Search

The protective role of (poly)phenols against metabolic disorders has been extensively studied in adults but not in adolescents. To assess associations of dietary (poly)phenols and their subclasses with cardiometabolic health parameters in adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 944 individuals aged 11–14 years enrolled in the SI! Program for Secondary Schools trial (NCT03504059). (Poly)phenol intake was assessed using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires and the Phenol-Explorer database. The measured cardiometabolic parameters were waist circumference (WC) age-sex Z-score, blood pressure (BP) age-sex Z-score, blood glucose (BG), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Multilevel mixed-effect linear regression models were applied to examine the association between (poly)phenol quintiles and cardiometabolic health parameters. Compared to the lowest quintile, adolescents in the highest quintile of total (poly)phenol intake had lower WC Z-scores, mean arterial pressure Z-scores, and HDL-c after multivariable adjustment. The WC Z-scores and HDL-c were lower in the highest quintile of flavonoid intake compared to the lowest quintile. The highest quintile of phenolic acid intake was associated with a lower WC Z-score and TG levels, and the highest quintile of stilbene intake with lower BG and TG, and with higher HDL-c compared to the lowest quintile. A higher intake of (poly)phenols, especially flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes, was associated with better cardiometabolic parameters in adolescents.

BackgroundEnhancing self-management in health care through digital tools is a promising strategy to empower patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) to improve self-care. ObjectiveThis study evaluates whether the Greenhabit (mobile health [mHealth]) behavioral treatment enhances T2D outcomes compared with standard care. MethodsA 12-week, parallel, single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 123 participants (62/123, 50%, female; mean age 58.25 years, SD 9.46 years) recently diagnosed with T2D. Participants were recruited face-to-face from primary care centers in Barcelona, Spain, between July 2021 and March 2022. They were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) an intervention group (n=61) instructed to use the Greenhabit mobile app alongside standard care, or (2) a control group (n=62) who received advice on maintaining a healthy diet and followed standard care. The Greenhabit app incorporates serious gaming technology. Participants received daily messages and challenges focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, relaxation, a positive mindset, and a supportive social environment. The app encouraged participants to set weekly goals and awarded points for completing challenges. Data on nutrition, anthropometrics, and blood and urine samples were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Questionnaires assessing quality of life, work-life balance, and social environment were administered at baseline and during the final visit. The primary outcomes were HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare changes over time (baseline to 6 weeks and baseline to 12 weeks) between the 2 intervention groups. Analysis of covariance was performed to evaluate changes at 6 and 12 weeks, adjusted for baseline levels of each variable. Multiple contrasts were corrected using a Bonferroni post hoc test. ResultsBoth groups showed significant reductions in HbA1c after 6 and 12 weeks (mean change in the intervention group [n=50] –0.4%, P

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become a growing risk factor of some non-communicable diseases. Increase of greenhouse gas emissions affects the planet. Aims To assess the association between MetS severity and amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted in an adult population. Design Cross-sectional study (n = 6646; 55-76-year-old-men; 60-75-year-old-women with MetS). Methods Dietary habits were assessed using a pre-validated semi quantitative 143-item food frequency questionnaire. The amount of CO2 emitted due to the production of food consumed by person and day was calculated using a European database, and the severity of the MetS was calculated with the MetS Severity Score. Results Higher glycaemia levels were found in people with higher CO2 emissions. The risk of having high severe MetS was related to high CO2 emissions. Conclusions Low CO2 emissions diet would help to reduce MetS severity. Advantages for both health and the environment were found following a more sustainable diet. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN89898870 . Registered 05 September 2013.

Abstract Background Research related to sustainable diets is is highly relevant to provide better understanding of the impact of dietary intake on the health and the environment. Aim To assess the association between the adherence to an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet and the amount of CO2 emitted in an older adult population. Design and population Using a cross-sectional design, the association between the adherence to an energy-reduced Mediterranean Diet (erMedDiet) score and dietary CO2 emissions in 6646 participants was assessed. Methods Food intake and adherence to the erMedDiet was assessed using validated food frequency questionnaire and 17-item Mediterranean questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics were documented. Environmental impact was calculated through greenhouse gas emissions estimations, specifically CO2 emissions of each participant diet per day, using a European database. Participants were distributed in quartiles according to their estimated CO2 emissions expressed in kg/day: Q1 (≤2.01 kg CO2), Q2 (2.02-2.34 kg CO2), Q3 (2.35-2.79 kg CO2) and Q4 (≥2.80 kg CO2). Results More men than women induced higher dietary levels of CO2 emissions. Participants reporting higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole cereals, preferring white meat, and having less consumption of red meat were mostly emitting less kg of CO2 through diet. Participants with higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet showed lower odds for dietary CO2 emissions: Q2 (OR 0.87; 95%CI: 0.76-1.00), Q3 (OR 0.69; 95%CI: 0.69-0.79) and Q4 (OR 0.48; 95%CI: 0.42-0.55) vs Q1 (reference). Conclusions The Mediterranean diet can be environmentally protective since the higher the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the lower total dietary CO2 emissions. Mediterranean Diet index may be used as a pollution level index.

Background and aimsThe dietary pattern followed during pregnancy, specifically healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, is a key factor in the mother’s and the offspring’s health. Pregnant women dietary intake is not enough to cover the micronutrient requirements of pregnancy, and higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet may improve dietary quality and nutritional density. The aim of the present study was to describe the dietary nutrient intake and diet quality during pregnancy and to evaluate whether a high adherence to Mediterranean diet was associated with a more adequate intake of micronutrients.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study with 1,356 pregnant women selected during the routine second trimester ultrasound scan (19–23 weeks’ gestation). Energy and nutrient intake were calculated using a validated 151-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and nutrient density was estimated dividing the absolute nutrient intake by total energy intake. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated with a 17-item Mediterranean diet adherence score. The criterion used for risk of inadequate nutrient intake has been set below two thirds (2/3) of the dietary reference intakes. The differences were assessed by multivariate linear regression models adjusted for confounders.ResultsA significant proportion of pregnant women had an inadequate intake of macro and micronutrient that was lower in those with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet (≥12 points, n = 122, 19%), including calcium (the Mediterranean diet high adherence 2.5% vs. low adherence 26.7%, p

BackgroundA major barrier to a healthy diet may be the higher price of healthy foods compared to low-quality foods.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the association between the monetary cost of food and diet quality in Spanish older adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease.MethodsCross-sectional analysis was carried out in Spanish older adults (n = 6,838; 48.6% female). A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake. Metabolic syndrome severity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), adherence to a provegetarian dietary pattern, and dietary inflammatory index were assessed. The economic cost of the foods was obtained from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food database (2015–2017, the period of time when the participants were recruited). The total cost of diet adjusted per 1,000 kcal was computed.ResultsThe healthier dietary pattern was associated with a higher cost of the diet. Higher adherence to the MedDiet, anti-inflammatory diet, and the healthy version of the provegetarian dietary pattern were related to higher costs of the diet.ConclusionHigher diet quality was associated with a higher dietary cost of the diet per 1,000 kcal/day. Food prices can be an important component of interventions and policies aimed at improving people's diets and preventing diet-related chronic diseases.Clinical trial registry numberThe trial was registered in 2014 at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial (ISRCT; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN89898870) with the number 89898870.

Desaturase enzyme activities (DEA) are associated with several metabolic diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between estimated plasma DEA and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), as well as their relationship with individual components of the MetS. We conducted a longitudinal study of 148 participants recruited at random from the PREDIMED trial (Hospital Clinic site). At baseline and after 1 year of follow-up, DEA were estimated from product/precursor ratios of individual plasma fatty acids. Logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship of estimated DEA MetS, adjusted for potential cofounders. Estimated Δ5 desaturase (D5D) activity was associated with lower risk of MetS, whereas stearoyl-CoA (SCD)-16 and SCD-18 were negatively associated with MetS status. SCD-16, SCD-18, and Δ6 desaturase (D6D) were positively associated with triglycerides, SCD-18 was inversely associated with HDL-cholesterol. Estimated D6D activity was found to be associated with increases in diastolic blood pressure. In contrast, D5D was negatively associated with triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure and waist circumference. The present longitudinal study suggests that estimated SCD-16, SCD-18, and D6D have a negative impact in MetS and its components, whereas D5D may have beneficial effects for metabolic health.

Background Dietary polyphenol intake has been associated with a decreased risk of hyperuricemia, but most of this knowledge comes from preclinical studies. The aim of the present study was to assess the association of the intake of different classes of polyphenols with serum uric acid and hyperuricemia. Methods and Results This cross‐sectional analysis involved baseline data of 6332 participants. Food polyphenol content was estimated by a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and from the Phenol‐Explorer database. Multivariable‐adjusted linear regression models with serum uric acid (milligrams per deciliter) as the outcome and polyphenol intake (quintiles) as the main independent variable were fitted. Cox regression models with constant follow‐up time (t=1) were performed to estimate the prevalence ratios (PRs) of hyperuricemia (≥7 mg/dL in men and ≥6 mg/dL in women). An inverse association between the intake of the phenolic acid class (β coefficient, −0.17 mg/dL for quintile 5 versus quintile 1 [95% CI, −0.27 to −0.06]) and hydroxycinnamic acids (β coefficient, −0.19 [95% CI, −0.3 to −0.09]), alkylmethoxyphenols (β coefficient, −0.2 [95% CI, −0.31 to −0.1]), and methoxyphenols (β coefficient, −0.24 [95% CI, −0.34 to −0.13]) subclasses with serum uric acid levels and hyperuricemia (PR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.71–0.95]; PR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.71–0.95]; PR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.70–0.92]; and PR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.69–0.91]; respectively) was found. The intake of hydroxybenzoic acids was directly and significantly associated with mean serum uric acid levels (β coefficient, 0.14 for quintile 5 versus quintile 1 [95% CI, 0.02–0.26]) but not with hyperuricemia. Conclusions In individuals with metabolic syndrome, a higher intake of some polyphenol subclasses (hydroxycinnamic acids, alkylmethoxyphenol, and methoxyphenol) was inversely associated with serum uric acid levels and hyperuricemia. Nevertheless, our findings warrant further research.

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) retain the ability to partially differentiate, but it is unclear how the brain microenvironment may influence this response. Here the authors show that glioblastoma cells infiltrating into the white matter acquire pre-oligodendrocyte-like fate in a process that mimics myelin repair and results in tumour suppression

BackgroundCocoa-based products are a good source of flavonoids, which may have beneficial effects on metabolic health.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the relationship between flavonoids from cocoa-based products and adiposity parameters in adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 944 adolescents aged 11–14 years enrolled in the SI! Program for Secondary Schools trial in Spain with available baseline data from food frequency questionnaires and anthropometric measurements [weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and fat mass percentage (% FM) by bioimpedance analysis]. Fat mass index (FMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were obtained by dividing fat mass by height and WC by height, respectively. Body mass index (BMI), WC, and FMI for age and gender z-score were calculated. Overweight/obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 85th percentile and excess adiposity as %FM or FMI ≥ 75th percentile. WC ≥ 90th percentile and WHtR with a 0.5 threshold were considered as criteria of abdominal obesity. Multilevel mixed-effect regressions were used to evaluate the association between flavonoids from cocoa-based products and adiposity parameters. Municipalities and schools were considered random effects.ResultsParticipants with a higher flavonoid intake from cocoa-based products had lower WC z-score [B = −0.04, 95% CI (−0.07; −0.01), P-for trend = 0.045] and WHtR [B = −0.01, 95% CI (−0.02; −0.01), P- for trend < 0.001]. They also had lower probability of having abdominal obesity [OR 0.66, 95% CI (0.52; 0.85), P- for trend = 0.001]. Inverse associations were observed between flavonoids from cocoa powder and BMI z-score [B = −0.08, 95% CI (−0.12; −0.05), P < 0.001], WC z-score [B = −0.06, 95% CI (−0.11; −0.02), P = 0.003], WHtR [B = −0.01, 95% CI (−0.01; −0.00), P < 0.001], %FM [B = −1.11, 95% CI (−1.48; −0.75), P < 0.001], and FMI z-score [B = −0.18, 95% CI (−0.20; −0.17), P < 0.001]. Regarding dark chocolate, an inverse association only with WC z-score [B = −0.06, 95% CI (−0.08; −0.05), P < 0.001] was found. However, no association was observed between flavonoids from milk chocolate intake and anthropometric parameters.ConclusionsA higher intake of flavonoids from cocoa-based products was associated with lower adiposity parameters and a lower probability of presenting abdominal obesity.

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) worsens quality of life and increases mortality. Dissatisfaction with weight in patients with MetS may modify the effect of lifestyle interventions to achieve changes in health-related behaviors.ObjectiveTo assess 1-year changes in cardiovascular risk scores, self-perceived general health and health-related behaviors according to observed changes in desired weight loss during the first year of intervention in a large cardiovascular prevention trial.DesignProspective analysis of the PREDIMED-PLUS trial, including 5,499 adults (55–75 years old) with overweight or obesity at baseline.MethodsThe desired weight loss was the difference between ideal and measured weight. Tertiles of change in desired weight loss (1 year vs. baseline) were defined by the following cut-off points: ≥0.0 kg (T1, n = 1,638); 0.0 to −4.0 kg (T2, n = 1,903); ≤−4.0 kg (T3, n = 1,958). A food frequency questionnaire assessed diet and the Minnesota-REGICOR questionnaire assessed physical activity. The Framingham equation assessed cardiovascular risks. The changes in the severity of MetS were also assessed. The Beck Depression Inventory assessed depressive symptoms and the SF-36 assessed health-related quality of life. Data were analyzed using general linear models.ResultsBMI decreased at T2 and T3 (T1: 0.3, T2: −0.7, T3: −1.9). The most significant improvement in diet quality was observed at T3. Cardiovascular risk decreased at T2 and T3. Mean reductions in MetS severity score were: −0.02 at T1, −0.39 at T2 and −0.78 at T3. The perception of physical health increases in successive tertiles.ConclusionsIn older adults with MetS, more ambitious desired weight loss goals were associated with improvements in diet, cardiovascular health and perceived physical health during the first year of a healthy lifestyle intervention programme. Weight dissatisfaction needs to be considered by health professionals.Clinical trial registrationhttp://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN89898870, identifier 89898870.

In the last decades, marine macroalgae have drawn attention mainly because of their bioactive constituents. Most brown algae are distributed over coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea and Black Sea, and their composition varies with endogenous and exogenous factors. Phlorotannins, fatty acids, sterols and carbohydrates are some of the compounds responsible for biological activities related to cytotoxic, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. In this review we seek to highlight some of the compounds responsible for these last two biological activities, which have enormous importance for the management of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer and Parkinson’s, with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress as hallmarks. However, one of the major problems associated with treating these diseases is the highly selective blood-brain-barrier, which can be overcome with nanocarriers used as delivery systems. Weighing the risks, benefits and toxicity of the used nanoparticles is nevertheless important. We also discuss zebrafish as an upcoming adequate biological model for in vivo screening of risks and benefits of such treatment strategies. This review aims to enable researchers working in the exploitation of these macroalgae and in the use of nanocarriers to potentiate the controlled delivery of bioactive compounds.

English learners are a very diverse population with unique academic, linguistic, social, cultural, and emotional needs. For decades, English learners in the USA have been found to perform significantly lower than their monolingual peers in standardized academic tests. Many efforts to address the academic and language needs of ELs have been documented in the extant literature; however, little research has been conducted on the effects of social mentoring on the diverse needs of ELs. In this paper, we summarize the results of a systematic literature review that examined the benefits, opportunities, and implications of social based mentoring programs for emergent bilinguals in either community or school settings. Although only five studies met our criteria for inclusion, these studies highlight the benefits of using social mentors to support the social, emotional, cultural, linguistic, and academic needs of ELs. Common themes of positive outcomes or reported experiences from participating EL youth or mentors are reported. In addition, we discuss implications of social mentoring under a transformative social-emotional learning (SEL) framework. Limitations of the existing research on mentoring for EL youth and recommendations for future research directions are also discussed.

This study aimed to develop and validate a liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-linear ion trap quadrupole-Orbitrap-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-HRMS) method to identify and quantify urinary microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM), as well as to explore the relationship between MPM and dietary (poly)phenols in Spanish adolescents. A total of 601 spot urine samples of adolescents aged 12.02 ± 0.41 years were analyzed. The quantitative method was validated for linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, recovery, intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision, as well as postpreparative stability according to the criteria established by the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists International. A total of 17 aglycones and 37 phase II MPM were identified and quantified in 601 spot urine samples. Phenolic acids were the most abundant urinary MPM, whereas stilbenes, hydroxytyrosol, and enterodiol were the least abundant. Urinary hydroxycoumarin acids (urolithins) were positively correlated with flavonoid and total (poly)phenol intake. An HPLC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-HRMS method was developed and fully validated to quantify MPM. The new method was performed accurately and is suitable for MPM quantification in large epidemiological studies. Urinary lignans and urolithins are proposed as potential biomarkers of grain and nut intake in an adolescent population.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects 5–10% of newborns and increases the risks of intrauterine demise, neonatal morbidity, and death. In their recent publication, Yeste et al. found the benefits of hydroxytyrosol supplementation on brain remodeling from an IUGR pig model. Additionally, we found a significant decrease in phenolic alcohol (tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol) intake in IUGR pregnant women. Altogether, these findings support the notion that dietetic interventions, through supplementation but mostly via a balanced diet, can ameliorate IUGR complications. Furthermore, diet intervention combined with early biomarkers may allow clinicians to eventually anticipate IUGR diagnosis and help avoid one of the most frequent causes of newborn mortality and morbidity.

Previous studies suggested that dietary polyphenols could reduce the incidence and complications of type-2 diabetes (T2D); although the evidence is still limited and inconsistent. This work analyzes whether changing to a diet with a higher polyphenolic content is associated with an improved glucose profile. At baseline, and at 1 year of follow-up visits, 5921 participants (mean age 65.0 ± 4.9, 48.2% women) who had overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome filled out a validated 143-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), from which polyphenol intakes were calculated. Energy-adjusted total polyphenols and subclasses were categorized in tertiles of changes. Linear mixed-effect models with random intercepts (the recruitment centers) were used to assess associations between changes in polyphenol subclasses intake and 1-year plasma glucose or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Increments in total polyphenol intake and some classes were inversely associated with better glucose levels and HbA1c after one year of follow-up. These associations were modified when the analyses were run considering diabetes status separately. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the relationship between changes in the intake of all polyphenolic groups and T2D-related parameters in a senior population with T2D or at high-risk of developing T2D.

TAU protein aggregation is the main characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies. Low-grade chronic inflammation is also another hallmark that indicates crosstalk between damaged neurons and glial cells. Previously, we have demonstrated that neurons overexpressing TAUP301L release CX3CL1, which activates the transcription factor NRF2 signalling to limit over-activation in microglial cells in vitro and in vivo. However, the connection between CX3CL1/CX3CR1 and NRF2 system and its functional implications in microglia are poorly described. We evaluated CX3CR1/NRF2 axis in the context of tauopathies and its implication in neuroinflammation. Regarding the molecular mechanisms that connect CX3CL1/CX3CR1 and NRF2 systems, we observed that in primary microglia from Cx3cr1-/- mice the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and its related genes were significantly decreased, establishing a direct linking between both systems. To determine functional relevance of CX3CR1, migration and phagocytosis assays were evaluated. CX3CR1-deficient microglia showed impaired cell migration and deficiency of phagocytosis, as previously described for NRF2-deficient microglia, reinforcing the idea of the relevance of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis in these events. The importance of these findings was evident in a tauopathy mouse model where the effects of sulforaphane (SFN), an NRF2 inducer, were examined on neuroinflammation in Cx3cr1+/+ and Cx3cr1-/- mice. Interestingly, the treatment with SFN was able to modulate astrogliosis but failed to reduce microgliosis in Cx3cr1-/- mice. These findings suggest an essential role of the CX3CR1/NRF2 axis in microglial function and in tauopathies. Therefore, polymorphisms with loss of function in CX3CR1 or NRF2 have to be taken into account for the development of therapeutic strategies. Keywords: Inflammation, Neurodegeneration, TAU, Migration, TAM receptors, AXL, Microgliosis, Sulforaphane

We aimed to assess the effects of the antioxidant-rich Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on white blood cell count. Our study population included participants in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea study (average age 67 years old, 58% women, high cardiovascular risk). We assessed whether a MedDiet intervention enriched in extra-virgin olive oil or nuts, versus a low-fat control diet, modified the incidence of leukocytosis (>11 × 109 leukocytes/L), mild leukopenia (9 leukocytes/L), or severe leukopenia (9 leukocytes/L) in individuals without the condition at baseline (n = 3190, n = 2925, and n = 3190, respectively). We also examined whether MedDiet modified the association between leukocyte count alterations and all-cause mortality. Both MedDiet interventions were associated with a lower risk of developing leukopenia (incidence rates: 5.06% in control diet, 3.29% in MedDiet groups combined; hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.54 [0.36–0.80]) and severe leukopenia (incidence rates: 1.26% in control diet, 0.46% in MedDiet groups combined; hazard ratio: 0.25 [0.10–0.60]). High cumulative adherence to a MedDiet was linked to lower risk of leukocytosis (incidence rates: 2.08% in quartile 1, 0.65% in quartile 4; HRQ4-Q1: 0.29 [0.085–0.99]) and attenuated the association between leukopenia and all-cause mortality (P-interaction = 0.032). In brief, MedDiet decreased the incidence of white blood cell count-related alterations in high cardiovascular risk individuals.

Abstract Introduction Women require effective contraception until they reach menopause. The long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) and the depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA, Depo-Provera(r), Pfizer, Puurs, Belgium) are great options and can replace possible sterilizations. Purpose To assess the relationship between the use of LARCs and DMPA and terminations ascribed to menopause and sterilizations in a Brazilian clinic. Methods We reviewed the records of women between 12 and 50 years of age attending the clinic that chose to use a LARC method or DMPA. Cumulative termination rates due to sterilization or because the woman had reached menopause were computed using single decrement life-table analysis over 32 years. We also examined all records of surgical sterilization at our hospital between the years 1980-2012. Results Three hundred thirty-two women had continuously used the same contraceptive until menopause, and 555 women had discontinued the method because they or their partners underwent sterilization. From year 20 to year 30 of use, levonorgestrel intrauterine-releasing system (LNG-IUS - Mirena(r), Bayer Oy, Turku, Finland; available since 1980), copper intrauterine device (IUD - available since 1980) and DMPA users showed a trend of cumulative higher discontinuation rates due to menopause when compared with the discontinuation rates due to sterilization. Over the study period, a steep decline in the use of sterilization occurred. Conclusion Over the past 15 years of research we have observed a trend: women usually preferred to continue using LARC methods or DMPA until menopause rather than decide for sterilization, be it their own, or their partners'. The annual number of sterilizations dropped in the same period. The use of LARC methods and DMPA until menopause is an important option to avoid sterilization, which requires a surgical procedure with potential complications.

Our aim was to assess whether long-term adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) were associated with a lower initiation of cardiovascular drug use. We studied the association between cumulative average of MedDiet adherence and LTPA and the risk of cardiovascular drug initiation in older adults at high cardiovascular risk (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea trial participants) non-medicated at baseline: glucose-lowering drugs (n = 4437), antihypertensives (n = 2145), statins (n = 3977), fibrates (n = 6391), antiplatelets (n = 5760), vitamin K antagonists (n = 6877), antianginal drugs (n = 6837), and cardiac glycosides (n = 6954). One-point increases in MedDiet adherence were linearly associated with a decreased initiation of glucose-lowering (HR: 0.76 [0.71–0.80]), antihypertensive (HR: 0.79 [0.75–0.82]), statin (HR: 0.82 [0.78–0.85]), fibrate (HR: 0.78 [0.68–0.89]), antiplatelet (HR: 0.79 [0.75–0.83]), vitamin K antagonist (HR: 0.83 [0.74; 0.93]), antianginal (HR: 0.84 [0.74–0.96]), and cardiac glycoside therapy (HR: 0.69 [0.56–0.84]). LTPA was non-linearly related to a delayed initiation of glucose-lowering, antihypertensive, statin, fibrate, antiplatelet, antianginal, and cardiac glycoside therapy (minimum risk: 180–360 metabolic equivalents of task-min/day). Both combined were synergistically associated with a decreased onset of glucose-lowering drugs (p-interaction = 0.04), antihypertensive drugs (p-interaction < 0.001), vitamin K antagonists (p-interaction = 0.04), and cardiac glycosides (p-interaction = 0.01). Summarizing, sustained adherence to a MedDiet and LTPA were associated with lower risk of initiating cardiovascular-related medications.

In the adult nervous system axon caliber varies widely amongst different tracts. When considering a given axon, its diameter can further fluctuate in space and time, according to processes including the distribution of organelles and activity-dependent mechanisms. In addition, evidence is emerging supporting that in axons circumferential tension/contractility is present. Axonal diameter is generically regarded as being regulated by neurofilaments. When neurofilaments are absent or low, microtubule-dependent mechanisms can also contribute to the regulation of axon caliber. Despite this knowledge, the fine-tune mechanisms controlling diameter and circumferential tension throughout the lifetime of an axon, remain largely elusive. Recent data supports the role of the actin-spectrin-based membrane periodic skeleton and of non-muscle myosin II in the control of axon diameter. However, the cytoskeletal arrangement that underlies circumferential axonal contraction and expansion is still to be discovered. Here, we discuss in a critical viewpoint the existing knowledge on the regulation of axon diameter, with a specific focus on the possible role played by the axonal actin cytoskeleton.

O problema da pobreza tem influências psicossociais na vida humana. A Psicologia Comunitária trabalha com esses problemas psicossociais. Então, busca-se com este artigo analisar a presença da temática da pobreza nos trabalhos apresentados na 5ª Conferência Internacional de Psicologia Comunitária (CIPC), que foi realizada em setembro de 2014 em Fortaleza (Ceará/Brasil). O tema da 5ª CIPC foi “Psicologia Comunitária no mundo atual: desafios, limites e práticas” com 1553 inscritos e 726 trabalhos aprovados. A metodologia consiste em analisar a temática da pobreza nos trabalhos aprovados nos cincos eixos temáticos: Políticas Públicas, Acadêmico/Formação, Profissão, Movimentos Sociais e Ética na dimensão planetária e em defesa da vida. As dimensões analisadas foram: concepções de pobreza, dimensões psicossociais utilizadas e relação da Psicologia Comunitária com a pobreza. Analisa-se que os eixos com mais produções relacionadas à pobreza são Acadêmico/Formação e Políticas Públicas. Entretanto, a maioria dos resumos não apresenta uma definição específica da pobreza. Há também produções com enfoques monetários e multidimensionais. Sobre as dimensões da pobreza, as mais utilizadas foram o apoio social, as potencialidades, o fatalismo, a conscientização, a vergonha, a humilhação e a exclusão social. Sobre as relações da Psicologia Comunitária com a pobreza, grande parte dos resumos utilizam a pobreza somente como caracterização de um contexto, porém também há produções que atuam contra as práticas de opressão relacionadas à pobreza e em uma perspectiva crítica.

Overweight and obesity are important risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moving towards healthier diets, namely, diets rich in bioactive compounds, could decrease the odds of suffering T2D. However, those individuals with high body mass index (BMI) may have altered absorption or metabolism of some nutrients and dietary components, including polyphenols. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether high intakes of some classes of polyphenols are associated with T2D in a population with metabolic syndrome and how these associations depend on BMI and sex. This baseline cross-sectional analysis includes 6633 participants from the PREDIMED-Plus trial. Polyphenol intakes were calculated from food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). Cox regression models with constant time at risk and robust variance estimators were used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PRs) for polyphenol intake and T2D prevalence using the lowest quartile as the reference group. Analyses were stratified by sex and BMI groups (overweight and obese) to evaluate potential effect modification. Catechins, proanthocyanidins, hydroxybenzoic acids, and lignans were inversely associated with T2D. Hydroxycinnamic acids were directly related in men. These associations were different depending on sex and BMI, that is, women and overweight obtained stronger inverse associations.

Introduction: Psychiatric patients are at increased risk of death from a number of natural and unnatural causes. This study examines the mortality causes of all psychiatric inpatients of an acute psychiatric unit at a general hospital in Portugal for sixteen years (1998 to 2013). Material and Methods: Twenty-one inpatients died at the inpatient unit between 1998 and 2013 (average 1.3 per year). A retrospective study through case-file review was carried to collect demographic characteristics, medical and psychiatry diagnosis. Patients transferred to other wards during their admission were not included. Results: Circulatory system diseases were the most prevalent causes of death, occurring in 2/3 of patients and include pulmonary embolism (n = 6), acute stroke (n = 3), cardiac arrhythmia (n = 2), acute myocardial infarction (n = 1), abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture (n = 1) and heart failure (n = 1). Two patients died with pneumonia and in four cases the cause of death was undetermined. Only one case of suicide was registered. Discussion: Circulatory conditions were the most frequent causes of death in our inpatient unit. Albeit a relatively rare event, inpatient suicide does occur and, in addition to its complex consequences on staff, family and patients should remain a focus for continued prevention. Conclusion: Mortality studies are important for determining quality of health care and to create recommendations for preventive measures.

From a feminist perspective, this essay reviews and analyzes the interaction between metropolitan feminist theories and their interphase with the academic criticism of texts written by Latin American women. Discussion focuses on the question of the subject, which the author believes to be paramount in feminist theory, in as much as the construction of gender and the historical subordination of women devolve on the play of difference and identity. This paper examines how the problematic assumption by feminist theorists in the North American academy of Freudian and Lacanian theories of the subject pose unresolved problems and unanticipated complications to subsequent deployment of this subject theory as modes of interpretation of texts written by women in Latin America or even to the emancipatory goals on feminists in the academy. This is a case where "traveling theory" must be examined and evaluated very carefully. The second part of the paper concentrates on the feminist challenges that have been already made to both Freudian and Lacanian theories of the feminine. It highlights the work of Jane Flax, Nacy Chodorov, Gayatri Spivak and Judith Butler in suggesting a way out of theories that rely on the primacy of the male subject formation and therefore occlude and preclude the investigation of the modes of women's agency.