Associations between muscular strength and mental health in cognitively normal older adults: a cross-sectional study from the AGUEDA trial.

Objective: To examine the associations between muscular strength and mental health. Design: We used baseline data of 91 cognitively healthy older adults (71.69 ± 3.91 years old, 57 % women) participating in the AGUEDA randomized controlled trial. Methods: Muscular strength was assessed using both objective (i.e., handgrip strength, biceps curl, squats, and isokinetic test) and perceived (i.e., International Fitness Scale) indicators. Psychological ill-being indicators: anxiety, depression, stress, and loneliness; and psychological well-being indicators: satisfaction with life, self-esteem, and emotional well-being) were assessed using a set of valid and reliable self-reported questionnaires. Linear regression analyses were performed adjusting for sex, age, years of education, body mass index , alcohol, diet, and smoking (model 1), and additionally by cardiorespiratory fitness (model 2). Results: Elbow extension was positively associated with stress in model 1 (ß = 0.252, 95 % Confidence Interval [95 % CI] = 0.007 to 0.497, p = 0.044), and even after further adjustment for cardiorespiratory fitness (ß = 0.282, 95 % CI = 0.032 to 0.532, p = 0.028). Perceived strength was negatively associated with depressive symptoms in model 1 (ß = -0.271, 95 % CI = -0.491 to -0.049, p = 0.017) and model 2 reported associations tending towards significant (ß = -0.220, 95 % CI = -0.445 to 0.005, p = 0.055). Handgrip strength was positively associated with self-esteem in model 1 (ß = 0.558, 95 % CI = 0.168 to 0.949, p = 0.006) and model 2 (ß = 0.546, 95 % CI = 0.135 to 0.956, p = 0.010). No further associations were found among other muscular strength and mental health variables. Conclusion: Handgrip had a moderate association with self-esteem and there was a small association between perceived strength with depressive symptoms and elbow extension with stress. No other associations were observed between muscular strength and mental health outcomes in cognitively normal older adults.

Insights into the Impact of Microbiota in the Treatment of NAFLD/NASH and Its Potential as a Biomarker for Prognosis and Diagnosis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing cause of chronic liver illness associated with obesity and metabolic disorders, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes mellitus. A more severe type of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is considered an ongoing global health threat and dramatically increases the risks of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several reports have demonstrated that liver steatosis is associated with the elevation of certain clinical and biochemical markers but with low predictive potential. In addition, current imaging methods are inaccurate and inadequate for quantification of liver steatosis and do not distinguish clearly between the microvesicular and the macrovesicular types. On the other hand, an unhealthy status usually presents an altered gut microbiota, associated with the loss of its functions. Indeed, NAFLD pathophysiology has been linked to lower microbial diversity and a weakened intestinal barrier, exposing the host to bacterial components and stimulating pathways of immune defense and inflammation via toll-like receptor signaling. Moreover, this activation of inflammation in hepatocytes induces progression from simple steatosis to NASH. In the present review, we aim to: (a) summarize studies on both human and animals addressed to determine the impact of alterations in gut microbiota in NASH; (b) evaluate the potential role of such alterations as biomarkers for prognosis and diagnosis of this disorder; and (c) discuss the involvement of microbiota in the current treatment for NAFLD/NASH (i.e., bariatric surgery, physical exercise and lifestyle, diet, probiotics and prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation).

The Gut Barrier, Intestinal Microbiota, and Liver Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Strategies to Manage.

Liver disease encompasses pathologies as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcohol liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, viral hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. Nowadays, underlying mechanisms associating gut permeability and liver disease development are not well understood, although evidence points to the involvement of intestinal microbiota and their metabolites. Animal studies have shown alterations in Toll-like receptor signaling related to the leaky gut syndrome by the action of bacterial lipopolysaccharide. In humans, modifications of the intestinal microbiota in intestinal permeability have also been related to liver disease. Some of these changes were observed in bacterial species belonging Roseburia, Streptococcus, and Rothia. Currently, numerous strategies to treat liver disease are being assessed. This review summarizes and discusses studies addressed to determine mechanisms associated with the microbiota able to alter the intestinal barrier complementing the progress and advancement of liver disease, as well as the main strategies under development to manage these pathologies. We highlight those approaches that have shown improvement in intestinal microbiota and barrier function, namely lifestyle changes (diet and physical activity) and probiotics intervention. Nevertheless, knowledge about how such modifications are beneficial is still limited and specific mechanisms involved are not clear. Thus, further in-vitro, animal, and human studies are needed.

Inflammatory biomarkers and brain health indicators in children with overweight and obesity: The ActiveBrains project.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic inflammation plays an important role on the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as on brain function and behaviour. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between inflammatory biomarkers and a wide range of brain health indicators (i.e., academic performance, executive function, behavioural and emotional functioning, and brain volume) in children with overweight/obesity. METHODS: A total of 107 children (10.0 ±â€¯1.1 years, 41% girls) from the ActiveBrains project were included in the analysis. Five inflammatory biomarkers were analysed in plasma: white blood cell (WBC) count, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Academic performance was assessed by Woodcock-Muñoz Tests of Achievement. Executive function was assessed through the Design Fluency Test for cognitive flexibility, the Stroop test for cognitive inhibition, and the Delayed Non-Match-to-Sample task for working memory. Behavioural and emotional functioning was evaluated through the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) questionnaire. Total and regional brain volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: IL-6 was inversely associated with adaptive skills (ß = -0.228; p = 0.030), while TNF-α was related to mathematics (ß = -0.198; p = 0.034). In addition, CRP was positively associated with externalizing (ß = 0.246; p = 0.046) and internalizing problems (ß = 0.234; p = 0.039), as well as the behavioural symptoms index (ß = 0.236; p = 0.047). However, these significant associations disappeared after multiple comparisons correction. Inflammatory biomarkers were not associated with executive function and total brain volumes. Regarding regional brain analyses, WBC was positively associated with gray matter volume in the left middle temporal gyrus (ß = 0.387; p < 0.001, k = 44), and CRP was positively associated with gray matter volume in the right superior temporal gyrus (ß = 0.439; p < 0.001, k = 29). Additionally, when adjusting by total brain volume, CRP was positively associated with gray matter volume in the right supplementary motor cortex (ß = 0.453; p < 0.001, k = 51). Moreover, both, IL-6 (ß = 0.366; p < 0.001, k = 81) and TNF-α (ß = 0.368; p < 0.001, k = 62) were positively associated with white matter volume around the right inferior frontal gyrus pars opercularis, while CRP was inversely associated with white matter volume around the left superior frontal gyrus (ß = -0.482; p < 0.001, k = 82). After adjusting by total brain volume, CRP was also inversely associated with white matter volume in 3 additional clusters (ß ranging from -0.473 to -0.404; p < 0.001, k = 87). CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation was slightly associated with brain health (i.e., academic performance, behavioural and emotional functioning and regional brain volume) in children with overweight or obesity. Further larger longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to elucidate the short-term and long-term effect of systemic low-grade inflammation on children's brain health.

Comparación de los niveles de actividad física durante la vida universitaria / Comparison of the physical activity levels during the university life

Background: A high percentage of Chilean university students are inactive. Aim: To determine differences in physical activity (PA) levels and energy expenditure in a group of university students according to their length of stay in the university. Material and Methods: We studied 56 students aged 22 ± 2 years (29 women). They wore a triaxial accelerometer during seven days, determining steps/day, steps/min, sedentary time and PA levels. Participants also answered a PA questionnaire. Their weight and height were measured. They were divided in two groups according to the time spent at university (1-2 years and 3-5 years). Results: No significant differences in energy expenditure were observed between both groups of students. The number of steps/day and steps/ min was significantly higher in the group with 3 to 5 years in the university than their counterparts with 1-2 years. Conclusions: As the university years increase, there is a tendency to increase the time spent walking (18.3%) but without an increase in the moderate-vigorous PA.

Comportamiento sedentario vs inactividad física en universitarios / Comportamiento sedentario vs inactividad física en universitarios

Carta al editor

Diferencias en la composición corporal y actividad física en estudiantes universitarios según año de ingreso / Differences in body composition and physical activity in university students according to the year of admission

Introducción: La etapa universitaria es un proceso determinante para consolidar los hábitos de vida, donde los estudiantes se ven obligados a cambiar la mayoría de sus hábitos, que propician una mala alimentación, pobre organización del tiempo y menor actividad física, teniendo repercusiones en la condición y estructura física, lo que puede afectar considerablemente el estado de salud de esta población. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar las diferencias en la composición corporal y actividad física en estudiantes universitarios según su año de ingreso. Materiales y métodos: Participaron en el estudio 287 estudiantes de ambos sexos (171 mujeres y 116 hombres), pertenecientes a las facultades de "Filosofía y Educación", "Ingenierías" y "Ciencias", a los cuales se les realizó una evaluación antropométrica para estimar la composición corporal con las ecuaciones de De Rose y Guimaraes y un cuestionario de frecuencia de actividad física. Resultados: Los resultados indican que existen diferencias en el Índice de Masa Corporal y masa grasa entre estudiantes mujeres de 1º y 2º año y entre 1º y 5º año en los hombres. La masa muscular no presenta grandes diferencias entre los grupos, pero si se aprecia cambios negativos entre el Índice de Masa Corporal y masa grasa de estudiantes que recién ingresan versus los estudiantes de último año. Conclusiones: Durante la universidad se vive un periodo crítico que afecta el nivel actividad física y el estado nutricional de los estudiantes y que podría empeorar en estudiantes con más años en la universidad.

Introduction: The university stage is a determining process when consolidating people's habits of life, where students are forced to change most of their habits favoring a poor diet, poor organization of time and less physical activity, which at the same time, has an impact on the condition and physical structure and can significantly affect the health status of this population. Objective: To determine the differences in body composition and physical activity in university students according to their year of admission. Materials and methods: The study involved 287 male and female students (171 women and 116 men) who belonged to the faculties of Philosophy and Education, Engineering and Science, who underwent an anthropometric assessment to estimate body composition with De Rose and Guimaraes equations and a frequency of physical activity questionnaire. Results: The results show that there are differences in Body Mass Index and fat mass among female students of first and second year and between the first and fifth year in men. Muscle mass had no significant differences between groups, but there is negative changes between Body Mass Index and fat mass from students newly admitted versus students in their last year. Conclusions: During the university stage, students face a critical period that affects their physical activity level and nutritional status, which could get worse for students with more years at the university.

Variations of body composition, physical activity and caloric intake in schoolchildren during national holidays.

UNLABELLED: Scientific literature has described that a significant body weight increase in schoolchildren occurs during some holiday periods (summer, winter, and thanksgiving holidays), harming their health. In this regard, it is thought that this phenomenon is mainly due to changes in eating habits and the variation in levels of physical activity; however, this approach has not yet been explored during national holidays (NAH) in Chile. PURPOSE: To determine any changes in body composition, physical activity and caloric intake during NAH. METHODS: A total of 46 schoolchildren (24 boys, age 10.5 ± 0.5; BMI 21.7 ± 4.7) participated. Measurements were performed 2 days before and after the NAH (9 days). Weight was measured and fat percentage was established using the Slaughter formula. Levels of physical activity were measured with accelerometers, validating 3 weekdays and 1 weekend; caloric intake was established through a 24-h recall. RESULTS: Weight, percentage of fat and caloric intake increased significantly (250 g, 2.2 % and 733.3 kcal, respectively; p < 0.05); however, none of the variables of physical activity showed significant changes. CONCLUSION: The change in caloric intake seems to be the main cause of weight and fat gain during the NAH.

Estado nutricional y estilos de vida en estudiantes universitarios de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso / Nutritional state and lifestyle of university students in Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso

Introducción: Los universitarios son un grupo particular, quienes por diversos motivos son vulnerables a una mala nutrición y a un bajo nivel de ejercicio físico. Objetivo: Determinar el estado nutricional y algunos componentes que definen el estilo de vida en este grupo de estudiantes. Métodos: Se evaluaron 323 estudiantes universitarios pertenecientes a 27 carreras y asistentes a los cursos de "Autocuidado y Vida Saludable" dictados durante el año 2012. Se determino el IMC, la masa grasa a través de la ecuación de Yuhasz de 1974, se aplicó el instrumento para determinar el nivel de actividad física, el test de Kidmed para la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y la prueba Adimark para el nivel socioeconómico. Resultados: El bajo nivel de ejercicio físico y la baja calidad alimentaria de estos estudiantes, tienen efectos negativos en su estado de salud. No se pudo establecer el nivel socioeconómico como factor preponderante en el desarrollo de los malos hábitos, pero al parecer los conocimientos sobre nutrición afectan la calidad alimentaria. Conclusión: Se apreció en este grupo que dos de los principales componentes del estilo de vida saludable, el ejercicio y la alimentación, se encuentran deteriorados y podría proyectarse un empeoramiento de estos factores, transformándose el "ciclo universitario" en un periodo de transición que influye en el desarrollo de Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles, ECNT en la adultez.

Introduction: University students are a particular group, who for various reasons are vulnerable to poor nutrition and low level of physical exercise. Objective: To determine the nutritional status and some components which define the lifestyle in this group of students. Methods: 323 college students from 27 careers who were attending the courses of "Self-Care and Healthy Life" in 2012 were evaluated. The BMI and the fat mass through 1974 Yuhasz equation were determined, the instrument to determine the level of physical activity is applied as well as the Kidmed test for adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the test ADIMARK for the socioeconomic status. Results: The low levels of physical exercise and poor food quality of these students have negative effects on their health. It could not be possible to establish the socioeconomic status as major factor in the development of bad habits, but apparently nutrition knowledge affect food quality. Conclusion: It can be seen in this group that two of the main components of healthy lifestyle, which are exercise and diet, are damaged and a worsening of these factors could be projected, transforming the "university cycle" in a period of transition that influences the development of chronic diseases in adulthood