Calidad de la alimentación de adultos mayores de Santiago de Chile

IntroductionWith the increase in the elderly population of Chile, it is very important to evaluate the quality of food of this age group using simple and quick tools.ObjectiveTo compare the food quality of the elderly, according to gender and age.Material and methodsA cross sectional study was conducted on 458 elderly subjects ≥ 60 years-old of Santiago de Chile. Each one of them were interviewed in their home using the Food Quality Survey for Elderly (FQSE). The objective of this survey is to measure the quality of the food and preparations considered healthy and/or unhealthy for elderly. Weight and height, was obtained from the control document of the elderly.ResultsMen consume a higher number of unhealthy foods compared to women (P = .01). On comparing ages, those over 80 years-old consumed less unhealthy foods (P = .01). The elderly obese showed a lower score in unhealthy eating habits and total intake score.ConclusionWomen eat healthier compared to men, and better eating habits are observed at an older age, especially in men. Finally, on comparing nutritional status, the elderly obese are those who eat in the most inadequate form.     

Ingesta dietética de los estudiantes de secundaria de la ciudad de Badajoz

ObjectivesTo quantify dietary intake of secondary education students in Badajoz, Spain, evaluating food frequency use in teenagers of both sexes.Material and methodsThe study sample consisted of 1197 secondary education students (49.9% male and 50.1% female). After giving informed consent, they completed a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) including 51 food items divided into five separate categories. This questionnaire was modified from the one used at the Valencian Community in 2003 and previously validated in a pilot study on 374 students.ResultsMale and females students reported higher intakes of 70.6% and 17.6% of foods analyzed respectively, while intake of 11.8% of food items was similar in both sexes. Sex differences were statistically significant for 35% of foods (of which 72% and 28% were taken more frequently by males and females respectively). Intake of milk and dairy products appeared to be adequate, while intake of fish and seafood was low consumption of meat products was high. Intake of vegetables, fruits, bread, and cereals was below the recommended levels. Intake of pasta, rice, and oils was adequate, and there was not a high consumptio of cookies or industrial pastries. There was an excess intake of sweets, but intake of soft drinks was not high.ConclusionsThese results show intermediate values as compared to other national surveys.     

Effets de l'interrénalectomie sur la structure histologique de l'hypophyse et de quelques tissus de l'anguille

Résumé L'interrénalectomie, comprenant l'ablation des veines cardinales antérieures et postérieures, a été pratiquée par Monsieur Daniel Chan, chez l'Anguille Européenne. Elle ne laisse subsister que des reliquats infimes d'interrénal chez quelques individus seulement; elle permet donc l'étude des réactions histologiques d'autres glandes endocrines à la disparition des hormones corticales.L'interrénalectomie est suivie, en 8 à 9 jours, d'une hypertrophie très marquée des cellules corticotropes hypophysaires qui se dégranulent et se vacuolisent; cette réaction semble un peu plus complète en eau douce qu'en eau de mer. Elle est comparable à celle produite par les substances corticolytiques ou cortico-inhibitrices utilisées antérieurement, sans toutefois déclencher d'activité mitotique. Les restes de tissu interrénalien, malgré une image d'hyperactivité, paraissent avoir un volume insuffisant pour affecter nettement la réponse de l'hypophyse.Les Anguilles interrénalectomisées présentent simultanément une déplétion du tissu lymphoïde du rein, une stimulation des corpuscules de Stannius, une activation des cellules somatotropes de l'adénohypophyse, et une raréfaction du neurosécrétat du noyau préoptique et de la neurohypophyse. Cependant, ces modifications n'apparaissent pas spécifiques de l'ablation de l'interrénal car elles se retrouvent en partie chez les Anguilles témoins opérées, qui ont aussi des cellules corticotropes souvent hypertrophiées, un interrénal plus actif que normalement, et des cellules phéochromes volumineuses. Le système hypophyse-thyroïdien semble peu affecté 9 jours après l'exérèse de l'interrénal; les cellules à prolactine sont plus actives en eau douce qu'en eau de mer, en accord avec des résultats antérieurs, sans paraître réagir à l'insuffisance corticosurrénalienne ainsi créée.

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Summary Adrenalectomy, including the removal of the anterior and posterior cardinal veins, was performed on the European eel by Mr D. Chan. Only small remnants could be identified in a few animals. Reactions of other endocrine glands to this surgical adrenalectomy were studied.8 to 9 days after adrenalectomy, the corticotrophic cells of the pituitary gland show an hypertrophy, a degranulation and a vacuolization, these processes being perhaps more intense in freshwater than in sea water. This stimulation is similar to that produced by corticolytic or cortico-inhibiting drugs previously tested, but no mitotic activity was observed after adrenalectomy.The remnants of interrenal, which appear hyperactive, do not seem to affect the intensity of response of the hypophysial corticotrophs, probably because of being too small in size.The adrenalectomized eels have also a depleted lymphoid kidney tissue, stimulated corpuscles of Stannius, active somatotrophic cells in the proximal pars distalis, and a reduced neurosecretory material in the preoptic nucleus and the neurohypophysis. However, these last modifications do not appear characteristic of adrenalectomy, as they can be observed in the sham operated eels too. Sham adrenalectomy induces some hypertrophy of the corticotrophic cells, a stimulation of the interrenal and a volume increase of the chromaffin cells. The pituitary-thyroid axis is not clearly affected 9 days after adrenalectomy; the prolactin cells are more active in freshwater than in sea water, corroborating previous findings, but they do not appear to react to the adrenal insufficiency.

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Une partie de ce travail a été réalisée en collaboration avec le Groupe de Biologie Marine du CEA, à la Station Zoologique de Villefranche-sur-Mer. Nous remercions très vivement Mr. D. Chan, de l'Université de Sheffield, qui nous a permis de prélever les glandes endocrines des animaux qu'il a opérés. Nous remercions aussi le Dr. J. Maetz de l'accueil si amical qu'il nous a réservé dans le Groupe de Biologie Marine du CEA qu'il dirige, et le Pr P. Bougis pour les facilités de travail accordées pendant notre séjour à la Station Zoologique de Villefranche-sur-Mer. Nous exprimons notre vive reconnaissance au CEA qui a bien voulu accepter de subventionner ce travail.     

Propuesta de desarrollo de una unidad de oncogeriatría. Tiempos de cambio: nuestra realidad

Age is one of the main risk factors for the development of cancer. It is expected that the progressive aging of the population will have an unprecedented impact on the incidence of various tumours. In fact, the management of elderly cancer patients is already a major public health problem in developed countries. However, elderly patients have systematically been excluded from cancer drug studies or protocol development. This has left health professionals in uncharted territory, without proper tools to address the multiple difficulties that arise in the treatment of these patients. A comprehensive geriatric assessment may serve as an ideal tool for the correct detection of hidden problems, facilitating treatment decisions in these complex patients, and integrating the care of patients with comorbidities.     

Determinación de perfiles de producción de metabolitos secundarios característicos de especies del género Alternaria aisladas de tomate

BackgroundMany Alternaria species have been studied for their ability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites, such as tentoxin (TEN), some of which have toxic properties. The main food contaminant toxins are tenuazonic acid, alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), altenuene, and altertoxins i, ii and iii.AimsTo determine the profiles of secondary metabolites characteristic of Alternaria strains isolated from tomato for their chemotaxonomic classification.MethodsThe profiles of secondary metabolites were determined by HPLC MS.ResultsThe Alternaria isolates obtained from spoiled tomatoes belong, according to their morphological characteristics, to the species groups Alternaria alternata, Alternaria tenuissima and Alternaria arborescens, with A. tenuissima being the most frequent. The most frequent profiles of secondary metabolites belonging to the species groups A. alternata (AOH, AME, TEN), A. tenuissima (AOH, AME, TEN, tenuazonic acid) and A. arborescens (AOH, AME, TEN, tenuazonic acid) were determined, with some isolates of the latter being able to synthesize AAL toxins.ConclusionsSecondary metabolite profiles are a useful tool for the differentiation of small spored Alternaria isolates not easily identifiable by their morphological characteristics.     

Applications de la spectrométrie de masse de type MALDI-TOF en microbiologie

In the last few years, matrix assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has been introduced in clinical laboratories for routine identification. Initially used for research, MALDI-TOF-MS allows rapid and accurate identification of the main microorganisms isolated from clinical samples, by intact cell mass spectrometry or directly from positive blood culture or urines. Other applications are being in processed as bacterial typing, research and detection of antibiotic resistance or particularly virulent strains.     

Influencia de la ocupación en el deterioro cognitivo libre de demencia en una muestra de sujetos mayores de 55 años de Zaragoza

Introduction

The prevalence of cognitive impairment with no dementia (CIND) varies between 5.1% and 35.9%, increasing between 65 and 85 years. The CIND increases the risk of dementia. Factors such as education, occupation, and social activities are associated with the risk of cognitive impairment. The main objective of this study was to analyse the association between the main occupation developed throughout life and CIND in a general population sample of over 55 years.

Impacto funcional de la fractura de pelvis por fragilidad. Descripción de una serie de casos consultados al servicio de Geriatría

Introduction

The prevalence of pelvic fracture (PF) due to frailty is increasing, leading to an increase in functional impairment in the patient, as well as increasing morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study is to gain knowledge about the sociodemographic characteristics, as well as the functional features, of patients admitted to hospital with PF and evaluated by a Geriatrics department. The functional burden of PF and the potential influence of geriatric interventions are also assessed.

Aplicación de las técnicas de tipificación molecular al estudio de brotes hospitalarios de candidemia

Candidemia is an infectious complication mainly affecting hospitalized patients, particularly those admitted to intensive care units. Patient mortality can reach up to 40%. Candidemia is typically nosocomially-acquired, and horizontal transmission of Candida spp. can lead to the presence of outbreaks of candidemia. Genotyping of isolates of Candida causing candidemia can help us to understand the source of the infection, detect the hospital wards with active Candida spp. transmission and, consequently, improve the prevention of the infection. Several genotyping tools have been used for the molecular characterization of Candida isolates involved in outbreaks of candidemia. Genotyping procedures based on microsatellites are reproducible and show a high discriminatory power. Microsatellites are recommended for the study of outbreaks of candidemia. In most hospital outbreaks of candidemia, patients admitted to intensive care units are involved, mostly neonatal patients. The role of genotyping Candida isolates causing candidemia for the study of nosocomial outbreaks of candidemia is reviewed, as well as the patients more commonly affected by epidemic strains.     

Mensurations échographiques de la thyroïde chez des enfants de zéro à 15 ans de la ville de Ouagadougou

Among the methods used to carry out measurements of thyroid, echography is the best because it is noninvasive and more specific. The goals of this study were to determine the normal thyroid volume of the Burkinabe child; to study the parameters which induce a variation of thyroid volume and to compare our values with those from other localities. Through a cross-sectional study, 240 children from the town of Ouagadougou benefited from a thyroid echography. Thus the height (h), the transverse diameter (dt) and the thickness (e) were measured. Volume (vl) of each lobe was estimated by: vl = h × dt × e × 3.14/6. The total volume (VT) is the sum of the volumes of each lobe, the isthmus being neglected. A correlation set at the threshold p < 0.001 has been carried out between VT and some anthropometric parameters. The following averages were observed: before one year, the average volume is of 0.51 L ± 0.21; from one to three years, it is of 0.95 mL ± 0.33; from four to six years, the average volume is of 1.35 mL ± 0.43; from seven to nine years, it is of 1.95 mL ± 0.62. From 10 to 12 years, the average volume is of 3.01 mL ± 1.08 and it is of 5.32 mL ± 2.07 from 13 to 15 years. It stands out that the VT is positively associated with the age (r = 0.82), with the size (r = 0.73), with the weight (r = 0.81) and with body surface (r = 0.78). Moreover, the VT is higher among boys than in girls beyond one year of age. This parameter varies according to the area of origin. Lastly, compared with the American, European and Asian averages, our values are smaller. This study enabled us to establish our own standards which we will be able from now on to use in daily practice. However, multicentric studies associated with thyroid and sexual hormones blood levels measurements must be undertaken to ascertain these data.     

Structure fine de l'eminence médiane de souris au cours de son ontogenese

Résumé Les fibres nerveuses renfermant des vésicules granuleuses et des vésicules de type synaptique apparaissent dans l'éminence médiane de foetus de 14 jours. Dés le 18è jour foetal, de véritables terminaisons nerveuses sont au contact des capillaires du plexus intercalaire, constituant une charnière neurohémale. Les anses intrainfundibulaires commencent à pénétrer dans l'éminence médiane à la naissance mais ce n'est que chez des souris de 5 jours qu'elles deviennent très nombreuses. — Nous discuterons sur des critères morphologiques, de la possibilité d'un contrôle hypothalamique sur l'adénohypophyse avant la naissance.

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Fine structure of the mouse median eminence during early stages of its ontogenesis

Summary Nerve fibers containing granular vesicles and vesicles closely resembling synaptic vesicles appear in the median eminence of 14 days old mouse fetuses. At 18th fetal day true nerve endings have been observed which are located close to the capillaries of the superficial plexus forming a neurovascular link. The capillary loops penetrate into the median eminence at the time of parturition but only in 5 days old mice they can be observed more frequently. — On the basis of the morphological observations presented the question is discussed whether the hypothalamus can influence pituitary hormone secretion before birth.

     

Valor pronóstico de los instrumentos de evaluación de enfermedad avanzada y de final de vida en ancianos ingresados en un centro sociosanitario

Objective

To apply 3 advanced chronic disease evaluation tools in elderly patients admitted to an intermediate and long-term care centre, and evaluate its relationship with mortality.

Alteraciones del metabolismo glucídico en el estudio de control de factores de riesgo de Extremadura (estudio COFRE)

AimsTo assess the prevalence and control of glucose metabolism disorders in a population of Extremadura (Spain) with at least one cardiovascular risk factor and to compare the characteristics of these patients with those who were normoglycemic in the risk factor control in Extremadura (COFRE study).Patients and methodsThe prevalence and control of cardiovascular risk factors were recorded in a sample of 1,022 patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor consecutively visiting a primary care office. Of these, 951 patients were included in the analysis. In all patients, fasting glycemia was recorded. Glycated hemoglobin was recorded in diabetic patients.ResultsA total of 320 patients (33.6%) were previously known to be diabetic (DM) and 84 (8.8%) had glycemia ≥126 mg/dl without a previous diagnosis of diabetes (12 with glycemia above 200 mg/dl). Impaired fasting glycemia (IFG) was found in 211 (22.2%) and normoglycemia (NG) in 336 (35.3%). Within the DM group, glycemia <126 mg/dl was found in only 31.4% but glycated hemoglobin lower than 7% was found in 46.8%. Triglyceride concentrations were higher in the IFG group than in the NG group (137±65 mg/dL vs 124±65 mg/dL, p=0,041). Pulse pressure was also higher, but no differences were found in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) or heart rate. Differences in systolic blood pressure (SBP) were at the limit of significance (DM 139.5±17 vs NG 136.5±16 mmHg; p=0.056). No significant differences were found in any of these parameters between the DM and IFG groups.ConclusionsThe prevalence of glucose metabolism disorders was very high in the recruited sample. Patients with IFG showed higher pulse pressure and triglyceride concentrations than those with NG but there were no differences in comparison with DM patients. Diabetic control was poor when assessed by fasting glycemia but glycated hemoglobin showed better control.     

Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de pacientes diagnosticados de cáncer de tiroides del área suroeste de Madrid. Factores pronósticos en el cáncer diferenciado de tiroides

ObjectivesTo analyze the clinical and histopathological features of patients with thyroid cancer in the southwest Madrid area and to identify poor prognostic factors in the subgroup with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) of the follicular epitelium.Patients and methodsA retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer at our hospital from 1998 to 2009. Significant clinical, surgical, and histopathological variables were included in Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression models to identify baseline factors predicting for death, recurrence, and persistent disease in DTC.ResultsA total of 150 patients with a median age of 49 years and a median follow-up of 5.4 years were enrolled. Histological subtypes were: papillary carcinoma (86%), follicular carcinoma (6.6%), medullary carcinoma (4%), poorly differentiated carcinoma (2.7%), and anaplastic carcinoma (0.7%). At the end of the study, 68% of patients were cured, 3.3% had died (disease-specific mortality, 1.3%), 1.3% were lost to follow-up, 6.7% had persistent biochemical disease, and 2.7% persistent clinical disease, while 18% of patients were pending assessment. The best prognostic model for DTC recurrence was TNM staging (stage II-IV vs. I: HR 5.9, 95% CI 1.3-26.6), while the best model for persistent disease or death was ETA clinical staging (high risk vs. low or very low risk: OR 9.2, 95% CI 2.6-33.2).ConclusionsIn our study, disease-specific mortality and persistent clinical disease were low. Classification of DTC patients based on ETA staging after initial treatment was a good predictor of persistent disease or death.