Associations between real-life light exposure patterns and sleep behaviour in adolescents.

One of the most striking changes in the regulation of sleep-wake behaviour during adolescence is circadian phase delay. Light exposure synchronises circadian rhythms, impacting sleep regulation, however, the influence of real-life light exposure on sleep variations remains less clear. We aimed to describe the sleep and light exposure patterns of high school students with comparable schedules and socio-economic backgrounds, and to evaluate whether there was any association between them, considering chronotype. We analysed five school days and two free days of actigraphy records, from 35 adolescents (24 female, mean age: 16.23 ± 0.60). The sample was described using the Sleep Regularity Index (SRI), chronotype (actigraphy MSFsc), and self-reported diurnal preference (Morning/Evening Scale). Regression models were constructed to assess the impact of light exposure (daytime and nighttime) on subsequent sleep episodes; and to confirm whether the associations could be an indirect consequence of chronotype. Despite following similar routines, the SRI varied considerably (48.25 to 88.28). There was compatibility between the actigraphy proxy for chronotype and the self-reported diurnal preference, extracted using the circadian rhythm scale for adolescents. Less light exposure during the day was associated with later sleep onset and shorter sleep duration. An increase of 100 lux in average daytime light exposure advance of 8.08 minutes in sleep onset and 7.16 min in sleep offset. When the regressions were controlled for chronotype, these associations persisted. These findings facilitate discussions regarding the behavioural aspect of the impact of real-life light exposure on sleep and its potential as a target for interventions aiming to enhance adolescents' sleep quality.

Artificial Intelligence, the Production of Scientific Texts, and the Implications for Sleep Science: Exploring Emerging Paradigms and Perspectives.

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many fields, including natural language processing, and marks a potential paradigm shift in the way we evaluate knowledge. One significant innovation in this area is ChatGPT, a large language model based on the GPT-3.5 architecture created by OpenAI, with one of its main aims being to aid in general text writing, including scientific texts. Here, we highlight the challenges and opportunities related to using generative AI and discuss both the benefits of its use, such as saving time by streamlining the writing process and reducing the amount of time spent on mundane tasks, and the potential drawbacks, including concerns regarding the accuracy and reliability of the information generated and its ethical use. In respect of both education and the writing of scientific texts, clear rules and objectives and institutional principles must be established for the use of AI. We also consider the positive and negative effects of the use of AI technologies on interpersonal interactions and behavior, and, as sleep scientists, its potential impacts on sleep. Striking a balance between the benefits and potential drawbacks of integrating AI into society demands ongoing research by experts, the wide dissemination of the scientific results, as well as continued public discourse on the subject.

Sleep is associated with telomere shortening: A population-based longitudinal study.

As the chronological age increases, there is a decrease in the telomere length (TL). Associations between TL and age-related diseases have been described. Since the major pathophysiological factors related to inadequate sleep (including sleep complaints and sleep disorders) contribute to the exacerbation of inflammation and oxidative stress, an association of sleep and TL has been proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between sleep-related variables with TL in a longitudinal framework. We used data derived from the EPISONO cohort, which was followed over 8 years. All individuals answered sleep-related questionnaires, underwent a full-night polysomnography (PSG), and had their blood collected for DNA extraction. The TL was measured through a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, physical activity status, and the 10 principal components (ancestry estimate) were considered covariables. Of the 1042 individuals in the EPISONO cohort, 68.3% agreed to participate in the follow-up study (n = 712). Baseline SpO2 (ß = 0.008, p = 0.007), medium SpO2 (ß = 0.013, p = 0.013), and total sleep time <90% (ß = -0.122, p = 0.012) had an effect on TL from the follow-up. The 8 year TL attrition was inversely associated with total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep architecture variables, wake after sleep onset, arousal index, oxygen-related variables baseline, and the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We conclude that individuals with worse sleep quality, alterations in sleep architecture, and OSA had greater TL attrition over the 8 years. Using a longitudinal approach, these findings confirm previous cross-sectional evidence linking sleep with accelerated biological ageing.

Bimodal diurnal preference in undergraduate students is associated with negative health and sleep outcomes.

The bimodal preference is a fourth diurnal preference proposed by re-scoring the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. The present work aimed to describe the prevalence of the bimodal preference in a sample of undergraduate students and to characterize the bimodal type in terms of their health and sleep-related outcomes. A web-based cross-sectional study conducted between September 2018 and March 2021 (convenience sampling method). The sample was composed of undergraduate students who completed an electronic form that included the Morningness and Eveningness Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Self-Compassion Scale, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the World Health Organization Subjective Well-Being Index. The final sample consisted of 615 students (82% female, mean age: 23.4 ± 6.5 years), of whom 108 (18%) had positive bimodality indexes. Bimodal subjects comprised 48 students, 8% of the total sample. Bimodal subjects had poorer subjective sleep quality, more daytime sleepiness, lower subjective well-being, greater anxiety and depression symptoms, and lower self-compassion than morning and/or intermediate types; they did not differ from evening types. The description of bimodal diurnal preference in this population may be of interest for the design of academic policies more in line with the circadian reality of students.

Homocysteine as a predictor of apnea-hypopnea index in obstructive sleep apnea: a longitudinal epidemiological study (EPISONO).

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects nearly 1 billion people globally, and has established links with cardiovascular and neurocognitive complications. Although it has some limitations, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is commonly used to gauge OSA severity and therapeutic response. Homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism, when impaired, can elicit cellular senescence mechanisms that may be shared with OSA. Hence, our objective was to explore the role of Hcy concentrations both as a predictor of AHI values and as a potential risk factor for OSA. METHODS: Involving 1042 volunteers aged 20 to 80 years, the initial study (2007) included polysomnographic evaluations, questionnaires on sleep and general health, as well as biochemical analyses. After an 8-year interval, 715 participants from the initial study were invited for a follow-up assessment in 2015. RESULTS: Our findings showed that Hcy was a predictor for an increased AHI, and AHI increased over time. Individuals with plasma Hcy concentrations ≥ 15 µmol/L experienced an average AHI increase of 7.43 events/hour ([beta coefficient] ß = 7.43; 95%CI 2.73 to 12.13) over time, compared to those with plasma concentrations < 10 µmol/L. A similar trend was apparent in those with plasma Hcy concentrations between 10 ≥ and < 15 µmol/L, who had an AHI increase with an average beta coefficient of 3.20 events/hour (95%CI 1.01 to 5.39) compared to those with plasma Hcy concentrations < 10 µmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our study suggests that increased plasma Hcy concentrations could be considered a risk factor for the development of OSA. These findings highlight that elevated plasma Hcy concentrations can predict the severity of OSA, underscoring their correlation with the AHI.

The effects of social jetlag and sleep variability on sleepiness in a population-based study: The mediating role of sleep debt.

Sleepiness is a multicausal condition, and previous research has highlighted associations between this symptom and the circadian timing system, specifically concerning social jetlag and sleep variability. Recent inquiries have shown that the effects of social jetlag on sleepiness can be confounded with the consequences of sleep debt. In light of the current evidence, we aimed to assess the effects of social jetlag and sleep variability on sleepiness and the potential mediating role of sleep debt. We used data from the EPISONO study, a cross-sectional population-based study with a sample size of 1042 participants, representative of the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Participants completed the UNIFESP Sleep Questionnaire (self-reported bedtime and get-up time) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (subjective daytime sleepiness). Subsequently, sleep-corrected mid-sleep time (chronotype), total sleep time, social jetlag (absolute difference between the mid-sleep time on workdays and mid-sleep time on free days), sleep variability (standard deviation of mid-sleep time), and sleep debt (difference between total sleep time on workdays and free days) were calculated. Generalised linear models were used to test whether social jetlag and sleep variability affected sleepiness. Mediation models were used to determine if any observed significant effects were mediated by sleep debt. The prevalence of social jetlag was 23% for >1 h and 12% for >2 h. The mean sleep variability was 41 ± 30 min. Social jetlag had a significant effect on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores. This association was no longer statistically significant after controlling for age, sex, body mass index, work schedule, and chronotype. A significant indirect effect of social jetlag on sleep debt and subsequently on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores was found. No effect of sleep variability on sleepiness could be identified. In conclusion, the association between social jetlag and sleepiness was mediated by sleep debt but was not independent of demographic, work, and chronotype variables. This study provides new evidence on the importance of circadian misalignment and sleep debt for sleep health on a population level.

Sleep patterns according to genetically determined ethnicity in the population of São Paulo, Brazil.

Sleep is a behavior expressed differently for each individual. However, studies have shown that some ethnic groups express common sleep patterns, which can be observed in different ethnic groups. Previous studies have shown the existence of sleep disparities in populations of different ethnicities. Most of these studies have considered self-reported ethnicity and assessed sleep subjectively. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate sleep disparities in different ethnic groups based on an analysis of genetic ancestry and the use of objective sleep evaluation. To do this, we used data from the São Paulo Epidemiologic Sleep Study (EPISONO), which was undertaken in Brazil, a country that is known for its ethnic/racial diversity. All individuals completed a series of questionnaires, underwent full polysomnography and had their blood collected for DNA extraction. After genotyping and identifying samples with high-quality DNA suitable for genetic analysis, 31 ancestry-informative markers (AIMs) were selected. These markers exhibited substantial allelic frequency differences, enabling the characterization of the three primary founding populations of modern Brazil - Europeans, West-Africans, and Native Americans. Through this analysis, the genetic contribution of each of these ancestral groups was identified in respect of each participant. Based on this, a latent class cluster analysis (LCCA) was performed to define the three clusters that best classified the sample according to ethnic group: African (n = 255), Caucasian (n = 668) and Native American (n = 83). Applying the adjusted model for the confounding variables (age, socio-economic class and sex), statistically significant differences in sleep variables between ethnicities were found. Africans had higher sleep latency compared to the other groups (ß = 4.46, CI = 1.18 to 7.74 and ß = 7.83, CI = 3.50 to 12.15), while Caucasians had longer total sleep time (ß = -16.47, CI = -29.94 to -2.99) and better sleep efficiency (ß = -2.19, CI = -4.35 to -0.02) compared to Africans. Regarding the respiratory arousals index (ß = -1.11, IC = -2.07 to -0.16) and periodic leg movements index (ß = -7.48, CI = -12.08 to -2.88), both were higher among Caucasians compared to Africans. We were able to conclude that genetic ancestry might modulate sleep structure and the occurrence of sleep disorders.

Social jetlag is associated with adverse cardiometabolic latent traits in early adolescence: an observational study.

Introduction: Adolescence is marked by physiological and social changes, such as puberty, increased responsibilities and earlier school start times. This often leads to insufficient sleep on school nights and the need to compensate for lost sleep on weekends, causing a misalignment between biological and social times, which has been termed social jetlag (SJL). SJL triggers stress responses and is associated with several negative health outcomes, including higher cardiometabolic risk in adults. In adolescence, however, SJL has only been consistently related to increases in adiposity but its association with other cardiometabolic indicators are unclear. Method: In a sample of 278 healthy early adolescents (9-15 years of age; 168 girls) we investigated: 1) whether self-reported SJL is associated (using path analyses) with a cardiometabolic status latent factor obtained by testing the best fitting model via confirmatory factor analyses from an initial set of eight indicators [body mass index (BMI), waist/height ratio, triglyceride concentration, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio (chol/HDL), and % body fat]; and 2) whether age and/or pubertal status influence the association between SJL and cardiometabolic status. Result: We found that, for girls, higher SJL was associated with more adverse cardiometabolic latent scores (the shared variance of BMI, waist/height ratio, chol/HDL and systolic blood pressure, which had acceptable model fit indices). However, the role of age and pubertal status in this association was unclear for both sexes. Discussion: SJL was associated with adverse cardiometabolic latent traits beyond increases in adiposity in this observational study in early female adolescents. Because disruptions of circadian rhythms are believed to lead to dysregulated energy homeostasis and not vice-versa, our findings highlight the need for sleep interventions in adolescence to help reduce the global burden of cardiometabolic ill health, especially in girls.

Vitamin B12 attenuates leukocyte inflammatory signature in COVID-19 via methyl-dependent changes in epigenetic markings.

COVID-19 induces chromatin remodeling in host immune cells, and it had previously been shown that vitamin B12 downregulates some inflammatory genes via methyl-dependent epigenetic mechanisms. In this work, whole blood cultures from moderate or severe COVID-19 patients were used to assess the potential of B12 as adjuvant drug. The vitamin normalized the expression of a panel of inflammatory genes still dysregulated in the leukocytes despite glucocorticoid therapy during hospitalization. B12 also increased the flux of the sulfur amino acid pathway, that regulates the bioavailability of methyl. Accordingly, B12-induced downregulation of CCL3 strongly and negatively correlated with the hypermethylation of CpGs in its regulatory regions. Transcriptome analysis revealed that B12 attenuates the effects of COVID-19 on most inflammation-related pathways affected by the disease. As far as we are aware, this is the first study to demonstrate that pharmacological modulation of epigenetic markings in leukocytes favorably regulates central components of COVID-19 physiopathology.

Mediation analysis of circadian preferences and other behavioral and sociodemographic factors associated with subjective well-being in undergraduate students.

Undergraduate students are usually subjected to a routine with constant pressure, stress, circadian misalignment, and sleep irregularity that impairs their subjective well-being. Recent evidence suggests that circadian preference is also a risk factor for impaired mental health and factors related to subjective well-being. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with subjective well-being and describe the mediating behavioral variables. Between September 2018 and March 2021, 615 Brazilian students enrolled in higher educational institutions completed an electronic form containing questionnaires on subjective well-being, sociodemographic, and behavioral-related factors (convenience sample). A statistical mediation model was applied to describe how these variables influence subjective well-being. We observed that Morningness (p < .001), identification with the male gender (p = .010), not working while studying (p = .048), and the practice of Pilates/yoga (p = .028) were associated with greater subjective well-being. Except for employment status, no direct effects were observed, which reinforces the need to consider a multidimensional approach. The relationship between subjective well-being and sociodemographic factors exists only in the presence of behavioral mediators, specifically perceived stress, daytime sleepiness, symptoms of depression, sleep quality, and positive and negative affects. Future work should investigate in more detail the impact of sleep, stress, and circadian preferences on this relationship.

An Overview of the Methods Used to Measure the Impact of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Sleep-Related Outcomes.

Introduction Systematic reviews and metanalyses have shown that mindfulness-based interventions can have positive effects on health, such as reducing anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. However, their effect on sleep-related outcomes is not yet well established. Sleep can be assessed subjectively (questionnaires, sleep logs, self-reporting) and/or objectively (actigraphy, polysomnography, biological markers), and outcomes may differ depending on which type of assessment is used. Objective In this study, we present a literature overview on mindfulness and sleep, innovatively presenting and discussing studies that address sleep subjectively and objectively. Methods The search was undertaken using four databases (Pubmed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Psychinfo) in September 2019, and repeated in May 2021. Studies were analyzed through a two-step process: (1) reading titles and abstracts, and (2) full text analysis that met the review's eligibility criteria, with the final sample comprising 193 articles. We observed a growth in the number of studies published, particularly since 2005. However, this was mostly due to an increase in studies based on subjective research. There is a moderate to nonexistent agreement between objective and subjective sleep measures, with results of subjective measures having higher variability and uncertainty.We identified 151 articles (78%) using an exclusively subjective sleep evaluation, which can cause a misperception about mindfulness effects on sleep. Conclusion Future studies should place greater emphasis on objective measurements to accurately investigate the effects of mindfulness practices on sleep, although subjective measures also have a role to play in respect of some aspects of this relationship.

Resistance Training Improves Sleep and Anti-Inflammatory Parameters in Sarcopenic Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sleep and exercise have an important role in the development of several inflammation-related diseases, including sarcopenia. Objective: To investigate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance exercise training on sleep and inflammatory status in sarcopenic patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial comparing resistance exercise training (RET) with a control (CTL) was conducted. Outcomes were obtained by physical tests, polysomnography, questionnaires, isokinetic/isometric dynamometry tests, and biochemical analysis. Results: Time to sleep onset (sleep latency) was reduced in the RET group compared to the CTL group (16.09 ± 15.21 vs. 29.98 ± 16.09 min; p = 0.04) after the intervention. The percentage of slow-wave sleep (N3 sleep) was increased in the RET group (0.70%, CI: 7.27−16.16 vs. −4.90%, CI: 7.06−16.70; p = 0.04) in an intention to treat analysis. Apnea/hour was reduced in the RET group (16.82 ± 14.11 vs. 7.37 ± 7.55; p = 0.001) and subjective sleep quality was improved compared to the CTL (−1.50; CI: 2.76−6.14 vs. 0.00; CI: 1.67−3.84 p = 0.02) in an intention-to-treat analysis. Levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) (2.13 ± 0.80 vs. 2.51 ± 0.99; p < 0.03) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) (0.99 ± 0.10 vs. 0.99 ± 0.10 ng/mL; p < 0.04; delta variation) were increased in the RET group. Conclusions: RET improves sleep parameters linked to muscle performance, possibly due to an increase in anti-inflammatory markers in older sarcopenic patients.

Reduced circulating folate among older adults caused by continuous work: nested cross-sectional study conducted in a country with folic acid fortification program.

Population aging is 1 of the biggest challenges facing public health today, and cognitive dysfunction is an important concern. Cognitive impairment may be associated with high folate concentrations and low vitamin B12 concentrations; the latter is a common problem among elderly people. Therefore, we hypothesized there was a high circulating folate concentration among older people living in a country with a mandatory folic acid fortification program. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate nutritional status of folate and vitamin B12 among aged people. Three dietary recalls, serum folate (sfolate), erythrocyte (red blood cell) folate (RBC folate), and serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine were collected. Linear regression models were used to investigate factors associated with circulating vitamins. We interviewed 169 participants. Half reported inadequate consumption of folate. However, RBC folate deficiency was observed in 27%, 13% in the serum, and a 10% excess of sfolate. One-quarter reported inadequate consumption of B12, but only 5% had deficiency. Factors negatively associated with circulating folate were continuous work and smoking, and positively associated with polyunsaturated fatty acid. Factor negatively associated with the circulating B12 were use of a dental prosthesis and intake of saturated fatty acid. Permanent investigation of excess of sfolate and B12 deficiency, especially among older adults living in countries exposed to a mandatory folic acid fortification program, is important because of the possible relation to the cognitive function.

Functional characterization of novel variants found in patients with suspected Fabry disease.

The deficiency or absence of the lysosomal hydrolase α-Galactosidase A results in Fabry disease (FD), a rare and underdiagnosed X-linked disorder. The symptoms caused by FD have a direct relation with the variant present in the gene coding α-Galactosidase A (GLA) and enzyme residual activity, and it can vary drastically between men and women of the same family. Here, we present four novel variants found in patients with suspicion of FD. The patients were screened for FD by enzymatic activity and/or DNA sequencing, which showed four novel GLA missense variants. To confirm the potential pathogenicity of these variants, we employed site-directed mutagenesis. GLA wild-type and mutant plasmids were transfected into mammalian cells; RNA and proteins were extracted for expression and enzymatic activity analysis. The patients presented the variants p.Ile133Asn, p.Lys140Thr, p.Lys168Gln and p.Pro323Thr in the GLA. In vitro analysis showed pathogenic potential of three variants and one tolerated variant. The variants p.Ile133Asn and p.Lys168Gln showed no residual activity and, therefore, leading to classical phenotype, and the variant p.Lys140Thr, which presented 22% of residual activity, was considered a mild variant leading to non-classical phenotype. The variant p.Pro323Thr presented 66.7% of residual activity and alone, it is not enough to cause FD.

Fostering emotional self-regulation in female teachers at the public teaching network: A mindfulness-based intervention improving psychological measures and inflammatory biomarkers.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a mindfulness-based program specifically designed for teachers in reducing perceived stress and improving the quality of experienced emotion in female active working teachers. A second outcome evaluated is the associated change in cellular inflammatory activity, measured by peripheral blood levels of cytokines. METHOD: Eighty-eight female active teachers from public schools from São Paulo Municipality were recruited, and randomly allocated to an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Health Program for Educators (MBHP-Educa) or to Neuroscience for Education Program (Neuro-Educa: active control group). The venue of both programs were several public school facilities, where many of the teachers actually worked. Both groups received activities during eight weeks in a 2 â€‹h/week regimen, totalizing 16 â€‹h. Sixty-five participants completed the program and pre- and post-interventions measures were taken from the following scales: Interpersonal Multidimensional Reactivity Scale (IRI), Positive-and-Negative Affects Scale (PANAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and a primary outcome in Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale (PBWS). At pre-and post-intervention, blood samples were collected for the measurement of several important inflammatory biomarkers, Tumor Necrosis Factor - α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 8 (IL-8), Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and Interleukin 12p70 (IL-12P70) through flow cytometry assay. Intervention effects were analyzed via Generalized mixed models (GLMM). RESULTS: According to the GLMM, MBHP-Educa significantly reduced the scores of perceived stress (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001), and negative affect (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001) compared to active control group (Neuro-Educa). Conversely, an increase was observed on Psychological Well Being Scale in dimensions of Self-acceptance (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001), and Autonomy (p â€‹= â€‹0.001), as well as improvements in Resilience (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001), and Positive Affect (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001). MBHP-Educa also promoted a reduction in the levels of IL-6 (p â€‹= â€‹0.003), IL-8 (p â€‹= â€‹0.036), and increase in the levels of IL-10 (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001) and IL-12p70 (p â€‹< â€‹0.044). TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-10p70 showed results below theoretical limit of detection accepted for CBA kit. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that mindfulness-based interventions introduced as a strategy for reducing stress, promoting well-being and improve immune function can be a useful asset in promoting psychological health among teachers in Basic Education.

The reproducibility of clinical OSA subtypes: a population-based longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: The identification of subgroups of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is critical to understand disease outcome and treatment response and ultimately develop optimal care strategies customized for each subgroup. In this sense, we aimed to perform a cluster analysis to identify subgroups of individuals with OSA based on clinical parameters in the Epidemiological Sleep Study of São Paulo city (EPISONO). We aimed to analyze whether or not subgroups remain after 8 years, since there is not any evidence showing if these subtypes of clinical presentation of OSA in the same population can change overtime. METHODS: We used data derived from EPISONO cohort, which was followed over 8 years after baseline evaluation. All individuals underwent polysomnography, answered questionnaires, and had their blood collected for biochemical examinations. OSA was defined according to AHI ≥ 15 events/h. Cluster analysis was performed using latent class analysis (LCA). RESULTS: Of the 1042 individuals in the EPISONO cohort, 68% agreed to participate in the follow-up study (n = 712), and 704 were included in the analysis. We were able to replicate the OSA 3-cluster solution observed in previous studies: disturbed sleep, minimally symptomatic and excessively sleepy in both baseline (36%, 45% and 19%, respectively) and follow-up studies (42%, 43%, and 15%, respectively). The optimal cluster solution for our sample based on Bayesian information criterion (BIC) was 2 cluster for baseline (disturbed sleep and excessively sleepy) and 3 clusters for follow-up (disturbed sleep, minimally symptomatic, and excessively sleepy). A total of 45% of the participants migrated clusters between the two evaluations (and the factor associated with this was a greater delta-AHI (B = - 0.033, df = 1, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The results replicate and confirm previously identified clinical clusters in OSA which remain in the longitudinal analysis, with some percentage of migration between clusters.

Maternal methionine supplementation in mice affects long-term body weight and locomotor activity of adult female offspring.

Methionine is a precursor of s-adenosylmethionine, the main donor of methyl radicals for methylation of DNA and other compounds. Previous studies have shown that reduced availability of methyl radicals during pregnancy/lactation decreased offspring perigonadal white adipose tissue (PWAT) and body weight. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of methionine supplementation during early development, a time of great ontogenic plasticity, by assessing the biometric, biochemical and behavioural parameters of the offspring of adult Swiss female mice supplemented with 1 % methionine in water 1 month before pregnancy, during pregnancy or pregnancy/lactation. After birth, the offspring were distributed into three groups: control (CT), methionine supplementation during pregnancy (SP) and methionine supplementation during pregnancy and lactation (SPL), and were followed until postnatal day (PND) 300. No changes were observed in offspring birth weight in both sexes. At PND 5, 28 and 90, no differences in body weight were found in females; however, at PND 300, SP and SPL females showed an increase in body weight when compared with the control group. This increase in body weight was accompanied by a total and relative increase in PWAT, and a decrease in locomotor activity in these groups. No differences in the body and organ weights were found in male offspring. In conclusion, the increased availability of methyl radicals during pregnancy and lactation impacted long-term body composition and locomotor activity in female offspring.

Reproduction in Animal Models of Lysosomal Storage Diseases: A Scoping Review.

Background: Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are caused by a mutation in a specific gene. Enzymatic dysfunction results in a progressive storage of substrates that gradually affects lysosomal, cellular and tissue physiology. Their pathophysiological consequences vary according to the nature of the stored substrate, making LSDs complex and multisystemic diseases. Some LSDs result in near normal life expectancies, and advances in treatments mean that more people reach the age to have children, so considering the effects of LSDs on fertility and the risks associated with having children is of growing importance. Objectives: As there is a lack of clinical studies describing the effect of LSDs on the physiology of reproductivity, we undertook a scoping review of studies using animal models of LSDs focusing on reproductive parameters. Methods: We searched six databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and SciELO, and identified 49 articles that met our inclusion criteria. Results: The majority of the studies used male animal models, and a number reported severe morphological and physiological damage in gametes and gonads in models of sphingolipidoses. Models of other LSDs, such as mucopolysaccharidoses, presented important morphological damage. Conclusion: Many of the models found alterations in reproductive systems. Any signs of subfertility or morphological damage in animal models are important, particularly in rodents which are extremely fertile, and may have implications for individuals with LSDs. We suggest the use of more female animal models to better understand the physiopathology of the diseases, and the use of clinical case studies to further explore the risks of individuals with LSDs having children.

Mindfulness meditation training effects on quality of life, immune function and glutathione metabolism in service healthy female teachers: A randomized pilot clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the crucial role of educators in encourage students' academic learning, addressing educator stress inside the classroom remains a significant challenge in the educational context. Mindfulness Meditation training (MM) has been recommended as an environmental enrichment strategy in schools to help teachers cope with stress and cultivating a state of awareness in daily life. Although studies have shown that MM can improve immune system dynamics the biological mechanism underlying glutathione metabolism in a healthy human is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether MM training benefits psychological and behavioral response, immunological functions and glutathione metabolism in service healthy female teachers from public schools. METHODS: We randomly assigned 76 teachers to an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Health Program for Educators (MBHPEduca) or Neuroscience for Education program (Neuro-Educa; active control group). Using the quality of life as our primary outcome, perceived stress, negative affectivity, and resilience as our secondary outcome, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and glutathione levels as our third outcome at baseline and post-intervention that occurred in public schools. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of three proinflammatory markers, including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) and three GSH metabolism, including Cysteine (Cys), Homocysteine (HCys) and GSH were conducted at pre-and post-intervention, with selfreported assessments over time. Treatment effects were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with to intention to treat. RESULTS: We observed statistically significant improvements to the MBHP-Educa group compared to active control in perceived stress, resilience, positive and negative affect, and quality of life after 8-weeks MM (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001). Further, the MBHP-Educa group exhibited lower circulating IL-6 production accompanied by high circulating GSH, and Cys (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001). Additional analyses indicated that enhancing quality of life through mindfulness meditation training was mediated by reducing perceived stress and serum levels of IL- 6 and increasing resilience and teachers 'plasma GSH levels. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is a pilot trial with low-power and provides preliminary evidence that mindfulness meditation training help teachers to cope with stress in the school environment with an impact on the quality of life, immune function, and glutathione metabolism.

Nandrolone decanoate and resistance exercise affect body composition and energy metabolism.

Our aim was to evaluate the independent and associated effects of nandrolone decanoate (DECA) and resistance exercise (REx) on central and peripheral hormones and neuropeptides related to energy balance in male rats. The experimental protocol was performed for eight weeks and comprised four groups: control (C) - exposed to vehicle 3x/wk; trained (T) - REx 5x/wk and vehicle 3x/wk; decanoate (D) - exposed to DECA (5 mg/kg) 3x/wk, and REx with DECA (TD) - submitted to REx 5x/wk and DECA (5 mg/kg) 3x/wk. Cross-sectional area analysis of the gastrocnemius muscle was higher in the T and TD groups compared to the C group. Biometrical analyses showed a decrease in body weight only in the TD compared to the C group, however, a reduction in total fat mass was observed in both the T and TD when compared to the C group. In respect of hypothalamic mRNA expression, there was an increase in prepro-orexin in the T compared to the C group. In mesenteric fat there was a decrease in leptin expression in the T and TD compared to the C group. Plasma evaluations showed reduced leptin concentrations in D, T and TD compared to C, and an increase in orexin-A in the D group compared to the C and T groups. Our data showed that REx was related to central and peripheral changes in energy metabolism, while DECA changed only peripheral components. REx associated with DECA promoted peripheral changes in energy metabolism and decreased body and fat weights.