Self-reported engagement in healthy eating behaviors is associated with favorable dietary intake among adults in Puerto Rico.

A diet high in quality is essential for prevention of chronic diseases. Specific healthy eating behaviors may modulate dietary intake. However, these behaviors have been seldomly studied, particularly in Puerto Rico (PR), a population with documented poor dietary quality and high burden of chronic diseases. This study aimed to document self-reported engagement in eating behaviors and examine their associations with intake of nutrients and diet quality. We hypothesized that greater engagement in healthy eating behavior would be associated with greater diet quality. This cross-sectional analysis used data from the PRADLAD study (adults aged 30-75 years residing in the San Juan, PR, area [n = 234]). Frequency (never, sometimes, often, always) of habitual eating behaviors was measured. Dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was measured with the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010. Statistical analyses included adjusted linear models. The most common behavior was "controlling intake of salt" (51.7%). Engaging "always" (vs. less frequently) in making healthier meals, reading nutrition facts labels, searching media for healthy eating information, counting calories, buying organic foods, eating a vegetarian diet, and controlling intake of salt, fat, carbohydrates/sugar, and portions were associated with higher Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores (P < .05). Controlling intakes of fats, carbohydrates/sugars, and portions "always" was associated with lower intakes of trans fats, added sugars, and total food (g), respectively (P < .05). Engagement in eating a vegetarian diet "always" was associated with higher intake of plant-based protein (P < .05). In conclusion, adults following several habitual eating behaviors had greater diet quality and a lower amount of unfavorable nutrients. Encouraging adherence to these behaviors may contribute to healthier dietary intake.

Neo-Traditional and Industrialized Dietary Patterns Coexist and Are Differentially Associated with Cardiometabolic Health among Adults in Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND: An increasingly industrialized food system has marginalized local, traditional food cultures in Puerto Rico (PR). Recent efforts to decolonize diets have promoted local food intake; however, how resulting dietary patterns may influence cardiometabolic disease remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to 1) identify dietary patterns in PR and 2) determine their associations with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. METHODS: Data were obtained from participants (30-75 y) in PROSPECT (PR Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends; n = 989). Dietary patterns were derived using partial least squares analysis with food frequency questionnaire data, using nutrients associated with local food purchasing (dietary fiber, magnesium, saturated fat) as response variables. MetS was classified using harmonized criteria from clinical and laboratory measures and medication use. Fully adjusted generalized linear models tested associations between tertiles of dietary patterns and MetS. RESULTS: Approximately half (52%) of the participants were classified with MetS. Four dietary patterns were revealed: conventional (legumes, coffee, and dairy), industrialized starch and meat-centric (red/processed meats, pasta, and starchy roots), industrialized sugar-centric (rice, sugary beverages, and refined grains), and neo-traditional (local plants and seafood). Individuals in the highest (compared with lowest) tertile of the industrialized starch and meat-centric dietary pattern had higher mean waist circumference (102 compared with 99 cm) (P = 0.01), fasting glucose (106 compared with 98 mg/dL) (P = 0.019), and systolic blood pressure (123 compared with 119 mmHg) (P = 0.022). Individuals in the highest (compared with lowest) tertile of the neo-traditional diet were 0.69 (0.49, 0.97) times less likely to have MetS (P = 0.035) and had 4.1 cm lower mean waist circumference (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Promoting a neo-traditional diet and curbing industrialized starch and meat-centric diets may improve cardiometabolic health in PR. Results can guide local food promotion as a healthful, decolonizing approach in island settings.

Design and Implementation of a Culturally-Tailored Randomized Pilot Trial: Puerto Rican Optimized Mediterranean-Like Diet.

Background: Adhering to a Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is associated with a healthier cardiometabolic profile. However, there are limited studies on the MedDiet benefits for non-Mediterranean racial/ethnic minorities, for whom this diet may be unfamiliar and inaccessible and who have a high risk of chronic diseases. Objectives: To describe the study design of a pilot trial testing the efficacy of a MedDiet-like tailored to adults in Puerto Rico (PR). Methods: The Puerto Rican Optimized Mediterranean-like Diet (PROMED) was a single-site 4-mo parallel two-arm randomized pilot trial among a projected 50 free-living adults (25-65 y) living in PR with at least two cardiometabolic risk factors (clinicaltrials.gov registration #NCT03975556). The intervention group received 1 individual nutritional counseling session on a portion-control culturally-tailored MedDiet. Daily text messages reinforced the counseling content for 2 mo, and we supplied legumes and vegetable oils. Participants in the control group received cooking utensils and one standard portion-control nutritional counseling session that was reinforced with daily texts for 2 mo. Text messages for each group were repeated for two more months. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, 2 and 4 m. The primary outcome was a composite cardiometabolic improvement score; secondary outcomes included individual cardiometabolic factors; dietary intake, behaviors, and satisfaction; psychosocial factors; and the gut microbiome. Results: PROMED was designed to be culturally appropriate, acceptable, accessible, and feasible for adults in PR. Strengths of the study include applying deep-structure cultural components, easing structural barriers, and representing a real-life setting. Limitations include difficulty with blinding and with monitoring adherence, and reduced timing and sample size. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced implementation, warranting replication. Conclusions: If PROMED is proven efficacious in improving cardiometabolic health and diet quality, the findings would strengthen the evidence on the healthfulness of a culturally-appropriate MedDiet and support its wider implementation in clinical and population-wide disease-prevention programs.

Consumption of Foods Away from Home Is Associated with Lower Diet Quality Among Adults Living in Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND: Consuming foods away from home (FAFH) is ubiquitous, yet, it is unclear how it influences diet in diverse populations. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the association between frequency and type of consumption of FAFH and diet quality. DESIGN: The study had a cross-sectional design. Participants self-reported the frequency of consuming FAFH as "rarely" (≤1 time per week) vs "frequently" (≥2 times per week) at various commercial establishments or noncommercial FAFH (ie, friends' or relatives' homes). PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Participants were adults (aged 30 through 75 years) from the PRADLAD (Puerto Rico Assessment of Diet, Lifestyle, and Diseases) study conducted in San Juan, Puerto Rico metro area (n = 239) in 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A validated food frequency questionnaire captured dietary intake. The Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 defined diet quality. Secondary outcomes included whether participants met 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations for sodium, added sugars, saturated fat, dietary fiber, total energy, and alcohol. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Linear or logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, employment, income, education, and food insufficiency tested differences in mean Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores or odds of meeting (vs not meeting) intake recommendations by FAFH type and frequency. RESULTS: Overall, 54.4% and 37.2% of participants reported consuming commercial FAFH and noncommercial FAFH "frequently," respectively. Consuming FAFH "frequently" (vs "rarely") was associated with lower mean Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores for both commercial FAFH (57.92 vs 63.58; P = .001) and noncommercial FAFH (56.22 vs 62.32; P < .001). Consuming commercial FAFH "frequently" (vs "rarely") at any type of food establishment was associated with lower odds of meeting the dietary fiber Dietary Reference Intakes (odds ratio 0.43; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.81). Consuming noncommercial FAFH "frequently" was associated with lower odds of meeting recommendations for sodium (odds ratio 0.30; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.79) and added sugars (odds ratio 0.41; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Frequent consumption of FAFH is associated with lower diet quality and lower adherence to dietary recommendations in Puerto Rico. Future studies should explore whether diet quality can be improved by prioritizing healthy at-home meals and reformulating the quality of commercial FAFH.

Self-Rated Health and Medically Diagnosed Chronic Disease Association among Adults in Puerto Rico.

Introduction: Latinos report lower self-rated health (SRH) than non-Hispanic White persons. However, the association between SRH and medically diagnosed chronic diseases (MDCDs) remains understudied in Latino populations. This study assessed the relationship between a single-item SRH indicator and MDCD status among predominantly Latino adults in Puerto Rico. Methods: Participants (30-75 years; n=965) of the Puerto Rico Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends (PROSPECT) reported SRH (excellent/very good, good, or fair/poor) and MDCD (ever vs never). We performed multivariate logistic regressions to evaluate the association between SRH and MDCD, which adjusted for key socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioral confounders. Results: Twenty-seven percent of participants reported excellent/very good SRH, 39% good, and 34% fair/poor. Participants with fair/poor SRH (vs excellent/very good) were more likely to report MDCD for painful inflammation (odds ratio [OR]=4.95 [95% CI, 3.27-7.48]), kidney disease (4.64 [2.16-9.97]), sleep disorder (4.47 [2.83-7.05]), migraine headaches (4.07 [2.52-6.58]), overweight/obesity (3.84 [2.51-5.88]), depression (3.61 [2.28-5.74]), hypertension (3.59 [2.43-5.32]), high blood sugar (3.43 [2.00-5.89]), cardiovascular disease (3.13 [2.01-4.87]), anxiety (2.87 [1.85-4.44]), arthritis (2.80 [1.83-4.30]), diabetes (2.46 [1.57-3.83]), respiratory problems (2.45 [1.59-3.79]), stomach problems (2.44 [1.57-3.81]), eye disease (2.42 [1.44-4.06]), gallbladder disease (2.34 [1.35-4.05]), liver disease (2.26 [1.38-3.70]), heartburn (2.25 [1.55-3.26]), hyperlipidemia (2.10 [1.44-3.06]), and thyroid conditions (2.04 [1.30-3.21]). Conclusions: SRH may reflect MDCD burden and serve as a valid screener to efficiently identify Latino individuals in high need of clinical services. This is relevant in Puerto Rico, where chronic disease rates remain high amid limited, disparate access to health care.

Assessing the living environment of persons displaced following a strong earthquake sequence in Puerto Rico, 2020.

In the public health portfolio of disaster tools, rapid needs assessments are essential intelligence data mining resources that can assess immediate needs in almost all hazard scenarios. Following prolonged and unusual seismic activity that caused significant structural damage, mainly in the southwest part of the island of Puerto Rico, thousands of area residents were forced to leave their homes and establish improvised camps. The austere environmental exposure and limited access to safety and hygiene services prompted public health authorities to request assistance with conducting a rapid needs assessment of those encampments. This report summarizes the design, organization, and execution of a rapid needs assessment of improvised camps following a strong sequence of earthquakes in Puerto Rico.

Association between adverse experiences during Hurricane María and mental and emotional distress among adults in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between adverse experiences during Hurricane María and mental and emotional distress in Puerto Rico. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used baseline data from adult (30-75 years) participants of the Puerto Rico Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends (PROSPECT). Enrolled individuals prior to COVID-19 who completed a 33-item questionnaire on Hurricane María-related experiences (sub-categorized as personal, service, or property losses), depression symptomatology, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety were included for analysis (n = 456). RESULTS: Most participants experienced fear for their family's safety, damage to their home and personal items, communication outages, and water shortages. Each additional stressor was significantly associated with higher odds of depression symptoms, PTSD, and anxiety. Personal losses were significantly associated with higher likelihood of all outcomes, while services losses were associated with depression symptoms and anxiety; property loss was not significantly associated with any outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse experiences during a major natural disaster are associated with mental and emotional distress. Strategies to minimize hardships during natural disasters, especially personal and service losses, are essential to preserve mental health. Post-disaster psychological support to individuals is crucial.

Precision health diagnostic and surveillance network uses S gene target failure (SGTF) combined with sequencing technologies to track emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

INTRODUCTION: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic revealed a worldwide lack of effective molecular surveillance networks at local, state, and national levels, which are essential to identify, monitor, and limit viral community spread. SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) such as Alpha and Omicron, which show increased transmissibility and immune evasion, rapidly became dominant VOCs worldwide. Our objective was to develop an evidenced-based genomic surveillance algorithm, combining reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing technologies to quickly identify highly contagious VOCs, before cases accumulate exponentially. METHODS: Deidentified data were obtained from 508,969 patients tested for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with the TaqPath COVID-19 RT-PCR Combo Kit (ThermoFisher) in four CLIA-certified clinical laboratories in Puerto Rico (n = 86,639) and in three CLIA-certified clinical laboratories in the United States (n = 422,330). RESULTS: TaqPath data revealed a frequency of S Gene Target Failure (SGTF) > 47% for the last week of March 2021 in both, Puerto Rico and US laboratories. The monthly frequency of SGTF in Puerto Rico steadily increased exponentially from 4% in November 2020 to 47% in March 2021. The weekly SGTF rate in US samples was high (>8%) from late December to early January and then also increased exponentially through April (48%). The exponential increase in SGFT prevalence in Puerto Rico was concurrent with a sharp increase in VOCs among all SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Puerto Rico uploaded to Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISAID) (n = 461). Alpha variant frequency increased from <1% in the last week of January 2021 to 51.5% of viral sequences from Puerto Rico collected in the last week of March 2021. CONCLUSIONS: According to the proposed evidence-based algorithm, approximately 50% of all SGTF patients should be managed with VOCs self-quarantine and contact tracing protocols, while WGS confirms their lineage in genomic surveillance laboratories. Our results suggest this workflow is useful for tracking VOCs with SGTF.

Chronic Diseases and Associated Risk Factors Among Adults in Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria.

Importance: As public health emergencies become more prevalent, it is crucial to identify adverse physical and mental health conditions that may be triggered by natural disasters. There is a lack of data on whether Hurricane Maria in 2017 influenced the disease burden of adults in Puerto Rico. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of chronic diseases and their associated risk factors among adults living in Puerto Rico before and after Hurricane Maria in 2017. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used data from 2 previous cross-sectional studies, including the pre-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico Assessment on Diet, Lifestyles and Disease (PRADLAD) study, conducted in 2015, and the post-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends (PROSPECT), conducted in 2019. Participants included adults aged 30 to 75 years residing in Puerto Rico. Data were analyzed from April to October 2020. Exposures: Self-reported data were obtained on sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors and medically diagnosed conditions using validated questionnaires. Anthropometrics were measured in triplicate. Main Outcomes and Measures: Data were obtained using similar protocols in both studies. Characteristics were contrasted for all participants across studies and for 87 PRADLAD participants who returned to PROSPECT. Results: A total of 825 participants from both cohorts were included, with 380 PRADLAD participants and 532 PROSPECT participants. In the 2019 PROSPECT study, the mean (SD) age was 53.7 (10.8) years, and 363 participants (68.2%) were assigned female at birth and 169 participants (31.8%) were assigned male at birth. In the 2019 cohort, 360 participants (67.7%) had college education or higher, 205 participants (38.5%) reported annual income greater than $20 001, and 263 participants (49.5%) were employed. Most sociodemographic variables were similar between studies, except for higher income and employment after the hurricane. In the main analysis, participants in 2019, compared with participants in 2015, had higher abdominal obesity (389 participants [73.2%] vs 233 participants [61.3%]), sedentarism (236 participants [44.4%] vs 136 participants [35.8%]), binge drinking (95 participants [17.9%] vs 46 participants [12.1%]), and social support (mean [SD] score, 26.9 [7.2] vs 24.7 [7.1]) but lower depressive symptoms (169 participants [31.7%] vs 200 participants [52.6%]) and perceived stress (mean [SD] score, 19.3 [9.5] vs 21.7 [7.7]). In 2019, compared with 2015, there were higher rates of hypertension (252 participants [47.3%] vs 149 participants [39.2%]), arthritis (172 participants [32.3%] vs 97 participants [25.6%]), high cholesterol (194 participants [36.4%] vs 90 participants [23.8%]), high triglycerides (123 participants [23.1%] vs 56 participants [14.7%]), eye disease (94 participants [17.6%] vs 48 participants [12.7%]), fatty liver disease (68 participants [12.8%] vs 29 participants [7.5%]), and osteoporosis (74 participants [13.9%] vs 20 participants [5.2%]). Secondary analysis for the 87 returning participants showed similar results. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, a higher prevalence of unhealthy behaviors and chronic conditions was noted among adults in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, warranting long-term studies. Psychosocial factors were better, but still need attention. As natural disasters intensify, efforts should focus on continuous surveillance of health outcomes and promoting healthy behaviors, positive emotional health, and disease control, particularly in populations with higher risk for poor health.

Associations between diet quality scores and central obesity among adults in Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND: Adults in Puerto Rico experience an excessive burden of central obesity. It remains unknown which dietary components are more strongly associated with central obesity in this high-risk group. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of the Mediterranean diet (MeDS) and Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI) with central obesity in the Puerto Rico Assessment of Diet, Lifestyle and Diseases (PRADLAD) cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data from PRADLAD participants (ages 30-75 years) were used (n = 166). Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. The MeDS [nine components; range: 0 (lowest) to 9 (highest observance of a Mediterranean-like diet)] and AHEI [11 components; range: 0 (lowest) to 110 (highest diet quality)] were defined. Daily intake of foods and beverages within each MeDS component was ranked by contribution to total energy intake. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between MeDS and AHEI with central obesity (waist circumference > 102 cm males, > 88 cm females). RESULTS: Mean ± SD MeDS was 4.46 ± 1.77 and AHEI was 60.2 ± 11.1. Traditional foods representative of the MeDS included potatoes, root vegetables, fruit juice, avocados, bread, oatmeal, beans, chicken, seafood, low-fat milk, cheese, eggs and beer. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of central obesity were 0.78 (0.63-0.97) per unit increment of MeDS and 0.61 (0.42-0.90) per 10-unit increment of AHEI. CONCLUSIONS: Higher adherence to MeDS or AHEI was associated with lower central obesity in adults in Puerto Rico. Consuming traditional foods reflecting these dietary patterns (i.e., Mediterranean-like) may reduce central obesity in high-risk populations.

The association between purchasing locally produced food and diet quality among adults in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: Diminished diet quality in the Caribbean and other island settings may be related to a dietary transition from local foods towards imported products. The current study aimed to characterise the association between intentionally purchasing local foods (IPLF) and diet quality in Puerto Rico (PR). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Primary care clinics in the PR metropolitan area. PARTICIPANTS: Data were obtained from adult participants (30-75 years; n 243) of the Puerto Rico Assessment of Diet, Lifestyle, and Diseases. IPLF was probed by asking: 'How often do you purposely purchase foods from PR (like fruits, vegetables, meat and other products that are produced on the island rather than being imported)?' Dietary intake was measured using a FFQ, and diet quality was assessed by the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (range 0-110; higher scores indicating higher diet quality). Multivariate-adjusted generalised linear models tested the association between IPLF and Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI) and its component scores. RESULTS: A third (33·9 %) of participants reported seldom, 33·5 % reported often and 30·6 % reported always IPLF. Compared with seldom IPLF, fully adjusted mean AHEI scores were 3·6 (P = 0·038) points higher among those often IPLF and 9·3 (P < 0·0001) points higher among those always IPLF. Compared with seldom IPLF, those who always IPLF had significantly higher fully adjusted mean component scores for vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and legumes, trans fat and n-3 fats. CONCLUSIONS: Adults in PR who intentionally purchase local foods had higher diet quality, especially for intake of plant-based foods and healthy fats, highlighting potential dietary benefits associated with improved local food availability in PR.

Design and Implementation of the Puerto Rico Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends (PROSPECT).

The Puerto Rico Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends (PROSPECT) is a prospective cohort study in Puerto Rico (PR) aiming to identify trends and longitudinal associations in risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In 2019, PROSPECT investigators started recruiting a sample of 2,000 adults aged 30-75 years in PR using multistage probabilistic sampling of households and community approaches. Culturally sensitive trained research assistants assess participants, at baseline and at 2-year follow-up, in private rooms at a network of partner clinics. The study collects comprehensive data on demographic factors, socioeconomic and environmental factors, medical history, health conditions, lifestyle behaviors, psychosocial status, and biomarkers of CVD and stress. PROSPECT will estimate the prevalence and incidence of psychosocial, lifestyle, and biological CVD risk factors, describe variations in risk factors by urbanicity (urban areas vs. rural areas) and exposure (before and after) to natural disasters, and determine predictors of longitudinal changes in CVD risk factors. The study has 4 coordinated operational strategies: 1) research productivity (including synergy with existing epidemiologic cohorts of Hispanics/Latinos for comparison); 2) research infrastructure (biorepository, ancillary studies, and clinical research network); 3) capacity-building, education, and training; and 4) community outreach, dissemination, and policy. PROSPECT will inform public health priorities to help reduce CVD in PR.

Associations Between Perceived Stress and Dietary Intake in Adults in Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND: Psychological stress may influence health by negatively affecting dietary intake. However, there are few studies on the connection between stress and dietary intake in Puerto Rico (PR), a population with documented poor diet quality. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between perceived stress and intake of macronutrients and diet quality among adults in PR. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data came from the Puerto Rico Assessment of Diet, Lifestyle, and Diseases study (2015). PARTICIPANTS: This analysis included data from 238 adults (30-75 years old) in the San Juan metro area. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dietary intake was measured with a food frequency questionnaire adapted and validated to the PR population. The Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) score was calculated to measure diet quality. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Multivariate linear models adjusted for sociodemographics, anthropometrics, behavioral factors, and social support were used to determine adjusted mean macronutrient intake and AHEI scores by perceived stress category. RESULTS: In models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, high perceived stress was significantly associated with higher intake of total energy, added sugars, and saturated fats; lower intake of dietary fiber and vegetable protein; and lower AHEI score compared with low perceived stress (all P < .05). With further adjustment for lifestyle behaviors, central obesity, and social support, high perceived stress remained significantly associated with added sugars, saturated fats, and vegetable protein only. CONCLUSIONS: Higher perceived stress was associated with unhealthy dietary intake in adults residing in the San Juan area, PR. Future longitudinal studies with larger sample size are needed to build on these findings and to test the potential mediating and moderating roles of behavioral and social support factors in this population.

Higher eating frequency, but not skipping breakfast, is associated with higher odds of abdominal obesity in adults living in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Ricans have a high prevalence of obesity, yet little information is available regarding its association with eating patterns in this population. We hypothesized that higher eating frequency and skipping breakfast would be associated with increased odds of abdominal obesity among adults living in Puerto Rico (PR). In a cross-sectional study of adults living in PR aged 30-75 years (N = 310), participants reported their frequency of eating meals per day including snacks and breakfast. Trained interviewers measured waist (WC) and hip circumferences. We calculated the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) dividing the waist by the hip measurement. Abdominal obesity was defined as either high WC (men ≥94 cm; women ≥80 cm) or high WHR (men ≥0.90; women ≥0.85). We used logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to assess the association of eating frequency (≤1.5; 1.5-3; ≥3 times/day) and breakfast consumption (vs none) with abdominal obesity. Models were adjusted for age, sex, income, smoking, physical activity, TV watching, energy intake, diet quality, and eating frequency (only for breakfast consumption). Most participants consumed breakfast (70%), ate 1.5-3 times/d (47%), and had high WC (75%) and WHR (77%). Participants who ate 1.5-3 (OR: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.23-6.15) and ≥3 times/day (OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.14-7.31) were more likely to have high WC compared with participants who ate ≤1.5 times/d (P trend = .04). Breakfast consumption was not associated with abdominal obesity. In conclusion, higher eating frequency, but not skipping breakfast, is associated with abdominal obesity among adults in PR. Consuming less frequent meals may help prevent abdominal obesity in this population.

Pharmacokinetics of the Rac/Cdc42 Inhibitor MBQ-167 in Mice by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

The Rho GTPases Rac and Cdc42 are potential targets against metastatic diseases. We characterized the small molecule MBQ-167 as an effective dual Rac/Cdc42 inhibitor that reduces HER2-type tumor growth and metastasis in mice by ∼90%. This study reports the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of MBQ-167 following intraperitoneal and oral single-dose administrations. We first developed and validated a bioanalytical method for the quantitation of MBQ-167 in mouse plasma and tissues by supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. MBQ-167 was rapidly distributed into the kidneys after intraperitoneal dosing, whereas oral administration resulted in higher distribution to lungs. The elimination half-lives were 2.17 and 2.6 h for the intraperitoneal and oral dosing, respectively. The relative bioavailability of MBQ-167 after oral administration was 35%. This investigation presents the first analysis of the pharmacokinetics of MBQ-167 and supports further preclinical evaluation of this drug as a potential anticancer therapeutic.

Dietary Intake and Its Determinants Among Adults Living in the Metropolitan Area of Puerto Rico.

There is scarce information regarding the dietary intake of adults living in Puerto Rico (PR). We aimed to assess intake of nutrients and foods, adherence to recommended intake of nutrients and diet quality, and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors correlated with diet quality among adults in the San Juan metropolitan area of PR. Data were obtained from participants of the cross-sectional convenience-sample Puerto Rico Assessment of Diet, Lifestyle, and Diseases (n = 248; ages 30-75 years). Diet quality was defined using the Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI; range 0-110 indicating lower-higher quality). Linear regression models were used to relate AHEI to sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Most participants met the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for iron, folate, and vitamins B12 and B6; 61% met the EAR for magnesium and 56% for calcium. Only 4% met the EAR for vitamin D, and 7% met the adequate intake for potassium. The main contributors to total energy intake were sugary beverages (11.8%), sweets/desserts (10.2%), dairy (8.5%), mixed dishes (7.6%), starches (6.3%), fast foods (5.5%), and rice (4.9%). The mean (SD) AHEI score was 59.8 (11.0). The lowest AHEI components for which recommended servings were met were red/processed meats, fruit, sodium, sugary beverages, and polyunsaturated fats, and the highest were nuts/legumes, omega-3 fats, and whole grains. Significantly higher AHEI scores were noted for older adults, other ethnicities (vs. Puerto Rican), being single, having some college or higher education, and never/formerly smoking. Adults living in PR report healthy and unhealthy dietary intakes, providing an opportunity to improve diet at the population level.

Effect of Season on 25-OH Vitamin D in Serum of Rhesus Monkeys Housed in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D blood levels have been shown to be partially dependent upon season in temperate climates, however, this same evaluation has not yet been reported in fully tropical climates. Herein, we assessed the vitamin D levels in the blood of Rhesus monkeys housed at the Puerto Rico Caribbean Primate Research Center collected in the island's "summer"(May-October) and "winter" (November-April) months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2006 through 2014, repeated measurements of blood samples were collected from 5 Rhesus monkeys (IACUC-approved) during "summer" and "winter" months to assess 25-OH vitamin D, determined via HPLC. UV-B and UV-A (KJ/m2/day) were measured using a ground based radiometer for these time periods. A paired t-test and a multilevel mixed- effect model approach was performed for data analysis. RESULTS: The difference of the mean serum values of 25-OH vitamin D between seasons showed lower levels during "winter" than "summer" months. About 23% of the variance in levels can be attributed to difference between the monkeys. The means of UV-B and UV-A, as a proxy for sunlight intensity, were greater (over the entire study interval) during the "summer" as opposed to "winter" months (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D levels were substantially higher in the "summer" rather than the "winter" months. This observation implies that even in fully tropical regions, such as Puerto Rico, time of year can have an influence on vitamin D status. While comparable studies have not been undertaken in humans, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that similar results would be obtained should such a study be done.

Effect of Housing Type on 25 OH Vitamin D in Serum of Rhesus Monkeys.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D status is primarily dependent upon sun exposure and dietary sources, however genetic, cultural, and environmental factors can have a modulating role in the measured amount. One under-reported factor is the effect of regular living quarters on the degree of sun exposure. Herein, we assess vitamin D status in the blood of Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) housed in high amounts of sunlight (corn-cribs), medium sunlight (corrals with shaded areas), and minimal sunlight (quarantine cages). METHODS: Fifty-five male Rhesus monkeys, aged 1 to 31 years were housed in varying amounts of sun exposure at the Caribbean Primate Research Center. Serum was collected and analyzed for 25 OH Vitamin D which is the preferred metabolite for determination of Vitamin D using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: 25 OH Vitamin D levels in blood were significantly greater in corn-cribhoused monkeys than in corral or quarantine-housed animals (p > 0.01 and p > 0.001 respectively). Significant differences of serum levels were not found when ages of animals housed in the same environment were compared. CONCLUSION: Monkeys housed in a tropical environment with the greatest amount of exposure to sunlight maintain the highest serum levels of 25 OH vitamin D independent of age. These findings emphasize the importance of documenting the environment in which subjects typically spend their time when Vitamin D results are interpreted.

Health conditions and lifestyle risk factors of adults living in Puerto Rico: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Puerto Rico is experiencing an economic and healthcare crisis, yet there are scarce recent and comprehensive reports on the population's health profile. We aimed to describe prevalent risk factors and health conditions of adults living in Puerto Rico and assess their interrelationship. METHODS: Participants (n = 380) aged 30-75y recruited from a 2015 convenience sample in primary care clinics in the San Juan, Puerto Rico metropolitan area answered cross-sectional interviewer-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, self-reported medically-diagnosed diseases, health services, and psychosocial factors. Anthropometric measures were obtained. Logistic regression models assessed factors associated with having ≥2 cardiometabolic conditions or ≥ 2 chronic diseases. RESULTS: Most participants had completed ≥college education (57%), had household income <$10,000/y (60%), received government-assisted food benefits (51%), and had health insurance (93%). Nearly 20% reported smoking, 27% alcohol use, 74% light/sedentary physical activity, 51% sleeping difficulties, and 36% self-rated fair/poor diet. Social support was moderate, and 53% screened positive for depressive symptomatology. Abdominal obesity was observed in 33% of men and 76% of women (p < 0.0001). Self-reported medically-diagnosed conditions included hypertension (39%), anxiety (30%), obesity (28%), arthritis (26%), hypercholesterolemia (24%), depression (22%), respiratory problems (21%), and diabetes (21%). Higher odds of having ≥2 cardiometabolic conditions (37%) was observed among participants aged ≥50y, with sedentary physical activity, and self-rated fair/poor diet. Odds of having ≥2 chronic diseases (62%) were higher among ≥50y, sleeping difficulties, > 2 h/day television, and self-rated fair/poor diet. Participants obtained (79%) and trusted (92%) health information from physicians. While most participants with a cardiometabolic condition reported receiving medical recommendations on diet (> 73%) and physical activity (> 67%), fewer followed them (< 67% and < 53%, respectively), yet most adhered to medication treatments (> 73%). Participants following medical recommendations were more likely to report healthy vs. poor behaviors (90% vs. 75%, self-rated diet); (73% vs. 56%, physical activity). CONCLUSIONS: Adults living in Puerto Rico have multiple lifestyles risk factors and high prevalence of chronic diseases, namely cardiometabolic and psychological conditions. Comprehensive epidemiological studies are needed to identify contributors to chronic disease, including lifestyle behaviors. Concerted multi-level public health and clinical programs should be prioritized to help this population improve their health.