Evidence of increasing sedentarism in Mexico City during the last decade: Sitting time prevalence, trends, and associations with obesity and diabetes

Effects of a 16-week recreational small-sided games soccer intervention on body composition and physical fitness in sedentary young adults: A randomized controlled study

Recreational small-sided games (SSGs) have demonstrated positive effects on body composition and physical fitness, while minimizing adverse outcomes. In this randomized controlled study, we aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating an additional 16-week intervention program involving recreational soccer SSGs on parameters related to body composition and physical fitness in sedentary young adult males and females. Sixty sedentary participants, with a mean age of 20.2 years, were randomly assigned to either the small-sided games group (SSG; n = 30) or the active control group, which participated in regular physical education classes (CG; n = 30). The SSG group engaged in the same activities as the control group but additionally participated in a recreational SSG football program. This program involved continuous and intermittent moderate-to high-intensity exercises conducted on 20 m × 30 m and 30 m × 50 m football fields. In contrast, the CG group received 1 h of physical education once a week. The interventions were administered for a duration of sixteen weeks. Baseline, 8-week, and post-intervention assessments were conducted to measure body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), skinfold thickness (SFT), standing broad jump (SBJ), vertical jump (VJ), handgrip strength (HG) for both left and right hands, shuttle run distance (SRD), and shuttle run estimated VO2max. Results indicated that both male and female participants in the SSG group exhibited significant improvements in BM, BMI, SFT, WC, HC, and WHR following the intervention (p < 0.05), whereas the control group demonstrated no significant changes over the study period (p > 0.05). Additionally, SSG participants (regardless of sex) displayed significant enhancements in SBJ, VJ, HG, SRD, and VO2max (p < 0.05), while the control group did not exhibit any significant alterations (p > 0.05). The findings from this experimental study suggested that a 16-week recreational soccer SSG intervention effectively enhanced body composition and physical fitness among overweight sedentary young adults, offering a pleasurable alternative to conventional training approaches.

Association of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension with arsenic in drinking water in the Comarca Lagunera province (north-central Mexico)

Chronic endemic regional hydroarsenicism (CERHA) is a global issue that affects over 200 million people exposed to arsenic (As) in drinking water. This includes 1.75 million individuals residing in La Comarca Lagunera, a region in north-central Mexico. Arsenic levels in this region typically exceeds the WHO guideline of 10 µg L^-1. Biochemical alterations related to the human As metabolism may increase the risk of overweight and obesity (O&O), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and hypertension (AHT). In our study, we investigated the role of As in drinking water as a risk factor for these metabolic diseases. We focused on populations with historically moderate (San Pedro) and low (Lerdo) drinking water As levels and people with no historical evidence of As water contamination. The exposure assessment to As was based on measurements of the drinking water (medians 67.2, 21.0, 4.3 µg L^-1) and urinary As concentrations in women (9.4, 5.3, 0.8 µg L^-1) and men (18.1, 4.8, 1.0 µg L^-1). A significant correlation between As in drinking water and urine evidenced the As exposure in the population (R² = 0.72). Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals evidenced higher chances of being diagnosed with T2D (1.7, 1.2-2.0) and AHT (1.8, 1.7-1.9) in individuals living in San Pedro than those in Lerdo. Still, there was no significant association with obesity. Individuals living in CERHA towns were found to have a higher risk of obesity (1.3-1.9), T2D (1.5 to 3.3), and AHT (1.4 to 2.4) compared to those residing in non-CERHA towns. Finally, obesity is more probable in women [inverse of OR and 95%CI 0.4 (0.2-0.7)] compared to men, while men is more likely to be diagnosed with T2D [OR = 2.0 (1.4-2.3)] and AHT [OR = 2.0 (1.5-2.3)] than women, independently of the municipality.

Caloric reductions needed to achieve obesity goals in Mexico for 2030 and 2040: A modeling study

BACKGROUND

In Mexico, obesity prevalence among adults increased from 23% in 2000 to 36% in 2018, approximately. Mexico has not defined short- or long-term obesity goals, obscuring the level of effort required to achieve a relevant impact. We aimed to explore potential obesity goals for 2030 and 2040 in Mexico and to estimate the required caloric reductions to achieve them.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We obtained anthropometric and demographic information on the Mexican adult population (age ≥20 years) from the Health and Nutrition Surveys conducted in 2000, 2006, 2012, 2016, and 2018 (n = 137,907). Each survey wave is cross-sectional, multistage, and representative of the Mexican population at the national, regional, and urban/rural levels. Obesity prevalence was projected for 2030 and 2040 by combining population projections of energy intake by socioeconomic status (SES) with a weight-change microsimulation model taking into account individual-level information on sex, age, physical activity, and initial body weight and height. If current trends continue, Mexico's obesity prevalence is expected to increase from 36% (95% CI 35% to 37%) in 2018 to 45% (uncertainty interval [UI] 41% to 48%) in 2030 and to 48% (UI 41% to 55%) in 2040. Based on expert opinion, we identified 3 obesity goals scenarios: (1) plausible (38% in 2030 and 36% in 2040); (2) intermediate (33% in 2030 and 29% in 2040); and (3) ideal based on the average prevalence of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries (OECD; 19%). We estimated the caloric reductions needed to achieve the goal scenarios using the microsimulation model. Obesity was projected to increase more rapidly in the low SES (around 34% in 2018 to 48% (UI 41% to 55%) in 2040), than in the middle (around 38% to 52% (UI 45% to 56%)), or high SES group (around 36% to 45% (UI 36% to 54%)). Caloric reductions of 40 (UI 13 to 60), 75 (UI 49 to 95), and 190 (UI 163 to 215) kcal/person/day would be needed to reach the plausible, intermediate, and the ideal (OECD) average scenarios for 2030, respectively. To reach the 2040 goals, caloric reductions of 74 (UI 28 to 114), 124 (UI 78 to 169), and 209 (UI 163 to 254) kcal/person/day would be required, respectively. Study limitations include assuming a constant and sedentary physical activity level, not considering cohort-specific differences that could occur in the future, and assuming the same caloric trends under no intervention and the obesity goal scenarios.

CONCLUSIONS

To reach the 3 obesity goals in 2040, caloric reductions between 74 and 209 kcal/day/person would be needed in Mexico. A package of new and stronger interventions should be added to existing efforts such as food taxes and warning labels on non-nutritious food.

Excess Weight in Relation to Lifestyle Habits in Spanish First-Year University Students: Differences between Pre- and Post-COVID-19-A Serial Cross-Sectional Study Based on uniHcos Project

The objective of this research was to study the relationship between the body weight and diet, physical activity, and other habits among freshmen students by sex, and to determine whether these habits have changed during the post-era of the COVID-19 pandemic. A serial cross-sectional study with data from 11 Spanish universities was carried out. In total, 10,096 first-year university students (73.2% female, mean age = 19.0 ± 1.5 years) completed an online self-administered questionnaire between 2012 and 2022. For some analyses, questionnaires were categorized by the year in which the survey was filled out as Before COVID-19, Lockdown, and New Normal. In total, 72.9% of participants were within the normal weight range, and 17.7% of men and 11.8% of women were overweight (p < 0.001). The students who did not meet the WHO criteria of physical activity, spent more than 7 h per day sitting, and skipped breakfast had a higher prevalence of obesity (p < 0.05). According to the period of study, the prevalence of overweight/obesity Before COVID-19 was 16.1% (95% CI: 15.4-16.9%), while in Lockdown the prevalence was significantly higher (20.2, 95% CI: 17.1-23.8) and in New Normal it was 18.9% (CI: 15.7-22.5). Moreover, the study suggests that during the Lockdown period, there was a reduction in the practice of physical activity and an increase in the prevalence of a healthy diet. For all these, it is necessary to propose public health interventions that improve the lifestyles of university students.

Pharmacological interventions for preventing venous thromboembolism in people undergoing bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which comprises deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is the leading cause of preventable death in hospitalised people and the third most common cause of mortality in surgical patients. People undergoing bariatric surgery have the additional risk factor of being overweight. Although VTE prophylaxis in surgical patients is well established, the best way to prevent VTE in those undergoing bariatric surgery is less clear.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of pharmacological interventions (alone or in combination) on venous thromboembolism and other health outcomes in people undergoing bariatric surgery compared to the same pharmacological intervention administered at a different dose or frequency, the same pharmacological intervention or started at a different time point, another pharmacological intervention, no intervention or placebo.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 1 November 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs in males and females of any age undergoing bariatric surgery comparing pharmacological interventions for VTE (alone or in combination) with the same pharmacological intervention administered at a different dose or frequency, the same pharmacological intervention started at a different time point, a different pharmacological intervention, no treatment or placebo.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. VTE and 2. major bleeding. Our secondary outcomes were 1. all-cause mortality, 2. VTE-related mortality, 3. PE, 4. DVT, 5. adverse effects and 6. quality of life. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven RCTs with 1045 participants. Data for meta-analysis were available from all participants. Four RCTs (597 participants) compared higher-dose heparin to standard-dose heparin: one of these studies (139 participants) used unfractionated heparin (UFH) and the other three (458 participants) used low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). One study compared heparin versus pentasaccharide (198 participants), and one study compared starting heparin before versus after bariatric surgery (100 participants). One study (150 participants) compared combined mechanical and pharmacological (enoxaparin) prophylaxis versus mechanical prophylaxis alone. The duration of the interventions ranged from seven to 15 days, and follow-up ranged from 10 to 180 days. Higher-dose heparin versus standard-dose heparin Compared to standard-dose heparin, higher-dose heparin may result in little or no difference in the risk of VTE (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.05 to 5.99; 4 studies, 597 participants) or major bleeding (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.48 to 2.96; I2 = 8%; 4 studies, 597 participants; low-certainty) in people undergoing bariatric surgery. The evidence on all-cause mortality, VTE-related mortality, PE, DVT and adverse events (thrombocytopenia) is uncertain (effect not estimable or very low-certainty evidence). Heparin versus pentasaccharide Heparin compared to a pentasaccharide after bariatric surgery may result in little or no difference in the risk of VTE (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.19 to 3.61; 1 study, 175 participants) or DVT (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.19 to 3.61; 1 study, 175 participants). The evidence on major bleeding, PE and mortality is uncertain (effect not estimable or very low-certainty evidence). Heparin started before versus after the surgical procedure Starting prophylaxis with heparin 12 hours before surgery versus after surgery may result in little or no difference in the risk of VTE (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.01; 1 study, 100 participants) or DVT (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.01; 1 study, 100 participants). The evidence on major bleeding, all-cause mortality and VTE-related mortality is uncertain (effect not estimable or very low-certainty evidence). We were unable to assess the effect of this intervention on PE or adverse effects, as the study did not measure these outcomes. Combined mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis versus mechanical prophylaxis alone Combining mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis (started 12 hours before surgery) may reduce VTE events in people undergoing bariatric surgery compared to mechanical prophylaxis alone (RR 0.05, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.89; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) = 9; 1 study, 150 participants; low-certainty). We were unable to assess the effect of this intervention on major bleeding or morality (effect not estimable), or on PE or adverse events (not measured). No studies measured quality of life.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Higher-dose heparin may make little or no difference to venous thromboembolism or major bleeding in people undergoing bariatric surgery when compared to standard-dose heparin. Heparin may make little or no difference to venous thromboembolism in people undergoing bariatric surgery when compared to pentasaccharide. There are inadequate data to draw conclusions about the effects of heparin compared to pentasaccharide on major bleeding. Starting prophylaxis with heparin 12 hours before bariatric surgery may make little or no difference to venous thromboembolism in people undergoing bariatric surgery when compared to starting heparin after bariatric surgery. There are inadequate data to draw conclusions about the effects of heparin started before versus after surgery on major bleeding. Combining mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis (started 12 hours before surgery) may reduce VTE events in people undergoing bariatric surgery when compared to mechanical prophylaxis alone. No data are available relating to major bleeding. The certainty of the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, few or no events, and risk of bias concerns. Future trials must be sufficiently large to enable analysis of relevant clinical outcomes, and should standardise the time of treatment and follow-up. They should also address the effect of direct oral anticoagulants and antiplatelets, preferably grouping them according to the type of intervention.

Physical activity and sedentarism among seniors in France, and their impact on health

Background

In the context of the ageing of the French population, physical activity becomes a principal means for maintaining good health. International organisations are thus giving increasing importance to physical activity in programmes of disease-prevention. In parallel with these concerns, studies have shown the impact of sedentary activities (in particularly as a result of the seated position and screen time) on health.

Objective

To show the links between physical activity, sedentarism and health indicators and to identify the socio-demographic variables by which they are influenced (particularly gender).

Study design

This is a transversal epidemiological study conducted among the French population between 2014 and 2016 by Santé publique France, the national public health agency.

Methods

The RPAQ (Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire) was used to measure the physical activity and sedentary lifestyle of individuals. The analyses focus on the behaviours among the population of older adults (55–74 years old, n = 1155).

Results

A third of French older adults does not meet the WHO recommended physical activity levels, particularly so among women. The results of this survey point to significant links between health indicators (especially overweight and obesity) and the physical activity level and sedentarity of older adults. From the age of 60, energy expenditure linked to physical activity increases before decreasing from the age of 65. Older adults spend almost 6 hours per day in sedentary activities. The combinations between physical activity and sedentarism highlight four profiles of older adults. The most active profile is the one with the best health indicators.

Conclusion

The links between health, sedentarity and physical activity are unequivocal: people who achieve the WHO recommendations for physical activity and spend less than 7 hours each day in sedentary activities are those who also have the best health indicators. These results vary with sociographic characteristics and reveal significant links with health indicators.

Changes in cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome over time in living kidney donors: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

permissibility in the selection of living kidney donors (LKD) with one or more cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and/or metabolic syndrome (MS) is an increasingly frequent practice worldwide. These factors, together with kidney donation specifically, are known to be associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

we analyzed the frequency of CMRFs and MS before and after kidney donation in LKD. In the secondary analysis, we associated CMRFs and MS with renal function. The SPSS V22.0 software was used.

RESULTS

we analyzed 110 LKD patients, with a mean age of 35.05 ± 10.5 years: 63 (57.3 %) men and 47 (42.7 %) women. Patients were followed for 25 ± 17.48 months after nephrectomy. Prior to donation, 62 patients (56.4 %) had MS, and the presence of one to six CMRFs was 19.1 %, 32 %, 18.2 %, 17.3 %, 3.6 %, and 0.9 %, respectively. During follow-up, in donors, the incidence of overweight increased from 48.2 % to 52.7 %, (p < 0.01); that of obesity increased from 11.8 % to 20.9 % (p < 0.01); that of hyperuricemia increased from 17.3 % to 26.4 %, (p < 0.01); that of hypercholesterolemia increased from 24.5 % to 33.6 % (p < 0.01); and that of hypertriglyceridemia increased from 47.3 % to 50.9 % (p < 0.01), while the incidence of MS decreased from 56.4 % to 51.8 % (p < 0.01). A logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of CMRFs did not show any association with glomerular filtration rates below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

CONCLUSION

LKD had a high frequency of CMRFs and MS at the time of donation, and over time, the incidence of CMRFs significantly increased. Because these factors, together with kidney donation, could be associated with an increased risk of CKD, we must evaluate protocols for LKD and consider stricter criteria in the selection of LKD, with an emphasis on follow-up protocols to address CMRFs and MS.

Physical inactivity and sitting time prevalence and trends in Mexican adults. Results from three national surveys

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity and high sitting time are directly related to mortality and morbidity of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Thus, improved understanding of the prevalence and trends of these behaviors could support the design of policies and interventions for NCDs prevention.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the current prevalence of physical inactivity and high sitting time, to analyze the trends, and to estimate the association of meeting/not meeting physical activity recommendations and low/high sitting time with sociodemographic characteristics and body mass index categories.

METHODOLOGY

Data from the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey were used. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sitting minutes per week were calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ). In total, 38,033 questionnaires of adults aged 20 to 69-year-old were analyzed. Adults were classified as physically inactive if they achieved less than 150 minutes per week of MVPA and as with high sitting time if they accumulated more than 420 minutes of sitting per day. Health and Nutrition National Surveys (ENSANUT) 2006, 2012 and 2018 were used to estimate the trends.

RESULTS

In total, 16.5% were classified as physically inactive and 11.3% within the high sitting time category. Both prevalences increased more than 40% during the 12-y period (2006-2018). In 2018, men, younger adults, those living in urban areas, and people within the highest socioeconomical status and educational levels were more likely to not achieve physical activity recommendations and to be classified in the highest sitting time category.

CONCLUSION

To stop current increased trends and achieve global targets, stronger and more concerted efforts to promote physical activity and reduce sitting time are required. Thus, continued surveillance of these behaviors is necessary.

Associations of objective and perceived greenness measures with cardiovascular risk factors in Philadelphia, PA: A spatial analysis

There is mounting scientific evidence that greenness is associated with improved cardiovascular health. However, few studies have distinguished between vegetation type, measured perceived green space access, or investigated heterogeneity of associations across categories of neighborhood sociodemographic and racial/ethnic composition. We conducted an ecologic spatial analysis of associations of three objective measures of greenness (percent vegetation cover, percent tree canopy cover, and greenness density), and one measure of perceived access to green spaces with census tract level percentages of the adult population who were obese, ever had a high blood pressure diagnosis, and ever had a diabetes diagnosis, in the city of Philadelphia, PA, year 2013. We explored effect modification by census-tract level percent living in poverty and percent non-Hispanic Black categories. We used data from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey (SEPAHH) linked with high-resolution landcover, remotely sensed, and American Community Survey data and estimated associations using spatial lag models. We observed modest protective associations between percent of the adult population reporting perceived access to green spaces and percent with the cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in moderate and high poverty census tracts. Percent tree canopy cover was also protective against the cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in census tracts with low percentages of the population living in poverty and with low percent non-Hispanic Black populations. These results suggest that perceived access to green spaces and objectively measured high tree canopy cover, may protect against cardiovascular disease, but associations may vary across neighborhood sociodemographic categories.

Effects of Green Banana Biomass (Musa spp.) on Laboratory Parameters of Animal Models of Wistar Mice under Hyperlipidic Diet

AIM

Analyze the effects of green banana biomass (Musa spp.) on the biochemical parameters in Wistar male rats under standard and hyperlipidic diet.

METHODS

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals CEUA - PUC-GO and consisted in the division of 32 rats in 4 differentiated groups according to their diet (standard - CT; standard with green banana biomass - CTBM; hyperlipidic - HL and hyperlipidic with green banana biomass - HLBM). Through 8 weeks animals were weighted and their glycemia were measured. After this period, they were euthanized and biological material was collected to evaluate the biochemical parameters, which analysis used the ANOVA test.

RESULTS

The weekly evaluation confirmed that the efficacy of the hyperlipidic model since the final weight was bigger in the HL group in comparison with the CT group, from the sixth to the eighth week. It was also possible to observe that the CTBM group had a smaller weight compared to the CT group. Besides, the measurement of glycemia, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, urea, serum creatine, uric acid, calcium, phosphor, magnesium and the hematological parameters from the 8 animal of each group were compared by the ANOVA test without any significative difference (p < 0.05) in the comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

This study it did not demonstrate significative changes of the green banana biomass on the observed laboratory parameters during the 8 weeks in comparison to the standard group, indicating an absence of interference of the probiotics in the laboratory parameters on the hyperlipidic model during the analyzed period. Therefore, it is necessary an evaluation of its efficacy in obesity treatment in longer studies with molecular parameters.

Association of sleep, screen time and physical activity with overweight and obesity in Mexico

PURPOSE

Approximately 70% of adults in Mexico are overweight or obese. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are also prevalent. We examined the association of three lifestyle behaviors with body mass index (BMI) categories in adults from Mexico.

METHODS

We used publicly available data from the ENSANUT 2016 survey (n = 6419). BMI was used to categorize participants. Differences in sleep duration, suffering from symptoms of insomnia, TV watching time, time in front of any screen, vigorous physical activity (yes vs no), moderate physical activity (> 30 min/day-yes vs. no) and walking (> 60 min/day-yes vs. no) were compared across BMI groups using adjusted linear and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine percent of participants were overweight and 37% obese. Time in front of TV, in front of any screen, sleep duration and physical activity were significantly associated with overweight and obesity. Compared to normal weight participants, participants in the obese II category spend on average 0.60 h/day (95% CI 0.36-0.84, p = 0.001) and participants in the obese III category 0.54 h/day (95% CI 0.19-0.89, p < 0.001) more in front of any screen; participants in the obese II category reported 0.55 h/day less sleep (95% CI - 0.67 to - 0.43, p < 0.001); participants in the obese III category were less likely to engage in vigorous activity (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.43-0.84, p ≤ 0.003), or walking (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.49-0.88, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Screen time, sleeping hours, and physical activity were associated with overweight and obesity. However, these associations were not consistent across all BMI categories. Assuming established causal connections, overweight individuals and individuals with obesity would benefit from reduced screen time and engaging in moderate/vigorous physical activity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: observational case-control analytic study.

High Plasmatic Levels of Advanced Glycation End Products are Associated with Metabolic Alterations and Insulin Resistance in Preeclamptic Women

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between plasmatic levels of advanced end glycation products (AGEs) and the metabolic profile in subjects diagnosed with preeclampsia, due to the known relation of these molecules with oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn are related with PE pathogenesis.

Background:

It has been reported that increased levels of AGEs are observed in patients with preeclampsia as compared with healthy pregnant subjects, which was mainly associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Besides, in women with preeclampsia, there are metabolic changes such as hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, among others, that are associated with an exacerbated insulin resistance. Additionally, some parameters indicate the alteration of hepatic function, such as increased levels of liver enzymes. However, the relationship of levels of AGEs with altered lipidic, hepatic, and glucose metabolism parameters in preeclampsia has not been evaluated.

Objective:

To investigate the association between plasmatic levels of AGEs and hepatic, lipid, and metabolic profiles in women diagnosed with preeclampsia.

Methods:

Plasma levels of AGEs were determined by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 15 patients diagnosed with preeclampsia and 28 normoevolutive pregnant subjects (control group). Hepatic (serum creatinine, gammaglutamyl transpeptidase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, uric acid, and lactate dehydrogenase), lipid (apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, and high-density lipoproteins), and metabolic variables (glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance) were assessed.

Results:

Plasmatic levels of AGEs were significantly higher in patients with preeclampsia as compared with the control. A positive correlation between circulating levels of AGEs and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, uric acid, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels was found in patients with preeclampsia. In conclusion, circulating levels of AGEs were higher in patients with preeclampsia than those observed in healthy pregnant subjects. Besides, variables of hepatic and metabolic profile, particularly those related to insulin resistance, were higher in preeclampsia as compared with healthy pregnant subjects. Interestingly, there is a positive correlation between AGEs levels and insulin resistance.

Conclusions:

Circulating levels of AGEs were higher in patients with preeclampsia than those observed in healthy pregnant subjects. Besides, hepatic and metabolic profiles, particularly those related to insulin resistance, were higher in preeclampsia as compared with healthy pregnant subjects. Interestingly, there is a positive correlation between AGEs levels and insulin resistance, suggesting that excessive glycation and an impaired metabolic profile contribute to the physiopathology of preeclampsia.

COVID-19 risk comorbidities: Time to reappraise our physical inactivity habits (again!)

Infection and mortality rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are astonishing. As of September 7, 2020, more than 27 million people around the world have already been infected, with more than 890 thousand deaths. Hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are among the most reported comorbidities associated with mortality by this disease. All these comorbidities are also strongly associated with physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. On the other hand, it is known that aerobic and resistive exercises are excellent tools to prevent and manage these comorbidities. Hence, physically active people may have a better prognosis if infected by COVID-19. Also, science tried to warn about mortality and morbidity associated to physical inactivity more than 80 years ago. However, physical inactivity habits are getting more prevalent around the world. Reasons for that include social, technology, and economic development that led to large industrialization and urbanization. Along with these changes, both professional and domestic activities became less active. Consequently, health care costs related to hypokinesis are estimated to increase exponentially in various regions of the planet. Now, while facing COVID-19 pandemic, it is time to reinforce the physiological, social, and economic relevance of regular physical exercise. Therefore, urgent reappraisal of our physical inactivity habits should be done, again!

Risk of developing pre-diabetes or diabetes over time in a cohort of Mexican health workers

AIM

To determine the association between known risk factors (e.g., obesity, metabolic syndrome and its components) and the development of pre-diabetes or diabetes over time in a cohort of Mexican health workers.

METHODS

Participants in the Mexican Health Worker Cohort Study with complete information at two waves of data collection, 2004-2006 (W1) and 2011-2013 (W2), were included in the analysis (n = 1,174). Multivariable binary and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine the cross-sectional associations between specific risk factors and diabetes status (diabetes, pre-diabetes, or neither) at W1 and the longitudinal associations between changes in risk factors and progression of diabetes status from W1 to W2, respectively.

RESULTS

Mean time between waves was 7.0 years (SD 1.1). Prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes was 16% and 10% at W1 and increased to 30% and 16% at W2, respectively. The cross-sectional prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes was significantly higher among men, participants over the age of 45 years, and individuals who were overweight or obese or had metabolic syndrome (MS), three or more components of the MS, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, or elevated uric acid. In longitudinal analyses, remaining obese or gaining weight between waves was associated with an increased risk of developing pre-diabetes. A greater risk of developing pre-diabetes or diabetes was also observed among individuals who either maintained or acquired MS, elevated ALT, or elevated uric acid (only for diabetes) from W1 to W2.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight gain and acquiring or maintaining MS, elevated ALT levels, or elevated uric acid were associated with a significant risk of developing pre-diabetes or diabetes. Our findings, especially in the context of the obesity epidemic in Mexico, point towards an urgent need for initiatives to help reduce excess weight in order to avert future cases of pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Evaluation of aquafitness exercise on the physical and mental health of older women: a pilot study

Physical activity is a priority to improve health. However, a sedentary lifestyle is increasingly becoming the norm. For example, in Mexico, sedentarism has increased, especially among older women. This study evaluated the effects of aquafitness on the health of older women in Mexico. Healthy older women performed aquafitness exercise and were compared to a control group of comparable women. Outcome assessments performed at baseline and after 17-weeks included psychological and physical/anthropometric measures. Participants in aquafitness became more optimistic, lost more weight, body fat, and a subsequent decrease in BMI, compared to controls. The results suggest important avenues for future research.

Temporal Trends and Recent Correlates in Sedentary Behaviors among Chinese Adults from 2002 to 2010-2012

Evidence suggests that more time spent in sedentary behaviors (SB) increases health risk independent of physical activities. Trends in SB among adults have not been fully described in China, and the sociodemographic correlates of SB have not been systematically evaluated either. This study examined the temporal trends of SB among 184,257 adults (2002: n = 52,697, 2010-2012: n = 131,560) using data from the China National Nutrition and Health Survey in 2002 and 2010-2012, and analyzed the recent correlates of SB in Chinese adults. Overall, an increase (+0.29 h/d) was seen in total SB across the survey years, and there was a slight increase (+0.14 h/d) in leisure time SB and a decrease (-0.39 h/d) in occupational SB. From 2002 to 2012, the proportion of Chinese adults whose total SB time over 4 h/d increased from 35.4% to 43.0%, and the proportion of leisure SB time over 3 h/d increased from 42.0% to 48.0%, and the proportion of occupational SB time over 4 h/d decreased from 63.4% to 53.0%. Male, urban areas, employed, unmarried, and with higher educational and family economic level were all positively associated with high sedentary time (HST) in 2010-2012. These trends and correlates are important for health policy in China and other countries that are facing similar challenges.

Association between socioeconomic status and diet quality in Mexican men and women: A cross-sectional study

Examining the potential differences in diet quality among socioeconomic status (SES) subgroups in Mexican adults may help to explain SES disparities in the burden of non-communicable diseases. We determined the association between SES, gender and diet quality among Mexican adults. We analyzed data from adults participating in the subsample with dietary information from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (n = 2,400), and developed the Mexican Diet Quality Index based on the Mexican Dietary Guidelines. We tested the interaction between sex and SES indicators using multivariable linear regression models. Sex was not a modifier; therefore, the analyses were carried out in the overall sample of men and women. The mean age was 42 (SE = 0.4) years, the total diet quality score was 38 (SE = 0.4), and a high percentage of men and women were classified with reading/writing skills or 3-9 years of school. A higher percentage of adults were classified with high versus medium or low assets index. In the multivariable model further adjusted for the assets index, for adults with education in the reading and/or 3-9 years of schooling and those with ≥10 years of school, there was a 3.7 and 5.8 points lower total diet quality score than with adults with no reading/writing skills (p < 0.05). Likewise, in multivariable model further adjusted for educational level, the total diet quality score was 2.5 points and 3.3 points lower in adults classified with medium and high assets index, respectively, versus low assets index (p < 0.05). The difference between individuals with medium and high assets index was not statistically significant. Although there is currently better diet quality among adults with low SES, this needs to continue to be monitored as Mexico progress through the nutrition transition.

Attributable Burden and Expenditure of Cardiovascular Diseases and Associated Risk Factors in Mexico and other Selected Mega-Countries

BACKGROUND

This paper describes the health and economic burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Mexico and other mega-countries through a review of literature and datasets.

METHODS

Mega-countries with a low (Nigeria), middle (India), high (China/Brazil/Mexico), and very high (the U.S.A./Japan) human development index were included. The review was focused on prevalence of dyslipidemias and CVD economic impact and conducted according to the PRISMA statement. Public datasets of CVD indicators were explored.

RESULTS

Heterogeneity in economic data and limited information on dyslipidemias were found. Hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia were higher in Mexico compared with other countries. Higher contribution of dietary risk factors for cardiovascular mortality and greater probability of dying prematurely from CVD were observed in developing countries. From 1990-2016, a greater decrease in cardiovascular mortality in developed countries was registered. In 2015, a CVD expense equivalent to 4% of total health expenditure was reported in Mexico. CVD ranked first in health expenditures in almost all these nations and the economic burden will remain significant for decades to come.

CONCLUSIONS

Resources should be assured to optimize CVD risk monitoring. Educational and medical models must be improved to enhance CVD diagnosis and the prescription and adherence to treatments. Long-term benefits could be attained by modifying the food system.

Association between sitting time and orthopedic conditions in Korean older adults

This study aimed to identify the association between sitting time and orthopedic conditions in Korean older adults. Data from adults aged ≥65 years from the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014-2015) were used for analysis (n = 3,011). Sitting time ≥7.5 h/day was significantly associated with knee joint (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.79), hip joint (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.03), and low back pain (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.74) when adjusted for sex, age, obesity, housing type, family income, education, and marital status in multiple logistic regression analyses. These findings imply that appropriate pain management according to sociodemographic characteristics in orthopedic conditions are necessary to reduce excessive sitting time in Korean older adults.

A Sitting Posture Monitoring Instrument to Assess Different Levels of Cognitive Engagement

An office chair for analyzing the seated posture variation during the performance of a stress-level test is presented in this work. To meet this aim, we placed a set of textile pressure sensors both on the backrest and on the seat of the chair. The position of the sensors was selected for maximizing the detection of variations of user’s posture. The effectiveness of the designed system was evaluated through an experiment where increasing stress levels were obtained by administering a Stroop test. The collected results had been analyzed by considering three different time intervals based on the difficulty level of the test (low, medium, and high). A transition analysis conducted on postures assumed during the test showed that participants reached a different posture at the end of the test, when the cognitive engagement increased, with respect to the beginning. This evidence highlighted the presence of movement presumably due to the increased cognitive engagement. Overall, the performed analysis showed the proposed monitoring system could be used to identify body posture variations related to different levels of engagement of a seated user while performing cognitive tasks.