Flavonoid Intake From Cocoa-Based Products and Adiposity Parameters in Adolescents in Spain.

Cocoa-based products are a good source of flavonoids, which may have beneficial effects on metabolic health. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between flavonoids from cocoa-based products and adiposity parameters in adolescents. A 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. Participants 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. A higher intake of flavonoids from cocoa-based products was associated with lower adiposity parameters and a lower probability of presenting abdominal obesity.The SI! Program for Secondary Schools trial was supported by the SHE Foundation, the la Caixa Foundation (LCF/PR/CE16/10700001), the Fundació la Marató de TV3 (grant number 369/C/2016), and by the funding from Idilia Foods (FBG 311240). Support was also provided by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (PID2020- 114022RB-I00), CIBEROBN from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, ISCIII from the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (AEI/FEDER, UE), and Generalitat de Catalunya. JM-G was a postgraduate fellow of the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación of Spain at the Residencia de Estudiantes (2020– ongoing). RF-J was a recipient of grant PI19/01704 funded by the Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund a way to make Europe/Investing in your future. The CNIC was supported by the ISCIII, the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MCIN), the Pro CNIC Foundation, and was a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence (CEX2020-001041-S). GS-B was the recipient of grant LCF/PR/MS19/12220001 funded by la Caixa Foundation (ID 100010434). AT-R is a Serra Húnter fellow. EL-S was a FI-SDUR (EMC/3345/2020) fellowship from the Generalitat de Catalunya.S

Total urinary polyphenols and ideal cardiovascular health metrics in Spanish adolescents enrolled in the SI Program: a cross-sectional study.

To study the relationship between urinary total polyphenol excretion (TPE) in adolescents and ideal cardiovascular (CVH) metrics. 1151 adolescents aged 12.04 (0.46) years participating in the SI! Program for Secondary Schools were selected based on the availability of urine samples and information required to assess CVH metrics. Data on health behaviours (smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, and healthy diet) and health factors (blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose) were used to calculate the CVH metrics. TPE in urine was analysed by a Folin-Ciocalteu method after solid-phase extraction. Associations between TPE (categorized into tertiles) and CVH metrics (total and separate scores) were assessed using multilevel mixed-effect regression models. Higher TPE levels were associated with higher (healthier) CVH scores and ideal smoking status (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.10; 1.87, p value = 0.007), physical activity (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02; 1.23, p value = 0.022) and total cholesterol (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.16; 2.73, p value = 0.009) after multivariate adjustment. An association between TPE and total CVH scores was observed only in boys. Girls with higher TPE had higher rates of ideal total cholesterol and blood pressure. According to our findings, higher urinary TPE is related to better CVH scores, with relevant differences in this association by gender.The authors wish to thank all the volunteers and their families, teachers, and schools for their contribution to the SI! Program for Secondary Schools. The SI! Program for Secondary Schools trial was supported by the SHE Foundation, the “la Caixa” Foundation (grant numbers LCF/PR/CE16//10700001 and LCF/PR/MS19/12220001), and the Fundació la Marató de TV3 (grant number 369/C/2016). Support was also provided by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (grant number AGL2016–75329-R), and Generalitat de Catalunya. Rodrigo Fernández-Jiménez is a recipient of grant PI19/01704 funded by the Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund "A way to make Europe"/"Investi ng in your future". The Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares is supported by the ISCIII, the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, and the Pro CNIC Foundation, and is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence (CEX2020-001041-S). Anna Tresserra-Rimbau was supported by a Serra Húnter Fellowship. Emily P. Laveriano-Santos is thankful for the FI-SDUR (EMC/3345/2020) fellowship from the Generalitat de Catalunya. Isabella Parilli-Moser thanks the FI-SDUR (EMC/2703/2019) fellowship.S

Machine-Learning Enhanced Photometric Analysis of the Extremely Bright GRB 210822A

We present analytical and numerical models of the bright long GRB 210822A at $z=1.736$. The intrinsic extreme brightness exhibited in the optical, which is very similar to other bright GRBs (e.g., GRBs 080319B, 130427A, 160625A 190114C, and 221009A), makes GRB 210822A an ideal case for studying the evolution of this particular kind of GRB. We use optical data from the RATIR instrument starting at $T+315.9$ s, with publicly available optical data from other ground-based observatories, as well as X-ray data from the Swift/X-ray Telescope (XRT) and data from the Swift/Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT). The temporal profiles and spectral properties during the late stages align consistently with the conventional forward shock model, complemented by a reverse shock element that dominates optical emissions during the initial phases ($T<300$ s). Furthermore, we observe a break at $T=80000$ s that we interpreted as evidence of a jet break, which constrains the opening angle to be about $\theta_\mathrm{j}=(3-5)$ degrees. Finally, we apply a machine-learning technique to model the multi-wavelength light curve of GRB 210822A using the AFTERGLOWPY library. We estimate the angle of sight $\theta_{obs}=(6.4 \pm 0.1) \times 10^{-1}$ degrees, the energy $E_0= (7.9 \pm 1.6)\times 10^{53}$ ergs, the electron index $p=2.54 \pm 0.10$, the thermal energy fraction in electrons $\epsilon_e=(4.63 \pm 0.91) \times 10^{-5}$ and in the magnetic field $\epsilon_B= (8.66 \pm 1.01) \times 10^{-6}$, the efficiency $\chi = 0.89 \pm 0.01$, and the density of the surrounding medium $n_\mathrm{0} = 0.85 \pm 0.01$.Comment: Submitted to MNRAS, 11 pages, 6 figures. Fixed typo

Correcting non cephalic presentation with moxibustion: study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial in general practice

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Non cephalic presentation in childbirth involves various risks to both the mother and the foetus. The incidence in Spain is 3.8% of all full-term pregnancies. The most common technique used to end the gestation in cases of non cephalic presentation is that of caesarian section, and although it provokes a lower rate of morbi-mortality than does vaginal delivery in such situations, there remains the possibility of traumatic injury to the foetal head and neck, while maternal morbidity is also increased. The application of heat (moxibustion) to an acupuncture point, in order to correct non cephalic presentation, has been practised in China since ancient times, but as yet there is insufficient evidence of its real effectiveness.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The experimental design consists of a multi-centre randomised controlled trial with three parallel arms, used to compare real moxibustion, sham moxibustion and the natural course of events, among pregnant women with a non cephalic presentation and a gestational duration of 33–35 weeks (estimated by echography). The participants in the trial will be blinded to both interventions. The results obtained will be analyzed by professionals, blinded with respect to the allocation to the different types of intervention. In addition, we intend to carry out a economic analysis.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This trial will contribute to the development of evidence concerning moxibustion in the correction of non cephalic presentations. The primary outcome variable is the proportion of cephalic presentations at term. As secondary outcomes, we will evaluate the proportion of cephalic presentations at week 38 of gestation, determined by echography, together with the safety of the technique, the specificity of moxibustion and the control of the blinding process.</p> <p>This study has been funded by the Health Ministry of the Andalusian Regional Government.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10634508.</p

Beneficial Effects of Physical Exercise on Functional Capacity and Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Stress in Rats with Aortic Stenosis-Induced Heart Failure

Objective. We evaluated the influence of exercise on functional capacity, cardiac remodeling, and skeletal muscle oxidative stress, MAPK, and NF-κB pathway in rats with aortic stenosis- (AS-) induced heart failure (HF). Methods and Results. Eighteen weeks after AS induction, rats were assigned into sedentary control (C-Sed), exercised control (C-Ex), sedentary AS (AS-Sed), and exercised AS (AS-Ex) groups. Exercise was performed on treadmill for eight weeks. Statistical analyses were performed with Goodman and ANOVA or Mann-Whitney. HF features frequency and mortality did not differ between AS groups. Exercise improved functional capacity, assessed by maximal exercise test on treadmill, without changing echocardiographic parameters. Soleus cross-sectional areas did not differ between groups. Lipid hydroperoxide concentration was higher in AS-Sed than C-Sed and AS-Ex. Activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase was changed in AS-Sed and restored in AS-Ex. NADPH oxidase activity and gene expression of its subunits did not differ between AS groups. Total ROS generation was lower in AS-Ex than C-Ex. Exercise modulated MAPK in AS-Ex and did not change NF-κB pathway proteins. Conclusion. Exercise improves functional capacity in rats with AS-induced HF regardless of echocardiographic parameter changes. In soleus, exercise reduces oxidative stress, preserves antioxidant enzyme activity, and modulates MAPK expression

Beneficial Effects of Physical Exercise on Functional Capacity and Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Stress in Rats with Aortic Stenosis-Induced Heart Failure

Objective. We evaluated the influence of exercise on functional capacity, cardiac remodeling, and skeletal muscle oxidative stress, MAPK, and NF-B pathway in rats with aortic stenosis-(AS-) induced heart failure (HF). Methods and Results. Eighteen weeks after AS induction, rats were assigned into sedentary control (C-Sed), exercised control (C-Ex), sedentary AS (AS-Sed), and exercised AS (AS-Ex) groups. Exercise was performed on treadmill for eight weeks. Statistical analyses were performed with Goodman and ANOVA or Mann-Whitney. HF features frequency and mortality did not differ between AS groups. Exercise improved functional capacity, assessed by maximal exercise test on treadmill, without changing echocardiographic parameters. Soleus cross-sectional areas did not differ between groups. Lipid hydroperoxide concentration was higher in AS-Sed than C-Sed and AS-Ex. Activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase was changed in AS-Sed and restored in AS-Ex. NADPH oxidase activity and gene expression of its subunits did not differ between AS groups. Total ROS generation was lower in AS-Ex than C-Ex. Exercise modulated MAPK in AS-Ex and did not change NF-B pathway proteins. Conclusion. Exercise improves functional capacity in rats with AS-induced HF regardless of echocardiographic parameter changes. In soleus, exercise reduces oxidative stress, preserves antioxidant enzyme activity, and modulates MAPK expression

ESTILOS DE VIDA DE ESTUDIANTES UNIVERSITARIOS DE CIENCIAS DE LA SALUD

Objetivos: El objetivo de este artículo es realizar una revisión de las publicaciones que revelen el impacto de los estilos de vida en la salud integral de estudiantes universitarios del área ciencias de la salud. Métodos : La revisión fue efectuada mediante búsqueda electrónica de artículos relacionados con estilos de vida en estudiantes universitarios pertenecientes a las escuelas de ciencias de la salud. Las fuentes de búsqueda fueron ISI, SCIELO, MEDLINE, BVS y PUBMED. Los términos de búsqueda fueron: estilo de vida, estudiantes universitarios y ciencias de la salud. Para esta revisión se seleccionaron los artículos publicados que tuvieron experiencias investigativas desde el 2010 a la actualidad y los que incluyeron aspectos teórico-conceptuales se consideró los publicados desde el año 2000. Resultados: De los 83 artículos revisados, se descartaron 38 por no cumplir con el criterio de haber realizado la investigación en el área de ciencias de la salud, y 12 fueron retirados por ser publicados antes del 2010, quedando solo 33 artículos para esta revisión bibliográfica. De los 33 artículos seleccionados, 18 estudios cumplieron con los criterios de investigación, 15 fueron considerados para incluir aspectos teórico – conceptuales. Respecto a la actividad física, un estudio evidenció que el 40% de los jóvenes universitarios no realiza ningún ejercicio físico; otra investigación demostró que solo el 44% de los estudiantes de ciencias de la salud practicaban los recomendados 30 minutos de ejercicio 5 días por semana. Además los patrones alimentarios de los estudiantes fueron inadecuados, haciéndose necesario un cambio en el 90% de la población, siendo la “comida chatarra” la que más consumieron los participantes. Por otro lado, los datos de un estudio revelaron que 1 de cada 5 de los estudiantes universitarios presentan alteraciones en su salud mental y el consumo de tabaco y/o drogas, aparece como factor de riesgo. Conclusión: La mayoría de los estudiantes universitarios de ciencias de la salud no aplican sus conocimientos en sus propios estilos de vida (alimentación, actividad física y demás prácticas). Esto revela la urgencia de crear programas universitarios que modifiquen y promuevan estilos de vida saludable. DOI:https://doi.org/10.25176/RFMH.v16.n2.67