Disease Risk Factors In Adults Research Articles

Actively promoting research on health effects of children's multi-source environmental exposure

Children are at a critical stage of growth and development, with immature organ and system development, and are a vulnerable population to environmental pollution. Exposure to environmental hazards during childhood is an important risk factor for adult diseases, and assessing health risks posed by environmental pollutants to children and taking proactive interventions to reduce the risks are of great importance in the early prevention and control of diseases. Environmental factors affecting children's health include environmental pollution, meteorological factors, blood lead and environmental allergens in children, and the results are expected to provide scientific reference for formulating targeted interventions to reduce damage to children's health. Given wide range of environmental pollutants and emergence of new pollutants, we should strengthen research on impact of multi-source environmental exposure of emerging pollutants on children's health and its possible mechanisms in future. On the basis, intervention studies should be carried out to reduce damage of environmental factors on children's health.

Association between serum uric acid and cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents in America: 2001-2018.

SUA is associated with cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults, including chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and hypertension. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 11219 adolescents 12 to 18 years of age examined in the 2001–2018 National health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We examined the association between SUA and CVD risk factors. The overall mean SUA level was 5.00±1.24mg/dl. Restricted cubic spline analysis results revealed SUA was inversely associated with HDL-C and SPISE and positively associated with TC, TG, LDL-C, nonHDL-C, insulin, SBP and DBP after full adjustment. Multiple logistic analyses showed SUA level was independently associated with high TC, high TG, high nonHDL-C and low HDL-C (all p<0.05). Furthermore, females in the highest quartile of SUA had significantly higher odds for elevated BP (OR = 2.38, 95%CI:1.02–5.54, P<0.05) and high TC (OR = 2.22, 95%CI: 1.49–3.30, P<0.001), which not observed in males. Increased levels of SUA were associated with increased odds of various cardiovascular risk factors in American adolescents, especially females.

Effects of Cranberry Juice Supplementation on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Adults with Elevated Blood Pressure: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Emerging cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including central vascular function and HDL efflux, may be modifiable with food-based interventions such as cranberry juice. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted in middle-aged adults with overweight/obesity (n = 40; mean BMI: 28.7 ± 0.8 kg/m2; mean age: 47 ± 2 years) and elevated brachial blood pressure (mean systolic/diastolic BP: 124 ± 2/81 ± 1 mm Hg). Study participants consumed 500 mL/d of cranberry juice (~16 fl oz; 27% cranberry juice) or a matched placebo juice in a randomized order (8-week supplementation periods; 8-week compliance break), with blood samples and vascular measurements obtained at study entry and following each supplementation period. There was no significant treatment effect of cranberry juice supplementation on the primary endpoint of central systolic blood pressure or central or brachial diastolic pressure. Cranberry juice significantly reduced 24-h diastolic ambulatory BP by ~2 mm Hg compared to the placebo (p = 0.05) during daytime hours. Cranberry juice supplementation did not alter LDL-C but significantly changed the composition of the lipoprotein profile compared to the placebo, increasing the concentration of large LDL-C particles (+29.5 vs. −6.7 nmol/L; p = 0.02) and LDL size (+0.073 vs. −0.068 nm; p = 0.001). There was no effect of treatment on ex vivo HDL efflux in the total population, but exploratory subgroup analyses identified an interaction between BMI and global HDL efflux (p = 0.02), with greater effect of cranberry juice in participants who were overweight. Exploratory analyses indicate that baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) values may moderate treatment effects. In this population of adults with elevated blood pressure, cranberry juice supplementation had no significant effect on central systolic blood pressure but did have modest effects on 24-h diastolic ambulatory BP and the lipoprotein profile. Future studies are needed to verify these findings and the results of our exploratory analyses related to baseline health moderators.

Dried fruit consumption and cardiometabolic health: a randomised crossover trial.

Fruit intake is associated with lower risk of cardiometabolic diseases. However, effects of dried fruits on cardiometabolic health are not well researched. We investigated the effect of daily dried fruit consumption compared with a carbohydrate-rich snack on cardiometabolic disease risk factors in adults with increased cardiometabolic risk. A two-period randomised crossover trial was conducted in adults (n 55) with elevated BMI and at least one additional risk factor for cardiometabolic disease to compare the effects of consuming 3/4 cup/d mixed dried fruits (plums, figs, dates and raisins) or an energy- and carbohydrate-matched control snack for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was LDL-cholesterol; secondary outcomes included other lipids and lipoproteins, glucose and insulin, C-reactive protein, blood pressure and vascular stiffness. Linear mixed models were used for data analysis. Lipid and lipoprotein concentrations did not differ between conditions; however, dried fruit increased LDL-cholesterol (0·10 mmol/l, 95 % CI 0·01, 0·20) compared with baseline. Compared with the control, dried fruit increased mean fasting glucose (0·08 mmol/l, 95 % CI 0·005, 0·16; P = 0·038). Vascular outcomes, fasting insulin and C-reactive protein did not differ between conditions. Mean weight changes did not differ (P = 0·55) but tended to increase after both conditions (dried fruit 0·3 kg, 95 % CI -0·09, 0·65; control 0·4 kg, 95 % CI 0·01, 0·75). Thus, short-term daily consumption of a large portion of mixed dried plums, figs, dates and raisins, without structured dietary guidance, did not improve cardiometabolic risk factors, compared with carbohydrate-rich snacks, in adults with increased baseline cardiometabolic risk.

The Effects of the Dietary Supplement Cardioflex on Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Adults

Abstract Objectives The overall objective was to determine the effects of the multi-nutrient dietary supplement Cardioflex, independent of diet or lifestyle changes, to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in adults. Methods A 90-day, randomized, double-blind, parallel design clinical study was performed from February to June 2019. Participants received one serving (10 g) of Cardioflex or an isocaloric maltodextrin placebo daily. Blood pressure was measured using an automatic sphygmomanometer. A 1-min arterial test (accelerated plethysmography; APG) and a 5-min heart-rate-variability (HRV) test were conducted using a Meridian digital pulse wave analyzer. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured using Vitros-350 chemistry analyzer. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the post treatment biomarkers of the two groups using IBM SPSS Statistics (v.25). Results A total of 67 participants (placebo = 33, Cardioflex = 34) with a mean age of 48.3 ± 8.8 years, completed the study. Cardioflex improved HRV (+5%; P = 0.04) compared to the placebo (−9%). Although both groups saw improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, APG age, body mass index, waist circumference, TC, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and TG, there was no significant difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between groups. Interestingly, the placebo significantly (P = 0.04) lowered (−18.7%) TC compared to Cardioflex (−15%). Conclusions Cardioflex supplement may benefit HRV; a parameter associated with CVD. However, more research is needed to understand its effects on CVD. Also, our study also highlights the ‘placebo effect’ that can occur in parallel design clinical trials. Funding Sources Funding was provided by MITACs and Innotech Nutrition.

Weight Loss Efficacy of 4-Hour Versus 6-Hour Time Restricted Feeding in Adults with Obesity

Abstract Objectives This study was undertaken to compare the effects of 4-h TRF to that of 6-h TRF on body weight, body composition, and metabolic disease risk factors in adults with obesity. We hypothesized that 4-h TRF would produce the greatest decreases in body weight, fat mass, blood pressure, and insulin resistance, compared to 6-h TRF. Methods Adults with obesity (n = 49) were randomized to 1 of 3 interventions for 8 weeks: 4-h TRF (ad libitum eating between 3:00 to 7:00 pm, water fasting between 7:00 to 3:00 pm); 6-h TRF (ad libitum eating between 1:00 to 7:00 pm, water fasting between 7:00 to 1:00 pm); or control (ad libitum food intake with no timing restrictions). Results Body weight decreased similarly in the 4-h TRF group (–3.3 ± 0.5%) and 6-h TRF group (–2.6 ± 0.5%) relative to controls over 8 weeks (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Fat mass, blood pressure and insulin sensitivity also decreased in the 4-h TRF and 6-h TRF groups versus controls. LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and HbA1c were not significantly different from controls after 8 weeks. Conclusions This is the first trial to examine the effects of 4-h vs. 6-h TRF on body weight and metabolic disease risk factors. We show here that 8 weeks of 4-h and 6-h TRF decreases body weight by ∼3–4% relative to controls. We also demonstrate that this fasting regimen produces significant reductions in blood pressure, fat mass, insulin and insulin resistance. These preliminary data offer promise for the use of 4-h and 6-h TRF as a weight loss techniques in adults with obesity, but larger, longer-term trials are needed to confirm these findings. Funding Sources Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago

"I'm not a freshi": Culture shock, puberty and growing up as British-Bangladeshi girls.

Early puberty is a risk factor for adult diseases and biomedical and psychosocial research implicate growth (in height and weight) and stress as modifiable drivers of early puberty. Seldom have studies examined these drivers simultaneously or concurrently using quantitative and qualitative methods. Within the context of migration, we used mixed-methods to compare growth, stress and puberty in a study of 488 girls, aged 5–16, who were either Bangladeshi, first-generation migrant to the UK, second-generation migrant, or white British (conducted between 2009 and 2011). Using a biocultural framework, we asked the questions: 1) Does migration accelerate pubertal processes? 2) What biocultural markers are associated with migration? 3) What biocultural markers are associated with puberty? Girls self-reported pubertal stage, recalled 24-h dietary intake, and answered questions relating to dress, food, and ethnic identity. We collected anthropometrics and assayed saliva specimens for dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) to assess adrenarcheal status. Our findings demonstrate that first-generation migrants had earlier puberty than second-generation migrants and Bangladeshi girls. British style of dress did not increase with migration, while dietary choices did, which were reflected in increasing body mass index. However, the widely-used phrase, “I'm proud of my religion, but not my culture” demonstrated that ethnic identity was aligned more with Islamic religion than ‘Bangladeshi culture.’ This was epitomized by wearing the hijab, but denial of eating rice. The social correlates of puberty, such as ‘practicing’ wearing the hijab and becoming ‘dedicated to the scarf,’ occurred at the same ages as adrenarche and menarche, respectively, among first-generation girls. We suggest that the rejection of ‘Bangladeshi culture’ might be a source of psychosocial stress for first-generation girls, and this may explain elevated DHEA-S levels and early puberty compared to their second-generation counterparts. Our results support a biocultural model of adolescence, a period for biological embedding of culture, when biological and psychosocial factors adjust developmental timing with potential positive and negative implications for long-term health.

Observations of a Commercial Weight Loss Program on Physical Function and Selected CVD Risk Factors

ABSTRACT Commercial programs are effective for reducing body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors. However, there are limited data on the additional health benefits that may result from weight loss achieved through a commercial program. This study reports on observations from a commercial weight loss program on physical function and selective cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with obesity. Three hundred adults with obesity (age, 47.3 ± 12.6 yr; body mass index, 33.2 ± 4.4 kg·m−2) participated in a 6-month commercial weight loss program (WW, formerly Weight Watchers). Measures included weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, physical function using the 6-min walk test and the sit and reach test, resting blood pressure, and resting heart rate. There was significant weight loss of 4.2 ± 3.7 kg (4.7% ± 4.1%) and 4.9 ± 5.7 kg (5.5% ± 6.2%) at 3 and 6 months, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Sit and reach, walking distance during the 6-min walk, and gait speed significantly improved across the 6-month intervention (P &lt; 0.001). In addition, there were significant decreases in resting blood pressure and heart rate. A commercial weight loss program results in improvements in measures of physical function and selective cardiovascular disease risk factors. These findings support the potential of commercial programs to affect health-related measures in adults with obesity.

Impact of adverse childhood experiences on cardiovascular disease risk factors in adulthood among Mexican women

BackgroundChildhood adversities are prevalent worldwide and might affect adult cardiovascular health. However, in middle-income countries such as Mexico, research on the impact of childhood adversities on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood is lacking. ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their association with risk factors for CVD in adult Mexican women. Participants and settingThe study population comprised 9853 women from the Mexican Teachers´ Cohort. MethodsParticipants responded to an online questionnaire including a 10-item instrument on ACEs and questions on CVD risk factors, between 2014 and 2017. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between ACEs and adult behavioral and medical CVD risk factors. ResultsAbout 61% of participants reported at least one ACE and 14% reported four or more. After multivariable adjustment, women who reported ≥4 ACEs had 58% (95%CI 1.37, 1.81) higher odds of having ever smoked and 17% (95%CI 0.69, 0.99) lower odds of being physically active, compared with women who reported no ACEs. Women who reported ≥4 ACEs also had higher odds of hypertension (OR = 1.19; 95%CI 1.00, 1.43), diabetes (OR = 1.49; 95%CI 1.13, 1.96), high cholesterol (OR = 1.49; 95%CI 1.26, 1.75), and obesity (OR = 1.37; 95%CI 1.19, 1.57). In addition, individual ACE components were independently associated with several CVD risk factors. ConclusionACEs are common and associated with CVD risk factors in adult Mexican women.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with cerebral palsy.

To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and the association between common metabolic markers and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels in ambulatory adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Metabolic markers and GMFCS levels were evaluated in a cross-sectional study of 70 ambulatory adults with CP (34 males, 36 females; mean age 24y 5mo [SD 5y 4mo], range 18y 6mo-48y 8mo) to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and CVD risk factors, and were compared to age-matched, population norms from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) registry. The Framingham Heart Study (FHS) CVD risk estimation was also used to evaluate an individual's risk for CVD. Metabolic syndrome was identified in 17.1% of the cohort, higher than the 10% in the NHANES registry. The FHS CVD 30-year lipid and body mass index (BMI)-based risk factor results showed that 20% to 40% of the cohort was at greater risk of developing CVD (BMI-based: 39.7% 'full' CVD risk factor; lipid-based: 26.5% 'full' CVD risk factor) as compared to the FHS normative population data. There was a positive correlation between GMFCS level, waist circumference (r=0.28, p=0.02), and waist-to-hip ratio (r=0.28, p=0.02). Adults with CP are at higher risk of CVD and metabolic syndrome compared to the general population, which is probably because of impaired mobility.

Cumulative childhood risk is associated with a new measure of chronic inflammation in adulthood.

Childhood risk factors are associated with elevated inflammatory biomarkers in adulthood, but it is unknown whether these risk factors are associated with increased adult levels of the chronic inflammation marker soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR). We aimed to test the hypothesis that childhood exposure to risk factors for adult disease is associated with elevated suPAR in adulthood and to compare suPAR with the oft-reported inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP). Prospective study of a population-representative 1972-1973 birth cohort; the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study observed participants to age 38years. Main childhood predictors were poor health, socioeconomic disadvantage, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), low IQ, and poor self-control. Main adult outcomes were adulthood inflammation measured as suPAR and high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP). Participants with available plasma samples at age 38 were included (N=837, 50.5% male). suPAR (mean 2.40ng/ml; SD 0.91) was positively correlated with hsCRP (r 0.15, p<.001). After controlling for sex, body mass index (BMI), and smoking, children who experienced more ACEs, lower IQ, or had poorer self-control showed elevated adult suPAR. When the five childhood risks were aggregated into a Cumulative Childhood Risk index, and controlling for sex, BMI, and smoking, Cumulative Childhood Risk was associated with higher suPAR (b 0.10; SE 0.03; p=.002). Cumulative Childhood Risk predicted elevated suPAR, after controlling for hsCRP (b 0.18; SE 0.03; p<.001). Exposure to more childhood risk factors was associated with higher suPAR levels, independent of CRP. suPAR is a useful addition to studies connecting childhood risk to adult inflammatory burden.

Effect of peer support interventions on cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPeer support by persons affected with diabetes improves peer supporter’s diabetes self-management skills. Peer support interventions by individuals who have diabetes or are affected by diabetes have been shown to improve glycemic control; however, its effects on other cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with diabetes are unknown. We aimed to estimate the effect of peer support interventions on cardiovascular disease risk factors other than glycemic control in adults with diabetes.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing peer support interventions to a control condition in adults affected by diabetes that measured any cardiovascular disease risk factors [Body Mass Index, smoking, diet, physical activity, cholesterol level, glucose control and blood pressure]. Quality was assessed by Cochrane’s risk of bias tool. We calculated standardized mean difference effect sizes using random effects models.ResultsWe retrieved 438 citations from multiple databases including OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane database and Scopus, and author searches. Of 233 abstracts reviewed, 16 articles met inclusion criteria. A random effects model in a total of 3243 participants showed a positive effect of peer support interventions on systolic BP with a pooled effect size of 2.07 mmHg (CI 0.35 mmHg to 3.79 mmHg, p = 0.02); baseline pooled systolic blood pressure was 137 mmHg. There was a non-significant effect of peer support interventions on diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, diet and physical activity. Cardiovascular disease risk factors other than glycemic control outcomes were secondary outcomes in most studies and baseline values were normal or mildly elevated. Only one study reported smoking outcomes.ConclusionsWe found a small (2 mmHg) positive effect of peer support interventions on systolic blood pressure in adults with diabetes whose baseline blood pressure was on average minimally elevated. Additional studies need to be conducted to further understand the effect of peer support interventions on high-risk cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with diabetes.

Abstract P241: Culinary Herbs and Spices and the Effects on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Adults

Introduction: There is growing attention toward the role of culinary herbs and spices in improving heart health. Bioactive compounds of culinary herbs and spices have been found to exert potential health benefits in people at risk of CVD, but no recent review has been conducted to evaluate the types of herbs and spices and their effects in this population. Objectives: The purpose of the review was to evaluate the effects of culinary herbs and spices on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in adults with risk factors for CVD. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using six electronic databases, including Medline (Ovid), Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial and Web of Science in February 2017. Studies including subjects who had associated non-modifiable risk factors (older people &gt;70 y, menopausal women), cardiovascular disease or an associated cardiovascular event (stroke or heart attack) and associated liver or kidney complications or disease, were excluded from the review. Seventeen studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was used to assess bias of the included studies. Results: Twelve randomized controlled trials, 2 randomized trials, 1 non-randomized trial, 1 randomized crossover trial and 1 single-arm met inclusion criteria. In patients with Type 2 diabetes, Cinnamon at 1-1.5g/d and dichrostahys glomerata (DG), at 0.8g/d showed significant decreases in fasting blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides and LDC-cholesterol and HbA1c and cinnamon showed increased HDL-C while DG showed significant decrease in total cholesterol. Fenugreek at 10g/d doses resulted in significant reductions in fasting glucose and total cholesterol. Nigella satvia (NS) at doses of 1-3g/d showed significant reductions in triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and increases in HDL-cholesterol. Ginger at 1-2g/d doses significantly reduced fasting glucose, triglycerides, MDA, Apo B and increase Apo A-1. In obese subjects DG and ginger resulted in significant decreases in TG and DG significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol. In subjects with hyperlipidaemia and hypercholesterolemia garlic at 5g/d and 20g/d doses resulted in significant decrease in TG, cholesterol and increases in HDL-C and 20g/d doses resulted in significant reductions in FBG. Conclusion: The evidence does suggest that the use of culinary herbs and spices may have beneficial effects on risk factors for CVD. Due to the presence of bias of studies there is insufficient evidence to conclude that culinary herbs and spices have significant benefits on biomarkers for CVD and that higher quality studies are needed in future research.

Impact of Early Infant Growth, Duration of Breastfeeding and Maternal Factors on Total Body Fat Mass and Visceral Fat at 3 and 6 Months of Age

Background: Accelerated gain in fat mass in the first months of life is considered to be a risk factor for adult diseases, given the tracking of infancy fat mass into adulthood. Our objective was to assess the influence of early growth, type of feeding and maternal variables on fat mass in early life. Methods: In 300 healthy term infants, we longitudinally measured fat mass percentage (FM%) by air-displacement-plethysmography at 1, 3, and 6 months and abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat measured by ultrasound at 3 and 6 months. Results: Both gain in FM% and weight-for-length in the first 3 months were positively associated with FM% at 6 months of age and visceral fat at 3 months of age. Gain in FM% and weight-for-length between 3 and 6 months were both positively associated with visceral fat at 6 months. Breastfeeding duration associated positively with subcutaneous fat but not with visceral fat at 3 and 6 months. Maternal characteristics did not associate with FM% or visceral fat at 3 or 6 months. Conclusion: Higher gain in FM% or in weight-for-length in the first postnatal months leads not only to higher FM% but also more to accumulation of visceral fat. Exclusive breastfeeding appears to promote subcutaneous but not visceral fat in the first 6 months.

Ideal cardiovascular health predicts lower risk of abnormal liver enzymes levels in the Chilean National Health Survey (2009-2010).

High levels of gamma glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as fatty liver index (FLI) has been associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between gamma-GT, ALT, and fatty liver index FLI levels across a gradient number of ideal cardiovascular health metrics in a representative sample of adults from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009–2010. Data from 1,023 men and 1,449 women (≥ 15 years) from the Chilean Health Survey 2009–2010 were analyzed. Ideal cardiovascular health was defined as meeting ideal levels of the following components: four behaviours (smoking, body mass index, physical activity and diet adherence) and three factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure and fasting glucose). Adults were grouped into three categories according to their number of ideal cardiovascular health metrics: ideal (5–7 metrics), intermediate (3–4 metrics), and poor (0–2 metrics). Blood levels of gamma-GT and ALT were measured and the FLI was calculated. A higher number of ideal cardiovascular health index metric was associated with lower gamma-GT, ALT and FLI (p from trend analysis <0.001). Also, adults meeting at least 3–4 metrics were predicted less likely to have prevalence of abnormal levels of gamma-GT and FLI (p<0.001) compared to adults who met only 0–2 metrics. These findings reinforce the usefulness of the ideal cardiovascular health metrics proposed by the American Heart Association as a tool to identify target subjects and promote cardiovascular health in South-American adults.

Physical Activity Levels and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults with Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS).

Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) is characterized by persistent airflow limitation and symptoms associated with both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, those with ACOS have worse health outcomes than those with asthma or COPD alone. Regular physical activity may be important in the management of ACOS and the prevention of cardiometabolic comorbidities. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between physical activity and the presence of ACOS, and second, to investigate the association between physical activity levels and cardiometabolic disease risk factors in adults with ACOS aged 45 years and older. METHODS: The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) is a cross sectional survey that collects information pertaining to the health determinants, health care utilization, and health status of Canadians. Data from respondents with ACOS (n= 1,569) and those without a respiratory condition (n= 64,175) from CCHS version 1.0, 2013 were analyzed. Self-reported physical activity was used to categorize respondents as active or inactive. Self-perceived health, body mass index and physician-diagnosed high blood pressure were used as outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the frequencies of outcomes (physical activity level, self-perceived health, high blood pressure, and BMI) within the ACOS and no respiratory disease groups. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between physical activity and ACOS, and between physical activity levels and cardiometabolic disease risk factors in ACOS. RESULTS: Those with ACOS were 59% less likely to be physically active than those without a respiratory condition (OR = 0.59, CI = 0.50-0.71). Physically active adults with ACOS had higher odds of good self-perceived health (OR = 2.66, CI = 1.71-4.16), and were 60% less likely to report high blood pressure (OR = 0.60, CI = 0.43-0.86) than those who were inactive. BMI seemed to be an important correlate for self-perceived health, and high blood pressure, but was not significant when used as an outcome. CONCLUSION: Physical activity levels among adults with ACOS are low. This may increase their risk for poor health outcomes. Future research is needed to determine the effectiveness of exercise within this population.

Natural pomegranate juice reduces inflammation, muscle damage and increase platelets blood levels in active healthy Tunisian aged men

Currently, it’s well established that aging is associated with various health problems that may interfere with the maintenance of a good nutritional status. Otherwise, pomegranate (POM) was shown to prevent or treat various disease risk factors in adults. However, its efficacy is still not well widespread in elderly population. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of natural pomegranate juice (POMj) rich in polyphenols on the blood levels of selected biochemical parameters using older adults.Twelve active healthy aged men (age: 60±5years) volunteered to participate in this randomized study. Before and after the supplementation period fasting blood samples were collected, heart rate (HR) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) were recorded. Supplements of placebo (PLA) or POMj were taken twice daily (250ml×2) for 15days.Paired simple t-test showed a significant difference between PLA and POMj supplementation effects on systolic blood pressure (SAP), creatinine (CRE), hematological and muscle damage parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p<0.01) with lower values using POMj. Similarly, a significant differences were shown for platelets PLT (p<0.01) with higher values using POMj supplementation. POMj rich in polyphenols seems to have a power anti-inflammatory effect and to be an effective treatment for patients who suffer from the thrombocyto-penia disease. Therefore, aged populations are advised to add natural POMj to their daily nutrition behavior.

Experience of childhood abuse and later number of remaining teeth in older Japanese: a life-course study from Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study project.

From a life-course perspective, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as childhood abuse are known risk factors for adult diseases and death throughout life. ACEs could also cause poor dental health in later life because they could induce poor dental health in childhood, initiate unhealthy behaviors, and lower immune and physiological functions. However, it is not known whether ACEs have a longitudinal adverse effect on dental health in older age. This study aimed to investigate the association between experience of childhood abuse until the age of 18 and current number of remaining teeth among a sample of older Japanese adults. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES), a large-scale, self-reported survey in 2013 including 27 525 community-dwelling Japanese aged ≥65 years (response rate=71.1%). The outcome, current number of remaining teeth was used categorically: ≥20, 10-19, 5-9, 1-4, and no teeth. Childhood abuse was defined as having any experience of physical abuse, psychological abuse, and psychological neglect up until the age of 18 years. Ordered logistic regression models were applied. Of the 25 189 respondents who indicated their number of remaining teeth (mean age: 73.9; male: 46.5%), 14.8% had experience of childhood abuse. Distributions of ≥20, 10-19, 5-9, 1-4, and no teeth were as follows: 46.6%, 22.0%, 11.4%, 8.2%, and 11.8% among respondents with childhood abuse, while 52.3%, 21.3%, 10.3%, 6.6%, and 9.5% among respondents without childhood abuse. Childhood abuse was significantly associated with fewer remaining teeth after adjusting for covariates including socioeconomic status (odds ratio=1.14; 95% confidence interval: 1.06, 1.22). Childhood abuse could have a longitudinal adverse effect on later dental health in older age. This study emphasizes the importance of early life experiences on dental health throughout later life.

Setting Single or Multiple Goals for Diet and Physical Activity Behaviors Improves Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Pragmatic Pilot Randomized Trial.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a 4-month telephone-based goal-setting and decision support intervention among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). A randomized pretest-posttest control group design was employed. Overweight or obese adults aged 40 to 75 years with T2DM and ≥1 additional CVD risk factor were provided with individualized CVD risk information. At baseline and each biweekly telephone call, the multiple-goal group self-selected both diet- and physical activity-related goals, the single goal group set a single goal, and the control group received information about community health resources. Dietary intake was assessed via a food frequency questionnaire, physical activity via questionnaire, and A1C and blood lipids via fasting fingerstick sample. Between-group differences for clinical (ie, A1C, blood pressure, and blood lipids), physical activity, and dietary variables were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, analysis of variance, and t tests. From pre- to postintervention, the single-goal group demonstrated significant improvement in systolic blood pressure and intake of servings of fruits, vegetables, and refined grains (all P < .05). The multiple-goal group reported significant reduction in percent energy from total, saturated, monounsaturated, and trans fat intake and significant increase in leisure time walking (all P < .05). A multiple-goal approach over 4 months can improve dietary and physical activity outcomes, while a single-goal approach may facilitate improvement in one behavioral domain. Additional research is needed to evaluate maintenance of the achieved changes.

Cardiovascular recovery following bariatric surgery in extremely obese adolescents: preliminary results using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) Imaging

PurposeBaseline cardiovascular characteristics and longitudinal changes following weight loss surgery (WLS) in adolescents are not well defined. Recent data suggest that the use of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for preoperative cardiac assessment may provide suboptimal imaging fidelity secondary to excessive upper body adiposity. High fidelity imaging using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is an extremely useful diagnostic tool. We report the use of CMR in a cohort of extremely obese adolescents undergoing WLS. MethodsA retrospective analysis of adolescent WLS patients at a single institution was conducted. Data collection included mean age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and CMR measurements of left ventricular (LV) mass, LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), ejection fraction (EF), and myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI). Comparison of CMR results to normative data derived from lean subjects was performed. ResultsTen subjects (9 female), with a mean age and BMI of 17.4±1.9years and 50.33±10.21kg/m2 respectively, were studied. When compared to age, gender, and height matched normal weight (NW) controls, the obese (OB) subjects had evidence of increased LV mass (122±25g vs. 101±10g, OB vs. NW respectively, p<0.05), and increased LVEDV (156±25mL vs. 109±9mL, p<0.05), with an average EF of 61.5%±5% (range 52% to 67% vs. 71% to 74% expected EF for males and females, respectively, p=0.003). In addition, 60% of the OB subjects (6/10) demonstrated adenosine-induced sub-endocardial ischemia at baseline, the majority of whom underwent WLS (n=5) resulting in complete normalization of ischemia in 60% (3/5) and partial improvement in 40% (2/5). A reduction in mean LV mass (range 2 to 12g) following WLS was observed. ConclusionExtreme adolescent obesity is associated with significant cardiovascular abnormalities that include LV hypertrophy (i.e. increased LV mass) and LV dilatation. These findings, considered to be well-recognized cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults, were shown to be reversible after WLS in the small group of subjects studied here. Additional large-scale investigations designed to examine obesity-related cardiovascular disease in severely obese adolescents are required.