Impact of mediterranean diet promotion on environmental sustainability: a longitudinal analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to estimate the differences in environmental impact (greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication) after one year of promoting a Mediterranean diet (MD). METHODS: Baseline and 1-year follow-up data from 5800 participants in the PREDIMED-Plus study were used. Each participant's food intake was estimated using validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires, and the adherence to MD using the Dietary Score. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The association between MD adherence and its environmental impact was calculated using adjusted multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS: After one year of intervention, the kcal/day consumed was significantly reduced (-125,1 kcal/day), adherence to a MD pattern was improved (+0,9) and the environmental impact due to the diet was significantly reduced (GHG: -361 g/CO2-eq; Acidification:-11,5 g SO2-eq; Eutrophication:-4,7 g PO4-eq; Energy use:-842,7 kJ; and Land use:-2,2 m2). Higher adherence to MD (high vs. low) was significantly associated with lower environmental impact both at baseline and one year follow-up. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the factors analysed, both at baseline and at one-year follow-up, in spite of the reduction observed in their consumption. CONCLUSIONS: A program promoting a MD, after one year of intervention, significantly reduced the environmental impact in all the factors analysed. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the dimensions analysed.

Intensive Weight-Loss Lifestyle Intervention Using Mediterranean Diet and COVID-19 Risk in Older Adults: Secondary Analysis of PREDIMED-Plus Trial.

OBJECTIVES: We tested the effects of a weight-loss intervention encouraging energy-reduced MedDiet and physical activity (PA) in comparison to ad libitum MedDiet on COVID-19 incidence in older adults. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of PREDIMED-Plus, a prospective, ongoing, multicentre randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Community-dwelling, free-living participants in PREDIMED-Plus trial. PARTICIPANTS: 6,874 Spanish older adults (55-75 years, 49% women) with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomised to Intervention (IG) or Control (CG) Group. IG received intensive behavioural intervention for weight loss with an energy-reduced MedDiet intervention and PA promotion. CG was encouraged to consume ad libitum MedDiet without PA recommendations. MEASUREMENTS: COVID-19 was ascertained by an independent Event Committee until December 31, 2021. COX regression models compared the effect of PREDIMED-Plus interventions on COVID-19 risk. RESULTS: Overall, 653 COVID-19 incident cases were documented (IG:317; CG:336) over a median (IQR) follow-up of 5.8 (1.3) years (inclusive of 4.0 (1.2) years before community transmission of COVID-19) in both groups. A significantly lowered risk of COVID-19 incidence was not evident in IG, compared to CG (fully-adjusted HR (95% CI): 0.96 (0.81,1.12)). CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence to show that an intensive weight-loss intervention encouraging energy-reduced MedDiet and PA significantly lowered COVID-19 risk in older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome in comparison to ad libitum MedDiet. Recommendations to improve adherence to MedDiet provided with or without lifestyle modification suggestions for weight loss may have similar effects in protecting against COVID-19 risk in older adults with high cardiovascular risks.

Increased ultra-processed food consumption is associated with worsening of cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with metabolic syndrome: Longitudinal analysis from a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The association between changes in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors remains understudied. We evaluated the association between changes in UPF consumption over 12 months of follow-up and changes in CMR factors in adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: We analysed data from 5373 adults (aged 55-75 years) participating in the PREDIMED-Plus trial. Diet was evaluated at baseline, 6- and 12-month visits using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and UPF consumption (in grams/day and percentage of total daily dietary intake in grams) was categorized based on NOVA classification. We used mixed-effects linear models with repeated measurements at baseline, 6 and 12 months of follow-up to assess the associations between changes in UPF consumption and changes in CMR factors adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyles variables. RESULTS: In multivariable-adjusted models, when comparing the highest versus the lowest quartile of UPF consumption, positive associations were found for several CMR factors: weight (kg, ß = 1.09; 95% confidence interval 0.91 to 1.26); BMI (kg/m2, ß = 0.39; 0.33 to 0.46); waist circumference (cm, ß = 1.03; 0.81 to 1.26); diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg, ß = 0.67; 0.29 to 1.06); fasting blood glucose (mg/dl, ß = 1.66; 0.61 to 2.70); HbA1c (%, ß = 0.04; 0.01 to 0.07); triglycerides (mg/dl, ß = 6.79; 3.66 to 9.91) and triglycerides and glucose index (ß = 0.06; 0.04 to 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Higher UPF consumption was associated with adverse evolution in objectively measured CMR factors after 12 months of follow-up in adults with metabolic syndrome. Further research is needed to explore whether these changes persist for longer periods.

Efficacy of tailored recommendations to promote healthy lifestyles: a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

Prevention is the key to stopping the ravages of cardiovascular diseases, the main cause of death worldwide. The objective was to analyze the efficacy of tailored recommendations to promote healthy lifestyles. Parallel-arm randomized controlled trial with 1 year follow-up. Individuals aged 35-74 years from Girona (Spain) randomly selected from a population with no cardiovascular diseases at baseline were included. Participants in the intervention group received a brochure with tailored healthy choices according to the individual risk profile and a trained nurse explained all recommendations in detail in a 30 min consultation. One year changes in smoking, Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity, and weight were analyzed with McNemar, Student's t, Wilcoxon, and Fisher exact tests according to an intention-to-treat strategy. Of 955 individuals (52.3% women; mean age 50 [±10] years) randomly allocated to the intervention or control group, one participant in each group presented a cardiovascular event and 768 (81%) were reexamined at 1 year follow-up. The prevalence of nonsmokers increased in both the intervention and control groups (78.1%-82.5%, p = <.001, and 76.7% to 78.8%, p = .015, respectively); however, significance persisted only in the intervention group when stratified by sex, age group, and educational level. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet increased in the intervention group (22.3%-26.5%, p = .048). In conclusion, a brief personalized intervention with science-based recommendations according to individual risk profiles appears to improve healthy lifestyles, particularly nonsmoking and adherence to a Mediterranean diet. This promising intervention system offers evidence-based recommendations to develop healthy lifestyles.

Halo effect of a Mediterranean-lifestyle weight-loss intervention on untreated family members' weight and physical activity: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is subject to strong family clustering. The relatives of participants in weight-loss interventions may also modify their lifestyle and lose weight. The aim of this study was to examine the presence and magnitude of a halo effect in untreated family members of participants enrolled in a randomized, multi-component, lifestyle intervention. METHODS: A total of 148 untreated adult family members of participants in an intensive weight-loss lifestyle intervention (the PREDIMED-Plus study) were included. Changes at 1 and 2 years in body weight, physical activity, and adherence to a traditional Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) were measured. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess whether the change differed between family members of the intervention group compared to the control. RESULTS: Untreated family members from the intervention group displayed a greater weight loss than those from the control after 1 and 2 years: adjusted 2-year weight change difference between groups was -3.98 (SE 1.10) kg (p < 0.001). There was a halo effect with regard to adherence to the MedDiet at one year which was sustained at two years: 2-year adjusted difference in MedDiet score change +3.25 (SE 0.46) (p < 0.001). In contrast, no halo effect was observed with regard to physical activity, as the untreated family members did not substantially modify their physical activity levels in either group, and the adjusted difference at two years between the 2 groups was -272 (SE 624) METs.min/week (p = 0.665). CONCLUSIONS: In the first prospective study to assess the influence on untreated family members of a diet and physical activity weight-loss intervention, we found evidence of a halo effect in relatives on weight loss and improvement in adherence to a MedDiet, but not on physical activity. The expansion of MedDiet changes from individuals involved in a weight-loss intervention to their family members can be a facilitator for obesity prevention.

Control of cardiovascular risk factors with tailored recommendations: A randomized controlled trial.

This study analyzed the efficacy of tailored recommendations to control cardiovascular risk factors at 1-year follow-up in a population-based randomized controlled trial in individuals aged 35-74 years with no history of cardiovascular disease at baseline. Total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were measured at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome was the quantitative change in total cholesterol. To estimate the differences within and between groups, McNemar and Student t-tests were applied according to an intention-to-treat strategy. We enrolled 955 individuals [52.3% women; mean age, 50 years (standard deviation 10)]. Finally, 1 participant in each group presented a cardiovascular event and 768 were reexamined at 1-year follow-up. Intervention and control groups showed significant increases in total cholesterol [5.49 (standard deviation 1.02) to 5.56 (1.06) mmol/L and 5.34 (0.94) to 5.43 (0.93) mmol/L, respectively]. Men in the intervention group showed significant decreases in systolic and diastolic BP [117.2 (14.6) to 115.6 mmHg (14.1) and 77.9 (9.7) to 76.5 mmHg (9.7), respectively]; no changes were found in the rates of total cholesterol <5.2 mmol/L and LDL cholesterol <3.0 mmol/L. In the control group, both values were significantly decreased (43.5 to 36.4% and 26.4 to 20.8%, respectively) in men. In the stratified analysis, women showed no differences in any of the outcomes. In conclusion, an intervention with tailored recommendations increased mean total cholesterol values. The intervention effect was higher in men who maintained blood lipids at optimal levels and had decreased BP values.

Health-related quality of life in individuals with metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of various cardiovascular risk factors with a major impact on morbidity and premature mortality. However, the impact of MetS on self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is unknown. This study evaluated the HRQoL in a Spanish adult population aged 55 years and older with MetS. METHOD: A cross-sectional analysis was performed with baseline data from the PREDIMED-Plus multicentre randomized trial. The participants were 6430 men and women aged 55-75 years with overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥27 and ≤40kg/m2) and MetS. The SF-36 questionnaire was used as a tool to measure HRQoL. Scores were calculated on each scale of the SF-36 by gender and age. RESULTS: Participants showed higher scores in the social function (mean 85.9, 95% CI; 85.4-86.4) and emotional role scales (mean 86.8, 95% CI; 86.0-87.5). By contrast, the worst scores were obtained in the aggregated physical dimensions. In addition, men obtained higher scores than women on all scales. Among men, the worst score was obtained in general health (mean 65.6, 95% CI; 65.0-66.2), and among women, in body pain (mean 54.3, 95%CI; 53.4-55.2). A significant decrease was found in the aggregated physical dimensions score among participants 70-75 years old, but an increased one in the aggregated mental dimensions, compared to younger participants. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reflect that the MetS may negatively affect HRQoL in the aggregated physical dimensions, body pain in women, and general health in men. However, this adverse association was absent for the psychological dimensions of HRQoL, which were less affected.

Diet quality and nutrient density in subjects with metabolic syndrome: Influence of socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors. A cross-sectional assessment in the PREDIMED-Plus study.

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic disparities and lifestyle factors are likely to determine the overall quality of the diet. In addition, overeating is compatible with inadequate micronutrient intake and it can lead to adverse health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess adequacy of dietary nutrient intake and to investigate the influence of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors on nutrient density in a large primary cardiovascular prevention trial conducted in healthy participants with metabolic syndrome (MetS) to assess the cardiovascular effects of an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet (PREDIMED-Plus). METHODS: Baseline cross-sectional analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus trial with 6646 Spanish participants (aged 55-75 years in men and 60-75 years in women) with overweight/obesity and MetS. Energy and nutrient intake (for 10 nutrients) were calculated using a validated 143-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and nutrient density was estimated dividing the absolute nutrient intake by total energy intake. The prevalence of inadequate intake was estimated according to dietary reference intakes. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to examine associations between socioeconomic status or lifestyle factors and nutrient density. RESULTS: A considerable proportion of the screened participants showed a deficient intake of vitamins A, D, E, B9, calcium, magnesium and dietary fibre. Inadequate intake of four or more of the ten nutrients considered was present in 17% of participants. A higher nutrient density was directly and significantly associated with female sex, higher educational level and a better adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Lifestyle factors such as non-smoking and avoidance of sedentary lifestyles were also independently associated with better nutrient density. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MetS, despite being overweight, exhibited suboptimal nutrient intake, especially among men. Low nutrient density diet can be largely explained by differences in socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. These results highlight the importance of focussing on nutritional education in vulnerable populations, taking into account nutrient requirements.

Nutrient adequacy and diet quality in a Mediterranean population with metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Few studies have compared micronutrient intake and fulfilment of average requirements (EAR) in non-diabetic, pre-diabetic and diabetic adults at high cardiovascular risk. We assessed these variables in a large sample of participants in the PREDIMED-PLUS randomized trial of primary cardiovascular prevention with diet and physical activity. DESIGN: Baseline assessment of nutritional adequacy in n = 5792 men and women, aged 55-75 years, with overweight/obesity and some metabolic syndrome features. METHODS: Participants were categorised as non-diabetic (n = 2390), pre-diabetic (n = 1322) or diabetic (n = 2080) by standard criteria. Food and nutrient intake were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Micronutrients examined were vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, A, C, D, E and folic acid; Ca, K, P, Mg, Fe, Se, Cr, Zn, and iodine. The proportion of micronutrient inadequacy was evaluated using the EAR or adequate intake (AI) cut-offs. Diet quality was also determined using a 17-item energy-restricted Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) questionnaire. RESULTS: Compared to non-diabetic participants, those with pre-diabetes had lower intakes of total carbohydrates (CHO) and higher intakes of total fat and saturated fatty acids (SFA) and were more likely to be below EAR for folic, while diabetic participants had lower intakes of total CHO and higher intakes of protein, total fat, monounsaturated fatty acids, SFA and cholesterol and were less likely to be below EAR for vitamins B2, and B6, Ca, Zn and iodine. Diabetic participants disclosed higher adherence to the MedDiet than the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Older Mediterranean individuals with metabolic syndrome and diabetes had better nutrient adequacy and adherence to the MedDiet than those with pre-diabetes or no diabetes.

Exceso de peso en España: situación actual, proyecciones para 2030 y sobrecoste directo estimado para el Sistema Nacional de Salud / Excess weight in Spain: current situation, projections for 2030, and estimated direct extra cost for the Spanish Health System

Introducción y objetivos: El exceso de peso potencia algunas enfermedades crónicas y reduce la calidad de vida, y su prevalencia crece en todo el mundo. El objetivo es estimar la evolución del exceso de peso entre 1987 y 2014 en población española adulta, calcular los casos de exceso de peso y sus sobrecostes médicos directos en 2006 y 2016, y proyectar su tendencia a 2030. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 47 artículos en una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática para determinar la progresión de las prevalencias de sobrepeso, obesidad y obesidad mórbida y del índice de masa corporal promedio entre 1987 y 2014. Con estos datos, se estimó el número de casos en adultos españoles en 2006, 2016 y 2030 y sus sobrecostes directos. Resultados: Entre 1987 y 2014, las prevalencias de sobrepeso, obesidad y obesidad mórbida aumentaron el 0,28%/año (p=0,004), el 0,50%/año (p<0,001) y el 0,030%/año (p=0,006) en los varones y el 0,10%/año (p=0,123), el 0,25%/año (p=0,078) y el 0,042%/año (p=0,251) en las mujeres. El índice de masa corporal aumentó 0,10 puntos/año en varones (p<0,001) y 0,26 en mujeres (significativamente solo entre 1987-2002, p <0,001). Se estimaron 23.500.000 casos de exceso de peso en 2016, cuyo sobrecoste médico directo supuso 1.950.000.000 euros/año. De mantenerse la tendencia, entre 2016 y 2030 aparecerán 3.100.000 nuevos casos de exceso de peso, y se alcanzará en 2030 un sobrecoste médico directo de unos 3.000.000.000 euros/año. Conclusiones: El exceso de peso en los adultos en España aumenta desde que existen registros, y en 2016 supuso un sobrecoste directo del 2% del presupuesto sanitario. Con esta tendencia, en 2030 se habrá incrementado un 16% el número de casos y un 58% su sobrecoste sanitario directo

Introduction and objectives: Excess weight promotes the development of several chronic diseases and decreases quality of life. Its prevalence is increasing globally. Our aim was to estimate the trend in excess weight between 1987 and 2014 in Spanish adults, calculate cases of excess weight and its direct extra costs in 2006 and 2016, and project its trend to 2030. Methods: We selected 47 articles in a systematic literature search to determine the progression of the prevalence of overweight, nonmorbid obesity, and morbid obesity and average body mass index between 1987 and 2014. We projected the expected number of cases in 2006, 2016, and 2030 and the associated direct extra medical costs. Results: Between 1987 and 2014, the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity increased by 0.28%/y (P=.004), 0.50%/y (P <.001) and 0.030%/y (P=.006) in men, and by 0.10%/y (P=.123), 0.25%/y (P=.078), and 0.042%/y (P=.251) in women. The mean body mass index increased by 0.10 kg/m2/y in men (P <.001) and 0.26 kg/m2/y in women (significantly only between 1987 and 2002, P <.001). We estimated 23 500 000 patients with excess weight in 2016, generating 1.95 billion ⚬/y in direct extra medical costs. If the current trend continues, between 2016 and 2030, there will be 3 100 000 new cases of excess weight, leading to 3.0 billion ⚬/y of direct extra medical costs in 2030. Conclusions: Excess weight in Spanish adults has risen since the creation of population registries, generating direct extra medical costs that represent 2% of the 2016 health budget. If this trend continues, we expect 16% more cases in 2030 and 58% more direct extra medical costs

Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Adequacy among an Older Spanish Population with Metabolic Syndrome in the PREDIMED-Plus Study: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Dietary guidelines emphasize the importance of a varied diet to provide an adequate nutrient intake. However, an older age is often associated with consumption of monotonous diets that can be nutritionally inadequate, increasing the risk for the development or progression of diet-related chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). To assess the association between dietary diversity (DD) and nutrient intake adequacy and to identify demographic variables associated with DD, we cross-sectionally analyzed baseline data from the PREDIMED-Plus trial: 6587 Spanish adults aged 55-75 years, with overweight/obesity who also had MetS. An energy-adjusted dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated using a 143-item validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nutrient inadequacy was defined as an intake below 2/3 of the dietary reference intake (DRI) forat least four of 17 nutrients proposed by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between DDS and the risk of nutritionally inadequate intakes. In the higher DDS quartile there were more women and less current smokers. Compared with subjects in the highest DDS quartile, those in the lowest DDS quartile had a higher risk of inadequate nutrient intake: odds ratio (OR) = 28.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) 20.80-39.21). When we estimated food varietyfor each of the food groups, participants in the lowest quartile had a higher risk of inadequate nutrient intake for the groups of vegetables, OR = 14.03 (95% CI 10.55-18.65), fruits OR = 11.62 (95% CI 6.81-19.81), dairy products OR = 6.54 (95% CI 4.64-9.22) and protein foods OR = 6.60 (95% CI 1.96-22.24). As DDS decreased, the risk of inadequate nutrients intake rose. Given the impact of nutrient intake adequacy on the prevention of non-communicable diseases, health policies should focus on the promotion of a healthy varied diet, specifically promoting the intake of vegetables and fruit among population groups with lower DDS such as men, smokers or widow(er)s.

Nut Consumptions as a Marker of Higher Diet Quality in a Mediterranean Population at High Cardiovascular Risk.

BACKGROUND: Nut consumption has been associated with improved nutrient adequacy and diet quality in healthy adult populations but this association has never been explored in individuals at high cardiovascular risk. OBJECTIVE: to assess the associations between consumption of nuts and nutrient adequacy and diet quality in a Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular risk. DESIGN: baseline assessment of nutritional adequacy in participants (n = 6060, men and women, with ages 55⁻75 years old, with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome) in the PREDIMED-PLUS primary cardiovascular prevention randomized trial. METHODS: nut intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Participants who reported consuming zero quantity of nuts were classified as 'non-nut consumers'. 'Nut consumers' were participants who reported consuming any quantity of nuts. Nineteen micronutrients were examined (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, A, C, D, E and folic acid; Ca, K, P, Mg, Fe, Se, Cr, Zn, and iodine). The proportion of micronutrient inadequacy was estimated using the estimated average requirements (EAR) or adequate intake (AI) cut-points. Diet quality was also assessed using a 17-item Mediterranean dietary questionnaire (Mediterranean diet score, MDS), a carbohydrate quality index (CQI) and a fat quality index (FQI). RESULTS: eighty-two percent of participants were nut consumers (median of nut consumption 12.6 g/day; interquartile range: 6.0⁻25.2). Nut consumers were less likely to be below the EAR for vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E, folic acid, and Ca, Mg, Se and Zn than non-nut consumers. Nut consumers were also more likely to be above the AI for K and Cr than non-nut consumers. Nut consumers had lower prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intakes, but also higher CQI, higher FQI, and better scores of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Mediterranean diet score, MDS). CONCLUSIONS: nut consumers had better nutrient adequacy, diet quality, and adherence to the MedDiet than those non-nut consumers.

Excess Weight in Spain: Current Situation, Projections for 2030, and Estimated Direct Extra Cost for the Spanish Health System.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Excess weight promotes the development of several chronic diseases and decreases quality of life. Its prevalence is increasing globally. Our aim was to estimate the trend in excess weight between 1987 and 2014 in Spanish adults, calculate cases of excess weight and its direct extra costs in 2006 and 2016, and project its trend to 2030. METHODS: We selected 47 articles in a systematic literature search to determine the progression of the prevalence of overweight, nonmorbid obesity, and morbid obesity and average body mass index between 1987 and 2014. We projected the expected number of cases in 2006, 2016, and 2030 and the associated direct extra medical costs. RESULTS: Between 1987 and 2014, the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity increased by 0.28%/y (P=.004), 0.50%/y (P <.001) and 0.030%/y (P=.006) in men, and by 0.10%/y (P=.123), 0.25%/y (P=.078), and 0.042%/y (P=.251) in women. The mean body mass index increased by 0.10 kg/m2/y in men (P <.001) and 0.26 kg/m2/y in women (significantly only between 1987 and 2002, P <.001). We estimated 23 500 000 patients with excess weight in 2016, generating 1.95 billion €/y in direct extra medical costs. If the current trend continues, between 2016 and 2030, there will be 3 100 000 new cases of excess weight, leading to 3.0 billion €/y of direct extra medical costs in 2030. CONCLUSIONS: Excess weight in Spanish adults has risen since the creation of population registries, generating direct extra medical costs that represent 2% of the 2016 health budget. If this trend continues, we expect 16% more cases in 2030 and 58% more direct extra medical costs.

Dietary Intake in Population with Metabolic Syndrome: Is the Prevalence of Inadequate Intake Influenced by Geographical Area? Cross-Sectional Analysis from PREDIMED-Plus Study.

Inadequate diet influences chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in Spain. CVD figures vary from one geographical region to another; this could be associated with different food choices. Our aim was to analyse the influence of geographical area on nutrient intakes among the Spanish adult population with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). We analysed cross-sectional baseline data from the PREDIMED-Plus study: 6646 Spanish adults, aged 55⁻75 years, with overweight/obesity and MetS in four geographical areas. A validated 143-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess energy and nutrient intakes. The prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake was estimated according to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between geographical area (North, Central, East and South areas) and inadequate nutrient intake. People in the North area consumed significantly lower amounts of vegetables and fish but more sugar and alcohol (p < 0.001) than other areas. Dietary fibre, vitamin A, E, calcium and magnesium intakes were all lower among men of North area than in the other areas (p < 0.001). Sex (women), non-smoker and physical activity were also associated to adequate nutrient intake. Geographical area influences nutrient intakes. Its effect on dietary quality should be taken into account when planning food policies.

Validity of a method for the self-screening of cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND: The validity of a cardiovascular risk self-screening method was assessed. The results obtained for self-measurement of blood pressure, a point-of-care system's assessment of lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin, and a self-administered questionnaire (sex, age, diabetes, tobacco consumption) were compared with the standard screening (gold standard) conducted by a health professional. METHODS: Crossover clinical trial on a population-based sample from Girona (north-eastern Spain), aged 35-74, with no cardiovascular disease at recruitment. Participants were randomized to one of the two risk assessment sequences (standard screening followed by self-screening or vice versa). Cardiovascular risk was estimated with the Framingham-REGICOR function. Concordance between methods was estimated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were estimated, considering 5% cardiovascular risk as the cutoff point. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration #NCT02373319. Clinical Research Ethic Committee of the Parc de Salut Mar Registration #2014/5815/I. RESULTS: The median cardiovascular risk in men was 2.56 (interquartile range: 1.42-4.35) estimated by standard methods and 2.25 (1.28-4.07) by self-screening with ICC=0.92 (95% CI: 0.90-0.93). In women, the cardiovascular risk was 1.14 (0.61-2.10) by standard methods and 1.10 (0.56-2.00) by self-screening, with ICC=0.89 (0.87-0.90). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the self-screening method were 0.74 (0.63-0.82), 0.97 (0.95-0.99), 0.86 (0.77-0.93), and 0.94 (0.91-0.96), respectively, in men. In women, these values were 0.50 (0.30-0.70), 0.99 (0.98-1), 0.81 (0.54-0.96), and 0.97 (0.95-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSION: The self-screening method for assessing cardiovascular risk provided similar results to the standard method. Self-screening had high clinical performance to rule out intermediate or high cardiovascular risk.

Expression of the Kp43 (CD 94) receptor by natural killer (NK) cells in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The presence of natural killer cells in the colon mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis has not been studied, therefore, the study was designed to investigate the densities of cells expressing CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD56+ and the new CD94+ in colon mucosa of active and inactive ulcerative colitis patients. METHODOLOGY: Twenty ulcerative colitis patients, 10 with active disease and 10 with inactive disease, and 10 subjects with a histologically normal rectal mucosa were used as patients and controls. Additionally, a subgroup of 6 patients with active proctitis has been studied. Two biopsy specimens from rectal mucosa were taken for all patients and controls. Two biopsy specimens of proximal colon mucosa of the subgroup of 6 patients were also taken. One biopsy was processed for immunohistochemical studies and another for histologic study. RESULTS: The densities of CD3+, CD16+, CD56+ and CD 94+ were significantly increased in active ulcerative colitis patients compared to inactive subjects (P < 0.001). The increase in the CD4+ and CD8+ was not statistically significant. Patients with inactive ulcerative colitis also presented increased numbers of CD3+, CD56+ and CD94+ cells compared to controls (P < 0.001). In the subgroup of proctitis, the densities of cells expressing all the antigens were significantly lower in the normal mucosa compared to the affected colon (P < 0.001). No differences in the number of lamina propria DC1a+ cells between patients and controls were found. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that natural killer cells are increased in active ulcerative colitis subjects and that the affected mucosa of ulcerative colitis patients with inactive disease is in state of "latent" inflammation. On the other hand, the normal looking mucosa from active ulcerative colitis patients does not differ from the mucosa of control subjects. Therefore, it seems that in ulcerative colitis the immunological alterations are limited to the affected mucosa.

16. FDG-PET in the Detection of Recurrence in Colorectal Cancer Based on Rising CEA Level. Experience in 72 Patients.

Purpose: A rising CEA level after the resection of colorectal cancer is an early indicator of tumour recurrence. However, conventional imaging techniques have limited sensitivity for detecting recurrent disease in such patients. Our group has evaluated the role of Positron Emission Tomography with 18F-Fluorodeoxiglucose (FDG-PET) in this clinical situation.Material and Methods: Seventy-two patients with abnormal CEA levels and normal results of conventional methods of tumour detection were studied with FDG-PET. The PET results were compared with pathologic findings (n = 25) long-term radiological (n = 9) and clinical follow-up (n = 38). Influence of PET findings in therapeutic management was also considered in this study.Results: PET detected lesions in 63/72 patients (87.1%). Metabolic imaging showed metastases in the liver (44.1%), ganglionar nodes (27.5%), local recurrence (20.4%) and lung metastases (8%). Overall, the sensitivity of PET was 94.4%, specificity was 83.3%, the positive-predictive value was 97.1%, the negative-predictive value was 71.4% and the diagnostic accuracy was 92.8%. FDG-PET findings change therapeutic decision in 68/72 patients (94.1%)Conclusion: When conventional examinations are normal, FDG-PET is a valuable imaging tool in patients who have rising CEA level after colorectal surgery. Metabolic imaging represents a very cost-effectiveness diagnostic procedure in this clinical situation, avoiding unnecessary invasive techniques.

Clinical Impact of 18F-FDG-PET in the Suspicion of Recurrent Ovarian Carcinoma Based on Elevated Tumor Marker Serum Levels.

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the contribution of 18F-fluorodeoxy-glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) to the diagnosis and clinical management of patients who were suspected of recurrent ovarian carcinoma, based on elevated tumor markers levels with normal or equivocal computed tomography (CT) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).Procedures: 20 patients with these characteristics underwent FDG-PET. PET findings were confirmed in 14, in 7 by surgery, and in the other 7 by clinical course.Results: Recurrence was confirmed in 12 patients, all with FDG-PET positive. In other 2, recurrence was rule out and in 1, FDG-PET was negative. FDG-PET accuracy was 93% with 4 surgeries avoided and guided other 6.Conclusions: FDG-PET is an useful technique for detecting recurrent ovarian carcinoma suspected by elevated tumor markers levels and normal or equivocal results in the morphologic imaging techniques and has an important clinical impact on the management of these patients.

Scedosporium apiospermum pneumonia after autologous bone marrow transplantation.

Although opportunistic infections after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are very common, only five cases of Pseudallescheria boydii infection have been reported in the literature, two of which were autopsy findings. A case of Scedosporium apiospermum infection after BMT, treated initially with amphotericin B (total dose of 2.5 g) and then with itraconazole (for 25 days), is reported here. When the patient failed to improve, Scedosporium apiospermum pneumonia was diagnosed and therapy was changed. The patient was treated successfully with miconazole (600 mg/8h for 32 days) and ketoconazole (200 mg/8h for 7 days) plus surgery.