A descriptive ranking of blood pressure and physical fitness of Latin-American ethnic schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: There is a general lack of information about how insufficient physical activity impacts blood pressure and physical fitness in Latin-American ethnic minorities. AIMS: To describe the interactions between insufficient physical activity, blood pressure, and physical fitness outcomes in Latin-American schoolchildren of different ethnicity. METHODS: This was a prospective, international, multi-center, and cross-sectional study of three Latin-American countries involving schoolchildren from seven ethnic groups of Colombia (Tikuna, Nasa, Embera), Brazil (African, Mulato), and Chile (Mapuche), and also European schoolchildren from Brazil and Chile. Data were categorized based on whether participants were physically active (PA) or insufficient physical activity (iPA) using the WHO physical activity recommendations. The main outcomes were systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial (MAP) blood pressure, and scores for physical and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, by estimated V˙O2max), handgrip muscle strength (HGS), and standing long jump (SLJ). Secondary outcomes were anthropometric measures (weight, height, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], waist-to-height ratio), and body fat percentage (BF%, limited data by country). Primary and secondary outcomes were ranked. RESULTS: For both PA and iPA categories, significant interactions between ethnic groups were found concerning SBP/DBP (F(37.7), ES 0.08; F(51.5), ES 0.08), V˙O2max (F(37.7), ES 0.08; F(51.5), ES 0.08), HGS (F(33.8), ES 0.07; F(5.03), ES 0.04), and SLJ (F(64.3), ES 0.14; F(64.3), 0.14). In the iPA category, Mapuche schoolchildren were classified 1st (119.5; 81.5) with highest SBP/DBP and highest MAP (94.6 mmHg); Embera schoolchildren were classified 1st with lowest V˙O2max (33.7 mL/kg/min); and European schoolchildren were classified 1st (19.9 kg) with lowest HGS and SLJ (121.4 m) physical fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Under conditions of insufficient physical activity conditions, Mapuche schoolchildren had the most detrimental blood pressure, whereas Embera, Tikuna, and European schoolchildren had the lowest levels of physical fitness. These results serve to highlight the need for the early and appropriate promotion of physical activity based on ethnic differences in Latin-American schools.

Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity parameters with blood pressure: fitness and fatness in youth Latin-American ethnic minority.

Background: In spite of wide international evidence about cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and adiposity in association with cardiovascular disease, there is poor evidence about this relationship in schoolchildren of ethnic minorities.Aim: To examine the relationship between CRF and body composition on blood pressure (BP) in a sample of ethnic minority schoolchildren from three Latin-American countries.Material and methods: A descriptive cross sectional study of total n = 3866, mean age 12.5 (2.7) y [girls n = 1997, mean age 12.8 (2.8) y; boys n = 1869, mean age 12.2 (2.7) y] schoolchildren from three Latin-American countries (Colombia, Brazil, Chile). Main outcomes were CRF, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage (%BF), and BP (systolic SB, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure (MAP).Results: In both sex, and after adjusting for covariates (age and ethnicity group), negative CRF by V˙O2peak levels were associated with a higher body fatness parameters (BMI, WC, WHtR and %BF p<0.001), and blood pressure measures (systolic BP, diastolic BP, and MAP; p<0.001). A lower CRF (by V˙O2peak) was associated with a higher BP in girls (systolic SB -0.15; -5.10 (0.30), diastolic BP -0.14; -4.43 (0.23), and MAP -0.15; -4.93 (0.26) at p<0.001), and boys (systolic SB -0.02; -0.85 (0.32), DB -0.07; -2.23 (0.23), and MAP-0.06; -1.89 (0.25 at p<0.001). There was a significant association between a 'high-CRF + low-%BF' with a lower systolic SB diff = - 9.6 [0.7], diastolic BP diff= - 11.0 [0.6]; and MAP level diff = - 10.6 [0.6] all p<0.001). There was a significant association between a 'high-CRF + low-BMI' with a lower systolic diff = - 10.3 [1.1], diastolic diff = - 11.2 [1.1], and MAP diff = - 10.9 [1.0] all p<0.001.Conclusion: A lower CRF is associated with a higher body fatness parameters, and higher BP levels in Latin-American ethnic schoolchildren.Abbreviators: %BF: Percentage of Body fat; BIA: Bioelectric impedance analysis; BMI: Body mass index; BP: Blood pressure; CRF: Cardiorespiratory fitness; CVD: Cardiovascular disease; LDL-cholesterol: SD: Standard deviation; WC: Waist circumference; WHtR: Waist-height to ratio; V˙O2max: Maximal oxygen consumption; V˙O2peak: Peak of oxygen consumption.

Factores de riesgo y síntomas de asma infantil en estudiantes de dos colegios de Cali / Risk factors and symptoms of childhood asthma in students from two schools in Cali (Colombia)

Resumen Introducción: Factores de riesgo como alergias, historia familiar, infecciones respiratorias, bajo peso al nacer, exposición a humo de tabaco y síntomas frecuentes tales como: sibilancias, disnea o tos persistente, se presentan en niños con asma. En Cali son escasos los estudios que aborden esta temática. Objetivo: Describir factores de riesgo y síntomas en estudiantes con diagnóstico de asma en dos colegios de la ciudad de Cali. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal. Se recolectó información a cuidadores de niños(as) en edades entre 6 y 14 años, a través del cuestionario del estudio Internacional de Asma y Alergias en la Infancia (ISAAC). Resultados: De 324 encuestas resueltas por cuidadores, 77 niños presentaban asma. Para esta población el 60% de los niños eran mayores de 9 años de edad, 56% eran niñas; 68% pertenecían al estrato socioeconómico medio-bajo. Se encontró antecedentes de enfermedades como bronquiolitis en el niño y asma y rinitis en los padres, factores de riesgo como piso inadecuado en el hogar, ausencia de lactancia materna y asistencia al jardín. El 40,3% presentaron disnea, tos y sibilancias. Conclusiones: Factores de riesgo como el sexo, piso inadecuado y síntomas como disnea, tos y sibilancias fueron los más frecuentes en niños con asma.

Abstract Introduction: Allergies, family history, respiratory infections, low birth weight, and exposure to tobacco smoke are risk factors for asthma, whose symptoms in children include wheezing, dyspnea, and persistent cough. There is a lack of studies about asthma in Cali (Colombia). Objective: To describe risk factors and symptoms in students diagnosed with asthma in two schools from the city of Cali. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was developed, which gathered information from caregivers of children aged between 6 and 14 years old using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Results: Out of the 324 surveys completed by caregivers, 77 children had asthma. 60% of this population were older than 9 years of age, 56% were girls, and 68% belonged to the lower-middle socioeconomic stratum. History of diseases such as child bronchiolitis and asthma and rhinitis in the parents were revealed. Some risk factors that were identified included inadequate flooring of the house, lack of breastfeeding, and attendance to kinder garden. 40.3% of children had dyspnea, cough and wheezing. Conclusions: Risk factors like gender, inadequate flooring, and symptoms such as dyspnea, cough and wheezing were the most frequent in children with asthma.

Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en una población escolar colombiana: evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario KIDMED / Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in a sample of Colombian schoolchildren: an evaluation of the psychometric properties of the KIDMED questionnaire

Objetivo: como la infancia y la adolescencia son periodos críticos para la adquisición de hábitos alimentarios y estilos de vida que serán perdurables en la edad adulta, contar con un cuestionario que estime la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea de la población escolar es necesario. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas, en términos de fiabilidad, reproducibilidad y validez, del cuestionario KIDMED en un grupo de niños y adolescentes de Cali, Colombia. Métodos: estudio transversal de 167 escolares (53,8% niñas, edad media de 13,3 ± 3,2 años). El alfa de Cronbach y el kappa de Cohen (?) se calcularon como indicadores de fiabilidad y reproducibilidad. Un análisis factorial exploratorio, con un método de extracción de componentes principales y rotación ortogonal (varimax), se aplicó como medida de validez. Resultados: en la población general, 1 de cada 3 escolares acusaron un patrón de alimentación mediterránea óptima. El cuestionario KIDMED mostró valores de fiabilidad y reproducibilidad moderados (alfa de Cronbach = 0,79; IC 95%: 0,71-0,77, y ? = 0,66; IC 95%: 0,45-0,77). La composición factorial exploratoria arrojó seis factores que explicaron el 60,6% de la varianza total y adecuados valores de bondad del ajuste (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0,730) y del test de esfericidad de Bartlett (X2 = 414,8, p < 0.001, g/l = 120). Conclusión: el cuestionario KIDMED cuenta con propiedades psicométricas adecuadas como instrumento de valoración de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en escolares de Colombia. Futuros estudios deberán centrarse en investigar la estructura confirmatoria y/o la validez convergente del cuestionario en diferentes grupos de edad para generar datos comparables

Objective: since childhood and adolescence are critical periods for the acquisition of eating habits and lifestyles that will persist into adulthood, having a questionnaire that estimates adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the school-age population is necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the validity, reliability, and factor structure of the KIDMED questionnaire in a group of children and adolescents from Cali, Colombia. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study using a self-reported questionnaire in 167 schoolchildren (53.8 % girls, mean age 13.3 ± 3.2 years). Cronbach's alpha and Cohen's kappa (?) were calculated as reliability and reproducibility indicators. The extraction of main components by varimax rotation allowed to define the communalities of the proposed items as a measure of validity. Results: overall, one in every 3 schoolchildren showed an optimal Mediterranean diet pattern. The KIDMED questionnaire showed moderate reliability and reproducibility values (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79, 95 % CI: 0.71-0.77, and ? = 0.66, 95 % CI: 0.45-0.77). The factor structure showed six factors that accounted for 60.6 % of the total variance with an adequate goodness-of-fit test (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.730), and Bartlett's sphericity test (?2 = 414.8, p < 0.001, g/l = 120). Conclusion: the KIDMED questionnaire shown evidence adequate psychometric properties as an instrument for assessing adherence for assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet in schoolchildren in Colombia. Future studies should focus on investigating the confirmatory structure and/ or convergent validity of the questionnaire in different age groups for generating comparable data

[Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in a sample of Colombian schoolchildren: an evaluation of the psychometric properties of the KIDMED questionnaire]. / Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en una población escolar colombiana: evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario KIDMED.

INTRODUCTION: Objective: since childhood and adolescence are critical periods for the acquisition of eating habits and lifestyles that will persist into adulthood, having a questionnaire that estimates adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the school-age population is necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the validity, reliability, and factor structure of the KIDMED questionnaire in a group of children and adolescents from Cali, Colombia. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study using a self-reported questionnaire in 167 schoolchildren (53.8% girls, mean age 13.3 ± 3.2 years). Cronbach's alpha and Cohen's kappa (κ) were calculated as reliability and reproducibility indicators. The extraction of main components by varimax rotation allowed to define the communalities of the proposed items as a measure of validity. Results: overall, one in every 3 schoolchildren showed an optimal Mediterranean diet pattern. The KIDMED questionnaire showed moderate reliability and reproducibility values (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71-0.77, and κ = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45-0.77). The factor structure showed six factors that accounted for 60.6% of the total variance with an adequate goodness-of-fit test (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.730), and Bartlett's sphericity test (X2 = 414.8, p < 0.001, g/l = 120). Conclusions: the KIDMED questionnaire shown evidence adequate psychometric properties as an instrument for assessing adherence for assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet in schoolchildren in Colombia. Future studies should focus on investigating the confirmatory structure and/or convergent validity of the questionnaire in different age groups for generating comparable data.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: como la infancia y la adolescencia son periodos críticos para la adquisición de hábitos alimentarios y estilos de vida que serán perdurables en la edad adulta, contar con un cuestionario que estime la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea de la población escolar es necesario. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas, en términos de fiabilidad, reproducibilidad y validez, del cuestionario KIDMED en un grupo de niños y adolescentes de Cali, Colombia. Métodos: estudio transversal de 167 escolares (53,8% niñas, edad media de 13,3 ± 3,2 años). El alfa de Cronbach y el kappa de Cohen (κ) se calcularon como indicadores de fiabilidad y reproducibilidad. Un análisis factorial exploratorio, con un método de extracción de componentes principales y rotación ortogonal (varimax), se aplicó como medida de validez. Resultados: en la población general, 1 de cada 3 escolares acusaron un patrón de alimentación mediterránea óptima. El cuestionario KIDMED mostró valores de fiabilidad y reproducibilidad moderados (alfa de Cronbach = 0,79; IC 95%: 0,71-0,77, y κ = 0,66; IC 95%: 0,45-0,77). La composición factorial exploratoria arrojó seis factores que explicaron el 60,6% de la varianza total y adecuados valores de bondad del ajuste (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0,730) y del test de esfericidad de Bartlett (X2 = 414,8, p < 0.001, g/l = 120). Conclusión: el cuestionario KIDMED cuenta con propiedades psicométricas adecuadas como instrumento de valoración de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en escolares de Colombia. Futuros estudios deberán centrarse en investigar la estructura confirmatoria y/o la validez convergente del cuestionario en diferentes grupos de edad para generar datos comparables.

Muscle mass to visceral fat ratio is an important predictor of the metabolic syndrome in college students.

This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the muscle mass to visceral fat (MVF) ratio and cardiometabolic risk factors in a large population of college students in Colombia and to propose cut-off points of this index for the metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of 1464 young adults recruited from the FUPRECOL (Asociación de la Fuerza Prensil con Manifestaciones Tempranas de Riesgo Cardiovascular en Jóvenes y Adultos Colombianos) study were categorised into four groups based on their MVF ratio. Muscle mass and visceral fat level of the participants were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cardiometabolic risk factors including lifestyle characteristics, anthropometry, blood pressure and biochemical parameters were assessed. The prevalence of moderate to severe obesity, hypertension and the MetS was higher in subjects in quartile (Q)1 (lower MVF ratio) (P <0·001). ANCOVA revealed that the subjects in Q1 had higher cardiometabolic disturbances, including altered anthropometry, blood pressure, muscle strength and biochemical parameters after adjusting for age and sex compared with young adults in higher MVF ratio quartiles (P <0·001). Muscular mass and physical activity levels were significantly lower in subjects with a lower MVF ratio (P <0·001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated that in men the best MVF ratio cut-off point for detecting the MetS was 18·0 (AUC 0·83, sensitivity 78 % and specificity 77 %) and for women, the MVF ratio cut-off point was 13·7 (AUC 0·85, sensitivity 76 % and specificity 87 %). A lower MVF ratio is associated with a higher risk cardiometabolic profile in early adulthood, supporting that the MVF ratio could be used as a complementary screening tool that may help clinicians identify young adults at high cardiometabolic risk.

Fat-to-Muscle Ratio: A New Anthropometric Indicator as a Screening Tool for Metabolic Syndrome in Young Colombian People.

Fat-to-muscle ratio has been proposed as an alternative approach for assessing body fat. The objective of this study was to explore fat-to-muscle ratio thresholds in metabolic syndrome (MetS) diagnosis; it was hypothesised that the fat-to-muscle ratio is a good predictive indicator of MetS in a large population of young Colombian adults. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1416 subjects (66.6% female), aged from 18.1 to 25.1. As part of the study, measurements of the subjects' anthropometric indicators, serum lipid indices, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose were taken. Body composition was measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). A new variable (ratio of fat mass to muscle mass, in kg) was calculated. Following the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition, MetS includes three or more metabolic abnormalities. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression determined the discriminatory ability of the fat-to-muscle ratio to predict MetS. According to the IDF, the best fat-to-muscle ratio cut-off point for detecting MetS in men was 0.225 kg, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83, sensitivity of 80%, and specificity of 70%. For women, the fat-to-muscle ratio cut-off point was 0.495 kg, the AUC was 0.88, and the sensitivity and specificity were 82% and 80%, respectively. In conclusion, our results showed that the fat-to-muscle ratio cut-off points from ROC analyses demonstrate good discriminatory power for detecting MetS in young Colombian adults.

Optimal Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet and High Muscular Fitness Are Associated with a Healthier Cardiometabolic Profile in Collegiate Students.

The aim of the study was to investigate the combined association of adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and muscular fitness (MF) with cardiometabolic health in collegiate students. The present cross-sectional analysis consisted of 1248 (714 females) healthy collegiate students (20.1 ± 2.7 years old). Adherence to a MedDiet was assessed by a KIDMED (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index) questionnaire. Standing broad jump, standing vertical jump, and isometric handgrip dynamometry were used as indicators of MF. The cardiometabolic profile was assessed using the following components: triglycerides, blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, glucose, and waist circumference. Analysis of covariance shows a significant difference in the cardiometabolic profile of both genders between the high MF/low MedDiet and high MF/optimal MedDiet groups, and the low MF/low MedDiet and low MF/optimal MedDiet groups (p < 0.001). No difference was found on cardiometabolic profile between high MF/optimal MedDiet and high MF/low MedDiet, both in males and females. Additionally, logistic regression shows that both female (odds ratio (OR) = 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.8⁻3.7); p = 0.02) and male (OR = 3.38; 95% CI: (1.9⁻5.8); p < 0.001) participants in the optimal MedDiet/high MF group had the highest odds of expressing a healthier cardiometabolic profile as compared to those in the low MF/low MedDiet group. In conclusion, a combination of high MF levels and optimal adherence to a MedDiet is associated with a healthier cardiometabolic profile; however, high MF levels seem to circumvent the deleterious effects of having a low adherence to a MedDiet.

Tri-Ponderal Mass Index vs. Fat Mass/Height³ as a Screening Tool for Metabolic Syndrome Prediction in Colombian Children and Young People.

Tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) and fat mass index (FMI) have been proposed as alternative approaches for assessing body fat since BMI does not ensure an accurate screening for obesity and overweight status in children and adolescents. This study proposes thresholds of the TMI and FMI for the prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and young people. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 4673 participants (57.1% females), who were 9-25 years of age. As part of the study, measurements of the subjects' weight, waist circumference, serum lipid indices, blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose were taken. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The TMI and FMI were calculated as weight (kg)/height (m³) and fat mass (kg)/height (m³), respectively. Following the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition, MetS is defined as including three or more metabolic abnormalities. Cohort-specific thresholds were established to identify Colombian children and young people at high risk of MetS. The thresholds were applied to the following groups: (i) a cohort of children where the girls' TMI ≥ 12.13 kg/m³ and the boys' TMI ≥ 12.10 kg/m³; (ii) a cohort of adolescents where the girls' TMI ≥ 12.48 kg/m³ and the boys' TMI ≥ 11.19 kg/m³; (iii) a cohort of young adults where the women's TMI ≥ 13.21 kg/m³ and the men's TMI ≥ 12.19 kg/m³. The FMI reference cut-off values used for the different groups were as follows: (i) a cohort of children where the girls' FMI ≥ 2.59 fat mass/m³ and the boys' FMI ≥ 1.98 fat mass/m³; (ii) a cohort of adolescents where the girls' FMI ≥ 3.12 fat mass/m³ and the boys' FMI ≥ 1.46 fat mass/m³; (iii) a cohort of adults where the women's FMI ≥ 3.27 kg/m³ and the men's FMI ≥ 1.65 kg/m³. Our results showed that the FMI and TMI had a moderate discriminatory power to detect MetS in Colombian children, adolescents, and young adults.

Comparison of Three Adiposity Indexes and Cutoff Values to Predict Metabolic Syndrome Among University Students.

PURPOSE: Obesity and high body fat are related to diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in all ethnic groups. Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MetS, the aim of the present study was to compare body adiposity indexes (BAIs) and to assess their various cutoff values for the prediction of MetS in university students from Colombia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 886 volunteers (51.9% woman; age mean 21.4 years). Anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, waist circumference [WC], and hip circumference [HC]) were measured, and body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. MetS was defined as including ≥3 of the metabolic abnormalities (WC, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides, fasting glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure [BP]) in the definition provided by the IDF. The BAIs (i.e., BAI-HC [BAI], BAI-WC [BAI-w], and [BAI-p]) were calculated from formulas taking into account, height, weight, and WC, and for the visceral adiposity indexes, a formula, including WC, HDL-C, and triglycerides, was used. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MetS was 5.9%, higher in men than in women. The most prevalent components were low HDL-C, high triglyceride levels, WC, and BP levels. The receiver operating characteristic curves analysis showed that BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p could be useful tools to predict MetS in this population. CONCLUSION: For women, the optimal MetS threshold was found to be 30.34 (area under curve [AUC] = 0.720-0.863), 19.10 (AUC = 0.799-0.925), and 29.68 (AUC = 0.779-0.901), for BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p, respectively. For men, the optimal MetS threshold was found to be 27.83 (AUC = 0.726-0.873), 21.48 (AUC = 0.755-0.906), and 26.18 (AUC = 0.766-0.894), for BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p, respectively. The three indexes can be useful tools to predict MetS according to the IDF criteria in university students from Colombia. Data on larger samples are needed.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Factors in Colombian Collegiate Students: The FUPRECOL-Adults Study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the major public health problems worldwide. The objective of the present study is to investigate the prevalence and the associated variables of MetS in Colombian collegiate students. This cross-sectional study included a total of 890 (52% women) healthy collegiate students (21.3 ± 3.2 years old). The prevalence of MetS was determined by the definition provided by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). We further examined associations between the prevalence of MetS and related factors, such as age, gender, anthropometric and body composition, weight status, and nutrition profile. The overall prevalence of MetS was 6.0% (95% CI = 4.5% to 7.6%), and it was higher in men than women. The most prevalent components were low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, waist circumference, and blood pressure levels. The predisposing factors for having a MetS included: being male, over 23 years old, overweight or obese, and having an unhealthy waist-to-height ratio. In conclusion, the occurrence of MetS in young adults is substantial. These findings may be relevant to health promotion efforts for collegiate students in order to develop prospective studies and screening for young adults, which will aid in targeted intervention development to decrease cardiometabolic risk factors.

Fatness mediates the influence of muscular fitness on metabolic syndrome in Colombian collegiate students.

The purpose of this study was two-fold: to analyze the association between muscular fitness (MF) and clustering of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components, and to determine if fatness parameters mediate the association between MF and MetS clustering in Colombian collegiate students. This cross-sectional study included a total of 886 (51.9% women) healthy collegiate students (21.4 ± 3.3 years old). Standing broad jump and isometric handgrip dynamometry were used as indicators of lower and upper body MF, respectively. Also, a MF score was computed by summing the standardized values of both tests, and used to classify adults as fit or unfit. We also assessed fat mass, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and abdominal visceral fat, and categorized individuals as low and high fat using international cut-offs. A MetS cluster score was derived by calculating the sum of the sample-specific z-scores from the triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, fasting glucose, waist circumference, and arterial blood pressure. Linear regression models were used to examine whether the association between MF and MetS cluster was mediated by the fatness parameters. Data were collected from 2013 to 2016 and the analysis was done in 2016. Findings revealed that the best profiles (fit + low fat) were associated with lower levels of the MetS clustering (p <0.001 in the four fatness parameters), compared with unfit and fat (unfit + high fat) counterparts. Linear regression models indicated a partial mediating effect for fatness parameters in the association of MF with MetS clustering. Our findings indicate that efforts to improve MF in young adults may decrease MetS risk partially through an indirect effect on improvements to adiposity levels. Thus, weight reduction should be taken into account as a complementary goal to improvements in MF within exercise programs.

Body Adiposity Index Performance in Estimating Body Fat Percentage in Colombian College Students: Findings from the FUPRECOL-Adults Study.

Recently, a body adiposity index (BAI = (hip circumference)/((height)(1.5))-18) was developed and validated in adult populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of BAI in estimating percentage body fat (BF%) in a sample of Colombian collegiate young adults. The participants were comprised of 903 volunteers (52% females, mean age = 21.4 years ± 3.3). We used the Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, linear regression, Bland-Altman's agreement analysis, concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) and the coefficient of determination (R²) between BAI, and BF%; by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)). The correlation between the two methods of estimating BF% was R² = 0.384, p < 0.001. A paired-sample t-test showed a difference between the methods (BIA BF% = 16.2 ± 3.1, BAI BF% = 30.0 ± 5.4%; p < 0.001). For BIA, bias value was 6.0 ± 6.2 BF% (95% confidence interval (CI) = -6.0 to 18.2), indicating that the BAI method overestimated BF% relative to the reference method. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was poor (ρc = 0.014, 95% CI = -0.124 to 0.135; p = 0.414). In Colombian college students, there was poor agreement between BAI- and BIA-based estimates of BF%, and so BAI is not accurate in people with low or high body fat percentage levels.

Percepción de barreras para la práctica de la actividad física y obesidad abdominal en universitarios de Colombia.

Objetivo: evaluar la relación entre la percepción de las barreras para la práctica de la actividad física (AF) con la presencia de obesidad abdominal (OA) en universitarios de Colombia.Métodos :estudio descriptivo y transversal en 5.663 sujetos entre 18 y 30 años de edad (3.348 hombres), pertenecientes a tres ciudades de Colombia. Se midió la circunferencia de cintura (CC) como indicador de OA y el riesgo se clasificó según valores de referencia internacionales. La autopercepción de barreras se determinó con el cuestionario Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ-21) validado en Colombia. Se calcularon razones de prevalencia (RP) entre cada dominio del cuestionario y clasificación de OA.Resultados: la prevalencia de obesidad abdominal fue del 10,4% con diferencias por sexo (7,3% hombres vs.12,6% mujeres p < 0,01). La "falta de tiempo", la "influencia social" y la "falta de habilidades" fueron las barreras más prevalentes para cesar la práctica de AF en el grupo de entrevistados con OA en ambos sexos. Al comparar los estudiantes con CC saludable, la RP de presentar OA fue mayor en el grupo de mujeres que en hombres en los dominios del cuestionario BBAQ-21 "falta de tiempo" (RP = 1,33 [IC 95% 1,11-1,60]) vs.(RP = 1,14 [IC 95% 1,03-1,26]) y "falta de recursos" (RP = 1, 93 [IC 95% 11,67-2,24])vs. (RP = 1,83 [IC 95% 1,68-1,99]), respectivamente.Conclusión: una mayor autopercepción de las barreras para realizar AF se relacionó con mayor frecuencia en el grupo con OA en universitarios de Colombia.

Percepción de barreras para la práctica de la actividad física y obesidad abdominal en universitarios de Colombia / Perceived barriers to physical activity and abdominal obesity in university students from Colombia

Objetivo: evaluar la relación entre la percepción de las barreras para la práctica de la actividad física (AF) con la presencia de obesidad abdominal (OA) en universitarios de Colombia. Métodos: estudio descriptivo y transversal en 5.663 sujetos entre 18 y 30 años de edad (3.348 hombres), pertenecientes a tres ciudades de Colombia. Se midió la circunferencia de cintura (CC) como indicador de OA y el riesgo se clasificó según valores de referencia internacionales. La autopercepción de barreras se determinó con el cuestionario Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ-21) validado en Colombia. Se calcularon razones de prevalencia (RP) entre cada dominio del cuestionario y clasificación de OA. Resultados: la prevalencia de obesidad abdominal fue del 10,4% con diferencias por sexo (7,3% hombres vs. 12,6% mujeres p < 0,01). La «falta de tiempo», la «influencia social» y la «falta de habilidades» fueron las barreras más prevalentes para cesar la práctica de AF en el grupo de entrevistados con OA en ambos sexos. Al comparar los estudiantes con CC saludable, la RP de presentar OA fue mayor en el grupo de mujeres que en hombres en los dominios del cuestionario BBAQ-21 «falta de tiempo» (RP = 1,33 [IC 95% 1,11-1,60]) vs. (RP = 1,14 [IC 95% 1,03-1,26]) y «falta de recursos» (RP = 1, 93 [IC 95% 11,67-2,24]) vs. (RP = 1,83 [IC 95% 1,68-1,99]), respectivamente. Conclusión: una mayor autopercepción de las barreras para realizar AF se relacionó con mayor frecuencia en el grupo con OA en universitarios de Colombia (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between self-report barriers associated with the practice of the physical activity (PA) and the presence of abdominal obesity in a university students’ sample of Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during 2013, involving 5,921 healthy subjects aged 18 to 30 years old (3,348 men) from three cities in Colombia. Waist circumference (WC) was measurements as obesity abdominal indicator. The reference criteria for the analysis comes from cut-off points proposed by international reference. It was applied the questionnaire "Barriers to Being Active Quiz" (BBAQ -21) which was validated in Colombia. Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated between each domain of the questionnaire and the classification of abdominal obesity. Results: The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 10.4 % with gender differences (7.3% men vs. 12.6% women, p < 0.01). Overall, the «lack of time», the «social influence» and «lack of skills» were the most prevalent barriers to end the practice of PA in the group of respondents with abdominal obesity. When comparing healthy students with WC, the RP to present abdominal obesity was higher in the group women than men in the domains of the questionnaire BBAQ -21 «lack of time» (RP = 1.33 [95% CI 1.11 to 1.60]) vs. (OR = 1.14 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.26]) and «lack of resources» (RP = 1, 93 [95% CI 11.67 to 2.24]) vs. (OR = 1.83 [95% CI 1.68 to 1.99]), respectively. Conclusion: Participants with abdominal obesity perceived more barriers to practice physical activity in Colombia university student’s (AU)

Valores hematológicos de la tortuga motelo (Geochelone denticulata) mantenida en cautiverio / Hematological values of the yellow footed tortoise (Geochelone denticulata) raised in captivity

El estudio tuvo por objetivo obtener valores hematológicos de referencia de la tortuga motelo (Geochelone denticulata). Se utilizaron 44 individuos mantenidos en cautiverio en la ciudad de Iquitos-Perú. Se colectó la sangre por punción de la vena subcarapacial y se determinó recuento de glóbulos rojos (RGR), recuento de glóbulos blancos (RGB), hematocrito (Ht), hemoglobina (Hb), recuento diferencial de leucocitos e índices eritrocíticos. La temperatura cloacal y el peso corporal se emplearon como referencia del estado de salud. Los valores promedio fueron: RGR 0.44 x 10uL, RGB 7.82 x 10uL, Ht 20.3%, Hb 7.0 g/dl, VCM 502.7 fl, HCM 171.4 pg, CHCM 34.1 g/dl. El recuento diferencial de leucocitos fue: Heterófilos 55.6%, Linfocitos 25.5%, Eosinófilos 15.8%, Basófilos 1.5%, Monocitos 0.4%, Azurófilos 1.2%. Los resultados coinciden con los intervalos de referencia documentados para la especie.

The objective of the study was to obtain hematological referential values for Geochelone denticulata tortoise. Blood samples of 44 tortoises, maintained in captivity in Iquitos city, Peru, were collected by puncture of the subcarapacial vein. Blood parameters under evaluation were red blood cell number (RBC), white blood cell number (WBC), hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb), differential leukocyte counts and erythrocyte indexes. Cloacal temperature and body weight were used as a reference for health status. The average values were: RBC 0.44 x 10mL, WBC 7.82 x 10mL, Ht 20.3%, Hb 7.0 g/dl, MCV 502.7 fl, MCH 171.4 pg, MCHC 34.1 g/dl. Leukocyte differential counts were: Heterophils 55.6%, Lymphocytes 25.5%, Eosinophils 15.8%, Basophils 1.5%, Monocytes 0.4%, Azurophils 1.2%. Results were similar to values reported for the species.

Presencia de Trypanosoma sp. en sajinos (Tayassu tajacu) criados en cautiverio en el trópico peruano / Presence of Trypanosomas sp. in collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) reared in captivity in the tropics of Peru

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la presencia de Trypanosomasp. en sajinos en cautiverio de las zonas de Iquitos y Moyobamba. Se colectó muestras de sangre de 40 sajinos procedentes de tres zoocriaderos con edades entre 3 meses y 2 años. Las muestras se procesaron con las técnicas de microcapilar o técnica de Woo y del frotis sanguíneo delgado. No se halló la presencia de Trypanosomasp. en las muestras examinadas, y, posiblemente, la baja sensibilidad de las técnicas afectó los resultados. La técnica de evaluación de riesgo por simulación Monte Carlo (programa @Risk) indicó que el 95% de las observaciones analizadas se encontraron en un intervalo de 0.006 a 0.854% y que la probabilidad de encontrar la infección real en sajinos provenientes de Iquitos y Moyobamba se encuentra en un rango promedio de infección de 0.02%.

The objective of the present study was to determine the presence of Trypanosomasp. in collared peccaries reared in captivity in Iquitos and Moyobamba area. Blood samples were collected from 40 animals from 3 months to 2 years of age. Samples were processed by the microcapillary or Woo technique and the blood smear. None of the samples resulted positive to Trypanosoma sp., and probably the low sensitivity of the techniques affected the results. The Monte Carlo risk analysis (@Risk) indicated that the probability to obtain an infected animal in the Moyobamba and Iquitos area was 0.02% and that 95% of the samples were within an interval of 0.006 a 0.854%.

Identificación de Salmonella sp. en tortugas motelo (Geochelone denticulata) de un criadero de la ciudad de Iquitos / Identification of salmonella spp. in motelo turtles (Geochelone denticulata) de un criadero de la ciudad de Iquitos

El objetivo del presente estudio fue detectar la presencia de Salmonella sp. en 30 tortugas motelo (Geochelone denticulata) de un zoocriadero de la zona de Iquitos, Perú. Las muestras de heces se obtuvieron por hisopado rectal y se procesaron mediante pruebas de cultivo bacteriológico y bioquímicas. El 6.7% de las muestras fueron positivas a Salmonellasp., donde de la tipificación dio como resultado Salmonella enterica subespecie enterica serotipo typhimurium.

The objective of the present study was to detect the presence of Salmonella spp. in 30 motelo turtles (Geochelone denticulata) in a zoo of the Iquitos region, Peru. Fecal samples were obtained by rectal swaps and processed by bacteriological and biochemical cultivation tests. The results showed that 6.7% of the samples were positive to Salmonella spp. and the typing indicated Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype typhimurium.

Anticuerpos contra el virus de la estomatitis vesicularen sajinos (Tayassu tajacu) de zoocriaderos de Iquitos y Pucallpa / Pucallpa Anticuerpos contra el virus de la estomatitis vesicularen sajinos (Tayassu tajacu) de zoocriaderos de Iquitos y

The objetive of this study was to detect antibodies against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) from farms of Iquitos and Pucallpa, Peru. Blood samples were collected in animals olders than 6 months of age (pregnant females were not included) from a farm in Iquitos (n = 21) and from four farms in Pucallpa (n = 47), for detection of antibodies against Indiana 1 and New Jersey serotype of VSV by viral neutralization test. No specific antibodies against both serotypes of VSV were detected, indicating that the peccaries were not exposed to VSV, and suggesting absence of the infection in those animals.

Perfil bioquímico sanguíneo hepático y renal en el sajino (Tayassu tajacu) criado en cautiverio en la amazonía peruana / Blood biochemical profile in the liver and kidney peccary (Tayassu tajacu) raised in captivity in the Peruvian Amazon

The objective of this study was to establish reference serum values for bilirrubin (total and direct), alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, urea, and creatinine in healthy collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) kept under captivity in the Amazonian jungle of Peru (Loreto, Iquitos). A total of 28 adult animals (14 males and 14 females) were used. Blood samples (7 ml) were collected from the safen vein. Serum values were: Total bilirrubin: 0.7± 0.2 mg/dl; direct bilirrubin: 0.2 ± 0.1 mg/dl; ALT: 26.5 ± 9.1 UI/l; AST: 15.9 ± 8.4 UI/l; alkaline phosphatase: 27.5 ± 15.5 UI/l; cholesterol: 94.4 ± 20.2 mg/dl; total protein: 8.5 ± 1.1 g/dl; albumin: 4.4 ± 0.5 g/dl; urea: 58.1 ± 11.1 mg/dl; and creatinine: 2.2 ± 0.5 mg/dl. It was concluded that serum values were similar to other results reported in the literature and without statistical differences due to sex.