Serum Selenium and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) Trial: Nested Case-Control Study

Background: Selenium is an essential trace mineral with potential interest for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention owing to its antioxidant properties. Epidemiological data on selenium status and CVD remain inconsistent. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether low serum selenium (SSe) concentrations are related to an increased risk of a first CVD event in a population at high cardiovascular risk. Methods: We undertook a case-control study nested within the “PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea” (PREDIMED) trial. A total of 207 participants diagnosed with CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death) during the follow-up period (2003–2010) were matched by sex, age, and intervention group to 436 controls by incidence density sampling. Median time between serum sample collection and subsequent CVD event occurrence was 0.94 years. SSe levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. Covariates were assessed through validated questionnaires, in-person interviews, and medical record reviews. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs). Results: Among women, the mean SSe concentration was lower in cases than in controls (98.5 g/L vs. 103.8 g/L; p = 0.016). In controls, SSe levels were directly associated with percentage of total energy intake from proteins and fish intake (p for linear trend < 0.001 and 0.049, respectively), whereas SSe concentrations were inversely associated with age, body mass index, and percentage of total energy intake from carbohydrates (p for linear trend < 0.001, 0.008 and 0.016 respectively). In the total group, we observed an inverse dose–response gradient between SSe levels and risk of CVD in the fully-adjusted model (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27–0.81; ptrend = 0.003). Conclusions: Among elderly individuals at high cardiovascular risk, high SSe concentrations within population reference values are associated with lower first CVD incidence.official funding agency for biomedical research of the Spanish government, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) RTIC G03/140RTIC RD 06/0045 "PREDIMED" JR14/00008Spanish government, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), through Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBERobn)Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares CNIC 06/2007Fondo de Investigacion Sanitaria-Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (Proyecto de Investigacion) PI04-2239 PI05/2584 CP06/00100 PI07/0240 PI07/1138 PI07/0954 PI 07/0473 PI10/01407 PI10/02658 PI11/01647 P11/02505 PI13/00462Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain (MICINN) (AGL)-2009-13906-C02 AGL2010-22319-C03 AGL2013-49083C3-1-RMinisterio de Economia y Competitividad-Fondos FEDER-Instituto de Salud Carlos III UNGR15-CE-3380 Fundacion Mapfre 2010Junta de Andalucia PI0105/2007Public Health Division of the Department of Health of the Autonomous Government of CataloniaCenter for Forestry Research & Experimentation (CIEF) GVACOMP 06109 GVACOMP2010-181 GVACOMP2011-151 PROMETEO 21/2021Conselleria de Sanitat y Atencion Primaria CS2010-AP-111 CS2011-AP-042Regional Government of Navarra P27/2011Centre Catala de la Nutricio de l'Institut d'Estudis Catalan

Effect of long-term use of alcohol-containing handwashing gels on the biofilm-forming capacity of staphylococcus epidermidis

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has promoted the use of hand sanitizers among the general population as recommended by health authorities. Alcohols, which are used in many hand sanitizers, have been shown to promotes the formation of biofilms by certain bacteria and to increase bacterial resistance to disinfection. We investigated the effect of continued use of alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer on biofilm formation by the Staphylococcus epidermidis resident strain isolated from the hands of health science students. Hand microbes were counted before and after handwashing, and the ability to produce biofilms was investigated. We found that 179 (84.8%) strains of S. epidermidis isolated from hands had the ability to form biofilm (biofilm-positive strains) in an alcohol-free culture medium. Furthermore, the presence of alcohol in the culture medium induced biofilm formation in 13 (40.6%) of the biofilm-negative strains and increased biofilm production in 111 (76.6%) strains, which were classified as low-grade biofilm-producing. Based on our findings, there is no clear evidence that the continued use of alcohol-based gels results in the selection of strains with the capacity to form biofilms. However, other disinfectant formulations that are more commonly used in clinical settings, such as alcohol-based hand-rub solutions, should be tested for their long-term effects.Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Psychosocial interventions reduce cortisol in breast cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionCancer initiation, progression and recurrence are intricate mechanisms that depend on various components: genetic, psychophysiological, or environmental. Exposure to chronic stress includes fear of recurrence that can affect biological processes that regulate immune and endocrine systems, increase cancer risk, and influence the survival rate. Previous studies show that psychological interventions might influence the level of cortisol that has been extensively used as a biomarker for measuring hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning and body's immunity response. This meta-analysis aimed to provide a quantitative scrutiny of the effect of certain types of psychosocial interventions on cortisol as a neuroendocrine biomarker in saliva or blood and might predict breast cancer (BC) progression.MethodsA literature search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, The Cohrane Library, Scopus, WOS, PsychInfo, Google Scholar, Ovid Science Direct. After methodical selection of originally generated 2.021 studies, the search yielded eight articles that met inclusion criteria. All these studies explored effects of psychosocial interventions that measured cortisol in total of 366 participants with BC, stages 0-IV, in randomized control trial or quasi experimental study design setting. We applied random effects model to conduct meta-analyses on the parameters of salivary and plasma cortisol and used PRISMA Guidelines as validated methodology of investigation to report the results.ResultsEight studies selected for meta-analysis have shown the reduction of cortisol level due to applied psychosocial intervention. The random effects model showed that interventions produced large effect sizes in reductions of cortisol in blood (Cohen's d = −1.82, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): −3.03, −0.60) and slightly less in saliva (d = −1.73, 95%CI: −2.68, −0.78) with an overall effect of d = −1.76 (95%CI: −2.46, −1.07).ConclusionOur study concluded that certain types of psychosocial interventions reduce cortisol (indicator of chronic stress) in patients with BC. Application of specific psychosocial support as adjuvant non-invasive therapy for affected females with BC at all phases of treatment could contribute to more cost-effective health care

Association between serum copper levels and risk of cardiovascular disease: a nested case-control study in the PREDIMED trial

Background and aim: Certain trace elements have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum copper (SeCu) levels and the risk of a first event of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a population of older adults with high cardiovascular risk. Methods and results: We conducted a case-control study nested within the PREDIMED trial. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, a total of 207 incident cases diagnosed with CVD were matched for sex, age, and intervention group with 436 controls. Personal interviews, reviews of medical records, and validated questionnaires were used to assess known CVD risk factors. Biological serum samples were collected annually. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis was used to determine SeCu levels. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using multivariate conditional logistic regression models. All participants had SeCu levels within the reference values, 750 mg/L to 1450 mg/L. Among men, but not among women, the mean SeCu concentration was higher in cases 1014.1 mg/L than in controls 959.3 mg/L; (p Z 0.004). In men, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for CVD was 2.36 (95% CI 1.07e5.20 for the comparison of the highest vs. the lowest quartile; p for trend Z 0.02), in women, it was 0.43 (95% CI 0.11 e1.70; p for trend Z 0.165). Conclusion: In older Spanish men with high cardiovascular risk, a significant association was observed between high SeCu levels, but still within the reference values, and an increased risk of a first event of CVD. Our findings suggest a sex difference in CVD risk and SeCu levels. To confirm this relationship and to analyze the differences observed between men and women, further studies are needed.Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBUA. This research was funded by the official funding agency for biomedical research of the Spanish government, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), through grants provided to research networks specifically developed for the trial (RTIC G03/140; RTIC RD 06/0045 “PREDIMED”), and JR14/00008, and through Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), and by grants from Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC06/2007), the Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria–Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (Proyecto de Investigación (PI04-2239, PI05/2584, CP06/00100, PI07/0240, PI07/1138, PI07/0954, PI 07/0473, PI10/01407, PI10/02658, PI11/01647, P11/02505 and PI13/00462), the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Recursos y teconologia agroalimentarias (AGL)-2009-13906-C02 and AGL2010-22319-C03 and AGL2013-49083C3-1-R), the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad-Fondos FEDER-Instituto de Salud Carlos III (UNGR15-CE-3380), the Fundación Mapfre 2010, the Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucía (PI0105/2007), the Public Health Division of the Department of Health of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, the Generalitat Valenciana (Generalitat Valenciana Ayuda Complementatia GVACOMP) 06109, GVACOMP2010-181, GVACOMP2011-151), Conselleria de Sanitat y AP; Atención Primaria (CS) 2010-AP-111, and CS2011-AP-042), Regional Government of Navarra (P27/2011), and Centre Català de la Nutrició de l'Institut d'Estudis Catalans. Hojiblanca and Patrimonio Communal Olivarero donated extra-virgin olive oil; the California Walnut Commission donated walnuts; Borges donated almonds; La Morella Nuts donated hazelnuts

Serum Selenium and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) Trial: Nested Case-Control Study

Background: Selenium is an essential trace mineral with potential interest for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention owing to its antioxidant properties. Epidemiological data on selenium status and CVD remain inconsistent. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether low serum selenium (SSe) concentrations are related to an increased risk of a first CVD event in a population at high cardiovascular risk. Methods: We undertook a case-control study nested within the PREvencion con DIeta MEDiterranea (PREDIMED) trial. A total of 207 participants diagnosed with CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death) during the follow-up period (2003-2010) were matched by sex, age, and intervention group to 436 controls by incidence density sampling. Median time between serum sample collection and subsequent CVD event occurrence was 0.94 years. SSe levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. Covariates were assessed through validated questionnaires, in-person interviews, and medical record reviews. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs). Results: Among women, the mean SSe concentration was lower in cases than in controls (98.5 mu g/L vs. 103.8 mu g/L; p = 0.016). In controls, SSe levels were directly associated with percentage of total energy intake from proteins and fish intake (p for linear trend < 0.001 and 0.049, respectively), whereas SSe concentrations were inversely associated with age, body mass index, and percentage of total energy intake from carbohydrates (p for linear trend < 0.001, 0.008 and 0.016 respectively). In the total group, we observed an inverse dose-response gradient between SSe levels and risk of CVD in the fully-adjusted model (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27-0.81; ptrend = 0.003). Conclusions: Among elderly individuals at high cardiovascular risk, high SSe concentrations within population reference values are associated with lower first CVD incidence

Factores de riesgo cardiovascular y tipo de actividad en una población laboral

Este estudio pretende conocer la prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en una población laboral activa, dado la repercusión de esta patología en el ámbito laboral, tanto por la baja laboral como las repercusiones posteriores en la realización de su trabajo, que en algunos casos conlleva la incapacidad permanente del trabajador para su tarea'. En resumen, cada trabajador tiene unos parámetros individuales relacionados con el tipo de actividad laboral desarrollada que puede influir en el desarrollo, presentación y repercusión sobre los factores de riesgo cardiovasculares tradicionales, objetivo que pretende aclarar en cierta medida este estudio

Psychosocial risk and job satisfaction in professional drivers.

Psychosocial work factors are implicated in the development of stress and job satisfaction. This relationship has been scarcely studied in so-called singular activities, as is the case of professional drivers. This cross-sectional study of 601 professional drivers assesses psychosocial risks and job satisfaction using Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) and Overall Job Satisfaction questionnaire models. The values of the psychosocial scales of professional drivers were compared with thresholds values of the Spanish working population. The relationships of the psychosocial scales with the level of job satisfaction were examined using logistic regression models, adjusted for age, gender, length of driving license and years of experience. In general, professional drivers have an unfavorable psychosocial environment compared to the average Spanish workers. The relationship between psychosocial scales and job satisfaction is observed, with the most influential variables being the meaning and development of work, integration in the company, social relations, esteem and level of psychological demands

Psychiatric Comorbidity and Emotional Dysregulation in Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Case-Control Study

Background: Chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) is frequently associated with a psychiatric comorbidity of depression and anxiety. Most studies focus their attention on this association, and only few link CTTH with psycho-affective emotional regulation disorders. Objective: To evaluate the association of CTTH with anxiety, depression, positive and negative affectivity, and emotional management in CTTH patients with neither a previous diagnosis of psychiatric disorder nor use of psychoactive drugs or abuse of analgesics. Design: Case-control study. Methods: Validated scores for state and trait anxiety, depression, positive and negative state and trait affect, cognitive reappraisal, and expressive suppression were assessed in 40 subjects with CTTH and 40 healthy subjects. Associations between CTTH and psychological status were assessed through linear multivariate regression models. Results: CTTH was associated with higher scores for depression (Beta = 5.46, 95% CI: 1.04&ndash;9.88), state and trait anxiety (Beta = 12.77, 95% CI: 4.99&ndash;20.56 and Beta = 8.79, 95% CI: 2.29&ndash;15.30, respectively), and negative state affect (Beta = 5.26, 95% CI: 0.88&ndash;9.64). Conclusions: CTTH is directly associated with depression, anxiety, and negative affectivity signs despite the absence of a previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder or psychopharmacological intake. The recognition of these comorbid and psycho-affective disorders is essential to adapt the emotional management of these patients for better control

Sensory Thresholds and Peripheral Nerve Responses in Chronic Tension-Type Headache and Neuropsychological Correlation

Chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) is a common disease with no fully defined pathophysiological processes. We designed a study to value electrophysiological responses in these patients and their correlation with possible psychopathological manifestations in order to deepen understanding of central and peripheral mechanisms of CTTH. In 40 patients with CTTH and 40 healthy controls, we used electrical stimulation to determine sensory threshold (SPT) and pain perception threshold (PPT) and the characteristics of the electrophysiological sensory nerve action potential (SNAP): initial sensory response (ISR) and supramaximal response (SMR). We then calculated the intensity differences between thresholds (IDT), namely SPT-PPT, ISR-SMR and SMR-PPT, and correlated these IDTs with psychological characteristics: trait and state anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. The SPT, together with the ISR and SMR thresholds, were higher (p &lt; 0.01) in CTTH patients. The SMR-PPT IDT was smaller and correlated with significantly higher indicators of depression, state and trait anxiety, and poorer cognitive reappraisal. CTTH patients have less capacity to recognize non-nociceptive sensory stimuli, greater tendency toward pain facilitation, and a poor central pain control requiring higher stimulation intensity thresholds to reach the start and the peak amplitude of the SNAP. This is consistent with relative hypoexcitability of the A&beta; nerve fibers in distant regions from the site of pain, and therefore, it could be considered a generalized dysfunction with a focal expression. Pain facilitation is directly associated with psychological comorbidity