Health Determinants Associated with the Mediterranean Diet: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been shown to be a good tool for the prevention of obesity and other chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and to have a low environmental impact. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between declared morbidity, lifestyles and other sociodemographic factors with high adherence to the MD (AMD) in an adult population in southeastern Spain. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of a sample (n = 2728) representative of a non-institutionalized population ≥16 years. The data corresponded to the 2010-11 Nutrition Survey of the Valencian Community. The AMD was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener questionnaire. The association of variables and high AMD was assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression determining crude and adjusted odds ratios. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that age 45 years or older, living with a partner, eating between meals, and not smoking were associated with high AMD. The age groups 45–64 years and 65 years or older showed the strongest association with high AMD in both sexes. Conclusion: The investigation showed a generational loss of AMD. People older than 45 years and living in company are more likely to adhere to DM, the risk group being young people living alone and smokers

Curiosities of Weight Loss Diets of the Last 60 Years

Lately, we've witnessed the emergence of obesity as a prominent concern for public health and the economy. This issue commands serious attention, impacting millions worldwide, particularly in the most developed nations. Practical approaches to tackling obesity involve tailored physical activity and dietary interventions overseen by qualified healthcare professionals. Nonetheless, some individuals opt for quicker routes, embracing dietary regimens that promise rapid and effortless weight reduction yet lack substantiated scientific backing. Given the potential hazards these approaches pose to well-being, this calls for immediate address, occasionally leading to unexpected and severe consequences. In this review, we aim to analyze the curiosities of popular diets embraced by adults from the 1960s to the present day, including the scientific justification that supports or contradicts their effectiveness.N.S.O. was supported by the Universidad de Alicante, Ministerio de Universidades and the European Union ‘NextGeneration EU/PRTR’ through 2022–2024 Margarita Salas grant (MARSALAS22-23)

Different classification of an adult population by two validated indexes of adherence to the Mediterranean diet

Introducción: la dieta mediterránea (DM) se relaciona con un buen estado de salud. Existen diferentes propuestas validadas de índices para evaluar la adherencia al patrón dietético mediterráneo. Objetivos: la finalidad del estudio fue evaluar la clasificación de la población adulta de la Comunitat Valenciana según su adecuación a la DM, utilizando dos índices validados y analizar el grado de concordancia entre ellos. Métodos: estudio metodológico sobre la concordancia de clasificación de una población a través de dos instrumentos de medición de la adhesión a la DM, sobre una muestra representativa de 2.728 individuos adultos de la Comunitat Valenciana. Datos obtenidos de la Encuesta de Nutrición de la Comunitat Valenciana 2010-2011. La adhesión se determinó mediante “Puntuación Modificada de Dieta Mediterránea” y “Cribado de Adherencia de Dieta Mediterránea”. La población se clasificó en adhesión baja, media o alta según cada índice. Se realizó un análisis estadístico para variables cualitativas y cuantitativas. Se evaluó la concordancia de los índices por la prueba Kappa. Resultados: en ambos índices, el mayor porcentaje (41% y 71%, respectivamente) de población se situó en una adhesión media a la DM. Entre ambos índices el valor del índice kappa fue de 0,169, para hombres de 0,163 y para mujeres de 0,174. Por grupos de edad: 0,158 para los de 16-24 años, 0,139 para 25-44 años, 0,185 para 45-64 años y, 0,161 para mayores de 64 años. Conclusiones: los dos índices testados mostraron entre si un grado de acuerdo pobre y clasificaron de forma diferente a una misma población.Background: the Mediterranean diet (MD) has been related to a good state of health. There are different index to evaluate the adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern. Objective: the purpose of the study was to evaluate the classification of the adult population of the Comunitat Valenciana according to their suitability to the MD using two validated indexes, and analyze the degree of agreement between them. Methods: methodological study of the concordance of classification of a population through two instruments for measuring adherence to MD, of a representative sample of 2,728 adult of the Comunitat Valenciana. Data obtained from Encuesta de Nutrición de la Comunitat Valenciana 2010-2011. The adhesion was determined by “Puntuación Modificada de Dieta Mediterránea” and “Cribado de Adherencia de Dieta Mediterránea”. The population was classified as low, medium or high according to each index. A statistical analysis was performed for qualitative and quantitative variables. The concordance of the indexes was evaluated by the Kappa test. Results: in both indexes, the highest percentage (41% and 71%, respectively) of the population was in medium adherence to MD. Between both indexes, the value of the kappa index was 0.169, for men 0.163 and for women 0.174. By age groups: 0.158 for those aged 16-24 years, 0.139 for 25-44 years, 0.185 for 45-64 years, and 0.161 for those over 64 years. Conclusions: the two indexes tested showed a degree of poor agreement and classified the same population differently Concordancia

Approach to Development Cooperation 3.0: From the Statutes to the Praxis in a NGDO

The progress of development cooperation has been carried out in the world originally focusing to reduce poverty and to increase the economic growth. Subsequently, the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) resulted in the appearance of the term development cooperation 2.0. However, the use of scientific focus applied in this area is giving rise a new concept called development cooperation 3.0. In this article, we have explained in a practical contribution in a non-governmental development organization (NGDO) starting by its statutes to examples conducted in three countries

Calidad de la dieta de la población adulta de la Comunitat Valenciana en relación al patrón de dieta mediterránea y los factores asociados a su práctica

Introducción. La dieta mediterránea ha mostrado ser una buena herramienta para la prevención de enfermedades cardiovasculares y otras enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles y de bajo impacto ambiental. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo describir la calidad de la dieta de la población adulta de la Comunitat Valenciana en relación al patrón de dieta mediterránea y los factores asociados a su práctica. Metodología. Estudio transversal de una muestra (n = 2.728) representativa de población no institucionalizada ≥ 16 años residentes en la Comunitat Valenciana. Los datos correspondieron a la Encuesta de Nutrición de la Comunitat Valenciana 2010-11. Se evaluó la adhesión a la dieta mediterránea mediante el cuestionario de Puntuación Modificada de Dieta Mediterránea y el cuestionario Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. Se evaluó el grado de concordancia del nivel clasificación de la adhesión a la dieta mediterránea de ambos índices aplicando el índice kappa; se testó la asociación de las variables de los determinantes de la salud y la alta adhesión a la dieta mediterránea mediante la regresión logística univariante y multivariante determinando las Odds Ratio crudas y ajustadas. Resultados. Según el índice de kappa, ambos índices tuvieron un grado de acuerdo pobre. El análisis multivariante mostró que la edad, el tipo de convivencia, el comer entre horas y el tabaquismo se asociaron con un nivel alto de adhesión a la dieta mediterránea. Los grupos de edad de 45-64 años y de 65 años o más fueron quienes mostraron mayor asociación a la alta adhesión a la dieta mediterránea en ambos sexos. Conclusiones. La investigación mostró una pérdida generacional de la adhesión a la dieta mediterránea. Las personas mayores de 45 años y que viven acompañadas tienen mayor probabilidad de adherirse a la dieta mediterránea, siendo el colectivo de riesgo las personas jóvenes que viven solas, y los fumadores

Lifestyles and sociodemographic factors associated with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the adult population of the Valencian Community (Spain)

Introducción: las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles representan un reto para la salud pública, y la dieta mediterránea (DM) se ha identificado como alternativa para su prevención. Objetivo: el estudio pretendió evaluar, en una muestra de la población adulta de la Comunidad Valenciana, la asociación entre estilos de vida y factores sociodemográficos con la adhesión alta a la dieta mediterránea (DM). Métodos: estudio transversal de una muestra (n = 2728) representativa de la población ≥ 16 años. Los datos correspondieron a la Encuesta de Nutrición de la Comunidad Valenciana, 2010-11. Se evaluó la adhesión a la DM (ADM) mediante el cuestionario Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. Se testó la asociación de las variables con la ADM alta mediante la regresión logística univariante y multivariante, determinándose las odds ratios crudas y ajustadas. Resultados: el análisis multivariante mostró que la edad, el tipo de convivencia, el país de nacimiento, el comer entre horas y el hábito tabáquico se asociaban a la ADM alta. Los grupos de edad de 45-64 años y de 65 años o más fueron los que mostraron una mayor asociación a la ADM alta en ambos sexos. La convivencia en pareja se asoció positivamente con la ADM alta en los hombres, las mujeres y el grupo de edad de 45-64 años. Conclusión: se observó una pérdida generacional de la ADM. Las personas más jóvenes y aquellas que no conviven en pareja son las que mostraron mayor riesgo de no adherirse al patrón dietético mediterráneo.Background: Chronic non-communicable diseases represent a challenge for public health, and the Mediterranean diet (MD) has been identified as an alternative for their prevention. Aim: the study aimed to evaluate, in a sample of the adult population of the Valencian Community, the association between lifestyle and sociodemographic factors with high adherence to MD. Methods: a cross-sectional study of a sample (n = 2,728) representative of the population ≥ 16 years of age. The data were collected from the Valencian Community Nutrition Survey 2010-11. MD adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener questionnaire. The association of the variables with high MD adherence was tested using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, determining the crude and adjusted odds ratios. Results: a multivariate analysis showed that age, type of cohabitation, country of birth, eating between meals, and smoking were associated with high adherence to MD. The age groups of 45-64 years and 65 years or older showed the greatest association with high adherence to MD in both sexes. Living with a partner was positively associated with high adherence to MD in men, women, and the age group of 45-64 years. Conclusion: a generational loss of MD adherence was observed. Younger people and those who do not live with a partner showed the highest risk of not adhering to the Mediterranean dietary pattern

Radioprotective Effects from Propolis: A Review

Propolis is a natural bee-produced substance with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, containing some components from the leaves, buds and resins of plants. It has been used for centuries for various health benefits. In this manuscript, our group reviewed the radioprotective effect of propolis using PubMed and Embase, and our review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. Finally, 27 articles were included in this review, which includes the radioprotective effect of propolis from cell-based studies (n = 8), animal models (n = 14), and human trials (n = 5). Results reflected that the dosage forms of propolis extracted in the scientific literature were ethanolic extracts of propolis, a water-soluble derivate of propolis, or capsules. The efficacy of the radioprotective properties from propolis is extracted from the bibliography, as several compounds of this resinous mixture individually or synergistically are possible candidates that have the radioprotective effect. In fact, studies prior to 2011 lacked a comprehensive characterization of propolis due to the variability in active compounds among different batches of propolis and were limited to analytical techniques. Furthermore, in this manuscript, we have selected studies to include primarily propolis types from Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, European countries, and those commercialized in Spain. They all contained ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and were influenced by different dosage forms. EEP showed a significant presence of lipophilic bioactive compounds like flavones, flavonols, and flavanones.This research was funded by The Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (2696/SRO). I.L. was supported by a Fellowship of the ‘University Junior International Entrepreneurs’ program (UJIE 2019) of University of Valencia and Generalitat Valenciana. N.S.O. was supported by the Universidad de Alicante, Ministerio de Universidades and the European Union “NextGeneration EU/PRTR” through 2022–2024 Margarita Salas grant (MARSALAS22-23)

A Narrative Review of the Herbal Preparation of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampō Medicines Applied as Radioprotectors

In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in the search for natural radioprotectors that can be used to mitigate the effects of radiation on patients, healthcare personnel, and even for space travel. This narrative review covers the past fifty years and focuses on herbal preparations of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampō Medicines that have the potential to reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of radiation. Our findings highlight ten herbal preparations, namely Abana, Amalakyadi Churna, Amritaprasham, Brahma, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (BZYQT), Chyavanaprasha, Cystone, Geriforte, Mentat, and Triphala, which have demonstrated potential radioprotective effects. This review examines their composition, properties, and possible mechanisms of action in relation to their radioprotective properties. Exploring the ethnobotany of traditional Asian medicine is particularly interesting as it may lead to the discovery of new active compounds with radioprotective properties.This research was funded by The Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (2696/SRO). I.L. was supported by a Fellowship of the ‘University Junior International Entrepreneurs’ program (UJIE 2019) of the University of Valencia and Generalitat Valenciana. N.S.O. was supported by the Universidad de Alicante, Ministerio de Universidades and the European Union “NextGeneration EU/PRTR” through 2022–2024 Margarita Salas grant (MARSALAS22-23)

Vitamins and Radioprotective Effect: A Review

The radioprotective effect ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo of vitamins was reviewed using PubMed and Embase and conducted according to the PRISMA statement. A total of 38 articles were included in this review, which includes the radioprotective effect of vitamins from ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo studies. Vitamins A, C, D and E were used alone, in combination or with other nutritional and non-nutritional compounds. The use of vitamins in natural form or supplementation can be useful to reduce the radiation effect in the body, organs and/or cells. Only four (A, C, D and E) out of thirteen vitamins have been detected with radioprotective properties being mainly vitamin E followed by vitamin C, A and D.This research was funded by The Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (2696/SRO). I.L. was supported by a Fellowship of the ‘University Junior International Entrepreneurs’ program (UJIE 2019) of University of Valencia and Generalitat Valenciana. N.S.O. was supported by the Universidad de Alicante, Ministerio de Universidades and the European Union “NextGeneration EU/PRTR” through 2022–2024 Margarita Salas grant (MARSALAS22-23)