Invariants and coinvariants of the symmetric group in noncommuting variables

We introduce a natural Hopf algebra structure on the space of noncommutative symmetric functions. The bases for this algebra are indexed by set partitions. We show that there exists a natural inclusion of the Hopf algebra of noncommutative symmetric functions in this larger space. We also consider this algebra as a subspace of noncommutative polynomials and use it to understand the structure of the spaces of harmonics and coinvariants with respect to this collection of noncommutative polynomials and conclude two analogues of Chevalley’s theorem in the noncommutative setting

Linfocitosis monoclonal de células B en familiares de pacientes con síndromes lifoproliferativos crónicos B en Colombia

Introduction. Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis generally precedes chronic lymphocytic leukemia, affecting about 12% of the healthy adult population. This frequency increases in relatives of patients with chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Objective. To determine the frequency of Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis in relatives of patients with chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, their immunophenotypic/cytogenetic characteristics, a possible relationship with infectious agents, and short-term follow-up in the Colombian population. Materials and methods. Fifty healthy adults with a family history of chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders were studied using multiparametric flow cytometry, cytogenetic/serological testing, lifestyle survey, and 2-year follow-up. Results. The frequency of Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis found was 8%, with a predominance of female gender and advanced age, increasing to 12.5% ​​for individuals with a family history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Three out of four individuals presented chronic lymphocytic leukemia-type immunophenotype, all with low counts. In turn, a significantly higher number of cells/uL is observed in these individuals in T lymphocyte subpopulations, together with a greater predisposition to the disease. The described clonal populations increase over time in a non-significant manner. Conclusions. The frequency and behavior of Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis in relatives with chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders are like that found in related studies, which suggests that there is no involvement of more relevant genes that can trigger uncontrolled clonal proliferation, but that generates immune deregulation that could justify a greater risk of serious infection in these individuals.Introducción. La linfocitosis monoclonal de células B, generalmente precede la leucemia linfocítica crónica y afecta alrededor del 12% de la población adulta sana. Dicha frecuencia incrementa en familiares de pacientes con síndromes linfoproliferativos crónicos B. Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de linfocitosis monoclonal B en familiares de pacientes con síndromes linfoproliferativos crónicos B, sus características inmunofenotípicas/citogenéticas, posible relación con agentes infecciosos, y seguimiento a corto plazo en población colombiana. Materiales y métodos. Se estudiaron 50 adultos sanos con antecedentes familiares de síndromes linfoproliferativos crónicos B, empleando citometría de flujo multiparamétrica, pruebas citogenéticas/serológicas, encuesta de hábitos de vida y seguimiento a 2 años. Resultados. La frecuencia de linfocitosis monoclonal B encontrada fue 8%, con predominio del género femenino y edad avanzada, incrementando a 12,5% para individuos con antecedentes familiares de leucemia linfocítica crónica. Tres de cuatro individuos presentaron inmunofenotipo tipo leucemia linfocítica crónica, todas de bajo recuento. A su vez, en estos individuos se observa de manera significativa un mayor número de células/uL en subpoblaciones linfocitarias T, junto con mayor predisposición a enfermedad. Las poblaciones clonales descritas aumentan a lo largo del tiempo de manera no significativa. Conclusiones. La frecuencia y comportamiento de la linfocitosis monoclonal de célula B en familiares con síndromes linfoproliferativos crónicos B es similar a lo encontrado en estudios relacionados, lo que sugiere que no existe afectación de genes de mayor relevancia que puedan desencadenar una proliferación clonal descontrolada, pero que generan desregulación inmune que podría justificar un mayor riesgo de infección grave en estos individuos

Capturing health and eating status through a nutritional perception screening questionnaire (NPSQ9) in a randomised internet-based personalised nutrition intervention : the Food4Me study

BACKGROUND: National guidelines emphasize healthy eating to promote wellbeing and prevention of non-communicable diseases. The perceived healthiness of food is determined by many factors affecting food intake. A positive perception of healthy eating has been shown to be associated with greater diet quality. Internet-based methodologies allow contact with large populations. Our present study aims to design and evaluate a short nutritional perception questionnaire, to be used as a screening tool for assessing nutritional status, and to predict an optimal level of personalisation in nutritional advice delivered via the Internet. METHODS: Data from all participants who were screened and then enrolled into the Food4Me proof-of-principle study (n = 2369) were used to determine the optimal items for inclusion in a novel screening tool, the Nutritional Perception Screening Questionnaire-9 (NPSQ9). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on anthropometric and biochemical data and on dietary indices acquired from participants who had completed the Food4Me dietary intervention (n = 1153). Baseline and intervention data were analysed using linear regression and linear mixed regression, respectively. RESULTS: A final model with 9 NPSQ items was validated against the dietary intervention data. NPSQ9 scores were inversely associated with BMI (β = -0.181, p < 0.001) and waist circumference (Β = -0.155, p < 0.001), and positively associated with total carotenoids (β = 0.198, p < 0.001), omega-3 fatty acid index (β = 0.155, p < 0.001), Healthy Eating Index (HEI) (β = 0.299, p < 0.001) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) (β = 0. 279, p < 0.001). Findings from the longitudinal intervention study showed a greater reduction in BMI and improved dietary indices among participants with lower NPSQ9 scores. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy eating perceptions and dietary habits captured by the NPSQ9 score, based on nine questionnaire items, were associated with reduced body weight and improved diet quality. Likewise, participants with a lower score achieved greater health improvements than those with higher scores, in response to personalised advice, suggesting that NPSQ9 may be used for early evaluation of nutritional status and to tailor nutritional advice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01530139 .Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Effect of personalized nutrition on health-related behaviour change: evidence from the Food4me European randomized controlled trial

Background: Optimal nutritional choices are linked with better health, but many current interventions to improve diet have limited effect. We tested the hypothesis that providing personalized nutrition (PN) advice based on information on individual diet and lifestyle, phenotype and/or genotype would promote larger, more appropriate, and sustained changes in dietary behaviour. Methods: Adults from seven European countries were recruited to an internet-delivered intervention (Food4Me) and randomized to: (i) conventional dietary advice (control) or to PN advice based on: (ii) individual baseline diet; (iii) individual baseline diet plus phenotype (anthropometry and blood biomarkers); or (iv) individual baseline diet plus phenotype plus genotype (five diet-responsive genetic variants). Outcomes were dietary intake, anthropometry and blood biomarkers measured at baseline and after 3 and 6 months’ intervention. Results: At baseline, mean age of participants was 39.8 years (range 18–79), 59% of participants were female and mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.5 kg/m2. From the enrolled participants, 1269 completed the study. Following a 6-month intervention, participants randomized to PN consumed less red meat [-5.48 g, (95% confidence interval:- 10.8,-0.09), P=0.046], salt [-0.65 g, (-1.1,-0.25), P=0.002] and saturated fat [-1.14 % of energy, (-1.6,-0.67), P<0.0001], increased folate [29.6 mg, (0.21,59.0), P=0.048] intake and had higher Healthy Eating Index scores [1.27, (0.30, 2.25), P=0.010) than those randomized to the control arm. There was no evidence that including phenotypic and phenotypic plus genotypic information enhanced the effectiveness of the PN advice. Conclusions: Among European adults, PN advice via internet-delivered intervention produced larger and more appropriate changes in dietary behaviour than a conventional approach

Objectively measured physical activity in European adults: cross-sectional findings from the Food4Me study

Background Comparisons of objectively measured physical activity (PA) between residents of European countries measured concurrently with the same protocol are lacking. We aimed to compare PA between the seven European countries involved in the Food4Me Study, using accelerometer data collected remotely via the Internet. Methods Of the 1607 participants recruited, 1287 (539 men and 748 women) provided at least 3 weekdays and 2 weekend days of valid accelerometer data (TracmorD) at baseline and were included in the present analyses. Results Men were significantly more active than women (physical activity level = 1.74 vs. 1.70, p < 0.001). Time spent in light PA and moderate PA differed significantly between countries but only for women. Adherence to the World Health Organization recommendation to accumulate at least 150 min of moderate-equivalent PA weekly was similar between countries for men (range: 54–65%) but differed significantly between countries for women (range: 26–49%). Prevalence estimates decreased substantially for men and women in all seven countries when PA guidelines were defined as achieving 30 min of moderate and vigorous PA per day. Conclusions We were able to obtain valid accelerometer data in real time via the Internet from 80% of participants. Although our estimates are higher compared with data from Sweden, Norway, Portugal and the US, there is room for improvement in PA for all countries involved in the Food4Me Study

Profile of European adults interested in internet-based personalized nutrition: The Food4Me Study

Purpose Personalised intervention may have greater potential for reducing the global burden of non-communicable diseases and for promoting better health and wellbeing across the life-span than the conventional “one size fits all” approach. However, the characteristics of individuals interested in personalised nutrition (PN) are unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of European adults interested in taking part in an internet-based PN study. Methods Individuals from seven European countries (UK, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Greece and Poland) were invited to participate in the study via the Food4Me website (http://www.food4me.org). Two screening questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographic, anthropometric and health characteristics as well as dietary intakes. Results A total of 5662 individuals expressed an interest in the study (mean age 40 ± 12.7; range 15-87 years). Of these 64.6% were female and 96.9% were Caucasian. Overall, 12.9% were smokers and 46.8% reported the presence of a clinically diagnosed disease. Furthermore, 46.9% were overweight or obese and 34.9% were sedentary during leisure time. Assessment of dietary intakes showed that 54.3% of individuals reported consuming at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, 45.9% consumed more than 3 servings of wholegrains and 37.2% limited their salt intake to less than 5.75g per day. Conclusions Our data indicate that individuals volunteering to participate in an internet-based PN study are broadly representative of the European adult population, most of whom had adequate nutrient intakes but who could benefit from improved dietary choices and greater physical activity. Future use of internet-based PN approaches is thus relevant to a wide target audience

Correlates of overall and central obesity in adults from seven European countries: findings from the Food4Me Study

To identify predictors of obesity in adults and investigate to what extent these predictors are independent of other major confounding factors. Data collected at baseline from 1441 participants from the Food4Me study conducted in seven European countries were included in this study. A food frequency questionnaire was used to measure dietary intake. Accelerometers were used to assess physical activity levels (PA), whereas participants self-reported their body weight, height and waist circumference via the internet. The main factors associated (p < 0.05) with higher BMI per 1-SD increase in the exposure were age (β:1.11 kg/m2), intakes of processed meat (β:1.04 kg/m2), red meat (β:1.02 kg/m2), saturated fat (β:0.84 kg/m2), monounsaturated fat (β:0.80 kg/m2), protein (β:0.74 kg/m2), total energy intake (β:0.50 kg/m2), olive oil (β:0.36 kg/m2), sugar sweetened carbonated drinks (β:0.33 kg/m2) and sedentary time (β:0.73 kg/m2). In contrast, the main factors associated with lower BMI per 1-SD increase in the exposure were PA (β:-1.36 kg/m2), intakes of wholegrains (β:-1.05 kg/m2), fibre (β:-1.02 kg/m2), fruits and vegetables (β:-0.52 kg/m2), nuts (β:-0.52 kg/m2), polyunsaturated fat (β:-0.50 kg/m2), Healthy Eating Index (β:-0.42 kg/m2), Mediterranean diet score (β:-0.40 kg/m2), oily fish (β:-0.31 kg/m2), dairy (β:-0.31 kg/m2) and fruit juice (β:-0.25 kg/m2). These findings are important for public health and suggest that promotion of increased PA, reducing sedentary behaviours and improving the overall quality of dietary patterns are important strategies for addressing the existing obesity epidemic and associated disease burden

Personalized Nutrition Advice Reduces Intake of Discretionary Foods and Beverages: Findings From the Food4Me Randomized Controlled Trial

© 2021 American Society for Nutrition. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Objectives This study aimed to examine changes in intake of discretionary foods and beverages following a personalized nutrition intervention using two national classifications for discretionary foods. Methods Participants were recruited into a 6-month RCT across seven European countries (Food4Me) and were randomized to receive generalized dietary advice (Control) or one of three levels of personalized nutrition advice (based on dietary, phenotypic and genotypic information). Dietary intake from a FFQ was used to determine change between baseline and month 6 in (i) % energy, % contribution to total fat, SFA, total sugars and salt and (ii) contribution (%) made by sweets and snacks to intake of total fat, SFA, sugars and salt from discretionary foods and beverages, defined by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG). Results A total of 1270 adults (40.9 (SD 13.0) years; 57% female) completed the intervention. At month 6, percentage sugars from FSS discretionary items was lower in personalized nutrition vs control (19.0 ± 0.37 vs 21.1 ± 0.65; P = 0.005). Percentage energy (31.2 ± 0.59 vs 32.7 ± 0.59; P = 0.031), % total fat (31.5 ± 0.37 vs 33.3 ± 0.65; P = 0.021), SFA (36.0 ± 0.43 vs 37.8 ± 0.75; P = 0.034) and sugars (31.7 ± 0.44 vs 34.7 ± 0.78; P < 0.001) from ADG discretionary items were lower in personalized nutrition vs control. The % contribution of sugars from sweets and snacks was lower in personalized nutrition vs control (19.1 ± 0.36 vs 21.5 ± 0.63; P < 0.001). At 3 months, effects were consistent for ADG discretionary items, while there was no significant differences in personalized nutrition vs control for FSS discretionary items. Conclusions Compared with generalized dietary advice, personalized nutrition advice achieved greater reductions in intake of discretionary foods and beverages when the classification included all foods high in fat, added sugars and salt. Future personalized nutrition strategies may be used to target intake of discretionary foods and beverages. Funding Sources European Commission Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnology Theme of the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development [265494]. KML is supported by a NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellowship (APP1173803).Peer reviewe

Mediterranean diet adherence and genetic background roles within a web-based nutritional intervention: the Food4Me study

Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) adherence has been proven to produce numerous health benefits. In addition, nutrigenetic studies have explained some individual variations in the response to specific dietary patterns. The present research aimed to explore associations and potential interactions between MedDiet adherence and genetic background throughout the Food4Me web-based nutritional intervention. Dietary, anthropometrical and biochemical data from volunteers of the Food4Me study were collected at baseline and after 6 months. Several genetic variants related to metabolic risk features were also analysed. A Genetic Risk Score (GRS) was derived from risk alleles and a Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), based on validated food intake data, was estimated. At baseline, there were no interactions between GRS and MDS categories for metabolic traits. Linear mixed model repeated measures analyses showed a significantly greater decrease in total cholesterol in participants with a low GRS after a 6-month period, compared to those with a high GRS. Meanwhile, a high baseline MDS was associated with greater decreases in Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference and glucose. There also was a significant interaction between GRS and the MedDiet after the follow-up period. Among subjects with a high GRS, those with a high MDS evidenced a highly significant reduction in total carotenoids, while among those with a low GRS, there was no difference associated with MDS levels. These results suggest that a higher MedDiet adherence induces beneficial effects on metabolic outcomes, which can be affected by the genetic background in some specific markers

Phenotypic factors influencing the variation in response of circulating cholesterol level to personalised dietary advice in the Food4Me study

Individual response to dietary interventions can be highly variable. The phenotypic characteristics of those who will respond positively to personalised dietary advice are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the phenotypic profiles of differential responders to personalised dietary intervention, with a focus on total circulating cholesterol. Subjects from the Food4Me multi-centre study were classified as responders or non-responders to dietary advice on the basis of the change in cholesterol level from baseline to month 6, with lower and upper quartiles defined as responder and non-responder groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between demographic and anthropometric profiles of the groups. Furthermore, with the exception of alcohol, there was no significant difference in reported dietary intake, at baseline. However, there were marked differences in baseline fatty acid profiles. The responder group had significantly higher levels of stearic acid (18 : 0, P=0·034) and lower levels of palmitic acid (16 : 0, P=0·009). Total MUFA (P=0·016) and total PUFA (P=0·008) also differed between the groups. In a step-wise logistic regression model, age, baseline total cholesterol, glucose, five fatty acids and alcohol intakes were selected as factors that successfully discriminated responders from non-responders, with sensitivity of 82 % and specificity of 83 %. The successful delivery of personalised dietary advice may depend on our ability to identify phenotypes that are responsive. The results demonstrate the potential use of metabolic profiles in identifying response to an intervention and could play an important role in the development of precision nutrition