Antimalarial evaluation of alkyl-linked bis-thiadiazine derivatives in murine model infected with two Plasmodium strains.

Background and Purpose: Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax are responsible for most malaria cases in humans in the African Region and the Americas; these parasites have developed resistance to classic antimalarial drugs. On the other hand, previous investigations of the alkyl-linked bis tetrahydro-(2H)-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione (bis-THTT) derivatives compounds show satisfactory results against protozoan parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma vaginalis, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Leishmania donovani. Therefore, it is possible to see some effect of bis-THTT derivatives on other protozoan parasites, such as Plasmodium. Experimental Approach: This study aimed to perform an in vivo biological evaluation of bis-THTT (JH1 to JH6) derivatives compounds as possible anti-malaria drugs in BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL strains. In this work, we evaluated the compounds as potential antimalarial drugs in BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium strains. Key Results: For each compound, we assess the percentages of parasitemia by smears from tail blood and the humoral response by indirect ELISA test using each compound as an antigen. We also evaluated the B lymphocyte response and the cytotoxicity of the bis-THTT derivatives compounds with MTT cell proliferation assays. Conclusions: Our results show that the bis-THTT derivatives JH2 and JH4 presented effective parasitemia control in mice infected with P. berghei; JH5 and JH6 compounds have similar infection control results as chloroquine in mice infected P. yoelii strain. The evaluation of bis-THTT derivatives compounds in a model of BALB/c mice infected with P. berghei and P. yoelii allowed us to conclude that some of them have an antimalarial effect; however, none of the tested compounds exceeded the efficiency of chloroquine.

Dietary intake of Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and glucose homeostasis parameters in a non-diabetic senior population.

BACKGROUND: Endocrine disruptors (EDs) have emerged as potential contributors to the development of type-2 diabetes. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), is one of these EDs linked with chronic diseases and gathered attention due to its widespread in food. OBJECTIVE: To assess at baseline and after 1-year of follow-up associations between estimated dietary intake (DI) of PFOS, and glucose homeostasis parameters and body-mass-index (BMI) in a senior population of 4600 non-diabetic participants from the PREDIMED-plus study. METHODS: Multivariable linear regression models were conducted to assess associations between baseline PFOS-DI at lower bound (LB) and upper bound (UB) established by the EFSA, glucose homeostasis parameters and BMI. RESULTS: Compared to those in the lowest tertile, participants in the highest tertile of baseline PFOS-DI in LB and UB showed higher levels of HbA1c [ß-coefficient(CI)] [0.01 %(0.002 to 0.026), and [0.06 mg/dL(0.026 to 0.087), both p-trend ≤ 0.001], and fasting plasma glucose in the LB PFOS-DI [1.05 mg/dL(0.050 to 2.046),p-trend = 0.022]. Prospectively, a positive association between LB of PFOS-DI and BMI [0.06 kg/m2(0.014 to 0.106) per 1-SD increment of energy-adjusted PFOS-DI was shown. Participants in the top tertile showed an increase in HOMA-IR [0.06(0.016 to 0.097), p-trend = 0.005] compared to participants in the reference tertile after 1-year of follow-up. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to explore the association between DI of PFOS and glucose homeostasis. In this study, a high baseline DI of PFOS was associated with a higher levels of fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c and with an increase in HOMA-IR and BMI after 1-year of follow-up.

Competencias digitales de docentes de Educación Física para reducir el estrés de estudiantes mediante emprendimiento en proyectos

Los emprendimientos en proyectos de la actividad física y el deporte, ante todo, han demostrado ser atractivos y curativos, por excelencia. Es muy notable esta situación en individuos que invierten gran parte de su tiempo sentados frente a un computador, como es el caso de los estudiantes en formación que desarrollan competencias digitales. En este trabajo, se consideró la necesidad de investigar la relación existente entre la labor que realizan estos estudiantes y los inconvenientes para la salud que generan las prolongadas horas que ellos invierten en su trabajo de vinculación con las competencias digitales; por lo que el objetivo consistió en determinar cuáles son las causas fundamentales que provocan el estrés en estudiantes de informática y en qué medida la actividad física que realizan les ayuda reducir estos impactos de la actividad profesional. Para lograrlo, se aplicaron métodos del nivel empírico como la observación científica, la entrevista y la encuesta. Como resultados preliminares, a partir de un prexperimento, se pudo constatar que los estudiantes percibieron un cambio satisfactorio, con niveles inferiores de estrés y mejoras de los comportamientos posturales.

Entrepreneurship in physical activity and sports projects, above all, has proven to be attractive and healing, par excellence. This situation is very notable in individuals who spend a large part of their time sitting in front of a computer, as is the case of students in training who develop digital skills. In this work, the need to investigate the relationship between the work carried out by these students and the health problems generated by the long hours they invest in their work linking with digital skills was considered; therefore, the objective was to determine what are the fundamental causes that cause stress in computer science students and to what extent the physical activity they perform helps them reduce these impacts of professional activity. To achieve this, empirical level methods such as scientific observation, interviews and surveys were applied. As preliminary results, from a pre-experiment, it was confirmed that the students perceived a satisfactory change, with lower levels of stress and improvements in postural behaviors.

O empreendedorismo em projetos de atividade física e esportivos, sobretudo, tem se mostrado atrativo e curativo, por excelência. Esta situação é muito notória nos indivíduos que passam grande parte do seu tempo sentados em frente ao computador, como é o caso dos alunos em formação que desenvolvem competências digitais. Neste trabalho foi considerada a necessidade de investigar a relação entre o trabalho realizado por esses alunos e os problemas de saúde gerados pelas longas horas que investem no seu trabalho vinculando-se às competências digitais; Portanto, objetivou-se determinar quais são as causas fundamentais que causam estresse em estudantes de informática e em que medida a atividade física que realizam os ajuda a reduzir esses impactos da atividade profissional. Para conseguir isso, foram aplicados métodos de nível empírico, como observação científica, entrevistas e pesquisas. Como resultados preliminares, de um pré-experimento, confirmou-se que os alunos perceberam uma mudança satisfatória, com menores níveis de estresse e melhorias nos comportamentos posturais.

Microbial Phenolic Metabolites Are Associated with Improved Cognitive Health.

SCOPE: Diets rich in polyphenols has been associated with better cognitive performance. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM) in urine and cognition in the context of an older population at high cardiovascular risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cross-sectional analysis is conducted in 400 individuals of the PREDIMED-Plus study. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is used to identify urinary MPM. Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence is estimated with a 17-item questionnaire and cognitive function is evaluated with a battery of neuropsychological tests. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models are fitted to assess the relationship of urinary MPM with the MedDiet and cognitive tests. Protocatechuic acid and enterolactone glucuronide are associated with higher adherence to the MedDiet. Regarding cognitive function, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid glucuronide, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, enterodiol glucuronide, and enterolactone glucuronide are directly associated with a global composite score of all the cognitive tests. Furthermore, protocatechuic acid and enterolactone glucuronide are associated with higher scores in the Mini-Mental State Examination, whereas enterodiol glucuronide is associated with improved Clock Drawing Test scores. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the MedDiet is linked to MPM associated with better cognitive performance in an older population.

Coronavirus disease 2019 is associated with long-term depressive symptoms in Spanish older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has serious physiological and psychological consequences. The long-term (>12 weeks post-infection) impact of COVID-19 on mental health, specifically in older adults, is unclear. We longitudinally assessed the association of COVID-19 with depression symptomatology in community-dwelling older adults with metabolic syndrome within the framework of the PREDIMED-Plus cohort. METHODS: Participants (n = 5486) aged 55-75 years were included in this longitudinal cohort. COVID-19 status (positive/negative) determined by tests (e.g. polymerase chain reaction severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, IgG) was confirmed via event adjudication (410 cases). Pre- and post-COVID-19 depressive symptomatology was ascertained from annual assessments conducted using a validated 21-item Spanish Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models assessed the association between COVID-19 and depression symptomatology. RESULTS: COVID-19 in older adults was associated with higher post-COVID-19 BDI-II scores measured at a median (interquartile range) of 29 (15-40) weeks post-infection [fully adjusted ß = 0.65 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-1.15; p = 0.011]. This association was particularly prominent in women (ß = 1.38 points, 95% CI 0.44-2.33, p = 0.004). COVID-19 was associated with 62% increased odds of elevated depression risk (BDI-II ≥ 14) post-COVID-19 when adjusted for confounders (odds ratio; 95% CI 1.13-2.30, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 was associated with long-term depression risk in older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome, particularly in women. Thus, long-term evaluations of the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and preventive public health initiatives are warranted in older adults.

Changes in Physical Performance Throughout Professional Soccer Match-Play.

ABSTRACT: Oliva-Lozano, JM, Granero-Gil, P, and Panascì, M. Changes in physical performance throughout professional soccer match-play. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): 123-127, 2024-The aim of this study was to explore the changes in physical performance by playing position throughout professional soccer match-play. Global Positioning Systems were used for the collection of external load measures during 35 matches. Each match was divided into 15-minute periods. Physical performance varied according to the period in distance covered ( F = 25.69; p < 0.001; partial eta-squared [ηp 2 ] = 0.11), sprinting distance (SPD, F = 4.35; p < 0.001; ηp 2 = 0.02), sprinting actions (SPAs, F = 5.19; p < 0.001), high-intensity accelerations (Acc+3, F = 2.18; p = 0.05; ηp 2 = 0.01), high-intensity decelerations (Dec+3, F = 4.51; p < 0.001; ηp 2 = 0.02), and high-metabolic load distance (HMLD, F = 5.59; p < 0.001; ηp 2 = 0.03). The period with the greatest mean physical performance was usually from the first half of the matches: 0-15 minutes (distance, Acc+3, and Dec+3) and 30-45 minutes (HMLD, SPA, and SPD). However, the lowest mean physical performance compared with the rest of 15-minute periods was observed in the 60-75-minute period (distance, HMLD, Acc+3, and Dec+3), except for SPA and SPD (15-30 minutes and 75-90 minutes). Overall, no significant differences ( p > 0.05) were observed in the physical performance between the extratime periods. In addition, the playing position had a significant effect on all performance variables ( F = 39.99-133.29; p < 0.001; ηp 2 = 0.14-0.34). Central defenders showed the lowest physical performance throughout the periods of match-play, whereas wide midfielders showed the greatest physical performance in all variables, except for distance covered, in which midfielders had the greatest performance. In conclusion, there were changes in physical performance during the matches depending on the period of match-play and playing position.

A Bayesian Random Weights Linear Logistic Test Model for Within-Test Practice Effects.

The present paper introduces a random weights linear logistic test model for the measurement of individual differences in operation-specific practice effects within a single administration of a test. The proposed model is an extension of the linear logistic test model of learning developed by Spada (1977) in which the practice effects are considered random effects varying across examinees. A Bayesian framework was used for model estimation and evaluation. A simulation study was conducted to examine the behavior of the model in combination with the Bayesian procedures. The results demonstrated the good performance of the estimation and evaluation methods. Additionally, an empirical study was conducted to illustrate the applicability of the model to real data. The model was applied to a sample of responses from a logical ability test providing evidence of individual differences in operation-specific practice effects.

Plant Foliar Geometry as a Biomimetic Template for Antenna Design.

Plant diversity includes over 300,000 species, and leaf structure is one of the main targets of selection, being highly variable in shape and size. On the other hand, the optimization of antenna design has no unique solution to satisfy the current range of applications. We analyzed the foliar geometries of 100 plant species and applied them as a biomimetic design template for microstrip patch antenna systems. From this set, a subset of seven species were further analyzed, including species from tropical and temperate forests across the phylogeny of the Angiosperms. Foliar geometry per species was processed by image processing analyses, and the resultant geometries were used in simulations of the reflection coefficients and the radiation patterns via finite differences methods. A value below -10 dB is set for the reflection coefficient to determine the operation frequencies of all antenna elements. All species showed between 3 and 15 operational frequencies, and four species had operational frequencies that included the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. The reflection coefficients and the radiation patterns in most of the designs were equal or superior to those of conventional antennas, with several species showing multiband effects and omnidirectional radiation. We demonstrate that plant structures can be used as a biomimetic tool in designing microstrip antenna for a wide range of applications.

Using Microtechnology and the Fourier Transform for the Analysis of Effective Activity Time in Professional Soccer.

ABSTRACT: Oliva-Lozano, JM, Chmura, P, Granero-Gil, P, and Muyor, JM. Using microtechnology and the Fourier Transform for the analysis of effective activity time in professional soccer. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): 2491-2495, 2023-This study aimed to investigate the use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for the analysis of effective activity time in professional soccer by (a) exploring the relationship between this variable and standard external load parameters and (b) analyzing the effective activity time during official professional soccer matches. Twenty-six male players participated in the study. Each player was categorized as midfielder, central defender, full-back, wide-midfielder, or forward. Tracking systems based on inertial sensors (4 3D accelerometers, 3 3D gyroscopes, and 1 magnetometer), and global positioning systems technology were used to collect external load measures for 35 matches. Each match was analyzed considering 15-minute periods to explore the evolution of effective activity time during the matches. The extra time from each match was also included. Fast Fourier transform duration may be a representative variable of effective activity time, given the strong positive correlation with the external load variables ( p < 0.001). The linear regression analysis showed that the variables that significantly contributed to the model ( R2 = 0.97) were the total of steps and the distance covered. The mean effective activity time in soccer match play was ∼48.69 minutes. This time significantly changed depending on factors such as the period of the match ( F = 239.05; p < 0.001; ηp 2 = 0.60) or playing position ( F = 16.99; p < 0.001; ηp 2 = 0.06). The greatest effective activity time was observed for all playing positions in the 0'-15' period. However, the 60'-75' period showed the lowest effective activity times compared with the rest of the 15-minute periods for all positions except for forwards (75'-90'). From a practical standpoint, sports performance practitioners may consider these results to improve the individualization of training and match demands. Also, a more accurate indicator of exercise intensity may be obtained (e.g., multiplying the rating of perceived exertion by the effective activity time).

Complete mitochondrial DNA profile in stroke: A geographical matched case-control study in Spanish population.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke, the second leading cause of death worldwide, is a complex disease influenced by many risk factors among which we can find reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since mitochondria are the main producers of cellular ROS, nowadays studies are trying to elucidate the role of these organelles and its DNA (mtDNA) variation in stroke risk. The aim of the present study was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the association between mtDNA mutations and mtDNA content and stroke risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Homoplasmic and heteroplasmic mutations of the mtDNA were analysed in a case-controls study using 110 S cases and their corresponding control individuals. Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) was analysed in 73 of those case-control pairs. RESULTS: Our results suggest that haplogroup V, specifically variants m.72C > T, m.4580G > A, m.15904C > T and m.16298 T > C have a protective role in relation to stroke risk. On the contrary, variants m.73A > G, m.11719G > A and m.14766C > T appear to be genetic risk factors for stroke. In this study, we found no statistically significant association between stroke risk and mitochondrial DNA copy number. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the possible role of mtDNA genetics on the pathogenesis of stroke, probably through alterations in mitochondrial ROS production.

Structural Brain Alterations in Individuals Post-COVID-19: A Systematic Review / Alteraciones Estructurales Cerebrales en Individuos Post COVID-19: Una Revisión Sistemática

SUMMARY: Although COVID-19 is primarily considered a respiratory pathology, it has been observed to impact other bodily systems, including the nervous system. While several studies have investigated anatomical changes in brain structures, such as volume or thickness post-COVID-19, there are no comprehensive reviews of these changes using imaging techniques for a holistic understanding. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the literature on brain changes observed through neuroimaging after COVID-19. We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines using Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Pubmed, Sciencedirect, and LitCOVID. We selected studies that included adult patients during or after COVID-19 development, a control group or pre-infection images, and morphometric measurements using neuroimaging. We used the MSQ scale to extract information on sample characteristics, measured anatomical structures, imaging technique, main results, and methodological quality for each study. Out of 1126 identified articles, we included 19 in the review, encompassing 1155 cases and 1284 controls. The results of these studies indicated a lower volume of the olfactory bulb and variable increases or decreases in cortical and limbic structures' volumes and thicknesses. Studies suggest that brain changes occur post-COVID-19, primarily characterized by a smaller olfactory bulb. Additionally, there may be variations in cortical and limbic volumes and thicknesses due to inflammation or neuroplasticity, but these findings are not definitive. These differences may be attributed to methodological, geographical, and temporal variations between studies. Thus, additional studies are required to provide a more comprehensive and quantitative view of the evidence.

Aunque el COVID-19 se considera principalmente una patología respiratoria, se ha observado que afecta otros sistemas corporales, incluido el sistema nervioso. Si bien varios estudios han investigado los cambios anatómicos en las estructuras cerebrales, como el volumen o el grosor posteriores a la COVID-19, no hay revisiones exhaustivas de estos cambios que utilicen técnicas de imágenes para una comprensión holística. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar sistemáticamente la literature sobre los cambios cerebrales observados a través de neuroimagen después de COVID-19. Realizamos una revisión sistemática de acuerdo con las pautas PRISMA utilizando Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Pubmed, Sciencedirect y LitCOVID. Seleccionamos estudios que incluyeron pacientes adultos durante o después del desarrollo de COVID-19, un grupo de control o imágenes previas a la infección y mediciones morfométricas mediante neuroimagen. Utilizamos la escala MSQ para extraer información sobre las características de la muestra, las estructuras anatómicas medidas, la técnica de imagen, los principales resultados y la calidad metodológica de cada estudio. De 1126 artículos identificados, incluimos 19 en la revisión, que abarca 1155 casos y 1284 controles. Los resultados de estos estudios indicaron un menor volumen del bulbo olfatorio y aumentos o disminuciones variables en los volúmenes y espesores de las estructuras corticales y límbicas. Los estudios sugieren que los cambios cerebrales ocurren después del COVID-19, caracterizados principalmente por un bulbo olfatorio más pequeño. Además, pueden haber variaciones en los volúmenes y grosores corticales y límbicos debido a la inflamación o la neuroplasticidad, pero estos hallazgos no son definitivos. Estas diferencias pueden atribuirse a variaciones metodológicas, geográficas y temporales entre estudios. Por lo tanto, se requieren estudios adicionales para proporcionar una visión más completa y cuantitativa de la evidencia.

Two-Year Changes in Physical Activity and Concurrent Changes in Cognitive Function in a Cohort of Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that physical activity (PA) could prevent cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between changes in PA and changes in cognitive function in a cohort of adults with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Longitudinal observational study including 5,500 adults (mean age 65 years, SD = 5; women = 49.3% ) with metabolic syndrome. Participants underwent physical activity measurements and cognitive evaluation at baseline and at two-years of follow-up. PA was quantified using the Minnesota questionnaire-shortened version. Cognitive function was evaluated using a battery of tests: Mini-Mental Test Examination, Clock Drawing Test, Trail Making Test A and B, Verbal Fluency Test, and Digit Span. The primary outcome was two-year change in cognition, measured through the Global Composite Score (GCS) of all neuropsychological tests. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models were fitted with baseline PA and their changes as the main exposures and changes in cognitive function as the outcome. RESULTS: No significant association was found between PA levels (or their changes) in the GCS of cognitive function. A greater increase in PA levels was associated with a more favorable two-year change in the Trail Making Test A (Q4 versus Q1: b = - 2.24s, 95% CI -4.36 to -0.12s; p-trend = 0.020). No significant association was found for other neuropsychological test. CONCLUSION: Our results do not support an association between increases in PA and the evolution of the global cognitive function at two-year in an intervention trial which included PA promotion in one of its two randomized arms, but they suggested a possible beneficial effect of PA on attentional function in older adults.

Effects of three spontaneous ventilation modes on respiratory drive and muscle effort in COVID-19 pneumonia patients.

BACKGROUND: High drive and high effort during spontaneous breathing can generate patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI) due to uncontrolled high transpulmonary and transvascular pressures, with deterioration of respiratory failure. P-SILI has been demonstrated in experimental studies and supported in recent computational models. Different treatment strategies have been proposed according to the phenotype of elastance of the respiratory system (Ers) for patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the effect of three spontaneous ventilation modes on respiratory drive and muscle effort in clinical practice and their relationship with different phenotypes. This was achieved by obtaining the following respiratory signals: airway pressure (Paw), flow (V´) and volume (V) and calculating muscle pressure (Pmus). METHODS: A physiologic observational study of a series of cases in a university medical-surgical ICU involving 11 mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia at the initiation of spontaneous breathing was conducted. Three spontaneous ventilation modes were evaluated in each of the patients: pressure support ventilation (PSV), airway pressure release ventilation (APRV), and BiLevel positive airway pressure ventilation (BIPAP). Pmus was calculated through the equation of motion. For this purpose, we acquired the signals of Paw, V´ and V directly from the data transmission protocol of the ventilator (Dräger). The main physiological measurements were calculation of the respiratory drive (P0.1), muscle effort through the ΔPmus, pressure‒time product (PTP/min) and work of breathing of the patient in joules multiplied by respiratory frequency (WOBp, J/min). RESULTS: Ten mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia at the initiation of spontaneous breathing were evaluated. Our results showed similar high drive and muscle effort in each of the spontaneous ventilatory modes tested, without significant differences between them: median (IQR): P0.1 6.28 (4.92-7.44) cm H2O, ∆Pmus 13.48 (11.09-17.81) cm H2O, PTP 166.29 (124.02-253.33) cm H2O*sec/min, and WOBp 12.76 (7.46-18.04) J/min. High drive and effort were found in patients even with low Ers. There was a significant relationship between respiratory drive and WOBp and Ers, though the coefficient of variation widely varied. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, none of the spontaneous ventilatory methods tested succeeded in reducing high respiratory drive or muscle effort, regardless of the Ers, with subsequent risk of P-SILI.

Plasma metabolite profiles associated with the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research lifestyle score and future risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: A healthy lifestyle (HL) has been inversely related to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies have identified a metabolite profile associated with HL. The present study aims to identify a metabolite profile of a HL score and assess its association with the incidence of T2D and CVD in individuals at high cardiovascular risk. METHODS: In a subset of 1833 participants (age 55-80y) of the PREDIMED study, we estimated adherence to a HL using a composite score based on the 2018 Word Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research recommendations. Plasma metabolites were analyzed using LC-MS/MS methods at baseline (discovery sample) and 1-year of follow-up (validation sample). Cross-sectional associations between 385 known metabolites and the HL score were assessed using elastic net regression. A 10-cross-validation procedure was used, and correlation coefficients or AUC were assessed between the identified metabolite profiles and the self-reported HL score. We estimated the associations between the identified metabolite profiles and T2D and CVD using multivariable Cox regression models. RESULTS: The metabolite profiles that identified HL as a dichotomous or continuous variable included 24 and 58 metabolites, respectively. These are amino acids or derivatives, lipids, and energy intermediates or xenobiotic compounds. After adjustment for potential confounders, baseline metabolite profiles were associated with a lower risk of T2D (hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54, 0.38-0.77 for dichotomous HL, and 0.22, 0.11-0.43 for continuous HL). Similar results were observed with CVD (HR, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.42-0.83 for dichotomous HF and HR, 95%CI: 0.58, 0.31-1.07 for continuous HL). The reduction in the risk of T2D and CVD was maintained or attenuated, respectively, for the 1-year metabolomic profile. CONCLUSIONS: In an elderly population at high risk of CVD, a set of metabolites was selected as potential metabolites associated with the HL pattern predicting the risk of T2D and, to a lesser extent, CVD. These results support previous findings that some of these metabolites are inversely associated with the risk of T2D and CVD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The PREDIMED trial was registered at ISRCTN ( http://www.isrctn.com/ , ISRCTN35739639).

Association of monetary diet cost of foods and diet quality in Spanish older adults.

Background: A major barrier to a healthy diet may be the higher price of healthy foods compared to low-quality foods. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association between the monetary cost of food and diet quality in Spanish older adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis was carried out in Spanish older adults (n = 6,838; 48.6% female). A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake. Metabolic syndrome severity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), adherence to a provegetarian dietary pattern, and dietary inflammatory index were assessed. The economic cost of the foods was obtained from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food database (2015-2017, the period of time when the participants were recruited). The total cost of diet adjusted per 1,000 kcal was computed. Results: The healthier dietary pattern was associated with a higher cost of the diet. Higher adherence to the MedDiet, anti-inflammatory diet, and the healthy version of the provegetarian dietary pattern were related to higher costs of the diet. Conclusion: Higher diet quality was associated with a higher dietary cost of the diet per 1,000 kcal/day. Food prices can be an important component of interventions and policies aimed at improving people's diets and preventing diet-related chronic diseases. Clinical trial registry number: The trial was registered in 2014 at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial (ISRCT; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN89898870) with the number 89898870.

Suicide Risk Analysis and Psycho-Emotional Risk Factors Using an Artificial Neural Network System.

Suicidal behavior among young people has become an increasingly relevant topic after the COVID-19 pandemic and constitutes a public health problem. This study aimed to examine the variables associated with suicide risk and determine their predictive capacity. The specific objectives were: (1) to analyze the relationship between suicide risk and model variables and (2) to design an artificial neural network (ANN) with predictive capacity for suicide risk. The sample comprised 337 youths aged 18-33 years. An ex post facto design was used. The results showed that emotional attention, followed by problem solving and perfectionism, were variables that contributed the most to the ANN's predictive capacity. The ANN achieved a hit rate of 85.7%, which is much higher than chance, and with only 14.3% of incorrect cases. This study extracted relevant information on suicide risk and the related risk and protective factors via artificial intelligence. These data will be useful for diagnosis as well as for psycho-educational guidance and prevention. This study was one of the first to apply this innovative methodology based on an ANN design to study these variables.

Association between serum copper levels and risk of cardiovascular disease: A nested case-control study in the PREDIMED trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Certain trace elements have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum copper (S-Cu) levels and the risk of a first event of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a population of older adults with high cardiovascular risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a case-control study nested within the PREDIMED trial. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, a total of 207 incident cases diagnosed with CVD were matched for sex, age, and intervention group with 436 controls. Personal interviews, reviews of medical records, and validated questionnaires were used to assess known CVD risk factors. Biological serum samples were collected annually. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis was used to determine S-Cu levels. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using multivariate conditional logistic regression models. All participants had S-Cu levels within the reference values, 750 µg/L to 1450 µg/L. Among men, but not among women, the mean S-Cu concentration was higher in cases 1014.1 µg/L than in controls 959.3 µg/L; (p = 0.004). In men, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for CVD was 2.36 (95% CI 1.07-5.20 for the comparison of the highest vs. the lowest quartile; p for trend = 0.02), in women, it was 0.43 (95% CI 0.11-1.70; p for trend = 0.165). CONCLUSION: In older Spanish men with high cardiovascular risk, a significant association was observed between high S-Cu levels, but still within the reference values, and an increased risk of a first event of CVD. Our findings suggest a sex difference in CVD risk and S-Cu levels. To confirm this relationship and to analyze the differences observed between men and women, further studies are needed.