The DAMA Project - Disabled Advanced Medical Assistance.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) enshrines the right of persons with disabilities to enjoy the highest standard of health and access to health care without discrimination, but persons with disabilities have logistical and assistive support needs that must be known in order to build a health service offer that meets their needs and respects their rights in line with the CRPD. Examples of accessibility of medical care include the removal of an architectural barrier, the adaptation of a protocol, and ensuring information about care is delivered using easy to understand means of communications. An example of full inclusion and accessibility of the healthcare system for persons with intellectual disabilities is the DAMA (Disabled Advanced Medical Assistance), a project developed and tested at the Milan San Paolo Hospital. DAMA is an inclusive service provision methodology and offers a model that can follow, with a multidisciplinary approach, the person at every stage of the diagnostic and clinical pathway, and to support his or her family in dealing with the hospital. The diffusion of the DAMA model has demonstrated the flexibility of the model itself and its ability to adapt to hospitals with different characteristics and dimensions. The future is the institution of an organized network of all DAMA centres that share common clinical protocols and homogeneous archives. It will grant us the capability of collecting consistent epidemiological and clinical data, valuable for scientific researching and for training health personnel.

Dietary nitrate does not affect physical activity or outcomes in healthy older adults in a randomized, cross-over trial.

Although dietary nitrate (NO3-) ingestion appears to enhance exercise capacity and performance in young individuals, inconclusive findings have been reported in older people. Therefore, we conducted a double-blind, crossover randomized clinical trial using beetroot juice in older healthy participants, who were classified as normal weight and overweight. We tested whether consumption of beetroot juice (a rich source of NO3-) for 1 week would increase nitric oxide bioavailability via the nonenzymatic pathway and enhance (1) exercise capacity during an incremental exercise test, (2) physical capability, and (3) free-living physical activity. Twenty nonsmoking, healthy participants between 60 and 75 years of age and with a body mass index of 20.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 were included. Presupplementation and postsupplementation resting, submaximal, maximal, and recovery gas exchanges were measured. Physical capability was measured by hand-grip strength, time-up-and-go, repeated chair rising test, and 10-m walking speed. Free-living physical activity was assessed by triaxal accelerometry. Changes in urinary and plasmaNO3-concentrations were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nineteen participants (male-to-female ratio, 9:10) completed the study.Beetroot juice increased significantly both plasma and urinary NO3-concentrations (P<.001) when compared with placebo. Beetroot juice did not influence resting or submaximal and maximal oxygen consumption during the incremental exercise test. In addition, measures of physical capability and physical activity levels measured in free-living conditions were not modified by beetroot juice ingestion. The positive effects of beetroot juice ingestion on exercise performance seen in young individuals were not replicated in healthy, older adults. Whether aging represents a modifier of the effects of dietary NO3-on muscular performance is not known, and mechanistic studies and larger trials are needed to test this hypothesis.

Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation in Young and Old Obese Adults Does Not Affect Acute Glucose and Insulin Responses but Lowers Oxidative Stress.

BACKGROUND: Aging and obesity are associated with raised oxidative stress and a reduction of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, with subsequent decline in insulin sensitivity and endothelial function. Inorganic nitrate is converted into NO via a 2-step reduction process and may be an effective nutritional intervention to modify vascular and metabolic functions. OBJECTIVES: This study tested whether inorganic nitrate supplementation improved glucose disposal and attenuated the acute effects of hyperglycemia on oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular function in young and old obese participants. METHODS: Ten young (aged 18-44 y) and 10 old (aged 55-70 y) obese participants consumed 75 g glucose followed by either potassium nitrate (7 mg/kg body weight) or potassium chloride (placebo) in a randomized, double-blind crossover design. Resting blood pressure (BP), endothelial function, and blood biomarkers were measured for 3 h postintervention. Biomarkers included plasma nitrate/nitrite (NOx), glucose, insulin, cyclic GMP, interleukin 6, 3-nitrotyrosine, E- and P-selectins, intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM-3), and thrombomodulin, as well as superoxide in freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). RESULTS: Inorganic nitrate supplementation did not affect plasma glucose (P = 0.18) or insulin (P = 0.26) responses. The increase in plasma NOx concentrations 3 h after the administration of inorganic nitrate was significantly higher in young than in old participants (234% increase compared with 149% increase, respectively, P < 0.001). Plasma 3-nitrotyrosine concentrations declined significantly after inorganic nitrate supplementation compared with placebo (3 h postdose, 46% decrease compared with 27% increase, respectively, P = 0.04), and a similar nonsignificant trend was observed for superoxide concentrations (3 h postdose, 16% decrease compared with 23% increase, respectively, P = 0.06). Plasma cyclic GMP, ICAM-3, and thrombomodulin concentrations differed between young and old participants (P < 0.01). Inorganic nitrate supplementation did not improve BP or endothelial function. CONCLUSIONS: Oral supplementation with inorganic nitrate did not improve glucose and insulin responses but reduced oxidative stress in old individuals during acute hyperglycemia. This trial was registered at www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN42776917.

Age-related changes in basal substrate oxidation and visceral adiposity and their association with metabolic syndrome.

PURPOSE: Ageing is directly associated with visceral fat (VAT) deposition and decline of metabolically active cellular mass, which may determine age-related shifts in substrate oxidation and increased cardiometabolic risk. We tested whether VAT and fasting respiratory quotient (RQ, an index of macronutrient oxidation) changed with age and if they were associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). METHODS: A total of 2819 adult participants (age range: 18-81 years; men/women: 894/1925) were included; we collected history, anthropometric measures, biochemistry, smoking habits, and physical activity. The body mass index range was 18.5-60.2 kg/m(2). Gas exchanges (VO2 and VCO2) were measured by indirect calorimetry in fasting conditions, and RQ was calculated. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Abdominal subcutaneous fat and VAT were measured by ultrasonography. MetSyn was diagnosed using harmonised international criteria. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were utilised. RESULTS: VAT increased with age in both men (r = 0.31, p < 0.001) and women (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). Basal RQ was not significantly associated with age (p = 0.49) and VAT (p = 0.20); in addition, basal RQ was not a significant predictor of MetSyn (OR 3.31, 0.57-19.08, p = 0.27). VAT was the primary predictor of MetSyn risk in a fully adjusted logistic model (OR 4.25, 3.01-5.99, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Visceral adiposity remains one of the most important risk factors for cardiometabolic risk and is a significant predictor of MetSyn. Post-absorptive substrate oxidation does not appear to play a significant role in age-related changes in body composition and cardiometabolic risk, except for a correlation with triglyceride concentration.

Effects of handgrip exercise or inorganic nitrate supplementation on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure and peripheral arterial function in overweight and obese middle age and older adults: A pilot RCT.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major contributor to the global burden of cardiovascular diseases and its prevalence increases progressively with ageing. Therefore the identification of effective, age-friendly exercise and nutritional interventions which lower blood pressure (BP) is a research priority. OBJECTIVE: To undertake a pilot RCT examining the efficacy of isometric handgrip exercise (IHGE) and beetroot juice (a rich source of inorganic nitrate) consumption in modifying clinic and 24-h ambulatory BP (24-h ABP), peripheral arterial function and plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in older overweight and obese adults. DESIGN: Thirty middle age and older adults (62±5 years) were randomised to: (a) bilateral IHGE at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (8 min/day), (b) 140 ml/day of concentrated beetroot juice, or (c) no-intervention (control group), for 7 days. All groups followed a standardised diet to control nitrate intake. Clinic and 24-h ABP, peripheral arterial function quantified by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and arterial volume distensibility were assessed before and after intervention. SETTING: Clinical ageing research unit, Newcastle University. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no between-group differences in age, handgrip strength, clinic or 24-h ABP, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, physical activity level, energy intake or urinary and plasma nitrate concentrations. After intervention, there were no significant effects on clinic systolic and diastolic BP or 24-h ABP, PWV (p=0.54), arterial volume distensibility (p=0.89), or ADMA (p=0.45). CONCLUSIONS: IHGE or beetroot juice consumption for 7 days did not affect BP or peripheral arterial function in overweight and obese middle age and older adults. Ageing may reduce the effects of these interventions on vascular function and studies are needed to test this hypothesis.

Effect of vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation on endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Randomised controlled trials (RCT) testing the effects of antioxidant supplements on endothelial function (EF) have reported conflicting results. We aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation with antioxidant vitamins C and E on EF and to explore factors that may provide explanations for the inconsistent results. We searched four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus) from inception until May 2014 for RCT involving adult participants aged ≥18 years who were supplemented with vitamins C and E alone or in combination for more than 2 weeks and reporting changes in EF measured using flow mediated dilation or forearm blood flow. Data were pooled as standardised mean difference (SMD) and analysed using a random-effects model. Significant improvements in EF were observed in trials supplementing with vitamin C alone (500-2000 mg/d) (SMD: 0·25, 95% CI 0·02, 0·49, P=0·043) and vitamin E alone (300-1800 IU/d; 1 IU vitamin E=0·67 mg natural vitamin E) (SMD: 0·48, 95% CI 0·23, 0·72, P=0·0001), whereas co-administration of both vitamins was ineffective (vitamin C: 500-2000 mg/d; vitamin E: 400-1200 IU/d) (SMD: 0·12, 95% CI-0·18, 0·42, P=0·428). The effect of vitamin C supplementation on EF increased significantly with age (ß 0·023, 95% CI 0·001, 0·05, P=0·042). There was a significant negative correlation between baseline plasma vitamin E concentration and the effect of vitamin E supplementation on EF (ß-0·03, 95% CI-0·06, -0·001, P=0·029). Supplementation with either vitamin C or vitamin E alone improves EF. However, subgroup analysis emphasises the importance of careful characterisation and selection of a population group which may benefit from such supplementation.

Age-related changes in resting energy expenditure in normal weight, overweight and obese men and women.

OBJECTIVES: Aging is associated with changes in resting energy expenditure (REE) and body composition. We investigated the association between age and changes in REE in men and women stratified by body mass index (BMI) categories (normal weight, overweight and obesity). We also examined whether the age-related decline in REE was explained by concomitant changes in body composition and lifestyle factors. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 3442 adult participants (age range: 18-81 y; men/women: 977/2465) were included. The BMI range was 18.5-60.2 kg/m(2). REE was measured by indirect calorimetry in fasting conditions and body composition by bioelectrical impedance. Regression models were used to evaluate age-related changes in REE in subjects stratified by sex and BMI. Models were adjusted for body composition (fat mass, fat free mass), smoking, disease count and physical activity. RESULTS: In unadjusted models, the rate of decline in REE was highest in obese men (slope=-8.7±0.8 kcal/day/year) whereas the lowest rate of decline was observed in normal weight women (-2.9±0.3 kcal/day/year). Gender differences were observed for the age of onset of REE adaptive changes (i.e., not accounted by age related changes in body composition and lifestyle factors). In women, adaptive changes appeared to occur in middle-age (∼47 y) across all BMI groups whereas changes seemed to be delayed in obese men (∼54 y) compared to overweight (∼43 y) and normal weight (∼39 y) men. CONCLUSIONS: Sex and BMI influenced the rate and degree of the age-related decline in REE. Critical age windows have been identified for the onset of putative mechanisms of energy adaptation. These findings require confirmation in prospective studies.

Effects of the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is recommended to lower blood pressure (BP), but its effects on cardiometabolic biomarkers are unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) was conducted to determine the effects of the DASH diet on cardiovascular risk factors. Medline, Embase and Scopus databases were searched from inception to December 2013. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) DASH diet; (2) RCT; (3) risk factors including systolic and diastolic BP and glucose, HDL, LDL, TAG and total cholesterol concentrations; (4) control group. Random-effects models were used to determine the pooled effect sizes. Meta-regression analyses were carried out to examine the association between effect sizes, baseline values of the risk factors, BMI, age, quality of trials, salt intake and study duration. A total of twenty articles reporting data for 1917 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The duration of interventions ranged from 2 to 24 weeks. The DASH diet was found to result in significant decreases in systolic BP ( - 5·2 mmHg, 95% CI - 7·0, - 3·4; P< 0·001) and diastolic BP ( - 2·6 mmHg, 95% CI - 3·5, - 1·7; P< 0·001) and in the concentrations of total cholesterol ( - 0·20 mmol/l, 95% CI - 0·31, - 0·10; P< 0·001) and LDL ( - 0·10 mmol/l, 95% CI - 0·20, - 0·01; P= 0·03). Changes in both systolic and diastolic BP were greater in participants with higher baseline BP or BMI. These changes predicted a reduction of approximately 13% in the 10-year Framingham risk score for CVD. The DASH diet improved cardiovascular risk factors and appeared to have greater beneficial effects in subjects with an increased cardiometabolic risk. The DASH diet is an effective nutritional strategy to prevent CVD.

Exercise modalities and endothelial function: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Regular exercise is associated with enhanced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is used widely to assess endothelial function (EF) and NO release. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to (i) investigate the effect of exercise modalities (aerobic, resistance or combined) on FMD; and (ii) determine which exercise and participant characteristics are most effective in improving FMD. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases for studies that met the following criteria: (i) randomized controlled trials of exercise with comparative non-exercise, usual care or sedentary groups; (ii) duration of exercise intervention ≥4 weeks; (iii) age ≥18 years; and (iv) EF measured by FMD before and after the intervention. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence interval were entered into a random effect model to estimate the pooled effect of the exercise interventions. RESULTS: All exercise modalities enhanced EF significantly: aerobic (WMD 2.79, 95% CI 2.12-3.45, p = 0.0001), resistance (WMD 2.52, 95% CI 1.11-3.93, p = 0.0001) and combined (WMD 2.07, 95% CI 0.70-3.44, p = 0.003). A dose-response relationship was observed between aerobic exercise intensity and improvement in EF. A 2 metabolic equivalents (MET) increase in absolute exercise intensity or a 10% increase in relative exercise intensity resulted in a 1% unit improvement in FMD. There was a positive relationship between frequency of resistance exercise sessions and improvement in EF (ß 1.14, CI 0.16-2.12, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: All exercise modalities improve EF significantly and there was a significant, positive relationship between aerobic exercise intensity and EF. Greater frequency, rather than intensity, of resistance exercise training enhanced EF.

Antioxidant vitamin supplementation reduces arterial stiffness in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Several studies tested the effects of supplementation with antioxidant vitamins on arterial stiffness, but the results were contradictory. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the effect of antioxidant vitamins on arterial stiffness and to determine whether the effects on arterial stiffness vary according to dose, duration of intervention, and health or nutritional status of the included participants. METHODS: We searched 3 databases (Medline, Embase, and Scopus) for articles that potentially met the following eligibility criteria: 1) randomized controlled trials comparing antioxidant vitamins (vitamins C, E, and A and ß-carotene) to either placebo or no active control in 2) adult participants aged ≥18 y; 3) antioxidant vitamins administered alone or in combination, irrespective of dose, duration, and route of administration; and 4) changes in arterial stiffness or arterial compliance. Data were pooled as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and analyzed using fixed- and random-effects models. RESULTS: Data synthesis showed that antioxidant vitamins reduced arterial stiffness significantly (SMD: -0.17; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.08; P < 0.001). This effect was significant in experimental (SMD: -1.02; 95% CI: -1.54, -0.49; P < 0.001) and primary prevention (SMD: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.24, -0.04; P < 0.01) studies, whereas a trend for reduced arterial stiffness was observed in studies including participants with diseases (SMD: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.40, 0.02; P = 0.08). Vitamin supplementation improved arterial stiffness irrespective of age group and duration of intervention. Antioxidant vitamins were more effective in participants with low baseline plasma concentrations of vitamins C (SMD: -0.35; 95% CI: -0.62, -0.07; P < 0.016) and E (SMD: -0.79; 95% CI: -1.23, -0.33; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins has a small, protective effect on arterial stiffness. The effect may be augmented in those with lower baseline plasma vitamin E and C concentrations. This trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42014007260.

Underreporting in obese inpatients undergoing a psycho-nutritional rehabilitative program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible correlation between underreporting and anthropometric, psychological and socio-anagraphic characteristics in obese inpatients. DESIGN: Perspective longitudinal study. SUBJECTS: Forty-two obese inpatients enrolled to a multidisciplinary 3-week weight loss program in a psycho-nutritional rehabilitative structure located in Salice Terme, Northern Italy. They underwent anthropometric, dietary, clinical, and psycho diagnostic evaluation. RESULTS: Forty-two subjects were included in the study of which 29 (70 %) were females and 13 were males. Mean BMI and mean waist circumference were 42.7 ± 9.5 kg/m(2) and 125 ± 18 cm, respectively. The mean weight loss of 4.2 ± 2.2 kg in the whole sample was significantly greater in males compared to females. The waist circumference fell in equal measure in both of the sexes. Thirty patients were classified as underreporters according to Goldberg, two-thirds of which were females. In the course of the three recovery weeks, a third of the 30 subjects identified as underreporters at the beginning continued to underreport energy intake. CONCLUSION: In our study, the prevalence of underreporting was equal to over 70 % of the original sample. There was no significant difference between the weight losses achieved by the underreporter and non-underreporter groups. All the underreporters initially became partly non-underreporters during treatment. Those who gave up the practice of underreporting were patients who had a more elevated BMI, who were more susceptible to binge eating behavior and who experienced a strong uneasiness both physically and psychologically. They also had a strongly impaired quality of life.