Factors that Influence Growth Rates of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. Analysis of a Mexican Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) growth remains a process not fully understood. The objective of this study was to analyze risk factors associated with changes in AAA diameter in a Mexican cohort. METHODS: An observational study in which we analyzed the entirely of patients in which an AAA was reported in a Computed Tomography (CT) study from 2014 to 2021 who had a follow-up CT. We divided them by groups depending on the diagnosis of type 2 diabetic mellitus and pharmacological history (diabetic vs non-diabetic, metformin vs non-metformin intake and statin vs non-statin intake). We compared pre and post follow-up AAA diameters using paired t-tests. A multivariate analysis was performed in order to identify independent variables associated with an increased growth rate. Statistical analysis was performed on Stata 17. RESULTS: During the studied period 72 (39.77%) patients had a follow-up CT. Mean age was 75 years (±9.05) and 52 (72.22%) were men. When comparing infra-renal largest diameter through time based on metformin intake, a significant difference was found only in the metformin non-intake group (42.05 ± 12.54 vs45.34 ± 12.06 [P = 0.02]), in contrast the metformin intake group measures were non-significantly different (36.13 ± 7.04 vs 37.00 ± 4.51; P = 0.57) through follow-up. In the multivariate analysis AAA largest diameter at diagnosis correlated with significantly increased growth rate (coeff = 0.06, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AAA diameters appear to change through time in a non-linear pattern influenced by different epidemiological and clinical factors. Metformin intake appears to promote a stability in AAA diameter growth in our studied population.

Vegetarian and plant-based diets associated with lower incidence of COVID-19.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of dietary patterns on the incidence and evolution of COVID-19. We hypothesised that a plant-based diet or a vegetarian diet compared with an omnivorous diet might be associated with a lower incidence of COVID-19 infection and severity in those infected. Design: In this observational study, 702 participants provided information on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary information and COVID-19 outcomes between March and July of 2022. Individuals were divided into two groups based on their dietary habits, omnivorous (n=424) and plant-based (n=278). The plant-based group was further divided into vegetarian and flexitarian subgroups. The groups were compared with respect to the incidence of COVID-19 infection, severity and duration. We used multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the influence of dietary patterns. Results: Plant-based and vegetarian groups had a higher intake of vegetables, legumes and nuts, and lower intake of dairy and meat. After adjusting for important confounders, such as body mass index, physical activity and pre-existing medical conditions, the plant-based diet and vegetarian group had 39% (OR=0.61, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.85; p=0.003) and 39% (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.88; p=0.009) lower odds of the incidence of COVID-19 infection, respectively, compared with the omnivorous group. No association was observed between self-reported diets and COVID-19 severity or duration. Conclusion: Plant-based and mainly vegetarian diets were associated with a lower incidence of COVID-19 infection. These dietary patterns may be considered protective against COVID-19 infection. (Study protocol registered in CAAE: 54351421.4.0000.0068.).

Updates on Hydrogen Value Chain: A Strategic Roadmap.

A strategic roadmap for noncarbonized fuels is a global priority, and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is a key focus of the Paris Agreement to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures. In this context, hydrogen is a promising noncarbonized fuel, but the pace of its implementation will depend on the engineering advancements made at each step of its value chain. To accelerate its adoption, various applications of hydrogen across industries, transport, power, and building sectors have been identified, where it can be used as a feedstock, fuel, or energy carrier and storage. However, widespread usage of hydrogen will depend on its political, industrial, and social acceptance. It is essential to carefully assess the hydrogen value chain and compare it with existing solar technologies. The major challenge to widespread adoption of hydrogen is its cost as outlined in the roadmap for hydrogen. It needs to be produced at the levelized cost of hydrogen of less than $2 kg-1 to be competitive with the established process of steam methane reforming. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of each step of the hydrogen value chain, outlining both the current challenges and recent advances.

Could there be a slower physiological healing process in vegan individuals?

The article "Comparing Tattoo Removal Responses in Vegan and Omnivore Patients" by Fusano et al. investigates the clinical outcomes of Q-switched laser tattoo removal in vegans and omnivores. The study reveals that vegans required more laser sessions, exhibited poorer clinical responses, and experienced extended healing periods compared to omnivores. When well-planned vegetarian diets offer numerous health benefits. Unfortunately, the study does not assess the diets of the groups, nor does it address factors like hydration levels and prior skincare regimens, limiting the interpretation of results.

Is Photocatalysis the Next Technology to Produce Green Hydrogen to Enable the Net Zero Emissions Goal?

Energy security concerns require novel greener and more sustainable processes, and Paris Agreement goals have put in motion several measures aligned with the 2050 roadmap strategies and net zero emission goals. Renewable energies are a promising alternative to existing infrastructures, with solar energy one of the most appealing due to its use of the overabundant natural source of energy. Photocatalysis as a simple heterogeneous surface catalytic reaction is well placed to enter the realm of scaling up processes for wide scale implementation. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, artificial water splitting's beauty lies in its simplicity, requiring only light, a catalyst, and water. The bottlenecks to producing a high volume of hydrogen  are several: Reactors with efficient photonic/mass/heat profiles, multifunctional efficient solar-driven catalysts, and proliferation of pilot devices. Three case studies, developed in Japan, Spain, and France are showcased to emphasize efforts on a pilot and large-scale examples. In order for solar-assisted photocatalytic H2 to mature as a solution, the aforementioned bottlenecks must be overcome for the field to advance its technology readiness level, assess the capital expenditure, and enter the market.

Better Adequacy of Food Intake According to Dietary Recommendations of National Cholesterol Education Program in Vegetarian Compared to Omnivorous Men

Abstract Background The lower frequency of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors observed in vegetarians compared to omnivores may be due to more appropriate nutrient intake according to recommendations for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Objective To compare the dietary adequacy according to the recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) in apparently healthy vegetarian (VEG) and omnivorous (OMN) men. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, conducted with apparently healthy men (44 omnivorous and 44 vegetarians, ≥ 35 years), who were assessed for daily food consumption, anthropometric data, physical exercise status, and clinical data. Multiple logistic regression was used to test the association between the type of diet and the dietary adequacy. Significant values were considered for p<0.05. Results Several clinical CV risk markers were significantly lower in VEG when compared to OMN: body mass index (BMI) (23.1 vs. 27.3 kg/m2), systolic blood pressure (119.5 vs. 129.2 mmHg), and diastolic blood pressure (75.7 vs. 83.9 mmHg). VEG presented significant lower values of blood lipids and glucose. No significant difference was observed in caloric intake; however, VEG consumed significantly more carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and polyunsaturated fats. VEG presented an adequate consumption of dietary cholesterol and saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, regardless of caloric intake and age. Conclusion VEG were more likely to consume saturated fatty acids, dietary cholesterol, and fibers according to the recommendations of NCEP, factors that may contribute to lower levels of CV risk markers than OMN.

A stellar stream remnant of a globular cluster below the metallicity floor.

Stellar ejecta gradually enrich the gas out of which subsequent stars form, making the least chemically enriched stellar systems direct fossils of structures formed in the early Universe1. Although a few hundred stars with metal content below 1,000th of the solar iron content are known in the Galaxy2-4, none of them inhabit globular clusters, some of the oldest known stellar structures. These show metal content of at least approximately 0.2% of the solar metallicity [Formula: see text]. This metallicity floor appears universal5,6, and it has been proposed that protogalaxies that merged into the galaxies we observe today were simply not massive enough to form clusters that survived to the present day7. Here we report observations of a stellar stream, C-19, whose metallicity is less than 0.05% of the solar metallicity [Formula: see text]. The low metallicity dispersion and the chemical abundances of the C-19 stars show that this stream is the tidal remnant of the most metal-poor globular cluster ever discovered, and is significantly below the purported metallicity floor: clusters with significantly lower metallicities than observed today existed in the past and contributed their stars to the Milky Way halo.

Effect of Water Content on Thermodynamic Properties of Compressed Hydrogen.

Force field-based molecular simulations were used to calculate thermal expansivities, heat capacities, and Joule-Thomson coefficients of binary (standard) hydrogen-water mixtures for temperatures between 366.15 and 423.15 K and pressures between 50 and 1000 bar. The mole fraction of water in saturated hydrogen-water mixtures in the gas phase ranges from 0.004 to 0.138. The same properties were calculated for pure hydrogen at 323.15 K and pressures between 100 and 1000 bar. Simulations were performed using the TIP3P and a modified TIP4P force field for water and the Marx, Vrabec, Cracknell, Buch, and Hirschfelder force fields for hydrogen. The vapor-liquid equilibria of hydrogen-water mixtures were calculated along the melting line of ice Ih, corresponding to temperatures between 264.21 and 272.4 K, using the TIP3P force field for water and the Marx force field for hydrogen. In this temperature range, the solubilities and the chemical potentials of hydrogen and water were obtained. Based on the computed solubility data of hydrogen in water, the freezing-point depression of water was computed ranging from 264.21 to 272.4 K. The modified TIP4P and Marx force fields were used to improve the solubility calculations of hydrogen-water mixtures reported in our previous study [Rahbari A.;J. Chem. Eng. Data2019, 64, 4103-4115] for temperatures between 323 and 423 K and pressures ranging from 100 to 1000 bar. The chemical potentials of ice Ih were calculated as a function of pressure between 100 and 1000 bar, along the melting line for temperatures between 264.21 and 272.4 K, using the IAPWS equation of state for ice Ih. We show that at low pressures, the presence of water has a large effect on the thermodynamic properties of compressed hydrogen. Our conclusions may have consequences for the energetics of a hydrogen refueling station using electrochemical hydrogen compressors.

Pode a humanidade prevenir as próximas pandemias por meio da nutrição vegetariana? / Can humankind prevent the next pandemics through the vegetarian nutrition?

As pandemias que enfrentamos podem ser um problema aparentemente novo para muitos, mas vários outros desastres de saúde pública já ocorreram em diferentes partes do mundo. A maioria das doenças infecciosas emergentes (60,3%) é causada por patógenos zoonóticos por meio da transmissão cruzada de espécies. No início da cadeia de transmissão zoonótica, a transmissão ocorre entre diferentes espécies animais; na segunda fase, a transmissão ocorre entre animais e humanos, até que a última fase do processo de transmissão ocorra entre humanos, levando a pandemias mundiais.1 Surpreendentemente, levando em consideração esse fato, Benatar et al. reconheceram, em 2007, que não se considerava que mudar a forma como os humanos tratam os animais, seja por não comê-los ou pelo menos por limitar radicalmente seu consumo, poderia ser a melhor forma de prevenir uma pandemia futura desconhecida.2

The pandemics we are facing may be an apparently new problem for many, but several other public health disasters have already occurred in different parts of the world. Most emerging infectious diseases (60.3%) are caused by zoonotic pathogens through the cross-transmission of species. In the beginning of the zoonotic transmission chain, transmission occurs between different animal species; in the second stage, transmission occurs between animals and humans, until the last stage of the transmission process takes place amonghumans, leading to worldwide pandemics.1Surprisingly, taking this factinto account, Benatar et al. recognized, in 2007, that mankinddid not consider that changing the way humans treat animals, either by noteating them or at least by radically limiting their consumption could be the best way to prevent an unknown future pandemics.2

Association of Omnivorous and Vegetarian Diets With Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms in Men.

Background Evidence that a vegetarian diet rich in antioxidants contributes to cardiovascular health are growing, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. HO-1 (heme-oxygenase-1), a marker of adaptive response, is protective against oxidative stress and has shown cardioprotective effects. Therefore, we evaluated circulating HO-1 levels and the effect of plasma from omnivorous and vegetarians in endothelial cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) on modulating NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2)/HO-1 and nitric oxide production. Methods and Results From 745 participants initially recruited, 44 omnivorous and 44 vegetarian men matched by age and absence of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases were included in this study. Circulating HO-1 was measured using ELISA and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with plasma from omnivorous and vegetarians. Higher circulating HO-1 concentrations were found in omnivorous compared with vegetarians. Plasma from omnivorous and not from vegetarians induced NRF2/HO-1 and nitric oxide production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and increased reactive oxygen species production and caspase activity after incubation with stressor stimulus. Conclusions We suggest that HO-1 induction in omnivorous may indicate a pro-oxidative status since HO-1 is activated under oxidative stress a state not seen in vegetarians.

Risk and lifestyle factors associated to chronic kidney disease. / Factores de riesgo y de estilo de vida asociados a enfermedad renal crónica.

Lifestyle has a determining influence on the progression of a chronic kidney disease (CKD), which starts with some kidney damage, that can remain and progress by the influence of risk factors and accumulate subsequent injury of kidney damage throughout life. It is more common in adults and frequently remains hidden from routine analysis, but if it can be detected early, treatment and healthy lifestyle can be applied, which would allow stopping or lengthening the progress of kidney damage, in order to avoid the need of a renal transplant or dialysis. The objective of this work was to show the possible lifestyles to apply, such as visits to the doctor, not smoking, have intense to moderate physical activity, consume enough vegetables and fruits, avoid diets high in carbohydrates and lipids. To carry out this review, it was obtained literature from databases between 1980 and 2017, freely accessible, using keywords like "chronic kidney disease (CKD)", "lifestyle" and "risk factors", and its equivalents in Spanish.

El estilo de vida tiene una influencia determinante en el avance de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), la cual inicia con algún daño renal que puede permanecer y progresar por la acción de factores de riesgo, además de que pueden agregarse lesiones renales a lo largo de la vida. Es más común en personas adultas y frecuentemente permanece oculta a los análisis habituales, pero si logra detectarse de manera temprana puede atenderse con el fin de aplicar estilos de vida saludables que permitan detener o alargar el avance del daño renal, para evitar o retardar la necesidad de diálisis o de trasplante. El objetivo de este trabajo es dar a conocer los posibles estilos de vida que se deben implementar, como las visitas al médico, no fumar, tener actividad de intensa a moderada, consumir suficientes vegetales y frutas, y evitar dietas altas en hidratos de carbono y lípidos. Para llevar a cabo la revisión se obtuvo literatura de bases de datos entre 1980 y 2017, de libre acceso, utilizando las palabras clave en inglés "chronic kidney disease (CKD)", "lifestyle" y "risk factors", y sus equivalentes en español.

Shortening telomere is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis biomarker in omnivorous but not in vegetarian healthy men.

Telomere length is considered to be a biomarker of biological aging and age-related disease. There are few studies that have evaluated the association between telomere length and diet, and none of them have evaluated the impact of a vegetarian diet on telomere length and its correlation with cardiovascular biomarkers in apparently healthy subjects. Therefore, our objectives were to evaluate leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in vegetarians and omnivorous subjects and its association with classical cardiovascular risk biomarkers. From the total of 745 participants initially recruited, 44 omnivorous and 44 vegetarian men apparently healthy were selected for this study and LTL was measured in 39 omnivorous and 41 vegetarians by Real-Time Quantitative PCR reaction. Although telomere length was not different between omnivorous and vegetarians, we found a strong negative correlation between LTL and IMT (intima-media thickness) in omnivorous, but not in vegetarian group. In addition, omnivorous who were classified with short telomere length had higher carotid IMT compared to vegetarians. Our data suggest that telomere length can be a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis in the omnivorous group.

Consumption of animal-based and processed food associated with cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis biomarkers in men.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of food consumption in apparently healthy men and their association with cardiovascular risk factors and biomarkers of subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS: In this observational study, 88 men had their food standard obtained through the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Associations of dietary patterns with cardiovascular risk factors, such as anthropometric data, laboratory and clinical evaluations, carotid-femoral arterial stiffness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity were evaluated. RESULTS: The highest values were observed, for most of the risk factors evaluated, with the highest frequency of weekly consumption of dairy products, meats, sweets, fats, cold meats, sodas, milk and white chocolate; and lower frequency of weekly consumption of fruits, cereals, vegetables, legumes, oilseeds, and soy. There was no significant difference for coffee and dark chocolate. CONCLUSIONS: A diet with high consumption of animal products has a higher correlation with cardiovascular risk factors; the opposite is true for the consumption of plant-based food, associated with the profile of more favorable biomarkers for cardiovascular health and better biochemical and structural parameters.

Consumption of animal-based and processed food associated with cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis biomarkers in men

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the frequency of food consumption in apparently healthy men and their association with cardiovascular risk factors and biomarkers of subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS In this observational study, 88 men had their food standard obtained through the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Associations of dietary patterns with cardiovascular risk factors, such as anthropometric data, laboratory and clinical evaluations, carotid-femoral arterial stiffness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity were evaluated. RESULTS The highest values were observed, for most of the risk factors evaluated, with the highest frequency of weekly consumption of dairy products, meats, sweets, fats, cold meats, sodas, milk and white chocolate; and lower frequency of weekly consumption of fruits, cereals, vegetables, legumes, oilseeds, and soy. There was no significant difference for coffee and dark chocolate CONCLUSIONS A diet with high consumption of animal products has a higher correlation with cardiovascular risk factors; the opposite is true for the consumption of plant-based food, associated with the profile of more favorable biomarkers for cardiovascular health and better biochemical and structural parameters.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a frequência do consumo alimentar de indivíduos homens aparentemente saudáveis e a associação desta com fatores de risco cardiovascular e biomarcadores de aterosclerose subclínica. MÉTODOS Neste estudo observacional, 88 homens tiveram o padrão alimentar obtido por meio do questionário de frequência alimentar (QFA). Foram avaliadas as associações dos padrões alimentares com os fatores de risco cardiovascular, como dados antropométricos, avaliações laboratoriais e clínica, rigidez arterial determinada pela carótida-femoral (IMT) e velocidade da onda de pulso (VOP). RESULTADOS O padrão observado para a maioria dos fatores de risco avaliados foi de valores mais altos, segundo maior frequência de consumo semanal de lácteos, carnes, doces, gorduras/frituras, embutidos, refrigerantes, chocolates ao leite e branco; e de menor frequência de consumo semanal de frutas, cereais, legumes, verduras, leguminosas, oleaginosas e soja. Não houve diferença significativa para café e chocolate amargo. CONCLUSÕES Uma dieta com alto consumo de produtos animais apresenta maior correlação com fatores de risco cardiovascular, sendo o oposto para o consumo de alimentos de origem vegetal, associado ao perfil de biomarcadores de saúde cardiovascular mais favorável e melhores parâmetros bioquímicos e estruturais.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Framingham Risk Score in Apparently Healthy Vegetarian and Omnivorous Men.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MSyn) in vegetarians (VEG) despite the inconclusive evidence from others. OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between diet and other lifestyle characteristics and the prevalence of MSyn, cardiovascular risk factors (CRF), and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in apparently healthy VEG and omnivorous (OMN) men. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 88 apparently healthy men ≥ 35 years, 44 VEG and 44 OMN, were assessed for anthropometric data, blood pressure, blood lipids, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP) and FRS. To test the association between lifestyle and MSyn, Student t test, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression model were used. A significance level of 5% was considered in all statistical analyses. RESULTS: Several CRF were significantly lower in VEG than in OMN: body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein b, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (all p < 0.05). The FRS mean was lower in VEG than in OMN (2.98 ± 3.7 vs 4.82 ± 4.8, p = 0.029). The percentage of individuals with MSyn was higher among OMN than among VEG (52.3 vs.15.9%) (p < 0.001). The OMN diet was associated with MSyn (OR: 6.28 95%CI 2.11-18.71) and alterations in most MSyn components in the multiple regression model independently of caloric intake, age and physical activity. CONCLUSION: The VEG diet was associated with lower CRF, FRS and percentage of individuals with MSyn.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Framingham Risk Score in Apparently Healthy Vegetarian and Omnivorous Men / Prevalência de Síndrome Metabólica e Escore de Risco de Framingham em Homens Vegetarianos e Onívoros Aparentemente Saudáveis

Abstract Background: Recent studies have shown a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MSyn) in vegetarians (VEG) despite the inconclusive evidence from others. Objective: To verify the association between diet and other lifestyle characteristics and the prevalence of MSyn, cardiovascular risk factors (CRF), and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in apparently healthy VEG and omnivorous (OMN) men. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 88 apparently healthy men ≥ 35 years, 44 VEG and 44 OMN, were assessed for anthropometric data, blood pressure, blood lipids, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP) and FRS. To test the association between lifestyle and MSyn, Student t test, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression model were used. A significance level of 5% was considered in all statistical analyses. Results: Several CRF were significantly lower in VEG than in OMN: body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein b, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (all p < 0.05). The FRS mean was lower in VEG than in OMN (2.98 ± 3.7 vs 4.82 ± 4.8, p = 0.029). The percentage of individuals with MSyn was higher among OMN than among VEG (52.3 vs.15.9%) (p < 0.001). The OMN diet was associated with MSyn (OR: 6.28 95%CI 2.11-18.71) and alterations in most MSyn components in the multiple regression model independently of caloric intake, age and physical activity. Conclusion: The VEG diet was associated with lower CRF, FRS and percentage of individuals with MSyn.

Resumo Fundamento: Estudos recentes mostraram menor prevalência de Síndrome Metabólica (SM) em vegetarianos (VEG), apesar de evidências inconclusivas de outros. Objetivo: Verificar associação entre dieta e características do estilo de vida e a prevalência de SM, fatores de risco cardiovascular (FRCV) e Escore de Framingham (EF) em homens VEG e onívoros (ONI) aparentemente saudáveis. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal, 88 homens aparentemente saudáveis ≥ 35 anos, VEG (n = 44) e ONI (n = 44), foram avaliados quanto a dados antropométricos, pressão arterial, lípides plasmáticos, glicemia, proteína C reativa e EF. Para testar associação entre estilo de vida e SM, o teste t de Student, o teste qui-quadrado e a regressão logística múltipla foram utilizados. Foi considerado nível de significância de 5% em todas as análises estatísticas. Resultados: Os níveis dos FRCV avaliados foram menores nos VEG do que nos ONI: índice de massa corporal, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, colesterol total, LDL-colesterol, apolipoproteína b, glicemia e hemoglobina glicada (p < 0,05). O EF foi menor nos VEG do que nos ONI (2,98 ± 3,7 vs. 4,82 ± 4,8; p = 0,029). A porcentagem de indivíduos com SM foi maior entre ONI do que entre VEG (52,3 vs.15,9%) (p < 0,001). A dieta ONI foi associada com a SM (OR: 6,28 IC95% 2,11-18,71) e alterações na maioria dos componentes da SM no modelo de regressão logística múltipla, independentemente de ingestão calórica, idade e atividade física. Conclusão: A dieta VEG foi associada com menores taxas de FRC e menores EF e porcentagem de indivíduos com SM.