María Esther Irigoyen Camacho

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SARCOPENIA,UNDERNUTRITION, PHYSICAL MOBILITY AND BASIC ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING IN A GROUP OF ELDERLY WOMEN OF MEXICO CITY

BACKGROUND Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome, which affects the functional status and mobility of individuals. OBJECTIVE To identify the prevalence of sarcopenia and undernutrition, and to assess the association between sarcopenia and mobility, and sarcopenia and basic activities of daily living (ADL) in a group of elderly women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in patients attending a geriatric service at a government hospital in Mexico City. Sarcopenia was identified applying Baumgartners equation by obtaining skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and undernutrition was diagnosed using mini-nutritional assessment instrument (MNA). The SENECA questionnaire and Katz index were used to evaluate mobility and ADL, respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS lineal regression models were constructed fitting SMI as a dependent variable and SENECA, and ADL scores as independent variables, adjusted for age. RESULTS 90 women with a mean age of 78.2 (± 6.8) were studied. Undernutrition was identified in 15.5% of the patients. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 41.1%. Patients with sarcopenia presented a high prevalence of undernutrition (p < 0.001). Sarcopenia was associated with difficulty in climbing stairs (OR = 2.63, p = 0.03), adjusted for age. The mobility score was associated with sarcopenia, in the group without sarcopenia the mean score was 16.3, and with sarcopenia it was 18.3, (p = 0.04). Regarding ADL, 64.9% of the patients with intermediate independence and dependence had sarcopenia, while 35.1% with total independence presented sarcopenia (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The elder women with sarcopenia had a higher prevalence of undernutrition. Sarcopenia was associated with difficulties in mobility, particularly difficulties in climbing stairs.

Cambios en la prevalencia de la caries dental en escolares de tres regiones de México: encuestas de 1987-1988 y de 1997-1998

OBJETIVO: Comparar la prevalencia y la gravedad de la caries dental en dos estudios de vigilancia epidemiologica realizados en tres regiones de Mexico en los anos 1987-1988 y en 1997-1998. METODOS: La encuesta de 1987-1988 se aplico a una muestra representativa de escolares de 6 a 10 anos de edad de los estados de Nuevo Leon, Tabasco y el Distrito Federal (D.F.); adicionalmente se incluyeron escolares de 12 anos del D.F. El total de alumnos examinados en 1987-1988 fue de 7590. En la encuesta de 1997-1998 se incluyo a escolares de 6 a 10 y 12 anos de edad de las tres regiones estudiadas. El total de alumnos incluidos en 1997-1998 fue de 8164. Se compararon las medias del indice de dientes cariados, perdidos u obturados (CPOD) de cada grupo de edad en ambos periodos. RESULTADOS: Los resultados mostraron una disminucion de la prevalencia y de la gravedad de la caries dental en los grupos de edad examinados (P < 0,05). En 1997-1998, tanto en el estado de Tabasco como en el de Nuevo Leon se logro la meta propuesta por la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud de reducir a no mas de tres los dientes cariados, perdidos u obturados a los 12 anos de edad, con indices de CPOD de 2,67 y 1,72, respectivamente, aunque el D.F. sobrepaso esa cifra tope (CPOD = 3,11). CONCLUSION: La disminucion observada en los indices CPOD podria deberse a varios factores, tales como el consumo de sal fluorada, el uso de dentifricos y enjuagues fluorados, y un mayor acceso a los servicios odontologicos.OBJECTIVE To compare the prevalence and severity of dental caries found in epidemiological surveillance studies conducted in three areas of Mexico in two different periods, 1987-1988 and 1997-1998. METHODS The 1987-1988 survey was done with representative samples of schoolchildren 6 to 10 years old in two states, Nuevo Leon and Tabasco, as well as in the countrys Federal District (which includes Mexico City). The Federal Districts 1987-1988 sample also included schoolchildren who were 12 years old. The total number of students examined in the 1987-1988 period was 7 590. The 1997-1998 survey included schoolchildren who were 6-10 years old and 12 years old, in all three of the areas. The total number of students included in the 1997-1998 survey was 8 164. To compare the prevalence and severity of dental caries in the two periods, the average value for the index of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) was used with all of the age groups. RESULTS The values of the DMFT indices were significantly lower in the 1997-1998 period for all of the age groups studied (P < 0.05 for all the age groups). In the 1997-1998 period both Tabasco and Nuevo Leon achieved the goal recommended by the World Health Organization of an average of no more than three decayed, missing, and filled teeth among the 12-year-olds, with DMFT indices of 2.67 and 1.72, respectively. However, in the Federal District in that 1997-1998 period the DMFT index exceeded the recommended level, with a value of 3.11. CONCLUSIONS The reduction seen in the DMFT indices could be due to several factors, including the consumption of fluoridated salt, the use of dentifrices and fluoride rinses, and broader access to dental services.

Comparison of the prevalence of sarcopenia using skeletal muscle mass index and calf circumference applying the European consensus definition in elderly Mexican women

To compare the prevalence of sarcopenia using two indicators: skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and calf circumference (CC) used in the algorithm proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Mexican elderly women.

Violencia en el noviazgo y salud mental en estudiantes universitarios mexicanos

Antecedentes: En las últimas dos décadas, ha aumentado el interés por la promoción de la salud en el sector educativo superior, a través del programa “Universidades Saludables” promovido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Es importante reconocer las necesidades relacionadas con la salud de los integrantes de la comunidad universitaria, así como reflexionar sobre las acciones dirigidas a cubrirlas. Uno de los problemas prioritarios respecto a la salud mental de los jóvenes universitarios es la violencia en el noviazgo. Considerando lo anterior, los objetivos del presente estudio fueron: evaluar la violencia en el noviazgo, la sintomatología depresiva y la autoestima en estudiantes universitarios; estudiar la relación entre la violencia, la depresión y la autoestima; y promover la implementación de programas preventivos entre la comunidad universitaria. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal y descriptivo con las respuestas de 729 estudiantes universitarios, aplicando el “Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationship Inventory,” el Inventario de Depresión de Beck y el Inventario de Coopersmith para evaluar la autoestima. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron una elevada prevalencia de violencia en los jóvenes universitarios, particularmente verbal-emocional (75%). Las agresiones fueron de carácter bidireccional, tanto hombres como mujeres cometieron y sufrieron la violencia. La conducta violenta se asoció con la baja autoestima en las mujeres y con síntomas depresivos en ambos sexos. Conclusiones: Desde el enfoque del programa “Universidades Saludables,” es importante que las instituciones de educación superior sean promotoras de la salud mediante la creación y difusión del conocimiento, la formación de recursos humanos y la promoción de la organización comunitaria. Los resultados del estudio indican la necesidad de desarrollar programas educativos orientados a la prevención de la violencia, al manejo de emociones y a la resolución de conflictos.

Immunohistochemical expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin and glucocorticoid and calcitonin receptors in central giant‐cell lesions

BACKGROUND Central giant-cell lesions (CGCLs) are reactive lesions that consist histologically of spindle-shaped stromal cells, (fibroblasts and myofibroblasts) loosely arranged in a fibrous stroma, multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear cells with haemorrhagic areas. This study identified the immunoexpression of alpha-smooth muscle actin in spindle-shaped stromal cells, and glucocorticoid and calcitonin receptors in multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear cells. Their association with the clinical and radiographic characteristics of these lesions was identified. METHODS Thirty-five cases of CGCLs were studied. Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, glucocorticoid and calcitonin was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The labelling index was 100 times the quotient of the number of positive cells divided by the total number of cells of each type. Logistic regression analysis was applied. RESULTS Alpha-smooth muscle actin was positive (54%) for spindle stromal cells (myofibroblasts). A significant association was observed with root resorption (P = 0.004) and cortical bone destruction (P = 0.024). Glucocorticoid immunoexpression was positive for 99% of the giant cells and 86.7% of the mononuclear cells. Glucocorticoid immunoexpression in the mononuclear cells was associated with root resorption (P = 0.031). A longer evolution time was associated with lower immunoexpression of glucocorticoid (OR 12.4: P = 0.047). Calcitonin immunoexpression was positive in 86% of the giant cells. Immunoexpression of calcitonin was associated with age (P = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS Myofibroblasts are important components of CGCLs, stromal cells and alpha-smooth muscle. Actin immunoexpression was associated with root and cortical bone resorption.

Depression and food consumption in Mexican college students

INTRODUCTION depression is frequently accompanied by overeating and a preference for certain foods that may consequently lead to weight gain. OBJECTIVES a) to determine the prevalence of depression and the consumption of unhealthy food in first-year college students; and b) to analyze the association between depression score and food consumption frequency. METHODS a cross-sectional study was carried out in 1,104 freshman students, 40.3% men and 59.7% women, at a public university in Mexico City. The 20-item depression scale (CES-D) and Food Frequency Questionnaire were applied to measure depressive symptoms and food consumption. Logistic regression analysis was carried out for food consumption frequency and CES-D depression score grouped in quartiles. RESULTS the prevalence of depression symptoms was 18.2% in men and 27.5% in women (p < 0.001). A considerable proportion of the students reported poor eating habits: consumption of fried food (30.3%), sweetened drinks (49.0%) and sugary food (51.8%) 2-7 times/week; and less than half the students practiced vigorous physical activity (39.7%). In women, a higher depression score was associated with a higher frequency of consumption of fast food (OR = 2.08, p = 0.018), fried food (OR = 1.92, p = 0.01) and sugary food (OR = 2.16, p = 0.001), and a lower frequency of physical exercise (< 75 min/week; OR = 1.80, p = 0.017). In men, no association was observed between depression score and food consumption variables. An association was observed between depression and low exercise frequency (OR = 2.22, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS women vulnerable to depression may use food to cope with negative mood states. Therefore, institutional health promotion and nutritional education programs should include adequate emotion and stress management.