Household Dietary Diversity, Wild Edible Plants, and Diarrhea among Rural Households in Tanzania

Communities in Tanzania have an extensive history of using wild plants for nutritional and medicinal purposes. The high prevalence of food insecurity and infectious disease, combined with a lack of access to healthcare in rural areas, makes traditional plant sources of food and medical treatment a practical alternative for vulnerable households. In this study, the association between household consumption of wild edible plants and self-reported diarrhea across categories of household food security status was examined. Focus group discussions in four villages in Kilosa, Tanzania, were used to elicit coping strategies, including consumption of wild edible plants, employed during periods of food shortage. Data on household dietary diversity, food security, demographics, selfreported health, as well as socioeconomic status were collected using a structured survey administered to heads of households. The association between selfreported diarrhea and consumption of wild edible plants across categories of household food security status were determined using bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. Our results indicate that among the moderately food insecure, the odds of a household member having diarrhea was lower in consumers as compared to non-consumers of wild edible plants (OR 0.30 [0.12, 0.75], p \u3c0.05). Consumption of wild edible plants appears to be a potential mediator of diarrheal diseases in food insecure populations, especially among the moderately food insecure. Further research on the contribution of wild edible plants to alleviation of food insecurity and related health outcomes in developing countries is needed

The Association between Breakfast Skipping and Body Weight, Nutrient Intake, and Metabolic Measures among Participants with Metabolic Syndrome

The effect of skipping breakfast on health, especially in adults, remains a controversial topic. A secondary data analysis was conducted to examine associations between breakfast eating patterns and weight loss, nutrient intake, and metabolic parameters among participants with metabolic syndrome (MetS) (n = 240). Three randomly selected 24-h dietary recalls were collected from each participant at baseline and at the one-year visit. Skipped breakfast was seen in 32.9% at baseline and in 17.4% at the one-year visit, respectively. At baseline, after adjustment for demographics and physical activity, participants who ate breakfast had a higher thiamin, niacin, and folate intake than did breakfast skippers (p \u3c 0.05); other selected parameters including body weight, dietary quality scores, nutrient intake, and metabolic parameters showed no significant differences between the two groups (p ≥ 0.05). From baseline to one year, after adjustment for covariates, mean fat intake increased by 2.7% (95% confidence intervals (CI): −1.0, 6.5%) of total energy in breakfast skippers in comparison to the 1.2% decrease observed in breakfast eaters (95% CI: −3.4, 1.1%) (p = 0.02). Mean changes in other selected parameters showed no significant differences between breakfast skippers and eaters (p \u3e 0.05). This study did not support the hypothesis that skipping breakfast has impact on body weight, nutrient intakes, and selected metabolic measures in participants with MetS

Rural-urban disparities in the nutritional status of younger adolescents in Tanzania

Research on geographic differences in health focuses largely on children less than five years; little is known about adolescents—and even less regarding younger adolescents—a vulnerable group at a critical stage of the life course. Africa’s rapid population growth and urbanization rates, coupled with stagnant rates of undernutrition, further indicate the need for country-specific data on rural-urban health disparities to inform development policies. This study examined rural-urban disparities in body mass index-for-age-and-sex (BAZ) and height-for-age-and-sex z-scores (HAZ) among younger adolescents in Tanzania. Participants were randomly selected adolescents aged 10–14 years (N = 1,125) residing in Kilosa (rural) and Moshi (urban) districts of Tanzania. Individual and household-level data were collected using surveys and anthropometric data was collected on all adolescents. Age, sex, household living conditions, and assets were self-reported. BAZ and HAZ were calculated using the WHO reference guide. The prevalence of undernutrition was 10.9% among rural and 5.1% among urban adolescents (p\u3c0.001). Similarly, stunting prevalence was greater in rural (64.5%) than urban (3.1%) adolescents (p\u3c0.001). After adjusting for covariates, rural residence was significantly and inversely associated with BAZ (B = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.52, -0.70, p = 0.01), as well as with HAZ (B = -1.79, 95% CI: -2.03, -1.54, p\u3c0.001). Self-identified males had lower BAZ (B = -0.23, 95% CI: -0.34, -0.11, p\u3c0.001) and HAZ (B = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.35, -0.09, p = 0.001) than self-identified female adolescents. Rural-urban disparities in nutritional status were significant and gendered. Findings confirm place of residence as a key determinant of BAZ and HAZ among younger adolescents in Tanzania. Targeted gender-sensitive interventions are needed to limit growth faltering and improve health outcomes in rural settings

Dietary Patterns and their Association with Hypertension Among Pakistani Urban Adults

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting more than 25% of adults worldwide. In Pakistan, 33% of the adult population suffers from hypertension. Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated the critical role of dietary patterns in the causation, prevention and management of hypertension. There’s a dearth of evidence from South Asia in this regard. The present study aimed to identify the association between dietary patterns and hypertension among 4304 low income urban adults who participated in the Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation (COBRA) study in Karachi, Pakistan. Dietary information was collected by a 33- item food frequency questionnaire and 3 unique dietary patterns namely; fat and sweet, fruit and vegetable, and seafood and yogurt patterns were derived using principal component factor analyses. We used univariate and multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between dietary patterns and hypertension. Men were more likely to have hypertension, while increase in age, and body mass index were also associated with hypertension (p\u3c0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, education, marital status, body mass index, and tobacco use; the seafood and yogurt pattern was less likely (OR=0.78: 95% CI: 0.63, 0.98; p-value 0.03) to be associated with hypertension, whereas no significant associations were seen for other two dietary patterns. These findings suggest that certain dietary patterns may be associated with hypertension among Pakistani low income urban adults

Do Dietary Patterns Explain High Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Pakistani Urban Adults? A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in South Asia is higher than in any other developing countries. The diversity of diets in populations among developing countries may be one explanation for the differences in CVD. This study was carried out to explore the association between dietary patterns and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors among Pakistani low income urban adults. Methods Socio demographic, physical activity and dietary information was collected from 1546 Pakistani subjects aged ≥40 years from the Control of Hypertension and Risk Attenuation (COBRA) study. Anthropometric, clinical and biomarker measures were assessed. Cluster analysis was used to identify dietary patterns from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and multinomial regression was employed to investigate the association between dietary clusters and cardiovascular risk factors, using one of the dietary clusters as a reference category. Results The most prevalent CVD risk factors among participants were elevated low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C) (69.8 %) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (68.2 %), followed by central obesity (57.1 %), low levels of high density lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C) (56.3 %), overall obesity (46.0 %), high total cholesterol (32.3 %), and elevated fasting blood sugar (FBS) (34.9 %). The cluster analysis generated 3 non-overlapping diet patterns. Cluster 1(Traditional Pakistani Diet), was dominated by fruits, vegetables, milk products and chicken, included participants with high mean body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), HDL-C and low mean SBP. Cluster 2 (Moderate Diet) reflected a moderate intake of most food items and included participants with significantly higher mean SBP. Cluster 3 (Fatty Diet) was characterized by high intake of beef, whole milk, paratha and lentils and those following this cluster had a low mean HDL-C and high SBP. In analyses controlling for age, gender, tobacco use and physical activity, participants in the Traditional diet cluster were more likely to be overweight (OR 1.39, 95 % CI 1.08 to 1.78) and high central adiposity (1.33, 95 % CI 1.04 to 1.71) than participants in the Moderate diet cluster, though less likely to have elevated SBP (OR 0.67, 95 % CI 0.51 to 0.86). LDL-C levels were higher in both the traditional Pakistani diet and Fatty diet cluster compared to the Moderate diet cluster. Low HDL-C was also more prevalent among the Traditional Pakistani diet cluster. Conclusion Among Pakistani population discernable diet patterns can be derived using clusters analysis. CVD risk factors prevalence differed by cluster membership, though relations for specific CVD risk are not consistent across clusters

Nutrition Research from Cells to Communities

Abstract: The mission of the Department of Nutrition, UMass Amherst, is to provide excellence and innovation in teaching, research, and outreach by applying a scientific foundation that addresses the nutritional needs of individuals and diverse populations. We conduct laboratory and applied community-based research that spans a wide range of issues. Housed within the Department of Nutrition, the UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP) collaborates with more than 100 agencies and provides nutrition education in over 46 communities in Massachusetts. This poster presents 1) the range of work undertaken by faculty, students, and NEP; and 2) highlight faculty research areas as well as emerging priorities for clinical and community-based nutrition research. We are interested in establishing collaborations for improved nutrition and health outcomes with researchers and community organizations across the Commonwealth. Introduction: Nutrition research is important to establish dietary requirements, investigate the metabolic basis for therapies, and translate research to dietary behaviors and policies to improve health and prevent disease. The UMass Department of Nutrition research ranges from cellular and metabolic investigations to community-based and policy approaches. With over $2.5 million in annual grant expenditures, the Department ranks among the top of the university departments in expenditures per faculty. Nutrition faculty utilize laboratory facilities on the UMass campus, along with collaborative community research in Springfield, Holyoke, Lowell, and other communities in Massachusetts, nationally and internationally. In addition, the UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program provides nutrition education to thousands of limited income families annually through eight community-based sites throughout the state

Efeito crônico do exercício aeróbico em idosos hipertensos

Objective: To investigate studies in the scientific literature that evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise on blood pressure in the elderly. Methodology: A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the Items of Preferential Reports for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes, recorded in PROSPERO CRD42018114505, databases that were used PubMed (National Library of Medicine) and Cochrane.com the following descriptors ( ("Hypertension" [Mesh] and physical activity and seniors)); ("Hypertension" [Mesh] and aerobic exercises and seniors)). Results: According to the search was found 33 articles following the inclusion criteria was approved four articles to compose the present work. Discussion: In the Lamb Study, R et al. 2018 Simultaneous training reduced the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure controls, which rivaled the effects reported exclusively by aerobic exercise. In the study by Painter, P.L et al. 2017 There was no difference between the groups in self-report physical function. In the Buford study, TW et al., 2015 provided a summary of an ongoing pilot study providing evidence needed to design a test to test the hypothesis that when combined with regular exercise, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are superior to other antihypertensive therapies. And in the study by Best, A.S et al. 2014 There were no significant differences in age, height, weight or body mass index between the groups. Conclusion: The studies that make up this review advocated the use of aerobic exercise as an intervention and comparison, whose chronic effects influenced by training are beneficial for the elderly. Manuscript information: Number of Figures: 1. Number Of Tables: 4.Objetivo: Investigar estudos na literatura cientifica que avaliaram os efeitos do exercício aeróbico sobre a pressão arterial em idosos. Metodologia: Uma revisão sistemática da literatura foi realizada seguindo os Itens de Relatórios Preferenciais para Revisões Sistemáticas e Meta-Análises, registrada no PROSPERO CRD42018114505, as bases de dados que foram utilizadas PubMed (Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina) e Cochrane.com os seguintes descritores (("Hipertension"[Mesh] and physical activity and seniors)); (("Hipertension"[Mesh] and aerobic exercises and seniors)). Resultado: De acordo as buscas foi encontrado 33 artigos seguindo os criterios de inclusão foi aprovado quatro artigos para compor o presente trabalho. Discussão: No Estudo de Cordeiro, R et al. 2018 o treinamento simultâneo reduziu a Pressão arterial sistólica e Pressão arterial diastólica controles, que rivalizavam com os efeitos relatados exclusivo pelo exercício aeróbico. No estudo de Painter, P.L et al. 2017 Não houve diferença entre os grupos em auto relato função física. No estudo de Buford, T.W et al., 2015 forneceu um resumo de um estudo piloto em andamento fornecendo evidências necessárias para projetar um teste para testar a hipótese de que quando combinados com exercícios regulares, os inibidores da Enzima Conversora de angiotensina (ECA) são superiores a outras terapias anti-hipertensivas. E no estudo de Best, A.S et al. 2014 Não houve diferenças significativas em idade, altura, peso ou índice de massa corporal entre os grupos. Conclusão: Os estudos que compõe esta revisão preconizaram o uso de exercícios físicos aeróbicos como intervenção e quesito de comparação, cujo efeitos crônicos influenciados pelo treinamento são benéficos para os idosos. Informação do manuscrito: Número de Figuras: 1. Número de Tabelas: 4

CONHECIMENTO AUTODECLARADO SOBRE A CLASSIFICAÇÃO INTERNACIONAL DE FUNCIONALIDADE, INCAPACIDADE E SAÚDE DE ACADÊMICOS DE INSTITUIÇÃO DE ENSINO SUPERIOR PRIVADA

Aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge and applicability of the International Classification of Functionality (ICF) of the students of the Physiotherapy of a private higher education institution. Methodology:This is an observational study with a descriptive character, approved by the Ethics Committee of UniEvangelica under n.3041562 / 2018. Academics of both sexes, over 18 years of age and regularly enrolled in the Physiotherapy of a Private Higher Education Institution were included for convenience. An adapted semi-structured questionnaire containing information assessing the level of knowledge about the CIF was applied. Results:Of the 137 participating students, 71 (100%) reported having knowledge about what the CIF is, and 55(77.5%) of the female respondents had a higher prevalence. Only 21 (15.32%) reported using the ICF, of these 11(52.4%) enrolled in the 6 period, 6 (28.6%) 8 period, 3(14, 3%) in the 4 period and 1(4 , 8 (7%) had no training to use it, 15(71.4%) did the paper registration, 16(76.2%) had difficulty applying the CIF. Conclusion:The level of knowledge about what is CIF is high, but the level of knowledge for applying the CIF is low. These findings reinforce the need and importance of the insertion of training on the ICF during the graduation, so that this reflects positively in the professional life, since the physiotherapist deals daily with the incapacity, functionality and quality of life of the patients and must have adequate knowledge of the according to the recommendations of the Federal Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy (COFITTO).Objetivo:O presente trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o nível de conhecimento e aplicabilidade da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade (CIF) dos acadêmicos do curso de Fisioterapia de uma instituição de ensino superior privada. Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo observacional com caráter descritivo, aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da UniEvangélica sob parecer n.3041562/2018. Incluiu-se por conveniência acadêmicos, de ambos os sexos, maiores de 18 anos e regularmente matriculados no curso de Fisioterapia de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior Privada. Foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado adaptado contendo informações que avaliam o nível de conhecimento sobre a CIF. Resultados:Dos 137 acadêmicos participantes, 71(100%)deles declararam ter conhecimento sobre o que é a CIF, sendo que do sexo feminino 55(77,5%) obteve-se maior predominância. Apenas 21(15,32%) declararam utilizar a CIF, destes 11(52,4%) matriculados no 6 período, 6(28,6%) 8 período, 3(14, 3%) no 4 período e 1(4,8%) no 1 período, 12(57,1%) não receberam treinamento para usá-la, 15(71,4%) fazem o registro em papel, 16(76,2%) tem dificuldade de aplicar a CIF. Conclusão: O nível de conhecimento sobre o que é a CIF é elevado, porém o nível de conhecimento para aplicação da CIF é baixo. Estes achados reforçam a necessidade e importância da inserção de treinamentos sobre a CIF no decorrer da graduação, para que isto reflita positivamente na vida profissional, pois o fisioterapeuta lida diariamente com a incapacidade, funcionalidade e qualidade de vida dos pacientes e deve ter conhecimento adequado da ferramenta conforme as recomendações do Conselho Federal de Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional (COFITTO)

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018):a position statement of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and update of the MISEV2014 guidelines

The last decade has seen a sharp increase in the number of scientific publications describing physiological and pathological functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a collective term covering various subtypes of cell-released, membranous structures, called exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles, ectosomes, oncosomes, apoptotic bodies, and many other names. However, specific issues arise when working with these entities, whose size and amount often make them difficult to obtain as relatively pure preparations, and to characterize properly. The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) proposed Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (“MISEV”) guidelines for the field in 2014. We now update these “MISEV2014” guidelines based on evolution of the collective knowledge in the last four years. An important point to consider is that ascribing a specific function to EVs in general, or to subtypes of EVs, requires reporting of specific information beyond mere description of function in a crude, potentially contaminated, and heterogeneous preparation. For example, claims that exosomes are endowed with exquisite and specific activities remain difficult to support experimentally, given our still limited knowledge of their specific molecular machineries of biogenesis and release, as compared with other biophysically similar EVs. The MISEV2018 guidelines include tables and outlines of suggested protocols and steps to follow to document specific EV-associated functional activities. Finally, a checklist is provided with summaries of key points

Biological properties of extracellular vesicles and their physiological functions

María Yáñez-Mó#, Pia R.-M. Siljander#, Zoraida Andreu, Apolonija Bedina Zavec, Francesc E. Borràs, Edit I. Buzas, Krisztina Buzas, Enriqueta Casal, Francesco Cappello, Joana Carvalho, Eva Colás, Anabela Cordeiro-da Silva, Stefano Fais, Juan M. Falcon-Perez, Irene M. Ghobrial, Bernd Giebel, Mario Gimona, Michael Graner, Ihsan Gursel, Mayda Gursel, Niels H. H. Heegaard, An Hendrix30, Peter Kierulf, Katsutoshi Kokubun, Maja Kosanovic, Veronika Kralj-Iglic, Eva-Maria Krämer-Albers, Saara Laitinen, Cecilia Lässer, Thomas Lener, Erzsébet Ligeti, Aija Linē, Georg Lipps, Alicia Llorente, Jan Lötvall, Mateja Manček-Keber, Antonio Marcilla, Maria Mittelbrunn, Irina Nazarenko, Esther N.M. Nolte-‘t Hoen, Tuula A. Nyman, Lorraine O'Driscoll, Mireia Olivan, Carla Oliveira, Éva Pállinger, Hernando A. del Portillo, Jaume Reventós, Marina Rigau, Eva Rohde, Marei Sammar, Francisco Sánchez-Madrid, N. Santarém1, Katharina Schallmoser, Marie Stampe Ostenfeld, Willem Stoorvogel, Roman Stukelj, Susanne G. Van der Grein, M. Helena Vasconcelos, Marca H. M. Wauben and Olivier De WeverIn the past decade, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as potent vehicles of intercellular communication, both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This is due to their capacity to transfer proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, thereby influencing various physiological and pathological functions of both recipient and parent cells.While intensive investigation has targeted the role of EVs in different pathological processes, for example, in cancer and autoimmune diseases, the EV-mediated maintenance of homeostasis and the regulation of physiological functions have remained less explored. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the physiological roles of EVs, which has been written by crowd-sourcing, drawing on the unique EV expertise of academia-based scientists, clinicians and industry based in 27 European countries, the United States and Australia. This review is intended to be of relevance to both researchers already working on EV biology and to newcomers who will encounter this universal cell biological system. Therefore, here we address the molecular contents and functions of EVs in various tissues and body fluids from cell systems to organs. We also review the physiological mechanisms of EVs in bacteria, lower eukaryotes and plants to highlight the functional uniformity of this emerging communication system.Peer reviewe