Infant gut microbiota contributes to cognitive performance in mice.

Gut microbiota has been linked to infant neurodevelopment. Here, an association between infant composite cognition and gut microbiota composition is established as soon as 6 months. Higher diversity and evenness characterize microbial communities of infants with composite cognition above (Inf-aboveCC) versus below (Inf-belowCC) median values. Metaproteomic and metabolomic analyses establish an association between microbial histidine ammonia lyase and infant histidine metabolome with cognition. Fecal transplantation from Inf-aboveCC versus Inf-belowCC donors into germ-free mice shows that memory, assessed by a novel object recognition test, is a transmissible trait. Furthermore, Inf-aboveCC mice are enriched in species belonging to Phocaeicola, as well as Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, previously linked to cognition. Finally, Inf-aboveCC mice show lower fecal histidine and urocanate:histidine and urocanate:glutamate ratios in the perirhinal cortex compared to Inf-belowCC mice. Overall, these findings reveal a causative role of gut microbiota on infant cognition, pointing at the modulation of histidine metabolite levels as a potential underlying mechanism.

Increased basolateral amygdala metabolic activity during flavor familiarization: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Novel flavors elicit a cautious neophobic response which is attenuated as the flavor becomes familiar and safe. The attenuation of neophobia reveals the formation of a safe memory. Previous lesion studies in rats have reported that basolateral amygdala integrity is required for taste neophobia, but not neophobia to flavor, i.e., taste linked to an odorous component. Accordingly, immunohistochemical analyses show that novel tastes induced higher basolateral amygdala activity when compared to familiar ones. However, a different role of basolateral amygdala in flavor attenuation of neophobia is suggested by lesion studies using a vinegar solution. Studies assessing basolateral amygdala activity during flavor attenuation of neophobia are lacking. Thus, we quantified cytochrome oxidase as an index of basolateral amygdala activity along the first and second vinegar exposures in order to assess flavor neophobia and attenuation of neophobia. METHODS: We exposed adult male Wistar rats either once or twice to a 3% cider vinegar solution or water, and compared the basolateral amygdala, piriform cortex and caudate putamen brain metabolic activity using cytochrome c-oxidase histochemistry. RESULTS: We found increased flavor intake and cytochrome c-oxidase histochemistry activity during the second exposure in basolateral amygdala, but not in the piriform cortex and caudate/putamen. CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of the study is that BLA metabolic activity was higher in the group exposed to a familiar vinegar solution than in the groups exposed to either water or a novel vinegar solution.

Production of enzymatic hydrolysates with in vitro antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic properties from proteins derived from Arthrospira platensis.

The microalga Arthrospira platensis BEA 005B was produced using 80 m2 (9 m3) raceway photobioreactors achieving a biomass productivity of 28.2 g·m-2·day-1 when operating the reactors in semi-continuous mode (0.33 day-1). The produced biomass was rich in proteins (58.1 g·100 g-1) and carbohydrates (25.6 g·100 g-1); the content of phycocyanins and allophycocyanins was 115.4 and 36.9 mg·g-1, respectively. Ultrasounds and high-pressure homogenisation allowed recovering approximately 90% of the initial protein content of the biomass; however, the energetic requirements of the former (∼100 kJ·kg-1) were significantly lower than those of high-pressure homogenisation (∼200 kJ·kg-1). An in silico analysis revealed that papain and ficin would allow releasing a large number of bioactive peptides with antioxidant, antihypertensive (ACE-I and renin), and antidiabetic (DPP-IV, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase) properties. Both were assessed in vitro together with Alcalase and pepsin leading to the generation of enzymatic hydrolysates with in vitro bioactivity.

Effects of a Workplace Violence Intervention on Hospital Employee Perceptions of Organizational Safety.

OBJECTIVE: To examine hospital employee perceptions of organizational safety one-year following a workplace violence intervention and to evaluate perceptions based on violence exposure status. METHODS: In 2014, 343 employees across 41 hospital units (N = 21 control units, N = 20 intervention units) completed a questionnaire capturing organizational safety perceptions and violence exposure. RESULTS: Intervention unit employees reported more positive perceptions of organizational safety compared to control unit employees. However, intervention group employees who experienced patient-to-worker violence (Type II) had significantly more positive perceptions than those who experienced worker-to-worker violence (Type III). CONCLUSIONS: Organizational safety perceptions improved following a violence-prevention intervention, especially among employees who reported Type II violence. Certain employees report worsened safety perceptions. Hospitals and units that implement violence prevention interventions should strive to address all types of violent behavior.

Integrative Review of Managed Entry Agreements: Chances and Limitations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Managed entry agreements (MEAs) consist of a set of instruments to reduce the uncertainty and the budget impact of new high-priced medicines; however, there are concerns. There is a need to critically appraise MEAs with their planned introduction in Brazil. Accordingly, the objective of this article is to identify and appraise key attributes and concerns with MEAs among payers and their advisers, with the findings providing critical considerations for Brazil and other high- and middle-income countries. METHODS: An integrative review approach was adopted. This involved a review of MEAs across countries. The review question was 'What are the health technology MEAs that have been applied around the world?' This review was supplemented with studies not retrieved in the search known to the senior-level co-authors including key South American markets. It also involved senior-level decision makers and advisers providing guidance on the potential advantages and disadvantages of MEAs and ways forward. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were included in the review. Most MEAs included medicines (96.8%), focused on financial arrangements (43%) and included mostly antineoplastic medicines. Most countries kept key information confidential including discounts or had not published such data. Few details were found in the literature regarding South America. Our findings and inputs resulted in both advantages including reimbursement and disadvantages including concerns with data collection for outcome-based schemes. CONCLUSIONS: We are likely to see a growth in MEAs with the continual launch of new high-priced and often complex treatments, coupled with increasing demands on resources. Whilst outcome-based MEAs could be an important tool to improve access to new innovative medicines, there are critical issues to address. Comparing knowledge, experiences, and practices across countries is crucial to guide high- and middle-income countries when designing their future MEAs.

Once años de evaluaciones económicas de productos sanitarios en la Red de Agencias de Evaluación. Calidad metodológica e impacto del coste-utilidad / Eleven years of economic evaluations of medical devices by the Spanish Network of Assessment Agencies. Methodological quality and cost-utility impact

OBJETIVO: Analizar la calidad y el impacto de los análisis de coste-utilidad de productos sanitarios realizados por la Red de Agencias de Evaluación (RedETS). MÉTODO: Los análisis de coste-utilidad de productos sanitarios se identificaron buscando entre los informes de evaluación de la base de datos de la web de RedETS (2006-2016). La calidad se evaluó con un listado de verificación de calidad de RedETS, y su impacto, comparando resultados de coste-utilidad y la inclusión en la cartera común de servicios del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Se analizó la inclusión en la cartera común si la ratio de coste-efectividad incremental superaba o no los 25.000 € por año de vida ajustado por calidad. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron 25 análisis de coste-utilidad de productos sanitarios (12 de coste-utilidad, 10 de coste-efectividad y 3 de ambos). De ellos, 15 estudios con 19 ratios de coste-utilidad seleccionados cumplían al menos 18 de 25 criterios de verificación. Asimismo, 12 de los 15 estudios cumplían 18 de los 25 criterios. Sobre el impacto, en 6 de los 19 resultados se incluyó el producto en cartera aunque la ratio superó los 25.000 € por año de vida ajustado por calidad. En tres casos se está en proceso de reevaluación; en otro, de replanteamiento una vez realizados los informes de eficacia-seguridad de nuevos dispositivos; y en dos casos se señala en la cartera que debe seguirse un protocolo. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los análisis de coste-utilidad de productos sanitarios analizados cumplieron casi todos los ítems del listado de verificación y, por tanto, fueron exhaustivos. Estos análisis de coste-utilidad de productos sanitarios fueron coherentes con el marco de toma de decisiones para manejar eficientemente la cartera del Sistema Nacional de Salud

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the quality and impact of cost-utility evaluations of medical devices carried out by the Spanish Network of Assessment Agencies (RedETS). METHOD: The cost-utility evaluations of medical devices were identified by searching the evaluation reports of the RedETS website database (2006-2016). Quality and its impact were evaluated with a RedETS quality checklist, comparing cost-utility results and inclusion in the portfolio of common services of the National Health System. The portfolio inclusion status was analysed considering whether the cost-effectiveness incremental ratio was or was not less than €25,000/quality adjusted life years. RESULTS: 25 cost-utility evaluations of medical devices were found (12 cost-utility, 10 cost-effectiveness and 3 both). Fifteen selected cost-utility studies with 19 cost-utility ratios met at least 18 of 25 verification criteria. Also, 12 of the 15 studies met 19 of the 25 criteria. On the impact, in 6 out of the 19 results, the product was included in the portfolio even though the ratio exceeded €25,000/quality adjusted life years. There are three cases undergoing a re-evaluation process, another case being reconsidered once the efficacy-safety of new devices has been reported and in two cases the portfolio states that protocols are required. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the cost-utility evaluations of medical devices published by RedETS fulfil most of the items on the checklist and, therefore, were thorough. These cost-utility evaluations of medical devices are consistent with the decision-making framework to efficiently manage the National Health System portfolio

Estimated cost-effectiveness and burden of disease associated with quadrivalent cell-based and egg-based influenza vaccines in Spain.

Influenza is a viral respiratory disease that causes significant clinical and economic burden globally. Quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) is frequently used to protect people who have a high-risk of developing influenza complications due to comorbidities. QIV offers protection against influenza A (A/H1N1 and H3N2) and B (B/Victoria, and B/Yamagata) strains. The European Medicines Agency has recently approved a cell-based QIV (QIVc) in people aged over 9 years old. QIVc has been shown to be more effective at preventing influenza than traditional egg-based QIV (QIVe). In this study, we use a health economic model adapted to Spain to assess the costs and outcomes associated with using QIVc instead of QIVe in people aged 9-64 at high-risk of complications. Observed vaccine coverage of 32% in the 9-17 age group, 17% in those aged 18-59, and 22% for ages 60-64 was used in the analysis. In total, 2.5 million people were vaccinated in the simulations. Using QIVc instead of QIVe was associated with 16,221fewer symptomatic cases, 4,522 fewer primary care visits, 1,015 fewer emergency room visits and 88 fewer hospitalizations. From a societal perspective, QIVc was more effective and less expensive compared to QIVe, leading to a cost-saving of €3.4 million. From a public payer perspective, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for QIVc vs QIVe was €12,852 per QALY gained. In conclusion, QIVc offers a cost-effective alternative to QIVe and should be considered as an alternative vaccine to QIVe for people aged 9-64 at high-risk of influenza complications in Spain.

[Eleven years of economic evaluations of medical devices by the Spanish Network of Assessment Agencies. Methodological quality and cost-utility impact]. / Once años de evaluaciones económicas de productos sanitarios en la Red de Agencias de Evaluación. Calidad metodológica e impacto del coste-utilidad.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the quality and impact of cost-utility evaluations of medical devices carried out by the Spanish Network of Assessment Agencies (RedETS). METHOD: The cost-utility evaluations of medical devices were identified by searching the evaluation reports of the RedETS website database (2006-2016). Quality and its impact were evaluated with a RedETS quality checklist, comparing cost-utility results and inclusion in the portfolio of common services of the National Health System. The portfolio inclusion status was analysed considering whether the cost-effectiveness incremental ratio was or was not less than €25,000/quality adjusted life years. RESULTS: 25 cost-utility evaluations of medical devices were found (12 cost-utility, 10 cost-effectiveness and 3 both). Fifteen selected cost-utility studies with 19 cost-utility ratios met at least 18 of 25 verification criteria. Also, 12 of the 15 studies met 19 of the 25 criteria. On the impact, in 6 out of the 19 results, the product was included in the portfolio even though the ratio exceeded €25,000/quality adjusted life years. There are three cases undergoing a re-evaluation process, another case being reconsidered once the efficacy-safety of new devices has been reported and in two cases the portfolio states that protocols are required. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the cost-utility evaluations of medical devices published by RedETS fulfil most of the items on the checklist and, therefore, were thorough. These cost-utility evaluations of medical devices are consistent with the decision-making framework to efficiently manage the National Health System portfolio.

Higher pharmaceutical public expenditure after direct price control: improved access or induced demand? The Colombian case.

BACKGROUND: High pharmaceutical expenditure is one of the main concerns for policymakers worldwide. In Colombia, a middle-income country, outpatient prescription represents over 10% of total health expenditure in the mandatory benefits package (POS), and close to 90% in the complementary government fund (No POS). In order to control expenditure, since 2011, the Ministry of Health introduced price caps on inpatient drugs reimbursements by active ingredient. By 2013, more than 400 different products, covering 80% of public pharmaceutical expenditure were controlled. This paper investigates the effects of the Colombian policy efforts to control expenditure by controlling prices. METHODS: Using SISMED data, the official database for prices and quantities sold in the domestic market, we estimate a Laspeyres price index for 90 relevant markets in the period 2011-2015, and, then, we estimate real pharmaceutical expenditure. RESULTS: Results show that, after direct price controls were enacted, price inflation decreased almost - 43%, but real pharmaceutical expenditure almost doubled due mainly to an increase in units sold. Such disproportionate increase in units sold maybe attributable to better access to drugs due to lower prices, and/or to an increase in marketing efforts by the pharmaceutical industry to maintain profits. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that pricing interventions should be implemented along with a strong market monitoring to prevent market distortions such as inappropriate and unnecessary drug use.

Intertwined control of the cell cycle and nucleocytoplasmic transport by the cyclin-dependent kinase Pho85 and RanGTPase Gsp1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Deciphering the molecular mechanisms that connect cell cycle progression and nucleocytoplasmic transport is of particular interest: this intertwined relationship, once understood, may provide useful insight on the diseases resulting from the malfunction of these processes. In the present study we report on findings that indicate a biochemical connection between the cell cycle regulator CDK Pho85 and Ran-GTPase Gsp1, an essential nucleocytoplasmic transport component. When Gsp1 cannot be phosphorylated by Pho85, the cell cycle progression is impaired. Accordingly, a nonphosphorylatable version of Gsp1 abnormally localizes to the nucleus, which impairs the nuclear transport of molecules, including key components of cell cycle progression. Furthermore, our results suggest that the physical interaction of Gsp1 and the Kap95 karyopherin, essential to the release of nuclear cargoes, is altered. Altogether, the present findings point to the involvement of a biochemical mechanism in the interlocked regulation of the cell cycle and nuclear transport.

Effects of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy on gestational age and size at birth: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The need for omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), during pregnancy has received much attention, but evidence of effects on birth outcomes is limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether prenatal DHA supplementation increases gestational age and birth size. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in Cuernavaca, Mexico. We randomly assigned 1,094 pregnant women (18 to 35 years of age; median DHA dietary intake, 55 mg/day) to 400 mg/day of algal DHA or placebo from 18 to 22 weeks of gestation through delivery. Birth outcomes (968 live births and 5 stillbirths) were ascertained from hospital records within 24 hours of delivery. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis showed no differences between the control and DHA group (all p > .05) in mean gestational age (39.1 + 1.7 and 39.0 +/- 1.9 weeks, respectively), weight (3.20 + 0.47 and 3.21 +/- 0.45 kg, respectively), length (50.3 +/- 2.7 and 50.3 +/- 2.3 cm, respectively) and head circumference (34.3 +/- 1.8 and 34.3 +/- 1.5 cm, respectively) at birth. Offspring of supplemented primigravidae (n = 370) were heavier (difference, 99.4 g; 95% CI, 5.5 to 193.4) and had larger head circumferences (difference, 0.5 cm; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.9) than controls; the differences in multigravidae (n = 603) were -53.3 g (95% CI, -126.8 to 20.2) and -0.2 cm (95% CI, -0.4 to 0.1), respectively (p < .05 for heterogeneity). CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal DHA supplementation of primigravid women may result in increased birth size in a population where dietary DHA intakes are very low. Benefits of the intervention on infant health and neurodevelopment are under study.

Costs of medical care for acute myocardial infarction attributable to tobacco consumption.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco consumption is the principal modifiable risk factor causally associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). AMI has been an increasing and important cause of death in Mexico since 1980. METHODS: To estimate the direct health care costs of AMI, we carried out a cost of illness (COI) analysis, using data derived from an expert panel consensus and from medical chart review. We used the smoking attributable fraction (SAF) estimates to derive costs of tobacco consumption. We also estimated the benefits of a "Smoke-free Workplace" tobacco control policy in terms of avoidable deaths and health care costs savings. RESULTS: We estimated an annual average costs of 6,420 US dollars and 9,216 US dollars for non-ST segment elevation AMI (NSTEMI) and ST segment elevation AMI (STEMI), respectively. The total annual health care costs estimated for incident AMI for the IMSS state-level division of Morelos reached 2.9 million US dollars, of which 1.6 million US dollars was directly attributed to tobacco consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the high costs associated with smoking and show the potential benefits resulting from a tobacco control policy. Our estimates are only applicable to social security in the state-level division of Morelos and more likely represent a lower boundary of the total costs of cardiovascular diseases attributed to tobacco, because we based the costs estimation on incident cases, and we did not take into consideration the costs derived from prevalent cases, indirect costs or other intangibles.

[Health care costs attributable to tobacco consumption on a national level in the Mexican Social Security Institute]. / Costos de la atención médica atribuibles al consumo de tabaco en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost of medical care for the major diseases attributable to tobacco consumption at the IMSS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cost of illness (COI) analysis was carried out from the perspective of the health provider. A random sample of clinical files (n= 1,596) was reviewed to estimate the human resources and medical supplies's utilization according to the health care facilities. The smoking attributable fraction (SAF) by disease was used to derive costs attributable to tobacco consumption. The unitary cost was valuated in 2004 Mexican pesos (MP). RESULTS: The estimated annual total cost of medical care was 7114 million MP for acute myocardial infarction (AMI); 3424 million MP for Cerebrovascular Disease, 1469 million MP for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 102 million MP for lung cancer (LC). The annual total cost of medical care for IMSS was 12100 million MP. The total annual cost of medical care attributable to tobacco consumption corresponds to 7100 million MP, which is equivalent to 4.3% of the annual expenditures of the IMSS during 2004. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the high medical costs associated with smoking. This information would be used to reinforce the tobacco control preventive actions at IMSS and support decision-makers in strengthening public policies to control tobacco use in Mexico.

Costos de la atención médica atribuibles al consumo de tabaco en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social / Health care costs attributable to tobacco consumption on a national level in the Mexican Social Security Institute

OBJETIVO: Cuantificar el efecto de las enfermedades atribuibles al consumo de tabaco, en términos epidemiológicos (morbilidad) y económicos (costos de atención médica), en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) a escala nacional. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Los costos de la atención médica se estimaron desde la perspectiva del proveedor y se empleó la metodología del costeo de enfermedad. A partir de una muestra de pacientes (n= 1 596) atendidos en las unidades médicas se estableció la frecuencia de utilización de servicios en los tres niveles de atención. Para cada enfermedad se consideraron costos promedio por paciente y costos totales de enfermedad, los cuales se mensuraron en pesos mexicanos de 2004. Se calculó la fracción atribuible al consumo de tabaco para cada enfermedad, misma que se usó para atribuir los costos al tabaco. RESULTADOS: Los costos totales anuales de atención médica nacional corresponden a 7 114 millones para el infarto agudo del miocardio, 3 424 millones para la enfermedad vascular cerebral, 1 469 millones para la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y 102 millones para el cáncer pulmonar. El costo total anual para el IMSS por estas cuatro enfermedades asciende a 12 100 millones de pesos. Los costos atribuibles al consumo de tabaco corresponden a 7 100 millones de pesos, lo cual equivale a 4.3 por ciento del gasto de operación de la institución en el año 2004. CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados confirman el elevado costo de la atención médica de las enfermedades atribuibles al consumo de tabaco en el IMSS y generan información de primera mano necesaria para impulsar las medidas de prevención en esa institución y reforzar las políticas de control del tabaquismo ya aplicadas en México.

Costos de atención médica atribuibles al tabaquismo en el IMSS, Morelos / Costs of medical care attributable to tobacco consumption at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), Morelos

OBJETIVO: Estimar los costos de atención médica en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Delegación Morelos, de las enfermedades mayores atribuibles al consumo de tabaco. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Las estimaciones de costos se realizaron desde la perspectiva del proveedor utilizando la metodología de costeo de enfermedad. Un panel de expertos multidisciplinario caracterizó la atención médica, en términos de la frecuencia de utilización de servicios en el primer y segundo niveles de atención, considerando el grado de severidad de la enfermedad. Los costos unitarios se estimaron en pesos mexicanos del 2001. Para estimar los costos atribuibles al tabaquismo se utilizó la fracción atribuible al consumo de tabaco para cada enfermedad (FA). RESULTADOS: Los costos promedio anuales de atención médica en el primer y segundo niveles de atención en la Delegación Morelos corresponden a 79 530 pesos para infarto agudo del miocardio (IAM), 73 303 pesos para enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y 102 215 pesos para cáncer de pulmón (CP). El costo total anual para la Delegación por estas tres enfermedades asciende a 147 millones 390 mil 688 pesos. Los costos atribuibles al consumo de tabaco corresponden a 124 millones de pesos, lo cual equivale a 7.3 por ciento del presupuesto anual de la Delegación. CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados confirman el alto costo de la atención médica en el IMSS correspondiente a las enfermedades atribuibles al consumo de tabaco. Se recomienda realizar este estudio en el plano nacional, de tal manera que los tomadores de decisiones tengan herramientas para fortalecer las políticas de control del tabaquismo en México.

[Costs of medical care attributable to tobacco consumption at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), Morelos]. / Costos de atención médica atribuibles al tabaquismo en el IMSS, Morelos.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost of medical care for the major diseases attributable to tobacco consumption at the IMSS, Morelos. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cost of illness (COI) analysis was carried out from the perspective of the health provider. An expert panel characterized medical care in primary and secondary care levels according to severity of disease. The smoking attributable fraction (SAF) by disease was used to derive costs attributable to tobacco consumption. The unitary cost was valuated in 2001 Mexican pesos (MP). RESULTS: The estimated annual average cost of medical care (diagnosis and first year of treatment) was 79,530 MP for acute myocardial infarction (AMI); 73,303 MP for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and 102,215 MP for lung cancer (LC). The annual total cost of medical care for IMSS was 147,390 688 MP. The total annual cost of medical care attributable to tobacco consumption corresponds to dollars 124 million MP, which is equivalent to 7.3% of the annual budget of the Morelos Delegation. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the high medical costs associated with smoking. A repetition of this study at the national level is recommended in order to support decision-makers in strengthening public policies to control tobacco use in Mexico.

Predictors of bone mineral density in female workers in Morelos State, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have identified factors associated with bone mineral density (BMD), little research is available on Mexican women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1,622 female workers between 20 and 80 years of age at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), an integral part of the Mexican health system. It was carried out in Morelos, a Mexican state that borders Mexico City. Women were recruited to participate in this study from their workplaces. Body mass index (BMI) was measured and BMD was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of dominant forearm. Predictors of BMD (age, reproductive factors, BMI, diet, and physical activity) in pre- and postmenopausal women were assessed by questionnaire and analyzed using generalized additive models. RESULTS: In premenopausal women, older age, higher BMI, younger age at menarche, and greater vitamin D intake were associated with higher BMD (R(2)=0.06, null deviance reduction=6.9%). In postmenopausal women, determinants of BMD were older age, higher BMI, greater height, later initiation of menopause, longer time of use of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), and greater calcium intake from dairy products (R(2)=0.39, null deviance reduction=40.7%). CONCLUSIONS: As observed in other populations, age, BMI, height, age at menopause, time of use of HRT, and calcium intake derived from dairy products in these Mexican women are factors associated with higher forearm BMD during postmenopausal period. Age, BMI, age at menarche, and vitamin D are associated with higher forearm BMD in premenopausal women. Some of these factors are not linearly associated with BMD. This was a limited population study carried out in a large group of female healthcare workers whose reproductive and lifestyle factors potentially agreed with those of female workers from urban areas of Mexico.

Characteristics of respondents to a cervical cancer screening program in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Characteristics associated with the response to a personalized, mailed invitation for the Papanicolaou (Pap) test vary among women. This study assesses the relationship between selected characteristics (e.g., demographic, obstetric, Pap history) and the response to a letter of invitation to undergo a Pap test among Mexican women affiliated with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). METHODS: Study subjects were 328 women affiliated with the IMSS who received and responded to a mailed letter of invitation, and 247 age- and clinically matched controls who received but did not respond to the letter of invitation. Statistical analysis consisted of multivariate conditional regression model. RESULTS: Having better housing conditions was one of the factors associated with letter response (medium level vs. low level, odds ratio [OR] = 3.17, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 2.46-4.09; high level vs. low level, OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 2.06-3.41). Other factors positively associated with letter response were greater number of pregnancies, previous Pap testing, being pleased at receipt of the letter of invitation, and knowing another woman who had received the invitation. Factors associated negatively to letter response were 7 or more years of formal education (> or =7 years vs. 0-6 years, OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.40-0.63), having a current job, availability of other medical services in addition to the IMSS, and willingness to receive Pap results by mail. CONCLUSIONS: Low educational level is not a limitation for cervical cancer screening call and recall among women affiliated with the IMSS.