Clustering of health risk behaviors in pregnant individuals: Data from the Brazilian risk factor surveillance system for non-communicable chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clustering of health risk behaviors (HRB) and its association with demographics, physical exercise, overweight, perception of health, and diseases in Brazilian pregnant people. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study using data from the Risk Factor Surveillance System for Non-communicable Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (VIGITEL), the main health survey in Brazil. METHODS: We used data on fruit and vegetable consumption, TV time, tobacco, and alcohol abuse in individuals who reported being pregnant (n = 4553). We used latent class analysis to identify optimal HRB clustering among participants. Multinomial regression (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [95%CI]) was applied to identify factors associated with HRB cluster. RESULTS: Three clustering classes were identified: "without HRB cluster" (i.e., least unhealthy behaviors) (n = 2402, 52,8%), "moderate HRB cluster" (n = 1983, 43,5%), and "high HRB cluster" (i.e., most unhealthy behaviors) (n = 168, 3,7%). Pregnant people aged 35-50 years (OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.01; 3.52) who did not practice physical exercise (OR = 1.94, 95%CI 1.11; 3.39) were more likely to be classified as "high HRB cluster". Participants with 9-11 years (OR = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.07; 0.17) and ≥ 12 (OR = 0.05, 95%CI = 0.02; 0.11) years of education had a lower likelihood of being in the "high HRB cluster". CONCLUSION: Three HRB clustering patterns were found in this study. Greater maternal age, low education, and absence of physical exercises increased the chances of being in the high HRB cluster group. Participants with higher educational levels were less likely to be in the High HRB cluster.

Do patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery modify their objectively measured physical activity? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a chronic disease associated with adverse outcomes and its prevalence is increasing, which makes it a concern. One of the obesity treatment options is bariatric surgery, which effectively reduces calorie absorption and total body mass, but its effects on physical activity (PA) levels need to be clarified, considering the protective effect of the PA against cardiovascular disease, independently of the weight loss alone. OBJECTIVES: To carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that evaluated PA in pre- and post-bariatric surgery periods through objective evaluation. METHODS: A systematic search was carried out following the PRISMA criteria of studies with adult individuals who underwent bariatric surgery and were objectively evaluated for PA pre- and post-surgery. Studies with interventions were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 419 records were found, and after excluding duplicates and applying the eligibility criteria, 10 studies remained. This meta-analysis found a significant increase in the steps by day (MD = 1340; 95% CI = 933.90; 1745.35, p < 0.001) and the light physical activity level (MD = 16.8 min/day; 95% CI = 2.60; 30.98, p = 0.02), but not in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MD = 0.24; 95% CI = -0.08; 1.57, p = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery increased their steps by day and light physical activity but did not increase moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Use of continuous glucose monitoring in insulin-treated older adults with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported the adherence to and efficacy of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for improving diabetes management in insulin-treated older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Prospective observational cohort study using FreeStyle Libre Flash CGM in insulin-treated adults > 65 years with T2DM and HbA1c between 7% and 9%. The participants wore the CGM during the 6-weeks study period. The primary outcome was time in range (TIR) between 70 and 180 mg/dL. Secondary outcomes included time below range (TBR), glycemic variability (GV), adherence, and use of glucose data for self-insulin adjustment. Linear regressions with random effects verified the changes in TBR, TIR, time above range (TAR), GV, and GMI across the three visits using CGM (baseline, 4 weeks and 6 weeks), controlled for sex, age, educational level, and health system (private or public). RESULTS: A total of 66 participants completed the six weeks of CGM (age 72·8 ± 5·3 years; BMI 27·8 ± 3·6 kg/m2), HbA1c: 8·0 ± 0·6%, with an overall sensor utilization of 93·1 ± 6·0%. We observed a stability in TIR (baseline: 63.5 ± 18.9% vs. endpoint: 65.5 ± 18.8%; ß = 1,0, p = 0.190). Despite the low TBR at the baseline, we observed statistically significant reduction over the study period (baseline: 5.8 ± 7.0% vs. endpoint: 3.8 ± 4.7%; (ß=-1.00, p = 0.008). Glucose variability also reduced from the baseline (34.9 ± 7.2%) to the endpoint (33.0 ± 6.8%) (ß=-0.99, p = < 0.001). CONCLUSION: FreeStyle Libre Flash CGM is well accepted by older adults with T2DM and allows participants to make therapeutic decisions to reduce TBR and glycemic variability.

Factors associated with Alzheimer's disease prevalence and mortality in Brazil-An ecological study.

A few epidemiological studies are evaluating the prevalence and mortality rates of Alzheimer's disease, with no one using a nationwide sample of Brazilian elderlies. This study aims to calculate the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and investigate possible associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and the presence of diseases non-communicable, and the prevalence and mortality for all Brazilian state capitals. This is an ecological design study made with secondary public data provided by the Ministry of Health. Prevalence rates were calculated based on the analysis of the dispensing of Alzheimer's disease-specific drugs. Correlation analyzes were performed between rates and factors, and a multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze possible associations between variables, controlled for each other. AD prevalence was 313/100,000. Prevalence rates were positively associated with primary health care coverage factors and negatively associated with ultra-processed food consumption and physical activity levels. AD mortality was 98/100,000. Mortality rates were positively associated with the proportion of obese elderly and elderly living on up to half the minimum wage and were inversely associated with the proportion of elderly with diabetes factors. We found positive and negative associations of sociodemographic, behavioral and diabetes indicators with Alzheimer's disease prevalence and mortality, which provide data that can be investigated by studies with different designs.

Genomic history of coastal societies from eastern South America.

Sambaqui (shellmound) societies are among the most intriguing archaeological phenomena in pre-colonial South America, extending from approximately 8,000 to 1,000 years before present (yr BP) across 3,000 km on the Atlantic coast. However, little is known about their connection to early Holocene hunter-gatherers, how this may have contributed to different historical pathways and the processes through which late Holocene ceramists came to rule the coast shortly before European contact. To contribute to our understanding of the population history of indigenous societies on the eastern coast of South America, we produced genome-wide data from 34 ancient individuals as early as 10,000 yr BP from four different regions in Brazil. Early Holocene hunter-gatherers were found to lack shared genetic drift among themselves and with later populations from eastern South America, suggesting that they derived from a common radiation and did not contribute substantially to later coastal groups. Our analyses show genetic heterogeneity among contemporaneous Sambaqui groups from the southeastern and southern Brazilian coast, contrary to the similarity expressed in the archaeological record. The complex history of intercultural contact between inland horticulturists and coastal populations becomes genetically evident during the final horizon of Sambaqui societies, from around 2,200 yr BP, corroborating evidence of cultural change.

Effects of neurofeedback on major depressive disorder: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder is a difficult-to-treat psychological disorder. Approximately 30% of patients with major depressive disorder do not respond to conventional therapies; thus, the efficacy of alternative therapies for treating major depressive disorder, such as neurofeedback, a non-invasive neuromodulation method used in the treatment of psychiatric diseases, must be investigated. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of neurofeedback in minimizing and treating major depressive disorder and its application as a substitute to or an adjuvant with conventional therapies. METHODS: We searched for experimental studies published between 1962-2021 in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases and identified 1,487 studies, among which 13 met the inclusion exclusion criteria. RESULTS: We noted that not all patients responded to neurofeedback. Based on depression scales, major depressive disorder significantly improved in response to neurofeedback only in a few individuals. Additionally, the number of training sessions did not influence the results. CONCLUSION: Neurofeedback can reduce depression symptoms in patients; however, not all patients respond to the treatment. Therefore, further studies must be conducted to validate the effectiveness of neurofeedback in treating major depressive disorder.

Effects of neurofeedback on major depressive disorder: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background Major depressive disorder is a difficult-to-treat psychological disorder. Approximately 30% of patients with major depressive disorder do not respond to conventional therapies; thus, the efficacy of alternative therapies for treating major depressive disorder, such as neurofeedback, a non-invasive neuromodulation method used in the treatment of psychiatric diseases, must be investigated. Objective We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of neurofeedback in minimizing and treating major depressive disorder and its application as a substitute to or an adjuvant with conventional therapies. Methods We searched for experimental studies published between 1962-2021 in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases and identified 1,487 studies, among which 13 met the inclusion exclusion criteria. Results We noted that not all patients responded to neurofeedback. Based on depression scales, major depressive disorder significantly improved in response to neurofeedback only in a few individuals. Additionally, the number of training sessions did not influence the results. Conclusion Neurofeedback can reduce depression symptoms in patients; however, not all patients respond to the treatment. Therefore, further studies must be conducted to validate the effectiveness of neurofeedback in treating major depressive disorder.

Hypothesis on ontogenesis and pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that causes changes in memory and cognition, in addition to behavioral disorders, and most commonly affects the elderly. Several studies in the literature have presented therapeutic measures in an attempt to interfere with the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease and to mitigate its clinical manifestations. Some factors, such as excitotoxicity, cholinergic dysfunctions, oxidative stress, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, changes in amyloid-beta peptide metabolism, herpes viruses, apolipoprotein E, glycogen synthase kinase 3, insulin resistance, and the endocannabinoid system seem to be related to pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Given this, a literature review was carried out to address the molecular mechanisms associated with the pathophysiological hypotheses previously mentioned, aiming to better understanding their underlying causes and contributing to possible pharmacological strategies about treatment of the disease.

Hypothesis on ontogenesis and pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that causes changes in memory and cognition, in addition to behavioral disorders, and most commonly affects the elderly. Several studies in the literature have presented therapeutic measures in an attempt to interfere with the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease and to mitigate its clinical manifestations. Some factors, such as excitotoxicity, cholinergic dysfunctions, oxidative stress, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, changes in amyloid-beta peptide metabolism, herpes viruses, apolipoprotein E, glycogen synthase kinase 3, insulin resistance, and the endocannabinoid system seem to be related to pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Given this, a literature review was carried out to address the molecular mechanisms associated with the pathophysiological hypotheses previously mentioned, aiming to better understanding their underlying causes and contributing to possible pharmacological strategies about treatment of the disease.

Fishing intensification as response to Late Holocene socio-ecological instability in southeastern South America.

The emergence of plant-based economies have dominated evolutionary models of Middle and Late Holocene pre-Columbian societies in South America. Comparatively, the use of aquatic resources and the circumstances for intensifying their exploitation have received little attention. Here we reviewed the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of 390 human individuals from Middle and Late Holocene coastal sambaquis, a long-lasting shell mound culture that flourished for nearly 7000 years along the Atlantic Forest coast of Brazil. Using a newly generated faunal isotopic baseline and Bayesian Isotope Mixing Models we quantified the relative contribution of marine resources to the diet of some of these groups. Through the analysis of more than 400 radiocarbon dates we show that fishing sustained large and resilient populations during most of the Late Holocene. A sharp decline was observed in the frequency of sambaqui sites and radiocarbon dates from ca. 2200 years ago, possibly reflecting the dissolution of several nucleated groups into smaller social units, coinciding with substantial changes in coastal environments. The spread of ceramics from ca. 1200 years ago is marked by innovation and intensification of fishing practices, in a context of increasing social and ecological instability in the Late Holocene.

Early human dispersals within the Americas.

Studies of the peopling of the Americas have focused on the timing and number of initial migrations. Less attention has been paid to the subsequent spread of people within the Americas. We sequenced 15 ancient human genomes spanning from Alaska to Patagonia; six are ≥10,000 years old (up to ~18× coverage). All are most closely related to Native Americans, including those from an Ancient Beringian individual and two morphologically distinct "Paleoamericans." We found evidence of rapid dispersal and early diversification that included previously unknown groups as people moved south. This resulted in multiple independent, geographically uneven migrations, including one that provides clues of a Late Pleistocene Australasian genetic signal, as well as a later Mesoamerican-related expansion. These led to complex and dynamic population histories from North to South America.

Two ancient human genomes reveal Polynesian ancestry among the indigenous Botocudos of Brazil.

Understanding the peopling of the Americas remains an important and challenging question. Here, we present (14)C dates, and morphological, isotopic and genomic sequence data from two human skulls from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, part of one of the indigenous groups known as 'Botocudos'. We find that their genomic ancestry is Polynesian, with no detectable Native American component. Radiocarbon analysis of the skulls shows that the individuals had died prior to the beginning of the 19th century. Our findings could either represent genomic evidence of Polynesians reaching South America during their Pacific expansion, or European-mediated transport.

Human mobility on the Brazilian coast: an analysis of strontium isotopes in archaeological human remains from Forte Marechal Luz Sambaqui.

This study investigated strontium isotopes in the dental enamel of 32 human skeletons from Forte Marechal Luz sambaqui (shellmound), Santa Catarina, Brazil, aiming at identifying local and non-local individuals. The archeological site presents pot sherds in the uppermost archeological layers. Dental enamel was also examined from specimens of terrestrial fauna ((87)Sr/(86)Sr = 0.71046 to 0.71273) and marine fauna ((87)Sr/(86)Sr = 0.70917). The (87)Sr/(86)Sr isotope ratio for individuals classified as locals ranged from 0. 70905 to 0. 71064 and was closer to the isotope ratio of the seawater than to the ratio of the terrestrial fauna, indicating a strong influence of marine strontium on the inhabitants of this sambaqui. The results indicate the existence of three non-local individuals ((87)Sr/(86)Sr = 0.70761 to 0.70835), buried in both the level without pottery and the layer with pottery, possibly originated from the Santa Catarina Plateau, close to the municipality of Lages, or from the Curitiba Plateau. The occurrence of a slight difference between the isotope ratios of local individuals buried in the archeological layer without pottery, when compared to those in the layer with pottery, suggests a possible change in dietary patterns between these two moments in the site's occupation.

Human mobility on the Brazilian coast: an analysis of strontium isotopes in archaeological human remains from Forte Marechal Luz Sambaqui

This study investigated strontium isotopes in the dental enamel of 32 human skeletons from Forte Marechal Luz sambaqui (shellmound), Santa Catarina, Brazil, aiming at identifying local and non-local individuals. The archeological site presents pot sherds in the uppermost archeological layers. Dental enamel was also examined from specimens of terrestrial fauna (87Sr/86Sr = 0. 71046 to 0. 71273) and marine fauna (87Sr/86Sr = 0. 70917). The 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio for individuals classified as locals ranged from 0. 70905 to 0. 71064 and was closer to the isotope ratio of the seawater than to the ratio of the terrestrial fauna, indicating a strong influence of marine strontium on the inhabitants of this sambaqui. The results indicate the existence of three non-local individuals (87Sr/86Sr = 0. 70761 to 0. 70835), buried in both the level without pottery and the layer with pottery, possibly originated from the Santa Catarina Plateau, close to the municipality of Lages, or from the Curitiba Plateau. The occurrence of a slight difference between the isotope ratios of local individuals buried in the archeological layer without pottery, when compared to those in the layer with pottery, suggests a possible change in dietary patterns between these two moments in the site's occupation.

O presente estudo investigou isótopos de estrôncio em esmalte dentário de 32 remanescentes humanos do sambaqui do Forte Marechal Luz, Santa Catarina, Brasil, com o objetivo de identificar indivíduos locais e não-locais. O sítio arqueológico apresenta fragmentos de cerâmica em suas camadas arqueológicas mais recentes. Além das amostras humanas, foram analisadas amostras de esmalte dentário de espécimes de fauna terrestre (87Sr/86Sr = 0,71046 a 0,71273) e fauna marinha (87Sr/86Sr = 0,70917). A razão 87Sr/86Sr dos indivíduos classificados como locais variou de 0,70905 a 0,71064, sendo próxima a razão de estrôncio existente nos oceanos e distante da razão obtida para a fauna terrestre do mesmo sítio, indicando uma influência marinha na origem do estrôncio dos habitantes desse sambaqui. Foram identificados de três indivíduos não locais (87Sr/86Sr = 0,70761 a 0,70835), sepultados em ambas camadas arqueológicas sem evidência e com evidência de cerâmica. Estes indivíduos podem ter origem no planalto catarinense, no entorno do município de Lages, ou do planalto curitibano. A ocorrência de uma pequena diferença entre as razões isotópicas dos indivíduos locais sepultados nas camadas sem evidência de cerâmica, daqueles sepultados nas camadas ceramistas, sugere a possibilidade de uma mudança nos padrões de alimentação entre esses dois momentos de ocupação do sítio.

Projeto ciência até os ossos: primeiras atividades e desafios / Science to the bones project: first activities and challenges

No projeto Ciência até os ossos temos como objetivo contribuir para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de divulgação científica, especialmente na área da Antropologia Biológica. Neste artigo, fizemos um balanço de três de anos de realização de atividades pedagógicas voltadas para eventos com audiência de perfil variado, a saber, a comemoração do aniversário do Museu Nacional, evento no qual a instituição, seus departamentos e laboratórios desenvolvem e apresentam, ao público em geral, diversas atividades durante três dias. Assim, a partir do desenvolvimento, aplicação e reformulação de quatro atividades diferentes, voltadas desde o público infantil até o jovem e adulto, faz-se premente um balanço dos êxitos e desafios particulares à divulgação científica em Antropologia Biológica.

Projeto ciência até os ossos: primeiras atividades e desafios / Science to the bones project: first activities and challenges

No projeto Ciência até os ossos temos como objetivo contribuir para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de divulgação científica, especialmente na área da Antropologia Biológica. Neste artigo, fizemos um balanço de três de anos de realização de atividades pedagógicas voltadas para eventos com audiência de perfil variado, a saber, a comemoração do aniversário do Museu Nacional, evento no qual a instituição, seus departamentos e laboratórios desenvolvem e apresentam, ao público em geral, diversas atividades durante três dias. Assim, a partir do desenvolvimento, aplicação e reformulação de quatro atividades diferentes, voltadas desde o público infantil até o jovem e adulto, faz-se premente um balanço dos êxitos e desafios particulares à divulgação científica em Antropologia Biológica.

Mobilidade humana no litoral brasileiro: análise de isótopos de estrôncio no Sambaqui do Forte Marechal Luz / Human mobility in the Brazilian coast: analysis of isotopes of strontium in the Sambaqui Forte Marechal Luz

Isótopos de estrôncio têm sido usados com êxito na identificação de padrões demobilidade humana por diversos autores. Apesar de a técnica ter sido desenvolvida há mais de duas décadas, ela foi pouco utilizada em populações construtoras de sambaquis do sul do Brasil. O presente estudo analisou esmalte dentário de indivíduos sepultados no sítio Forte Marechal Luz, um sítio escavado por Alan Bryan na década de 1960, que apresenta pacotes arqueológicos sem presença de cerâmica e com presença de cerâmica,situado em Santa Catarina, Brasil, na tentativa de identificar indivíduos não locais originados de sítios ceramistas do interior. Os resultados apontam a existência de três indivíduos não locais (9.4 por cento do total), possivelmente originados do Planalto Catarinense, próximo ao município de Lages, ou do Planalto Curitibano. Os não locais foram encontrados tanto no nível pré-ceramista como no ceramista. A razão isotópica dos indivíduos considerados locais é mais próxima da razão isotópica da água do mar do que da razão isotópica da fauna terrestre, indicando forte influência marinha na dieta dessas populações. Por outro lado, ressaltase que remanescentes de fauna terrestre analisados apresentaram valores isotópicos significativamente mais elevados, indicando sua contribuição limitada como fonte alimentar desses indivíduos.

For more than two decades many authors have successfully identified patterns of human mobility using Strontium isotopes. However, there are no conclusive studies using this technique with the shellmounds of the south of Brazil. This study analyzedtooth enamel of individuals buried in a pre-ceramic and a ceramic occupation of the archaeological site of Forte Marechal Luz, located in the coast of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, in order to identify outsiders within the local population, from ceramic sites located in the hinterland of south Brazil. The results indicated three non-local individuals (9.4%), possibly from thePlanalto Catarinense, near Lages-SC city, or from the Planalto Curitibano, around Curitiba-PR City. There are non-local individuals in both pre-ceramic and ceramic occupations of the Forte Marechal Luz site. The isotopic ratios found for the locals are very similar to the ratio of seawater, indicating a strong relationship between the locals and marine resources, including food and water. The terrestrial fauna analyzedpresented significantly higher ratios than the human strontium rations, indicating that it had less contribution for the local population’s diet than marine resources.

Mobilidade humana no litoral brasileiro: análise de isótopos de estrôncio no Sambaqui do Forte Marechal Luz / Human mobility in the Brazilian coast: analysis of isotopes of strontium in the Sambaqui Forte Marechal Luz

Isótopos de estrôncio têm sido usados com êxito na identificação de padrões de mobilidade humana por diversos autores. Apesar de a técnica ter sido desenvolvida há mais de duas décadas, ela foi pouco utilizada em populações construtoras de sambaquis do sul do Brasil. O presente estudo analisou esmalte dentário de indivíduos sepultados no sítio Forte Marechal Luz, um sítio escavado por Alan Bryan na década de 1960, que apresenta pacotes arqueológicos sem presença de cerâmica e com presença de cerâmica, situado em Santa Catarina, Brasil, na tentativa de identificar indivíduos não locais originados de sítios ceramistas do interior. Os resultados apontam a existência de três indivíduos não locais (9.4 por cento do total), possivelmente originados do Planalto Catarinense, próximo ao município de Lages, ou do Planalto Curitibano. Os não locais foram encontrados tanto no nível pré-ceramista como no ceramista. A razão isotópica dos indivíduos considerados locais é mais próxima da razão isotópica da água do mar do que da razão isotópica da fauna terrestre, indicando forte influência marinha na dieta dessas populações. Por outro lado, ressalta-se que remanescentes de fauna terrestre analisados apresentaram valores isotópicos significativamente mais elevados, indicando sua contribuição limitada como fonte alimentar desses indivíduos.