Using point-of-care devices to examine covariation among blood nutritional-physiological parameters and their relationships with poxvirus infection, habitat urbanization, and male plumage coloration in house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus).

The development of inexpensive and portable point-of-care devices for measuring nutritional physiological parameters from blood (e.g., glucose, ketones) has accelerated our understanding and assessment of real-time variation in human health, but these have infrequently been tested or implemented in wild animals, especially in relation to other key biological or fitness-related traits. Here we used point-of-care devices to measure blood levels of glucose, ketones, uric acid, and triglycerides in free-ranging house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus)-a common songbird in North America that has been well-studied in the context of urbanization, nutrition, health, and sexual selection-during winter and examined (1) repeatability of these methods for evaluating blood levels in these wild passerines, (2) intercorrelations among these measurements within individuals, (3) how blood nutritional-physiology metrics related to a bird's body condition, habitat of origin (urban vs. suburban), poxvirus infection, and sex; and (4) if the expression of male sexually selected plumage coloration was linked to any of the nutritional-physiological metrics. All blood-nutritional parameters were repeatable. Also, there was significant positive covariation between concentrations of circulating triglycerides and glucose and triglycerides and uric acid. Urban finches had higher blood glucose concentrations than suburban finches, and pox-infected individuals had lower blood triglyceride concentrations than uninfected ones. Last, redder males had higher blood glucose, but lower uric acid levels. These results demonstrate that point-of-care devices can be useful, inexpensive ways of measuring real-time variation in the nutritional physiology of wild birds.

Percepciones sobre el manejo nutricional del estreñimiento idiopático en el adulto mayor / Perceptions on the Nutritional Management of Idiopathic Constipation in the Elderly

Introducción: Los adultos mayores son la población más propensa a presentar desórdenes gastrointestinales, específicamente y en mayor proporción el estreñimiento idiopático. La alimentación es un factor clave, pero poco estudiado a la hora de tratar el estreñimiento. Objetivo: Comprender las diferentes percepciones por parte de los profesionales de la salud, los cuidadores y el adulto mayor acerca del manejo del estreñimiento idiopático, desde un enfoque alimentario, teniendo en cuenta las preferencias y gustos en el adulto mayor institucionalizado de Medellín. Métodos: La técnica de generación de la información se realizó a través de grupos focales, efectuando seis grupos: uno conformado por los profesionales del área de la salud, tres por los adultos mayores y dos por los cuidadores. Resultados: Se identificó que una de las recomendaciones que más se repite es el incremento del aporte de fibra y líquidos. En general, los adultos mayores tienen poca adherencia a las estrategias nutricionales para el manejo del estreñimiento, ya que los alimentos que se les ofrecen no se adecuan a sus preferencias. Conclusiones: No existe una percepción unánime en el personal de salud y los cuidadores con respecto a la efectividad del tratamiento nutricional para el manejo del estreñimiento en el adulto mayor; sin embargo, se identificaron testimonios exitosos sobre el uso de algunas frutas, la inclusión de fibra en la dieta y el aumento en el consumo de líquidos(AU)

Introduction: Older adults are the population most likely to present with gastrointestinal disorders specifically and idiopathic constipation to a greater extent. Diet is a key factor, but it has been little studied when it comes to treating constipation. Objective: To understand the different perceptions by health professionals, caregivers and older adults about the management of idiopathic constipation, from a dietary approach, taking into account the preferences and tastes of institutionalized older adults in Medellín. Methods: The information generation technique was carried out through focus groups, establishing six groups: one made up of health professionals, three for older adults and two for caregivers. Results: It was identified that one of the most repeated recommendations is to increase the intake of fiber and fluids. In general, older adults have poor adherence to nutritional strategies for managing constipation, since food offered to them do not suit their preferences. Conclusions: There is no unanimous perception among health personnel and caregivers regarding the effectiveness of nutritional treatment for the management of constipation in older adults; however, successful testimonies were identified regarding the use of some fruits, the inclusion of fiber in the diet and the increase in fluid consumption(AU)

Credibility at stake: only two-thirds of randomized trials of nutrition interventions are registered and lack transparency in outcome and treatment effect definitions.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the adherence of randomized controlled trials of nutrition interventions to transparency practices informing assessments of selective reporting biases, including the availability of a trial registration entry, protocol and statistical analysis plan (SAP). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective observational study with cross-sectional design. We systematically searched for trials published from 1 July 2019, to 30 June 2020, and included a randomly selected sample of 400 studies. We searched for registry entries, protocols, and SAPs for all included studies. We extracted data to characterize the disclosure of sufficient information in the available materials to inform assessments of selective reporting biases, considering the definition of outcome domain, measure, metric, method of aggregation, time point, analysis population, methods to handle missing data and method of adjustment. RESULTS: Most trials (69%) were registered, but these often lacked sufficient specification of outcomes and intended treatment effects. Protocols and SAPs provided more details but were less often available (14% and 3%, respectively), and even then, almost all studies presented limited information to inform the assessments of risk of bias due to the selection of the reported result. CONCLUSION: Lack of full specification of outcomes and intended treatment effects hinder a full adherence of randomized controlled trials of nutrition interventions to transparency practices and may affect their credibility.

Genetic association between feed efficiency, growth, scrotal circumference, and carcass traits in Guzerat cattle.

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters for feed efficiency-related traits and their genetic correlations with growth, male fertility, and carcass traits using multi-trait analysis in Guzerat cattle. Further, it aimed to predict the direct and correlated responses for feed efficiency traits when selection was applied for growth, male fertility, and carcass traits. The evaluated traits were adjusted weight at 120 (W120), 210 (W210), 365 (W365), and 450 days of age (W450), adjusted scrotal circumference at 365 days of age (SC365) and at 450 days of age (SC450), scrotal circumference, ribeye area (REA), backfat thickness (BFT), rump fat thickness (RFT), residual feed intake (RFI), and dry matter intake (DMI). The genetic parameters were obtained by the restricted maximum likelihood method (REML), using an animal model in multi-trait analyses. The heritability estimates for W120, W210, W365, W450, SC365, and SC450 varied from low to high (0.17 to 0.39). The carcass traits, REA, BFT, and RFT, displayed low to moderate heritability estimates, 0.27, 0.10, and 0.31, respectively. The heritability estimates for RFI (0.15) and DMI (0.23) were low and moderate, respectively. The RFI showed low genetic correlations with growth traits, ranging from - 0.07 to 0.22, from 0.03 to 0.05 for scrotal circumference, and from - 0.35 to 0.16 for carcass, except for DMI, which ranged from 0.42 to 0.46. The RFI and DMI presented enough additive genetic variability to be used as selection criteria in Guzerat breed genetic improvement program. Additionally, the response to selection for RFI would be higher when selection is performed directly for this trait. The selection for residual feed intake would not promote unfavorable correlated responses for scrotal circumference, carcass (yield and finish), and growth traits. Therefore, the selection for more efficient animals would not compromise the productive, reproductive, and carcass performance, contributing to reduce the production costs, increasing the profitability and sustainability of beef cattle production in tropical areas.

Avaliação do estado nutricional de escolares de 7 a 10 anos da Zona Urbana e Zona Rural da rede pública de ensino de Lagoinha/SP / Assessment of the nutritional status of students aged 7 to 10 years in the urban and rural areas of the public school system in Lagoinha/SP

Objetivo ­ Avaliar o estado nutricional dos escolares de 7 a 10 anos da Zona Urbana e Zona Rural da rede pública de ensino de Lagoinha. Métodos ­ Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico com abordagem prática do tipo quantitativa e de caráter transversal no qual foram recolhidos dados referentes aos hábitos alimentares e avaliação antropométrica de crianças de 7 a 10 anos de idade, sendo moradoras da Zona Urbana e Rural. Resultados ­ Foram avaliados 192 escolares, 90 (46,9%) são da Zona Urbana e 102 (53,1%) são da Zona Rural, com idades entre 7 anos completos a 10 anos e 11 meses. Na análise do indicador do IMC para Idade os escolares apresentam a média em Escore z de 0,68 (± DP= 1,36), sendo a Zona Urbana com a média de 0,79 (± DP= 1,36) e a Zona Rural com 0,38 (± DP= 1,34). Em relação ao consumo de industrializados e processados como biscoito recheado, doces ou guloseimas, macarrão instantâneo, salgadinhos, bebidas adoçadas, hambúrguer e/ou embutidos a Zona Rural obteve prevalência quando comparada com a Zona Urbana. Conclui-se que o estado nutricional dos escolares avaliados aponta para a existência de crianças com excesso de peso e maus hábitos alimentares. Conclusões ­ O estado nutricional dos escolares avaliados aponta para a existência de crianças com excesso de peso e maus hábitos alimentares. Observou-se que as crianças da Zona Rural consomem mais alimentos industrializados e processados quando comparadas com a Zona Urbana.

Association of Functional Disability and Biopsychosocial Factors in Older Adults With Low Back Pain Who Live in the Amazonas State Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify social and clinical factors associated with levels of functional disability (FD) in older adults with low back pain (LBP) in the city of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 557 adults with LBP aged ≥60 years was completed. Sociodemographic and clinical features, pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale), FD (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short version), body mass index, educational level, health perception, emotional level, and self-reported diseases were evaluated. Statistical analysis was used to verify the association between quantitative variables and a group; Student t test or Mann-Whitney test, and analysis of variance (normality assumption) or Kruskal-Wallis test (non-parametric), P value of less than .05. RESULTS: There were 81.3% female participants, 54.9% self-reported their race and/or skin color as brown, and 37.8% were sedentary. Pain intensity scores were 6.26 ± 2.19 in female participants and 5.82 ± 1.84 in male participants. Mean FD scores were 11.68 ± 6.08 for female participants and 9.61 ± 5.76 for males participants, although 39.7% of the total group presented with severe disability (score ≥14) and FD was associated with female sex (P = .001), physical activity (P≤ 0.001), body mass index (P≤ .001), emotional level (P < .001), and health perception (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In this group of older adults with LBP, FD was associated with female sex, level of physical activity, body mass index, emotional level, and health perception. Many factors that were identified with FD are modifiable; therefore, interventions, such as nutrition education and re-conceptualization of self-emotional and health perception, may have potential to help in preventing and reducing FD.

Efectos de una intervención nutricional asociada a entrenamiento concurrente en la composición corporal de hombres físicamente activos / Effects of a nutritional intervention associated with concurrent training on the body composition of physically active men

RESUMEN: La práctica regular de ejercicio físico es una de las estrategias que se utiliza para optimizar la composición corporal. Para esto, no siempre se considera una intervención nutricional como parte de un trabajo interdisciplinario. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los efectos de un programa de intervención nutricional asociada a un entrenamiento concurrente en la composición corporal evaluada a través de bioimpedancia eléctrica (BIA) en hombres físicamente activos. La intervención tuvo una duración de 6 meses, donde participaron 12 personas (23,4 ± 4,9 años). Durante los primeros 5 meses se aplicó una planificación alimentaria y de entrenamiento ajustado a las características individuales de cada uno de los participantes, al comienzo del 6º mes, fue eliminada la planificación alimentaria y sólo se mantuvo el entrenamiento, esto con el objetivo de analizar los posibles cambios de composición corporal de los participantes. Antes (previo al programa de intervención), durante (al final del mes 5) y posterior a la intervención (final del mes 6) se evaluó el tejido adiposo, muscular y la masa libre de grasa a través de bioimpedancia eléctrica (BIA). Los resultados muestran que el programa de entrenamiento con intervención nutricional generaron en los primeros 5 meses, una disminución del porcentaje de tejido adiposo (PRE= 16,20 ± 4,75; POST= 9,52 ± 3,70; p= 0,000; TE= 1,51) e índice de tejido adiposo (PRE= 5,34 ± 1,75; POST= 3,16 ± 1,34; p=0,001; TE=1,35), aumento del porcentaje de tejido muscular (PRE= 46,05 ± 3,02; POST= 49,90 ± 2,90; p=0,004; TE= -1,25) y aumento el índice muscular/adiposo (PRE= 2,53 ± 0,75; POST= 4,85 ± 2,64; p=0,005; TE= -1,15), efectos que se atenúan significativamente cuando la intervención nutricional fue retirada del programa de intervención (p>0.05). Se concluye que la intervención nutricional es un factor clave para generar efectos positivos en la optimización de la composición corporal independientemente del nivel de entrenamiento de las personas. Estos resultados evidencian la importancia de la realización de una planificación alimentaria individualizada, ejecutada por un profesional nutricionista en los cambios de la composición corporal en sujetos físicamente activos. Los resultados de este estudio podrían orientar la consideración de un profesional nutricionista a la hora de formar equipos transdisciplinarios con el fin de mejorar hábitos de alimentación y de composición corporal.

SUMMARY: The regular practice of a certain type of training is one of the strategies used to optimize body composition. Consequently, nutritional intervention is not always considered as part of interdisciplinary work. This study aimed to identify the effects of a nutritional intervention program associated with concurrent training on body composition, assessed through bioelectrical impedance (BIA) in physically active men. The intervention lasted 6 months, with the participation of 12 subjects (23.4 ± 4.9 years). During the first 5 months, food and training planning was applied, adjusted to the individual characteristics of each of the participants. At the beginning of the 6th month, food planning was eliminated and only training was maintained, to analyze the possible changes in body composition of the participants. Prior to (before the intervention program), during (at the end of month 5), and after the intervention (end of month 6), adipose tissue, muscle, and fat-free mass were evaluated through electrical bioimpedance (BIA). The results showed that in the first five months, this training program generated a decrease in the percentage of adipose tissue (PRE= 16.20 ± 4.75; POST= 9.52 ± 3.70; p= 0.000; ES= 1.51) and adipose tissue index (PRE= 5.34 ± 1.75; POST= 3.16 ± 1.34; p=0.001; ES=1.35), increase in the percentage of muscle tissue (PRE= 46.05 ± 3.02; POST= 49.90 ± 2.90; p=0.004; ES= -1.25) and increased muscle/fat index (PRE= 2.53 ± 0.75; POST = 4.85 ± 2.64, p=0.005, SE= -1.15). The above effects were significantly reduced when the nutritional intervention was withdrawn from the program (p>0.05). It is concluded that nutritional intervention is a key factor to generate positive effects in the optimization of body composition regardless of the level of training. These results show the importance of individualized food planning, carried out by a professional nutritionist with regard to changes in the body composition of physically active subjects. The results of this study could be useful for nutritionists when forming disciplinary teams to improve eating habits and body composition.

Effect of growth and carcass traits on likelihood of early pregnancy in Nellore heifers raised at intensive nutritional plan

This study evaluated the influence of the quantitative traits measured by real-time ultrasound (adjusted longissimus muscle area [AdjLMA], adjusted rump fat thickness [AdjRFT], and adjusted marbling [AdjMAR]) as well as age at first breeding [AFB] and adjusted weight [AdjWeight], on the probability of occurrence of early pregnancy (EP) in 55 Nellore heifers, and also performed an economic analysis. All calves received supplementation in creep-feeding (ad libitum), and at weaning (average age= 210 ± 30 days; average weight= 241 ± 33 kg) until first breeding by artificial insemination (May to November) all heifers were managed in the same group (two paddocks of 25 ha each evenly covered with Urochloa Marandu Grass) and received protein-energy supplementation (1% of average BW per animal/day). The quantitative variables were collected immediately after timed artificial insemination (average age= 392 ± 27 days; average weight= 431.90 kg), and the pregnancy diagnosis was completed at 30 days following insemination. For economic analysis, two systems were compared (age at first breeding at 13 and 24 months). The greater adjusted weight on the first breeding increased the probability of occurrence of early pregnancy, while the greater adjusted longissimus muscle area reduced. In addition, intensive meat production systems provide greater economic return throughout cow-calf operation.(AU)

Adherence to a Fish-Rich Dietary Pattern Is Associated with Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Showing Low Viral Load: Implications for Nutritional Management.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is influenced by genetic (e.g., APOE polymorphisms) and environmental factors between the virus and the host. HCV modulates the host's lipid metabolism but dietary components influence lipids and in vitro HCV RNA replication. Few data exist on the role of dietary features or patterns (DPs) in HCV infection. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the nutritional profiles of chronic HCV (CHC) and spontaneous clearance (SC) Mexican patients in the context of APOE alleles and their correlation with HCV-related variables. The fibrosis-related APOEε3 allele prevailed in CHC and SC patients, who had four DPs ("meat and soft drinks", DP1; "processed animal and fried foods", DP2; "Mexican-healthy", DP3; and "fish-rich", DP4). In CHC subjects, polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (PUFA ≥ 4.9%) was negatively associated, and fiber intake (≥21.5 g/day) was positively associated with a high viral load (p < 0.036). High adherence to fish-rich DP4 was associated with a higher frequency of CHC individuals consuming PUFA ≥ 4.9% (p = 0.004) and low viral load (p = 0.036), but a lower frequency of CHC individuals consuming fiber ≥21.5 g/day (p = 0.038). In SC and CHC individuals, modifying unhealthy DPs and targeting HCV-interacting nutrients, respectively, could be part of a nutritional management strategy to prevent further liver damage.

N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Lipid Mediators as A Potential Immune-Nutritional Intervention: A Molecular and Clinical View in Hepatic Disease and Other Non-Communicable Illnesses.

In recent years, the beneficial effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) intake on human health has been widely accepted in the field of immunonutrition. Today, we find a diversity of supplements based on n-3 PUFAs and/or minerals, vitamins and other substances. The main objective of this review is to discuss the importance of n-3 PUFAs and their derivatives on immunity and inflammatory status related to liver disease and other non-communicable illnesses. Based on the burden of liver diseases in 2019, more than two million people die from liver pathologies per year worldwide, because it is the organ most exposed to agents such as viruses, toxins and medications. Consequently, research conducted on n-3 PUFAs for liver disease has been gaining prominence with encouraging results, given that these fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. In addition, it has been described that n-3 PUFAs are converted into a novel species of lipid intermediaries, specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). At specific levels, SPMs improve the termination of inflammation as well as the repairing and regeneration of tissues, but they are deregulated in liver disease. Since evidence is still insufficient to carry out pharmacological trials to benefit the resolution of acute inflammation in non-communicable diseases, there remains a call for continuing preclinical and clinical research to better understand SPM actions and outcomes.

Nutrition in Menopausal Women: A Narrative Review.

Among the various aspects of health promotion and lifestyle adaptation to the postmenopausal period, nutritional habits are essential because they concern all women, can be modified, and impact both longevity and quality of life. In this narrative review, we discuss the current evidence on the association between dietary patterns and clinical endpoints in postmenopausal women, such as body composition, bone mass, and risk markers for cardiovascular disease. Current evidence suggests that low-fat, plant-based diets are associated with beneficial effects on body composition, but further studies are needed to confirm these results in postmenopausal women. The Mediterranean diet pattern along with other healthy habits may help the primary prevention of bone, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases in the postmenopausal period. It consists on the use of healthy foods that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is associated with a small but significant decrease in blood pressure, reduction of fat mass, and improvement in cholesterol levels. These effects remain to be evaluated over a longer period of time, with the assessment of hard outcomes such as bone fractures, diabetes, and coronary ischemia.

Association between Chronotype and Nutritional, Clinical and Sociobehavioral Characteristics of Adults Assisted by a Public Health Care System in Brazil.

Chronotype (CT) has been associated with predisposition to chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs), such as diabetes mellitus and obesity. However, the effects of CT on individuals assisted by public health systems (PHSs) in middle-up economies are still poorly explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between CT and clinical, sociobehavioral and nutritional aspects in adults assisted by a PHS in Brazil. This is a population-based cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 380 individuals, selected through probabilistic sampling by clusters, in all health units in a city of approximately 100 thousand inhabitants. Data collection was performed during home visits, by means of general and nutritional interviews, anthropometric measurements and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Statistical analysis comprised chi-square test and principal component analysis (CPA) followed by Fisher's discriminant analysis to determine aspects associated with each CT (morning, evening or intermediate). With the aim of explaining the variation in the CT scores, the consumption of micronutrients (corrected to the total energy intake) and other individual and sociodemographic variables were used as explanatory factors in the adjustment of a linear regression model. The morning group was characterized by older men, with less than eight years of schooling, with low body mass index (BMI) and with low intake of omega-6, omega-3, sodium, zinc, thiamine, pyridoxine and niacin. The evening group, on the other hand, was composed of younger individuals, with a high consumption of these same nutrients, with high BMI and a higher frequency of heart diseases (p < 0.05). It was concluded that most morning CT individuals were elderly thin males with lower consumption of omega-6 and -3, sodium, zinc, thiamine, pyridoxine and niacin, whereas evening individuals were younger, had higher BMI and had higher consumption of the studied micronutrients. The identification of circadian and behavioral risk groups can help to provide preventive and multidisciplinary health promotion measures.

The effect of the a regional cardioprotective nutritional program on inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic risk factors in secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease, a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To evaluate the effect of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program (BALANCE Program) on inflammatory biomarkers, involved in the pathophysiology of the atherosclerosis, on inflammatory biomarkers, cardiovascular risk factors, and on plasma fatty acids in cardiovascular disease secondary prevention patients. METHODS: In this substudy of the BALANCE Program randomized clinical trial, a total of 369 patients aged 45 years or older, who have experienced cardiovascular disease in the previous 10 years, were included. These patients were randomized into two groups and followed up for six months: BALANCE Program group and control group (conventional nutrition advice). In the initial and six-month final visits, anthropometry (body weight, height and waist circumference), food intake evaluation by 24-h dietary recall, plasma inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin, and C-reactive protein levels), blood pressure, glycemia, insulinemia, lipid profile, and plasma fatty acids levels were evaluated. RESULTS: The BALANCE Program group showed increased plasma alpha-linolenic acid levels (P = 0.008), reduction in waist circumference (P = 0.049) and BMI (P = 0.032). No difference was observed among plasma inflammatory biomarkers and clinical data. CONCLUSION: After six months of follow-up, BALANCE Program led to a significant reduction on BMI and waist circumference in individuals in secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease. Although plasmatic alpha-linolenic acid has increased, there was no impact on plasma inflammatory biomarkers. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01620398.

Maternal overweight induced by reduced litter size impairs the behavioral neurodevelopment of offspring.

AIMS: We assessed the influence of maternal overweight on the behavioral neurodevelopment of male and female offspring in prepubertal age by reducing the litter size. MAIN METHODS: To reduce litter size in Wistar rats, the offspring of generation 0 (G0) were culled for 12 pups (6 males and 6 females: normal litter, NL-G1) or 4 pups (2 males and 2 females: small litter, SL-G1). In G1 dams, overweight was characterized, maternal behavior and locomotor activity were assessed. At G2, we quantified the ultrasonic vocalizations in post-natal day 5 (PND5); we evaluated olfactory discrimination in the homing behavior test on PND13; and in PND28-32 (prepubertal age), we performed the following tests: social play behavior, hole board, object recognition, and open field. At the end of the experiments, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were dissected to quantify the synaptophysin by western blotting. KEY FINDINGS: Our data demonstrated that a reduction in litter size was able to induce maternal overweight without altering the parameters related to overweight in the offspring. The SL-G2 offspring showed deficits in early social communication, olfactory discrimination, social play behavior, and the exploration of objects, in addition to increasing repetitive and stereotyped movements. There were also changes in the synaptophysin levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the offspring from reduced litter dams. In conclusion, maternal overweight caused by litter reduction impairs behavioral neurodevelopment, inducing autism-like symptoms in the offspring. SIGNIFICANCE: This study alerts the public about the negative consequences of maternal overweight in the descendants.

Framing the Latin American nutrition transition in a historical perspective, 1850 to the present.

This paper argues that many of the foundations and trends that led to the rise in obesity and other diet-related health problems in Latin America began to develop in the late nineteenth century. The tendency towards presentism in the nutrition transition literature provides a much abbreviated and limited history of changes in diet and weight. Whereas medical and nutrition researchers have tended to emphasize the recent onset of the crisis, a historical perspective suggests that increasingly global food sourcing prompted changes in foodways and a gradual "fattening" of Latin America. This paper also provides a methodological and historiographic exploration of how to historicize the nutrition transition, drawing on a diverse array of sources from pre-1980 to the present.

Framing the Latin American nutrition transition in a historical perspective, 1850 to the present / A constituição da transição nutricional latino-americana em uma perspectiva histórica, 1850 até o presente

Abstract This paper argues that many of the foundations and trends that led to the rise in obesity and other diet-related health problems in Latin America began to develop in the late nineteenth century. The tendency towards presentism in the nutrition transition literature provides a much abbreviated and limited history of changes in diet and weight. Whereas medical and nutrition researchers have tended to emphasize the recent onset of the crisis, a historical perspective suggests that increasingly global food sourcing prompted changes in foodways and a gradual "fattening" of Latin America. This paper also provides a methodological and historiographic exploration of how to historicize the nutrition transition, drawing on a diverse array of sources from pre-1980 to the present.

Resumo Este trabalho argumenta que fundamentos e tendências que levaram ao aumento da obesidade e de outros problemas de saúde relacionados à alimentação na América Latina começaram a surgir no final do século XIX. A propensão ao presentismo na literatura sobre transição nutricional produz uma história abreviada e limitada das mudanças em alimentação e peso. Embora pesquisadores médicos e nutricionistas enfatizem a recente instalação da crise, uma perspectiva histórica sugere que fontes alimentares crescentemente globalizadas resultaram em mudanças na alimentação e em gradual "aumento de gordura" na população latino-americana. O artigo propõe ainda a exploração metodológica e historiográfica de como historicizar a transição nutricional recorrendo a fontes pré-1980 até o momento.

Beneficial effect of Mediterranean diet on disease activity and cardiovascular risk in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the influence of the Mediterranean diet (Med Diet) on SLE activity, damage accrual and cardiovascular disease risk markers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 280 patients with SLE [46.9 (12.85) years]. Med Diet adherence was assessed through a 14-item questionnaire on food consumption frequency and habits (total score from 0 to 14 points; higher score is greater adherence to the Med Diet). CRP, homocysteine, SLEDAI-2K (SLE disease activity), and SLICC/ACR and SDI (damage accrual) were measured. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and blood lipids, among others, were considered cardiovascular disease risk factors. RESULTS: Greater adherence to the Med Diet was significantly associated with better anthropometric profiles, fewer cardiovascular disease risk factors, and lower disease activity and damage accrual scores (P ≤ 0.001 for SLEDAI and SDI). An inverse relationship between the Med Diet score and SLEDAI (P ≥ 0.001; ß = -0.380), SDI (P ≤ 0.001; ß = -0.740) and hsCRP (P = 0.039; ß = -0.055) was observed. The odds ratio for having active SLE (SLEDAI ≥5) or the presence of damage (SDI ≥1) was lower among patients whose Med Diet score was higher (P ≤ 0.001). Finally, greater consumption of Med Diet foods (olive oil, fruits, vegetables, fish, etc.) and abstaining from red meat and meat products, sugars and pastries was associated with less SLE clinical activity and damage. CONCLUSION: Greater adherence to the Med Diet seems to exert a beneficial effect on disease activity and cardiovascular risk in SLE patients. To confirm these findings, further longitudinal studies would be of interest.

Manejo de filhotes de furão-pequeno (Galictis cuja) / Management of lesser grison (Galictis cuja) pups / Manejo de crías de hurón (Galictis cuja)

O furão-pequeno (Galictis cuja) é um mamífero pertencente à familia Mustelidae, que habita alguns países da América do Sul. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever as informações nutricionais e biométricas e os parâmetros clínicos de quatro filhotes de G. cuja que foram atendidos no Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (Nurfs/Cetas) da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, RS. O acompanhamento nutricional e as avaliações biométricas e clínicas regulares tiveram o intuito de obter maior entendimento da espécie e da sus taxa de desenvolvimento, dada a falta de informações disponíveis na literatura. Todos os filhotes tiveram crescimento corporal gradativo desde a chegada até o momento da soltura, sendo que o manejo nutricional realizado se mostrou adequado para criação de G. cuja em cativeiro.

The lesser grison (Galictis cuja) is a mammal that belongs to the Mustelidae family and is found in a number of countries in South America. This article describes the nutritional and biometric data and clinical parameters for four G. cuja pups cared for at the Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (Nurfs/Cetas) [Nucleus for the Rehabilitation of Wild Fauna and Wild Animal Evaluation Centre) of Universidade Federal de Pelotas, RS, Brazil. The pups were assessed clinically and subject to nutritional and biometric monitoring in order to learn more about the species and its development rate, given the lack of information available in the literature. All the pups demonstrated gradual body growth from arrival until the moment of release, and the nutritional management regime was shown to be appropriate for raising G. cuja in captivity.

El hurón pequeño (Galictis cuja) es un mamífero que pertenece a la familia Mustelidae, y que se distribuye por varios países de América del Sur. El objetivo del presente trabajo es describir el manejo nutricional , medidas biométricas y parámetros clínicos de cuatro crias de G. cuja atendidas en el Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (Nurfs/Cetas) (Núcleo de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre y Centro de Selection de Animales Silvestres de realizados de manera regular con el objetivo de obtener mayores informaciones la Universidad Federal de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Las mediciones y el manejo fueron de esta especie y, particularmente, sobre su tasa de desarrollo, considerando las escasas informaciones disponibles. Todas las crías tuvieron un crecimiento corporal animales en cautiverio. gradual hasta su liberación. El manejo nutricional fue adecuado para la cría de estos

Manejo de filhotes de furão-pequeno (Galictis cuja) / Management of lesser grison (Galictis cuja) pups / Manejo de crías de hurón (Galictis cuja)

O furão-pequeno (Galictis cuja) é um mamífero pertencente à familia Mustelidae, que habita alguns países da América do Sul. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever as informações nutricionais e biométricas e os parâmetros clínicos de quatro filhotes de G. cuja que foram atendidos no Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (Nurfs/Cetas) da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, RS. O acompanhamento nutricional e as avaliações biométricas e clínicas regulares tiveram o intuito de obter maior entendimento da espécie e da sus taxa de desenvolvimento, dada a falta de informações disponíveis na literatura. Todos os filhotes tiveram crescimento corporal gradativo desde a chegada até o momento da soltura, sendo que o manejo nutricional realizado se mostrou adequado para criação de G. cuja em cativeiro.(AU)

The lesser grison (Galictis cuja) is a mammal that belongs to the Mustelidae family and is found in a number of countries in South America. This article describes the nutritional and biometric data and clinical parameters for four G. cuja pups cared for at the Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (Nurfs/Cetas) [Nucleus for the Rehabilitation of Wild Fauna and Wild Animal Evaluation Centre) of Universidade Federal de Pelotas, RS, Brazil. The pups were assessed clinically and subject to nutritional and biometric monitoring in order to learn more about the species and its development rate, given the lack of information available in the literature. All the pups demonstrated gradual body growth from arrival until the moment of release, and the nutritional management regime was shown to be appropriate for raising G. cuja in captivity.(AU)

El hurón pequeño (Galictis cuja) es un mamífero que pertenece a la familia Mustelidae, y que se distribuye por varios países de América del Sur. El objetivo del presente trabajo es describir el manejo nutricional , medidas biométricas y parámetros clínicos de cuatro crias de G. cuja atendidas en el Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (Nurfs/Cetas) (Núcleo de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre y Centro de Selection de Animales Silvestres de realizados de manera regular con el objetivo de obtener mayores informaciones la Universidad Federal de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Las mediciones y el manejo fueron de esta especie y, particularmente, sobre su tasa de desarrollo, considerando las escasas informaciones disponibles. Todas las crías tuvieron un crecimiento corporal animales en cautiverio. gradual hasta su liberación. El manejo nutricional fue adecuado para la cría de estos(AU)

Exploring the Impact of Individual UVB Radiation Levels on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Women Living in High Versus Low Latitudes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the D-SOL Study.

Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin via sunlight exposure as well as ingested through diet. Vitamin D deficiency is currently a major global public health issue, with increasing prevalence in both low and high latitude locations. This cross-sectional analysis aimed to compare the intensity of individual Ultraviolet B radiation levels between women of the same ethnicity living in England and Brazil, respectively; and to investigate the association with circulating 25(OH)D concentrations. We analysed data from 135 Brazilian women (England, n = 56, 51° N; Brazil, n = 79, 16° S) recruited for the D-SOL study (Interaction between Vitamin D Supplementation and Sunlight Exposure in Women Living in Opposite Latitudes). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), individual UVB radiation via UVB dosimeter badges and dietary intake via 4-day diet diaries. Anthropometric, skin phototype, sociodemographic and lifestyle patterns were also assessed. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration of England residents was significantly lower than Brazil residents. Daily individual UVB radiation level showed a strong significant positive correlation with serum 25(OH)D concentrations. The required UVB radiation to achieve 75 nmol/L was 2.2 SED and 38.8% of the total variance in 25(OH)D concentrations was explained uniquely by daily individual UVB radiation, after controlling for the influence of age and body mass index. Thus, these results highlight the strong positive association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and individual UVB radiation and the influence of different individual characteristics and behaviours. Collectively, these factors contribute to meaningful, country-specific, public health strategies and policies for the efficient prevention and treatment of vitamin D inadequacy.