were documented in any of the other mineral parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In non-dialysis CKD patients, FCM induces reduction in serum phosphate levels that persists for three months. FCM causes a significant decrease in FGF23 levels without changes to other bone metabolism parameters.

Oxidative stress and other risk factors for white matter lesions in chronic hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and promotes oxidative tress (OS), which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of white matter lesions (WML), a form of small-vessel cerebrovascular disease. The relationship between OS and WML in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients has not yet been studied. METHODS: We studied 67 chronic HD patients, aged 40 - 65 years (average 54 years) without known cerebrovascular disease. All patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and subcortical and periventricular WML were evaluated using semiquantitative measures. Patients were classified into two groups depending on the presence or absence of WML (Fazekas classification), and the WML were scored. Carotid ultrasonography was also performed to evaluate the presence of carotid artery plaques and/or stenosis. Markers of protein and lipid oxidation (protein carbonyl and oxLDL antibodies), the glutathione system, enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase) and total antioxidant capacity (ORAC) were measured. OS markers were compared to those of a group of 36 healthy subjects. RESULTS: WML were present in 54% of the total population. Patients who had WML were older and had lower predialysis diastolic blood pressure than patients without WML. Other potential cardiovascular risk factors for WML, including obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, presence of carotid artery plaques or stenosis, and duration and adequacy of HD were not related to the presence of WML. Compared to controls, HD patients had increased OS and decreased antioxidant capacity. However, OS did not differ between patients with WML and those without, and we found no association between OS markers and mean WML scores. After adjusting for several factors, only age and low predialysis diastolic blood pressure independently predicted an increased risk of WML. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that chronic HD patients have increased OS, but this is not related to the presence or severity of WML.

Acute and sub-acute effect of ferric carboxymaltose on inflammation and adhesion molecules in patients with predialysis chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with parenteral iron causes oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is a new preparation of non-dextran iron which, due to its pharmacokinetics and stability, may induce less toxicity than other iron molecules. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of FCM on inflammation and adhesion molecules in chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: Forty-seven patients with predialysis CKD and iron-deficiency anaemia received a single dose of FCM (15 mg/kg, maximum dose 1 gram). At baseline and after 60 minutes (acute effect) and after 3 weeks and 3 months (sub-acute effect), we determined inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and endothelial dysfunction: intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular adhesion molecule (VCAM). RESULTS: Treatment with FCM was associated with a significant increase in haemoglobin levels: 10 (0.7) vs. 11.4 (1.3)g/dl, p<.0001. CRP, IL-6, ICAM and VCAM levels did not correlate with baseline haemoglobin or ferritin levels and there was no relationship between changes in these markers and those of haemoglobin after administration of FCM. No significant, acute or sub-acute changes occurred in any of the inflammatory or endothelial markers studied. Statin therapy was associated with lower VCAM concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with high doses of FCM in patients with predialysis CKD has no proinflammatory effect and does not alter levels of adhesion molecules ICAM and VCAM in this population.

Lifetime history of alcohol consumption and K-ras mutations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), evidence on the etiopathogenic role of alcohol consumption in the occurrence of K-ras mutations is scant, and the role of alcohol in pancreatic carcinogenesis is not well established. We analyzed the relation between lifetime consumption of alcohol and mutations in codon 12 of the K-ras oncogene in patients with PDA. METHODS: Incident cases of PDA were prospectively identified and interviewed face-to-face during hospital admission about lifetime alcohol consumption and other lifestyle factors. Logistic regression was used to compare PDA cases (N = 107) with mutated and wild-type K-ras tumors (case-case study). RESULTS: Mutated cases were moderate or heavy drinkers more frequently than wild-type cases: the odds ratio adjusted by age, sex, smoking, and history of pancreatitis (ORa) was 3.18 (95% confidence interval: 1.02-9.93; P = 0.046). Total grams of alcohol and years of consumption were higher in mutated than in wild-type cases: the ORa for lifetime alcohol consumption over 507,499 g was 3.35 (95% CI: 0.81-13.88); and for more than 40 years of alcohol consumption it was 4.47 (95% CI: 1.05-19.02). Age at onset of alcohol consumption and years of abstinence were also associated with the presence of K-ras mutations. There were no significant differences in alcohol dependency. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption is weakly associated with an increased risk of having a K-ras mutated PDA. To confirm or to refute the hypothesis that ethanol, acetaldehyde or other alcohol-related substances might influence the acquisition or persistence of K-ras mutations in the pancreatic epithelium, large and unselected studies are warranted.

Staphylococcus epidermidis: a differential trait of the fecal microbiota of breast-fed infants.

BACKGROUND: Breast milk is an important source of staphylococci and other bacterial groups to the infant gut. The objective of this work was to analyse the bacterial diversity in feces of breast-fed infants and to compare it with that of formula-fed ones. A total of 23 women and their respective infants (16 breast-fed and 7 formula-fed) participated in the study. The 16 women and their infants provided a sample of breast milk and feces, respectively, at days 7, 14, and 35. The samples were plated onto different culture media. Staphylococcal and enterococcal isolates were submitted to genetic profiling and to a characterization scheme, including detection of potential virulence traits and sensitivity to antibiotics. RESULTS: The feeding practice had a significant effect on bacterial counts. A total of 1,210 isolates (489 from milk, 531 from breast-fed and 190 from formula-fed infants) were identified. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the predominant species in milk and feces of breast-fed infants while it was less prevalent in those of formula fed-infants. Enterococcus faecalis was the second predominant bacterial species among the fecal samples provided by the breast-fed infants but it was also present in all the samples from the formula-fed ones. The biofilm-related icaD gene and the mecA gene were only detected in a low number of the S. epidermidis strains. Several enterococcal isolates were also characterized and none of them contained the cylA or the vanABDEG antibiotic-resistance genes. All were sensitive to vancomycin. CONCLUSION: The presence of S. epidermidis is a differential trait of the fecal microbiota of breast-fed infants. Globally, the staphyloccal isolates obtained from milk and feces of breast-fed infants contain a low number of virulence determinants and are sensitive to most of the antibiotics tested.

M129V variation in the prion protein gene and psychotic disorders: relationship to neuropsychological and psychopathological measures.

The methionine/valine polymorphism at position 129 in the prion protein gene, PRNP M129V, is a known risk factor for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Psychiatric manifestations including psychosis are common in the early phase of CJD and it has therefore been hypothesized that the prion protein could be involved in psychotic disorders. Moreover, among the various hypothesized functions of the prion protein, a role in synaptic activity has been described. We have studied the PRNP M129V variant with regard to psychotic disorders from two perspectives: first as a genetic risk factor and second as a genetic factor influencing phenotypic variation. A case-control study of 482 psychotic patients and 502 controls indicated that differences between patients and controls were not present in genotype distributions or allele frequencies. We also studied the influence of this variant in psychopathological symptomatology and neuropsychological performance in a subgroup of 159 psychotic patients. In our sample, patients homozygous for valine at this position presented less severe scores in the general psychopathological subscale (p=0.003) and in the sum of the total items (p=0.007) of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Also, homozygote VV patients presented better scores in most neuropsychological tests, the most significant result of which was for delayed visual memory (p=0.021). In summary, our results do not support the hypothesis that M129V is a susceptibility factor for psychotic disorders. However, it could influence their phenotypic variation at the psychopathological and neuropsychological level. Independent replications are needed to confirm that being homozygotic for valine at PRNP M129V position is associated with better psychopathological and neuropsychological scores in psychotic disorders.