Self-perceived body weight and weight status: analysis of concordance by age group and sex.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies suggest that there is discordance between actual weight status and body-weight perception. This fact has implications when it comes to designing public health interventions. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the different categories of weight status and body-weight perception and to analyse their concordance in a representative Spanish population sample. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data were sourced from the 2018 Galician Risk Behaviour Data System, with the target population being all persons aged 16 years and above. We collected data on self-perceived body weight and assessed weight status on the basis of body mass index (BMI). BMI was estimated using self-reported measures of weight and height. To estimate concordance, Cohen's kappa coefficient, both unweighted and weighted with Cicchetti weights, was calculated. RESULTS: Data were obtained for 7853 individuals aged 16 years and above, whereas the overall unweighted concordance was 0.393 (95%CI: 0.377-0.409), with an agreement percentage of 61.6%, weighted concordance was 0.503 (0.490-0.517), with an agreement percentage of 86.6%. The highest concordance between self-perceived body weight and weight status was observed in women. By age group, the highest concordance was observed in the youngest group (16-24 years) for the BMI categories of underweight and overweight, and in the 45-64 age group for the category of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the existence of differences between self-perceived body weight and weight status, according to sex and age.

Smoking-attributable mortality by sex in the 27 Brazilian federal units: 2019.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate smoking-attributable mortality (SAM) in the population aged 35 years and over in Brazil's 27 federal units by sex, in 2019. STUDY DESIGN: This is an attributable mortality analysis. METHODS: We applied a method dependent on the prevalence of smoking, based on the population attributable fractions. Data on mortality due to causes causally related to smoking were derived from Brazil's Death Registry, data on prevalence of smoking from a survey conducted in Brazil in 2019, and data on relative risks from five US cohorts. Crude and age-adjusted SAM rates were calculated by sex. Estimates of SAM were calculated by specific causes of death and major mortality groups for each federal unit by sex. RESULTS: In 2019, smoking caused 480 deaths per day in Brazil. Although the SAM varied among the federal units, the pattern is not clear, with the greatest difference being between Rio Grande do Sul (crude rate: 248.8/100,000 inhabitants) and Amazonas (106.0/100,000). When the rates were adjusted by age, the greatest differences were observed between Acre (271.1/100,000) and Distrito Federal (131.1/100,000). SAM was higher in males; however, while the main specific cause of SAM in men was ischemic heart disease, in women it was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The major mortality group having the greatest impact on SAM across all federal units was the cardiometabolic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The variability in the burden of SAM in the different regions of Brazil reaffirms the need for SAM data disaggregated at the geographic level.

Mortalidad atribuida al consumo de tabaco en las comunidades autónomas de España, 2017 / Smoking-attributable mortality in the autonomous communities of Spain, 2017

Introducción y objetivos: Estimar la mortalidad atribuida (MA) al consumo de tabaco en las comunidades autónomas (CCAA) de España en población de edad ≥ 35 años en 2017. Métodos: Se estimó la MA empleando un método dependiente de prevalencias basado en el cálculo de fracciones atribuidas poblacionales. La mortalidad observada procede del Instituto Nacional de Estadística; las prevalencias de consumo por sexo y edad, de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de 2011 y 2017 y la Encuesta europea de 2014, y los riesgos relativos, del seguimiento de 5 cohortes norteamericanas. Se presentan estimaciones de MA y fracciones atribuidas poblacionales para cada comunidad autónoma por causa de muerte, sexo y edad y tasas de MA específicas y ajustadas. Resultados: El tabaco causó 53.825 muertes en España en la población de 35 o más años (el 12,9% de la mortalidad total). La carga de MA sobre la mortalidad observada varía del 10,8% en La Rioja al 15,3% en Canarias. Tras ajustar las tasas de MA por edad, las diferencias entre CCAA se mantienen, y las tasas más altas en los varones se observan en Extremadura y en las mujeres, en Canarias. Las tasas ajustadas de los varones se correlacionan negativamente con las de las mujeres. El porcentaje que suponen las enfermedades cardiovasculares sobre la MA total de cada comunidad autónoma oscila entre el 21,8% de Castilla-La Mancha y el 30,3% de Andalucía. Conclusiones: La carga de MA al consumo de tabaco varía entre las CCAA. Realizar un análisis detallado por regiones aporta información relevante para la implantación de políticas sanitarias dirigidas a frenar el impacto del tabaquismo (AU)

Introduction and objectives: To estimate smoking-attributable mortality (SAM) in the regions of Spain among people aged ≥ 35 years in 2017. Methods: SAM was estimated using a prevalence dependent method based calculating the population attributable fraction. Observed mortality was derived from the National Statistics Institute. The prevalence of smoking by age and sex was based on the Spanish National Health Survey for 2011 and 2017 and the European Survey for 2014. Relative risks were reported from the follow-up of 5 North American cohorts. SAM and population attributable fraction were estimated for each region by age group, sex, and causes of death. Cause-specific and adjusted SAM rates were estimated. Results: Smoking caused 53 825 deaths in the population aged ≥ 35 years (12.9% of all-cause mortality). SAM ranged from 10.8% of observed mortality in La Rioja to 15.3% in the Canary Islands. The differences remained after rates were adjusted by age. The highest adjusted SAM rates were observed in Extremadura in men and in the Canary Islands in women. Adjusted SAM rates in men were inversely correlated with those in women. The percentage of total SAM represented by cardiovascular diseases in each region ranged from 21.8% in Castile-La Mancha to 30.3% in Andalusia. Conclusions: The distribution of SAM differed among regions. Conducting a detailed region-by-region analysis provides relevant information for health policies aiming to curb the impact of smoking (AU)

Asociación entre condición física y adiposidad en escolares de montería, Colombia / Associations between physical fitness and adiposity among school-age children from monteria, Colombia

Los niveles bajos de condición física se han asociado con adiposidad elevada. Ambas condiciones pueden predecir alteraciones cardiovasculares y metabólicas. El objetivo fue analizar la relación entre la condición física y los indicadores antropométricos de adiposidad. Estudio transversal, en 534 escolares de 6 a 12 años de edad del municipio de Montería. Se midió la condición cardiorrespiratoria (CCR), flexibilidad, fuerza explosiva de miembros inferiores (FEMI), fuerza resistencia abdominal (FRA), Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC), masa adiposa (PMA), y perímetro abdominal (PA). Las asociaciones entre adiposidad y la condición física se analizaron con modelos de regresión logística. Se encontró que el sobrepeso está asociado a baja CCR (ORa = 2,7, p<0,0001); el PA elevado está asociado a baja FRA (ORa = 2,2, p<0,02), y a baja CCR (ORa = 3,3, p<0,001); el PMA elevado está asociado a baja CCR (ORa = 2,7, p<0,0001). Conclusión, la condición física está asociada a la adiposidad (AU)

Low physical fitness levels have been associated with elevated adiposity. Both conditions may predict cardiovascular and metabolic alterations. The objective was to analyze the associations between health-related physical fitness and adipose. A cross-sectional study in 534 school-age children aged 6-12 in Monteria, Colombia. Measurements included cardiorespiratory fitness (CCR), flexibility, explosive strength of lower limbs (FEMI), abdominal strength endurance (ASE), body mass index (BMI), percentage of adipose mass (PAM), and waist circumference (WC). The associations between adiposity and physical fitness were calculated by logistic regression models. Results indicate that overweight is associated with low CCR (aOR = 2.7, p<0.0001). Elevated PA was associated with low ASE (aOR = 2.2, p<0.02), and with low CCR (aOR = 3.3, p<0.001). Elevated PMA was associated with low CCR (aOR=2.7, p<0.0001). In conclusion, physical fitness is associated with adiposity (AU)

Appropriateness of newborn screening for classic galactosaemia: a systematic review.

Currently, there is no universal agreement on galactosaemia screening, fundamentally because of the risk-benefit uncertainties. We conducted two exhaustive systematic searches in the main electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, etc.) to recover relevant information about the disease and screening test/s in order to support decision making in Spain. All of the 45 studies identified that covered disease issues were retrospective case series or cross-sectional analysis (level-4 evidence). Studies consistently found that the majority of patients presented characteristic symptomatology before diagnosis. Long term disabilities were not significantly correlated with age of diagnosis, onset of dietary restriction or strict diet compliance. The five studies that provided accuracy data used different cut-off points and verification tests, and thus differed in their definitions of a positive case (level-3b evidence). The estimated sensitivity was 100 % and the specificity 99.9 %. The false-positive rate ranged from 0.0005 % to 0.25 %, and the PPV from 0 % to 64.3 %. The comparative clinical effectiveness in relation to not screening or implementation of other programs is unknown. In summary, existing evidence remains insufficient to establish the appropriateness of newborn screening for galactosaemia screening, although health benefits could be expected if early diagnosis and treatment is achieved. If screening is implemented in Spain, it would be important that a pilot programme be implemented to assess false positive rate and ensure that early diagnosis is not delayed.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) impairs the response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The validation of KRAS mutations as a negative marker of response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies has meant a seminal advance towards treatment individualisation of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, as a KRAS wild-type status does not guarantee a response to anti-EGFR antibodies, a current challenge is the identification of other biomarkers of response. On the basis of pre-clinical evidence, we hypothesised that mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), a phosphatase that inactivates MAPKs, could be a mediator of resistance to anti-EGFR antibodies. METHODS: Tumour specimens from 48 metastatic CRC patients treated with cetuximab-based chemotherapy were evaluated for KRAS and BRAF mutational status and MKP-1 expression as assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: As expected, clinical benefit was confined to wild-type KRAS and BRAF patients. Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 was overexpressed in 16 patients (33%) and was not associated with patient baseline clinicopathological characteristics and KRAS mutational status. All patients with BRAF mutations (n=3) had MKP-1 overexpression. Among KRAS wild-type patients, MKP-1 overexpressors had a 7% response rate (RR), whereas patients not overexpressing MKP-1 had a 44% RR (P=0.03). Moreover, median time to progression was significantly longer in MKP-1 non-overexpressing patients (32 vs 13 weeks, P=0.009). CONCLUSION: These results support the concept of MKP-1 as a promising negative marker of response to cetuximab-based treatment in CRC patients with wild-type KRAS.

Tobacco consumption and oral and pharyngeal cancer in a Spanish male population.

The incidence of oral and pharyngeal cancer in Spain is among the highest in Europe. A hospital-based case-control study was carried out in NW Spain to investigate the role of tobacco. The study included 92 incident male cases and 230 male controls. Tobacco smoking was strongly associated with oral and pharyngeal cancer (OR(ever smokers)=27.7). The risk for black tobacco (OR=33.1) was approximately double that of blond tobacco (OR=15.4). Alcohol drinking increased the risk posed by tobacco consumption. Risks were significantly lower for subjects that started smoking later and was significantly reduced after 10 years of leaving the habit.

[Clinical utility of (18)F-DOPA-PET in movement disorders. A systematic review]. / Utilidad clínica de la (18)FDOPA-PET en trastornos del movimiento. Una revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: (18)F-fluorodopa ((18)F-DOPA) is a functional tracer of presynaptic dopaminergic neuron terminations in the nigrostriatal system. This review is aimed to assess the efficacy of (18)F-DOPA-PET in the diagnosis and evaluation of the progression of Parkinson's Disease (PD) and in the differential diagnosis with other Parkinsonism Syndromes. METHODS: A review was made of the literature by searching six databases and selecting the most relevant articles according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study data were systematically extracted and included in evidence tables. RESULTS: Of the 1478 registries recovered through the search of the literature, 48 studies were extracted. Of these, only 13 were included in the systematic review. It was observed in all of them that PD is manifested by a lower striatal uptake of (18)F-DOPA, especially in the putamen with posterior predominance. Prospective studies have shown that there is loss of uptake with disease progression. One article described regional differences in (18)F-DOPA striatal pattern between PD, multisystem atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Cognitive impairment in PD seems to be related with (18)F-DOPA abnormal uptake in some regions of frontal cortex and caudate nucleus. CONCLUSION: (18)F-DOPA-PET seems to be useful for the diagnosis and evaluation of PD progression. However, the evidence is not conclusive regarding its utility in the differential diagnosis with other Parkinsonism Syndromes and in the differentiation between ex novo and advanced PD.

Effectiveness and safety of endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration: a systematic review.

The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the effectiveness and safety of real time endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in patients with suspected or known bronchopulmonary carcinoma, as well as in other clinical indications presented by lymphatic adenopathies. A systematic review was carried out in November 2007 and updated in April 2008 using the main databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the papers retrieved. A total of 20 publications were included. Of these, 14 were original studies that investigated the clinical usefulness of the technique in visualising and staging lymph nodes in patients with suspected or established lung cancer. Sensitivity ranged 85-100% and negative predictive value ranged 11-97.4%. Three studies assessed the clinical usefulness of the technique in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic in 88-93% of patients. One retrospective study evaluated the use of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of lymphoma. None of the studies included in the present review reported important complications. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration is a safe and highly accurate procedure for the examination and staging of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes in patients with known or suspected lung malignancy. The evidence is promising for sarcoidosis but is not sufficient for lymphoma.

Utilidad clínica de la 18FDOPA-PET en trastornos del movimiento. Una revisión sistemática / Clinical utility of 18F-DOPA-PET in movement disorders. A systematic review

Introducción: El radiofármaco 18F-fluorodopa (18FDOPA) es un marcador de la funcionalidad de las terminaciones neuronales dopaminérgicas presinápticas del sistema nigroestriado. El objetivo de esta revisión es determinar la eficacia del 18FDOPA en el diagnóstico y valoración de la progresión de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP), así como en el diagnóstico diferencial con otros síndromes parkinsonianos. Métodos: Revisión de la literatura consultando seis bases de datos y seleccionando los artículos más relevantes según unos estrictos criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Los datos de los estudios fueron extraídos de forma sistemática e incluidos en tablas de evidencia. Resultados: En la búsqueda bibliográfica se recuperaron 1.478 registros, de los que se extrajeron 48 trabajos incluyendo finalmente sólo 13 estudios en la revisión sistemática. En todos ellos se observa que la EP se manifiesta por una menor captación estriatal de 18FDOPA, especialmente en el putamen, y de predominio posterior. Los estudios prospectivos muestran la pérdida de captación con la progresión de la enfermedad. Un estudio señala diferencias en el patrón regional de afectación entre la EP, la parálisis supranuclear progresiva (PSP) y la atrofia multisistémica (AMS). La afectación cognitiva en la EP parece relacionada con alteraciones en la fijación de 18FDOPA en determinadas regiones del córtex frontal y en el caudado. Conclusiones: La 18FDOPA parece útil para el diagnóstico y valoración de la progresión de la EP; sin embargo, la evidencia no es concluyente respecto a su utilidad en el diagnóstico diferencial con otros síndromes parkinsonianos, así como en la diferenciación entre EP ex novo y avanzada(AU)

Introduction: 18F-fluorodopa (18F-DOPA) is a functional tracer of presynaptic dopaminergic neuron terminations in the nigrostriatal system. This review is aimed to assess the efficacy of 18F-DOPA-PET in the diagnosis and evaluation of the progression of Parkinson's Disease (PD) and in the differential diagnosis with other Parkinsonism Syndromes. Methods: A review was made of the literature by searching six databases and selecting the most relevant articles according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study data were systematically extracted and included in evidence tables. Results: Of the 1478 registries recovered through the search of the literature, 48 studies were extracted. Of these, only 13 were included in the systematic review. It was observed in all of them that PD is manifested by a lower striatal uptake of 18F-DOPA, especially in the putamen with posterior predominance. Prospective studies have shown that there is loss of uptake with disease progression. One article described regional differences in 18F-DOPA striatal pattern between PD, multisystem atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranu-clear palsy (PSP). Cognitive impairment in PD seems to be related with 18F-DOPA abnormal uptake in some regions of frontal cortex and caudate nucleus. Conclusion: 18F-DOPA-PET seems to be useful for the diagnosis and evaluation of PD progression. However, the evidence is not conclusive regarding its utility in the differential diagnosis with other Parkinsonism Syndromes and in the differentiation between ex novo and advanced PD(AU)

Knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual behaviour among youths in Kibaha District, Tanzania.

Sub-Saharan Africa is more heavily affected by HIV/AIDS than any other region in the World. Half of all new HIV infections occur in young people. Identification of the associated factors is likely to be useful in designing effective interventions. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the determinants of high-risk sexual behaviours among youths in Kibaha District, Tanzania. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The survey gathered data pertaining to the sexual healthy behaviours among youths, including condom use, number of sexual partners, age at first sexual involvement and knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. A total of 322 individuals aged 15-24 years were involved in the study. More than 69% had sex at least once in their life time. Only about one-third (32.3%) of the youths reported to have used condom during the first sexual intercourse and 37% during the last sex. About 21.7% of the respondents acknowledged having more than one sexual partner in the last 12 months. The majority (98.4%) of the respondents have heard of HIV/AIDS. About three quarters (74.8%) of the respondents knew where to get HIV testing services but only a small proportion (28.9%) had tested for HIV infection. Of those not yet tested, 38.2% admitted that they were ready to do so. Although 317 (98.4%) respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS, and majority, 65.2% mentioned condom as the method used to prevent its transmission, only 117 (36.3%) acknowledged using them. In conclusion, despite good knowledge on transmission of HIV among youths in Kibaha district, only a small proportion of them practices safe sex. Education programmes on safe sex practices should be strengthened to provide skills that could be effective in changing and maintaining safe sex behaviours among youths in Tanzania.

Capacity of healthcare facilities in the implementation of direct observed treatment strategy for tuberculosis in Arumeru and Karatu districts, Tanzania.

Directly Observed Treatment Short course strategy (DOTS) has proved to have potential improvement in tuberculosis (TB) control in Tanzania. The objective of this cross sectional study was to assess the capacity of health facilities in implementing DOTS, in Arumeru and Karatu districts, Tanzania. Information sought included the capacity to offer TB service and availability of qualified staff and equipment for TB diagnosis. Information on availability and utilization of TB registers and treatment outcome for the year 2004 were also collected. A total of 111 health facilities were surveyed, 86 (77.5%) in Arumeru and 25 (22.5%) in Karatu. Only 23.4% (26/111) facilities were offering TB treatment services in the two districts. Majority 17/26 (65.38%) of them were government owned. Thirty eight (44.7%) facilities were offering TB laboratory services. All facilities with TB services (TB laboratory investigation and treatment) had TB registers. Seventy two (85.0%) of health facilities which do not provide any TB services had qualified clinical officers and at least a microscopy. Of the 339 cases notified in Arumeru in 2004, 187 (60.7%) had treatment outcome available, 124 (66.3%) were cured and 55 (29.4%) completed treatment. In Karatu 638 cases were notified in 2004, 305 (47.8%) had treatment outcome available, 68 (22.3%) cured and 165 (54.1%) completed treatment. In conclusion, the overall capacity for implementing DOTS among the facilities surveyed is found only in about 20% and 30% for clinical and laboratory components of DOTS, respectively. The capacity to provide TB diagnosis and treatment in Karatu district was relatively lower than Arumeru. It is important that capacity of the facilities is strengthened concurrently with the planned introduction of community-based DOTS in Tanzania.

Perceptions of tuberculosis and treatment seeking behaviour in Ilala and Kinondoni Municipalities in Tanzania.

This study was carried out in Ilala and Kinondoni Municipalities in Tanzania to explore the perceptions of Tuberculosis (TB), and treatment seeking behaviour, among patients attending healthcare facilities. The study was conducted in four randomly selected health facilities providing directly observed treatment (DOT). Exit interviews were administered to 69 randomly selected TB patients. The mean age of the respondents was 33.2 years (range = 11-72 years). Forty-six (66.7%) of the patients had primary school education. Fifty-nine (84.1%) patients had good knowledge on the transmission of TB. Majority (75%) of the respondents were of the opinion that the incidence of TB was on the increase and this was mainly associated with HIV/AIDS epidemic. All respondents knew that TB was a curable disease if one complies with the treatment. Sixty-four (60%) respondents had good knowledge on the correct duration of tuberculosis treatment. The median duration before seeking treatment from a health facility was 1.5 months. The majority of the patients 47 (68%) visited public health facilities for treatment as their first action. Overall, 83.8% (57/68) respondents said females comply better with treatment than male patients. The majority of the respondents lived within a walking distance to a healthcare facility. Only 18.8% (13/69) had to spend an average of US$ 0.2-0.3 as travel costs to the healthcare facility. Most of the respondents (57.8%) said they were well attended by service providers. Half (21/42) and 59.3% (16/27) of the males and females, respectively, mentioned good patient-service provider relationship as an important reason for satisfaction of the service (chi2 = 0.57, df = 1, P > 0.005). Twenty-nine (42%) of respondents were of the opinion that female TB patients conformed better to treatment than males and a similar number thought that both of them equally conformed to treatment. Findings from this study indicate that a large population in urban settings are aware that health facilities play a major role in TB treatment. In conclusion, there is a need to further explore how this information could potentially be used to enhance early seeking of appropriate services among TB patients in the era of rapid urbanization. Strategies in the control of TB and other diseases should focus on advocacy in seeking appropriate care.

CYP1A1, mEH, and GSTM1 Polymophisms and Risk of Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer: A Spanish Case-Control Study.

Background. Genetic polymorphisms of drug metabolizing enzymes involved in the detoxification pathways of carcinogenic substances may influence cancer risk. Methods. Case-control study that investigates the relationship between CYP1A1 Ile/Val, exon 4 mEH, and GSTM1 null genetic polymorphism and the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer examining the interaction between these genes, tobacco, and alcohol. 92 incident cases and 130 consecutive hospital-based controls have been included. Results. No significant associations were found for any of the genotypes assessed. The estimated risk was slightly elevated in subjects with the wild type of the mEH gene and the null GSTM1 genotype. For exon 4 mEH heterozygous polymorphism, the risk was slightly lower for heavy smokers than for light smokers. The inverse association was observed for the GSTM1 null genotype. Conclusions. The results suggest that exon 4 mEH and GSTM1 null polymorphisms might influence oral and pharyngeal cancer.

Knowledge on HIV/AIDS and Sexual Behaviour among Youths in Kibaha District; Tanzania

Sub-Saharan Africa is more heavily affected by HIV/AIDS than any other region in the World. Half of all new HIV infections occur in young people. Identifcation of the associated factors is likely to be useful in designing effective interventions. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the determinants of high-risk sexual behaviours among youths in Kibaha District; Tanzania. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The survey gathered data pertaining to the sexual healthy behaviours among youths; including condom use; number of sexual partners; age at first sexual involvement and knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. A total of 322 individuals aged 15-24 years were involved in the study. More than 69had sex at least once in their life time. Only about one-third (32.3) of the youths reported to have used condom during the first sexual intercourse and 37during the last sex. About 21.7of the respondents acknowledged having more than one sexual partner in the last 12 months. The majority (98.4) of the respondents have heard of HIV/AIDS. About three quarters (74.8) of the respondents knew where to get HIV testing services but only a small proportion (28.9) had tested for HIV infection. Of those not yet tested; 38.2admitted that they were ready to do so. Although 317 (98.4) respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS; and majority; 65.2mentioned condom as the method used to prevent its transmission; only 117 (36.3) acknowledged using them. In conclusion; despite good knowledge on transmission of HIV among youths in Kibaha district; only a small proportion of them practices safe sex. Education programmes on safe sex practices should be strengthened to provide skills that could be effective in changing and maintaining safe sex behaviours among youths in Tanzania

Capacity of Healthcare Facilities in the Implementation of Direct Observed Treatment Strategy for Tuberculosis in Arumeru and Karatu Districts; Tanzania

Directly Observed Treatment Short course strategy (DOTS) has proved to have potential improvement in tuberculosis (TB) control in Tanzania. The objective of this cross sectional study was to assess the capacity of health facilities in implementing DOTS; in Arumeru and Karatu districts; Tanzania. Information sought included the capacity to offer TB service and availability of quali?ed staff and equipment for TB diagnosis. Information on availability and utilization of TB registers and treatment outcome for the year 2004 were also collected. A total of 111 health facilities were surveyed; 86 (77.5) in Arumeru and 25 (22.5) in Karatu. Only 23.4(26/111) facilities were offering TB treatment services in the two districts. Majority 17/26 (65.38) of them were government owned. Thirty eight (44.7) facilities were offering TB laboratory services. All facilities with TB services (TB laboratory investigation and treatment) had TB registers. Seventy two (85.0) of health facilities which do not provide any TB services had qualifed clinical offcers and at least a microscopy. Of the 339 cases notified in Arumeru in 2004; 187 (60.7) had treatment outcome available; 124 (66.3) were cured and 55 (29.4) completed treatment. In Karatu 638 cases were noti?ed in 2004; 305 (47.8) had treatment outcome available; 68 (22.3) cured and 165 (54.1) completed treatment. In conclusion; the overall capacity for implementing DOTS among the facilities surveyed is found only in about 20and 30for clinical and laboratory components of DOTS; respectively. The capacity to provide TB diagnosis and treatment in Karatu district was relatively lower than Arumeru. It is important that capacity of the facilities is strengthened concurrently with the planned introduction of community-based DOTS in Tanzania

Efectividad del 123I-ioflupano (DaTSCAN©) en el diagnóstico de síndromes parkinsonianos. Una revisión sistemática / Effectiveness of 123I-ioflupane (DaTSCAN©) in the diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes. A systematic review

Introducción. La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) es la segunda enfermedad degenerativa más frecuente, afectando al 1-2 % de la población mayor de 65 años. Hasta el20-24 % de los síndromes parkinsonianos pueden ser erróneamente diagnosticados. La finalidad de este trabajo es valorar la eficacia del DaTSCAN© en el reconocimiento de la EP precoz y su diagnóstico diferencial del parkinsonismo vascular, el parkinsonismofarmacológico y el temblor esencial, así como laeficacia del 123I-FP en la diferenciación de la demencia de cuerpos de Lewy (DCL) y la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA). Método. Revisión sistemática. La selección de los trabajos la realizaron dos investigadores independientes aplicando criterios predefinidos. La calidad de los estudios originales se valoró mediante una escala específicamente diseñada. Resultados. Se incluyeron 11 artículos originales. No se encontraron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. Tres trabajos valoraron el impacto del DaTSCAN© en el tratamiento y encontraron que el 17-69 % de los pacientes cambiaron de terapia tras el SPECT. Seis estudios valoraron el cambio en el diagnóstico delsíndrome parkinsoniano tras el SPECT. Cuatro de ellos mostraron que el 123I-FP puede ser útil en el diagnóstico diferencial entre la EP y desórdenes no-degenerativos. Uno señala que el ioflupano puede ayudar a la diferenciación entre EA y DCL. Otra investigación muestra que el DaTSCAN© podría aportar datos de utilidad para el diagnóstico diferencial entre EP y síndromes parkinsonianos tales como la atrofia multisistémica(AMS) y la parálisis supranuclear progresiva (PSP).Conclusiones. La evidencia científica disponible indica que el 123I-FP puede ser útil para diferenciar la EP del temblor esencial y el parkinsonismo vascular o farmacológico y para diferenciar la EA de la DCL

Background. Parkinson disease (PD) is the secondmost frequent neurodegenerative disease, affecting the1-2 % of the population over 65. Around 20-24 % of diagnosed patients are estimated to be misdiagnosed. The aim of this paper is to assess the efficacy of DaTSCAN© in the diagnosis of early PD and to determine the efficacy of 123I-FP in the differential diagnosis of vascular parkinsonism, drug-induced parkinsonism, essential tremor, Lewy body dementia (LBD) and Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods. Systematic review. Two independent investigators reviewed and selected the papers according to predefined selection criteria. The quality of the original studies was assessed using one specifically designed scale. Results. Eleven original articles were included. No randomized clinical trials were found. Three papers assessed the effect of DaTSCAN© in medication of patients and found that 17 to69 % of the patients treatment changed after SPECT. Six studies assessed the change in the diagnosis for patients with parkinsonian syndromes after SPECT. Four of them showed that 123I-FP could be useful for the differential diagnosis between PD and non-degenerative disorders. One observed that ioflupane could help differentiate between PD and AD and between this last disease and LBD. The other investigation group showed that DaTSCAN© could help in the differential diagnosisbetween PD and parkinsonian syndromes such as multisystematrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).Conclusions. The scientific evidence available indicates that 123I-FP can be useful to differentiate PD from essential tremor and vascular and drug-induced parkinsonism, and also to differentiate AD from LBD

[Effectiveness of 123I-ioflupane (DaTSCAN) in the diagnosis of Parkinsonian syndromes. A systematic review]. / Efectividad del 123I-ioflupano (DaTSCAN) en el diagnóstico de síndromes parkinsonianos. Una revisión sistemática.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease, affecting the 1-2 % of the population over 65. Around 20-24 % of diagnosed patients are estimated to be misdiagnosed. The aim of this paper is to assess the efficacy of DaTSCAN in the diagnosis of early PD and to determine the efficacy of 123I-FP in the differential diagnosis of vascular parkinsonism, drug-induced parkinsonism, essential tremor, Lewy body dementia (LBD) and Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS: Systematic review. Two independent investigators reviewed and selected the papers according to predefined selection criteria. The quality of the original studies was assessed using one specifically designed scale. RESULTS: Eleven original articles were included. No randomized clinical trials were found. Three papers assessed the effect of DaTSCAN in medication of patients and found that 17 to 69 % of the patients treatment changed after SPECT. Six studies assessed the change in the diagnosis for patients with parkinsonian syndromes after SPECT. Four of them showed that 123I-FP could be useful for the differential diagnosis between PD and non-degenerative disorders. One observed that ioflupane could help differentiate between PD and AD and between this last disease and LBD. The other investigation group showed that DaTSCAN could help in the differential diagnosis between PD and parkinsonian syndromes such as multisystem atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). CONCLUSIONS: The scientific evidence available indicates that 123I-FP can be useful to differentiate PD from essential tremor and vascular and drug-induced parkinsonism, and also to differentiate AD from LBD.

Development and use of a quality scale for assessing studies that analyze the diagnostic capacity of capsule endoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop a scale for assessing the quality of published studies on capsule endoscopy, and to apply it to research papers retrieved by a systematic review. METHODS: The scale was based on the evidence-based quality assessment tools used in diagnostic accuracy studies, and was adapted by the inclusion of additional aspects considered to be relevant for the assessment of capsule endoscopy. The scale that was developed used a score range of 0 - 100 and was divided into two sections: validity, with six criteria and a weight of 80 %; and applicability, with two criteria and a weight of 20 %. Two investigators applied the scale independently to the studies retrieved in a systematic review. RESULTS: Twenty studies were included. These studies registered scores ranging from 13 % to 78 % (median score 60 %). In the applicability subsection, only 5/20 studies included were awarded the maximum score. The concordance between the assessors was 0.98. CONCLUSIONS: The scale showed itself to be a valid and reproducible tool that could be used to assess the quality of capsule endoscopy studies. Our study revealed that the methodology of the studies published on this endoscopic technique showed room for improvement, however.

[Development and use of a quality assessment scale specifically constructed for the assessment of studies that compare hemodialysis modalities]. / Desarrollo y utilización de una escala de valoración de calidad construida específicamente para evaluar estudios que comparan modalidades de hemodiálisis.

There are currently many hemodialysis modalities that are believed to be superior to conventional hemodialysis. In order to compare the effectiveness and security of the different hemodialysis techniques a systematic review was carried out. Faced with the fact that the scales available mainly focus on study design and tend to ignore external validity, a quality scale was specifically developed to assess the quality of the studies included in the review. The objective of this article is to introduce the quality assessment scale developed and present the results of its usability and applicability. The following databases were searched in order to identify the studies: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, HTA, CRD and others. The articles obtained were selected based on previously established inclusion/exclusion criteria. The scale covers three issues: general aspects of the studies, specific aspects of the studies and patient characteristics. This scale allowed for a more accurate classification of the global quality of the studies and was reproducible. In general, those studies classified as high quality studies received the highest score and those studies classified as low quality studies received the lowest scores. The median value was 5,35 (53,5%). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0,96. As a conclusion of this work it can be stated that currently available scales have serious limitations for the use in studies that compare different hemodialysis modalities and that the use of a scale specifically constructed for this purpose provides more accurate information on the quality of the evidence which is fundamental to interpret results and generate inferences.