An Interpretable Machine Learning Approach to Predict Sensory Processing Sensitivity Trait in Nursing Students.

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a personality trait that makes certain individuals excessively sensitive to stimuli. People carrying this trait are defined as Highly Sensitive People (HSP). The SPS trait is notably prevalent among nursing students and nurse staff. Although there are HSP diagnostic tools, there is little information about early detection. Therefore, the aim of this work was to develop a prediction model to identify HSP and provide an individualized nursing assessment. A total of 672 nursing students completed all the evaluations. In addition to the HSP diagnosis, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and conflict styles were evaluated. An interpretable machine learning model was trained to predict the SPS trait. We observed a 33% prevalence of HSP, which was higher in women and people with previous health training. HSP were characterized by greater emotional repair (p = 0.033), empathy (p = 0.030), respect (p = 0.038), and global communication skills (p = 0.036). Overall, sex and emotional intelligence dimensions are important to detect this trait, although personal characteristics should be considered. The present individualized prediction model could help to predict the presence of the SPS trait in nursing students, which may be useful in conducting intervention strategies to avoid the negative consequences and reinforce the positive ones of this trait.

Cervical misalignment in motorcyclists in relation to new helmet removal recommendations shown with augmented reality resources: A biomechanical analysis.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the best technique and position for helmet removal in injured motorcyclists by comparing cervical misalignment produced in the supine position and prone position. Method: Comparative cross-sectional clinical simulation study to quantify CM using biomechanical analysis with the use of inertial systems. The main variable was determined for the flexion-extension motion. The extraction was tested for both positions (prone position and supine position), which were repeated 3 times for each of the 30 volunteers included, and the movement from the initial neutral position was also determined, resulting in a total of 270 biomechanical studies. Results: A flexion was observed when moving the patient from the neutral position to the SP, due to the size of the helmet, of 1.29° ± 5.12°. Helmet removal in the supine position resulted in an average flexion-extension range of 17.51° ± 6.49°, while the same extraction in prone position recorded an average range of 10.82° ± 8.05°. For the main variable, statistically significant differences were found when comparing prone position and supine position (p = 0.0087). Conclusions: The main conclusion of the study is that the helmet removal should be done in the position in which we find the patient, whether in prone position or supine position. Additionally, the new technique described for the prone position causes less movement of the cervical spine than the usual supine position.

Lipidomic analysis reveals alterations in hepatic FA profile associated with MASLD stage in patients with obesity.

CONTEXT: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by the intracellular lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Excess caloric intake and high-fat diets are considered to significantly contribute to MASLD development. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hepatic and serum fatty acid (FA) composition in patients with different stages of MASLD, and their relationship with FA dietary intake and MASLD-related risk factors. METHODS: This was a case-control study in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery at a University Hospital between January 2020 and December 2021. Participants were distributed in three groups: no MASLD (n = 26), steatotic liver disease (n = 33), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (n = 32). Hepatic and serum FAs levels were determined by GC-MS. The nutritional status was evaluated using validated food frequency questionnaires. The hepatic expression of genes involved in FA metabolism was analyzed by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: The hepatic, but not serum, FA profiles were significantly altered in patients with MASLD compared to those without MASLD. No differences were observed in FA intake between the groups. Levels of C16:0, C18:1, and the C18:1/C18:0 ratio were higher, while C18:0 levels and C18:0/C16:0 ratio were lower in patients with MASLD being significantly different between the three groups. Hepatic FA levels and ratios correlated with histopathological diagnosis and other MASLD-related parameters. The expression of genes involved in the FA metabolism was upregulated in patients with MASLD. CONCLUSION: Alterations in hepatic FA levels in MASLD patients were due to an enhancement of the de novo lipogenesis in the liver.

Dietary Assessment for Weight Management and Health Maintenance.

An adequate dietary assessment is essential for improving the eating habits of the population and preventing health problems such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases [...].

Modification of Breakfast Fat Composition Can Modulate Cytokine and Other Inflammatory Mediators in Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Previous trials have demonstrated that modifying dietary fat composition can influence the production of inflammation-related factors. Additionally, it has been suggested that not only the type of fat, but also the timing of fat intake can impact these factors. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of altering breakfast fat composition on inflammatory parameters. A 3-month crossover randomized trial was designed, involving 60 institutionalized women who alternately consumed a breakfast rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (margarine), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (virgin olive oil), or saturated fatty acids (SFA) (butter), based on randomization. The following inflammatory markers were evaluated: epidermal growth factor (EGF), interferon (IFN)-α, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), and vascular/endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The results showed that the most significant effects were observed with the high-MUFA breakfast, as there was a statistically significant decrease in plasma IL-6 (p = 0.016) and VEGF values (p = 0.035). Other factors, such as IL-1α and CRP, also decreased substantially, but did not reach the statistically significant level. On the other hand, the high-PUFA breakfast induced a significant decrease in EGF levels (p < 0.001), whereas the high-SFA breakfast had no apparent effect on these factors. In conclusion, modifying breakfast fat, particularly by increasing MUFA or PUFA intake, appears to be sufficient for promoting a lower inflammatory marker synthesis profile and may be beneficial in improving cardiovascular complications.

Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Nutritional, Functional and Frailty Biomarkers of People Living in Nursing Homes. A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Nursing home residences suffered a lockdown from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study prospectively evaluates the frailty, functional, and nutritional statuses of nursing home residents. METHODS: Three hundred and one residents from three nursing homes took part in the study. Frailty status was measured using the FRAIL scale. Functional status was evaluated using the Barthel Index. Additionally, Short Physical Performance Batter (SPPB), SARC-F, hand-grip strength, and gait speed were also evaluated. Nutritional status was determined using the mini nutritional assessment test (MNA) and several anthropometrical and biochemical markers. RESULTS: Mini Nutritional Assessment test scores decreased in 20% throughout the confinement (p < .001). Barthel index, SPPB and SARC-F scores also decreased, although to a lesser extent, reflecting a decrease in functional capacity. However, both anthropometric parameters, hand grip strength and gait speed, remained stable throughout confinement (p > .050 in all cases). Morning cortisol secretion significantly decreased by 40% from baseline to post-confinement. A significant reduction in daily cortisol variability was observed, which may suggest increased distress. Fifty-six residents died during the period of confinement (81.4% survival rate). Sex, FRAIL and Barthel Index scores were significant predictors of resident survival. CONCLUSION: After the first COVID-19 blockade, several alterations in residents' frailty markers were observed, which were small and potentially reversible. However, many of the residents were pre-frail after the lockdown. This fact highlights the need for preventive strategies to reduce the impact of future social and physical stressors on these vulnerable individuals.

Educational Intervention to Decrease Justification of Adolescent Dating Violence: A Comparative Quasi-Experimental Study.

Adolescent dating violence has become a public health problem because of the associated high morbidity and mortality rates. Despite social awareness about dating violence, the high justification of violence among adolescents is one of the main risk factors for both perpetration and victimisation. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention in reducing the justification of violence in adolescent dating. A quasi-experimental, longitudinal, prospective study with a control group was conducted. The study was carried out in six different schools in the Region of Murcia (Spain), and the participants were 854 students aged 14-18 years. The educational intervention was focused on reducing the justification of adolescent dating violence and consisted of 9 weekly 1 h group sessions. The Justification of Verbal/Coercive Tactics Scale (JVCT) and the Attitudes About Aggression in Dating Situations (AADS) survey were administered at baseline and at the end of the intervention in order to determine the justification of psychological and physical violence, respectively. At baseline, the justification of physical violence was at a medium-to-high level in boys (76.8%) and girls (56.7%), whereas psychological violence was much less justified. Concretely, female psychological violence was justified by 19.5% boys and 16.7% girls, while male violence was justified by 19.0% boys and 17.8% girls. After the educational intervention, a significant decrease in physical violence justification, especially in the AADS dimension of female aggression, was observed. The effect of the intervention was especially evident in psychological violence justification: a statistically significant difference was observed in the JVCT scores of boys (-6.4 and 1.3 points in the intervention and control groups, respectively; p = 0.031), but not of girls (p = 0.594). In conclusion, the educational intervention was adequate to reduce the justification of dating violence among the participants. It may provide adolescents with the skills and resources necessary to confront and resolve conflicts in relationships in a non-violent manner.

Sonographic Markers Are Useful for Detection of Early Vascular Deterioration in Children with Overweight/Obesity: Effect of a 1-Year Combined Nutritional Education and Physical Exercise Program.

As in adults, childhood obesity is associated with several metabolic disorders; however, there is little information regarding complex obesity-derived complications such as hepatic steatosis or endothelial dysfunction at early ages. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of a nutritional and physical exercise program on obesity comorbidities in the form of subclinical atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver in young children. A total of 148 children completed the study. For nine months (one academic year), children carried out a nutritional and physical activity program of 3 h/week. Anthropometric, clinical, liver ultrasound and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) parameters were evaluated. Our results showed that the program significantly improved anthropometrical parameters, especially regarding BMI and body fat (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The effect on metabolic parameters was limited, although a significant reduction on triglycerides was observed (p = 0.009). The education program had a great influence on the echogenic parameters, since the percentage of children with light steatosis decreased from 35% to 4% at the end of the study. In addition, cIMT also decreased significantly in both groups, although there was no statistically significant differences between groups. In conclusion, detection of early complications of obesity through sonographic parameters may allow early intervention, as in the present study, to prevent obesity co-morbidities in children.

Bienestar psicológico del personal sanitario de urgencias durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Psychological wellbeing of the emergency healthcare staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo: conocer el bienestar psicológico, la resiliencia y el optimismo de los profesionales sanitarios de los Servicios de Urgencias y Emergencias durante la tercera ola de la pandemia de COVID-19, así como identificar factores asociados al bienestar psicológico.Método: estudio descriptivo (enero-abril de 2021). La población de estudio fueron profesionales sanitarios que trabajaron en los Servicios de Urgencias y Emergencias durante la tercera ola de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Murcia (España). Se diseñó un cuestionario que recopilaba datos sociodemográficos y profesionales, e incluía tres escalas validadas para valorar optimismo, bienestar emocional y resiliencia. El cuestionario se distribuyó por correo electrónico. Se realizó análisis descriptivo y analítico.Resultados: 197 trabajadores, 145 (73,6%) fueron mujeres. Edad media (DE) 36,7 (9,98) años. Los profesionales mostraron niveles de bienestar psicológico medio-alto (80%), la falta de autonomía fue el área más afectada, especialmente en las mujeres. En cuanto a la resiliencia y al optimismo aparecen valores medios moderados, siendo los sanitarios que presentaban más años de experiencia los que mostraron mejores niveles de resiliencia (p= 0,03). Las variables que mejor explicaron los niveles de bienestar psicológico fueron el optimismo y la resiliencia.Conclusiones: la mayoría de los sanitarios refirió niveles promedio altos de bienestar psicológico, y niveles medios de resiliencia y optimismo. El menor bienestar psicológico percibido apareció en mujeres, enfermeras y con menos años de experiencia. La dimensión más afectada fue la dependencia en la toma de decisiones. Una actitud optimista y resiliente contribuyó a explicar el bienestar percibido de los sanitarios.(AU)

Objective: to understand the psychological wellbeing, resilience and optimism of healthcare professionals from the Emergency Units during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to identify those factors associated with psychological wellbeing.Method: a descriptive study (January-April 2021). The study population were healthcare professionals working in the Emergency Units during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Murcia (Spain). A questionnaire was designed to collect sociodemographic and professional data; it included three validated scales to assess optimism, emotional wellbeing and resilience. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail. There was descriptive and analytical analysis.Results: the study included 197 workers; 145 (73.6%) were female. Their mean age (SD) was 36.7 (9-98) years. Professionals showed a medium-high level of psychological wellbeing (80%); lack of independence was the most affected area, particularly in women. Regarding resilience and optimism, there were moderate mean values, with those healthcare professionals with more years of experience presenting better levels of resilience (p= 0.03). The variables which better explained the levels of psychological wellbeing were optimism and resilience.Conclusions: the majority of healthcare professionals reported high average levels of psychological wellbeing, and medium levels of resilience and optimism. The lowest psychological wellbeing perceived appeared in women, nurses, and those with less years of experience. The most affected dimension was dependence in decision making. An optimistic and resilient attitude contributed to explain the wellbeing perceived among healthcare professionals.(AU)

Dietary intakes among people with vs without food addiction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Individuals with food addiction (FA) may experience addictive behaviours like those observed in other substances of abuse, which may affect their dietary intake habits. In fact, previous studies have reported associations between FA and dietary patterns, but this evidence has not been quantitatively summarised before. Therefore, this study aimed to explore differences in dietary intakes among adults with vs without food addiction. METHODS: A systematic-review and meta-analysis was conducted. Interventional or observational studies evaluating dietary intakes associated with FA that used the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) were explored. PubMed, WoS and SCOPUS databases were searched up to September 2021, and selected articles were confirmed manually. Potentially eligible studies were checked independently by two researchers. YFAS and dietary habits were obtained from the studies selected by the search protocol. Standardized mean differences were retrieved and random effects meta-analyses were used for those studies reporting quantitative data. RESULTS: From 162 potentially appropriate studies, 16 studies were finally included, all of which used cross-sectional designs. FA was generally related to higher intakes of total fat, proteins, sugar, and processed/energy-dense foods. The meta-analysis revealed that this association was only statistically significant in overweighted/obese individuals (P < 0.001 in all cases), while in those studies that included the general population (all weight categories), this association was not evident (p = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Being addicted to food was not associated with a higher energy intake in the general population. However, among those with overweight or obesity, FA was associated with higher energy and nutrient consumption. This provides evidence on the influence of addictive behaviours on dietary intake patterns of people with excess body weight and reinforces the concept of food addiction and its influence in the development of obesity. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42020212866.

Effectiveness of Intensively Applied Mirror Therapy in Older Patients with Post-Stroke Hemiplegia: A Preliminary Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The present work was carried out to determine the effectiveness of neuromuscular stimulation triggered by mirror therapy (MT) in older patients with post-stroke hemiplegia by two different intervention protocols, either intensively or spaced. METHODS: A preliminary trial conducted on Spanish rehabilitation centres was conducted. Forty older patients (>70 years) with diagnosed post-stroke hemiplegia were randomly distributed to intensive intervention group (5 times/week for 6 weeks) or to spaced intervention group (3 times/week for 10 weeks), which underwent a similar number of MT sessions (n = 30). Muscle strength and activity were measured at baseline and at the end of treatment. Functional ability was also evaluated. RESULTS: Although both interventions improved muscle activity parameters, intensive MT showed a significantly and statistically higher intervention effect on electromyographic activity (p < 0.001) and muscle strength (p < 0.001) than the spaced over time protocol. Attending to the Barthel Index scores, the effect on functionality was also greater in the intensive therapy group (p < 0.001), although the functional improvement measured by the Fugl-Meyer test was similar (p = 0.235). The effect of the interventions was independent of age and clinical antecedents. CONCLUSION: Intensive MT appears to be more effective than a more spaced over time therapy; therefore, at least in the older adults, this treatment protocol should be recommended in the post-stroke recovery of these patients. Further studies will confirm with certainty whether this treatment is the most suitable guideline for to treat these patients.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Eating Disorders in Spanish Nurses with Shift Patterns: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Shift work has a significant influence on the mental health of workers. Nursing is characterised by a rotational work system. This study aimed to determine whether there was a link between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the risk of suffering an eating disorder (ED) in nurses according to their work shift. Materials and Methods: A total of 240 women (nurses and nursing assistants) were evaluated and completed the PREDIMED-PLUS questionnaire on adherence to the MD and the EAT-26 (Eating Attitude Test, 26 items). Results: The results indicate that there are no differences in adherence to the MD depending on the work shift, being that adherence to the diet is already low. Statistically significant differences appear depending on the work shift in the following dimensions: restrictive behaviours and bulimia subscales (presenting higher scores in the 7-h rotating shift versus the fixed morning shift or 12-h rotating shift) and for total EAT-26 score. Conclusion: Whilst they do not condition adherence to a MD, the nursing shifts that are the most changing in terms of time patterns may condition restrictive behaviours and compensatory risk behaviours related to an ED.

Effect of glucose and sucrose on cognition in healthy humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies.

CONTEXT: Evidence suggests that plasma glucose levels may influence cognitive performance, but this has not been systematically reviewed and quantified. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to investigate the potential effects of glucose and sucrose, compared with placebo, on cognition in healthy humans. DATA SOURCES: The electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched up to December 2019. Reference lists of selected articles were checked manually. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials or crossover trials that compared glucose or sucrose with placebo for effects on cognition were eligible. DATA EXTRACTION: Potentially eligible articles were selected independently by 2 authors. Risk of bias was assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were obtained from random-effects meta-analyses for a subsample of studies that reported the same outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-seven trials were identified, of which 35 investigated the effect of glucose consumption compared with placebo on cognition. Two studies found no effect of glucose on cognition, while the others found mixed results. Only 3 of the 37 studies investigated the effects of sucrose intake, reporting mixed results. Meta-analyses revealed a significantly positive effect of glucose compared with control, but only when a verbal performance test (immediate word recall) was used in parallel-design studies (SMD = 0.61; 95%CI, 0.20-1.02; I2 = 0%). Twenty-four studies were classified as having high risk of bias for the selection procedure. CONCLUSIONS: A limited body of evidence shows a beneficial effect of glucose in individuals performing immediate verbal tasks. High-quality trials with standardized cognitive measurements are needed to better establish the effect of glucose or sucrose on cognition. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42019122939.

Análisis de la resiliencia y dependencia en deportes de combate y otras modalidades deportivas / Analysis of resilience and dependence in combat sports and other sports modalities

Resumen El ejercicio físico (EF) es una práctica sistematizada y orientada a un objetivo (salud, rendimiento, etc.) de actividad física. Dadas las respuestas a nivel fisiológico y cognitivo que genera, este puede influir en diversos factores psicosociales. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la prevalencia del riesgo de dependencia al EF y de resiliencia por deporte (colectivo, individual o combate) y analizar las diferencias, teniendo en cuenta el sexo, edad, dedicación deportiva y años de experiencia deportiva. Participaron 278 deportistas (194-varones, 84-mujeres). Se administró la Escala de Dependencia del Ejercicio-Revisada y la Escala de Resiliencia. Los resultados mostraron una menor sintomatología de riesgo de dependencia al EF y elevados niveles de resiliencia en deportes de combate frente al resto. En deportes individuales se encuentra una menor resiliencia a medida que van pasando los años de experiencia. En la modalidad colectiva se hallaron diferencias por sexo, mostrando las mujeres mayor resiliencia que los hombres. Los deportes de combate muestran mejores resultados en resiliencia y dependencia al EF.

Abstract Physical exercise (PE) is a systematized and goal-oriented practice (health, performance, etc.) of physical activity. Given the physiological and cognitive responses that it generates, it can influence various psychosocial factors. The aim of this study is to know risk exercise dependence and resilience prevalence in athletes by sport (collective, individual or combat), and analyze the differences, according to sex, age, sports dedication and years of sports experience. 278 athletes were evaluated (194 men and 84 women) using the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised and Resilience Scale inventories in the Spanish version. Results showed an important symptomatology of exercise dependence risk and higher levels of resilience in combat sports in comparison with team sports or individual sports. There was a significant negative correlation between resilience and years of expertise in individual sports athletes. Results from team sports athletes presented significant differences between men and women in resilience, increased in women. Sport combat practice showed better results in resilience and exercise dependence.

Eating Disorders in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: A Systematic Review.

Background: Pregnancy is a stage associated with various biopsychosocial changes. These changes, along with concerns about keeping an adequate weight, can modulate an individual's risk for psychological disorders, especially eating disorders (EDs). The aim of this review was to investigate the prevalence, associated risks, and consequences of eating disorders in pregnancy and in breastfeeding mothers. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines in the scientific databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Search terms related to EDs, pregnancy, and breastfeeding were used. The evaluation of the methodological quality of the studies was carried out using different scales; CASP (Checklist for Cohort Study), NICE (Methodology Checklist for Cohort Study), ARHQ (Methodology Checklist for Cross-Sectional), and NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cohort). Results: From 2920 studies, 16 were selected to study EDs in pregnant women and 2 studies in nursing mothers. Most of the studies used questionnaires and scales as tools for the diagnosis of EDs. Binge eating, anxiety, and depression were the most common comorbidities of EDs, accompanied in most cases by excessive concern about weight gain. The consequences of EDs are diverse. The prevalence of EDs in this population is estimated to be 1 out of 20. Conclusions: Eating disorders are related to anxiety and depression and have negative consequences for both mothers and fetuses (cesarean, miscarriages, premature births). More research on the field to determine the risk factors for EDs in the population of pregnant and lactating women is needed.

Effect of the Fat Eaten at Breakfast on Lipid Metabolism: A Crossover Trial in Women with Cardiovascular Risk.

Recent studies point out that not only the daily intake of energy and nutrients but the time of day when they are ingested notably regulates lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk (CVR). Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess if the type of fat ingested at breakfast can modify lipid metabolism in women with CVR. A randomized, crossover clinical trial was performed. Sixty volunteers were randomly assigned to a (A) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich breakfast, (B) saturated fatty acid (SFA)-rich breakfast, or (C) monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich breakfast. Plasma lipoprotein and apolipoprotein subfractions were determined. Our data showed that the PUFA-rich breakfast decreased lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL), and increased high-density lipoproteins (HDL). A similar trend was observed for the MUFA-rich breakfast, whereas the SFA-rich breakfast, although it decreased VLDL, also increased IDL and reduced HDL. The PUFA-rich breakfast also decreased ß-lipoproteins and apolipoprotein-B. In summary, varying the type of fat eaten at breakfast is enough to significantly modify the lipid metabolism of women with CVR, which can be of great relevance to establish new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these subjects.

Moderate Weight Loss Modifies Leptin and Ghrelin Synthesis Rhythms but Not the Subjective Sensations of Appetite in Obesity Patients.

Obesity is characterized by a resistance to appetite-regulating hormones, leading to a misalignment between the physiological signals and the perceived hunger/satiety signal. A disruption of the synthesis rhythm may explain this situation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary-induced weight loss on the daily rhythms of leptin and ghrelin and its influence on the daily variability of the appetite sensations of patients with obesity. Twenty subjects with obesity underwent a hypocaloric dietary intervention for 12 weeks. Plasma leptin and ghrelin were analyzed at baseline and at the end of the intervention and in 13 normal-weight controls. Appetite ratings were analyzed. Weight loss decreased leptin synthesis (pauc < 0.001) but not the rhythm characteristics, except the mean variability value (pmesor = 0.020). By contrast, the mean ghrelin level increased after weight loss. The rhythm characteristics were also modified until a rhythm similar to the normal-weight subjects was reached. The amount of variability of leptin and ghrelin was correlated with the effectiveness of the dietary intervention (p < 0.020 and p < 0.001, respectively). Losing weight partially restores the daily rhythms of leptin and modifies the ghrelin rhythms, but appetite sensations are barely modified, thus confirming that these hormones cannot exercise their physiological function properly.

Health status and nutritional development of adopted Ethiopian children living in southern Spain: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The first aim of this study was to evaluate the health status and anthropometrical development of adopted children from Ethiopia living in southern Spain. A second aim was to evaluate the association between these parameters and adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern. METHODS: The study sample included 53 adopted children from Ethiopia and a matched sample of 54 native-born children. A physical examination of the children, including height and weight, was conducted in Ethiopia at the time of entry into the adoption process. Height and weight were re-measured at the first day of adoption and 6, 12, and 24 mo after adoption. After 2 y of follow-up, another physical examination was performed, including the KIDMED test, to measure adherence to the Mediterranean diet. RESULTS: Skin and digestive conditions were the most prevalent disorders in Ethiopian children before adoption and at the end of follow-up. Baseline anthropometric characteristics indicated a low wasting prevalence (7.5%); however, stunted growth was more prevalent (35.8%). After 6 mo, the weight-for-age of Ethiopian children was restored (change from baseline P < 0.001), and not significantly different from the Spanish children at 1-y after adoption. Height-for-age also increased from baseline (P < 0.001. A higher KIDMED score was associated with increased weight-for-age (r = 0.279; P = 0.045) and height-for-age (r = 0.385; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study of adopted Ethiopian children confirmed a rapid growth development that occurred from the beginning of the adoption process and continued after the 2-y of follow-up. A higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with better growth development, which reinforces the importance of a balanced and adequate diet in growing children.

The effect of surface electromyography biofeedback on the activity of extensor and dorsiflexor muscles in elderly adults: a randomized trial.

Surface electromyography-biofeedback (sEMG-B) is a technique employed for the rehabilitation of patients with neurological pathologies, such as stroke-derived hemiplegia; however, little is known about its effectiveness in the rehabilitation of the extension and flexion of several muscular groups in elderly patients after a stroke. Therefore, this research was focused on determining the effectiveness of sEMG-B in the muscles responsible for the extension of the hand and the dorsiflexion of the foot in post-stroke elderly subjects. Forty subjects with stroke-derived hemiplegia were randomly divided into intervention or control groups. The intervention consisted of 12 sEMG-B sessions. The control group underwent 12 weeks (24 sessions) of conventional physiotherapy. Muscle activity test and functionality (Barthel index) were determined. Attending to the results obtained, the intervention group showed a higher increase in the average EMG activity of the extensor muscle of the hand and in the dorsal flexion of the foot than the control group (p < 0.001 in both cases), which was associated with an increase in the patients' Barthel index score (p = 0.006); In addition, Fugl-Meyer test revealed higher effectiveness in the lower limb (p = 0.007). Thus, the sEMG-B seems to be more effective than conventional physiotherapy, and the use of this technology may be essential for improving muscular disorders in elderly patients with physical disabilities resulting from a stroke.

Cognitive Training Therapy Improves the Effect of Hypocaloric Treatment on Subjects with Overweight/Obesity: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

Obesity has been associated with impaired cognitive performance. This study aimed to determine whether improvements in cognitive function may contribute to higher weight loss in patients with obesity. In this randomised, 12-week trial, participants with overweight/obesity were randomised into a cognitive training intervention (Cognitive) group or a cognitive-behavioural (Control) group. In addition, both groups followed a hypocaloric dietary treatment. Cognitive functioning measurements and anthropometrical parameters were evaluated. All cognitive measures improved in the intervention group (p < 0.005 in all contrasts). In controls, significant improvements in attention, flexibility and task planning were also observed. Regarding anthropometrical parameters, the effect of the intervention in the cognitive group was higher for the total percentage of weight loss, body mass index (BMI), body fat and waist circumference. Biochemical parameters improved in both groups. Attending to our data, cognitive training was more effective that the hypocaloric intervention alone, partly related to an improvement in the working memory. Despite the shortage of training interventions for executive functions in the context of weight control, this type of combined intervention could establish the first steps towards a more appropriate intervention for patients with obesity.