Evaluation of food security status, psychological well-being, and stress on BMI and diet-related behaviors among a sample of college students.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate food insecurity on body mass index (BMI) and diet-related behaviors among college students and whether psychological well-being (PWB) and stress levels mediate this relationship. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data from 1439 students from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III (Fall 2020) were used. Food security status was evaluated by the USDA Six-Item Short Form. PWB was measured using the Diener Flourishing Scale. Diet-related behaviors included the average servings of fruits, vegetables, and sugar-sweetened beverages consumed per day. Stress was measured by self-reported levels. Regression model analysis evaluated the influence of food security status, PWB, and stress levels on BMI. PWB and stress were also tested as mediators in the relationship between food insecurity and BMI. RESULTS: Among our sample of college students, 44.54% (n = 641) were food insecure, and 55.46% (n = 798) were food secure. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher food insecurity, older age, full-time enrollment status, and fifth-year student status were positively associated with a higher BMI score (P < 0.05). Results from mediation models revealed that PWB, but not stress, mediated the relationship between food security and BMI among Black/African American students. Regarding diet-related behaviors, high stress levels mediated the relationship between food insecurity and sugar-sweetened beverage intake among students. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity appears to influence BMI in college students. This relationship seems to be mediated by disrupted PWB and a higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages due to stress.

Decay of waves in strain gradient porous elasticity with Moore-Gibson-Thompson dissipation.

We study a one-dimensional problem arising in strain gradient porous-elasticity. Three different Moore-Gibson-Thompson dissipation mechanisms are considered: viscosity and hyperviscosity on the displacements, and weak viscoporosity. The existence and uniqueness of solutions are proved. The energy decay is also shown, being polynomial for the two first situations, unless a particular choice of the constitutive parameters is made in the hyperviscosity case. Finally, for the weak viscoporosity, only the slow decay can be expected. This article is part of the theme issue 'Wave generation and transmission in multi-scale complex media and structured metamaterials (part 1)'.

Associations of food insecurity and psychosocial measures with diet quality in adults aging with HIV.

People aging with HIV face social stressors which may negatively affect their overall nutrition. Here, we assess relationships between self-reported measures of depression, perceived stress, social support, and food insecurity with diet quality in older adults with HIV. A retrospective analysis of self-reported data from parent study at The University of Alabama at Birmingham 1917 HIV Clinic was performed. The study sample consisted of sixty people living with HIV (PLWH) with controlled HIV infection (<50 copies/mL), aged 50 years or older who participated in a cross-sectional microbiome study. Dietary intake was measured using the NHANES 12-month Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and three Automated Self-Administered (ASA) 24-hr diet recalls to calculate diet quality scores using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS); alternative Healthy Eating Index (aHEI); and the Recommended Food Score (RFS) indices. Food insecurity was measured with the Food Security Questionnaire (FSQ). Participants completed the following psychosocial scales: (1) depression - Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ8); (2) perceived stress - Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10); (3) social support - Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Linear regression models were used to investigate relationships among variables controlling for gender and income. The cohort was characterized as follows: Mean age 56 ± 4.6 years, 80% African-American, and 32% women. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.4 ± 7.2 with 55% reporting food insecurity. Most participants reported having post-secondary education (53%), although 77% reported annual incomes <$20,000. Food insecurity was independently associated with measures of poor dietary intake: aHEI (ß = -0.08, p = .02) and MDS (ß = -0.23, p < 0.01) and with low dietary intake of fibre (ß = -0.27, p = .04), vitamin E (ß = -0.35, p = .01), folate (ß = -0.31, p = .02), magnesium (ß = -0.34, p = .01) and copper (ß = -0.36, p = .01). These data indicate food insecurity is associated with poor diet quality among PLWH. Clinical interventions are needed to improve food access for PLWH of low SES.

Combined pathologic-genomic algorithm for early-stage breast cancer improves cost-effective use of the 21-gene recurrence score assay.

Background: The 21-gene recurrence score (RS) (Oncotype DX®; Genomic Health, Redwood City, CA) partitions hormone receptor positive, node negative breast cancers into three risk groups for recurrence. The Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) model has previously been shown to accurately predict RS risk categories using standard pathology data. A pathologic-genomic (P-G) algorithm then is presented using the AAMC model and reserving the RS assay only for AAMC intermediate-risk patients. Patients and methods: A survival analysis was done using a prospectively collected institutional database of newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers that underwent RS assay testing from February 2005 to May 2015. Patients were assigned to risk categories based on the AAMC model. Using Kaplan-Meier methods, 5-year distant recurrence rates (DRR) were evaluated within each risk group and compared between AAMC and RS-defined risk groups. Five-year DRR were calculated for the P-G algorithm and compared with DRR for RS risk groups and the AAMC model's risk groups. Results: A total of 1268 cases were included. Five-year DRR were similar between the AAMC low-risk group (2.7%, n = 322) and the RS < 18 low-risk group (3.4%, n = 703), as well as between the AAMC high-risk group (22.8%, n = 230) and the RS > 30 high-risk group (23.0%, n = 141). Using the P-G algorithm, more patients were categorized as either low or high risk and the distant metastasis rate was 3.3% for the low-risk group (n = 739) and 24.2% for the high-risk group (n = 272). Using the P-G algorithm, 44% (552/1268) of patients would have avoided RS testing. Conclusions: AAMC model is capable of predicting 5-year recurrences in high- and low-risk groups similar to RS. Further, using the P-G algorithm, reserving RS for AAMC intermediate cases, results in larger low- and high-risk groups with similar prognostic accuracy. Thus, the P-G algorithm reliably identifies a significant portion of patients unlikely to benefit from RS assay and with improved ability to categorize risk.

Predictive modelling of eutrophication in the Pozón de la Dolores lake (Northern Spain) by using an evolutionary support vector machines approach.

Eutrophication is a water enrichment in nutrients (mainly phosphorus) that generally leads to symptomatic changes and deterioration of water quality and all its uses in general, when the production of algae and other aquatic vegetations are increased. In this sense, eutrophication has caused a variety of impacts, such as high levels of Chlorophyll a (Chl-a). Consequently, anticipate its presence is a matter of importance to prevent future risks. The aim of this study was to obtain a predictive model able to perform an early detection of the eutrophication in water bodies such as lakes. This study presents a novel hybrid algorithm, based on support vector machines (SVM) approach in combination with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique, for predicting the eutrophication from biological and physical-chemical input parameters determined experimentally through sampling and subsequent analysis in a certificate laboratory. This optimization technique involves hyperparameter setting in the SVM training procedure, which significantly influences the regression accuracy. The results of the present study are twofold. In the first place, the significance of each biological and physical-chemical variables on the eutrophication is presented through the model. Secondly, a model for forecasting eutrophication is obtained with success. Indeed, regression with optimal hyperparameters was performed and coefficients of determination equal to 0.90 for the Total phosphorus estimation and 0.92 for the Chlorophyll concentration were obtained when this hybrid PSO-SVM-based model was applied to the experimental dataset, respectively. The agreement between experimental data and the model confirmed the good performance of the latter.

Effectiveness and safety of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir ± dasabuvir ± ribavirin: An early access programme for Spanish patients with genotype 1/4 chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Over the last 5 years, therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have improved significantly, achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of up to 100% in clinical trials in patients with HCV genotype 1. We investigated the effectiveness and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir±dasabuvir in an early access programme. This was a retrospective, multicentre, national study that included 291 treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients with genotype 1 or 4 HCV infection. Most patients (65.3%) were male, and the mean age was 57.5 years. The mean baseline viral load was 6.1 log, 69.8% had HCV 1b genotype, 72.9% had cirrhosis and 34.7% were treatment-naïve. SVR at 12 weeks posttreatment was 96.2%. Four patients had virological failure (1.4%), one leading to discontinuation. There were no statistical differences in virological response according to genotype or liver fibrosis. Thirty patients experienced serious adverse events (SAEs) (10.3%), leading to discontinuation in six cases. Hepatic decompensation was observed in five patients. Four patients died during treatment or follow-up, three of them directly related to liver failure. Multivariate analyses showed a decreased probability of achieving SVR associated with baseline albumin, bilirubin and Child-Pugh score B, and a greater probability of developing SAEs related to age and albumin. This combined therapy was highly effective in clinical practice with an acceptable safety profile and low rates of treatment discontinuation.

Ostreid herpesvirus in wild oysters from the Huelva coast (SW Spain).

This is the first report of ostreid herpesvirus 1 microvariant (OsHV-1 µVar) infecting natural oyster beds located in Huelva (SW Spain). The virus was detected in 3 oyster species present in the intertidal zone: Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793), C. angulata (Lamarck, 1819) and, for the first time, in Ostrea stentina Payraudeau, 1826. Oysters were identified by a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and posterior restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis based on cytochrome oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial DNA. Results confirmed that C. angulata still remains the dominant oyster population in SW Spain despite the introduction of C. gigas for cultivation in the late 1970s, and its subsequent naturalization. C. angulata shows a higher haplotype diversity than C. gigas. OsHV-1 virus was detected by PCR with C2/C6 pair primers. Posterior RFLP analyses with the restriction enzyme MfeI were done in order to reveal the OsHV-1 µVar. Detections were confirmed by DNA sequencing, and infections were evidenced by in situ hybridization in C. gigas, C. angulata and O. stentina samples. The prevalence was similar among the 3 oyster species but varied between sampling locations, being higher in areas with greater harvesting activities. OsHV-1 µVar accounted for 93% of all OsHV-1 detected.

Associations between socio-economic status and dietary patterns in US black and white adults.

Socio-economic status (SES) has been associated with measures of diet quality; however, such measures have not directly captured overall eating practices in individuals. Based on the factor analysis of fifty-six food groups from FFQ, associations between patterns of food consumption and SES were examined in a nationwide sample of 17,062 black (34·6%) and white participants (age >45 years) from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, racial group and geographic region were used to examine adherence to five emergent dietary patterns (convenience, plant-based, sweets/fats, southern and alcohol/salads) according to four levels each of individual education, household income and community-level SES. Further models assessed adherence to these dietary patterns by racial group, and an overall model including both racial groups examined whether the relationships between SES and adherence to these dietary patterns differed among black and white participants. For all the three measures of SES, higher SES had been associated with greater adherence to plant-based and alcohol/salads patterns, but lower adherence to sweets/fats and southern patterns. Statistically significant differences between black and white participants were observed in the associations between household income and adherence to alcohol/salads, individual education and adherence to plant-based and sweets/fats, and community SES and adherence to convenience patterns. As adherence to dietary patterns has been shown to be associated with health outcomes in this population (e.g. stroke), the present study offers valuable insight into behavioural and environmental factors that may contribute to health disparities in the diverse US population.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of tetramethylhexadecenyl succinyl cysteine (TSC): a skin-protecting cosmetic functional ingredient.

BACKGROUND: The skin is the first line of defence against exposure to microbial, physical, environmental and chemical insults. In mobilizing a protective response, several different cell types located in our skin release and respond to pro-inflammatory cytokines ensuring skin homeostasis and health. However, chronic activation of this response eventually causes damage resulting in premature ageing. Diosodium tetramethylhexadecenyl succinyl cysteine (TSC or SIG1273), an isoprenylcysteine small molecule, down modulates these inflammatory signalling pathways in various cell types (keratinocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and endothelial cells) and possesses anti-bacterial properties. Thus, TSC represents a novel cosmetic functional ingredient that provides a broad spectrum of benefits for the skin. OBJECTIVE: To assess the anti-inflammatory properties of TSC in several cutaneous cell types and further investigate its anti-microbial activity. METHODS: Cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes were exposed to chemical irritant phorbol 12-myrisate 13-acetate (TPA) or ultraviolet-B light (UVB) to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) production. T-cell receptor (TCR) activation of PBMCs and nickel (Ni(2+) ) treatments of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) were performed resulting in IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17 production. Streptococcus pyogenes were cultured to determine minimal inhibitory concentration values. RESULTS: In vitro studies demonstrate TSC blocks TPA and UVB-induced cytokine production in cultured keratinocytes. Similarly, TSC inhibits overproduction of IL-4 and IL-17 in T-cell receptor (TCR)-activated PBMCs as well as nickel induction of IL-6 and IL-8 in HDMECs. Lastly, TSC demonstrated anti-microbial properties, inhibiting cell growth of S. pyogenes. CONCLUSIONS: Tetramethylhexadecenyl succinyl cysteine represents a novel cosmetic functional ingredient that provides a dual modulating benefit of skin protection to individuals by reducing inflammation in keratinocytes, endothelial and mononuclear cell types and S. pyogenes counts.

Hybrid modelling based on support vector regression with genetic algorithms in forecasting the cyanotoxins presence in the Trasona reservoir (Northern Spain).

Cyanotoxins, a kind of poisonous substances produced by cyanobacteria, are responsible for health risks in drinking and recreational waters. As a result, anticipate its presence is a matter of importance to prevent risks. The aim of this study is to use a hybrid approach based on support vector regression (SVR) in combination with genetic algorithms (GAs), known as a genetic algorithm support vector regression (GA-SVR) model, in forecasting the cyanotoxins presence in the Trasona reservoir (Northern Spain). The GA-SVR approach is aimed at highly nonlinear biological problems with sharp peaks and the tests carried out proved its high performance. Some physical-chemical parameters have been considered along with the biological ones. The results obtained are two-fold. In the first place, the significance of each biological and physical-chemical variable on the cyanotoxins presence in the reservoir is determined with success. Finally, a predictive model able to forecast the possible presence of cyanotoxins in a short term was obtained.

Genetic influences in childhood obesity: recent progress and recommendations for experimental designs.

The increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity around the world has become an area of scientific interest because of public health concern. Although since early stages of the lifespan body weight might be heavily influenced by an individual's behavior, epidemiological research highlights the involvement of genetic influences contributing to variation in fat accumulation and thus body composition. Results from genome-wide association studies and candidate gene approaches have identified specific regions across the human genome influencing obesity-related phenotypes. Reviewing the scientific literature provides support to the belief that at the conceptual level scientists understand that genes and environments do not act independently, but rather synergistically, and that such interaction might be the responsible factor for differences within and among populations. However, there is still limited understanding of genetic and environmental factors influencing fat accumulation and deposition among different populations, which highlights the need for innovative experimental designs, improved body composition measures and appropriate statistical methodology.

Human decidual stromal cells secrete C-X-C motif chemokine 13, express B cell-activating factor and rescue B lymphocytes from apoptosis: distinctive characteristics of follicular dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND: Decidual stromal cells (DSCs) have classically been considered fibroblastic cells, although their function, cell lineage and origin are not fully understood. We previously demonstrated that human DSCs showed similarities with follicular dendritic cells (FDCs): DSCs expressed FDC-associated antigens, both types of cells are contractile and both are related to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). To further characterize DSCs, we investigated whether DSCs and FDCs share any distinctive phenotypical and functional characteristics. METHODS: Human FDC lines were obtained from tonsillectomy samples, human DSC lines from elective termination of pregnancy samples and human MSC lines from bone marrow aspirates. We isolated DSC, FDC and MSC lines and compared their characteristics with flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell lines were cultured with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and lymphotoxin (LT)α(1)ß(2), cytokines involved in FDC differentiation. Cell lines were also differentiated in culture after exposure to progesterone and cAMP, factors involved in the differentiation (decidualization) of DSC. RESULTS: Like MSCs, DSCs and FDCs expressed MSC-associated antigens (CD10, CD29, CD54, CD73, CD106, α-smooth muscle actin and STRO-1) and lacked CD45 expression, and all three types of cell line showed increased expression of CD54 (ICAM-1) and CD106 (VCAM-1) when cultured TNF and LTα(1)ß(2). DSCs and FDCs, however, exhibited characteristics not observed in MSCs: DSCs expressed FDC-associated antigens CD14, CD21 and CD23, B cell-activating factor and secreted C-X-C motif chemokine 13. Moreover, DSC lines but not MSC lines inhibited the spontaneous apoptosis of B lymphocytes, a typical functional attribute of FDC. During culture with progesterone and cAMP, FDCs, like DSCs but in contrast to MSCs, changed their morphology from a fibroblastic to a rounder shape, and cells secreted prolactin. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that DSCs and FDCs share a common precursor in MSCs but this precursor acquires new capacities when it homes to peripheral tissues. We discuss these shared properties in the context of immune-endocrine regulation during pregnancy.

Piezoelectricity could predict sites of formation/resorption in bone remodelling and modelling.

We have developed a mathematical approach for modelling the piezoelectric behaviour of bone tissue in order to evaluate the electrical surface charges in bone under different mechanical conditions. This model is able to explain how bones change their curvature, where osteoblasts or osteoclasts could detect in the periosteal/endosteal surfaces the different electrical charges promoting bone formation or resorption. This mechanism also allows to understand the BMU progression in function of the electro-mechanical bone behaviour.

Calcium homeostasis may influence resting energy expenditure with effects most apparent in early pubertal girls.

AIM: Perturbations in dietary and hormonal components of the calciotropic network may be mediated through the influence of calcium homoeostasis on resting energy expenditure (REE). We investigated the association of dietary and hormonal factors involved in the regulation of calcium homoeostasis with REE in girls. METHODS: Thirty-six girls aged 7-11 years participated. REE was assessed by indirect calorimetry, and body composition, dietary intake (calcium, vitamins D and K, phosphorus) and serum hormones (PTH, osteocalcin, 25OHD) were evaluated by DXA, 24 h recall and serum assay, respectively. RESULTS: A positive association between vitamin K and REE and an inverse association of parathyroid hormone (PTH) with REE (p = 0.05) were observed. PTH and REE were positively related in those having normal adiposity (p = 0.03) and inversely related in those with excess adiposity (p = 0.01). The association of REE with vitamin K intake was evident in lean individuals (p = 0.001), but was null in those with excess adiposity. CONCLUSION: Decreased calciotropic hormone levels along with increased related nutrient intakes were associated with greater REE, although these relationships differed according to adiposity. The physiologic response to the diet and subsequent energy partitioning needs to be considered in the context of puberty. In particular, regulation and signalling of the calciotropic network during pubertal maturation warrant investigation.

Comparative analysis of reconstructed architectures from mice and human islets.

Intra-islet communication via electrical, paracrine and autocrine signals, is highly dependent on the organization of cells within the islets and is key for an adequate response to changes in blood glucose and other stimuli. In spite of the fact that relevant structural differences between mouse and human islet architectures have been described, the functional implications of these differences remain only partially understood. In this work, aiming to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between structural and functional properties of pancreatic islets, we reconstructed human and mice islets in order to perform a structural comparison based on both morphologic and network-derived metrics. According to our results, human islets constitute a more efficient network from a connectivity viewpoint, mainly due to the higher proportion of heterotypic contacts between islet cells in comparison to mice islets.

African genetic admixture is associated with body composition and fat distribution in a cross-sectional study of children.

OBJECTIVE: Although differences in body composition parameters among African American (AA), Hispanic American (HA) and European American (EA) children are well documented, the factors underlying these differences are not completely understood. Environmental and genetic contributors have been evaluated as contributors to observed differences. This study evaluated the extent to which African or European ancestral genetic background influenced body composition and fat distribution in 301 peripubertal AA (n = 107), HA (n = 79) and EA (n = 115) children aged 7-12. DESIGN: Estimates of African admixture (AFADM) and European admixture (EUADM) were obtained for every subject using 142 ancestry informative DNA markers. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography scanning were used to determine body composition and abdominal fat distribution, respectively. Multiple regression models were conducted to evaluate the contribution of admixture estimates to body composition and fat distribution. RESULTS: Greater AFADM was associated with lower fat mass (P = 0.0163), lower total abdominal adipose tissue (P = 0.0006), lower intra-abdominal adipose tissue (P = 0.0035), lower subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (P = 0.0115) and higher bone mineral content (BMC) (P = 0.0253), after adjusting for socio-economic status, sex, age, height, race/ethnicity and pubertal status. Greater EUADM was associated with lower lean mass (LM) (P = 0.0056). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that ancestral genetic background contributes to racial/ethnic differences in body composition above and beyond the effects of racial/ethnic classification and suggest a genetic contribution to total body fat accumulation, abdominal adiposity, LM and BMC.

Fat-free mass index: changes and race/ethnic differences in adulthood.

OBJECTIVE: Nutritional status is assessed by measuring BMI or percent body fat (%fat). BMI can misclassify persons who carry more weight as fat-free mass and %fat can be misleading in cases of malnutrition or in disease states characterized by wasting of lean tissue. The fat-free mass index (FFMI) is proposed to assess body composition in individuals who have a similar body composition but differ in height allowing identification of those suffering from malnutrition, wasting or those that possess a relatively high muscle mass. The purpose was to determine whether the FFMI differs in a group of racially/ethnically diverse adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS: Subjects were a multi-ethnic sample (Caucasian, CA; African American, AA; Hispanic, HIS and Asian, AS) of 1339 healthy males (n = 480) and females (n = 859) ranging in age from 18-110 years. Total body fat, total fat-free mass and bone mineral density were estimated using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: FFMI differed among the four ethnic groups (P ≤ 0.05) for both genders. A curvilinear relationship was found between age and FFMI for both genders although the coefficients in the quadratic model differed between genders (P ≤ 0.001) indicating the rate of change in FFMI differed between genders. The estimated turning point where FFMI started to decline was in the mid 20s for male and mid 40s for female participants. An age × gender interaction was found such that the rate of decline was greater in male than female participants (P ≤ 0.001). For both genders, FFMI was greatest in AA and the least in AS (P ≤ 0.001). There was no significant interaction between race and age or age(2) (P = 0.06). However, male participants consistently had a greater FFMI than female participants (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings have clinical implications for identifying individuals who may not be recognized as being malnourished based on their BMI or %fat but whose fat-free mass corrected for height is relatively low.

Newborn screening in Spain, with particular reference to Galicia: Echoes of Louis I. Woolf.

After briefly recalling the main events leading to the establishment of newborn screening programmes, this paper details the early history of their introduction in Spain and sketches their expansion to cover the whole Spanish population. Spain is exceptional in that its screening methods have in general been based on planar chromatographic techniques developed or inspired by Louis I. Woolf, rather than on bacterial inhibition tests, as is illustrated by the practice of the newborn screening laboratory of Galicia (N.W. Spain).