Representation and practices of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System consumption in the university population of Bogotá(Colombia) / Representación social y prácticas de consumo de sistemas electrónicos de administración de nicotina en población universitaria de bogotá (colombia)

RESUMEN Objetivo: Colombia cuenta con una legislación de control del tabaco desde 2009 sin embargo, no existe una regulación específica sobre los Sistemas Electrónicos de Administración de Nicotina (SEAN), por lo tanto, es vital caracterizar las dimensiones cualitativas de consumo. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las prácticas y representaciones de los consumidores de SEAN con el fin de obtener elementos para orientar las acciones necesarias para prevenir su consumo. Materiales y métodos: Este artículo presenta los resultados identificados en el componente cualitativo de una investigación macro sobre la prevalencia del uso de SEAN entre estudiantes universitarios. Se realizaron 14 entrevistas individuales y 1 grupo focal, analizados con el software NVivo10®. Resultados: Se presentan como resultados principales la identificación de las prácticas de consumo, de las cuales se derivó que el núcleo central de la representación social sobre SEAN es no autónomo, lo que posibilita un cambio que desincentive su consumo; el sistema periférico de la representación está conformado por tres elementos: la dimensión social, el consumo de SEAN como estilo de vida y la dimensión corporal y emocional. Conclusiones: Se concluye que las acciones de prevención de consumo de SEAN deben partir de la identificación de características particulares y exclusivas del consumo de SEAN y la incorporación de los elementos del sistema periférico que permitan abordar un consumo que no se basa en la toma de decisiones informadas.

ABSTRACT Objective: Colombia has had a tobacco control legislation since 2009, however there is no specific regulation on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). Therefore, it is crucial to characterize the qualitative dimensions of consumption. The study aimed to answer the question: What are the representations and practices of the university population regarding the consumption of SEAN? The objective of the study is to identify the practices and representations of ENDS consumers in order to obtain elements to guide the necessary actions to prevent their consumption. Methods: This paper presents the results identified in the qualitative component of a main study on the prevalence of ENDS use among university students. 14 individual interviews and 1 focus group were conducted and analyzed with the NVivo10® software. The corpus consisted of the transcripts of the 14 interviews and 1 focus group, which constitutes a total of 116 pages of raw data. The techniques used were semi-structured interviews and focus groups, using the Microsoft Teams platform. Taking into account ethical aspects, in each interview and in the focus group the informed consent was read and authorization was requested for the interview to be recorded. The average duration of each interview was one hour and forty-five minutes and the focus group lasted a total of 120 minutes. The capture of practices and representation related to the use/non-use of SEAN was achieved by incorporating two phases of analysis: a)Inductivephase: it was developed with an ordered matrix on the theoretical categories of the project, b)Phase of deductive analysis was carried out based on processes typical of the founded theory that allowed expanding the analytical framework having as its axis the identification of consumption practices and the elements that make up the central core and the peripheral system of representation. Results: The main results are the identification of consumption practices, from which it was derived that the central nucleus of the social representation of SEAN is non-autonomous, which enables a change that discourages its consumption. The reasons and practices for consuming ENDS are closely related to conventional cigarette consumption, which corresponds to the fact that 11 of the 14 interviewees who identify themselves as consumers have consumed conventional cigarettes and only two have been exclusive ENDS consumers. The following practices were identified: a) The consumption motivations were grouped like social, economic and socio-emotional; b) Three types of consumption spaces: prohibited, exclusive and recovered spaces. These last ones are places where you couldn't smoke cigarettes and now they feel empowered to vape; c) There are forms of differential consumption and access to ENDS related to the quality, price, exclusivity and adherence; d) Habits and rituals are not related to moments of daily life, as with cigarettes, but to practices such as searching for and mixing "salts" to obtain flavors, cleaning and maintaining the device, smoking tricks; e) About information channels among the interviewees it was noted that the practice of informed consumption is not frequent and that there are few sources of information that offer low confidence. Finally, the peripheral system of representation is made up of three elements: social dimension, the consumption of SEAN as a lifestyle, bodied and emotional dimension. Conclusion : It is concluded that the actions to prevent the consumption of ENDS should start from the identification of particular and exclusive characteristics of the consumption of ENDS and the incorporation of the elements of the peripheral system that allow addressing a consumption not based on making informed decisions. The main finding is the identification of a non-autonomous representation that stems from the difficulty of establishing notable differentiations between conventional cigarette consumption and e-cigarettes. Therefore, the main vein of research that opens up is to delve into the particular and exclusive characteristics of this consumption. It is essential to incorporate bodily, emotional, and especially social (interpersonal) dimensions as important variables in understanding the practices and representations of e-cigarettes through complex approaches that can break the solid elements on which conventional cigarette consumption is anchored, as it continues to define dynamics of electronic device consumption. It is important at this point to recognize that emotions can be understood as the intermediary between the lived experience in the body and everything that happens in the environment. Thus, it is not possible to think of this representation without recognizing that consumption is an embodied exercise, and the absence of the body in discourses about e-cigarettes can be a revealing element of a disconnection between practices and meanings that are reinforced in the insistence on an action (smoking is smoking) despite the recognition of its negative effects on health (even though it should not be). The understanding of the social representation of e-cigarette consumption in relation to specific practices related to it provides some clues on which to work on processes of information, communication, prevention, and regulation to discourage this consumption that appears relatively new.

Bioecological regulation of the problematic consumption of psychoactive substances in a university context / Regulación bioecológica del consumo problemático de sustancias psicoactivas en un contexto universitario

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender la emergencia del Consumo Problemático de Sustancias Psicoactivas (CP-SPA) de jóvenes estudiantes de un contexto universitario, como resultante de la interacción significativa entre los sistemas de regulación socioeducativa, sanitaria y normativa de la institución en estudio. Materiales y método: Estudio cualitativo de caso, desarrollado en una institución universitaria de carácter privado. Se realizó con soporte en la teoría bioecológica de Bronfenbrenner (2011), a través de inserción ecológica intervención (Koller et al., 2016). Participaron estudiantes, docentes y administrativos. Se realizaron cuatro entrevistas y seis grupos focales. Muestreo teórico hasta saturación de categorías. Codificación y categorización utilizando Atlas-Ti, a través de método comparativo constante en la recogida, codificación abierta, axial y selectiva de datos y análisis sistemático (Strauss y Corbin, 2002). Resultados: El CP-SPA en este contexto tiene lugar a través de una trilogía de procesos proximales de interinfluencia: 1. De influencia para la ingesta de múltiples SPA, 2. Enfocados en consumo problemático y 3. De transgresión de normas institucionales, que operan como gatilla-dores de la experiencia dentro y fuera de la universidad. Estos procesos, en la dinámica de la comunicación, configuran sistemas sociales de biorregulación: socioeducativa: indirecta (autorregulación), sanitaria: paliativa (ruta de atención) y normativa: punitiva (reglamento estudiantil), que intentan regular el CP-SPA. La regulación es posible gracias a la interacción de factores de riesgo/protección próximos y distantes, que pueden impulsar directa e indirectamente el CP-SPA. Conclusiones: Los sistemas de biorregulación actúan como garantes y dan forma a las simbolizaciones de la vida emocional, social e institucional del estudiante con CP-SPA, con exito en los procesos proximales persona-persona (microsistema), pero con poca efectividad en el mesosistema. Se propone a las instituciones universitarias generar las condiciones de posibilidad para una estructura regulatoria del CP-SPA que promueva un desarrollo favorable del estudiante, coherente con sus expectativas de formación profesional.

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the emergence of Problematic Substance Use (FSV) among young students in a university context because of significant interaction between the socio-educational, health, and regulatory systems of the institution under study. Materials and method: A qualitative case study conducted at a private university, utilizing Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory (2011) with ecological intervention (Koller et al., 2016). Participants included students, teachers, and administrative staff. Four interviews and six focus groups were conducted. Theoretical sampling was carried out until category saturation. Coding and categorization were done using Atlas-Ti, employing constant comparative method in data collection, open, axial, and selective coding, and systematic analysis (Strauss and Corbin, 2002). Results: FSU in this context occurs through a trilogy of proximal processes of interinfluence: 1. Influence for the intake of multiple substances, 2. Focused on problematic use, and 3. Transgression of institutional norms, acting as triggers for the experience within and outside the university. These processes, in communication dynamics, shape social systems of bioregulation: socio-educational (indirect self-regulation), health-related (palliative care route), and regulatory (punitive student regulations), attempting to regulate FSU. Regulation is possible through the interaction of proximal and distal risk/protection factors, which can directly and indirectly drive FSU. Conclusions: Bio-regulation systems act as guarantors and shape symbolizations of the emotional, social, and institutional life of students with FSU, succeeding in proximal person-to-person processes (microsystem) but with little effectiveness in the mesosystem. It is proposed that universities create conditions for a regulatory structure of FSU that promotes favorable student development consistent with their professional training expectations.

Latin American adults who regularly use macrodoses of psychedelics: a cross-sectional study.

Psychedelics have a complex history marked by traditional use among indigenous cultures, early scientific interest, and subsequent prohibition. Despite their classification as controlled substances, recent decades have witnessed a resurgence of research into their therapeutic potential for various mental health conditions. However, most studies have focused on controlled clinical settings, leaving a significant gap in understanding how these substances are used in naturalistic contexts, particularly in Latin America. This study investigates the regular use of macrodoses of psychedelics among Latin American adults. We aimed to characterize the sociodemographic profiles, consumption practices, and subjective effects experienced by individuals who use psychedelics regularly. Data were collected via an online survey from 4,270 participants across several Latin American countries. Results indicated a diverse user base with varied motivations, predominantly psychological and spiritual well-being. The most frequently used substance was psilocybin mushrooms, with significant associations found between demographic variables and specific psychedelics used. The study provides new insights into the naturalistic use of psychedelics in Latin America, highlighting the need for informed, safe, and legal use frameworks.

Voluntary Ethanol Intake and Anxiety Behavior in Wistar-Uis Rats.

Ethanol consumption is among the first five substances with higher risk associated with diseases, disability, and death in the world. Anxiety behavior has been linked to ethanol-addictive conduct. The aim of the present study was to evaluate three strains with differential anxiety behavior: a Wild-type strain; a "Reactive" strain, with an increase in anxiety-related behaviors; and a "Non-Reactive" strain, with lower anxiety-related behaviors, before and after the voluntary consumption of ethanol (10%) protocol. To evaluate anxiety, animals were exposed to the elevated plus-maze 24 h before and after the consumption protocol. On the voluntary consumption of ethanol protocol, the animals were exposed to a water and an ethanol bottle. The weight of the liquid consumed daily for 40 days was registered. Results: all strains increased ethanol vs water consumption: Wild-type: day 8; R: day 10; NR: day 31. Ethanol consumption reduced the number and percentage of open arms entries only on the Wild-type strain. Conclusion: anxiety can predispose to an increase in ethanol consumption and to the maintenance of anxiety-related behaviors.

El consumo de alcohol se encuentra dentro de las primeras cinco sustancias con mayor riesgo asociado con enfermedades, discapacidad y muerte en el mundo. El comportamiento ansioso se ha relacionado con la conducta adictiva al alcohol. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar tres cepas con conductas de ansiedad diferenciales: una cepa normal; una cepa "Reac tiva", con aumento de conductas ansiosas; y una cepa "No-Reactiva", con menor comportamiento ansioso, antes y después del protocolo de consumo voluntario de etanol (10%). Para evaluar la ansiedad, los animales fueron expuestos al laberinto en cruz elevado 24 h antes y después del protocolo de consumo. En el protocolo de consumo voluntario de etanol, los animales fueron expuestos a una botella de agua y a una de etanol. Se registró el peso del líquido consumido durante 40 días. Resultados: todas las cepas aumentaron el consumo de alcohol vs agua: General: día 8; R: día 10; NR: día 31. El consumo de etanol redujo el número y el porcentaje de entradas de brazos abiertos solo en la cepa General. Conclusión: los niveles de ansiedad pueden predisponer a un aumento del consumo de etanol y mantenimiento de comportamientos relacionados con la ansiedad.

Intimate Partner Violence Attitudes: Who Tolerates the Most?

Aim: to identify whether demographic variables, the type and length of romantic relationships, and alcohol consumption were risk factors related to attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV). Method: 723 adults filled the IPVAS and a demographic survey. Results: women were less likely to accept control; participants with technical education were more likely to tolerate control and abuse; those with secondary education were at higher risk to accept physical violence, while participants aged 26-35 were at lower risk; people who were dating someone were at higher risk to tolerate control, but were at a lower risk to accept physical violence; and those who consume alcohol were more likely to accept abuse. Conclusion: As attitudes toward IPV may predict its future occurrence, research on variables modulating the association between attitudes and IPV execution can strengthen evidence to implement preventive actions, in which shaping attitudes towards IPV are the primary target.

Objetivo: Identificar si las variables sociodemográficas, el tipo, la duración de las relaciones y el consumo de alcohol son factores de riesgo asociados con las actitudes hacia la violencia de pareja (VP). Método: 723 adultos completaron las IPVAS y una encuesta sociodemográfica. Resultados: las mujeres tuvieron menor probabilidad de aceptar el control; los participantes con educación técnica toleraron más control y abuso; las personas con educación secundaria presentaron mayor riesgo de aceptar violencia física, mientras que las personas entre 26 y 35 años mostraron un riesgo menor; quienes tenían una relación tuvieron riesgo mayor para tolerar control, pero menor riesgo para aceptar violencia física; aquellos que reportaron consumir alcohol tuvieron mayor probabilidad de aceptar abuso. Conclusión: Las actitudes hacia la IPV pueden predecir la ejecución de esta conducta en el futuro. Por lo tanto, estudios que indaguen sobre variables que modulen esta asociación incrementarán la evidencia para implementar acciones preventivas, en las que la formación de actitudes hacia la VP sean el objetivo principal de cambio.

Total dietary antioxidant capacity and food groups and their relationship with the sleep time of Brazilian graduates (CUME Study).

To investigate the association between the Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity (dTAC) and the Total Antioxidant Capacity of food groups (fgTAC) with the sleep time of Brazilian graduates participating in the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME Study). This cross-sectional study analyzed 6,387 graduates (2,052 men, 4,335 women, 35.3 ± 9.3 years old) from the CUME Study. Data was collected online, and dTAC was obtained by the Ferric Reduction Antioxidant Power (FRAP) method. Daily sleep time was classified as short sleep, normal sleep, and long sleep (≤6, 7-8, and ≥9 h, respectively). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the Odds Ratio (OR) and its 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) between short sleep and long sleep with quartiles of dTAC and the fgTAC. Lower odds of short sleep was observed for the third quartile of dTAC and for fourth quartile of fgTAC of fruits, beans, and lentils, and for the third quartile of fgTAC of vegetables and oils and fats. Higher odds of short sleep for the fourth quartile of fgTAC of teas and coffees. For long sleep, inverse associations were observed for the fourth quartile of fgTAC of oilseeds and the third quartile of fgTAC of teas and coffees. Higher odds of long sleep were observed for the third quartile of artificial juices and sodas. We cannot independently assert an association between higher dTAC and sleep time. In turn, the associations between sleep time and fgTAC show the importance of the food matrix that antioxidants are inserted, requiring longitudinal studies to observe the direction of associations.

Domestic chicken predation and prey sharing by urban capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.).

Capuchin monkeys are omnivorous platyrrhines with a high frequency of faunivory and can survive in urban forest fragments. Predation of wild vertebrates (high-quality foods) by capuchin monkeys has been frequently reported in many species of Cebus and Sapajus. However, predation of domestic animals is unknown. We describe a rare episode of predation, consumption, and sharing of an adult domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) by individuals from a social group of robust capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.) living in a small urban park in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, southern Brazil. This relatively large prey is freely farmed at the study site. The capture, slaughter, preparation (removal of feathers from the body), and consumption of the prey by the capuchins lasted 22 min. The dominant adult male ate the chicken's head and tolerated the approach of two juveniles. The juveniles shared the remainder of the prey after the adult abandoned it. These juveniles scared other group members that approached the carcass. We recorded an opportunistic hunt for easily accessible domestic prey, a case of human resource use by urban primates that shared passively the atypical and valuable food. Though a rare event, the predation on a domestic animal indicates a potential source of conflict with humans that can have negative impacts on urban primates.

Soft drink consumption and increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Results from the health workers cohort study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common clinical condition and an important public health problem. Some epidemiological studies have suggested that soft drinks (SD) intake is associated with NAFLD. However, the evidence is inconsistent. Our objective was to assess the association between SD consumption and the risk of NAFLD in a Mexican adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,759 participants from the Health Workers Cohort Study (HWCS) were included in the analyses. SD intake was measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We classified SD consumption as follows: a) less than 1 serving per week, b) 1 to less than 3.5 servings per week, and c) 3.5 or more servings per week. Hepatic steatosis index (HSI) was calculated based on sex, BMI, and blood transaminase levels, and was categorized as NAFLD ≥ 36. To assess the relation between SD and NAFLD, we followed two approaches: fixed effects logistic regression and generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: After adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and dietary intake, the odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) for NAFLD were 1.26 (95 % CI: 1.08, 1.48) for 1 to less than 3.5 servings per week and 1.42 (95 % CI: 1.19, 1.69) for ≥3.5 servings/week category in both sexes. When stratifying the analysis by sex, we observed that the association tended to be greater in men than in women. CONCLUSIONS: The results from our prospective study indicate that SD consumption is associated with an increased risk of NAFLD.

Association of anthropometric variables with therapy-induced cardiotoxicity in women with breast cancer: a pilot study for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin (DOX) has been widely used in the treatment of breast cancer, but it is directly associated with late-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether anthropometric, food intake or other risk factors together with DOX-based chemotherapy can increase the risk of developing cardiotoxicity remains uncertain. We examined the association between anthropometric variables with doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in women with breast cancer. METHODS: Twenty-six women (53.7 ± 9.6 y) undergoing DOX-based chemotherapy (408.3 ± 66.7 mg/m2) participated in the study. We collected data on body composition (bioimpedance), dietary intake (24 h) and cardiac function (echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF). All measurements were taken at baseline, one month of treatment completion and one-year follow-up after start of treatment. DOX-induced cardiotoxicity was defined as ≥ 10% absolute decrease in LVEF. Thus, the participants were then grouped as DOX-induced (DIC) or non-DOX-induced (non-DIC) cardiotoxicity. Data are shown as mean ± SD (standard deviation). We performed comparisons between the two groups using Student's t-test for independent samples or Generalized Estimating Equations (groups + 3 evaluation time points) with Bonferroni post-hoc test. Lastly, the correlations were analyzed using Pearson correlation; p < 0.05 for all tests. RESULTS: At baseline the participants' body mass index (BMI) was 29.9 ± 7.9 kg/m2 and LVEF was 67.4 ± 6.2%. Seven of them (26.9%) developed therapy-induced cardiotoxicity (ΔLVEF - 3.2 ± 2.6%; p < 0.001). Postmenopausal status and family history of CVD were more prevalent in the DIC group than non-DIC group. We found no consistent BMI changes in the groups over time. Interestingly, the non-DIC group showed a small increase in visceral fat at treatment completion and increased waist circumference at one-year follow-up compared to baseline. These same changes were not seen in the DIC group. We also observed a pattern of correlation of some anthropometric variables with LVEF: the more unfavorable the body composition the more pronounced the LVEF decrease at one-year follow-up, though not associated with cardiotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Our study did not provide sufficient evidence to support that anthropometric variables, food intake or other risk factors increase the risk of developing cardiotoxicity. However, there are apparent trends that need to be further investigated in larger samples.

Are vegetarians' diets inherently healthy? Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with overweight among vegetarians: the brazilian survey on the health, food, and nutrition of vegetarians.

This cross-sectional study investigated ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and its association with overweight among Brazilian vegetarian adults (n = 925). Data were collected using a self-administered structured online questionnaire. The prevalence of overweight was 26.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.3-29.1). The median UPF consumption was 1.8 times/day (1.0-3.1 interquartile range [IQR]). The multivariable generalised linear model identified an increase in overweight probability as the UPF intake - categorised into quintiles - increases (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.08 [95%CI 1.01-1.17]). Additionally, age (PR 1.03 [95%CI 1.02-1.04]), eating more than three meals/day away from home (PR 1.56 [95%CI 1.08-2.23]), duration of vegetarianism (PR 0.98 [95%CI 0.97-0.99]) and living in the wealthiest regions in the country (PR 1.35 [95%CI 1.06-1.71]) were associated with overweight. Although vegetarians have a lower average UPF intake and overweight prevalence than the general population, UPF exposure can still lead to excessive weight gain or maintenance. This study endorses generalising the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines for the vegetarian population.

Micronutrient Consumption Among Postpartum Women and Food Insecurity.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake and its risk factors among women one year after giving birth. 240 women of reproductive age were assessed. Micronutrient intake was assessed from two 24-hour records at three stages (3-6-12 months after childbirth). A generalized linear mixed-effect model was used to assess the factors associated with food intake. A prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake was observed, with the exception of iron. Intake was lower among food-insecure women (zinc: ß -0.13; iron: ß -0.09; vitamin C: ß -0.44). The postpartum period and food insecurity remained statistically associated with lower food consumption in the explanatory models tested.

Social Markers of Differences in Fruit and/or Vegetable Consumption Among Brazilians: An Intersectional Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the differences in fruit and/or vegetable consumption (FVC) among Brazilian adults by examining various social markers, such as gender, race, income, and education level. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 88,531 Brazilian adults aged 18 years or older who participated in the 2019 National Health Survey was conducted. The dependent variable was irregular FVC (<5 d/wk). Individuals at the highest risk for irregular FVC include those who are men and Black and who have lower education levels and lower income. Individuals at lower risk include those who are women and White and who have higher education levels and higher income. The prevalence of irregular FVC was calculated considering the levels of the social risk index for FVC and the intersections among two, three, and four risk categories. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) analyses were performed to compare groups at higher risk with those at lower risk. RESULTS: The prevalence of irregular FVC was 57.2% in the general population, 38.1% for individuals in the lowest risk group, 47.5% for individuals in one risk category, 57.9% for individuals in two risk categories, 67.6% for individuals in three risk categories, and 74.4% for individuals in the highest-risk group, and there were significant differences at each level. The highest risk group had a 4.36 (95% CI, 3.86-4.92) times greater chance of irregular FVC. CONCLUSIONS: The complex path to promote FVC among the Brazilian population underscores the need for intersectoral policies aimed at reducing inequalities.

Effects of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with ventricular assist devices: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Ventricular assist devices represent a treatment option for patients with advanced heart failure, offering control over various haemodynamic variables. Similarly, the prescription of exercise within a cardiac rehabilitation programme for heart failure patients is recommended to reduce symptoms, and hospitalisations, improve cardiorespiratory fitness, and increase exercise tolerance. Therefore, exercise prescription can impact those with ventricular assist devices. Given the limited evidence on exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes for this population, this review aims to describe the most commonly used strategies and their health benefits when physical exercise is included in a cardiac rehabilitation programme for patients with ventricular assist devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory review was conducted through searches in the databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, PeDro, and ScienceDirect. The search was limited to studies published between 2013 and 2023. Filters were applied independently by title, abstract, and full text. The included articles were analysed based on the description of the types of cardiac rehabilitation strategies used in patients with ventricular assist devices. RESULTS: Seven articles were included. Each programme employed a cardiopulmonary exercise test before prescribing physical exercise. The most commonly used strategy was aerobic exercise, predominantly high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with intensities close to 90% of peak VO2, followed by continuous moderate-intensity exercise. Limb strength exercises were included in three programmes. CONCLUSIONS: The analysed literature suggests that cardiac rehabilitation in patients with ventricular assist devices is safe and can provide benefits in cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise tolerance. High-intensity interval training is identified as an appropriate strategy for achieving results, offering short-term improvements.

Cheers to anxiety: Granger causality insights on alcohol consumption patterns across 13 South American countries.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between alcohol consumption and mental health is complex; drinking may exacerbate anxiety, and in turn, anxiety can lead to excessive drinking. This study explores the relationship between alcohol consumption patterns including wine, beer, and spirits, and anxiety prevalence in selected 13 South American nations. METHODS: This study utilises secondary data spanning 29 years from 1991 to 2019 obtained from the Our World in Data database. It investigates the causal link between the prevalence of anxiety and alcohol consumption in the selected countries using the Granger causality test. RESULTS: Anxiety was found to have a unidirectional effect on wine and beer consumption in Chile, Suriname, Uruguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, drinking alcohol consumption appears to impact anxiety levels in Brazil. Argentina demonstrates a bidirectional relationship between anxiety and all three types of alcohol consumption, with similar patterns observed in Brazil (wine and beer), Chile (spirits), and Paraguay (spirits). CONCLUSION: No significant causal relationships for alcohol consumption patterns were found in other nations. The identified Granger causal links follow four distinct directions in this study. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, governments, and international investors for informed decision-making regarding regulation and policy tools.

Differential impacts of body composition on oxygen kinetics and exercise tolerance of HFrEF and HFpEF patients.

This study aims to (1) compare the kinetics of pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2p), skeletal muscle deoxygenation ([HHb]), and microvascular O2 delivery (QO2mv) between heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and those with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and (2) explore the correlation between body composition, kinetic parameters, and exercise performance. Twenty-one patients (10 HFpEF and 11 HFrEF) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess VO2 kinetics, with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) employed to measure [HHb]. Microvascular O2 delivery (QO2mv) was calculated using the Fick principle. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed to evaluate body composition. HFrEF patients exhibited significantly slower VO2 kinetics (time constant [t]: 63 ± 10.8 s vs. 45.4 ± 7.9 s; P < 0.05) and quicker [HHb] response (t: 12.4 ± 9.9 s vs. 25 ± 11.6 s; P < 0.05). Microvascular O2 delivery (QO2mv) was higher in HFrEF patients (3.6 ± 1.2 vs. 1.7 ± 0.8; P < 0.05), who also experienced shorter time to exercise intolerance (281.6 ± 84 s vs. 405.3 ± 96 s; P < 0.05). Correlation analyses revealed a significant negative relationship between time to exercise and both QO2mv (ρ= -0.51; P < 0.05) and VO2 kinetics (ρ= -0.63). Body adiposity was negatively correlated with [HHb] amplitude (ρ= -0.78) and peak VO2 (ρ= -0.54), while a positive correlation was observed between lean muscle percentage, [HHb] amplitude, and tau (ρ= 0.74 and 0.57; P < 0.05), respectively. HFrEF patients demonstrate more severely impaired VO2p kinetics, skeletal muscle deoxygenation, and microvascular O2 delivery compared to HFpEF patients, indicating compromised peripheral function. Additionally, increased adiposity and reduced lean mass are linked to decreased oxygen diffusion capacity and impaired oxygen uptake kinetics in HFrEF patients.

Single-Person Households: Insights from a Household Survey of Fruit and Vegetable Purchases.

Despite the efforts made to promote consumption, some countries are not increasing their fruit and vegetable intake, while household structures are undergoing relevant changes. Fruit and vegetable consumption is necessary but not sufficient for a healthy diet. Previous research has linked adequate fruit and vegetable consumption to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some mental health conditions. Furthermore, millions of deaths are reported annually worldwide due to diets low in fruit and vegetables, highlighting their critical public health importance. This study aims to separately analyze the purchases of fruit and vegetables in single-person households. We used three waves of the Family Budget Survey, Encuesta de Presupuestos Familiares, in Chile, which is nationally representative of urban areas and includes over 10,000 households in each wave. We employed descriptive statistics to examine the characteristics of the head of household and the food shopper as well as the structure, composition, and overall characteristics of households. Additionally, we performed separate analyses for fruit and vegetable purchases, using these variables to determine the marginal effect on the probability of purchasing fruit or vegetables through probit models. Results show that, from 2011-2012 to 2021-2022, the share of households not purchasing fruit and vegetables increased from 5.0% to 8.4% and that, in single-person households, it rose from 11.2% to 19.1%. Male-headed, single-person households with low education and income were more likely not to purchase fruit, and these households also have decreasing vegetable purchases. Additionally, household income significantly impacts fruit purchases but does not significantly affect vegetable purchases. Our findings highlight the importance of considering single-person households as a target population segment for future public policies to promote fruit and vegetable consumption.

Leisure Screen Time and Food Consumption among Brazilian Adults.

BACKGROUND: Screen time, involving activities like watching television (TV), and using tablets, mobile phones, and computers (electronic devices), is associated with the consumption of unhealthy foods. This study aimed to analyze the association between prolonged leisure screen time and healthy and unhealthy food consumption indicators among Brazilian adults (≥18 years). METHODS: Data from the National Health Survey (NHS), conducted in 2019 (n = 88,531), were used. Prolonged leisure screen time (screen time ≥ 3 h/day) was analyzed in three dimensions: watching TV; use of electronic devices; and total screen time (TV and electronic devices). Food consumption was analyzed in two dimensions: healthy (in natura and minimally processed foods) and unhealthy (ultra-processed foods). Poisson regression models were used to calculate prevalence ratios (crude and adjusted (PRa)) by sociodemographic factors (sex, age, schooling, income, area of residence, and race/color) and health factors (weight status, self-rated health, and presence of noncommunicable disease), to assess the association between prolonged screen time and food consumption indicators. RESULTS: Among Brazilian adults, the prevalence of prolonged screen time was 21.8% for TV and 22.2% for other electronic devices for leisure. The highest frequency of watching TV for a prolonged time was observed among women, older adults, and those with a lower income and schooling. Prolonged use of electronic devices was more common among young adults and those with intermediate schooling and income. Prolonged screen time was associated with an unhealthy diet, due both to the higher consumption of unhealthy foods (PRa = 1.35 for TV, PRa = 1.21 for electronic devices, and PRa = 1.32 for both types) and the lower consumption of healthy foods (PRa = 0.88 for TV, PRa = 0.86 for electronic devices, and PRa = 0.86 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged screen time was negatively associated with the consumption of healthy foods and favored the consumption of unhealthy foods among Brazilian adults.

Lead content in cinnamon and its health risk assessment for Ecuadorian consumers.

Lead (Pb) is a poisonous metal that affects organs and the nervous system. Its presence in spices such as cinnamon has been identified as a potential human exposure pathway. In late October 2023, a safety alert was issued in the United States regarding four children with elevated Pb levels in their blood after consuming apple-cinnamon fruit puree manufactured and exported by an Ecuadorian company. Thus, this study aimed to determine the Pb content in 61 ground and stick cinnamon samples, from different commercial brands and lots sold in Ecuador. Results showed that ground cinnamon samples had almost twice the level of Pb (0.80 ± 0.75 mg/kg) than stick samples (0.36 ± 0.28 mg/kg). Three ground samples had Pb content above the maximum level established by Ecuadorian and European Union regulations (2.0 mg/kg). A Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences in Pb content between ground and stick cinnamon (p < 0.05). The HQ values showed negligible non-carcinogenic effects for children and adults, even at the highest Pb content. However, the carcinogenic risk of ground cinnamon at maximum and mean Pb concentrations was found for the population. Our study highlights the deficiencies in current surveillance systems and the lack of effective national regulations for exposure to foodborne metals.

The influence of recipe disaggregation in dietary assessment: results from the national food consumption survey in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

It is not always the case that recipe disaggregation is performed in dietary surveys. This investigation aimed to assess the influence of recipe disaggregation in the 2020-2021 national dietary survey in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and provide recommendations for future assessments. A total of 1,004 individuals provided information on their food consumption obtained using 24-h dietary recalls, and 442 recipes were reported. Some recipes were reported as single ingredients at the data collection stage (n = 65). In most cases, the respondent provided a standard recipe without disaggregation (n = 377). A simple and pragmatic recipe disaggregation methodology was developed. The procedure of recipe disaggregation comprised nine steps, including identifying recipes, ingredients, quantities, conversion factors, and the presence of visible fluid, among others. Seventy-eight non-disaggregated standard recipes were post-disaggregated (21% of recipes) to identify ingredient weights. Either the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were applied to assess the significance of differences in frequency of food group consumption before and after disaggregation. The proportion of consumers across the different food groups increased dramatically for some food groups after recipe disaggregation, with significant differences (all p < 0.01) for cereals and their products (81.3% before and 94.7% after), eggs and their products (21.7% before and 34.6% after), fats and oils (6.9% before and 44.5% after), fish, shellfish and their products (26.7% before and 38.5% after), meat and meat products (59.7% before and 71.4% after), milk and milk products (30.4% before and 46.1% after), pulses, seeds, nuts and their products (18.6% before and 49.2% after), spices and condiments (34.0% before and 68.5% after, and vegetables and their products (49.9% before and 76.6% after). Consequently, most of the reported intakes in grams were also influenced across all food groups. Recipes are an important source of food consumption, and their disaggregation should be carefully considered in dietary assessment.

Assessment of Biochemical, Inflammatory Biomarkers and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Children with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as dietary intake in Brazilian children diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and compared them with their counterparts without SIBO. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 106 children aged 7 to 10 years. A glucose-hydrogen breath test was performed to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Anthropometric and dietary characteristics were assessed. Blood samples were collected and serum biochemical parameters and cytokines were measured. RESULTS: The occurrence of SIBO was 13.2%. Age, BMI, BMI/age WC, BFP, sex and biochemical markers were similar between SIBO-positive and SIBO-negative children (p > 0.05). High consumption of ultra-processed foods tended to be higher in SIBO-positive compared to SIBO-negative children (47.8 ± 8.2 vs. 42.6 ± 9.5, p = 0.06). Serum levels of IL-17 were higher in SIBO-positive than in SIBO-negative children [69.5 (5.4-125.7) vs. 53.4 (2.3-157.7), p = 0.03], while serum levels of IL-10 were lower in SIBO-positive than in SIBO-negative children [2.3 (0.6-7.2) vs. 5.7 (0.5-30.8), p = 0.04]. Finally, in a logistic regression adjusted for sex, BMI and age, consumption of ultra-processed foods (p = 0.03) and IL-6 levels (p = 0.003) were found to contribute to the occurrence of SIBO. CONCLUSION: this study identified for the first time an occurrence of 13% of SIBO in children living in the northeastern region of Brazil and showed that consumption of ultra-processed foods and serum levels of IL-6 may influence the occurrence of the SIBO in the pediatrics population.