Getting under the skin: Social isolation and biological markers in the National Health and Aging Trends Study.

BACKGROUND: Social isolation is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality comparable to well-established risk factors including smoking, hypertension, and a sedentary lifestyle. The specific biological mechanisms that connect social isolation to morbidity and mortality remain unclear. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are biological markers that are upregulated during inflammation and can have long-term negative consequences for the health of individuals as they age. METHODS: Utilizing Round 7 (2017) data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), we examine the relationship between social isolation and two biological markers: IL-6 and high-sensitivity CRP. This study included a nationally representative sample of 4648 Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older who provided samples using dried blood spot (DBS) techniques. We defined social isolation utilizing a multi-domained typology that considers living arrangement, core discussion network, religious attendance, and social participation. IL-6 and CRP were obtained via DBS that were collected in Round 7 of the NHATS. We performed linear regression to examine the association between social isolation and biological markers IL-6 and CRP. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, tobacco use, body mass index, and chronic conditions, we found that severe social isolation and social isolation were significantly associated with higher levels of IL-6 and CRP values among older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Social isolation is associated with higher levels of biological markers (IL-6 and CRP). Our findings inform the pathway between social isolation and morbidity and mortality among older adults. IL-6 or CRP could be a proximal outcome measures for future clinical and social interventions that seek to alter the trajectory of social isolation and its associated health outcomes.

CYP1A2 polymorphisms modify the association of habitual coffee consumption with appetite, macronutrient intake, and body mass index: results from an observational cohort and a cross-over randomized study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Evidence regarding the influence of coffee on appetite and weight control is equivocal and the influence of covariates, such as genetic variation in caffeine metabolism, remains unknown. Herein, we addressed the novel hypothesis that genetic variation in CYP1A2, a gene responsible for more than 95% of caffeine metabolism, differentially impacts the association of coffee consumption with appetite and BMI among individuals with different genetic predispositions to obesity. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-over randomized intervention study involving 18 volunteers assessed the effects of coffee consumption on dietary intake, appetite, and levels of the appetite-controlling hormones asprosin and leptin. Data on habitual coffee intake, BMI, and perceived appetite were obtained from an observational cohort of 284 volunteers using validated questionnaires. Participants were stratified according to a validated genetic risk score (GRS) for obesity and to the -163C > A (rs762551) polymorphism of CYP1A2 as rapid (AA), intermediate (AC), or slow (CC) caffeine metabolizers. RESULTS: Coffee consumption led to lower energy and dietary fat intake and circulating asprosin levels (P for interaction of rs762551 genotype*coffee consumption=0.056, 0.039, and 0.043, respectively) as compared to slow/intermediate metabolizers. High coffee consumption was more prevalent in rapid compared to slow metabolizers (P = 0.008 after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI) and was associated with lower appetite perception and lower BMI only in rapid metabolizers (P for interaction of rs762551 genotype*coffee consumption = 0.002 and 0.048, respectively). This differential association of rs762551 genotype and coffee consumption with BMI was more evident in individuals at higher genetic risk of obesity (mean adjusted difference in BMI = -5.82 kg/m2 for rapid versus slow/intermediate metabolizers who consumed more than 14 cups of coffee per week). CONCLUSIONS: CYP1A2 rs762551 polymorphism modifies the association of habitual coffee consumption with BMI, in part by influencing appetite, energy intake and circulating levels of the orexigenic hormone asprosin. This association is more evident in subjects with high genetic predisposition to obesity. ClinicalTrials.gov: registered Clinical Trial NCT04514588.

Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-7) supplementation does not affect vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors activity in healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin K has long been regarded as a procoagulant drug by physicians, and concerns have been raised with regard to its effects on hemostasis. Although many studies have shown that vitamin K supplementation is safe for thrombotic events, the effect of vitamin K supplementation on the activities of vitamin K dependent procoagulation factors in healthy individuals is not available. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate whether vitamin K2 supplementation at recommended doses affects the activity of vitamin K dependent procoagulation factors in healthy individuals without any anticoagulation treatment. DESIGN: Forty healthy volunteers between 25 and 40 years of age were recruited. Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) was administrated at 90 µg for 30 days. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), and blood coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X activities and Protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) were measured on days 0 and 30 after MK-7 administration. RESULTS: PT, APTT, and TT showed no significant differences on day 30 when compared with baseline. The activities of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X on day 30 showed no significant differences with those at baseline. PIVKA-II levels were unchanged after 30 days of MK-7 supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: MK-7 supplementation at recommended dosage does not affect vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors' coagulation activity, and does not enhance the carboxylation of prothrombin in healthy individuals. This indicated that MK-7 administration does not alter hemostatic balance in healthy populations without anticoagulation treatment.

Pharmacokinetics of Single and Multiple Doses of Omega-3 Carboxylic Acids in Healthy Chinese Subjects: A Phase I, Open-Label Study.

In patients with coronary heart disease undergoing primary prevention, hypertriglyceridemia is a residual risk for cardiovascular events. Omega-3 carboxylic acid (OM3-CA), a mixture of the free fatty acid forms of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may be beneficial in reducing triglyceride levels. As part of the clinical development program of OM3-CA in China, this phase I study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability profile of OM3-CA in healthy subjects. The pharmacokinetic results of this study were also compared with those of available data for Western populations. Fourteen healthy Chinese subjects (aged 18-45 years) received once-daily oral OM3-CA 4 g for 14 consecutive days. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed from both baseline-uncorrected and baseline-corrected plasma concentrations vs time profile of EPA, DHA, and EPA plus DHA. Following single and multiple oral doses of OM3-CA, the absorption of EPA, DHA, and EPA plus DHA was steady with median tmax occurring at 5.5-6 hours after both single and multiple dosing. Close to steady-state concentrations in plasma were reached after 14 days of continuous once-daily dosing, and accumulation was confirmed for EPA, DHA, and EPA plus DHA. Of the 14 subjects treated with OM3-CA, 6 (42.9%) reported at least 1 adverse event (diarrhea) during the study, which was determined as mild and treatment emergent. No serious adverse events were reported. In summary, the pharmacokinetic profile of oral OM3-CA 4 g after single and multiple dosing in healthy Chinese subjects is consistent with that observed in other ethnic populations.

Prior Therapeutic Experiences, Not Expectation Ratings, Predict Placebo Effects: An Experimental Study in Chronic Pain and Healthy Participants.

INTRODUCTION: Many clinical trials fail because of placebo responses. Prior therapeutic experiences and patients' expectations may affect the capacity to respond to placebos in chronic disorders. OBJECTIVE: The scope of this study in 763 chronic orofacial pain and healthy study participants was to compare the magnitude and prevalence of placebo effects and determine the putative role of prior therapeutic experiences vs. expectations. METHODS: We tested placebo propensity in a laboratory setting by using 2 distinct levels of individually tailored painful stimulations (high pain and low pain) to reinforce expectations and provide a hypoalgesic experience (conditioning phase). Afterwards, both levels of pain were surreptitiously set at a moderate pain level to test for placebo effects (testing phase). Pain and expectation ratings were assessed as primary outcomes using visual analog scales. RESULTS: In both chronic pain and healthy participants, placebo effects were similar in magnitude, with the larger prevalence of responders in the healthy participants. Although chronic pain participants reported higher pain relief expectations, expectations did not account for the occurrence of placebo effects. Rather, prior experience via conditioning strength mediated placebo effects in both pain and healthy participants. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that participants with chronic pain conditions display robust placebo effects that are not mediated by expectations but are instead directly linked to prior therapeutic experiences. This confirms the importance of assessing the therapeutic history while raising questions about the utility of expectation ratings. Future research is needed to enhance prediction of responses to placebos, which will ultimately improve clinical trial designs.

Semen quality among young healthy men taking protein supplements.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between use of protein supplements (PS) and semen quality among young men. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Not applicable PATIENT(S): We used data from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort, which is a subsample of 778 men whose mothers enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort 1996-2002. INTERVENTION(S): Semen samples were collected from April 2017 to March 2019. Relative difference in semen characteristics according to self-reported PS use was estimated with negative binomial regression adjusting for lifestyle factors including exercise, body mass index, and use of anabolic steroids, and maternal and paternal factors potentially confounding the association between PS and semen quality. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Negative binomial regression yielded the best fit and was used to estimate the percent difference with 95% confidence intervals in semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, proportions of progressive, nonprogressive, and immotile sperm, and percentage of morphologically normal sperm in former and current users of PS relative to never users. RESULT(S): PS was used currently by 28% and formerly by 24% of participants. PS use was not associated with reduced semen quality in terms of semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, morphology, or motility in either crude or adjusted analyses. CONCLUSION: This study showed no association between use of PS and semen quality characteristics. Still, we encourage others to repeat the study, as even a small harmful effect would have a large impact on the population level because of the widespread use of PS among young men.

The effect of acupressure on quality of life among female nurses with chronic back pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic back pain is one of the most common work-related diseases and most important of musculoskeletal disorders in nursing professionals and because of the physical and psychological effects, has a significant impact on quality of life (QOL). Acupressure is a holistic form of complementary medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupressure on QOL among female nurses with chronic back pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized single-blind clinical trial was conducted on 50 nurses with chronic back pain working at the selected hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. After convenient sampling, the subjects were randomly allocated, through lottery, to the two groups of experimental (n = 25) and sham (n = 25). In the experimental group, acupressure techniques were performed during 9 sessions, 3 times a week for 14 min for each patient. In the sham group, points within 1 cm of the main points were only touched. Data were collected using the SF36 questioner, before, and immediately, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Independent t-test showed that the mean total score of QOL before the intervention was not significantly different between the two groups before the intervention (P = .68). However, it was significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the Sham group, immediately, 2 weeks, and 1 month after the intervention (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure on specific points of the foot and back improves back pain and as a result, increases QOL. Therefore, acupressure can be used as a drug-free and low-cost approach without side effects to improve QOL in nurses with chronic back pain.

Definition of a Yoga Breathing (Pranayama) Protocol That Improves Lung Function.

This study tests the hypothesis that yoga breathing (pranayama) improves lung function in healthy volunteers during a 6-week protocol. A randomized controlled pilot study demonstrated an improvement in peak expiratory flow rate and forced expiratory volume. The easy-to-learn approach can be translated to the inpatient and outpatient settings.

Lipids and insulin regulate mitochondrial-derived peptide (MOTS-c) in PCOS and healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR). MOTS-c, a mitochondrial peptide, promotes insulin sensitivity (IS) through activating AKT and AMPK-dependent pathways. The current study was designed to examine the response of MOTS-c to lipids (intralipid) followed by insulin in PCOS and healthy subjects. METHODS: All subjects underwent 5-hour intralipid/saline infusion with a hyperinsulinemic-euglycaemic clamp in the final 2 hours. Plasma samples were collected to measure circulating MOTS-c using a commercial ELISA kit. Subsequently, this was repeated following an eight-week exercise intervention. RESULTS: Intralipid significantly increased plasma MOTS-c both in controls and PCOS subjects, whilst the insulin infusion blunted the intralipid-induced response seen for both lipids and MOT-c. Intralipid elevated plasma MOTS-c to 232 ± 124% of basal in control (P < 0.01) and to 349 ± 206% of basal in PCOS (P < 0.001) subjects. Administration of insulin suppressed intralipid-induced MOTS-c from 232 ± 124% to 165 ± 97% (NS) in control and from 349 ± 206% to 183 ± 177% (P < 0.05) in PCOS subjects, respectively. Following exercise, intralipid elevated plasma MOTS-c to 305 ± 153% of basal in control (P < 0.01) and to 215 ± 103% of basal in PCOS (P < 0.01) subjects; insulin suppressed intralipid-induced MOTS-c only in controls. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this is the first study to show increased lipid enhanced circulating MOTS-c whilst insulin attenuated the MOTS-c response in human. Further, eight weeks of moderate exercise training did not show any changes in circulating MOTS-c levels in healthy controls and in women with PCOS.

Fiabilidad del fenómeno de flexión-relajación cervical. Factores que definen el protocolo de valoración / Reliability of the cervical flexion-relaxation phenomenon. Factors defining an assessment protocol

Introducción: El fenómeno de flexión-relajación en columna cervical (FRc) no tiene la misma difusión clínica que el test lumbar. La respuesta de los músculos cervicales es menos evidente. Tanto el protocolo de evaluación como la instrumentación utilizada tienen influencia para alcanzar un valor de fiabilidad con validez clínica. Se plantea un estudio test-retest en 3 condiciones distintas, para definir un protocolo de valoración idóneo. Material y método: Se evalúan 3 grupos con 9, 11 y 10 voluntarios, respectivamente, en un test-retest efectuado con un intervalo entre 7 a 14 días. En el grupo i, se evalúa la prueba con electromiografía de superficie (EMGs) bipolar, sin control del movimiento. Para el grupo ii se usa electrodo bipolar, con control de la velocidad de ejecución y una leve ayuda para estabilizar el tronco. En el grupo iii, se controla la velocidad, se aumenta la estabilización y se usa un electrodo tetrapolar. Como variables de resultado se toman la ratio de flexión-relajación y su logaritmo neperiano. Se efectúa un test sentado con el tronco recto y otro en flexión a 45°. Resultados: Para el grupo iii las 4 variables obtienen valores en el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC > 0,80). En el grupo ii, el ICC estaba comprendido entre 0,3-0,6. Para el grupo i, las 4 variables fueron muy inferiores a 0,3. Conclusión: Con una adecuada estabilización de la postura, control de la velocidad y adecuada instrumentación de la prueba, puede objetivarse una respuesta de FRc. Definir un protocolo fiable permite avanzar en el uso clínico del test

Introduction: The cervical flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FRP) is not as well-known as the lumbar test. The response of the cervical muscles is less evident. Both the ASSESSMENT protocol and the instrumentation used influence the achievement of a reliability value with clinical validity. We conducted a test-retest study in 3 different conditions, to define a suitable assessment protocol. Material and method: Three groups were evaluated with 9, 11 and 10 volunteers, respectively, in a test-retest study with an interval between 7 and 14 days. In group i, the test was assessed with a bipolar electrode of surface electromyography (EMGs) and without movement control. In group ii, we used a bipolar electrode, the speed of the movement was controlled and we introduced a slight help to stabilise the trunk. In group iii, speed was controlled, stabilisation was increased and a four-pole electrode was used. As outcome variables, we took the flexion-relaxation ratio and its neperian logarithm. A sitting test was performed with the trunk straight and another was conducted with 45° flexion. Results: In group iii, the 4 variables obtained intraclass correlation coefficient values with clinical validity (ICC > 0.80). In group ii, the ICC ranged from 0.3-0.6. In group i, the 4 variables were much lower than 0.3 Conclusion: A valid cervical FRP can be obtained with good stabilisation of posture, control of speed and suitable instrumentation of the test. Definition of a reliable protocol would increase the clinical use of the test

Evaluación preclínica y clínica de la actividad hipoglucemiante de Inca sayre (Argyrochosma nívea (Poir) Windham) en diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Avaliação pré-clínica e clínica da actividade hipoglicemiante de "Inca sayre" (Argyrochos-ma nívea (Poir) Windham) na diabetes mellitus Tipo 2 / Preclinical and clinical evaluation on the hypoglycemic activity of Inca sayre (Argyrochos ma nivea (Poir) Windham) in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Inca sayre (Argyrochosma nívea (Poir.) Windham, sinónimo: Notholaena nivea (Poiret) Desv.) es una Pteridaceae de la región andina del Perú usada en etnomedicina tradicional incaica. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar la evaluación preclínica y clínica de la actividad hipoglucemiante del extracto de Inca sayre en diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Se realizó la evaluación preclínica de toxicidad aguda en ratones y la actividad hipoglucemiante en ratas con diabetes experimental y normoglucémicas. La evaluación clínica se efectuó en voluntarios normoglucémicos y pacientes diabéticos tipo 2. Los resultados mostraron actividad hipoglucemiante del extracto tanto en evaluación preclínica como en clínica. En voluntarios normoglucémicos el extracto disminuyó la glucemia basal en un 11% (p≤0,05). En diabéticos tipo 2 redujo la glucemia basal un 9,0%, 8,2% y 6,2%, en el tercer, quinto y séptimo día, respectivamente, en relación al tratamiento con antidiabéticos orales (p≤0,05), y 21,2%, 20,4% y 18,6%, respectivamente, en relación al placebo (p≤0,05). Además, presentó mayor control metabólico de glucemia en la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa (PTOGA)

Inca sayre" (Argyrochosma nívea (Poir.) Windham, sinônimo: Notholaena nívea (Poiret) Desv.) é uma Pteridaceae da região andina do Peru utilizada na etnomedicina tradicional inca. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a avaliação pré-clínica e clínica da actividade hipoglicemiante do extracto deste feto na Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2. Com esse objectivo, realizaram-se estudos pré-clínicos em ratinhos e efectuouse a avaliação da actividade hipoglicemiante em ratos com diabetes experimental e normoglicémicos. A avaliação clínica foi realizada em voluntários normoglicémicos e em doentes com diabetes tipo 2. Os resultados mostraram atividade hipoglicemiante do extracto tanto na avaliação pré-clínica como na clínica. Os níveis de açúcar no sangue em voluntários normoglicémicos diminuíram 11% em relação à linha de base (p≤0,05). Nos doentes com diabetes tipo 2 a redução da glicemia basal, em comparação com os antidiabéticos orais foi de 9,0%, 8,2% e 6,2% no terceiro, quinto e sétimo dia, respectivamente (p≤0,05); comparativamente com o placebo a redução verificada foi de 21,2%, 20,4% e 18,6%, no terceiro, quinto e sétimo dia, respectivamente (p≤0,05). A utilização do extracto apresentou ainda um maior controle metabólico da glicemia após a prova de tolerância à glicose oral (PTGO)

Inca sayre (Argyrochosma nívea (Poir.) Windham, synonim: Notholaena nivea (Poiret) Desv.) is a Pteridaceae of the Andean region of Peru used in Incan traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to perform the preclinical and clinical evaluation of the hypoglycemic activity of Inca sayre extract in type 2 diabetes mellitus. For this, preclinical evaluation of acute toxicity in mice, and hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic rats and with experimentally induced diabetes was performed. Clinical evaluation was done in normoglycemic volunteers and type 2 diabetic patients. The results showed hypoglycemic activity of the extract in both preclinical and clinical evaluations. The blood sugar levels in normoglycemic volunteers decreased 11% in comparison to the baseline (p≤0.05). In type 2 diabetic patients reduced 9.0%, 8.2% and 6.2% on the third, fifth and seventh day, respectively, in relation to oral antidiabetics (p≤0.05), and 21.2%, 20.4% and 18.6%, respectively, in relation to placebo (p≤0.05). In addition, the extract produced greater metabolic control of glycaemia in glucose tolerance test (PTOGA)

Probiotics and Subclinical Psychological Symptoms in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION/AIM: Interest in the gut-brain axis and emerging evidence that the intestinal microbiota can influence central nervous system function has led to the hypothesis that probiotic supplementation can have a positive effect on mood and psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Although several human clinical trials have investigated this, results have been inconsistent. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analytic approach was chosen to examine if probiotic consumption has an effect on psychological symptoms. METHODS: The online databases PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies up to July 2016. Those that were randomized and placebo controlled and measured preclinical psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in healthy volunteers pre and post supplementation with a probiotic were included. To control for differences in scales of measurement, data were converted to percentage change, and the standardized mean difference between the probiotic and control groups was investigated using Revman software. A random effects model was used for analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Rosendal scale. RESULTS: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and provided data for nine comparisons. All studies passed the quality analysis. The meta-analysis showed that supplementation with probiotics resulted in a statistically significant improvement in psychological symptoms (standardized mean difference 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.61, Z = 2.49) compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: These results show that probiotic consumption may have a positive effect on psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in healthy human volunteers.

Accuracy of the Structured Medication History Assessment Tool (MedHAT) Compared with Recorded Real-Time Medication Use.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Medication histories are collected to measure drug exposure in epidemiologic studies, to identify adverse drug events and in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of a structured medication history obtained by using the Medication History Assessment Tool (MedHAT) with a medication diary in which subjects recorded real-time medication use. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Outpatient research center. SUBJECTS: Sixty-seven adult healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were provided diaries to record the product name, dose quantity, and time that they used a prescription or nonprescription medication, supplement, or vitamin. After a minimum of 30 continuous days of diary use, a final interview was conducted, and medication history data were collected by using the MedHAT. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We compared the medications reported during the interview with the medications recorded in the diary for each day to determine the accuracy of the verbal history. The primary outcome was the proportion of matches for each day for each subject. Overall accuracy for medication use for the day preceding the interview was 90%, and accuracy during the 30 days preceding the interview was 76%. Recall was higher for subjects taking prescription medications, those who had more recent medication use, older subjects, and subjects taking a higher proportion of prescription medications. CONCLUSION: The MedHAT system provided relatively high accuracy for immediate past use and for prescription medications and may offer better accuracy than other methods. Medication histories are often inaccurate, however, and may represent an important source of misclassification in epidemiologic studies. Thus medication histories alone should be used cautiously when measuring associations between drug exposure and health outcomes.

The consumption of acai pulp changes the concentrations of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in apparently healthy women / El consumo de pulpa acai cambia las concentraciones de activador del plasminógeno inhibidor 1 y factor de crecimiento epidérmico (EGT) en mujeres aparentemente sanas

Introduction: obesity, characterized by adiposity excess, is associated with endothelial dysfunction and possible inflammatory state with release of cytokines that determine endothelial function and can trigger chronic diseases. The dietary pattern are associated with the synthesis these cytokines. Fruits as the acai, which is rich in flavonoids, have a direct and beneficial effect on the control of this inflammatory process through the exercised antioxidant capacity. Objective: to evaluate the effect of acai pulp consumption on the inflammatory markers, anthropometric measurements, body composition, biochemical and dietary parameters in healthy women. Methods: forty women, were divided in 25 eutrophic and 15 with overweight. They intaked 200 g of acai pulp during 4 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, inflammatory markers, biochemical data, dietary intake and dietary antioxidants capacity were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results and discussion: after the intervention, there was significant increase of EGF (p=0.021) and PAI- 1(p=0.011) in overweight women. Moreover, there was increase in body weight (p=0.031), body mass index (p=0.028), percentage of truncal fat (p=0.003) and triceps skinfold thickness (p=0.046) in eutrophic women. However, the skinfold thickness (p=0.018) and total body fat (p=0.016) decreased in overweight women. There was reduction of total protein (p=0.049) due to the globulin reduction (p=0.005), but the nutritional status was maintained in eutrophic group. Conclusion: the intake of 200g acai pulp, modulated the EGF and PAI-1 expression, possibly by modulation of acai on the parameters of body composition, dietary, clinical, biochemical and inflammatory, led to a redistribution and resizing of body fat of the trunk area, and presumably increased visceral fat (AU)

Introducción: la obesidad, que se caracteriza por el exceso de adiposidad, se asocia con disfunción endotelial y posible estado inflamatorio con liberación de citoquinas que determinan la función endotelial y pueden desencadenar enfermedades crónicas. El patrón de dieta está asociado con la síntesis de estas citoquinas. Los frutos del acai, que es rico en flavonoides, tienen un efecto directo y positivo en el control de este proceso inflamatorio a través de los ejercicios de la capacidad antioxidante. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto del consumo de pulpa de acai en los marcadores inflamatorios, las medidas antropométricas, la composición corporal y los parámetros bioquímicos y dietéticos en mujeres sanas. Métodos: cuarenta mujeres fueron divididas en 25 eutróficas y 15 con sobrepeso. Se las administró 200 g de pulpa de acai durante 4 semanas. Antes y después de la intervención se evaluaron: medidas antropométricas, composición corporal, marcadores inflamatorios, datos bioquímicos, ingesta dietética y antioxidantes en la dieta. Resultados y discusión: después de la intervención, hubo un aumento significativo de EGF (p=0,021) y PAI-1 (p=0,011) en las mujeres con sobrepeso. Por otra parte, en las mujeres eutróficas hubo aumento del peso corporal (p=0,031), el índice de masa corporal (p=0,028), el porcentaje de grasa del tronco (p=0,003) y el espesor del pliegue cutáneo del tríceps (p=0,046). Sin embargo, el espesor del pliegue cutáneo (p=0,018) y la grasa corporal total (p=0,016) se redujeron en las mujeres con sobrepeso. Hubo una reducción de la proteína total (p=0,049) debida a la disminución de globulina (p=0,005), pero el estado nutricional se mantuvo en el grupo eutrófico. Conclusión: la ingesta de 200 g de pulpa de acai modula el EGF y PAI-1 de expresión, posiblemente por la modulación del acai en los parámetros de la composición corporal, la dieta, clínicos, bioquímicos e inflamatorios, lo que dio lugar a una redistribución y modificación del tamaño de la grasa corporal de la zona del tronco, y, presumiblemente, un aumento de la grasa visceral (AU)

Tai Chi and the Protection of Cognitive Ability: A Systematic Review of Prospective Studies in Healthy Adults.

CONTEXT: Age-related cognitive decline has become an important public health issue. Tai Chi may be an effective intervention to protect the cognitive ability of healthy adults, but its effects are uncertain. This study systematically evaluated the protective effects of Tai Chi on healthy adults' cognitive ability. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of prospective controlled trials comparing Tai Chi with usual physical activities for cognitive ability maintenance among healthy adults was conducted. Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception to December 31, 2013. Data analysis and bias risk evaluation were conducted in 2014. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Nine studies, including four RCTs and five non-randomized controlled trials, with 632 participants were identified. Global cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS), or event-related potential 300 in three studies; attention was measured by the MDRS attention score, hands and feet alternating movement time, or response time in three studies; learning and memory were assessed by MDRS memory score, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, or Auditory Verbal Learning Test in three studies; emotion and perception were measured using arm stability and mental rotation in one study; and execution was measured by Trail Making Test, Stroop Test, and Clock Drawing Test in four studies. Tai Chi showed a positive effect on most outcomes of various cognitive realms. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with usual physical activities, Tai Chi shows potential protective effects on healthy adults' cognitive ability. Large RCTs with more rigorous designs are needed to fully evaluate and confirm its potential benefits.

Ileal brake activation: macronutrient-specific effects on eating behavior?

BACKGROUND: Activation of the ileal brake, by infusing lipid directly into the distal part of the small intestine, alters gastrointestinal (GI) motility and inhibits food intake. The ileal brake effect on eating behavior of the other macronutrients is currently unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ileal infusion of sucrose and casein on food intake, release of GI peptides, gastric emptying rate and small-bowel transit time with safflower oil as positive control. DESIGN: This randomized, single-blind, crossover study was performed in 13 healthy subjects (6 male; mean age 26.4±2.9 years; mean body mass index 22.8±0.4 kg m(-2)) who were intubated with a naso-ileal catheter. Thirty minutes after the intake of a standardized breakfast, participants received an ileal infusion, containing control ((C) saline), safflower oil ((HL) 51.7 kcal), low-dose casein ((LP) 17.2 kcal) or high-dose casein ((HP) 51.7 kcal), low-dose sucrose ((LC) 17.2 kcal) and high-dose sucrose ((HC) 51.7 kcal), over a period of 90 min. Food intake was determined during an ad libitum meal. Visual analogue score questionnaires for hunger and satiety and blood samples were collected at regular intervals. RESULTS: Ileal infusion of lipid, protein and carbohydrate resulted in a significant reduction in food intake compared with control (HL: 464.3±90.7 kcal, P<0.001; HP: 458.0±78.6 kcal, P<0.005; HC: 399.0±57.0 kcal, P<0.0001 vs control: 586.7±70.2 kcal, P<0.001, respectively). A reduction in energy intake was still apparent when the caloric amount of infused nutrients was added to the amount eaten during the ad libitum meal.Secretion of cholecystokinin and peptide YY but not of glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36) was increased during ileal perfusion of fat, carbohydrates and protein. During ileal perfusion of all macronutrients, a delay in gastric emptying and intestinal transit was observed, but differences were not significant compared with control. CONCLUSION: Apart from lipids, also sucrose and casein reduce food intake on ileal infusion, thereby activating the ileal brake. In addition to food intake, also satiety and GI peptide secretion were affected.