Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Dance on Cognition and Depression in Healthy Older Adults.

PURPOSE: Aging is associated with declines in cognition and mental health that might be ameliorated by physical activity (PA). Dance integrates multiple physical, cognitive, and social elements, and might be an avenue for improving cognition and mood. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) examined the effects of formal and traditional dance on cognition, depression, and anxiety in older adults. METHODS: Five database searches yielded 17 randomized control trials (RCT). RCTs were included if participants were ≥ 60 years and healthy or living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We examined interventions of dance against any comparison group. Records were independently screened, and data were extracted by 2 reviewers. We performed random-effects models using robust variance estimation and tested individual treatment, study, and outcome level moderators using the approximate Hotelling-Zhang test. RESULTS: 17 RCTs were included in the systematic review, but 13 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis which included 1,174 participants with a mean age of 70.7 years, and 66.3% were female. There were 76 effect sizes (Hedges' g) calculated from the 13 RCTs with a range between -0.97 through 2.88. The overall effect of dance interventions on cognition was significant, yet small (g = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.50; p = 0.022), and the effect on depression was significant and nearly moderate (g = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.80; p = 0.036); only one RCT examined anxiety and was not included. No moderator variables significantly explained variation in the effects of dance on cognitive function or depression (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dance interventions can improve cognition and depression in older adults. Additional research is needed regarding the effects of dance on anxiety and depression in older adults.

Bridging the Gap: Engaging Black Men in Lung Cancer Research Through Barbershop Collaboration.

Health disparities persist among Black men, notably in the context of lung cancer and stress-related health outcomes. This study explores these disparities through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, citizen science, and social network theory, leveraging the expertise and trust of Black barbers as community leaders. The purpose is to understand the nuanced connections between stress and lung cancer in this demographic. Engaging 161 Black men across four Chicago neighborhoods, the study successfully collected hair samples and survey data, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive recruitment strategies. Findings highlight the effectiveness of the collaboration, showcasing the role of barbershops as community hubs for research. The study concludes by advocating for sustained partnerships with community leaders, emphasizing transparency in research communication, and promoting culturally grounded approaches to address health disparities and enhance research participation among underrepresented populations.

LiveWell in early childhood: results from a two-year pilot intervention to improve nutrition and physical activity policies, systems and environments among early childhood education programs in South Carolina.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood education (ECE) settings are critical intervention targets for obesity prevention. This study evaluated a pilot two-year community-based participatory research (CBPR) project designed to assist ECE center directors and caregivers in policy, systems and environmental (PSE) change for improving healthy eating (HE) and physical activity (PA). METHODS: A two-year CBPR study was conducted in 10 licensed ECE centers in Greenville, South Carolina. The intervention consisted of five steps: [1] baseline data collection and self-assessment using the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (Go-NAP SACC), [2] tailored goal setting and action planning, [3] technical assistance and access to resources, [4] post intervention data collection and re-assessment, and [5] celebration of success. Main outcome measures (HE and PA environments, practices and policies) were assessed using the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) tool at baseline and 24 months. One classroom of 3-5-year-olds was randomly selected for observation from each center (mean of 12 children per classroom). Means and standard deviations were calculated for total PA, total nutrition and each subscale of PA and nutrition. Paired sample t-tests were calculated to assess changes in EPAO scales from baseline to post intervention. RESULTS: Ten ECE centers enrolled in the pilot study and eight completed the two-year intervention. Center-based goals were accomplished across all 8 ECE centers over the two-year intervention: 16 child nutrition goals, 6 outdoor play goals, 11 physical activity goals and 8 screen time goals across the entire sample. Nutrition policy and PA policy significantly improved (p < 0.05), with greater improvements in PA (10.0 point increase, p = .048) as compared to nutrition (3.3 point increase, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing a CBPR approach, this two-year nutrition and PA PSE intervention in ECE centers improved ECE center HE and PA policies.

Trypanosoma cruzi induces cellular proliferation in the trophoblastic cell line BeWo.

Congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) is partially responsible for the progressive globalization of Chagas disease. During congenital transmission the parasite must cross the placental barrier where the trophoblast, a continuous renewing epithelium, is the first tissue in contact with the parasite. The trophoblast turnover implies cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptotic cell death. The epithelial turnover is considered part of innate immunity. We previously demonstrated that T. cruzi induces cellular differentiation and apoptosis in this tissue. Here we demonstrate that T. cruzi induces cellular proliferation in a trophoblastic cell line. We analyzed the cellular proliferation in BeWo cells by determining DNA synthesis by BrdU incorporation assays, mitotic index, cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry, as well as quantification of nucleolus organizer regions by histochemistry and expression of the proliferation markers PCNA and Ki67 by Western blotting and/or immunofluorescence. Additionally, we determined the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway activation by the parasite by Western blotting.