Efecto de la Restricción Calórica en el Aprendizaje y la Recuperación de una Tarea Espacial en Ratas Expuestas a Estrés Agudo

The purpose of the present study was to describe the effects of caloric restriction on spatial learning and recovery in the Barnes maze in animals experimentally stressed before recovery of the spatial task. Male Wistar rats were exposed for two months to one of two conditions: ad libitum (AL) or intermittent fasting (IF). Both groups were exposed then to an experimental form of acute stress, induced by movement restriction for 4 hours. IF subjects had better performance in learning tasks during the acquisition trials but required more time to complete the task after the stressor was applied. These results are discussed in light of previous data reported in the literature emphasizing differences in the instruments used to evaluate spatial learning and its interaction with experimentally induced stress.   En el presente estudio son descritos los efectos de la restricción calórica en el aprendizaje y la recuperación de una tarea espacial en animales estresados antes de la recuperación de una tarea de aprendizaje espacial en el laberinto circular de Barnes. Para esto, ratas Wistar macho fueron sometidas a las condiciones: Ad libitum (AL) o Ayuno Intermitente (AI) durante un periodo de dos meses, luego del cual, ambos grupos fueron expuestos a una forma experimental de estrés agudo a través de la técnica de restricción de movimientos durante cuatro horas. Los sujetos AI mejoraron en las medidas de aprendizaje durante los primeros ensayos de la adquisición de la tarea, mientras que en la fase de evaluación, luego de aplicado el estresor, necesitaron más tiempo para realizar la tarea. Estos resultados son discutidos a la luz de los resultados descritos anteriormente en la literatura enfatizando las diferencias existentes entre los instrumentos utilizados para la evaluación del aprendizaje espacial y su posible interacción con el estrés inducido experimentalmente.&nbsp

Association between dietary phytochemical index, cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome in Switzerland. The CoLaus study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Plant-based diets are associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk factors (CRFs) and lower risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), probably via phytochemicals acting synergistically. However, dietary phytochemical content estimation is challenging; therefore, the dietary phytochemical index (DPI) was proposed as a practical way to assess total dietary phytochemical content from phytochemical-rich foods (PRFs). We evaluated the association between DPI with CRFs and MetS and its components. METHODS AND RESULTS Cross-sectional analysis of 2009-2012 data of Colaus cohort study (Lausanne, Switzerland), including 3879 participants (mean age 57.6 ± 10.4 years, 53.5% women). Dietary intake was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire. DPI was calculated as the total energy intake percentage obtained from PRFs consumption and assessed as quartiles. Associations were determined using multivariable linear and logistic regression for CRFs and MetS, respectively. Median DPI value was 25.5 (interquartile range: 17.7-34.6). After multivariable-adjusted analyses, significant inverse associations were observed between the last two highest DPI quartiles and waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), insulin, leptin, and hs-CRP. No significant associations were observed for MetS or its components except for central obesity, as subjects in the highest DPI quartile had lower odds (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.97) than those in lowest quartile. CONCLUSION A diet high in PRFs assessed via DPI is associated with lower WC, BMI, insulin, leptin, hs-CRP values, and lower odds of central obesity, indicating a potential protective effect of phytochemical intake on these CRFs and highlighting the importance of high PRFs intake in promoting cardiometabolic health

Concepts and definitions of healthy ageing: a systematic review and synthesis of theoretical models.

BACKGROUND Healthy ageing (HA) has been defined using multiple approaches. We aim to produce a comprehensive overview and analysis of the theoretical models underpinning this concept and its associated normative terms and definitions. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed HA models in Embase.com, Medline (Ovid), Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science until August 2022. Original theoretical papers, concept analyses, and reviews that proposed new models were included. Operational models/definitions, development psychology theories and mechanisms of ageing were excluded. We followed an iterative approach to extract the models' characteristics and thematically analyze them based on the approach of Walker and Avant. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021238796). FINDINGS Out of 10,741 records, we included 59 papers comprising 65 models/definitions, published in English (1960-2022) from 16 countries in Europe, Asia, and America. Human ageing was described using 12 normative terms, mainly (models (%)): successful (34 (52%)), healthy (eight (12%)), well (five (8%)), and active (four (6%)). We identified intrinsic/extrinsic factors interacting throughout the life course, adaptive processes as attributes, and outcomes describing ageing patterns across objective and subjective dimensions (number of models/definitions): cognitive (62), psychological (53), physical (49), social (49), environmental (19), spiritual (16), economic (13), cultural (eight), political (six), and demographic (four) dimensions. Three types of models emerged: health-state outcomes (three), adaptations across the life course (31), or a combination of both (31). Two additional sub-classifications emphasized person-environment congruence and health promotion. INTERPRETATION HA conceptualizations highlight its multidimensionality and complexity that renders a monistic model/definition challenging. It has become evident that life long person-environment interactions, adaptations, environments, and health promotion/empowerment are essential for HA. Our model classification provides a basis for harmonizing terms and dimensions that can guide research and comparisons of empirical findings, and inform social and health policies enabling HA for various populations and contexts. FUNDING MM, ZMRD, and OI are supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant No 801076, and MM is also supported by the Swiss National Foundation grant No 189235

Mental health of migrants with pre-migration exposure to armed conflict: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Exposure to armed conflict has been associated with negative mental health consequences. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder among migrants exposed to armed conflict. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched online databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, PsycInfo [via Ovid], PubMed, and Web of Science Core Collection) for relevant observational studies published between Jan 1, 1994, and June 28, 2021. We included studies that used standardised psychiatric interviews to assess generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder among migrants (refugees or internally displaced persons; aged ≥18 years) with pre-migration exposure to armed conflict. We excluded studies in which exposure to armed conflict could not be ascertained, studies that included a clinical population or people with chronic diseases that can trigger the onset of mental disease, and studies published before 1994. We used a random effects model to estimate each mental health disorder's pooled prevalence and random effects meta-regression to assess sources of heterogeneity. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias for each study using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence Studies. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020209251. FINDINGS Of the 13 935 studies identified, 34 met our inclusion criteria; these studies accounted for 15 549 migrants. We estimated a prevalence of current post-traumatic stress disorder of 31% (95% CI 23-40); prevalence of current major depressive disorder of 25% (17-34); and prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder of 14% (5-35). Younger age was associated with a higher prevalence of current post-traumatic stress disorder (odds ratio 0·95 [95% CI 0·90-0·99]), lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (0·88 [0·83-0·92]), and current generalised anxiety disorder (0·87 [0·78-0·97]). A longer time since displacement was associated with a lower lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (0·88 [0·81-0·95]) and major depressive disorder (0·81 [0·77-0·86]). Migrating to a middle-income (8·09 [3·06-21·40]) or low-income (39·29 [11·96-129·70]) country was associated with increased prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder. INTERPRETATION Migrants who are exposed to armed conflict are at high risk of mental health disorders. The mental health-care needs of migrants should be assessed soon after resettlement, and adequate care should be provided, with particular attention paid to young adults. FUNDING Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Horizon 2020-COFUND), MinCiencias (Colombia), and Swiss National Science Foundation

Phytochemical characterization of turnip greens (Brassica rapa ssp. rapa): A systematic review

Objective The Turnip (Brassica rapa L. ssp. rapa) is a leaf and root vegetable grown and consumed worldwide. The consumption of Turnip has been associated with beneficial effects on human health due to their phytochemicals that may control a variety of physiological functions, including antioxidant activity, enzyme regulation, and apoptotic control and the cell cycle. The current systematic review of the literature aims to evaluate both the profile and quantity of phytochemicals commonly found in Turnip greens and to provide perspectives for further investigation. Methods This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Four bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web-of-Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched to identify published studies until April 8th, 2020 (date last searched) without data and language restriction. Studies were included if they used samples of Turnip greens (the leaves), and evaluated its phytochemical content. Two reviewers independently evaluated the titles and abstracts according to the selection criteria. For each potentially eligible study, two reviewers assessed the full-texts and independently extracted the data using a predesigned data extraction form. Results Based on the search strategy 5,077 potentially relevant citations were identified and full texts of 37 studies were evaluated, among which 18 studies were eligible to be included in the current review. The majority of included studies were focused on identification of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates (n = 14, 82%), four studies focused on organic acids, and five studies reported phenolic component profile in Turnip greens. Among included studies nine studies (50%) provided information on phytochemi

Role of dietary phytochemical intake in cardiometabolic health.

Background: Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) at the top, responsible for 20.5 million deaths yearly. The epidemiological transition faced by low and middle-income countries has raised the burden of CMDs due to dietary changes, physical activity reductions, and high urbanization rates, while in high-income countries, CMDs mainly affect populations of low socioeconomic status. Promoting and adhering to high-quality diets have been considered effective measures to reduce the burden of CMDs. Plant-based diets (PBD) have been associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk factors (CRFs) and lower risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), probably via phytochemical interactions. However, dietary phytochemical content estimation is challenging as it relies mainly on linking food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) to food composition databases including phytochemicals, which is not always feasible due to high costs or accuracy as many databases are outdated or incomplete. Therefore, an update on the bioactive compound's composition of phytochemical-rich foods (PRFs) and using dietary indices that allow a practical way to assess dietary phytochemical intake from these foods is warranted. Aims: This thesis aims to increase the understanding of food's phytochemical composition and explore the impact of total dietary phytochemical intake on cardiometabolic health as a potential marker of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Specific aims were 1) to systematically review and evaluate the nutrient and bioactive composition of Raphanus sativus (Radish) and report the concentration of its bioactive components for the first time; 2) to systematically review studies evaluating the presence and levels of nutrients and bioactive components in Swiss chard; 3) to explore the association between Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI) and CRFs and MetS in a population-based study of middle age participants living in Switzerland, and 4) to study the relation between DPI and CVD incidence, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality in a population-based cohort of middle age participants living in Switzerland. Methods: The methods applied in the articles comprising this thesis are as follows: 1) and 2) the available evidence on the nutrient and bioactive composition of Radish and Swiss chard was systematically assessed. Four databases were searched for articles assessing the chemical composition of Radish. Two independent reviewers screened selected articles and extracted data; 3) A cross-sectional analysis of 2009-2012 data of the Colaus cohort study in Lausanne, Switzerland, including 3879 participants. Dietary intake was assessed via a validated FFQ. DPI was calculated as the total energy intake percentage obtained from PRFs consumption and assessed as quartiles. Associations were determined using multivariable linear and logistic regression for CRFs and MetS, respectively, and 4) A prospective analysis from a cohort study conducted between April 2009 and April 2021 in Lausanne, Switzerland, including 3721 participants exempt from CVD at baseline applying Cox-regression. Dietary intake was assessed using a self-reportedFFQ. DPI and healthy dietary phytochemical index (hDPI) were calculated as the total energy intake percentage obtained from phytochemical-rich foods consumption. As PBD are rich in phytochemicals, a healthy plant-based diet index (hPBD) was also estimated, where healthy plant foods received positive scores, and less-healthy plant foods received negative scores. Incident CVD, all-cause, and CVD-related mortality were the assessed outcomes. Results: the analyses carried out in this doctoral thesis yielded the following results: 1) I identified 609 phytochemicals in Radish, with major constituents like flavonoids, nonflavonoid polyphenols, fat and fatty-related compounds, terpenes, and derivatives, and glucosinolates being reported in high concentrations in leaves and sprouts. However, this composition depends on the radish variety and cultivar. Most of my findings are based on red, black, and white radishes; 2) I identified 192 compounds. The most common chemicals reported in the literature are betalains, fatty acids, flavonoids, minerals, non-flavonoid phenols, and terpenes. However, most of my findings are based mainly on leaves of the cicla variety. I also identified a lack of research using other parts of the plants, like stems/stalks/petioles and seeds, and for compounds other than minerals, phenolics, and flavonoids; 3) In a middle-aged Swiss population, DPI is inversely associated with waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), insulin, leptin, and high-sensibility C reactive protein. Participants in the highest DPI quartile had lower odds of central obesity. No other significant associations were observed, and 4) Besides a 30% lower risk of CVD incidence for participants in the second tertile of hDPI that did not reach a significative p-trend, no other associations were observed between hDPI, DPI, and hPBD and incident CVD, CVD-related and all-cause mortality. Conclusions: Through this doctoral thesis, I contributed to the role of dietary phytochemical intake in cardiometabolic health. First, I concluded that Radish is a source of nutrients and phytochemicals, particularly proteins, glucosinolates, flavonoids, β-carotene, and minerals. Many of these phytochemicals are highly concentrated in leaves and sprouts; second, I found that Swiss chard can be considered a good source of fiber, betalains, flavonoids, b-carotene, vitamin K, and minerals like potassium and magnesium. Radish and Swiss chard should be considered part of a healthy diet rich in phytochemicals. In a Swiss population-based cohort of middle age participants, I discovered that third, high DPI modulates cardiometabolic health by regulating waist circumference, BMI, insulin, leptin, and hs-CRP, as well as lowering the odds of central obesity, particularly in women, and fourth, total phytochemical dietary intake assessed via the hDPI, DPI, and hPBD was not associated with CVD incidence, all-cause, or CVD-related mortality and further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm or refute these findings

Use of black vulture (<it>Coragyps atratus</it>) in complementary and alternative therapies for cancer in Colombia: A qualitative study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although <it>Coragyps atratus</it> has been used as a traditional therapy for patients with cancer, the scientific literature does not contain enough information on how this therapy is used or the mechanisms that explain this therapeutic practice.</p> <p>Objectives</p> <p>To understand the methods of use and the reasons given by patients and caregivers for the use of <it>Coragyps atratus</it> in cancer treatment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study used a qualitative design based on twenty in-depth interviews of patients with cancer or caregivers of patients with the disease. The analysis of the text was based on an inductive thematic approach.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Resistance to disease and immune enhancement are properties attributed to <it>Coragyps atratus</it> when used for cancer treatment. The most recommended method of use is fresh blood ingestion, and the associated mechanism of action is transfer of immune factors to the individual who consumes it.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Use of <it>Coragyps atratus</it> as a treatment for cancer is a popular alternative therapy in Colombia. More studies are needed to understand the clinical effects of this intervention in cancer patients.</p> <p>Spanish abstract</p> <p>Introducción</p> <p>Aunque <it>Coragyps atratus</it> se usa tradicionalmente como terapia para pacientes con cáncer, no existe suficiente información en la literatura científica sobre su forma de utilización ni sobre los mecanismos explicativos que subyacen a esta práctica terapéutica.</p> <p>Objetivos</p> <p>Conocer métodos de utilización y mecanismos explicativos dados por los pacientes y cuidadores de pacientes sobre el uso de <it>Coragyps atratus</it> en el tratamiento del cáncer.</p> <p>Materiales y métodos</p> <p>Diseño cualitativo basado en veinte entrevistas en profundidad de pacientes con cáncer o cuidadores de pacientes con esta enfermedad. Análisis de texto basado en enfoque temático inductivo.</p> <p>Resultados</p> <p>Al <it>Coragyps atratus</it> se le atribuyen propiedades de resistencia y fortalecimiento del sistema inmune de personas enfermas de cáncer. La forma de utilización mas común es la ingesta de la sangre fresca y el mecanismo de acción asociado es la transferencia de defensas a quien lo consume.</p> <p>Conclusiones</p> <p>La utilización del <it>Coragyps atratus</it> como tratamiento para el cáncer es una terapia alternativa usada popularmente en Colombia. El uso de este animal debe estudiarse más a fondo para conocer los efectos clínicos en los pacientes con cáncer.</p

Bioactive compounds and nutritional composition of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla and flavescens): a systematic review.

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla or flavescens) is a green leafy vegetable whose bioactive compounds have been studied due to its effects on health. We systematically reviewed the nutritional profile and bioactive composition of Swiss chard and reported their concentrations. Four main databases were searched for studies analyzing the chemical composition of Swiss chard. Screening, selection of articles, and data extraction were carried out by two independent reviewers. Twenty-eight articles of 1102 records identified by bibliographic search met our inclusion criteria for final analysis. We found a total of 192 chemical compounds categorized into 23 groups. The cicla variety was the most studied, and nutrients and phytochemicals were reported mainly on leaves. Betalains with 20% of the reported data, fats (16%), flavonoids (11%), non-flavonoid phenolics (11%), terpenes and derivatives (8%), carbohydrates (7%), and minerals (6%) were among the most reported categories. Swiss chard leaves have the highest content of fiber, sodium, magnesium, flavonoids, and vitamin C, while stems are high in potassium. Swiss chard should be considered a source of nutrients and phytochemicals, and further research is needed on identifying and quantifying other bioactive compounds and understanding their impact on health