Search

Background and purpose Rheumatoid meningitis (RM) is a neurological complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Current evidence is based on case reports and partial reviews. Methods This is a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA statement. The aim is to describe the characteristics of the disease, including clinical, imaging and laboratory findings, treatment, outcomes and prognosis reported in the literature. Results In all, 103 studies with 130 cases were included. RM affected adults with an average age of 62 years, with or without a previous RA diagnosis. RA activity and time with the disease were associated with a worse prognosis. Most common clinical manifestations were transient focal neurological signs (64.6%), systemic symptoms (51.3%), episodic headache (50.4%) and neuropsychiatric alterations (47.7%). Joint manifestations were present in only 27.4% of cases. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed unilateral or bilateral involvement, predominantly frontoparietal. Both pachymeninges and leptomeninges were affected, the latter more frequently (82.88%). The laboratory findings included increased levels of rheumatoid factor (89.71%), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (89.47%), C-reactive protein (82.54%) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (81.81%). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed an increase in the protein level (76.14%), with pleocytosis (85.19%) of mononuclear predominance (89.19%). Biopsy was performed in 72.52% of the patients. Corticosteroid pulse therapy was the main induction therapy. Disease relapse occurred in 31.17% of patients, whilst 54.54% had a full recovery. Conclusions Rheumatoid meningitis must be considered in adult patients with or without RA diagnosis, high-dose corticosteroid induction therapy should be installed and maintenance therapy plays a key role. It is not recommended to use anti-TNF as an induction therapy. Nowadays, RM has a significantly better outcome. These findings may aid clinicians in timely RM diagnosis and treatment, thus improving its outcomes.

Street markets can contribute to food security, since they are a source of fresh food and comparably inexpensive goods, being very relevant for low-income groups. Their relevance is even higher when considering older people, due to their often-constrained financial resources and possibilities to move. To assess the potential contribution of street markets to food security, this paper aims at evaluating to what extent older people have access to such a relevant asset. We consider the case of Chile, an ageing country with an unequal pension system, which makes it relevant for older people to access healthy and inexpensive food. We analyze what proportion of older people (i.e., people over 65) has walking access within 10 min to a street market—feria libre—in each Chilean region, with particular detail in the country’s four major urban areas. We compare the resulting accessibility maps with census data to identify neighborhoods with higher proportions of older people and examine their socio-economic conditions. Our findings show that while street markets are less accessible to older people in comparison to the general population, the inhabitants who can access them belong mainly to low-income groups. The results provide relevant insights to develop neighborhood-based policies for spreading and strengthening street markets, especially in low-income areas with insufficient levels of access to other relevant urban opportunities.

Objective. To compare the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for diagnosing Echinococcus granulosus in dog feces among national reference laboratories in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. Methods. National laboratories affiliated with the Ministry of Health/Agriculture of each country exchanged panels of 10 positive/negative samples obtained from their regular national surveillance programs in November 2015 – November 2016. All laboratories applied PCR; two also applied ELISA techniques. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each laboratory and concordance of results among the laboratories was evaluated by Cohen Kappa coefficient. Results. Poor concordance (3 of 10 paired comparisons had values of Kappa > 0.4), low sensitivity and specificity across all laboratories, and poor performance of both techniques in detecting E. granulosus in canine feces was demonstrated in this study. An ex-post comparison of the laboratories’ test protocols showed substantial heterogeneity that could partially explain poor concordance of results. Conclusion. The results underscore the heterogeneity of canine echinococcosis diagnosis across the region and indicate possible sources of variability. Efforts to standardize canine echinococcosis testing must be included in the plan of action for the Regional Initiative for the Control of Cystic Echinococcosis. Future comparisons with fecal samples of known parasite load are needed.

Increasing epidemiological evidence suggests that optimal diet quality helps to improve preservation of lung function and to reduce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk, but no study has investigated the association of food insecurity (FI) and lung health in the general population. Using data from a representative sample of US adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012 cycles, we investigated the association between FI with lung function and spirometrically defined COPD in 12,469 individuals aged ≥ 18 years of age. FI (high vs. low) was defined using the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Security Scale). Population-weighted adjusted regression models were used to investigate associations between FI, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), their ratio, and spirometrically defined restriction (FVC below the lower limit of normal) and airflow obstruction (COPD). The prevalence of household FI was 13.2%. High household FI was associated with lower FVC (adjusted β-coefficient −70.9 mL, 95% CI −116.6, −25.3), and with higher odds (OR) of spirometric restriction (1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.03). Stratified analyses showed similar effect sizes within specific ethnic groups. High FI was associated with worse lung health in a nationally representative sample of adults in the US.

The purpose of this article is to present the experiences obtained in the formation of the Research Group ITESI CA-017 of Software Engineering, which is formed with professors of the Computer Engineering and Computer Systems Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Irapuato. Largely, the path taken by the members of the academic body has been based on the sense of responsibility and commitment that each one has adopted; this has allowed the creation of an environment of trust suitable for collaboration and teamwork. As part of the experience that is shared in this work, is mentioned from the integration, the procedure for obtaining recognition as a Research Group in Training by PRODEP, the incorporation of new members; finishing in the distribution of work and collaboration in research projects and generation of publications for participation in national and international forums. The propuse of the presented experience is to help other professors integrate as research groups and collaborate with each other; and even with the Research Group ITESI CA-017 Software Engineering.

Objectives Out-of-pocket spent (OPS) of health services are considered inefficient and are a consequence of inequalities in financing and access. The main objective of this study was to compare OPS on health and medicine, including catastrophic expenditure, overall and by quintiles and deciles, for the great Santiago city in the periods 1997, 2007 and 2012. Methods Cross-sectional study based on household budget surveys 1997, 2007 and 2012. OPS on health and medicine for households of the great Santiago was estimated overall and for different quintiles and deciles. In addition, the probability of incurring in catastrophic due to health and drug expenditure were also estimated. Results OPS showed a progressive increase in the three periods. Drug spending showed a decrease concentrated in the lower deciles and an increase in top deciles of expenditure. Catastrophic drug expenditure decreased progressively. By observing the catastrophic drug spending by deciles were the three richest deciles which showed a large increase between 2007 and 2012. Conclusions OPS on health remained high between 2007 and 2012, despite presenting slight decreases in some quintiles and deciles. However, drug coverage improved over time. This study demonstrates that improvements are needed in the financial protection mechanisms on health in Chile, especially for poorer quintiles and deciles.

Background: Diet quality has been associated with lower risk of respiratory diseases, but evidence from studies representative of the US population is limited. Objective: To investigate the association of ventilatory function and diet quality in adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Methods: Analyses included US adults aged 19-70 years old who completed at least one 24-hour dietary recall and underwent pre-bronchodilator spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], and FEV1/FVC) in three NHANES cycle years (2007-2012). Only individuals whose spirometry met ATS quality standards, and who had plausible dietary intake were included (n=10,428). The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) score was used to ascertain diet quality (range 0-110, higher=better diet quality). Weighted linear regression models were used to examine the association of ventilatory function outcomes and AHEI-score, adjusting for age, sex, height, race, income, body mass index, education, smoking status, and physical activity. Results: Participants had a mean AHEI-score of 44.60 (SD± 12.82), indicating low diet quality. A per-standard deviation increase in AHEI-score was statistically significantly associated with a greater FVC [mL] (adjusted [a] b-coefficient 26.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 11.65, 42.00; p-value Conclusion: This large population-based study showed that better quality diet was associated with improved lung function in US adults.

To describe the changes in diet quality in Colombians using nationally representative samples from the 2005 and 2015 nutrition surveys. Repeated cross-sectional analyses of the National Nutrition Surveys from 2005 and 2015. Children (4–17 y.o.) and adults (≥ 18 y.o.) were included. The Alternative Healthy-Eating Index (AHEI) was derived from 24-h recall questionnaires and used to examine diet quality. A total of 33,971 participants (20,122 children, 13,849 adults) were included in 2005, and 26,445 participants (15,304 children, 11,141 adults) in 2015. Over the ten-year period, the AHEI decreased from 46.3 to 44.3 in children (Cohen’s d = 0.19) and from 49.0 to 46.2 in adults. (Cohen’s d = 0.25). On average, those in the highest socioeconomic level had the worst diet quality; however, the difference between the less and most affluent groups shrank by 4.0% over the observation period. Between 2005 and 2015, there was a worsening in the diet quality of Colombian children and adults. Less affluent individuals had a greater worsening of diet quality compared to groups from higher socioeconomic levels.

To examine how much of the variation in weight-for-height (WHZ) z-scores were associated with age at which breastfeeding ceased and provision of fortified cow’s milk (Leche Purita Fortificada, LPF) commenced in a cohort of children studied from birth to 3 years of age. Longitudinal data were obtained from routine medical check-ups on 8373 children from nine Chilean counties through convenience sampling. WHZ z-scores were generated at six-monthly intervals using WHO 2006 standards from birth to 3 years old (seven measurements). Age of cessation of breastfeeding and age of commencement of LPF were the independent variables. Repeated-measures ANOVA were used to analyse the changes in WHZ over the seven measurements. Binomial generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyse the effect of each independent variable on the change from normal to overweight, and normal to obese over the seven measurements. ANOVA indicated that children given LPF milk before 3 months of age had, on average, higher mean WHZ of about 0.11 SD from 18 months of age onwards (p

This retrospective, observational study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the sampling methods commonly used for the collection of corneal scrapes for the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) by culture, in terms of their ability to provide a positive result. A total of 553 samples from 380 patients with suspected AK received at the Parasitology Section of the Public Health Institute of Chile, between January 2005 and December 2015, were evaluated. A logistic regression model was used to determine the correlation between the culture outcome (positive or negative) and the method for sample collection. The year of sample collection was also included in the analysis as a confounding variable. Three hundred and sixty-five samples (27%) from 122 patients (32.1%) were positive by culture. The distribution of sample types was as follows: 142 corneal scrapes collected using a modified bezel needle (a novel method developed by a team of Chilean corneologists), 176 corneal scrapes obtained using a scalpel, 50 corneal biopsies, 30 corneal swabs, and 155 non-biological materials including contact lens and its paraphernalia. Biopsy provided the highest likelihood ratio for a positive result by culture (1.89), followed by non-biological materials (1.10) and corneal scrapes obtained using a modified needle (1.00). The lowest likelihood ratio was estimated for corneal scrapes obtained using a scalpel (0.88) and cotton swabs (0.78). Apart from biopsy, optimum corneal samples for the improved diagnosis of AK can be obtained using a modified bezel needle instead of a scalpel, while cotton swabs are not recommended.

Background: The effect of a pre-exercise meal as countermeasure to exercise induced immunodepression is poorly known. Also, sedentary behavior is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk but studies on immune changes are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to assess: 1) the impact of a pre-exercise Mediterranean meal (MdM) compared with a fast-food type meal (FFM) on exercise-induced immunological changes and 2) the impact of an induced acute period of sedentary behavior on neuro-immune-endocrine status. Methods: /Design: This is a two steps clinical trial including: (a) randomized crossover clinical trial, comparing the effect a high-fat/low-nutrient dense meal, FFM, with an isoenergetic similar high-nutrient dense meal, MdM, in the immune response to an exercise challenge (EC) and (b) a pilot trial assessing the neuro-immune-endocrine change induced by acute decreasing by half the usual physical activity level. Results: A total of 46 participants (26 females), median aged 25 years were included. Of those 39-completed protocol, including overweight, physical active and inactive and participants with asthma. There were no differences in the EC between interventions. Dietary factors and physical activity were closely monitored during interventions and kept similar. During physical inactivity induction, 31% reached the target of 50% reduction in mean step number and 77% reached a 30% reduction. Conclusion: The use of a pre-exercise meal to modulate immune response and the understanding of the immunological impact of physical inactivity might help to establish future recommendations on how to practice exercise in a safer way and to recognize the potential impact of inactivity. Keywords: Allostatic load, Physical inactivity, Meal, Exercise challenge

Canary seed is a grassy plant in the family of poaceae, which grains are used almost exclusively to feed birds. With limited information reported but proven bioactive potential, led to study how does the consumption of a canary seed infusion affected rats with a change in a diet on the lipid profile, in an experimental model. The animals were divided into two groups, the first group received a hypercaloric diet (60 days) and the second was maintained on a normocaloric diet. Afterwards the groups were subdivided, one group received a diet change from hypercaloric to normocaloric, the second continued to receive the hypercaloric diet and the third kept a normocaloric diet, half of each group ingested 25% Canary seed infusion and the rest water for 45 days. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c and LDL-c were determined. Results showed a statistically significant reduction of 30.08% in triglyceride values in the group with combination of Canary seed infusion with a dietary change, while in cholesterol metabolism there were no significant changes. Thus, the ability of canary seed infusion to reduce serum triglycerides when combined with a dietary change was confirmed.

To compare the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for diagnosingNational laboratories affiliated with the Ministry of Health/Agriculture of each country exchanged panels of 10 positive/negative samples obtained from their regular national surveillance programs in November 2015 - November 2016. All laboratories applied PCR; two also applied ELISA techniques. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each laboratory and concordance of results among the laboratories was evaluated by Cohen Kappa coefficient.Poor concordance (3 of 10 paired comparisons had values of Kappa0.4), low sensitivity and specificity across all laboratories, and poor performance of both techniques in detectingThe results underscore the heterogeneity of canine echinococcosis diagnosis across the region and indicate possible sources of variability. Efforts to standardize canine echinococcosis testing must be included in the plan of action for the Regional Initiative for the Control of Cystic Echinococcosis. Future comparisons with fecal samples of known parasite load are needed.Comparar el rendimiento de los ensayos de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa y el enzimoinmunoanálisis de adsorción en fase sólida (o ELISA, por su sigla en inglés) para diagnosticarLos laboratorios nacionales, afiliados a los ministerios de salud y agricultura y ganadería de cada país, intercambiaron paneles de diez muestras positivas y negativas obtenidas de sus respectivos programas nacionales de vigilancia desde el mes de noviembre del año 2015 hasta el mismo mes del año siguiente. Todos los laboratorios emplearon la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa y dos emplearon también técnicas de ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA). Se determinó la sensibilidad y la especificidad de cada laboratorio y se evaluó la concordancia entre los resultados de los laboratorios mediante el coeficiente kappa de Cohen.Este estudio descubrió una escasa concordancia (3 de 10 comparaciones de pares obtuvieron valores de kappa0,4), una sensibilidad y especificidad bajas en todos los laboratorios y un rendimiento deficiente de ambas técnicas de diagnóstico deLos resultados subrayan la heterogeneidad del diagnóstico de equinococosis canina en toda la región e indican posibles fuentes de esta variabilidad. Deben incluirse medidas para estandarizar la prueba de equinococosis canina en el plan de acción de la Iniciativa Sudamericana para el Control de la Equinococosis Quística. En el futuro serán necesarias comparaciones adicionales con muestras fecales con una carga de parásitos conocida.Comparar o desempenho dos métodos de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) no diagnóstico de infecção peloLaboratórios nacionais conveniados ao Ministério da Saúde/Agricultura de cada país participante intercambiaram grupos de 10 amostras positivas/negativas coletadas rotineiramente pelos programas nacionais de vigilância no período de novembro de 2015 a novembro de 2016. Todos os laboratórios empregaram o método de PCR e dois empregaram também o método de ELISA. A sensibilidade e a especificidade dos métodos foram determinadas em cada laboratório, e a concordância dos resultados entre os laboratórios participantes foi avaliada com o coeficiente kappa de Cohen.Observou-se fraca concordância (3 de 10 comparações pareadas com kappa0,4), baixa sensibilidade e especificidade e fraco desempenho de ambos os métodos na identificação doOs resultados deste estudo apontam para a falta de uniformidade no diagnóstico de equinococose canina em toda a Região e indicam possíveis causas para variabilidade. A padronização da análise laboratorial da equinococose canina deve constar do plano de ação para a Iniciativa Regional para Controle da Hidatidose. Outras comparações de amostras fecais de parasitas conhecidos devem ser realizadas.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between maternal education level and socio-economic status (SES), and diet quality of Colombian children. METHODS: The National Nutrition Survey (ENSIN) 2015 was a cross-sectional survey examining general health and dietary intake in a representative sample of Colombian children and adults. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), an indicator of adherence to diet quality, was calculated using a single 24 h recall questionnaire administered to 11,641 children aged 6–17y (5470 females, 6171 males). Diet quality was considered low, intermediate or high if the median AHEI score ranged between 17.0–44.0; 44.5–54.0; or 54.5–74.0, respectively. Maternal education was categorized as having: incomplete elementary school or less, complete primary or incomplete high school, complete high school or incomplete university, or professional degree or higher. A validated wealth index (quintiles) was used to define SES. These two risk factors were fitted in an adjusted linear regression model to investigate their association with children's diet quality. RESULTS: The median AHEI score was 43.7 (IQR: 35.7–51.5) A fifth of the mothers had the lowest educational level, whilst 5.7% reported having a professional degree or higher education. Increasing maternal education level was negatively associated with diet quality (p-trend

The development and application of urban sustainability indicators has gained momentum in recent years, especially since the generation of specific urban indicators for the Agenda 2030. Urban sustainability is a broad concept involving many dimensions, therefore the generation of a short, but comprehensive list of indicators is a significant challenge. In this paper, we present a set of 29 indicators designed to characterise urban sustainability in Chile, which we also expect to be relevant to other cities, particularly in the Global South where issues of poverty and inequality are prevalent. We first outline the process of selecting the indicators through expert consultation. Then we present selected indicators, and the variables used to measure them. Subsequently the set is applied to six Chilean cities that are diverse in terms of population, socio-economic conditions and geography. We show that some indicators highlight negative nationwide trends that are common to the cities, while other indicators reveal notable differences that can be traced back to their local contexts. The CEDEUS indicators provide a complement to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for cities; therefore, a comparison is made with the SDGs. The indicator development process is critically examined and policy recommendations are given.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between awareness, understanding and use of the traffic light food labelling policy (TLFL) and educational level in children and adults from Ecuador. METHODS: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2018 (40,938 participants aged 10y–98y) was used. Awareness, understanding and use of TLFL were ascertained with the questions ‘do you know/have you seen the TLFL in foods? [yes/no]’; ‘do you understand the TLFL in foods’ [yes/no]; and ‘do you consider that the TLFL helps you with food purchase decisions? (a little or nothing [reference]/some/a lot)’, respectively. Education was categorized as illiterate [reference]; primary school [incomplete/complete]; high school [incomplete/complete]; and higher education. Age, sex, residence (rural/urban), income, poverty index (unsatisfied basic needs) were included as potential confounders. Adjusted multivariable regressions were used to investigate the association of TLFL and education (reported as odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [95%CI]), using sampling weights, and Akaike's Information Criterion to select the most optimal models. RESULTS: 31,028 participants (79%) reported to be aware of the TLFL, of whom 88% said they understood. Amongst the latter, only 21% reported to use TLFL when purchasing foods. Increasing education was associated with increased odds of awareness and understanding of TLFL (p-values: 0.004, 0.005, respectively) but not with its use. Compared to the lowest education, those with the highest educational level had the highest odds of being aware of and understanding the TLFL, OR 1.54 (95% CI 1.48; 1.61) and OR 1.28 (95% CI 1.19;1.39), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst awareness and understanding of TLFL is relatively high in the Ecuadorian population, its use remains low. These findings highlight the need to strengthen public health policies that increase the use of food labelling as reference to make healthier decisions about food purchase, particularly amongst individuals from more vulnerable educational and socio-economic background. FUNDING SOURCES: AR is funded by an MPH Fellowship and FDCM by a Grant for Research, both awarded by the Fulbright Commission; GMG is funded by COLCIENCIAS (Fondo para Investigacion en Salud -FIS-).

Introducción: Este estudio consistió en conocer la calidad de los métodos de laboratorio y la competencia técnica para el diagóstico de Streptococcus pneumoniae en ENI, en tres regiones de Chile, las que incluyen el 63% de la población: Metropolitana, Valparaíso y Biobío. Material y método: Se estructuró y validó una encuesta que se aplicó en terreno a los 18 laboratorios correspondientes a estas tres regiones, la que incluyó antecedentes generales del Establecimiento de salud y del laboratorio de Microbiología, datos sobre los casos de Streptococcus pneumoniae a nivel local, número de muestras de estos casos que fueron derivadas al laboratorio de referencia nacional y cuantas de ellas fueron confirmadas y serotipificadas. Resultados: El número de cepas positivas en el nivel local y el número y porcentaje de ellas que se recibe en el Laboratorio de Referencia Nacional, fluctuó entre 86,0% y 76,6%; se evidenció que existe un bajo porcentaje de muestras que se contaminan en el nivel local. Se observó una disminución del 50,4% de casos de ENI entre los períodos 2009 (204 casos) al 2014 (101 casos); mientras que la cantidad de casos atendidos en Pediatría básica disminuyó de forma significativa, alcanzando el 72,6 % entre los años 2009 a 2014 (102 y 28 casos respectivamente). Conclusiones: La evaluación de la vigilancia demostró una alta adherencia de los laboratorios a las normas técnicas. El porcentaje de muestras contaminadas tanto en muestras pediátricas como de adultos, estuvo por debajo de lo aceptado internacionalmente en pacientes hospitalizados.

Background and Aim The burden of childhood asthma and its risk factors is an important but neglected public health challenge in Latin America. We investigated the association between allergic symptoms and dietary intake in children from this region. Methods As part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase III, questionnaire collected dietary intake was investigated in relation to risk of parental/child reported current wheeze (primary outcome) and rhino-conjunctivitis and eczema. Per-country adjusted logistic regressions were performed, and combined effect sizes were calculated with meta-analyses. Results 143,967 children from 11 countries had complete data. In children aged 6–7 years, current wheeze was negatively associated with higher fruit intake (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.65; 95% CI 0.74, 0.97). Current rhino-conjunctivitis and eczema were statistically negatively associated with fruit intake (aOR 0.72; 95% CI 0.64, 0.82; and OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.56, 0.74, respectively). Vegetable intake was negatively associated with risk of symptoms in younger children, but these associations were attenuated in the 13–14 years old group. Fastfood/burger intake was positively associated with all three outcomes in the older children. Conclusion A higher intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with a lower prevalence of allergic symptoms in Latin American children. Conversely, intake of fastfood was positively associated with a higher prevalence of wheeze in adolescents. Improved dietary habits in children might help reduce the epidemic of allergic symptoms in Latin America. Food interventions in asthmatic children are needed to evaluate the possible public health impact of a better diet on respiratory health. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00408-017-0044-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Weak van der Waals forces between inert hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets make it easy for them to slide over each other, resulting in an unstable structure in macroscopic dimensions. Creating interconnections between these inert nanosheets can remarkably enhance their mechanical properties. However, controlled design of such interconnections remains a fundamental problem for many applications of h-BN foams. In this work, a scalable in situ freeze-drying synthesis of low-density, lightweight 3D macroscopic structures made of h-BN nanosheets chemically connected by poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) molecules via chemical cross-link is demonstrated. Unlike pristine h-BN foam which disintegrates upon handling after freeze-drying, h-BN/PVA foams exhibit stable mechanical integrity in addition to high porosity and large surface area. Fully atomistic simulations are used to understand the interactions between h-BN nanosheets and PVA molecules. In addition, the h-BN/PVA foam is investigated as a possible CO

BackgroundAdipose tissue-derived adipokines are pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in metabolic-related diseases and can be influenced by diet and exercise. We aimed to compare the effect of a Mediterranean (MdM) compared with Fast Food (FFM) meal on the exercise induced adipokines changes.MethodsIn a double blinded cross over trial, 46 participants were randomly assigned to one of two standardized iso-energy pre-exercise meals: FFM or MdM-type. Three hours after each meal, participants completed a treadmill exercise test (EC). Serum adiponectin, resistin, PAI-1, lipocalin-2/NGAL and adipsin were determined by Luminex magnetic bead immunoassay. Wilcoxon signed rank test compared changes before/after meal and before/after EC and a linear mixed model evaluated the effect of meals on the adipokine response to exercise, adjusted for confounders.ResultsThirty-nine participants (mean age of 25, with a standard deviation of 5 years) completed the trial (56% females). For both interventions, a significant reduction of adipsin after each meal and a significant increase of lipocalin, PAI-1, adipsin and resistin, after exercise was observed. When exercise was preceded by a MdM meal a higher increase in adipsin levels was seen.ConclusionAcute exercise induced an increase of circulatory levels of adipsin, resistin, lipocalin and PAI-1, but not adiponectin. A pre-exercise Mediterranean meal potentiated the increase of adipsin after the exercise test, which possibly relates to the immune regulatory role of adipsin. These changes suggest a cross-talk between the immune and metabolic immediate response to exercise and its modulation by the pre-exercise diet composition.

Purpose Associations between cellular telephone use and glioma risk have been examined in several epidemiological studies including the 13-country INTERPHONE study. Although results showed no positive association between cellular telephone use and glioma risk overall, no increased risk for long-term users, and no exposure-response relationship, there was an elevated risk for those in the highest decile of cumulative call time. However, results may be biased as data were collected during a period of rapidly increasing cellular telephone use, and as controls were usually interviewed later in time than cases. Methods Further analyses were conducted in a subset of five INTERPHONE study countries (Australia, Canada, France, Israel, New Zealand) using a post hoc matching strategy to optimize proximity of case-to-control interview dates and age. Results Although results were generally similar to the original INTERPHONE study, there was some attenuation of the reduced odds ratios and stronger positive associations among long-term users and those in the highest categories for cumulative call time and number of calls (eighth–ninth and 10th decile). Conclusions Proximity and symmetry in timing of case-to-control interviews should be optimized when exposure patterns are changing rapidly with time.

Se conoce que la harina de trigo es un sensibilizador en seres humanos. Los panaderos expuestos a polvo de harina pueden desarrollar rinitis y asma ocupacional. En Chile actualmente no existe un limite permisible para la exposicion ocupacional a polvo de harina. Con el objetivo de proponer un limite, fueron evaluadas 9 panaderias de 6 comunas de Santiago de Chile, de las cuales 6 fueron semi-industriales y 3 pequenas. Un total de veintiocho muestras personales de aire fueron obtenidas segun metodo estandar de muestreo y analizadas en el Instituto de Salud Publica de Chile. No se encontraron diferencias significativas (p = 0,2915, prueba de Kruskall-Wallis) en la concentracion de particulas de harina en el ambiente de trabajo semi-industrial (media geometrica: MG = 0,88 mg/m3, desviacion geometrica: DEG = 2,68) y en el de panaderias pequenas (MG = 1,39 mg/m3, DEG = 2,31). En base a las observaciones realizadas se recomienda establecer un limite permisible de exposicion para polvo de harina de trigo.

Objectives The objective of this study was to develop an estimate of a radio frequency (RF) dose as the amount of mobile phone RF energy absorbed at the location of a brain tumour, for use in the Interphone Epidemiological Study. Methods We systematically evaluated and quantified all the main parameters thought to influence the amount of specific RF energy absorbed in the brain from mobile telephone use. For this, we identified the likely important determinants of RF specific energy absorption rate during protocol and questionnaire design, we collected information from study subjects, network operators and laboratories involved in specific energy absorption rate measurements and we studied potential modifiers of phone output through the use of software-modified phones. Data collected were analysed to assess the relative importance of the different factors, leading to the development of an algorithm to evaluate the total cumulative specific RF energy (in joules per kilogram), or dose, absorbed at a particular location in the brain. This algorithm was applied to Interphone Study subjects in five countries. Results The main determinants of total cumulative specific RF energy from mobile phones were communication system and frequency band, location in the brain and amount and duration of mobile phone use. Though there was substantial agreement between categorisation of subjects by cumulative specific RF energy and cumulative call time, misclassification was non-negligible, particularly at higher frequency bands. Factors such as adaptive power control (except in Code Division Multiple Access networks), discontinuous transmission and conditions of phone use were found to have a relatively minor influence on total cumulative specific RF energy. Conclusions While amount and duration of use are important determinants of RF dose in the brain, their impact can be substantially modified by communication system, frequency band and location in the brain. It is important to take these into account in analyses of risk of brain tumours from RF exposure from mobile phones.

Resumen Objetivos presentar la distribucion del tabaquismo en la poblacion y valorar las tendencias. Sujetos y metodos se ha realizado un estudio transversal en una muestra de poblacion no institucionalizada, mayor de 14 anos (n=6.050) y residente en Barcelona, a partir de la Encuesta de Salud de 2006, valorando tendencias entre 1983 y 2006 mediante la comparacion con encuestas anteriores. Las variables independientes fueron el sexo y la edad, y las dependientes fueron las siguientes: haber sido fumador alguna vez, haber dejado de fumar y fumar actualmente. Se estimaron prevalencias y proporciones estratificadas o ajustadas por edad. Resultados la prevalencia de fumadores diarios fue del 27,3% en varones y del 20,6% en mujeres. Los grupos de edad mas fumadores fueron los de 25-34 anos en varones y de 35-44 anos en mujeres. Entre 1983 y 2006 la disminucion del tabaquismo fue intensa en los varones, mientras que en las mujeres la prevalencia comenzo a descender. El cambio se acelero progresivamente entre los varones en terminos absolutos y relativos. En cuanto a la probabilidad de que los fumadores hubieran dejado de fumar, se aprecio un incremento generalizado de los abandonos en dicho periodo. La proporcion de fumadores en edades avanzadas es muy inferior al final del periodo estudiado. Conclusiones la evolucion de la epidemia tabaquica en los ultimos anos muestra tendencias esperanzadoras. Las tasas de abandono se incrementan, el declive de prevalencia se acelera en los varones y se ha iniciado en las mujeres. Los fumadores son cada vez mas minoritarios, aunque para mejorar la salud publica seria deseable que el proceso de cambio fuera mas rapido.