Association of parental level of education and child factors on length-for-age indicator among socially vulnerable children aged 6-24 months from a Brazilian state using structural equation modelling.

This cross-sectional study employs structural equation modelling (sEM) to explore both direct and indirect effects of parental level of education and child individual factors on the length-for-age outcomes in children aged 6-24 months assisted by the Bolsa Família Program in the State of Alagoas. A total of 1448 children were analysed by the sEM technique. A negative standardised direct effect (sDE) of the children's younger age (sDE: -0·06; P = 0·017), the use of bottle feeding (sDE: -0·11; P < 0·001) and lack of a minimum acceptable diet (sDE: -0·09; P < 0·001) on the length-for-age indicator was found. Being female (SDE: 0·08; P = 0·001), a higher birth weight (SDE: 0·33; P < 0·001), being ever breastfed (sdE: 0·07; P = 0·004) and a higher level of parental education (SDE: 0·09; P < 0·001) showed a positive SDE effect on the child's length-for-age. The model also demonstrated a negative standardised indirect effect (SIE) of the sweet beverage consumption (SIE: -0·08; P = 0·003) and a positive effect of being ever breastfed (SIE: 0·06; P = 0·017) on the child's length-for-age through parental level of education as a mediator. This research underscores the crucial role of proper feeding practices and provides valuable insights for the development of targeted interventions, policies and programmes to improve nutritional well-being and promote adequate linear growth and development among young children facing similar challenges.

Social and Racial Disparities in Food Consumption Among Brazilian College Students: a Nationwide Study.

This study aims to assess the association between economic class, race/skin color, and food consumption among Brazilian college students. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted with college students from all over Brazil. Demographic data, economic class, self-reported race/skin color, anthropometry, and food consumption markers from the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System were collected. The final sample comprised 5843 participants with a mean age of 24.1 (SD: 6.3) years, 4292 (73.5%) were female, and 810 (13.9%) in the highest economic stratum. We observed a progressive decrease in the frequency of fresh fruits and vegetables consumption from higher to lower economic classes (p < 0.01 for both). Contrarily, there was a progressive increase in the frequency of consumption of beans from higher to lower economic classes (p < 0.01). The frequency consumption of vegetables was also associated with race/skin color (p < 0.01), being lower in brown (PR: 0.94; CI 95%: 0.90; 0.98), and black (PR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85; 0.98) individuals, compared to white individuals. Brown individuals showed higher frequency consumption of beans (PR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.05; 1.15) than whites. When compared to individuals of white race/skin color, brown (PR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01; 1.13) and black (PR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.07; 1.23) individuals showed higher frequency consumption of sweetened beverages. Economic class and race/skin color were independent factors associated with the food consumption of Brazilian college students.

Social network of malnourished children and its association with family's food and nutritional security / Rede social de crianças desnutridas e sua relação com a segurança alimentar e nutricional da família

Abstract Objectives: evaluate the relationship between family's food and nutrition insecurity (FNI) and the social network of malnourished children. Methods: cross-sectional study with 92 children, included in the economic class D-E. For the analysis of the children's social network, the mothers answered four simple questions. To investigate the FNI, the Brazilian Scale of Food Insecurity was used. The association between variables was analyzed by Poisson regression with robust analysis of variances. Results: 56.5% of the children had a weak social network (<10 individuals), and the prevalence of FNI was 72.8%. An inverse association was observed between children of the daily social network and FNI family (OR=0.94; CI95%=0.89-0.99], p=0.03). The number of individuals in the children's daily social network was negatively associated with the likelihood of FNI. The mother's educational level was also related to FNI (OR=2.20 [CI95%=1.11-4.34]; p=0.02), being the child up to 2.2 times more likely to be in FNI when the mother has less than four years of study. Conclusion: these results suggest that social network is associated with the FNI of malnourished children. Interventions designed to strengthen instrumental and other forms of support among small social networks can improve the health/nutrition of malnourished children with FNI.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a relação entre a insegurança alimentar e nutricional (IAN) da família e a rede social de crianças desnutridas. Métodos: estudo transversal com 92 crianças, inseridas na classe econômica D-E. Para a análise da rede social das crianças, as mães responderam quatro perguntas simples. Para investigar a IAN foi utilizada a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. A associação entre as variáveis foi analisada por regressão de Poisson com análise robusta das variâncias. Resultados: 56,5% das crianças apresentaram rede social fraca (<10 indivíduos), e a prevalência de IAN foi de 72,8%. Foi observada uma associação inversa entre rede social diária das crianças e IAN da família (RP=0,94, [IC95%=0,89-0,99]; p=0,03). O número de indivíduos na rede social diária das crianças se associou negativamente com a probabilidade de IAN. O nível de escolaridade materno também estava relacionado com a IAN (RP=2,20 [IC95%=1,11-4,34]; p=0,02), tendo a criança até 2,2 vezes mais probabilidade de estar em IAN quando a mãe apresenta menos de quatro anos de estudo. Conclusão: esses resultados sugerem que a rede social está associada à IAN de crianças desnutridas. Intervenções destinadas a fortalecer maneiras instrumentais e outras formas de apoio entre pequenas redes sociais podem melhorar a saúde/nutrição de crianças desnutridas com IAN.

Dietary patterns of children aged 6-24 months assisted by the Bolsa Família Program.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the association between socio-economic and demographic characteristics and dietary patterns (DP) of children assisted by the Conditional Cash Transfer Program, Bolsa Família Program (BFP). DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. DP were defined using a principal component analysis. The association of the predictive variables and DP was modelled using multilevel linear regression analysis. SETTING: This study was conducted in six municipalities from the State of Alagoas, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were children aged 6-24 months who were assisted by the BFP. RESULTS: A total of 1604 children were evaluated. Four DP were identified (DP1, DP2, DP3 and DP4). DP1 is composed of traditional Brazilian food. DP2 is formed mostly from ultra-processed foods (UPF). DP3 consists of milk (non-breast) with added sugar, while DP4 consists of fresh and minimally processed foods. Caregivers with higher age and education (ß = -0·008; (95 % CI -0·017, -0·000); ß = -0·037; (95 % CI -0·056, -0·018), respectively) were negatively associated with DP2. We observed a negative association between households with food insecurity (ß = -0·204; (95 % CI -0·331, -0·078)) and DP4 and a positive association between caregivers with higher age and education (ß = 0·011; (95 % CI (0·003; 0·019); ß = 0·043; (95 % CI 0·025, 0·061), respectively) and DP4. CONCLUSION: This study identified the association between socio-economic inequities and DP early in life, with an early introduction of UPF, in children assisted by BFP in the State of Alagoas.

Trend of the nutritional status of pregnant adolescent beneficiaries of the Brazilian Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer program in the 2008-2018 period. / Tendência do estado nutricional de gestantes adolescentes beneficiárias do programa de transferência condicionada de renda brasileiro Bolsa Família no período 2008-2018.

This ecological study aimed to analyze the trend of the nutritional status of pregnant adolescent beneficiaries of the Brazilian Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer program in the 2008-2018 period. We evaluated secondary data of pregnant adolescent beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program from January 2008 to December 2018, extracted from the public reports of the WEB Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. We accessed the monitoring reports on the consolidated public-access health conditionalities of the Bolsa Família Program, always considering the second validity. An annual variation of -1.2% (95%CI: [-1.6; -0.8] p<0.01) was observed in the prevalence of underweight in Brazil in the studied sample. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the country had annual variations of 2.9% (95%CI: [2.0; 3.7] p<0.01) and 7.5% (95%CI: [5.7; 9.3] p<0.01), respectively. We conclude by saying, that, in the evaluated period, the prevalence of underweight among pregnant adolescent beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program showed a decreasing trend, while the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased throughout Brazil.

Trata-se de um estudo ecológico que objetivou analisar a tendência do estado nutricional de gestantes adolescentes beneficiárias do programa brasileiro de transferência condicionada de renda, Bolsa Família, no período 2008-2018. Foram avaliados dados secundários de gestantes adolescentes beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família no período de janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2018, extraídos dos relatórios públicos do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional WEB. Foram consultados os relatórios de acompanhamento das condicionalidades de saúde consolidados de acesso público do Programa Bolsa Família, sempre considerando a 2ª vigência. Observou-se uma variação anual de -1,2% (IC95%: [-1,6; -0,8] p<0,01) na prevalência de baixo peso na amostra estudada. Com relação as prevalências de sobrepeso e obesidade no país, observou-se variações anuais de 2,9% (IC95%: [2,0; 3,7] p<0,01) e 7,5% (IC95%: [5,7; 9,3] p<0,01), respectivamente. Conclui-se que, no período avaliado, a prevalência de baixo peso entre as gestantes adolescentes beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família apresentou uma tendência decrescente, ao passo que as prevalências de sobrepeso e obesidade apresentam uma tendência crescente em todo o Brasil.

Tendência do estado nutricional de gestantes adolescentes beneficiárias do programa de transferência condicionada de renda brasileiro Bolsa Família no período 2008-2018 / Trend of the nutritional status of pregnant adolescent beneficiaries of the Brazilian Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer program in the 2008-2018 period

Resumo Trata-se de um estudo ecológico que objetivou analisar a tendência do estado nutricional de gestantes adolescentes beneficiárias do programa brasileiro de transferência condicionada de renda, Bolsa Família, no período 2008-2018. Foram avaliados dados secundários de gestantes adolescentes beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família no período de janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2018, extraídos dos relatórios públicos do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional WEB. Foram consultados os relatórios de acompanhamento das condicionalidades de saúde consolidados de acesso público do Programa Bolsa Família, sempre considerando a 2ª vigência. Observou-se uma variação anual de -1,2% (IC95%: [-1,6; -0,8] p<0,01) na prevalência de baixo peso na amostra estudada. Com relação as prevalências de sobrepeso e obesidade no país, observou-se variações anuais de 2,9% (IC95%: [2,0; 3,7] p<0,01) e 7,5% (IC95%: [5,7; 9,3] p<0,01), respectivamente. Conclui-se que, no período avaliado, a prevalência de baixo peso entre as gestantes adolescentes beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família apresentou uma tendência decrescente, ao passo que as prevalências de sobrepeso e obesidade apresentam uma tendência crescente em todo o Brasil.

Abstract This ecological study aimed to analyze the trend of the nutritional status of pregnant adolescent beneficiaries of the Brazilian Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer program in the 2008-2018 period. We evaluated secondary data of pregnant adolescent beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program from January 2008 to December 2018, extracted from the public reports of the WEB Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. We accessed the monitoring reports on the consolidated public-access health conditionalities of the Bolsa Família Program, always considering the second validity. An annual variation of -1.2% (95%CI: [-1.6; -0.8] p<0.01) was observed in the prevalence of underweight in Brazil in the studied sample. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the country had annual variations of 2.9% (95%CI: [2.0; 3.7] p<0.01) and 7.5% (95%CI: [5.7; 9.3] p<0.01), respectively. We conclude by saying, that, in the evaluated period, the prevalence of underweight among pregnant adolescent beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program showed a decreasing trend, while the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased throughout Brazil.

Association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the practice of breast-feeding in children under 2 years of age who are beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer programme, Bolsa Família.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and the practice of breast-feeding in children under 2 years of age assisted by the conditional cash transfer programme, Bolsa Família Programme (PBF). DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. The consumption of UPF and the practice of breast-feeding were assessed using a structured 24-h recall. Associations were calculated using hierarchical Poisson regression, adjusted at the last level by socio-economic, demographic and environmental variables from previous hierarchical levels. SETTING: Six counties from the state of Alagoas, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 6-24 months, assisted by PBF. RESULTS: A total of 1604 children were evaluated, 11·7% of whom were overweight, and most had consumed UPF (90·6%) in the last 24 h. The most consumed UPF were biscuits, chocolate milk and baby food with 74·8, 66·8 and 24·9%, respectively. Through multivariable analysis, an association was found between lower consumption of UPF in the continuation of breast-feeding until the second year of life (prevalence ratio (PR) 0·91, 95 % CI 0·86, 0·96) and in the first year of life (PR 0·93, 95 % CI 0·88, 0·99). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the studied population had a high consumption of UPF, which harmed continued breast-feeding. We highlight the importance of strengthening public policies aimed at the promotion, protection and support of breast-feeding and healthy complementary feeding aimed at populations that have difficulties in physical and economic access to a healthy and adequate diet.

Association between iron deficiency anaemia and complementary feeding in children under 2 years assisted by a Conditional Cash Transfer programme.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between Fe deficiency anaemia (IDA) and complementary feeding in children under 2 years old assisted by the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, Bolsa Família (BFP). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Data were obtained through a standardised form, questionnaire to assess the eating habits of children under 2 years of age, capillary Hb (HemoCue®) and the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale. Associations were calculated using hierarchical Poisson regression, adjusted at the last level by socio-economic, demographic and environmental variables from previous hierarchical levels. SETTING: Six municipalities from the State of Alagoas, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 6-24 months assisted by BFP. RESULTS: A total of 1604 children were evaluated, among whom 58·1 % had anaemia. A higher number of food groups consumed (prevalence ratio (PR) = 0·97; 95 % CI 0·95, 0·99; P = 0·009), the consumption of dairy (PR = 0·86; 95 % CI 0·79, 0·84; P = 0·001) and meat (PR = 0·90; 95 % CI 0·83, 0·99; P = 0·030) in addition to bottle feeding (PR = 0·88; 95 % CI 0·82, 0·96; P = 0·004) were associated with a lower prevalence of IDA. CONCLUSIONS: IDA is still a serious public health problem in children under 2 years old assisted by BFP in Alagoas. We highlight the importance of promoting complementary feeding based on a diversified dietary intake, as well strengthening prophylactic supplementation programmes to increase children's adherence in conjunction with the implementation of food and nutrition education to help reduce the prevalence of this condition.

Association between COVID-19 diagnosis and economic class, race/skin color and social distancing in Brazilian university students / Associação entre o diagnóstico de COVID-19 e a classe econômica, raça/cor da pele e distanciamento social em universitários brasileiros

ABSTRACT: Purpose: To determine the association between diagnosis of COVID-19 and the economic class, race/skin color, and adherence to social distancing in Brazilian university students. Methods: This is a nationwide cross-sectional study carried out with online questionnaires applied to Brazilian university students, at 94 universities in the public and private education network. Self-reported age, sex, economic class data, race/skin color, COVID-19 diagnosis, and adherence to social distancing measures were collected. Results: 5,984 individuals were evaluated. No significant association was found between the diagnosis of COVID-19 and economic class and race/skin color in the multivariable analysis. However, we observed that there were significant associations between the diagnosis of COVID-19 and partial adherence to social distancing, with leaving home only for going to work (PR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.10­1.66; p < 0.01) and with non-adherence to social distancing (PR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.29­2.97; p <0.01). Conclusion: The diagnosis of COVID-19 was associated with age, non-adherence and partial adherence to social distancing measures in Brazilian university students, but was not associated with race/skin color and economic class.

Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre o diagnóstico de COVID-19 e a classe econômica, raça/cor da pele e adesão às medidas ao distanciamento social em universitários brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo transversal, de abrangência nacional, realizado com universitários brasileiros. Foram coletados dados autorreferidos de idade, sexo, classe econômica, raça/cor, diagnóstico do COVID-19 e adesão às medidas de distanciamento social. Resultados: 5.984 indivíduos foram avaliados. Não foi encontrada associação significativa entre o diagnóstico de COVID-19, a classe econômica e raça/cor na análise multivariável. Observamos que houve associações significativas entre o diagnóstico de COVID-19 e adesão parcial ao distanciamento social (RP: 1,35; IC 95%: 1.10­1.66; p < 0,01) e com a não adesão ao distanciamento social (RP: 1,96; IC95%: 1.29­2.97; p < 0,01). Conclusão: O diagnóstico de COVID-19 foi associado à idade, não adesão e adesão parcial às medidas de distanciamento social em universitários brasileiros, mas não se associou à raça/cor e classe econômica. (AU)

[Maternal nutritional status and its association with birth weight in high-risk pregnancies]. / Estado nutricional materno e sua associação com o peso ao nascer em gestações de alto risco.

The clinical and nutritional status of pregnant women are important variables for birth-weight risk inadequacies. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the nutritional status of high-risk pregnant women and its association with birth weight of their offspring. It involved a cross-sectional study with high-risk pregnant women assisted at the university hospital of Maceio in the State of Alagoas and their newborns. The nutritional status of pregnant women and their offspring was evaluated according to body mass index for gestational age and birth weight, respectively. The association between maternal factors (comorbidities and nutritional status) and birth weight was assessed by the chi-square test and Pearson correlation, by adopting a confidence level of 95%. One hundred and forty-nine pregnant women were studied, 19.7% of whom were of normal weight; 32% were underweight; and 48.3% were overweight. Among newborns, 39.6% referred to as small for gestational age (SGA); 26.8% appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and 33.6% large for gestational age (LGA). LGA offspring were associated with overweight and the presence of metabolic comorbidities and SGA offspring were associated with insufficient gestational weight gain, whereby interventions are needed to reduce these outcomes.

O estado clínico e o nutricional da gestante representam importantes variáveis para o risco de inadequações de peso ao nascer. Assim, o presente estudo visou avaliar o estado nutricional de gestantes de alto risco e sua associação com o peso ao nascer de seus conceptos. Estudo transversal com gestantes de alto risco assistidas no Hospital Universitário de Maceió-AL e seus recém-nascidos. O estado nutricional das gestantes e de seus conceptos foi avaliado segundo o Índice de Massa Corporal para a idade gestacional e o peso ao nascer, respectivamente. A associação entre fatores maternos (comorbidades e estado nutricional) e o peso ao nascer foram realizadas pelos testes de qui-quadrado e correlação de Pearson, adotando um nível de confiança de 95% (α = 0,05). Foram estudadas 149 gestantes, com 19,7% delas com baixo peso; 32,0% eutróficas e 48,3% com excesso de peso. Entre os recém-nascidos, 39,6% eram pequenos para idade gestacional (PIG); 26,8% adequados para a idade gestacional (AIG) e 33,6% grandes para a idade gestacional (GIG). O excesso de peso gestacional e a presença de comorbidades metabólicas se associaram com o nascimento de recém-nascidos GIG e o ganho ponderal gestacional insuficiente com o nascimento de recém-nascidos PIG, sendo fundamentais intervenções para redução desses desfechos.

Estado nutricional materno e sua associação com o peso ao nascer em gestações de alto risco / Maternal nutritional status and its association with birth weight in high-risk pregnancies

Resumo O estado clínico e o nutricional da gestante representam importantes variáveis para o risco de inadequações de peso ao nascer. Assim, o presente estudo visou avaliar o estado nutricional de gestantes de alto risco e sua associação com o peso ao nascer de seus conceptos. Estudo transversal com gestantes de alto risco assistidas no Hospital Universitário de Maceió-AL e seus recém-nascidos. O estado nutricional das gestantes e de seus conceptos foi avaliado segundo o Índice de Massa Corporal para a idade gestacional e o peso ao nascer, respectivamente. A associação entre fatores maternos (comorbidades e estado nutricional) e o peso ao nascer foram realizadas pelos testes de qui-quadrado e correlação de Pearson, adotando um nível de confiança de 95% (α = 0,05). Foram estudadas 149 gestantes, com 19,7% delas com baixo peso; 32,0% eutróficas e 48,3% com excesso de peso. Entre os recém-nascidos, 39,6% eram pequenos para idade gestacional (PIG); 26,8% adequados para a idade gestacional (AIG) e 33,6% grandes para a idade gestacional (GIG). O excesso de peso gestacional e a presença de comorbidades metabólicas se associaram com o nascimento de recém-nascidos GIG e o ganho ponderal gestacional insuficiente com o nascimento de recém-nascidos PIG, sendo fundamentais intervenções para redução desses desfechos.

Abstract The clinical and nutritional status of pregnant women are important variables for birth-weight risk inadequacies. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the nutritional status of high-risk pregnant women and its association with birth weight of their offspring. It involved a cross-sectional study with high-risk pregnant women assisted at the university hospital of Maceio in the State of Alagoas and their newborns. The nutritional status of pregnant women and their offspring was evaluated according to body mass index for gestational age and birth weight, respectively. The association between maternal factors (comorbidities and nutritional status) and birth weight was assessed by the chi-square test and Pearson correlation, by adopting a confidence level of 95%. One hundred and forty-nine pregnant women were studied, 19.7% of whom were of normal weight; 32% were underweight; and 48.3% were overweight. Among newborns, 39.6% referred to as small for gestational age (SGA); 26.8% appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and 33.6% large for gestational age (LGA). LGA offspring were associated with overweight and the presence of metabolic comorbidities and SGA offspring were associated with insufficient gestational weight gain, whereby interventions are needed to reduce these outcomes.

Relationship between adiponectin and leptin on osteocalcin in obese adolescents during weight loss therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a multifactorial disease characterized by the presence of the pro-inflammatory state associated with the development of many comorbidities, including bone turnover marker alterations. This study aimed to investigate the role of the inflammatory state on bone turnover markers in obese adolescents undergoing interdisciplinary weight loss treatment for one year. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty four post-pubescent obese adolescents with primary obesity, a body mass index (BMI) greater than > 95th percentile of the CDC reference growth charts, participated in the present investigation. Measurements of body composition, bone turnover markers, inflammatory biomarkers and visceral and subcutaneous fat were taken. Adolescents were submitted to one year of interdisciplinary treatment (clinical approach, physical exercise, physiotherapy intervention, nutritional and psychological counseling). RESULTS: Reduction in body mass, body fat mass, visceral and subcutaneous fat, as well as, an increase in the body lean mass and bone mineral content was observed. An improvement in inflammatory markers was seen with an increase in adiponectin, adiponectin/leptin ratio and inteleukin-15. Moreover, a positive correlation between the adiponectin/leptin ratio and osteocalcin was demonstrated. Further, both lean and body fat mass were predictors of osteocalcin. Negative associations between leptin with osteocalcin, adiponectin with Beta CTX-collagen, and visceral fat with adiponectin were observed. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to conclude that the inflammatory state can negatively influence the bone turnover markers in obese adolescents. In addition, the interdisciplinary weight loss treatment improved the inflammatory state and body composition in obese adolescents. Therefore, the present findings should be considered in clinical practice.

Relationship between adiponectin and leptin on osteocalcin in obese adolescents during weight loss therapy

ABSTRACT Objectives: Obesity is a multifactorial disease characterized by the presence of the pro-inflammatory state associated with the development of many comorbidities, including bone turnover marker alterations. This study aimed to investigate the role of the inflammatory state on bone turnover markers in obese adolescents undergoing interdisciplinary weight loss treatment for one year. Subjects and methods: Thirty four post-pubescent obese adolescents with primary obesity, a body mass index (BMI) greater than > 95th percentile of the CDC reference growth charts, participated in the present investigation. Measurements of body composition, bone turnover markers, inflammatory biomarkers and visceral and subcutaneous fat were taken. Adolescents were submitted to one year of interdisciplinary treatment (clinical approach, physical exercise, physiotherapy intervention, nutritional and psychological counseling). Results: Reduction in body mass, body fat mass, visceral and subcutaneous fat, as well as, an increase in the body lean mass and bone mineral content was observed. An improvement in inflammatory markers was seen with an increase in adiponectin, adiponectin/leptin ratio and inteleukin-15. Moreover, a positive correlation between the adiponectin/leptin ratio and osteocalcin was demonstrated. Further, both lean and body fat mass were predictors of osteocalcin. Negative associations between leptin with osteocalcin, adiponectin with Beta CTX-collagen, and visceral fat with adiponectin were observed. Conclusions: It is possible to conclude that the inflammatory state can negatively influence the bone turnover markers in obese adolescents. In addition, the interdisciplinary weight loss treatment improved the inflammatory state and body composition in obese adolescents. Therefore, the present findings should be considered in clinical practice.

Desempenho cognitivo de pré-escolares com baixa estatura em tratamento de recuperação nutricional / Cognitive performance of stunted pre-school children undergoing nutritional recovery treatment

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar se o tratamento de crianças com baixa estatura, ofertado em um centro especializado, influencia seu desempenho cognitivo. Métodos: Foram analisados dois grupos de crianças advindas de famílias vulneráveis, um com crianças com baixa estatura em tratamento no Centro de Recuperação e Educação Nutricional (CREN) e outro de crianças eutróficas de uma creche municipal localizada na mesma região do CREN. No CREN, as crianças são tratadas em semi-internato (9 horas/dia, 5 dias/semana), recebendo suporte médico, nutricional e psicopedagógico. Todas foram submetidas ao Teste de Triagem do Desenvolvimento de Denver-II e avaliadas quanto ao índice de estatura-para-idade em 3 momentos distintos: no início do acompanhamento e após 6 e 12 meses. A classificação socioeconômica das crianças, de acordo com os Critérios de Classificação Econômica Brasil, foi feita no início do acompanhamento. Calcularam-se razões de prevalência para a análise transversal da linha de base, por meio de uma regressão de Poisson, e razões de prevalência agrupadas para a análise longitudinal, por meio de um modelo de estimativas de equações generalizadas, ambas ajustadas por idade, sexo e classe socioeconômica. Resultados: Ao todo, 74 crianças foram analisadas, 37 em cada grupo. Não houve diferenças de idade, sexo e classe socioeconômica entre os grupos. Na análise longitudinal, o grupo CREN apresentou melhor desempenho no domínio pessoal-social (razão de prevalência agrupada: 0,89; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95%: 0,82-0,95), sem diferenças significativas para os demais domínios. Conclusão: O tratamento ofertado pelo CREN melhorou satisfatoriamente as habilidades sociais das crianças tratadas, sem alterar os demais domínios.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine if the treatment of stunted children offered at a specialized center influences their cognitive performance. Methods: Two groups of children from vulnerable families were selected, one consisting of stunted children being treated at the Nutrition Education and Recovery Center (CREN), and the other group of eutrophic children from a local, public day care center. At CREN, children are treated in a day-hospital system (9 hours/day, 5 days/week), receiving medical, nutritional and psycho-pedagogical support. All children were submitted to the Denver-II Development Screening Test and had their development and the height-for-age index assessed at 3 moments: at the beginning of the follow-up, and after 6 and 12 months. The socioeconomic status, according to the Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria, was assessed at the beginning of the follow-up. Data were treated by prevalence ratios for cross-sectional baseline analysis, using the Poisson regression, and by pooled prevalence ratios for longitudinal analysis, using a generalized equation estimation model, both adjusted by age, sex and economic status. Results: Seventy-four children were included, 37 for each group. There were no differences in age, sex and socioeconomic status between groups. In the longitudinal analysis, the CREN group showed better performance in the personal-social domain (pooled prevalence ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval - 95%IC 0.82-0.95), with no differences in the other domains. Conclusions: The treatment offered at CREN satisfactorily improved the social skills of the treated children, without changing other domains.

COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE OF STUNTED PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN UNDERGOING NUTRITIONAL RECOVERY TREATMENT. / DESEMPENHO COGNITIVO DE PRÉ-ESCOLARES COM BAIXA ESTATURA EM TRATAMENTO DE RECUPERAÇÃO NUTRICIONAL.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the treatment of stunted children offered at a specialized center influences their cognitive performance. METHODS: Two groups of children from vulnerable families were selected, one consisting of stunted children being treated at the Nutrition Education and Recovery Center (CREN), and the other group of eutrophic children from a local, public day care center. At CREN, children are treated in a day-hospital system (9 hours/day, 5 days/week), receiving medical, nutritional and psycho-pedagogical support. All children were submitted to the Denver-II Development Screening Test and had their development and the height-for-age index assessed at 3 moments: at the beginning of the follow-up, and after 6 and 12 months. The socioeconomic status, according to the Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria, was assessed at the beginning of the follow-up. Data were treated by prevalence ratios for cross-sectional baseline analysis, using the Poisson regression, and by pooled prevalence ratios for longitudinal analysis, using a generalized equation estimation model, both adjusted by age, sex and economic status. RESULTS: Seventy-four children were included, 37 for each group. There were no differences in age, sex and socioeconomic status between groups. In the longitudinal analysis, the CREN group showed better performance in the personal-social domain (pooled prevalence ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval - 95%IC 0.82-0.95), with no differences in the other domains. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment offered at CREN satisfactorily improved the social skills of the treated children, without changing other domains.

OBJETIVO: Determinar se o tratamento de crianças com baixa estatura, ofertado em um centro especializado, influencia seu desempenho cognitivo. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dois grupos de crianças advindas de famílias vulneráveis, um com crianças com baixa estatura em tratamento no Centro de Recuperação e Educação Nutricional (CREN) e outro de crianças eutróficas de uma creche municipal localizada na mesma região do CREN. No CREN, as crianças são tratadas em semi-internato (9 horas/dia, 5 dias/semana), recebendo suporte médico, nutricional e psicopedagógico. Todas foram submetidas ao Teste de Triagem do Desenvolvimento de Denver-II e avaliadas quanto ao índice de estatura-para-idade em 3 momentos distintos: no início do acompanhamento e após 6 e 12 meses. A classificação socioeconômica das crianças, de acordo com os Critérios de Classificação Econômica Brasil, foi feita no início do acompanhamento. Calcularam-se razões de prevalência para a análise transversal da linha de base, por meio de uma regressão de Poisson, e razões de prevalência agrupadas para a análise longitudinal, por meio de um modelo de estimativas de equações generalizadas, ambas ajustadas por idade, sexo e classe socioeconômica. RESULTADOS: Ao todo, 74 crianças foram analisadas, 37 em cada grupo. Não houve diferenças de idade, sexo e classe socioeconômica entre os grupos. Na análise longitudinal, o grupo CREN apresentou melhor desempenho no domínio pessoal-social (razão de prevalência agrupada: 0,89; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95%: 0,82-0,95), sem diferenças significativas para os demais domínios. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento ofertado pelo CREN melhorou satisfatoriamente as habilidades sociais das crianças tratadas, sem alterar os demais domínios.

LEPR polymorphism may affect energy balance during weight loss among Brazilians obese adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Leptin is an adipokine released mainly by adipose tissue, with many functions including regulation of energy balance. However, little is known about the effect of LEPR polymorphism on orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides. Thus, the aim of the present study is to verify the influence of LEPR polymorphism (rs2767485) on serum orexigenic (NPY, MCH and AgRP) and anorexigenic (Leptin and α-MSH) neuropeptides levels among obese adolescents submitted to 1year of multicomponent weight loss therapy. METHODS: Seventy-six adolescents with obesity were enrolled in 1year of weight loss therapy including clinical, nutritional, psychological and exercise-related. Blood samples were collected to analyze neuropeptides (NPY, MCH, AgRP and leptin) and LEPR genotyping. Visceral fat was measured by ultrasound and body composition was measured by plethysmography. The parameters were measured at baseline and after one year. Adolescents were grouped according to genotype (TT or CT+CC group). Effect of the weight loss therapy was analyzed through ANOVA and Wilcox, according to normality. Statistic value was set at <0.05. RESULTS: C-allele carriers have the orexigenic neuropeptides (NPY, AgRP and MCH) levels statistically higher when compared with TT group, at baseline. Furthermore, TT group seems to respond better to the therapy by a greater delta on BMI. Indeed, the data suggest a concomitant increased of AgRP levels in CT+CC genotypes, after weight loss therapy. CONCLUSION: Both groups responded to the weight loss intervention, however wildtypes (TT) appear to respond to the intervention most optimally with C carries, where post intervention reduction in BMI was significantly greater in wildtypes. The leptin receptor polymorphism seems to affect neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance among adolescents with obesity.

Waist circumference as a marker for screening nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescents / Circunferência da cintura como marcador para triagem de doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica em adolescentes obesos

To assess the relationship between the degree of waist circumference (WC) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese adolescents of both genders, analyzed according to quartiles of WC. Methods: Cross-sectional study that involved 247 obese adolescents aged 12–19 years. Mean values of the nutritional parameters and serum analyses were compared with the groups using the independent t-test. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship of the parameters studied. Chi-square test for trend was used to determine the relationship between the prevalence of the NAFLD and WC quartile by gender. Results: NAFLD were presented in 60% of the study participants. Obese adolescents in the 3rd and 4th quartiles of WC presented higher prevalence of NAFLD when compared with that in the 1st quartile in both genders. The NAFLD patients had significantly higher values for body weight, BMI (body mass index), BAZ-score (BMI-for-age z-scores), total fat (% and kg), WC, visceral fat, insulin, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, when compared with non-NAFLD obese adolescents. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results presented here suggest that an increase in WC can reliably predict the risk of NAFLD in obese adolescents. This is a low cost and easy-to-use tool that can help in screening in adolescents.

Avaliar a associação entre o grau de circunferência da cintura (CC) e doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) em adolescentes obesos de ambos os sexos, avaliados de acordo com quartis de CC. Métodos: Estudo transversal que envolveu 247 adolescentes obesos entre 12 a 19 anos. Os valores médios dos parâmetros nutricionais e as analises séricas foram comparados com o teste t independente. O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foi usado para determinar a relação entre os parâmetros estudados. O teste do qui-quadrado de tendência foi usado para determinar a relação entre a prevalência da DHGNA e quartil da CC por sexo. Resultados: DHGNA estava presente em 60% dos participantes do estudo. Adolescentes obesos nos quartis 3 e 4 de CC apresentaram maior prevalência de DHGNA quando comparados com aqueles no primeiro quartil em ambos os sexos. Os pacientes com DHGNA tinham valores significativamente mais elevados de peso corporal, IMC (índice de massa corporal), IMC/I (IMC para idade) z-escore, gordura total (% e kg), CC, gordura visceral, insulina, índice de resistência à insulina (HOMA-IR), aspartato aminotransferase e alanina aminotransferase quando comparados com adolescentes obesos sem DHGNA. Conclusões: Os resultados aqui apresentados sugerem que um aumento da CC pode predizer com segurança o risco de DHGNA em adolescentes obesos. Essa é uma ferramenta de baixo custo e fácil de usar que pode ajudar na triagem de adolescentes.

[Waist circumference as a marker for screening nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescents]. / Circunferência da cintura como marcador para triagem de doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica em adolescentes obesos.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the degree of waist circumference (WC) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese adolescents of both genders, analyzed according to quartiles of WC. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that involved 247 obese adolescents aged 12-19 years. Mean values of the nutritional parameters and serum analyses were compared with the groups using the independent t-test. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship of the parameters studied. Chi-square test for trend was used to determine the relationship between the prevalence of the NAFLD and WC quartile by gender. RESULTS: NAFLD were presented in 60% of the study participants. Obese adolescents in the 3rd and 4th quartiles of WC presented higher prevalence of NAFLD when compared with that in the 1st quartile in both genders. The NAFLD patients had significantly higher values for body weight, BMI (body mass index), BAZ-score (BMI-for-age z-scores), total fat (% and kg), WC, visceral fat, insulin, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, when compared with non-NAFLD obese adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented here suggest that an increase in WC can reliably predict the risk of NAFLD in obese adolescents. This is a low cost and easy-to-use tool that can help in screening in adolescents.

Association between Adult Stature and Energy Expenditure in Low-Income Women from Northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal undernutrition may lead to important metabolic adaptations in adult life, short stature being the most visible. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between stature and total energy expenditure of low-income women. METHOD: Women aged 19-45 years from low-income communities in Maceió-AL were recruited. A sample of 67 volunteers was selected and divided into either short stature (≤ 152.4 cm; n = 34) or non-short stature (≥ 158.7 cm; n = 33) group. Data on socioeconomic status, anthropometric variables, and hormonal profiles was collected. Total energy expenditure and body composition were assessed by the doubly labeled water technique with multiple points over 14 days. In addition, physical activity levels were measured with triaxial accelerometers and dietary intake data were collected using three 24-hour food records. RESULTS: The mean subject age was 30.94 years. Women of short stature had lower body weight and lean body mass compared to non-short women, but there were no differences in thyroid hormone concentrations or daily energy intake between the two groups. Short-stature women showed lower total energy expenditure (P = 0.01) and a significantly higher physical activity level (P = 0.01) compared to non-short women. However, the difference in total energy expenditure was no longer significant after statistical adjustment for age, lean body mass, and triiodothyronine concentrations. CONCLUSION: Women with short stature present the same energy intake, but lower total energy expenditure than non-short women, even with a higher physical activity level, which suggests that they are more prone to weight gain.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass decreases pro-inflammatory and thrombotic biomarkers in individuals with extreme obesity.

BACKGROUND: The low-grade inflammatory state in obesity leads to insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction, which promote cardiovascular diseases in individuals with obesity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early effects of weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery on the inflammatory and prothrombotic states. This study also aimed to identify the role of hyperleptinemia on the prothrombotic state. METHODS: The sample was composed of 41 extremely obese who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Anthropometric and clinical data, and biochemical markers of inflammation were collected prior to surgery and 6 months post-RYGB. RESULTS: It was found that plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) concentrations were higher among extremely obese individuals with hyperleptinemia than in those without hyperleptinemia (p < 0.01).In relation to the baseline, post-surgery body mass index (BMI) was reduced by 12.9 kg/m(2), corresponding to 63.50 % of excess weight loss. Additionally, waist circumference was found to decrease significantly from 126.2 to 101.4 cm. Plasma total cholesterol (p < 0.01), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.02), triglycerides (p < 0.01), and glucose (p = 0.01) were also found to decrease. Pro-inflammatory biomarkers were observed to decrease: PAI-1 by 55.9 ± 6.0 % (p < 0.01), C-reactive protein (CRP) by 18.8 ± 3.4 % (p < 0.01), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by 89.9 ± 5.7 % (p < 0.01), leptin by 27.9 ± 3.2 % (p < 0.01), and resistin by 69.3 ± 5.8 % (p < 0.01). Additionally, significant decreases of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and leptin/adiponectin ratio were observed. Anti-inflammatory cytokines adiponectin and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were significantly increased (170.7 ± 82.5 %, p < 0.01; 122.7 ± 55.1 %, p = 0.02). CRP levels were predictive of ICAM-1 (p = 0.04), and changes in leptin concentrations were associated with decreased PAI-1 levels (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We observed that individuals with obesity that have hyperleptinemia have higher circulating PAI-1 levels, which could indicate increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The biomarkers of inflammation and thrombosis measured in this study decreased after RYGB, suggesting that the surgery may be effective in reducing pro-inflammatory and thrombotic risk in individuals with extreme obesity.