Physical activity levels in adults living in Bogotá (Colombia): prevalence and associated factors

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of physical activity levels in adults aged 18 to 65 years in Bogotá city and identify the factors associated with regular physical activity. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional survey in 3,000 adult residents of Bogotá in 2003 who were selected through a multistage probabilistic sample. Physical activity levels were determined using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Factors associated with regular physical activity were identified by logistic regression models. RESULTS: The adjusted prevalence of persons undertaking regular physical activity was 36.8%. After adjustment for potential confounders, regular physical activity was more likely in men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62; 95% CI, 1.31-2.01) and in those whose self-perceived health status was good or very good (OR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.41-2.49) and was less likely in those aged 30-49 years or 50-65 years (OR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63-0.96, and OR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43-0.82, respectively) and in those whose main activity in the previous 30 days was searching for a job (OR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51-0.97) or carrying out household tasks (OR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.96). In women, unlike men, age groups showed no association with regular physical activity. CONCLUSION: This study shows gender differences in the prevalence of physical activity levels and associated factors. Future studies should establish, in the context of Latin American cities, whether it is appropriate to determine specific measures in each domain, in addition to overall physical activity levels.     

Dietary exchange of an olive oil and sunflower oil blend for extra virgin olive oil decreases the estimate cardiovascular risk and LDL and apolipoprotein AII concentrations in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: Dietary supplementation with Virgin olive oil is considered cardioprotective. Decreasing LDL and apolipoprotein (apo) AII-lipoproteins is also appropriate for CHD protection and treatment. AIM: To study the effects of an 8%En dietary exchange of linoleic acid for oleic acid on serum and lipoprotein levels and serum and LDL-TBARS in postmenopausal women consuming a diet rich in fat (46%En; saturated/monounsaturated/polyunsaturated profile: 1.1/1.9/1). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: 14 postmenopausal women (63 +/- 11 years) were assigned to exchange during 28-day dietary period the culinary oil used for years consisting in a blend of olive oil plus sunflower oil (SO) for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). SO and EVOO represented 62% of the total lipid intake. DETERMINATIONS: Dietary intakes, serum Lp(a), and cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, protein, apolipoproteins AI, AII, B were determined in serum and lipoproteins. RESULTS: The dietary intervention decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), phospholipids, apo AII (all, p < 0.001) and apo B (p < 0.01). Except for triglycerides, all components of the LDL fraction decreased (at least, p < 0.05). HDL-cholesterol was not affected but HDL-phospholipids and HDL-lipids decreased (at least, p < 0.01). VLDL-apo B and VLDL-proteins decreased (all, p < 0.001). Serum Lp(a), TBARS and LDL-TBARS were not affected by the dietary exchange. The estimate of 10-year cardiovascular risk decreased (p < 0.05). Apo AII (p = 0.061) and LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05) underwent greater modifications in normocholesterolemics, while LDL-phospholipids (p = 0.094), experienced greater alterations in hypercholesterolemics. No significant interaction was observed between dietary exchange and age (> or <65 yrs). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the dietary exchange of an olive oil and sunflower oil blend for extra virgin olive decreases LDL and apo AII levels, and the estimate of 10-year cardiovascular risk.     

Cortisol serum levels and their relationship to certain antiretroviral drugs

We found that patients receiving antiretroviral therapy had higher cortisol levels than those untreated, with the highest levels corresponding to those taking efavirenz. Multivariate analysis revealed that only the presence of antiretroviral therapy, treatment with efavirenz and a prior diagnosis of AIDS were significantly predictive of cortisol levels.     

Development of vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivities in the brain of gray mullet (Chelon labrosus), an advanced teleost

Previous studies in teleosts have revealed the presence of the intermediate filaments vimentin (Vim) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in glial cells of the spinal cord and/or some brain regions, but there is no comprehensive study of their distribution and developmental changes in fishes. Here, the distribution of Vim and GFAP immunoreactivities was studied in the brain of larvae, juveniles, and adults of an advanced teleost, the gray mullet (Chelon labrosus). A different sequence of appearance was observed for expression of these proteins: Vim levels decreased with age, whereas GFAP increased. In general, both immunoreactivities were expressed early in perikarya and endfeet of ependymocytes (tanycytes), whereas expression in radial processes appeared later. In large larvae, the similar expression patterns of Vim and GFAP suggest that some of these glial cells contain both proteins. Subependymal radial glia cells were observed mainly in the optic tectum, exhibiting Vim and GFAP immunoreactivity. The only immunoreactive cells with astrocyte-like morphology were observed in the optic chiasm of the adult, and they were positive for both GFAP and Vim. The perivascular processes of glial cells showed a different distribution of Vim and GFAP during development and had a caudorostral sequence of appearance of immunoreactivities similar to that observed for ependymal and radial glia cells. Several circumventricular organs (the organon vasculosum hypothalami, saccus vasculosus, and area postrema) exhibited highly specialized Vim- and/or GFAP-expressing glial cells. The glial cells of the midline septa of several brain regions were also Vim and/or GFAP immunoreactive. In the adult brain, tanycytes retain Vim expression in several brain regions. As in other vertebrates, the regions with Vim-immunoreactive ventricular and midline glia may represent areas with the capability of plasticity and regeneration in adult brain.     

Carbohydrate metabolism changes in cystic fibrosis

AIMS: To assess the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (ITG) and diabetes mellitus (DMRCF) in a group of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). To study clinical status-related variables and to compare age with the evolution of their carbohydrate metabolism (CHM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with CF (1.5-26 years). Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 28 patients. RESULTS: Three patients (10%) showed ITG and four DMRCF (13.3%). CF patients with impaired CHM (ICHM) were older (p = 0.006), and had longer times since diagnosis and first sputum colonization (p = 0.001, p < 0.001). Homozygous deltaF508 mutation was significant (p = 0.001). Insulin peak, area under the curve for insulin, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and pancreatic beta-cell function were all significant. CONCLUSIONS: ICHM was present in 23.3%. Age, time since diagnosis of CF, first sputum colonization and homozygous deltaF508 mutation were significantly associated. CHM in patients with CF is similar to that in the population without CF in the early years.