The effect of chronic high-intensity interval training programs on glycaemic control, aerobic resistance, and body composition in type 2 diabetic patients: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is an increasing health problem worldwide. HIIT has been proposed as an exercise alternative to be part of integral type 2 diabetes treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of different types of chronic HIIT on glycaemic control, aerobic resistance, and body composition in individuals above 18 years with T2D. DESIGN: This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement and was registered with PROSPERO on November 21st, 2021. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search of the following databases: EbscoHost (Academic Search Ultimate, Fuente Académica Plus, MEDline and SportDiscus), Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE between April of 2021 and April of 2023 was conducted. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Eligibility criteria included (1) participants aged ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, (2) an HIIT protocol with detailed description, (3) control group and/or continuous aerobic training comparison group, (4) report of pre-test and post-test values for at least one of the studied variables (from glycaemic control, aerobic resistance, and/or body composition), and (5) experimental or quasi-experimental intervention design. ANALYSES: Meta-analysis was made by a pre-post-test between-group analysis following the inverse variance heterogeneity model for each variable, and then, a subgroup analysis by type of HIIT was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 2817 records obtained, 180 records were included for meta-analysis. Significant improvements were found in the most part of the variables when HIIT was compared to control group, while fat-free mass kept without changes. HIIT vs. continuous aerobic training results showed and advantage in favor of HIIT for fasting blood glycemia. Subgroup analysis refers a possible advantage of SI-HIIT and SIT-HIIT in the improvement of fasting glycemia and SIT-HIIT advantage in HOMA 1-IR decrease. CONCLUSIONS: HIIT improves glycaemic control, aerobic resistance, and % fat and waist circumference, and kept fat-free mass unchanged in individuals with T2D. SI-HIIT and SIT-HIIT could be better than the other types of HIIT. HIIT benefit is similar to continuous aerobic training except for fasting blood glycemia.

Prevalence of Barrett's esophagus: An observational study from a gastroenterology clinic. / Prevalencia de esófago de Barrett: estudio observacional en una clínica de gastroenterología.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Barrett's esophagus is a condition that predisposes to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Our aim was to establish the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus at our center, as well as determine its associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the endoscopic reports of 500 outpatients seen at our Gastroenterology Service from November 2014 to April 2016. We determined the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus and analyzed the demographic, clinical, and endoscopic findings associated with that pathology. RESULTS: The prevalence of Barrett's esophagus was 1.8%. The mean age of the patients with Barrett's esophagus was 58.7 years (range: 45-70) and there was a predominance of men (66%). In the subgroup of patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (n=125), Barrett's esophagus prevalence was 7.2%. In the multivariate analysis, the factors that were independently associated with Barrett's esophagus were gastroesophageal reflux (P=.005) and hiatal hernia (P=.006). CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of Barrett's esophagus was 1.8% in our population, with a prevalence of 7.2% in patients that had symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.

Assessment of the estrogenicity of the diet of a healthy female Spanish population based on its isoflavone content.

Phytoestrogens are natural components of plants consumed by humans. The hormonal activity of these substances has long been known. Various in vitro tests have demonstrated the agonistic or antagonistic estrogenic activity of some phytoestrogens. The objective of this study was to estimate the supply of isoflavones in the diet of a healthy adult female population and to assess its estrogenic effect. The diet was assessed by questionnaire and the estrogenicity of the estimated isoflavone content was tested by E-screen, finding a mean total estrogenic capacity of 0.129 × 10⁻¹° eq.E2 (12.9 pmol day⁻¹), corresponding to a daily isoflavone intake of 265.8 µg day⁻¹. This study offers a preliminary insight into the phytoestrogen content of the diet of a healthy active population of Spanish women. The effects of this additional hormonal burden are highly controversial, and this approach to estimating dietary phytoestrogen intake of specific populations may help to elucidate its implications for human health.

Cell death and survival through the endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial axis.

The endoplasmic reticulum has a central role in biosynthesis of a variety of proteins and lipids. Mitochondria generate ATP, synthesize and process numerous metabolites, and are key regulators of cell death. The architectures of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria change continually via the process of membrane fusion, fission, elongation, degradation, and renewal. These structural changes correlate with important changes in organellar function. Both organelles are capable of moving along the cytoskeleton, thus changing their cellular distribution. Numerous studies have demonstrated coordination and communication between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. A focal point for these interactions is a zone of close contact between them known as the mitochondrial-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM), which serves as a signaling juncture that facilitates calcium and lipid transfer between organelles. Here we review the emerging data on how communication between endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria can modulate organelle function and determine cellular fate.

Gallbladder selection for histopathological analysis based on a simple method: a prospective comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: After a cholecystectomy, the current and traditional practice is to send each resected gallbladder to the pathologist for analysis. Some reports have suggested the possibility of selecting only those gallbladders that need to be analysed. The purpose of this study was to show a simple method for selecting which gallbladders should be sent to the pathologist. METHODS: A prospective comparative study was carried out. Two 'tests' were performed in 150 patients to detect or rule out gallbladder cancer. The first test included the patient's variables and a macroscopic gallbladder analysis performed by the surgeon (MGAS). The second test was the analysis performed by the pathologist. The results were compared. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients, 132 were women and 18 men; 130 were under 60 years old. One patient had inflammatory bowel disease, seven had changes on ultrasonography and in four cases intra-operative disturbances were observed. During the MGAS, disturbances were found in 30 patients. Eighty-one cases (54%) had at least one or more risk factors for gallbladder cancer.

Registration of Alfvén resonances in TCABR tokamak by the scanning reflectometer at sideband frequencies.

A frequency scanning O-mode reflectometer was used for studies of plasma density oscillations during local Alfvén wave (LAW) excitation in the Tokamak Chauffage Alfvén Brésilien (TCABR) at the frequency f(A) = 5 MHz. It was found that the spectrum of the reflectometer output signal, which consists mainly of the "beat" frequency f(B), is modified by the LAW excitation, and two additional frequency peaks appear, which are symmetrical in relation to the LAW excitation frequency f = f(A) ± f(B). This result opens the possibility to improve the efficiency of studying the LAW induced density oscillations. The symmetry of these frequency peaks yields the possibility of finding the microwave frequency at which the reflectometer cutoff layer coincides with radial position of the LAW resonance zone in the TCABR tokamak.

Comparative electron temperature measurements of Thomson scattering and electron cyclotron emission diagnostics in TCABR plasmas.

We present the first simultaneous measurements of the Thomson scattering and electron cyclotron emission radiometer diagnostics performed at TCABR tokamak with Alfvén wave heating. The Thomson scattering diagnostic is an upgraded version of the one previously installed at the ISTTOK tokamak, while the electron cyclotron emission radiometer employs a heterodyne sweeping radiometer. For purely Ohmic discharges, the electron temperature measurements from both diagnostics are in good agreement. Additional Alfvén wave heating does not affect the capability of the Thomson scattering diagnostic to measure the instantaneous electron temperature, whereas measurements from the electron cyclotron emission radiometer become underestimates of the actual temperature values.

[Exposure of phytoestrogens intake through diet in a sample of females]. / Estimación de la ingesta de fitoestrógenos en población femenina.

INTRODUCTION: The phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds that are part of many foods of plant origin and could therefore modulate aspects related hormones, such as type of antioxidant reactions, learning about intakes of these compounds in different populations clarify important aspects on their responses on the human body. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the exposure of phytoestrogens through diet, in a sample of women of all ages belonging to the university community (teachers, students and administrative), residents in the province of Granada, Spain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 52 adult females, aged between 20 and 63 years completed a questionnaire individually Frequency of Food Consumption (FFQ) composed of a total of 144 foods. It weighted the total daily consumption of phytoestrogens standardizing these values referring to the daidzein as substance pattern (mg/day). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), with a level of significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The results show that the total intake of phytoestrogens was (0.89 mg/day), and most of phytoestrogens was consumed in the form of lignanos. The total consumption of isoflavones, was 0.12 mg/day, of lignanos was 1.32 mg/day intake coumestrol was not significative. A linear regression analysis determined the equation to calculate intake phytoestrogens took into account 9 food groups (R: 0.918; p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Average intake of phytoestrogens in Spain, is comparable to intakes reported by similar studies in Germany, England and the United States (< 1 mg/ day). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in the intake of phytoestrogens, when comparing results by age, educational level, marital status or physical activity. The intake of phytoestrogens (mg/day) can be estimated from the intake (g/day) from 9 food groups.

Estimación de la ingesta de fitoestrógenos en población femenina / Exposure of phytoestrogens intake through diet in a sample of females

Introducción: Los fitoestrógenos son compuestos naturales que forman parte de numerosos alimentos de origen vegetal y que podrían modular tanto aspectos relacionados con hormonas, como reacciones de tipo antioxidante, por lo que conocer las ingestas de estos compuestos en diferentes poblaciones aclararía aspectos importantes sobre sus respuestas en el organismo. Objetivo: Valorar la exposición de fitoestrógenos por medio de la dieta, en una muestra de mujeres de todas las edades pertenecientes a la comunidad universitaria (docentes, administrativas y estudiantes), residentes en la provincia de Granada, España. Material y método: 52 mujeres adultas, con edades entre 20 y 63 años completaron individualmente un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos (FFQ) compuesto por un total de 144 alimentos. Se ponderó el consumo diario de fitoestrógenos totales estandarizando los valores refiriendo estos a la daidzeína como sustancia patrón (mg/día). El análisis estadístico se realizó con SPSS 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), con un nivel de significancia de p < 0,05. Resultados: Muestran que la ingesta total de fitoestrógenos referidos a la daizdeína fue de 0,89 mg/día, y la mayor parte de fitoestrogenos fue consumido en forma de lignanos. El consumo total de isoflavonas, fue de 0,12 mg/día, el de lignanos fue de 1,32 mg/día y la ingesta de coumestrol no fue significativa. Un Análisis de Regresión Lineal, determinó la ecuación para calcular la ingesta de fitoestrógenos, tomando en cuenta 9 grupos de alimentos (R: 0,918; p < 0,001). Discusión: La ingesta media de fitoestrógenos en España, es comparable con las ingestas descritas por estudios similares en Alemania, Inglaterra y Estados Unidos (< 1 mg/d). Conclusiones: No existen diferencias significativas en la ingesta de fitoestrógenos, cuando se compara la muestra por edad, nivel educativo, actividad física o estado civil. La ingesta de fitoestrógenos (mg/día) puede ser estimada a partir de la ingesta (g/día) de 9 grupos de alimentos (AU)

Introduction: The phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds that are part of many foods of plant origin and could therefore modulate aspects related hormones, such as type of antioxidant reactions, learning about intakes of these compounds in different populations clarify important aspects on their responses on the human body. Objective: To evaluate the exposure of phytoestrogens through diet, in a sample of women of all ages belonging to the university community (teachers, students and administrative), residents in the province of Granada,Spain. Material and method: 52 adult females, aged between 20 and 63 years completed a questionnaire individually Frequency of Food Consumption (FFQ) composed of a total of 144 foods. It weighted the total daily consumption of phytoestrogens standardizing these values referring to the daidzein as substance pattern (mg/day). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), with a level of significance of p < 0.05. Results: The results show that the total intake of phytoestrogens was (0.89 mg/day), and most of phytoestrogens was consumed in the form of lignanos. The total consumption of isoflavones, was 0.12 mg/day, of lignanos was 1.32 mg/day intake coumestrol was not significative. A linear regression analysis determined the equation to calculate intake phytoestrogens took into account 9 food groups (R: 0.918; p < 0.001). Discussion: Average intake of phytoestrogens in Spain, is comparable to intakes reported by similar studies in Germany, England and the United States (< 1 mg/ day). Conclusions: There were no significant differences in the intake of phytoestrogens, when comparing results by age, educational level, marital status or physical activity. The intake of phytoestrogens (mg/day) can be estimated from the intake (g/day) from 9 food groups (AU)

[Assessment of the diet of school children from Granada and influence of social factors]. / Valoración de la dieta de escolares granadinos e influencia de factores sociales.

INTRODUCTION: To perform a balanced diet adapted to the needs of the different life stages is important for a correct peopleís physical and psychological growth, preventing disease, and obtaining an optimal health status. The industrialized society is characterized by unbalanced energy balance due to an increase of energy intake through foods and decreased energy waste with increased SFA consumption. OBJECTIVE: To assess average dietary intake and how certain demographical and socio-economic factors have an influence on dietary habits of a sample of schoolchildren from Granada city. METHODS: The study population comprises 3,190 children and adolescents schooled at Granada city, with ages comprised between 8 and 15 years. A previously validated specific questionnaire was created including lifestyle habits, dietary habits, 24-hour recall, and frequency of foods consumption. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The average caloric ingestion in this population is higher than the predicted average waste recommended by WHO, with higher energy values being found in males. The caloric profile found in our sample is clearly unbalanced. The main protein sources were meats and dairy products. There were high intakes of SFA, PUFA, and cholesterol, markedly surpassing the recommended values. Vitamin E intake did not reach the daily recommended values. With regards to dietary habits, the study population spends less than 30 minutes for breakfast and about half an hour for lunch and dinner, those spending more time for meals having the highest energy and proteins intake.

Valoración de la dieta de escolares granadinos e influencia de factores Socials / Assessment of the diet of school children from Granada and influence of social factors

Introducción: Realizar una dieta equilibrada y adaptada a las necesidades de las diferentes etapas de la vida es importante para un adecuado crecimiento físico y psicológico de la persona, para prevenir enfermedades y para obtener un óptimo estado de salud. La sociedad industrializada se caracteriza por un desequilibrio en el balance energético, debido a un aumento en el aporte de energía a través de los alimentos y una disminución en el gasto energético con aumento en el consumo de AGS. Objetivo: evaluar la ingesta media de la dieta y cómo influyen ciertos factores demográficos y socioeconómicos en los hábitos alimentarios en un colectivo de escolares de Granada capital. Métodos: La población objeto de estudio son 3.190 niños y adolescentes escolarizados en la ciudad de Granada, en edades comprendidas entre los 8 y los 15 años. Para el estudio se confeccionó una encuesta de hábitos de vida, dietéticos, recuerdo de 24 horas y frecuencia de consumo de alimentos previamente validada. Resultados y discusión: Esta población tiene una ingesta calórica media superior al gasto teórico medio dictado por la OMS, encontrándose valores superiores de energía en los varones. El perfil calórico encontrado en nuestro colectivo es claramente desequilibrado. Las principales fuentes de proteínas fueron las carnes y lácteos. Ingestas elevadas de AGS, AGP, y colesterol sobrepasando notablemente las cifras recomendables. La ingesta de vitamina E no alcanzan las recomendaciones diarias emplean. En hábitos dietéticos, la población en estudio usa menos de media hora en desayunar y alrededor demedia hora en la comida de medio día y la cena, relacionándose aquellos que emplean más tiempo en las comidas con una mayor ingesta de energía y proteínas (AU)

Introduction: To perform a balanced diet adapted to the needs of the different life stages is important for a correct people is physical and psychological growth, preventing disease, and obtaining an optimal health status. The industrialized society is characterized by unbalanced energy balance due to an increase of energy in take through foods and decreased energy waste with increased SFA consumption. Objective: To assess average dietary intake and how certain demographical and socio-economic factors have an influence on dietary habits of a sample of schoolchildren from Granada city. Methods: The study population comprises 3,190 children and adolescents schooled at Granada city, with ages comprised between 8 and 15 years. A previously validated specific questionnaire was created including lifestyle habits, dietary habits, 24-hour recall, and frequency of foods consumption. Results and discussion: The average caloric ingestion in this population is higher than the predicted average waste recommended by WHO, with higher energy values being found in males. The caloric profile found in our sample is clearly unbalanced. The main protein sources were meats and dairy products. There were high intakes of SFA,PUFA, and cholesterol, markedly surpassing the recommended values. Vitamin E intake did not reach the daily recommended values. With regards to dietary habits, the study population spends less than 30 minutes for breakfast and about half an hour for lunch and dinner, those spending more time for meals having the highest energy and proteins intake (AU)

[Disparities in food consumption and nutrient intake among in relation to smoking]. / Diferencias en el consumo de alimentos y nutrientes según el hábito tabáquico.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional habits and smoking are well known to be two of the most important risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The aim of this study was to assess disparities in food consumption and nutrient intake in relation to smoking in the population of Pamplona, Spain. METHODS: A cross study by postal survey was carried out on a representative sample (n=875; 29.3% of the theoretical sample) of Pamplona's population aged between 18 and 65 years. Food consumption was evaluated by a food consumption frequency questionnaire. The survey also contained questionnaires about consumption of tobacco and alcohol, physical activity, as well as a sociodemographic record. A bivariant analysis was carried out (p<0.05) by Kruskal Wallis and chi2 Pearson tests. RESULTS: Male smokers consume less fruit, vegetables and chicken than other groups, while male ex-smokers seem to have healthier food consumption patterns. Female smokers have a less healthy diet as well, although differences are less marked. In both genders, smokers consume more alcohol. With respect to nutrients, smokers consume less folate, niacin and antioxidants (vitamin C). Female non-smokers consume more fibre than other groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the prevalence of a healthier diet among non-smokers and ex-smokers, who share similar diet patterns that are healthier than those of smokers. It would also be desirable for smokers to have healthier food consumption habits in order to reduce the effects of tobacco and to meet the additional demand for some nutrients required by this group.

Diferencias en el consumo de alimentos y nutrientes según el hábito tabáquico / Disparities in food consumption and nutrient intake among in relation to smoking

Fundamento. Los hábitos alimentarios y el consumo de tabaco suponen dos de los principales factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares y cáncer. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir posibles diferencias en el consumo de alimentos y nutrientes en función del consumo de tabaco en la población de Pamplona.Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal mediante encuesta postal en una muestra significativa (n =874), correspondiente al 29,3% de personas de la muestra teórica que respondieron a la encuesta, de la población de Pamplona con edad comprendida entre 18 y 65 años. Se evaluó el consumo de alimentos mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos. La encuesta incluía también un cuestionario sobre el consumo de tabaco, otro para evaluar el consumo de alcohol y distintas preguntas para evaluar la actividad física, además de una ficha sociodemográfica. Se llevó a cabo un análisis bivariado (p<0,05) mediante las pruebas de Kruskal Wallis, c2 de Pearson y residuos tipificados corregidos.Resultados. Los varones fumadores consumen menos fruta, vegetales y carne de pollo que las otras categorías, mientras que los varones exfumadores son los que presentan un patrón de consumo más saludable. Las mujeres fumadoras también presentan una dieta menos sana, aunque las diferencias son menores. En ambos sexos, los fumadores ingieren más alcohol. Respecto a los nutrientes, las personas fumadoras ingieren menor cantidad de folatos, ácido nicotínico y antioxidantes (vitamina C). En el caso de las mujeres, además, el consumo de fibra aparece incrementado entre las no fumadoras.Conclusiones. El presente estudio pone de manifiesto la existencia de una dieta más saludable en los no fumadores y exfumadores, que comparten una dieta parecida y más sana que los fumadores. Sería deseable además que los fumadores tuvieran hábitos alimentarios más saludables para atenuar el efecto del tabaco y para cubrir la demanda adicional de algunos nutrientes requerida por este grupo

Background. Nutritional habits and smoking are well known to be two of the most important risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The aim of this study was to assess disparities in food consumption and nutrient intake in relation to smoking in the population of Pamplona, Spain. Methods. A cross study by postal survey was carried out on a representative sample (n=875; 29.3% of the theoretical sample) of Pamplona´s population aged between 18 and 65 years. Food consumption was evaluated by a food consumption frequency questionnaire. The survey also contained questionnaires about consumption of tobacco and alcohol, physical activity, as well as a sociodemographic record. A bivariant analysis was carried out (p<0.05) by Kruskal Wallis and c2 Pearson tests. Results. Male smokers consume less fruit, vegetables and chicken than other groups, while male ex-smokers seem to have healthier food consumption patterns. Female smokers have a less healthy diet as well, although differences are less marked. In both genders, smokers consume more alcohol. With respect to nutrients, smokers consume less folate, niacin and antioxidants (vitamin C). Female non-smokers consume more fibre than other groups. Conclusions. This study highlights the prevalence of a healthier diet among non-smokers and ex-smokers, who share similar diet patterns that are healthier than those of smokers. It would also be desirable for smokers to have healthier food consumption habits in order to reduce the effects of tobacco and to meet the additional demand for some nutrients required by this group

Fish oil (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids beneficially affect biliary cholesterol nucleation time in obese women losing weight.

It has been reported that intake of (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and decreases biliary cholesterol saturation in the bile of gallstone patients. We investigated the effect of n-3 PUFA on cholesterol saturation index (CSI) and nucleation time (NT) in obese subjects who were losing weight. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Obese women (n = 35) with a body mass index (BMI) > or = 30 kg/m(2), with no prior history of gallstones or cholecystectomy by ultrasound were first studied to ensure absence of stones or biliary sludge. The women were then assigned to a hypocaloric regimen [5.02 MJ (1200 kcal)/d] and to receive 1200 mg/d of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), 11.3 g/d of (n-3) PUFA or a placebo for 6 wk. BMI, CSI and NT were recorded at baseline and at the end of the experimental period. BMI decreased 5.75 +/- 2.7%/mo (range, 1.5-12.42%/mo) during the experiment. The CSI did not change in any of the groups. Cholesterol NT decreased significantly in the UDCA and placebo groups, but not in the (n-3) PUFA group. None of the women had developed gallstones at 6 wk. These results suggest that (n-3) PUFA maintain the CSI and NT in obese women during rapid weight loss, which probably results in the prevention of cholesterol gallstone formation.

Management of choledocholithiasis found during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a strategy based on the use of postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and sphincterotomy.

BACKGROUND: Several strategies have been proposed for the diagnosis and management of common bile duct stones in candidates for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of five patients in whom CBDS were demonstrated by intraoperative cholangiography during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy were analyzed. All patients were treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy. Post-treatment outcome was emphasized. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 55 years. Four were female and one male. Preoperative liver function tests were within normal range in all patients. Duct stones of a mean size of 0.8 cm were found in the lower third of the biliary tree. Four were retrieved by endoscopic sphincteroplasty using a Dormia basket and in one patient after an unsuccessful endoscopic attempt, an open choledochoduodenostomy was performed. There were no post-treatment complications. At a mean follow-up of 2 years no evidence of recurrent common bile duct obstruction has been found in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: This small series supports the use of postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and sphincteroplasty in patients with unsuspected common bile duct stones found during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Retrieval of the stones immediately after surgery at the operative room is recommended.

Acute effects of 60-Hz electromagnetic fields on ex vivo murine lymphocyte and macrophage functions, and in vitro tumor cell growth.

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been associated with impairing health. There are data that associate EMFs exposure to incidence of cancer, but there are conflicting results between epidemiological and laboratory studies. Similarly studies on the effect of EMF on the immune system have produced variable results. In the present study, we evaluated the acute effects of 60 Hz EMFs exposure at 1.0 mT, on proliferation of murine thymic lymphocytes, production of nitric oxide and phagocytosis of Candida albicans by peritoneal murine macrophages, as well as the effect of 8 h/day of EMF exposure during 6 days on proliferation of murine lymphoma L5178Y-R cell growth. We observed that exposure to EMF did not alter lymphocyte and macrophage functions, and did not affect in vitro cell growth of the murine lymphoma cell line L5178Y-R.

Geographic differences in bone mineral density of Mexican women.

The aim of this study was to generate standard curves for normal spinal and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) in Mexican women using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to analyze geographic differences and to compare these with 'Hispanic' reference data to determine its applicability. This was a cross-sectional study of 4460 urban, clinically normal, Mexican women, aged 20-90 years, from 10 different cities in Mexico (5 in the north, 4 in the center and 1 in the southeast) with densitometry centers. Women with suspected medical conditions or who had used drugs affecting bone metabolism, were excluded. Lumbar spine BMD was significantly higher (1.089 +/- 0.18 g/cm2) in women from the northern part of Mexico, with intermediate values in the center (1.065 +/- 0.17 g/cm2) and lower values (1.013 +/- 0.19 g/cm2) in the southeast (p < 0.0001). Similarly, femoral neck BMD was significantly higher in women from the north (0.895 +/- 0.14 g/cm2), intermediate in the center (0.864 +/- 0.14 g/cm2) and lower (0.844 +/- 0.14 g/cm ) in the southeast part of Mexico (p < 0.0001). Northern Mexican women tend to be taller and heavier than women from the center and, even more, than those from the southeast of Mexico (p < 0.0001). However, these differences in BMD remained significant after adjustment for weight (p < 0.0001). A significant loss (p < 0.0001) in BMD was observed from 40 to 69 years of age at the lumbar spine and up to the eighth decade at the femoral neck. Higher and lower lumbar spine values, as compared with the 'Hispanic' population, were observed in Mexican mestizo women from the northern and southeastern regions, respectively. In conclusion, there are geographic differences in weight and height of Mexican women, and in BMD despite adjustment for weight.

Interleukin-4-deficient BALB/c mice develop an enhanced Th1-like response but control cardiac inflammation following Borrelia burgdorferi infection.

Interleukin-4 has been reported to critically modulate Borrelia burgdorferi infection and Lyme arthritis in experimental murine models. To determine the in vivo role of IL-4 in controlling Lyme carditis, we compared immunological responses and the severity of cardiac inflammation in wild-type BALB/c (IL-4 +/+) and IL-4 deficient BALB/c (IL-4 -/-) mice infected with B. burgdorferi by tick-bite. At day 15 and 30 post-infection IL-4 -/- mice produced significantly greater titers of spirochete-specific IgG2a than the wild-type IL-4 +/+ mice, which produced significantly more spirochete-specific IgG1. Following in vitro antigenic stimulation with B. burgdorferi antigen, splenocytes from infected IL-4 -/- and IL-4 +/+ mice displayed similar magnitudes of proliferative responses at day 15 and 30 post-infection. At day 30 antigen-stimulated splenocytes from infected IL-4 -/- mice, however, produced significantly more IFN-gamma than those derived from similarly infected IL-4 +/+ mice, suggesting that Th1-influenced responses predominated in IL-4 -/- mice. Moreover, inflamed hearts from IL-4 -/- mice displayed higher levels of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha transcripts as compared to IL-4 +/+ mice. At both time points antigen-stimulated splenocytes from IL-4 +/+ and IL-4 -/- mice produced significant amounts of IL-10 but those from IL-4 +/+ mice produced either no or little IL-4. Histopathology demonstrated typical Lyme carditis in both IL-4 +/+ and IL-4 -/- mice at day 15 and day 30. Although Borrelia-infected IL-4 -/- mice developed a more severe carditis on day 30, the carditis resolved by day 50, as it did in IL4 +/+ mice. These results indicate that although IL-4 may help limit the severity of Lyme carditis, its absence does not preclude resolution of cardiac lesions.

[Osteoporosis in Mexican postmenopausal women. Magnitude of the problem. Multicenter study]. / Osteoporosis en la mujer postmenopáusica mexicana. Magnitud del problema. Estudio multicéntrico.

Incidencia of osteoporosis induced fractures increases with age; risk increases exponentially as bone mass decreases. Women are prone to osteoporosis 2 to 3 times more than men, due to lower "peak" bone mass and the accelerated loss that occurs after the menopause. The prevalence of osteoporosis in with Caucasian postmenopausal women varies from 16 to 30% depending upon the number of sites measured (lumbar spine/hip and/or forearm). The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in pre and postmenopausal Mexican women in relation to men, and to that reported in Caucasia women. The study involved 4,821 apparently healthy subjects (without known risk factors for osteoporosis), 4,467 females and 354 males from 11 different centers of Mexican Republic, 20 to 90 years old, using DXA bone densitometry of lumbar spine and hip. Prevalence of osteoporosis in women is twice that in men (P < 0.001), and it increases with age, particularly after the menopause (P < 0.0001). Our study found a prevalence of osteoporosis of the lumbar spine and/or hip in apparently healthy postmenopausal Mexican women over 50 years of age of 16%, increasing to 20% in those women with or without risk factors who attended voluntarily or by suggestion of their physician to be studied. The prevalence values obtained seem to be lower than those reported for Caucasian women, 30%. We found a prevalence of osteoporosis of 16% and of osteopenia of 57% in women 50 years of age and older. We also found a higher prevalence of osteoporosis in women of the south east part of the county.

Practical guidelines for developing a hospital-based wound and ostomy clinic.

Multidisciplinary teams save time and money while improving quality of patient care. Hospital-based wound/ostomy clinics provide patients with holistic, one-stop, expert care with access to a variety of diagnostic and treatment modalities. The authors discuss how to assemble all the ingredients for a successful multidisciplinary hospital-based clinic, how to make it work, and how to measure its cost-effectiveness for patient, hospital, community and nation. The original model clinic established in Costa Rica using these methods was so successful at providing efficient, high quality, cost-effective care that it has been adopted in 17 different locations there, and similar clinics are being developed in other countries. This model is applicable to industrialized and developing countries. By focusing hospital resources on evidence-based wound/ostomy care, it has the potential to revolutionize wound and ostomy care around the world.