Effectiveness of PUSH notifications from a mobile app for improving the body composition of overweight or obese women: a protocol of a three-armed randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The penetration level of mobile technology has grown exponentially and is part of our lifestyle, at all levels. The use of the smartphone has opened up a new horizon of possibilities in the treatment of health, not in vain, around 40% of existing applications are linked to the mHealth segment. Taking advantage of this circumstance to study new approaches in the treatment of obesity and prescription of physical activity is growing interest in the field of health. The primary outcome (obese adult women) will be assessed according to age, fitness status, weight, and body composition status. Data will be collected at enrollment and weekly during 6 months of intervention on dietary practices, physical activity, anthropometry, and body composition. Analysis of effect will be performed comparing the outcomes between intervention and control arms. The message delivery is in progress. METHODS: A 3-arm clinical trial was established. A series of quantitative and qualitative measures were used to evaluate the effects of self-weighing and the establishment of objectives to be reached concerning the prescription of physical activity. At the end of this pilot study, a set of appropriate measures and procedures were identified and agreed upon to determine the effectiveness of messaging in the form of PUSH technology. The results were recorded and analyzed to begin a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. CONCLUSIONS: The study is anticipated to establish feasibility of using PUSH notifications to evaluate whether or not an intervention of 6 months, directed by a team formed by Dietician-Nutritionist and nursing professionals, by means of an application for Smartphone and a personal consultation, improves the body composition of adult women with a fat percentage equal to or higher than 30% at the beginning of the study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials ID: NCT03911583. First Submitted: April 9, 2019. Ethical oversight is provided by the Bioethical Committee of Córdoba University and registered in the platform clinicaltrials.gov. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and analysis data will be made public.

Changes in body composition with a hypocaloric diet combined with sedentary, moderate and high-intense physical activity: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence showing the effectiveness of a hypocaloric diet and the increase in physical activity on weight loss. However, the combined role of these factors, not only on weight loss but also body composition, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a hypocaloric diet on the body composition of obese adult women throughout different degrees of physical activity during a weight loss program. METHODS: One hundred and seventeen healthy female volunteers were randomly assigned to one of the experimental groups: a control group with a low-level prescription of physical activity (1-4 METs), moderate physical activity group that performed 10.000 steps walking (5-8 METs) and intense physical activity group that trained exercises by at least 70% of VO2max three times a week (> 8 METs). All subjects followed a hypocaloric diet designed with a reduction of 500 kcal/day. Nutritional counseling was provided throughout the study period to help ensure dietary adherence. RESULTS: We found no differences in body weight compared to moderate and intense physical activity (ßstand. = - 0.138 vs. ßstand. = - 0.139). Body fat was lower in women following an intense activity (ßstand. = - 0.436) than those with moderate exercise (ßstand. = - 0.231). The high-intense activity also increased muscle mass at the end of the intervention, standing out above the moderate activity (ßstand. = 0.182 vs. ßstand. = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that a hypocaloric diet, without prescription of physical activity, is adequate to lose weight in the short term (12 weeks), but physical activity is vital to modify the body composition in women with obesity. Body fat was lower when women practiced a moderate exercise compared to hypocaloric diet only, but an intense physical activity was the most effective protocol to obtain a reduction of body fat and maintain muscle mass. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol complied with the Declaration of Helsinki for medical studies, it was approved by the bioethical committee of Córdoba University, in the Department of Health at the Regional Government of Andalusia (Act n°284, ref.4156) and retrospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03833791). Registered 2 January 2019.

Selenium and cadmium in bioaccessible fraction of organic weaning food: Risk assessment and influence of dietary components.

BACKGROUND: The tendency of some sectors of the population to consume organic food has also come to include baby food. Nevertheless, it is necessary to develop studies to support the true nutritional and toxicological value of these products, making special emphasis in several trace elements. To our knowledge, no studies have been conducted on this type of organic food. METHODS: Weaning foods with different formulations categorized as organic were analyzed to determine Se and Cd contents as well as its bioaccesibility. The analyses were conducted by electro thermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET - AAS) after the treatment of the samples with acid mineralization. Besides, macronutrient analyses (protein, fat and dietary fiber) were also developed. Finally, a novelty statistic approach such as @Risk was used to evaluate contributions to DRI or PTWI of Se and Cd derived for consumption of these weaning foods. RESULTS: Se content ranged between 2.44-15.4 µg Kg 1. Samples with meat ingredients showed the highest Se contents, while weaning foods consisting of fruits or vegetables presented the lowest concentrations. Se bioccessible concentration ranged between 1.90-4.35 µg Kg-1 with a greater uniformity amongst analyzed samples. Regarding Cd, concentrations of this heavy metal ranged between 1.23 and 3.64 µg Kg-1. Furthermore, Cd bioaccessibility of organic weaning foods ranged between 0.17 and 1.38 µg Kg-1. The solubility of all samples studied was around 20% from the initial Cd concentration. A negative statistical correlation between fat content - Cd bioaccesible (p < 0.05; r = - 0.756) and Cd content - Se bioaccesible (p < 0.05; r = - 0.777) were also found. CONCLUSIONS: Cd concentrations are considerably lower than those reported in weaning formulas which were not categorized as organic. On the other hand, the analysed organic jars did not represent a significant source of Se. The probabilistic assessment developed, showed that contributions to DRI of Se for infants 1-3 years old by consumption of these weaning foods, are excessively low (15% at best).

Evaluation of haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological parameters of growing rabbits fed Amaranthus dubius.

Amaranthus dubius is an alternative source of fibre and protein for the feed formulation for growing rabbits, although its effects on their health status are yet unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of three dietary levels (0, 160 and 320 g/kg) of A. dubius on haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological parameters of fattening rabbits. One hundred and thirteen New Zealand White rabbits were fed ad libitum from weaning (35 days) to slaughter (87 days). The health status of the animals was monitored, and mortality was recorded. Before slaughtering, 30 rabbits were randomly selected for haematological and serum biochemical analysis. During slaughter, 18 rabbits were randomly selected for histopathological study in heart, liver, lung and small intestine. The health status of rabbits was good, with no differences among treatments in mortality. Diet and sex did not affect the values of most haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Fibrinogen, glucose and high-density lipoprotein values increased significantly from 0 to 320 g/kg A. dubius diets. The white blood cell count and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase values decreased significantly from 0 to 320 g/kg A. dubius diets. The organs showed histologically well-structured tissues. However, in all experimental groups several samples with lesions were observed, always highly focalized in small tissue areas. The main lesions observed, probably related to conditions of thermal stress affecting the rabbits, were cholesterolosis (heart), steatosis (liver), inflammatory lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate (lung) and chronic inflammatory tissue damage (small intestine). In conclusion, the inclusion of up to 320 g/kg A. dubius in diet did not jeopardize the health status of growing rabbits. Therefore, A. dubius can become an alternative raw material for the formulation of feeds in tropical and subtropical countries where this plant is widespread.

Preliminary nutritional assessment of the Ecuadorian diet based on a 24-h food recall survey in Ecuador.

INTRODUCTION: Ecuador is a country with limited nutritional information, with exception of some general studies supported by Food Agriculture Organization (FAO). AIMS: To carry out a nutritional assessment of the Ecuadorian diet and determine the percentage of contribution to the intake of different nutrients according to the order of the meal (breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner snack) and Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). METHODS: For that purpose a pilot survey based on 24-h food recall method was carried out in three specific regions in Ecuador and collected information was processed, analyzed statistically and compared with DRIs established for Latin-American population. RESULTS: The study found significant differences for energy and certain vitamins in men and women in addition to determining that the highest energy contribution was obtained in lunch, followed by the afternoon snack and breakfast. Intermediate meals (morning snack, afternoon snack and dinner snack) contributed significantly less in the daily diet in comparison with other types of meal. Furthermore, it was observed that analyzed intakes did not meet the DRI for Carbohydrates, some vitamins (Thiamin, Pantothenic, Biotin, Folate Vitamin D and Vitamin E) and minerals (Ca, K, Cu, Mn, I and Fe). The Na intakes were quite above the DRI and Tolerable Upper Limit given by USDA, indicating a Public Health problem in relation with this electrolyte. CONCLUSIONS: The present pilot survey can be considered as a starting point to get insight into the Ecuadorian diet. This will allow to determine consumption patterns affecting population welfare and to evidence attendant positive and adverse effects.

Objetivos: Realizar una evaluación nutricional de la dieta ecuatoriana y determinar el porcentaje de contribución de la ingesta de diferentes nutrientes en función del tipo de comida (desayuno, almuerzo, comida, merienda, y cena) y de la Referencia de Ingesta Dietética (RID). Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta piloto basada en el método del recordatorio de alimentación de 24 h en tres regiones concretas de Ecuador y se procesó la información recogida, se analizó y se comparó con las RID establecidas para la población latinoamericana. Resultados: El estudio encontró diferencias significativas para energía y ciertas vitaminas en hombres y en mujeres, además de determinar que la mayor contribución energética se obtenía en la comida, seguida de la merienda y el desayuno. Las comidas intermedias (almuerzo, merienda y cena) contribuían de una manera significativamente menor en la dieta diaria en comparación con otros tipos de comidas. Además, se observó que las ingestas analizadas no alcanzaban las RID para hidratos de carbono, algunas vitaminas (tiamina, ácido pantoténico, biotina, folato, vitamina D y vitamina E) y minerales (Ca, K, Cu, Mn, I y Fe). La ingesta de NA estaba bastante por encima de las RID y el Límite Superior Tolerable proporcionado por la USDA, lo que indica un problema de salud pública en relación con este electrolito. Conclusiones: Esta encuesta piloto puede considerarse como un punto de partida para obtener una visión más profunda de la dieta ecuatoriana. Esto permitirá determinar los patrones de consumo que afectan al bienestar de la población y establecer efectos positivos y efectos adversos del patrón de consumo en Ecuador.

Heavy metal levels in Spanish cheeses: influence of manufacturing conditions.

Heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Hg) and Ni contents were determined in a wide variety of cheeses consumed in Spain from all geographical regions and with the official "Protected Designation of Origin". Pb content ranged from 110 to 5 µg kg(-1), which can be considered safe as, in all cases, the Pb contribution did not exceed 50% of the toxic density. Cd levels ranged between 11.4 to 1.3 µg kg(-1); however, the toxic density values for Cd in different types of cheeses exceeded the reference value in some cases. The highest Hg content was found to Gata-Hurdes (208.3 µg kg(-1)), corresponding to a very high toxic density value (325%). Ni levels in cheese indicated that they are not good sources of this element. The type of milk, rennet and coagulation process had a significant influence on heavy metal levels in cheeses.

Lead content in Spanish market infant formulas and toxicological contribution.

Lead content was investigated in infant formulas by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). Formulas were distinguished as 'beginner', 'continuation' and 'special infant formula', the latter being classified as subtypes 'hypoallergenic', 'without lactose', 'vegetable base' and 'others'. The mean concentrations of lead were 25.7+/-8.4, 36.9+/-6.4 and 43.5+/-16.3 microg kg(-1) for beginner, continuation and special infant formula, respectively. Two-factor (types and subtypes) variance analyses were made and Tukey's mean homogeneity test (p < 0.05) was also performed for the formation of homogeneous groups. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between types and two homogeneous groups were formed by the special infant formula type, with the highest lead content; the other group was constituted by the beginner type; and included in both groups were the continuation type infant formula. Their contribution to the provisional weekly intake (PTWI) was calculated from the mean concentrations in each type of infant formula, showing them to be food with a low toxicological risk (< 30% PTWI).

Cadmium content in infant formulas. Toxicological evaluation.

Cadmium content was investigated in infant formulas by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). Formulas were distinguished as "beginner", "continuation" and "special infant formulas", the last ones were classified as subtypes "hypoallergenic", "without lactose", "vegetable base" and "others". The mean concentrations of cadmium were 1.97 +/- 0.84, 1.86 +/- 0.65 and 2.98 +/- 2.59 micrograms/kg for "beginner", "continuation" and "special infant formulas", respectively. Two-factor (types and subtypes) variance analyses were made and Turkey's mean homogeneity test (p < 0.05) was also carried out for the formation of homogeneous groups. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between subtypes and 3 homogeneous groups were formed, one for "hypoallergenic" and "others", another group was constituted by "without lactose" and, finally another group, one with the highest cadmium content, was formed by subtype "vegetable". Their contribution to the provisional weekly intake (PWI) was calculated from the mean concentrations of each type and subtype of infant formulas, showing them to be food with a low toxicological risk.

Trends and nutritional significance of mineral content in fresh white asparagus spears.

Variations in the copper, iron, zinc, manganese, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorous content of fresh white asparagus (Asparagus officinalis, L.) as a function of the spear portion and the differences between varieties (Desto and Cipré's) and thicknesses (< 11 and > 14 mm) of asparagus were investigated. The mineral elements studied showed significant changes between the ten portions into which the spears were cut, with lower concentrations, except for sodium, occurring in the asparagus portions furthest away from the tip of the spear. These changes between portions signified a greater nutritional value of the apical spear area (6 cm from the asparagus tip) according to the higher percentages of mineral RDAs supplied in the apical portions. The varieties and thicknesses of white asparagus investigated showed this diminishing distribution of the mineral content throughout the spear and displayed significant differences for the majority of the mineral elements between varieties and thicknesses, although these differences were minimal and did not have any nutritional significance since the percentages of mineral RDAs supplied were similar. Nutrient density was well over 100% for all the elements, except for sodium, and these results indicated that fresh white asparagus, if consumed in sufficient quantities, contributes substantially to the intake of these mineral elements.

Cadmium variations in Manchego cheese during traditional cheese-making and ripening processes.

Variations in cadmium content were determined throughout cheese manufacturing and ripening processes by applying graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry to samples of natural pasteurized milk, rennet, curd whey, pressed curd, pressing whey and cheese. The total mean cadmium contents were 4.79 +/- 2.4 and 4.67 +/- 2.1 microgram/kg fresh weight for newly-made and mature cheeses respectively. ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in cadmium levels (fresh weight) and these differences were due to the influence of moisture content during cheese manufacture, since no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found for dry weight. Nevertheless, cadmium levels based on dry weight increased during pasteurization and more noticeably on ferment addition. ANOVA performed during the ripening process revealed significant differences between portions and ripening times for both fresh and dry weights. By Tukey's test (p < 0.05) for portions, two homogeneous groups were established, one corresponding to the outer portion with a greater cadmium content and the other comprising the middle and inner portions. The contribution of cadmium to Spanish mean intake is between 0.098 and 0.147 micrograms/week for new cheese and between 0.168 and 0.245 micrograms/week for mature cheese.

Study of chromium and nickel content in white asparagus (Asparagus officinalis, L.).

The modifications in the chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) content and the distribution of these trace elements in white asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis, L.) were investigated. Samples were taken of two varieties of white asparagus, Desto and Ciprés, and grouped in function of their thickness in spears of < 11 mm and of > 14 mm. All the asparagus samples were cut in lengths of 20 cm and divided into 10 portions of 2 cm each. The determinations of chromium and nickel were carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with air-acetylene flame. The mean concentrations were 0.675 +/- 0.19 and 5.578 +/- 1.39 mg/kg dry weight for chromium and nickel, respectively. By means of three-factor analyses of variance (varieties, thickness and portions), statistically significant differences were determined between the concentrations of chromium and nickel and each one of the sources of variation established. The chromium content showed a variable distribution throughout the white asparagus portions as a result of the notable differences between varieties and thickness. In the case of nickel, its levels underwent a generalized decrease as the spear portions were further and further away from the apical area or tip of the white asparagus.

Influence of vegetative cycle of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) on copper, iron, zinc and manganese content.

The essential elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were analyzed in fresh asparagus to determine the effects of the vegetative cycle of the plant on the micronutrient content. Asparagus samples were classified in two groups by diameter (< 11 mm and > 14 mm). Asparagus from a sample group with the same diameter were divided into two portions (apical and basal) according to distance from the tip. The concentrations of copper, iron, zinc and manganese increased during the vegetative cycle of the asparagus, mainly in the apical portion which showed significantly greater concentrations with respect to the basal portion. The > 14 mm diameter asparagus presented higher levels of copper, zinc and manganese, whereas the concentration of iron was greater in the < 11 mm diameter asparagus. The mean element levels were (mg/kg dry weight): Cu, 18.9 +/- 3.9; Fe, 91.7 +/- 33.7; Zn, 69.5 +/- 24.6 and Mn, 20.9 +/- 5.0).

Effects of processing on the concentration of lead in Manchego-type cheese.

Variations in lead content were determined throughout the process of manufacturing cheese, using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry and taking samples of natural, pasteurized milk, with additions of rennet, curd whey, pressed curd, pressing whey and cheese. The mean content of lead in cheese was 211 micrograms/kg on dry weight. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in the lead levels in the products from cheese-making, expressed both on wet weight and dry weight. Certain differences were observed in the groups formed on using a Scheffe homogeneity test (p < 0.05) depending on whether the lead content was expressed on wet weight or on dry weight. Slight rises in the lead content based on dry weight were shown to be mainly due to the retention of lead by curd and, secondly, by possible contamination occurring during the process.

Importance of eating habits and sample size in the estimation of environmental mercury contamination using biological indicators.

The importance of eating habits and the number of fish sampled in the estimation of mercury environmental contamination through biological indicators was studied. The species used were one with piscivorous habits (Anguilla anguilla) and another with omnivorous habits (Ciprinus carpio). From one original sample for each species, randomized samples were generated using the subroutine GGSRS from the mathematics library IMSL, and later the statistical significance of Pearson's correlation coefficient for the relationship between fish weight and mercury concentrations in muscle was obtained for each random sample. The results show that the use of omnivorous species such as Ciprinus carpio as a biological indicator of contamination enables us to carry out estimations with a greater degree of confidence than when piscivorous species such as Anguilla anguilla are used.

Cadmium and lead distribution in fresh asparagus.

Cadmium and lead were determined in fresh asparagus, as a function of diameter and portions, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry to evaluate the contribution of these vegetables to the daily intake of cadmium and lead in Spain. Cadmium content of the asparagus ranged from less than 0.006 mg/kg to 0.062 mg/kg, whereas lead content varied from 0.059 to 0.409 mg/kg. The concentration of cadmium and lead was compared statistically for the different diameters and portions of asparagus. The asparagus tip/remainder ratio metal concentration was determined and a greater concentration of cadmium and lead in the tip relative to the remainder of the asparagus was observed. If we take into account the mean level of cadmium and lead (0.022 mg/kg and 0.165 mg/kg respectively), the daily intake contribution of these metals in Spain is 0.04 micrograms/day for cadmium and 0.3 microgram/day for lead.

Mercury Content in Different Species of Mushrooms Grown in Spain.

The mercury content of 117 mushroom samples corresponding to 8 different species collected in the Sierra of Cordoba (Spain) was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results obtained showed that the mercury content differed according to the species and to the anatomical group examined. Samples of Psalliota xanthoderma showed maximum levels (0.669-0.210 mg/kg, fresh weight) and the ratio cap/stem obtained is 1.32. The concentration levels were compared to literature data and the contribution of mushrooms to the daily intake of mercury in Spain was evaluated.