The effect of physical exercise and caloric restriction on the components of metabolic syndrome

Recent studies of the effects of physical exercise and caloric restriction have found several benefits on the metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors related to metabolic syndrome (MS). This review examines the current state of knowledge of the effects of physical exercise on the main pathologies associated with MS: obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), dyslipidemias and hypertension. Although there are only a few randomized and controlled studies that evaluated the prevention and treatment of MS, strong evidence from controlled studies indicates that lifestyle changes that include regular physical exercise and caloric restriction are effective in preventing and treating DM2 in overweight individuals with reduced glucose tolerance. Likewise, epidemiologic studies suggest that regular physical exercise prevents the development of DM2 and cardiovascular disease. Based on current recommendations, it is important to increase the level of physical exercise at a moderate intensity to achieve good cardiorespiratory and muscular conditions and to promote fat mass reduction, with consequent reductions of risk of developing metabolic syndrome.Recentes estudos, relativos aos efeitos do exercício físico e da restrição energética, têm relatado diversos benefícios sobre fatores metabólicos e de risco cardiovascular relacionados à síndrome metabólica (SM). Esta revisão aborda os aspectos mais recentes dos efeitos do exercício físico sobre as principais patologias associadas à SM: obesidade, resistência à insulina, diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), dislipidemia e hipertensão. Embora estudos randomizados e controlados que avaliam a prevenção e o tratamento da SM sejam escassos, pesquisas controladas indicam fortes evidências de que mudanças no estilo de vida, incluindo a pratica de exercício físico regular e restrição energética, sejam eficazes na prevenção e tratamento de DM2 em indivíduos com sobrepeso e com tolerância à glicose diminuída. No mesmo sentido, estudos epidemiológicos sugerem que a prática regular de exercício físico previne DM2 e doenças cardiovasculares. Com base nas atuais recomendações, preconiza-se o aumento do volume total de exercício físico com intensidade moderada, na busca da boa condição cardiorrespiratória e muscular e da diminuição da massa gorda, com conseqüente aumento da proteção contra fatores associados ao desenvolvimento da síndrome metabólica.(FAPESP) São Paulo Research Foundatio

Obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance

White adipose tissue (WAT) is considered an endocrine organ. When present in excess, WAT can influence metabolism via biologically active molecules. Following unregulated production of such molecules, adipose tissue dysfunction results, contributing to complications associated with obesity. Previous studies have implicated pro- and anti-inflammatory substances in the regulation of inflammatory response and in the development of insulin resistance. In obese individuals, pro-inflammatory molecules produced by adipose tissue contribute to the development of insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, the molecules with anti-inflammatory action, that have been associated with the improvement of insulin sensitivity, have your decreased production. Imbalance of these substances contributes significantly to metabolic disorders found in obese individuals. The current review aims to provide updated information regarding the activity of biomolecules produced by WAT.O tecido adiposo branco (WAT) é considerado um órgão endócrino, que, em excesso, é capaz de controlar o metabolismo, pela ação de moléculas biologicamente ativas. A produção desregulada destas substâncias pela disfunção do tecido adiposo pode contribuir para as complicações presentes na obesidade. As pesquisas atuais têm esclarecido fatores e mecanismos envolvidos na atuação de substâncias pró e anti-inflamatórias na modulação da inflamação e da resistência à insulina. Em indivíduos obesos, as moléculas pró-inflamatórias produzidas pelo tecido adiposo têm sido implicadas como fator contribuinte para o desenvolvimento da resistência à insulina e aumento do risco de doença cardiovascular. Por outro lado, as moléculas com ação anti-inflamatória, que atuam na melhora da sensibilidade à insulina, têm sua produção reduzida. O desequilíbrio entre essas substâncias contribui de forma significativa para as desordens metabólicas presente em indivíduos obesos. Assim, esta revisão visa a trazer informações atualizadas sobre a atuação de moléculas secretadas pelo tecido adiposo

Antimalarials and macrolides: a review of off-label pharmacotherapies during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

We critically analyzed clinical trials performed with chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with or without macrolides during the first wave of COVID-19 and discussed the design and limitations of peer-reviewed studies from January to July 2020. Seventeen studies were eligible for the discussion. CQ and HCQ did not demonstrate clinical advantages that justified their inclusion in therapeutic regimens of free prescription for treatment or prophylactic purposes, as suggested by health authorities, including in Brazil, during the first wave. Around August 2020, robust data had already indicated that pharmacological effects of CQ, HCQ and macrolides as anti-SARS-CoV-2 molecules were limited to in vitro conditions and largely based on retrospective trials with low quality and weak internal validity, which made evidence superficial for decision-making. Up to that point, most randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials did not reveal beneficial effects of CQ or HCQ with or without macrolides to reduce lethality, rate of intubation, days of hospitalization, respiratory support/mechanical ventilation requirements, duration, type and number of symptoms, and death and were unsuccessful in increasing virus elimination and/or days alive in hospitalized or ambulatory patients with COVID-19. In addition, many studies have demonstrated that side effects are more common in CQ-or HCQ-treated patients

Sampling and processing blood samples within the South American Youth/Child cARdiovascular and Environmental (SAYCARE) Study

Obesity and overweight in children and adolescents is increasing rapidly worldwide; however, scarce data have been reported from South America countries. With the purpose of assessing hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, the evaluation of blood biomarkers such as glucose, lipoproteins and chronic inflammation proteins is required. In the context of the SAYCARE study, in children and adolescents (3 to 18 years) from seven South American cities, our aim was to assess the impact of pre analytical conditions on different biomarkers evaluated in 474 fresh serum samples, in different country centers. We also evaluated the stability according to time and frozen storage within this study across the concordance of the results obtained from the 49 blood samples measured in three different centers. Significant correlations as well as concordance were observed in TG, Total-C, HDL-C and glucose between Buenos Aires and São Paulo. The samples evaluated in Teresina and São Paulo presented similar results, with exception of total cholesterol. We observed acceptable concordance between Buenos Aires vs São Paulo and Teresina vs São Paulo, suggesting that samples could be processed in each of these centers. This concordance is a consequence of the strict pre analytical conditions previously established in the SAYCARE study

Reliability and validity of an FFQ for South American children and adolescents from the SAYCARE study

Objective:The purpose of this study was to analyse the reliability and validity of a semi-quantitative FFQ to assess food group consumption in South American children and adolescents.Design:The SAYCARE (South American Youth/Child cARdiovascular and Environmental) study is an observational, multicentre, feasibility study performed in a sample of 3-to 18-year-old children and adolescents attending private and public schools from six South American countries. Participants answered the FFQ twice with a two-week interval and three 24-h dietary recalls. Intraclass and Spearman''s correlations, weighted Cohen''s kappa (¿w), percentage of agreement and energy-adjusted Pearson''s correlation coefficients were calculated.Setting:Seven cities in South America (Buenos Aires, Lima, Medelin, Montevideo, Santiago, Sao Paulo and Teresina).Subjects:A sample of 200 children and 244 adolescents for reliability analyses and 252 children and 244 adolescents for validity analyses were included.Results:Depending on the food group, for children and adolescents, reliability analyses resulted in Spearman''s coefficients from 0·47 to 0·73, intraclass correlation coefficients from 0·66 to 0·99, ¿w coefficients from 0·35 to 0·63, and percentage of agreement between 72·75 and 83·52 %. In the same way, validity analyses resulted in Spearman''s coefficients from 0·17 to 0·37, energy-adjusted Pearson''s coefficients from 0·17 to 0·61, ¿w coefficients from 0·09 to 0·24, and percentages of agreement between 45·79 and 67·06 %.Conclusion:The SAYCARE FFQ achieved reasonable reliability and slight-moderate validity for almost all food groups intakes. Accordingly, it can be used for the purpose of ranking the intake of individuals within a population

Composição corporal e percepção de autoimagem em universitárias

Introduction: Body image is the way we perceive the body. To recognize it is to clearly state its existence and, from this perception, to see the body's capacity to be changeable, that is, it can be changed at any moment. Objective: Classify the level of distortion of body self-image of university students of the physical education course of a public university of Pauí (UFPI) and verify its relation with anthropometric parameters, since it is believed that these students tend to present a greater concern with their appearance. Methodology: Study is descriptive and quantitative having a sample of 105 students, enrolled between the year of 2011 and 2015 and representing 75% of the total student population, were selected to participate of this descriptive-quantitative study. The self-image distortion was evaluated through the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and a body control scale was used for the analysis of body weight, composition and metabolism. Results: The students were 21.5±1.8 years old, 58.3±2.0kg weight and 160.6±2.1cm height. Regarding the anthropometric evaluation, students presented body mass index of 22.4±0.6; waist circumference of 70.6±0.8cm and waist/hip ratio of 0.73±0.01cm - values considered normal for adult women. The value obtained from the QSB, 84.2±9.6 points, indicates a slight distortion in the self-body perception. This distortion is present in 53% of the total participants. In conclusion these findings are worrisome because they are a group of future professionals that will work on and promote health and body practices.Introdução: A imagem corporal é a forma como percebemos o corpo. Reconhecê-la é afirmar com clareza sua existência e, a partir dessa percepção, ver a capacidade do corpo ser mutável, ou seja, ele pode a cada momento ser alterado. Objetivo: Classificar o nível de distorção da autoimagem corporal de universitárias do curso de Educação Física de uma universidade pública do Piauí e verificar a relação com os parâmetros antropométricos, pois se acredita que essas estudantes tendem a apresentar uma preocupação maior com a aparência. Metodologia: Estudo é de carácter descritivo e quantitativo, tendo uma amostra de 105 universitárias com ingresso entre 2011 a 2015, as quais representam 75% do total da população. Para avaliar a distorção da autoimagem foi utilizado o questionário Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), e para a análise de peso, composição e metabolismo corporal, uma balança de controle corporal (Omron, modelo HBF-514C). Resultados: As estudantes apresentaram idade de 21,5±1,8 anos, peso 58,3±2,0 kg, estatura 160,6±2,1cm, Ãndice de Massa Corporal 22,4±0,6kg/m2; Circunferência da Cintura 70,6±0,8cm e Relação da Cintura/Quadril 0,73±0,01cm, sendo todos esses valores normais para mulheres adultas. Em relação à autoimagem corporal foi encontrado o valor de 84,2±9,6 pontos, que indica uma leve distorção. Essa alteração esteve presente em 53% das participantes. Conclusão: Desta forma, esses achados revelam-se preocupantes pelo fato de se tratar de um grupo de futuros profissionais, multiplicadores de conceitos, da área de saúde e orientadores de práticas corporais

Obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance

White adipose tissue (WAT) is considered an endocrine organ. When present in excess, WAT can influence metabolism via biologically active molecules. Following unregulated production of such molecules, adipose tissue dysfunction results, contributing to complications associated with obesity. Previous studies have implicated pro- and anti-inflammatory substances in the regulation of inflammatory response and in the development of insulin resistance. In obese individuals, pro-inflammatory molecules produced by adipose tissue contribute to the development of insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, the molecules with anti-inflammatory action, that have been associated with the improvement of insulin sensitivity, have your decreased production. Imbalance of these substances contributes significantly to metabolic disorders found in obese individuals. The current review aims to provide updated information regarding the activity of biomolecules produced by WAT

Consistent patterns of common species across tropical tree communities

Trees structure the Earth’s most biodiverse ecosystem, tropical forests. The vast number of tree species presents a formidable challenge to understanding these forests, including their response to environmental change, as very little is known about most tropical tree species. A focus on the common species may circumvent this challenge. Here we investigate abundance patterns of common tree species using inventory data on 1,003,805 trees with trunk diameters of at least 10 cm across 1,568 locations1,2,3,4,5,6 in closed-canopy, structurally intact old-growth tropical forests in Africa, Amazonia and Southeast Asia. We estimate that 2.2%, 2.2% and 2.3% of species comprise 50% of the tropical trees in these regions, respectively. Extrapolating across all closed-canopy tropical forests, we estimate that just 1,053 species comprise half of Earth’s 800 billion tropical trees with trunk diameters of at least 10 cm. Despite differing biogeographic, climatic and anthropogenic histories7, we find notably consistent patterns of common species and species abundance distributions across the continents. This suggests that fundamental mechanisms of tree community assembly may apply to all tropical forests. Resampling analyses show that the most common species are likely to belong to a manageable list of known species, enabling targeted efforts to understand their ecology. Although they do not detract from the importance of rare species, our results open new opportunities to understand the world’s most diverse forests, including modelling their response to environmental change, by focusing on the common species that constitute the majority of their trees.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Actas del V Congreso ISUF-H Costa Rica 2021: Ciudades espontáneas versus ciudades planificadas: distintos retos, distintas realidades

En el año 2021 celebramos en Costa Rica la V edición del Congreso ISUF-H, los días 1, 2 y 3 de diciembre, con la Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad de Costa Rica como anfitriona del evento. El congreso “Ciudades espontáneas versus ciudades planificadas: distintos retos, distintas realidades” propuso como eje central una reflexión crítica sobre los procesos de urbanización planificada y urbanización espontánea, en el cual se fomente un abordaje de las ciudades como expresión de organización social, económica, ambiental y cultural, enfatizando el carácter ideológico de la urbanización y subrayando su continua construcción como resultado de construcciones complejas. La celebración de un nuevo congreso en América Latina, permitió reforzar la tradición crítica en el abordaje de las ciudades, y reforzar también la necesidad de plantear una perspectiva latinoamericana de los estudios urbanos, y por consiguiente de una teoría urbana latinoamericana. En esta ocasión el congreso se centró en ahondar en la temática de la forma urbana, desde perspectivas transversales que involucren las amplias disciplinas que asumen como objeto de discusión las problemáticas de la ciudad contemporánea y cuestionan la dicotomía planteada entre lo espontáneo y lo planificado. Para la Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad de Costa Rica y su Laboratorio de Ciudad y Territorio es un honor haber podido llevar a cabo esta nueva edición del congreso de la Asociación ISUF-H como segunda sede en un país latinoamericano. Relevante para fortalecer la temática de la forma urbana en la región, reforzando alianzas y estableciendo nuevas redes que permitan compartir conocimientos a partir de las experiencias de esas diversidades urbanas. Auspiciar el debate en torno a la morfología urbana y las diferencias entre esas ciudades espontáneas y las planificadas, fue una oportunidad para reunir a expertos de las distintas latitudes hispánicas.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ingeniería::Facultad de Ingeniería::Escuela de Arquitectur