Bebidas de soja y salud femenina. Revisión de la evidencia y opinión de expertos / Soy beverages and women’s health: evidence review and experts opinion

Las bebidas vegetales de soja constituyen una alternativa dentro de la dieta habitual. Sin embargo, existe la preocupación de potenciales efectosen la salud reproductiva de la mujer por mecanismos de disrupción endócrina.En esta revisión se evalúan documentos científicos en el área de la Ginecología y la Obstetricia bajo el tamiz de la medicina basada en la evidencia,respondiendo preguntas estructuradas. La metodología se apegó a las guías establecidas por la declaración PRISMA 2020.Los estudios evaluados descartan un riesgo incrementado de pubertad precoz o cáncer de mama; incluso se aprecia un efecto protector frentea dicha neoplasia. Se ha reportado el paso transplacentario de isoflavonas de soja y su presencia en la leche materna, sin que ello implique unarelación con complicaciones materno-fetales o malformaciones congénitas. La exposición a productos de soja no parece influir sobre el pesocorporal y la salud ósea de la mujer.Los estudios en adultos indican que la soja favorece un mínimo incremento de tirotropina (TSH) en personas con antecedente de hipotiroidismosubclínico.El impacto de los alimentos basados en soja sobre la microbiota intestinal parece ser favorable para su diversidad, particularmente al consumirproductos fermentados.Muchos de los estudios en humanos han sido realizados con suplementos de isoflavonas o con productos que contienen proteínas aisladas otexturizadas de soja. Por tanto, los resultados y las conclusiones deben interpretarse con cautela ya que no son totalmente extrapolables a lasbebidas comerciales de soja. (AU)

Soy drinks are an increasingly consumed option within the Western diet. However, there are concerns about potential endocrine disruptor effectsand possible impact on women’s reproductive health.This review evaluates scientific documents in gynecology and obstetrics under an evidence-based medicine approach. All methods adhered toPRISMA 2020 declaration guidelines.The evaluated studies do not support a positive association between soy intake and early puberty or breast cancer; instead, a protective effectagainst such neoplasm was observed. Transplacental passage of soy isoflavones and their presence in breast milk has been reported withoutany maternal-fetal complications nor congenital malformations.Exposure to soy-derived products appears to have a neutral effect on body weight and bone health. Studies performed in adults indicate that soymay promote a minimal increase in thyrotropin (TSH) in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. The impact of soy-based foods on gut microbiotaappears favorable, especially when consuming fermented products.Many of the human studies have been conducted with isoflavones supplements, isolated or textured soy proteins. Therefore, the results andconclusions should be interpreted cautiously, as these are not entirely applicable to commercial soy beverages. (AU)

[Soy beverages and women's health: evidence review and experts opinion]. / Bebidas de soja y salud femenina. Revisión de la evidencia y opinión de expertos.

Introduction: Soy drinks are an increasingly consumed option within the Western diet. However, there are concerns about potential endocrine disruptor effects and possible impact on women's reproductive health. This review evaluates scientific documents in gynecology and obstetrics under an evidence-based medicine approach. All methods adhered to PRISMA 2020 declaration guidelines. The evaluated studies do not support a positive association between soy intake and early puberty or breast cancer; instead, a protective effect against such neoplasm was observed. Transplacental passage of soy isoflavones and their presence in breast milk has been reported without any maternal-fetal complications nor congenital malformations. Exposure to soy-derived products appears to have a neutral effect on body weight and bone health. Studies performed in adults indicate that soy may promote a minimal increase in thyrotropin (TSH) in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. The impact of soy-based foods on gut microbiota appears favorable, especially when consuming fermented products. Many of the human studies have been conducted with isoflavones supplements, isolated or textured soy proteins. Therefore, the results and conclusions should be interpreted cautiously, as these are not entirely applicable to commercial soy beverages.

Introducción: Las bebidas vegetales de soja constituyen una alternativa dentro de la dieta habitual. Sin embargo, existe la preocupación de potenciales efectos en la salud reproductiva de la mujer por mecanismos de disrupción endócrina. En esta revisión se evalúan documentos científicos en el área de la Ginecología y la Obstetricia bajo el tamiz de la medicina basada en la evidencia, respondiendo preguntas estructuradas. La metodología se apegó a las guías establecidas por la declaración PRISMA 2020. Los estudios evaluados descartan un riesgo incrementado de pubertad precoz o cáncer de mama; incluso se aprecia un efecto protector frente a dicha neoplasia. Se ha reportado el paso transplacentario de isoflavonas de soja y su presencia en la leche materna, sin que ello implique una relación con complicaciones materno-fetales o malformaciones congénitas. La exposición a productos de soja no parece influir sobre el peso corporal y la salud ósea de la mujer. Los estudios en adultos indican que la soja favorece un mínimo incremento de tirotropina (TSH) en personas con antecedente de hipotiroidismo subclínico. El impacto de los alimentos basados en soja sobre la microbiota intestinal parece ser favorable para su diversidad, particularmente al consumir productos fermentados. Muchos de los estudios en humanos han sido realizados con suplementos de isoflavonas o con productos que contienen proteínas aisladas o texturizadas de soja. Por tanto, los resultados y las conclusiones deben interpretarse con cautela ya que no son totalmente extrapolables a las bebidas comerciales de soja.

Study of the anticorrosive behavior of samarium as a corrosion inhibitor in multilayer systems for aluminum alloy.

This study shows a multilayer system based on samarium compounds as a corrosion inhibitor and a continuous SiO2 layer by atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) as a protective barrier for aluminim alloy AA3003. One of the main advantages of this new coating is that it does not require vacuum chambers, which makes it easy to incorporate into production lines for automotive and aeronautical components, etc. The deposit of samarium corrosion inhibitor was carried out by two methods for comparison, the immersion method and a novel method to deposit corrosion inhibitor by APPJ. The multilayer system generated was homogeneous, continuous, adherent, and dense. The electrochemical behavior shows that the samarium compound was completely oxidized on coatings by the immersion method and favors corrosion. The APPJ deposition method shows a protective behavior against corrosion by both samarium compounds and silica depositions. XPS analyses show that the amount of Sm(OH)3 increases by the APPJ method compared with the immersion method since the spectrum of O1s is mainly controlled by OH. It was determined that the best processing times for the electrochemical study of the multilayer system were 40 min for the immersion method and 30 s for the APPJ method for the layer of corrosion inhibitor. In the case of the SiO2 barrier layer by APPJ, the best time was 60 s of exposure to the plasma jet and this coating could reduce the corrosion of AA3003 by 31.42%.

Edulcorantes no calóricos en la mujer en edad reproductiva: documento de consenso / Non-caloric sweeteners in women of reproductive age: a consensus document

Los edulcorantes no calóricos (ENC) son aditivos de alimentos que se utilizan para sustituir azúcares y potencialmente para reducir la ingesta energética. Existe un debate científico en torno a los beneficios reales de su uso. Los ENC son sustancias ampliamente evaluadas en la literatura científica. Su seguridad es revisada por las agencias regulatorias internacionales del campo de la salud. Los profesionales de la salud y los consumidores con frecuencia carecen de educación e información rigurosa, objetiva y sustentada en la evidencia científica y el juicio clínico sobre el uso de aditivos en los alimentos. Los ENC se han empleado como sustitutos de la sacarosa, en especial por las personas con diabetes mellitus y obesidad. Sin embargo, se han planteado inquietudes relacionadas con su posible asociación con el parto pretérmino y con su uso durante el embarazo y la lactancia, ante la posibilidad de consecuencias metabólicas o de otra índole en la madre o en el neonato. Este análisis de la evidencia en ginecología y obstetricia presenta una revisión que intenta responder a preguntas que habitualmente se hacen al respecto los profesionales de la salud y sus pacientes. En este documento se evalúan diversas publicaciones científicas bajo el tamiz de la medicina basada en la evidencia y del marco regulatorio para aditivos de alimentos con el fin dilucidar si el uso de ENC en las mujeres durante las etapas críticas del embarazo y la lactancia supone o no un posible riesgo

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are food additives that have been used as a possible tool to reduce energy and sugar intake. There is a scientific debate around the real benefits of their use. NNS are substances widely evaluated in the scientific literature. Their safety is reviewed by international regulatory health agencies. Health professionals and consumers often lack education and objective information about food additives based on the best scientific evidence. NNS have been used as a substitute for sucrose, especially by people with diabetes mellitus and obesity. However, concerns related to their possible association with preterm birth have been raised, and also with their use during pregnancy and lactation because of the possibility of metabolic or other consequences in both the mother and offspring. This analysis of the evidence in gynecology and obstetrics presents a review of the most commonly asked questions regarding this matter by health professionals and their patients. This document evaluates a diversity of scientific publications under the sieve of evidence-based medicine and the regulatory framework for food additives to elucidate whether the use of NNS in women in these critical stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding represents a potential risk

[Non-caloric sweeteners in women of reproductive age - A consensus document]. / Edulcorantes no calóricos en la mujer en edad reproductiva: documento de consenso.

INTRODUCTION: Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are food additives that have been used as a possible tool to reduce energy and sugar intake. There is a scientific debate around the real benefits of their use. NNS are substances widely evaluated in the scientific literature. Their safety is reviewed by international regulatory health agencies. Health professionals and consumers often lack education and objective information about food additives based on the best scientific evidence. NNS have been used as a substitute for sucrose, especially by people with diabetes mellitus and obesity. However, concerns related to their possible association with preterm birth have been raised, and also with their use during pregnancy and lactation because of the possibility of metabolic or other consequences in both the mother and offspring. This analysis of the evidence in gynecology and obstetrics presents a review of the most commonly asked questions regarding this matter by health professionals and their patients. This document evaluates a diversity of scientific publications under the sieve of evidence-based medicine and the regulatory framework for food additives to elucidate whether the use of NNS in women in these critical stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding represents a potential risk.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los edulcorantes no calóricos (ENC) son aditivos de alimentos que se utilizan para sustituir azúcares y potencialmente para reducir la ingesta energética. Existe un debate científico en torno a los beneficios reales de su uso. Los ENC son sustancias ampliamente evaluadas en la literatura científica. Su seguridad es revisada por las agencias regulatorias internacionales del campo de la salud. Los profesionales de la salud y los consumidores con frecuencia carecen de educación e información rigurosa, objetiva y sustentada en la evidencia científica y el juicio clínico sobre el uso de aditivos en los alimentos. Los ENC se han empleado como sustitutos de la sacarosa, en especial por las personas con diabetes mellitus y obesidad. Sin embargo, se han planteado inquietudes relacionadas con su posible asociación con el parto pretérmino y con su uso durante el embarazo y la lactancia, ante la posibilidad de consecuencias metabólicas o de otra índole en la madre o en el neonato. Este análisis de la evidencia en ginecología y obstetricia presenta una revisión que intenta responder a preguntas que habitualmente se hacen al respecto los profesionales de la salud y sus pacientes. En este documento se evalúan diversas publicaciones científicas bajo el tamiz de la medicina basada en la evidencia y del marco regulatorio para aditivos de alimentos con el fin dilucidar si el uso de ENC en las mujeres durante las etapas críticas del embarazo y la lactancia supone o no un posible riesgo.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of host--pathogen interactions: a study of Acinetobacter baumannii responses to host airways.

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii is a major health problem. The most common infection caused by A. baumannii is hospital acquired pneumonia, and the associated mortality rate is approximately 50%. Neither in vivo nor ex vivo expression profiling has been performed at the proteomic or transcriptomic level for pneumonia caused by A. baumannii. In this study, we characterized the proteome of A. baumannii under conditions that simulate those found in the airways, to gain some insight into how A. baumannii adapts to the host and to improve knowledge about the pathogenesis and virulence of this bacterium. A clinical strain of A. baumannii was grown under different conditions: in the presence of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from infected rats, of RAW 264.7 cells to simulate conditions in the respiratory tract and in control conditions. We used iTRAQ labelling and LC-MALDI-TOF/TOF to investigate how A. baumannii responds on exposure to macrophages/BALF. RESULTS: 179 proteins showed differential expression. In both models, proteins involved in the following processes were over-expressed: (i) pathogenesis and virulence (OmpA, YjjK); (ii) cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis (MurC); (iii) energy production and conversion (acetyl-CoA hydrolase); and (iv) translation (50S ribosomal protein L9). Proteins involved in the following were under-expressed: (i) lipid metabolism (short-chain dehydrogenase); (ii) amino acid metabolism and transport (aspartate aminotransferase); (iii) unknown function (DNA-binding protein); and (iv) inorganic ion transport and metabolism (hydroperoxidase). CONCLUSIONS: We observed alterations in cell wall synthesis and identified 2 upregulated virulence-associated proteins with >15 peptides/protein in both ex vivo models (OmpA and YjjK), suggesting that these proteins are fundamental for pathogenesis and virulence in the airways. This study is the first comprehensive overview of the ex vivo proteome of A. baumannii and is an important step towards identification of diagnostic biomarkers, novel drug targets and potential vaccine candidates in the fight against pneumonia caused by A. baumannii.

Genetic and kinetic characterization of the novel AmpC ß-lactamases DHA-6 and DHA-7.

During a Spanish surveillance study, two natural variants of DHA ß-lactamases, DHA-6 and DHA-7, were found, with the replacements Ala226Thr and Phe322Ser, respectively, with respect to DHA-1. The DHA-6 and DHA-7 enzymes were isolated from Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae clinical isolates, respectively. The aim of this study was to genetically, microbiologically, and biochemically characterize the DHA-6 and DHA-7 ß-lactamases. The blaDHA-6 and blaDHA-7 genes were located in the I1 and HI2 incompatibility group plasmids of 87.3 and 310.4 kb, respectively. The genetic contexts of blaDHA-6 and blaDHA-7 were similar to that already described for the blaDHA-1 gene and included the qnrB4 and aadA genes. The MICs for cephalothin, aztreonam, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime were 8- to 32-fold lower for DHA-6 than for DHA-1 or DHA-7 expressed in the same isogenic E. coli TG1 strain. Interestingly, the MIC for cefoxitin was higher in the DHA-6-expressing transformant than in DHA-1 or DHA-7. Biochemical studies with pure ß-lactamases revealed slightly lower catalytic efficiencies of DHA-6 against cephalothin, ceftazidime, and cefotaxime than those of DHA-1 and DHA-7. To understand this behavior, stability experiments were carried out and showed that the DHA-6 protein displayed significantly higher stability than the DHA-1 and DHA-7 enzymes. The proximity of Thr226 to the N terminus in the tertiary protein structure in DHA-6 may promote this stabilization and, consequently, may induce a slight reduction in the dynamic of this enzyme that primarily affects the hydrolysis of some of the bulkiest antibiotics.

Prevalencia de hígado graso no alcohólico y factores de riesgo asociados en directivos de la Comunidad de Madrid / Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and associated risk factors among managers from the community of madrid

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA) y factores de riesgo asociados en directivos de la Comunidad de Madrid. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal y retrospectivo, con la participación de 1.838 trabajadores (78,5%hombres), que acudieron a reconocimiento médico como parte del Programa de Vigilancia de la Salud entre el 01/01/2010y el 31/12/2010. Se recogieron datos de la anamnesis, mediciones antropométricas, determinaciones bioquímicas y estudio ecográfico del hígado. Resultados: La prevalencia total de HGNA fue del 44,0% (54,0% en varones y 7,3% en mujeres; p<0,001). La presencia de HGNA se asocia en ambos sexos a mayor edad, peso más elevado, talla más baja, mayor índice de masa corporal perímetro abdominal y síndrome metabólico, así como a niveles más elevados de ácido úrico y glucosa en sangre. En el análisis de regresión logística multivariante se apreció riesgo elevado de HGNA para perímetro abdominal ≥102cm en varones y≥88cm mujeres (odds ratio OR=5,2; IC95% 3,8-7,1), edad ≥40 años (OR=3,0; IC95% 2,3-4,0), triglicéridos ≥150mg/dl(OR=2,1; IC95% 1,5-2,8), colesterol HDL <45mg/dl en mujeres y <40 mg/dl en hombres (OR: 1,6; IC95% 1,1-2,2) y colesterol total >200mg/dl (OR=1,4; IC95% 1,0-1,9).Conclusiones: La prevalencia de HGNA presenta diferencias muy marcadas por sexo y está asociada a hipertrigliceridemia, hipercolesterolemia, bajo colesterol HDL, obesidad abdominal y síndrome metabólico. La introducción del cribado del HGNA en la de Vigilancia de la Salud de los trabajadores podría ser una medida de interés para la Medicina del Trabajo

Objective: To determine the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated risk factors in a group of managers from the Community of Madrid. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study of 1838 workers (78.5% male) who underwent medical examination between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 as part of a worker health surveillance program. Data were collected from medical records, laboratory results, anthropometric measurements and hepatic ultrasound. Results: The prevalence of NAFLD was 44.0%: 54.0% in men and 7.3% in women (p<0.001). In both sexes, NAFLD was associated with increasing age, higher weight, shorter stature, higher body mass index, waist circumference and metabolic syndrome, as well as higher levels of uric acid and blood glucose. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk of NAFLD risk was associated with an abdominal circumference ≥ 102cm for men and ≥ 88cm in women (OR=5.2;95%CI 3.8-7.1 ), age ≥ 40 years (OR : 3.0; 95%CI 2.3-4.0), triglycerides ≥ 150mg/dl (OR=2.1; 95%CI 1.5-2.8), HDL cholesterol<45mg/dl in women and <40mg/dl in men (OR=1.6; 95%CI 1.1-2.2), and total cholesterol >200/dl mg (OR=1.4;95%CI 1.0-1.9) .Conclusions: NAFLD prevalence is notably different among sexes and is associated with hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL cholesterol, abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome. Screening programs for NAFLD in worker medical surveillance programs could be of interest in occupational medicine

[Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and associated risk factors among managers from the community of Madrid]. / Prevalencia de hígado graso no alcohólico y factores de riesgo asociados en directivos de la Comunidad de Madrid.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated risk factors in a group of managers from the Community of Madrid. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study of 1838 workers (78.5% male) who underwent medical examination between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 as part of a worker health surveillance program. Data were collected from medical records, laboratory results, anthropometric measurements and hepatic ultrasound. RESULTS: The prevalence of NAFLD was 44.0%: 54.0% in men and 7.3% in women (p<0.001). In both sexes, NAFLD was associated with increasing age, higher weight, shorter stature, higher body mass index, waist circumference and metabolic syndrome, as well as higher levels of uric acid and blood glucose. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk of NAFLD risk was associated with an abdominal circumference ≥ 102cm for men and ≥ 88cm in women (OR=5.2; 95%CI 3.8-7.1 ), age ≥ 40 years (OR : 3.0; 95%CI 2.3-4.0), triglycerides ≥ 150mg/dl (OR=2.1; 95%CI 1.5-2.8), HDL cholesterol <45mg/dl in women and <40mg/dl in men (OR=1.6; 95%CI 1.1-2.2), and total cholesterol >200/dl mg (OR=1.4; 95%CI 1.0-1.9). CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD prevalence is notably different among sexes and is associated with hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL cholesterol, abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome. Screening programs for NAFLD in worker medical surveillance programs could be of interest in occupational medicine.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA) y factores de riesgo asociados en directivos de la Comunidad de Madrid. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal y retrospectivo, con la participación de 1.838 trabajadores (78,5% hombres), que acudieron a reconocimiento médico como parte del Programa de Vigilancia de la Salud entre el 01/01/2010 y el 31/12/2010. Se recogieron datos de la anamnesis, mediciones antropométricas, determinaciones bioquímicas y estudio ecográfico del hígado. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia total de HGNA fue del 44,0% (54,0% en varones y 7,3% en mujeres; p<0,001). La presencia de HGNA se asocia en ambos sexos a mayor edad, peso más elevado, talla más baja, mayor índice de masa corporal perímetro abdominal y síndrome metabólico, así como a niveles más elevados de ácido úrico y glucosa en sangre. En el análisis de regresión logística multivariante se apreció riesgo elevado de HGNA para perímetro abdominal ≥102cm en varones y ≥88cm mujeres (odds ratio OR=5,2; IC95% 3,8-7,1), edad ≥40 años (OR=3,0; IC95% 2,3-4,0), triglicéridos ≥150mg/dl (OR=2,1; IC95% 1,5-2,8), colesterol HDL <45mg/dl en mujeres y <40 mg/dl en hombres (OR: 1,6; IC95% 1,1-2,2) y colesterol total >200mg/dl (OR=1,4; IC95% 1,0-1,9). CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de HGNA presenta diferencias muy marcadas por sexo y está asociada a hipertrigliceridemia, hipercolesterolemia, bajo colesterol HDL, obesidad abdominal y síndrome metabólico. La introducción del cribado del HGNA en la de Vigilancia de la Salud de los trabajadores podría ser una medida de interés para la Medicina del Trabajo.

Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphoproteome characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii: comparison between a reference strain and a highly invasive multidrug-resistant clinical isolate.

In the current study, the Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphoproteomes of two Acinetobacter baumannii strains, reference (ATCC17978) and highly invasive multidrug-resistant clinical isolate (Abh12O-A2) were analyzed using SCX and TiO2 chromatography followed by high resolution mass spectrometry. We detected a total of 201 unique phosphorylation sites (p-sites), and, after manual validation of peptide spectra, 91 high-confidence phosphorylation events (p-events) could be localized to a specific amino acid residue. The percentage distribution of Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphorylation was 68.9% on serine, 24.1% on threonine and 5.2% on tyrosine in ATCC17978, and 70.8% on serine, 25.2% on threonine and 3.8% on tyrosine in AbH12O-A2. Across all identified p-sites, 11 were identified in ATCC17978 only, while 43 were identified in Abh12O-A2 only, and 37 overlapped between the two strains. Here for the first time we describe the phosphoproteome of A. baumanii, and significance of selected phosphorylation sites is discussed in the context of stress/starvation, pathogenicity and drug resistance. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It is now well established that protein phosphorylation on Ser/Thr/Tyr residues is an important post-translational modification in bacteria. Herein we employed SCX and TiO2 chromatographic phosphopeptide enrichment combined with LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometric analyses to characterize and establish a qualitative comparison between the Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphoproteomes of two Acinetobacter baumannii strains: a reference strain and a highly invasive multidrug-resistant clinical isolate. We highlight the identification of phosphoproteins with a role in pathogenicity and those involved in drug resistance.

Age-related reference values for plasma amino acids in a Spanish population measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

OBJECTIVES: Reference ranges of blood plasma amino acids are required for the diagnosis and management of inherited metabolic disorders affecting one or more amino acids and can significantly impact the clinical decision-making and the quality of patient care. Our objective was to establish the reference values for plasma amino acids in a Spanish population measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). METHODS: Amino acids were extracted, derivatized to N(O)-tert-butyldimethylsilyl, and analyzed by GC-MS. RESULTS: Significant differences in the concentrations of several amino acids have been determined between age groups. Such differences might be due to a combination of several factors, including age, genetic factors, nutritional status, and dietary habits. CONCLUSIONS: The amino acid values are not evidently affected by sex, but they do vary with age. Such data help to provide a basis for diagnosing metabolic abnormalities. To our knowledge, this is the first published article showing the age-related reference ranges for plasma amino acids analyzed by GC-MS.

[Prevalence of tobacco consumption among working population after the law 42/2010, Spain]. / Prevalencia de consumo de tabaco en población trabajadora tras la entrada en vigor de la Ley 42/2010.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact on tobacco consumption among working population of the Law 42/2010, which amends smoking regulations in Spain. METHODS: Data were obtained from 413,473 Occupational Health check-ups, conducted between July of 2009 and June of 2011, in the Society for Prevention of a Mutual Insurance Company. We analyzed changes in the biannual percentage of smokers and the magnitude of tobacco consumption among smokers in the overall set of medical check-ups, by gender, age, occupational level (manual vs. non-manual workers), and in the specific occupational subgroup of waiters, barmen and similar workers (chi-square test). RESULTS: In the overall set of medical check-ups, the percentage of smokers decreased by 5% (from 40.3% to 35.3%) over the period of study (p <0.001) and the group of smokers with lower daily consumption (< 10 cigarettes) became the most frequent (p <0.001). In the group of waiters, barmen and similar workers the differences in the biannual percentage of smokers did not reach statistical significance (p =0.07). In this group, smokers of < 10 cigarretes/ day also became the most common consumption group (increasing from 40.5% to 48.8%) and the percentage of 21-40 cigarretes/day decreased from 10.6% to 4% (p =0.008). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the new regulation has been accompanied by a significant reduction in smoking among Spanish workers and strongly support population-level measures against tobacco consumption.

Extracellular proteome of a highly invasive multidrug-resistant clinical strain of Acinetobacter baumannii.

The study of the extracellular proteomes of pathogenic bacteria is essential for gaining insights into the mechanisms of pathogenesis and for the identification of virulence factors. Through the use of different proteomic approaches, namely Nano-LC and 2DE combined with MALDI-TOF/TOF, we have characterized the extracellular proteome of a highly invasive, multidrug-resistant strain of A. baumannii (clone AbH12O-A2). This study focused on two main protein fractions of the extracellular proteome: proteins that are exported by outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and freely soluble extracellular proteins (FSEPs) present in the culture medium of A. baumannii. Herein, a total of 179 nonredundant proteins were identified in the OMV protein fraction and a total of 148 nonredundant proteins were identified in FSEP fraction. Of the OMV proteins, 39 were associated with pathogenesis and virulence, including proteins associated with attachment to host cells (e.g., CsuE, CsuB, CsuA/B) and specialized secretion systems for delivery of virulence factors (e.g., P. pilus assembly and FilF), whereas the FSEP fraction possesses extracellular enzymes with degradative activity, such as alkaline metalloprotease. Furthermore, among the FSEP we have detected at least 18 proteins with a known role in oxidative stress response (e.g., catalase, thioredoxin, oxidoreductase, superoxide dismutase). Further assays demonstrated that in the presence of FSEPs, bacterial cells withstand much higher concentrations of H2O2 showing higher survival rate (approximately 2.5 fold) against macrophages. In this study we have identified an unprecedented number of novel extracellular proteins of A. baumannii and we provide insight into their potential role in relevant processes such as oxidative stress response and defense against macrophage attack.

Changes in circulating concentrations of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor measured by automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassays methods are predictors of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia is characterized by an imbalance in angiogenic factors such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF). We herein assessed whether these factors measured by a newly developed automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay are associated with risk to develop preeclampsia. METHODS: We performed a nested case-control study within a cohort of 230 women with singleton pregnancies. The study included all 37 women who eventually developed preeclampsia and 29 normotensive controls. Serum samples were collected at 4-week intervals (from weeks 20th to 36th). sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured using a commercial automated immunoassay (Elecsys). RESULTS: Women destined to develop preeclampsia had lower PlGF levels and higher sFlt-1 levels and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio than women with normal pregnancies. These changes became significant at 20 weeks in women destined to develop early preeclampsia (<34 weeks, P  ≤  0.003), and at 24-28 weeks in women who later developed preeclampsia (P  ≤  0.024). The risk for developing preeclampsia was higher among women with PlGF concentration values in the lowest quartile or with sFlt-1 levels and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the highest quartile of the control distribution. The odds ratios were higher and appeared earlier in women destined to develop early preeclampsia than in women who presented preeclampsia later. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was more tightly associated with risk of preterm or term preeclampsia than either angiogenic factor alone. CONCLUSION: Changes in circulating concentrations of PlGF, sFlt-1, and in the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio precede the onset of preeclampsia. The risk profile of circulating angiogenic factors for developing preeclampsia distinctly evolves depending on whether this condition is manifested at preterm or term.

Systemic inflammation in 222.841 healthy employed smokers and nonsmokers: white blood cell count and relationship to spirometry.

BACKGROUND: Smoking has been linked to low-grade systemic inflammation, a known risk factor for disease. This state is reflected in elevated white blood cell (WBC) count. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the relationship between WBC count and smoking in healthy men and women across several age ranges who underwent preventive medical check-ups in the workplace. We also analysed the relationship between smoking and lung function. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study in 163 459 men and 59 382 women aged between 16 and 70 years. Data analysed were smoking status, WBC count, and spirometry readings. RESULTS: Total WBC showed higher counts in both male and female smokers, around 1000 to 1300 cell/ml (t test, P < 0.001). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%) was higher in nonsmokers for both sexes between 25 to 54 years (t test, P < 0.001). Analysis of covariance showed a multiple variable effect of age, sex, smoking status, body mass index on WBC count. The relationship between WBC blood count and smoking status was confirmed after the sample was stratified for these variables. Smokers with airway obstruction measured by FEV1% were found to have higher WBC counts, in comparison to smokers with a normal FEV1% among similar age and BMI groups. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking increases WBC count and affects lung function. The effects are evident across a wide age range, underlining the importance of initiating preventive measures as soon as an individual begins to smoke.

Prevalencia de consumo de tabaco en población trabajadora tras la entrada en vigor de la Ley 42/2010 / Prevalence of tobacco consumption among working population after the Law 42/2010, Spain

Fundamentos: El objetivo del presente trabajo consistió en analizar el impacto sobre el consumo de tabaco en población trabajadora de la Ley 42/2010 que modifica la normativa antitabaco en España. Métodos: Se obtuvieron datos de 413.473 reconocimientos médicos de Salud Laboral, realizados entre julio de 2009 y junio de 2011, en la Sociedad de Prevención de una Mutua de Accidentes de Trabajo y Enfermedades Profesionales de la Seguridad Social. Se analizó la evolución semestral del porcentaje de fumadores y la magnitud del consumo de tabaco en el total de reconocimientos, segmentando por sexo, edad, nivel ocupacional (trabajos manuales vs. no manuales) y en el subgrupo específico de camareros, bármanes y asimilados (test de chi2). Resultados: En el total de reconocimientos, el porcentaje de fumadores descendió un 5% (del 40,3% al 35,3%) a lo largo del periodo de estudio (p<0,001) y el grupo de fumadores con menor consumo diario (≤10 cigarrillos) se convirtió en el más frecuente (p<0,001). En el grupo de camareros, bármanes y asimilados las diferencias en el porcentaje semestral de fumadores no alcanzaron significación estadística (p=0,07). En este grupo, los fumadores de ≤10 cigarrillos/día también se convirtieron en el grupo de consumo más frecuente (pasando del 40,5% al 48,8%) y el porcentaje de fumadores de 21-40 cigarrillos/día disminuyó del 10,6% al 4% (p=0,008). Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que la nueva normativa se ha acompañado de una importante reducción del tabaquismo entre la población trabajadora española y respaldan fuertemente las medidas de lucha contra el tabaco de alcance poblacional(AU)

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact on tobacco consumption among working population of the Law 42/2010, which amends smoking regulations in Spain. Methods: Data were obtained from 413,473 Occupational Health check-ups, conducted between July of 2009 and June of 2011, in the Society for Prevention of a Mutual Insurance Company. We analyzed changes in the biannual percentage of smokers and the magnitude of tobacco consumption among smokers in the overall set of medical check-ups, by gender, age, occupational level (manual vs. non-manual workers), and in the specific occupational subgroup of waiters, barmen and similar workers (chi-square test). Results: In the overall set of medical check-ups, the percentage of smokers decreased by 5% (from 40.3% to 35.3%) over the period of study (p <0.001) and the group of smokers with lower daily consumption (≤ 10 cigarettes) became the most frequent (p <0.001). In the group of waiters, barmen and similar workers the differences in the biannual percentage of smokers did not reach statistical significance (p =0.07). In this group, smokers of ≤ 10 cigarretes/ day also became the most common consumption group (increasing from 40.5% to 48.8%) and the percentage of 21-40 cigarretes/day decreased from 10.6% to 4% (p =0.008). Conclusions: These results suggest that the new regulation has been accompanied by a significant reduction in smoking among Spanish workers and strongly support population-level measures against tobacco consumption(AU)

Prevalencia de peso insuficiente, sobrepeso y obesidad en población laboral activa española / Prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity and excess weight the in Spanish active working population

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de peso insuficiente, normopeso, sobrepeso, obesidad y sobrecarga ponderal en poblaciónlaboral activa española.Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal de prevalencia con base poblacional en el que participaron 374.562 trabajadoresde las diferentes comunidades autónomas españolas, realizado en 2008. Para la determinación del peso insuficiente, normopeso,sobrepeso, obesidad y sobrecarga ponderal se realizaron mediciones ponderales individuales, calculándose el índicede masa corporal (peso/talla en metro2) y aplicando los criterios del Consenso SEEDO de 2007.Resultado: La prevalencia global de peso insuficiente, normopeso, sobrepeso, obesidad y sobrecarga ponderal fue, respectivamente,1,4%, 41,1%, 40,1%, 17,5% y 57,5%, Las mujeres presentaron una prevalencia mayor para el peso insuficiente,mientras que en los hombres lo fue para el sobrepeso y la obesidad. Por comunidades el peso insuficiente fue más prevalenteen La Rioja y la mayor sobrecarga ponderal se encontró en Castilla-La Mancha y Andalucía.Conclusiones: Es muy elevado el exceso de peso en la población trabajadora española estudiada, con una tendencia alalza en los últimos años. Se recomiendan medidas intervencionistas para mejorar esta situación. Los datos registrados eneste estudio pudieran servir de referencia para este colectivo de la población(AU)

Objective: To determine the prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity and excess weight in theSpanish active working population.Methods: A cross-sectional study of population-based prevalence, involving 374,562 workers from different Spanishregions, conducted in 2008. We measured weight and height and calculated the body mass index [BMI] (weight/height in meter2) applying the criteria of the Spanish Society for the Study of Obesity (SEEDO). Results: The overall prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity and excess weight was 1.4%, 41.1%,40.1%, 17.5% and 57.5%, respectively. Women had a higher prevalence of underweight, while in men it was for overweightand obesity. Underweight was more prevalent in La Rioja region, while excess weight were more common in the Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia regions.Conclusions: Excess weight in the Spanish working population studied was very high, with an upward trend in recentyears. Intervention measures are recommended to improve this situation. The data recorded in this study may serve as referencefor this population(AU)

Horizontal transfer of the OXA-24 carbapenemase gene via outer membrane vesicles: a new mechanism of dissemination of carbapenem resistance genes in Acinetobacter baumannii.

The resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii strains to carbapenems is a worrying problem in hospital settings. The main mechanism of carbapenem resistance is the expression of ß-lactamases (metalloenzymes or class D enzymes). The mechanisms of the dissemination of these genes among A. baumannii strains are not fully understood. In this study we used two carbapenem-resistant clinical strains of A. baumannii (AbH12O-A2 and AbH12O-CU3) expressing the plasmid-borne bla(OXA-24) gene (plasmids pMMA2 and pMMCU3, respectively) to demonstrate that A. baumannii releases outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) during in vitro growth. The use of hybridization studies enabled us to show that these OMVs harbored the bla(OXA-24) gene. The incubation of these OMVs with the carbapenem-susceptible A. baumannii ATCC 17978 host strain yielded full resistance to carbapenems. The presence of the original plasmids harboring the bla(OXA-24) gene was detected in strain ATCC 17978 after the transformation of OMVs. New OMVs harboring bla(OXA-24) were released by A. baumannii ATCC 17978 after it was transformed with the original OMV-mediated plasmids, indicating the universality of the process. We present the first experimental evidence that clinical isolates of A. baumannii may release OMVs as a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer whereby carbapenem resistance genes are delivered to surrounding A. baumannii bacterial isolates.

Prevalencia de peso insuficiente en trabajadores jóvenes atendidos por la Sociedad de Prevención de Ibermutuamur durante el año 2008 / Underweight prevalence among young workers evaluated by the society for the prevention of ibermutuamur during 2008

Objetivos: El propósito de este trabajo es evaluar la prevalencia del peso insuficiente en población trabajadora activa menor de 25 años por comunidades autónomas españolas. Material y método: Estudio observacional transversal en el que se evaluaron 42.086 trabajadores entre el 1/01/2008 y el 31/12/2008. El peso insuficiente se definió como IMC < 18,5. Resultados: Se encontraron 1.716 casos con peso insuficiente para una prevalencia global del 4,08%; 959 mujeres (8,02%) y 757 hombres (2,51%), con diferencias significativas entre comunidades. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de peso insuficiente encontrada indica que es un problema frecuente al que hay que prestarle atención. Tendría interés incluir este tipo de cribado para la detección temprana de estos casos, con la consiguiente posibilidad de un tratamiento precoz y una mejora de la salud. Recomendamos ontinuar profundizado en este tipo de cribados y aplicar las adecuadas estrategias preventivas (AU)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of underweight in active working population in Spain by Autonomous Community. Design: This is a cross-sectional study in which workers were studied 42,086 young people between 1/01/2008 and 31/12/2008. Underweight was defined as BMI < 18.5. Results: Of the 42,086 workers studied, 1,716 cases were underweight for an overall prevalence of 4.08%; 959 women (8.02%) and 757 men (2.51%). The differences found between communities were significant. Conclusions: Underweight prevalence among young workers found indicates a common problem that needs attention. Deepened interest to continue such screening and apply appropriate preventive strategies (AU)

Valores de referencia del antígeno prostático específico (PSA) en trabajadores sanos menores de 50 años / Reference values for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in healthy workers under 50 years of age

En el presente trabajo se determinan los valores de referencia del antígeno prostático específico (PSA) en una muestrade 3.138 trabajadores menores de 50 años participantes en un programa de cribado del cáncer de próstata llevado a cabopor la Sociedad de Prevención de Ibermutumaur en Cataluña y Comunidad Valenciana. Las determinaciones del PSA fueronrealizadas utilizando el Ensayo de Abbott. El valor medio del PSA en toda la muestra fue de 0,77 ng/ml (SD 0,83), conun percentil 95 igual a 1,70 ng/ml. Conociendo el límite superior de la normalidad para el PSA en los diferentes grupos deedades de la población estudiada, se hacen recomendaciones respecto al valor de corte y la frecuencia a utilizar en los seguimientosde esta actividad preventiva y en las revisiones por urología(AU)

We determined reference values for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a sample of 3138 workers under 50 years of age whoparticipated in a prostate cancer screening program conducted by Ibermutuamur Health Surveillance Society in Cataloniaand Valencia, Spain. PSA determinations were performed using the Abbott Test. The mean±SD PSA for all participantswas 0.77 ± 0.83 ng/ml, with a 95th percentile value equal to 1.70 ng/ml. Knowing the upper limit of normal PSA in differentage groups in this population could be useful for recommendations regarding cut-off values and the frequency of thesetypes of preventive screening examinations(AU)