Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in first-year university students and its association with lifestyle-related factors: A cross-sectional study / Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en estudiantes universitarios de primer año y su asociación con factores relacionados con el estilo de vida: un estudio transversal

Introduction: Students’ dietary habits are moving from Mediterranean diet guidelines towards unhealthy eating patterns. The aim of this study was to determine adherence to the Mediterranean diet in a sample of Spanish university students and its association with lifestyle factors. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 685 university students who completed a self-report questionnaire. The data collected included demographic characteristics, dietary habits, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and physical activity. Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed by measuring the consumption of the foods that compose this type of diet through a score (range 0–10). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was considered poor, average, or good. Results: The mean adherence score for the Mediterranean diet was 4.9 (1.2) points out of 10. A higher degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed in physically active students (OR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.05–5.10; p=0.038). Students who performed ≥150min/week of physical activity (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.33–0.62; p<0.001) and those over 25 years old (OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.26–0.73; p=0.002) were less prone to low adherence to the Mediterranean diet than sedentary and younger students. Conclusion: The university students have poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The results of the current study indicate that age and physical activity are associated with Mediterranean diet adherence. It is urgent to raise awareness among university students and implement intervention programmes promoting a healthy lifestyle. (AU)

Introducción: Los hábitos alimentarios de los estudiantes universitarios se están alejando de las pautas de la dieta mediterránea hacia patrones de alimentación poco saludables. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios españoles y su asociación con factores del estilo de vida. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal con 685 universitarios que cumplimentaron un cuestionario autoinformado. Los datos recogidos incluyeron características demográficas, hábitos alimentarios, hábito tabáquico, consumo de alcohol y actividad física. La adherencia a la dieta mediterránea fue evaluada midiendo el consumo de alimentos que componen este tipo de dieta a través de una escala (rango 0-10). La adherencia a la dieta mediterránea se consideró pobre, media y buena. Resultados: La puntuación media de adherencia a la dieta mediterránea fue de 4,9 (1,2) puntos de 10. Se observó un mayor grado de adherencia a esta dieta en los estudiantes físicamente activos (OR=2,31; IC95%: 1,05-5,10; p=0,038). Los estudiantes que realizaban ≥150min/semana de actividad física (OR=0,45; IC95%: 0,33-0,62; p<0,001) y los mayores de 25 años (OR=0,44; IC95%: 0,26-0,73; p=0,002) fueron menos propensos a una baja adherencia a la dieta mediterránea que los estudiantes sedentarios y los más jóvenes. Conclusión: Los estudiantes universitarios tienen una pobre adherencia a la dieta mediterránea. Los resultados del presente estudio indican que la edad y la actividad física están asociadas con la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea. Es urgente concienciar a los universitarios e implementar programas de intervención que promuevan un estilo de vida saludable. (AU)

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in first-year university students and its association with lifestyle-related factors: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Students' dietary habits are moving from Mediterranean diet guidelines towards unhealthy eating patterns. The aim of this study was to determine adherence to the Mediterranean diet in a sample of Spanish university students and its association with lifestyle factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 685 university students who completed a self-report questionnaire. The data collected included demographic characteristics, dietary habits, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and physical activity. Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed by measuring the consumption of the foods that compose this type of diet through a score (range 0-10). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was considered poor, average, or good. RESULTS: The mean adherence score for the Mediterranean diet was 4.9 (1.2) points out of 10. A higher degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed in physically active students (OR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.05-5.10; p=0.038). Students who performed ≥150min/week of physical activity (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.33-0.62; p<0.001) and those over 25 years old (OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.26-0.73; p=0.002) were less prone to low adherence to the Mediterranean diet than sedentary and younger students. CONCLUSION: The university students have poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The results of the current study indicate that age and physical activity are associated with Mediterranean diet adherence. It is urgent to raise awareness among university students and implement intervention programmes promoting a healthy lifestyle.

A sustainable approach by using microalgae to minimize the eutrophication process of Mar Menor lagoon.

The present study evaluates the removal capacity of microalgae photobioreactors of environmental pollutants present in wastewater from the dry riverbed El Albujón, as a way to minimize the eutrophication process of the Mar Menor. Particularly, the capacity of four autochthonous microalgae consortia collected from different locations of the salty lagoon to remove emerging contaminants (simazine, atrazine, terbuthylazine, adenosine and ibuprofen), nitrates, and phosphates, was evaluated. Among the four microalgae consortia, consortium 1 was the best in terms of biomass productivity (0.11 g L-1 d-1) and specific growth rate (0.14 d-1), providing 100% removal of emerging contaminants (simazine, atrazine, terbuthylazine, adenosine and ibuprofen), and a maximal reduction and consumption of macronutrients, especially nitrates and phosphates, reaching levels below 28 mg L-1, that is, a decrease of 89.90 and 99.70% of nitrates and phosphates, respectively. Therefore, this consortium (Monoraphidium sp., Desmodesmus subspicatus, Nannochloris sp.) could be selected as a green filter for successful large-scale applications. This study is the first one that combines the successful removal of herbicides, ibuprofen and adenosine as emerging contaminants, and nitrate removal.

Bioavailable phytoprostanes and phytofurans from Gracilaria longissima have anti-inflammatory effects in endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: An array of bioactive compounds with health-promoting effects has been described in several species of macroalgae. Among them, phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) and phytofurans (PhytoFs), both autoxidation products of α-linolenic acid, have been seen to exert immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory activities in vitro. The purpose of this study was to explore the bioaccesibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity of PhytoPs and PhytoFs obtained from the edible red algae Gracilaria longissima, and to gain insight into the anti-inflammatory activity of their bioavailable fraction in human endothelial cells. METHODS: The PhytoPs and PhytoFs profile and concentration of G. longissima were determined by UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS. Algal samples were processed following a standardised digestion method including gastric, intestinal, and gastrointestinal digestion. The bioavailability of the PhytoPs and PhytoFs in the characterized fractions was assessed in a Caco-2 cell monolayer model of the intestinal barrier. The inflammation response of these prostaglandin-like compounds in human endothelial cells, after intestinal absorption, was investigated in vitro. RESULTS: Simulated digestions significantly reduced the concentration of PhytoPs and PhytoFs up to 1.17 and 0.42 µg per 100 g, respectively, on average, although permeability through the Caco-2 cell monolayer was high (up to 88.2 and 97.7%, on average, respectively). PhytoP and PhytoF-enriched extracts of raw algae impaired the expression of ICAM-1 and IL-6 inflammation markers. The inflammation markers progressed in contrast to the relative concentrations of bioactive oxylipins, suggesting pro- or anti-inflammatory activity on their part. In this aspect, the cross-reactivity of these compounds with diverse receptors, and their relative concentration could explain the diversity of the effects found in the current study. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that PhytoPs and PhytoFs display complex pharmacological profiles probably mediated through their different actions and affinities in the endothelium.

Most advisable strategy in search of asymptomatic target organ damage in hypertensive patients / Estrategia óptima de búsqueda de daño de órgano diana asintomático en el hipertenso

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic potential of seven examinations in order to define the most suitable strategy for target organ damage (TOD) search in hypertensive patients. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. 153 consecutive treated and essential hypertensive patients were enrolled. Patients with established cardiovascular or chronic renal disease (stage ≥ 4) were excluded. TOD search was assessed by: glomerular filtration rate (GFR), albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (ECO), ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and carotid ultrasound (intima media thickness and presence of plaques). The rationale of our strategy ought to determine the performance of applying a set of the most widely available tests (GFR, ACR, ABI, ECG) and advise about the optimal sequence of the remaining tests. Results: The sample was 64.4 ± 7.9 years old, 45.8% males. 82.6% of the sample had any TOD at all. The resulting algorithm found a 37% TOD in relation to GFR, ACR, ABI and ECG values. Adding carotid ultrasound added up to 70% of the studied population and properly classified (TOD+/TOD−) 89% of the cohort. When performing PWV, 78% of the patients had been identified as TOD+ and 96% of the population was correctly identified. Contribution of ECO was minor. Conclusion: After running the more widely available explorations (GFR, ACR, ABI, ECG), a step-by-step strategy that included carotid ultrasound, PWV and ECO could be the best sequence for TOD search in asymptomatic hypertensive patientsien

Objetivo: Evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico de un panel de siete pruebas de determinación de daño de órgano diana (DOD) aplicadas de forma sistemática, a fin de sugerir la estrategia óptima para la búsqueda de DOD en el hipertenso. Método: Estudio descriptivo y transversal. Se incluyeron 153 pacientes diagnosticados de hipertensión esencial bajo tratamiento farmacológico. Se excluyeron pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular establecida o enfermedad renal crónica estadio ≥4. Se realizó una búsqueda de DOD mediante filtrado glomerular estimado (FGe), índice albúmina creatinina (IAC), hipertrofia ventricular por electrocardiograma (ECG) y ecocardiograma (ECO), índice tobillo brazo (ITB), velocidad de la onda de pulso (VOP) y ecografía carotídea (placas y grosor íntima media). Se propuso una estrategia de búsqueda de DOD en la que tras la realización de las exploraciones más accesibles (FGe, IAC, ITB y ECG) se sugiere la secuencia de exploraciones a realizar con mayor eficacia diagnóstica. Resultados: La edad media fue 64.4 ± 7.9 años, siendo el 45.8% varones. El 82.6% presentó algún tipo de DOD. Según el algoritmo propuesto, las pruebas de mayor accesibilidad diagnosticaron un 37% de DOD en la muestra. Tras añadir la ecografía carotídea, se detectó DOD en el 70%, y el 89% de la población fue apropiadamente clasificada en DOD+/DOD−. La realización de VOP incrementó la prevalencia de DOD hasta el 78%, y el 96% de la muestra fue correctamente clasificada. La contribución de la ECO fue menor. Conclusión: Tras la realización de las exploraciones más accesibles (FGe, IAC, ITB y ECG), la realización sistemática de ecografía carotídea, VOP y ECO podría ser la estrategia óptima para la búsqueda de DOD en el hipertenso

Most advisable strategy in search of asymptomatic target organ damage in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic potential of seven examinations in order to define the most suitable strategy for target organ damage (TOD) search in hypertensive patients. METHODS: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. 153 consecutive treated and essential hypertensive patients were enrolled. Patients with established cardiovascular or chronic renal disease (stage ≥4) were excluded. TOD search was assessed by: glomerular filtration rate (GFR), albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (ECO), ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and carotid ultrasound (intima media thickness and presence of plaques). The rationale of our strategy ought to determine the performance of applying a set of the most widely available tests (GFR, ACR, ABI, ECG) and advise about the optimal sequence of the remaining tests. RESULTS: The sample was 64.4±7.9 years old, 45.8% males. 82.6% of the sample had any TOD at all. The resulting algorithm found a 37% TOD in relation to GFR, ACR, ABI and ECG values. Adding carotid ultrasound added up to 70% of the studied population and properly classified (TOD+/TOD-) 89% of the cohort. When performing PWV, 78% of the patients had been identified as TOD+ and 96% of the population was correctly identified. Contribution of ECO was minor. CONCLUSION: After running the more widely available explorations (GFR, ACR, ABI, ECG), a step-by-step strategy that included carotid ultrasound, PWV and ECO could be the best sequence for TOD search in asymptomatic hypertensive patients.

Valoración del control de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en mujeres menopáusicas obesas tras el seguimiento de un programa estructurado de educación dietética y ejercicio físico. (Programa SÍSIFO) / Assessment of control of cardiovascular risk factors in obese posmenopausal women after monitoring a structured dietary education and exercise program. (SÍSIFO Program)

Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia de un programa de ejercicio físico específico sobre el riesgo cardiovascular, la calidad de vida y hábitos alimentarios en las mujeres menopáusicas. Método: Estudio de intervención antes-después sin grupo control, prospectivo, de tres meses de duración. Se incluyen 66 mujeres menopáusicas. La intervención realizada consistió en un programa estructurado de dieta y ejercicio físico. Las determinaciones realizadas consistieron en los parámetros bioquímicos, antropométricos, dietéticos y de calidad de vida, antes y a los tres meses de la intervención. Resultados: Tras el de intervención se produce una disminución en el peso (4,4 ± 2,3kg) y el IMC (1,83 ± 0,84 kg/m2) (p < 0,05). También se aprecia un descenso de la PAS (p < 0,05). La glucemia basal desciende 13,75 ± 11,12 mg/dl y la HbA1c desciende un 0,19 ± 0,12%, ambos con p < 0,05. El perfil lipídico sigue un comportamiento similar, destacando una disminución de 8 ± 6,2 mg/dl en los valores de LDL colesterol (p<0,05). La puntuación obtenida en el riesgo cardiovascular medido mediante las tablas Framingham disminuye en un 3% tras la intervención (p < 0,05). Respecto a la calidad de vida se produce una mejoría significativa en todas las áreas analizadas. Conclusiones: La aplicación de un programa estructurado de ejercicio físico y dieta con seguimiento estrecho mejora los parámetros relacionados con el riesgo cardiovascular de las mujeres estudiadas. También mejora la calidad de vida y los hábitos dietéticos

Objective: Evaluate the influence of a specific program of physical exercise on cardiovascular risk, quality of life and eating habits of menopausal women. Method: Prospective, intervention study previous-after without control group for three months. 66 menopausal women were included. The intervention consisted of a structured diet and exercise program. Biochemical, anthropometric, dietary and life quality parameters were determined before and three months after surgery. Results: After the intervention a decrease in weight (4.4 ± 2,3 kg) and BMI (1.83 ± 0.84 kg/m2) (p < .05) occurs. A decrease in SBP (p < .05) was also observed. The fasting glucose went down 13.75 ± 11.11 mg/dl and HbA1c fell by 0.19 ± 0,12%, both with p < .05. The lipid profile follows a similar behavior, highlighting a decline of 8 ± 6.2mg/dl in LDL cholesterol values (p < .05). The score on the measured cardiovascular risk by the Framingham tables decreases by 3% postoperatively (p < .05). Regarding the quality of life, it is significantly improved in all analyzed areas. Conclusions: The application of a structured exercise and diet program improves close monitoring parameters associated with cardiovascular risk of the women studied. It also improves the quality of life and dietary habits

[Assessment of control of cardiovascular risk factors in obese posmenopausal women after monitoring a structured dietary education and exercise program. (SÍSIFO Program)]. / Valoración del control de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en mujeres menopáusicas obesas tras el seguimiento de un programa estructurado de educación dietética y ejercicio físico. (Programa SÍSIFO).

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the influence of a specific program of physical exercise on cardiovascular risk, quality of life and eating habits of menopausal women. METHOD: Prospective, intervention study previous-after without control group for three months. 66 menopausal women were included. The intervention consisted of a structured diet and exercise program. Biochemical, anthropometric, dietary and life quality parameters were determined before and three months after surgery. RESULTS: After the intervention a decrease in weight (4.4±2,3kg) and BMI (1.83±0.84kg/m(2)) (p<.05) occurs. A decrease in SBP (p<.05) was also observed. The fasting glucose went down 13.75±11.11mg/dl and HbA1c fell by 0.19±0,12%, both with p<.05. The lipid profile follows a similar behavior, highlighting a decline of 8± 6.2mg/dl in LDL cholesterol values (p<.05). The score on the measured cardiovascular risk by the Framingham tables decreases by 3% postoperatively (p<.05). Regarding the quality of life, it is significantly improved in all analyzed areas. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a structured exercise and diet program improves close monitoring parameters associated with cardiovascular risk of the women studied. It also improves the quality of life and dietary habits.

TLR4 expression on monocyte subsets in myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Monocyte toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis with increased levels in myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to assess the numbers of TLR4(+) monocytes in each monocyte subset in MI, the expression of TLR4 and association with markers of monocyte activation, inflammation, myocardial damage and postmyocardial infarction (MI) cardiac contractility. METHODS: Surface expression of TLR4 and numbers of TLR4-expressing monocytes were quantified by flow cytometry of venous blood in 50 patients with ST-elevation MI (STEMI), 48 with non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and 40 with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). These parameters were measured on days 1, 3, 7 and 30 post-MI in STEMI patients. Three monocyte subsets were defined as CD14(++) CD16(-) CCR2(+) (Mon1), CD14(++) CD16(+) CCR2(+) (Mon2) and CD14(+) CD16(++) CCR2(-) (Mon3). Plasma inflammatory cytokines were assessed using cytometric bead arrays. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in counts of TLR4(+) Mon1 and Mon2 in STEMI patients and TLR4(+) Mon2 in NSTEMI patients compared with controls with CAD. Monocyte TLR4(+) expression was similar between the groups, and was not changed during follow-up in STEMI patients. Plasma interleukin-6 (IL6) levels correlated positively with TLR4(+) Mon2 count (r = 0.54, P < 0.001), but negatively with TLR4 expression on Mon2 (r = -0.33, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Following treatment of acute MI, TLR4 expression by individual monocyte subsets is unchanged. An increase in TLR4(+) Mon1 and Mon2 count in patients with STEMI and TLR(+) Mon2 count in those with NSTEMI is due to an increase in monocyte subset count and not to changes in TLR4 expression. Monocyte counts but not TLR4 expression correlate positively with plasma IL6 levels. We suggest that TLR4 expression may not be a reliable marker of monocyte activation in MI.

Immunophenotypic characterization of human monocyte subsets: possible implications for cardiovascular disease pathophysiology.

OBJECTIVES: Monocytes include several subsets with different and sometimes divergent roles in immunity, atherogenesis and reparative processes. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to perform detailed immunophenotypic and functional characterization of human monocyte subsets. PATIENTS/METHODS: Analysis of surface markers of blood and bone marrow monocyte subsets and functional characterization of blood monocyte subsets in healthy volunteers was performed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: In the present study, we show the presence of three subsets which could be unequivocally distinguished by surface expression of CD14, CD16 and CCR2 as CD14(+)CD16(-)CCR2(+) (Mon1), CD14(+)CD16(+)CCR2(+) (Mon2) and CD14(low)CD16(+)CCR2(-) (Mon3) subsets. In comparison with the classic Mon1, the Mon2 subset had the highest expression of Tie2, CXCR4, CD163, CD115, receptors to inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the highest surface levels of apolipoprotein B and ferritin. In contrast, Mon3 had maximal expression of VCAM-1 receptors and CD204. The Mon2 and Mon3 subsets had significantly lower activity of the NFκB pathway than Mon1. Mon1 and Mon2 had similar phagocytic activity, which was significantly higher compared with Mon3. All three subsets were present in bone marrow, although the relative proportion of Mon2 in bone marrow was about 2.5-fold higher compared with that seen in blood. Significant differences in cytokine production in response to endotoxin stimulation were observed between the three monocyte subsets. CONCLUSION: Given their immunophenotypic similarity, the newly characterized Mon2 population may represent the previously reported pluripotent progenitor/pro-angiogenic monocytes.