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Older Latinxs engage in lower levels of leisure-time physical activity (PA) compared with non-Latinx Whites. Latin dance is a culturally relevant type of leisure-time PA that may engage older Latinx populations, particularly when coupled with mobile health technologies (mHealth). This single group pre-post feasibility study described the PA and health outcomes of middle-aged and older Latinxs participating in BAILA TECH--an intervention that combines the BAILAMOS Latin dance program with mHealth (Fitbit Charge 2, Fitbit app, and motivational text messages). Participants (n = 20, M[subscript age] = 67 ± 7.1, female n = 15, 75%) were enrolled in the 16-week BAILA TECH intervention held twice a week. Participants received a Fitbit Charge 2 to assess PA at baseline, during the intervention, and postintervention. An mHealth platform (iCardia) collected Fitbit data and staff delivered weekly motivational and informational text messages. Participants completed questionnaires about PA, sedentary behavior, cardiorespiratory fitness, social support, quality of life, and cognitive function at baseline and postintervention. Paired t tests evaluated change in pre-post measures. There was a significant increase in device-assessed moderate-to-vigorous PA (d = 0.69), self-reported light-leisure (d = 1.91) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (d = 1.05), moderate-to-vigorous leisure PA (d = 1.55), predicted cardiorespiratory fitness (d = 1.10), and PA social support (d = 0.81 [family]; d = 0.95 [friends]) from baseline to postintervention. Although nonsignificant, there was a small effect on physical health--related quality of life (d = 0.32) and executive function (d = 0.29). These data describe an increase in PA levels and health-related outcomes of middle-aged and older Latinxs from participation in an mHealth-infused Latin dance intervention. An adequately powered trial is necessary to establish efficacy.

Older Latinos have low rates of physical activity (PA) and poor health outcomes. Focus groups and a single group, pre-post 3-month pilot of a culturally appropriate Latin dance program (BAILAMOS©) were conducted among older, inactive Latinos with a self-identified mobility limitation. Nine themes emerged from focus groups, including cultural influences of dance and barriers to dancing. In the pilot intervention, 9 of 13 older Latinos completed the program and attended 85% of the sessions. Self-reported PA significantly increased (p < 0.05; d = 1.39), but daily accelerometer-assessed PA decreased for moderate-intensity PA (p = 0.18; d = 0.29). Participants reported significantly greater enjoyment of PA (p < 0.05; d = 0.61) and improved physical quality of life (p = 0.23; d = 0.31). Improvements in mobility (p = 0.15; d = 0.56) and aspects of cognition were demonstrated. The BAILAMOS program appears to be feasible, culturally appropriate, and has the potential to improve psychosocial determinants of PA, self-reported PA, and aspects of health.

Purpose: To examine effects of a 10-week after-school physical activity (PA) program on academic performance of 6- to 12-year-old African American children with behavior problems. Methods: Participants were randomized to PA (n = 19) or sedentary attention control (n = 16) programs. Academic records, curriculum-based measures, and classroom observations were obtained at baseline, postintervention, and/or follow-up. Mixed models tested group × time interactions on academic records and curriculum-based measures. One-way analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis tested for differences in postintervention classroom observations. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses demonstrated a moderate effect within groups from baseline to postintervention on disciplinary referrals (PA: d = −0.47; attention control: d = −0.36) and a null moderate effect on academic assessments (PA: d = 0.11 to 0.36; attention control: d = 0.05 to 0.40). No significant group × time interactions emerged on direct academic assessments (all Ps ≥.05, d = −0.23 to 0.26) or academic records (all Ps ≥.05, d = −0.28 to 0.16). Classroom observations revealed that intervention participants were off-task due to moving at twice the rate of comparative classmates (F = 15.74, P <.001) and were off-task due to talking 33% more often (F = 1.39, P =.257). Conclusion: Academic outcome improvements were small within and between groups and did not sustain at follow-up. Academic benefits of after-school PA programs for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or disruptive behavior disorders were smaller than neurobiological, behavioral, and cognitive outcomes as previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigate the associations between self-reported physical activity (PA) engagement and white matter (WM) health (i.e. volume, integrity, and hyperintensities) in older Latinos. Cross-sectional study with community-dwelling older adults from predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Participants: Thirty-four cognitively healthy older Latinos from two different cohorts. Measurements: Participants self-reported demographic information, PA engagement [Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults] and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We used high-resolution three-dimensional T1- and T2-FLAIR weighted images and diffusion tensor imaging acquired via 3 T MRI. We performed a series of hierarchical linear regression models with the addition of relevant covariates to examine the associations between self-reported PA levels and WM volume, integrity, and hyperintensities (separately). We adjusted p-values with the use of the Benjamini-Hochberg's false discovery rate procedure. Higher reported levels of leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA were significantly associated with higher WM volume of the posterior cingulate (β = 0.220, SE = 0.125, 95% CI 0.009-0.431, p = 0.047) and isthmus cingulate (β = 0.212, SE = 0.110, 95% CI 0.001-0.443, p = 0.044) after controlling for intracranial volume. Higher levels of total PA were significantly associated with higher overall WM volume of these same regions (posterior cingulate: β = 0.220, SE = 0.125, CI 0.024-0.421, p = 0.046; isthmus cingulate: β = 0.220, SE = 0.125, 95% CI 0.003-0.393; p = 0.040). Significant p-values did not withstand Benjamini-Hochberg's adjustment. PA was not significantly associated with WM integrity or WM hyperintensities. Higher levels of PA, particularly higher leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA, might be associated with greater WM volume in select white matter regions key to brain network integration for physical and cognitive functioning in older Latinos. More research is needed to further confirm these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise during pregnancy has been associated with reduced risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, however, twice as many women are sedentary during pregnancy as compared to when they are not pregnant. We conducted 3 focus groups among 20 pregnant Latina and non-Latina white women to identify barriers and facilitators to exercise in pregnancy to inform a gestational diabetes mellitus intervention study. Quantitative analyses of demographic data, and qualitative analyses of focus groups were conducted. Women identified physical limitations and restrictions, lack of resources, energy, and time as powerful exercise barriers. Social support, access to resources, information, proper diet, scheduling, and the weather were identified as powerful facilitators. Intervention programs designed for pregnant women should facilitate social support, provide information and resources, as well as promote short-term and long-term benefits. KEYWORDS pregnancy, exercise, Latino/Hispanic DOI: 10.1080/03630240903427114

Objective: To investigate the effects of the BAILAMOSTM dance program on physical activity (PA), cardiorespiratory, and cognitive health. Methods: A parallel, two-armed pilot study was conducted with 57 older Latinos randomized to the BAILAMOSTM dance program (n = 28) or health education (HE) (n = 29). We conducted two- and three-way repeated-measures ANOVAs. Results: BAILAMOSTM participants increased participation in leisure moderate-to-vigorous PA (LMVPA) (F [1,53] = 3.17, p =.048, η 2 G =.01) and performance in global cognition relative to HE participants (F [1,52] = 4.19, p =.045, η 2 G =.01). Attendance moderated increases in moderate PA, MVPA, LMVPA, and total PA (p <.05). Participants of both groups with ≥75% attendance increased participation in PA. Among participants with <75% attendance, BAILAMOSTM participants increased PA relative to HE. Discussion: BAILAMOSTM positively impacted self-reported PA and global cognition in older Latinos. Even smaller doses of dance appear to impact self-reported PA levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study tested whether participation in organized physical activity (active vs. inactive) or weight status (normal weight vs. overweight or obese) independently relate to children's cognition, using a matched-pairs design. Design and Methods: Normal weight, active children (8-11 yrs, 5th-75th percentile BMI) were recruited from extracurricular physical activity programs while normal weight inactive (5th-75th percentile BMI) and overweight inactive children (BMI ≥85th percentile) were recruited from local Augusta, Georgia area schools. Measures included the Cognitive Assessment System, anthropometrics, and parent- and self-report of physical activity. Paired t tests compared cognition scores between matched groups of normal weight active vs. normal weight inactive (N= 24 pairs), normal weight inactive vs. overweight inactive (N = 21 pairs), and normal weight active vs. overweight inactive children (N = 16 pairs). Children in each comparison were matched for race, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Results: Normal weight active children had higher Planning (M± SD = 109 ± 11 vs. 100 ±11,p = .011) and Attention scores (108 ± 11 vs. 100 ±11,p= .013) than overweight inactive children. Normal weight inactive children had higher Attention scores than overweight inactive children (105 ± 13 vs. 93 ±12,p = .008). When compared with normal weight inactive children, normal weight active children had higher Planning (113 ± 10 vs. 102 ± 13, p = .008) and marginally higher Attention scores (111 ± 11 vs. 104 ± 12,p = .06). Conclusion: Findings suggest independent associations of children's weight status with selective attention, and physical activity with higher-order processes of executive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 40 years, physical activity (PA) and public health has been established as a field of study. A robust evidence base has emerged demonstrating that participation in recommended amounts of PA results in a wide array of physical and mental health benefits. This led to the establishment of federal and global PA guidelines and surveillance programs. Strong evidence supports the efficacy of individual-level (e.g., goal setting) and environmental (e.g., policies) interventions to promote PA. There has also been progress in establishing a skilled and diverse workforce to execute the work of PA and public health. Looking forward, major challenges include stemming the obesity and chronic disease epidemics, addressing health inequities, and diversifying the workforce. Given the known benefits of PA and the availability of evidence-based interventions, efforts now must focus on implementing this knowledge to improve population health and reduce inequities through PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study examined associations among organizational social context, after-school program (ASP) quality, and children's social behavior in a large urban park district. Method: Thirty-two park-based ASPs are included in the final sample, including 141 staff and 593 children. Staff reported on organizational culture (rigidity, proficiency, resistance) and climate (engagement, functionality, stress), and children's social skills and problem behaviors. Children and their parents reported on program quality indicators (e.g., activities, routines, relationships). Parents also completed a children's mental health screener. Results: A series of Hierarchical Linear Models revealed that proficiency and stress were the only organizational predictors of program quality; associations between stress and program quality were moderated by program enrollment and aggregated children's mental health need. Higher child- and parent-perceived program quality related to fewer staff-reported problem behaviors, while overall higher enrollment and higher aggregated mental health need were associated with fewer staff-reported social skills. Conclusions: Data are informing ongoing efforts to improve organizational capacity of urban after-school programs to support children's positive social and behavior trajectories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To date, little is known about the physical activity (PA) levels and commonly reported modes of PA of older Latinos, and this information is critical to developing interventions for this population. The purpose of the current study was to examine PA assessed by self-report and accelerometer and to assess the influence of acculturation, gender, and age on the PA of urban community-dwelling older Latino adults. Methods: Participants were self-identified Latinos, primarily women (73%), and individuals aged 50 to 59 (31%), 60 to 69 (30%), and 70+ (39%). PA was measured with an accelerometer and the Community Healthy Activity Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) PA questionnaire. Results: Men reported engaging in, and objectively participated in, significantly more minutes of moderate/vigorous PA than women, but women reported greater light intensity household PA. Latinos aged 50 to 59 engaged in significantly more accelerometer-assessed PA than Latinos aged 60 to 69 and 70+, respectively. The majority of participants did not meet the PA Guidelines for Americans. No differences in PA were demonstrated by acculturation level. Older Latino men and women reported walking and dancing as modes of leisure PA. Conclusions: These findings suggest PA interventions should be targeted toward older Latinos, taking into account gender and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Latinos have the lowest leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) rates. However, measurement of only LTPA might underestimate total physical activity. This study compares the objective physical activity of Latinos reporting high or low levels of LTPA and also compares gender differences. Methods: Data were obtained from 148 Latinos (n = 83 women, n = 65 men). Freedson cut points were employed to determine daily minutes of activity. Results: Latinos reporting high LTPA engaged in more daily minutes of vigorous and very vigorous activity than Latinos reporting low LTPA (P values < .05). There was no difference in daily minutes of moderate-intensity activity (P = .12), with both groups of Latinos meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Men engaged in more daily minutes of moderate activity than women (P < .01). Conclusions: Many Latinos met physical activity guidelines even when reporting low levels of LTPA. Future studies should determine whether equivalent health benefits are achieved by meeting guidelines through LTPA and non-LTPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overweight children are at risk for poor quality of life (QOL), depression, self-worth, and behavior problems. Exercise trials with children have shown improved mood and self-worth. Few studies utilized an attention control condition, QOL outcomes, or a follow-up evaluation after the intervention ends. The purpose is to test effects of an exercise program versus sedentary program on psychological factors in overweight children. One hundred seventy-five overweight children (87% black, 61% female, age 9.7 ± 0.9 years, 73% obese) were randomized to an 8 month aerobic exercise or sedentary after-school program. Depressive symptoms, anger expression, self-worth, and QOL were measured at baseline and post-test. Depressive symptoms and QOL were also measured at follow-up. Intent-to-treat mixed models evaluated intervention effects, including sex differences. At post-test, QOL, depression, and self-worth improved; no group by time or sex by group by time interaction was detected for QOL or self-worth. Boys' depressive symptoms improved more and anger control decreased in the sedentary intervention relative to the exercise intervention at post-test. At follow-up, depressive symptoms in boys in the sedentary group decreased more than other groups. Exercise provided benefits to QOL, depressive symptoms, and self-worth comparable to a sedentary program. Sedentary programs with games and artistic activities, interaction with adults and peers, and behavioral structure may be more beneficial to boys' mood than exercise. Some benefits of exercise in prior studies are probably attributable to program elements such as attention from adults. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02227095. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ethnic/racial minorities often live in neighborhoods that are not conducive to physical activity (PA) participation. We examined perceived factors related to walking/PA among Spanish- and English-speaking older Latinos in a low-income, multi-ethnic neighborhood. Method: Exploratory focus group study was conducted with Latinos stratified by preferred language and gender: English-speaking women (n = 7, M age = 74.6); English-speaking men (n = 3, M age = 69.3); Spanish-speaking women (n = 5, M age = 66.4); Spanish-speaking men (n = 5, M age = 74.0). Focus group audio files were transcribed, and qualitative research software was used to code and analyze documents. Results: At the individual level, reasons for exercising (improved health) and positive health outcome expectancies (weight loss and decreased knee pain) were discussed. Neighborhood/environmental factors of safety (fear of crime), neighborhood changes (lack of jobs and decreased social networks), weather, and destination walking were discussed. Discussion: Individual and environmental factors influence PA of older, urban Latinos, and should be taken into consideration in health promotion efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older Latinos have low rates of physical activity (PA) and poor health outcomes. Focus groups and a single group, pre–post 3-month pilot of a culturally appropriate Latin dance program (BAILAMOS©) were conducted among older, inactive Latinos with a self-identified mobility limitation. Nine themes emerged from focus groups, including cultural influences of dance and barriers to dancing. In the pilot intervention, 9 of 13 older Latinos completed the program and attended 85% of the sessions. Self-reported PA significantly increased (p < .05; d = 1.39), but daily accelerometer-assessed PA decreased for moderate-intensity PA (p = .18; d = 0.29). Participants reported significantly greater enjoyment of PA (p < .05; d = 0.61) and improved physical quality of life (p = .23; d = 0.31). Improvements in mobility (p = .15; d = 0.56) and aspects of cognition were demonstrated. The BAILAMOS program appears to be feasible, culturally appropriate, and has the potential to improve psychosocial determinants of PA, self-reported PA, and aspects of health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older Latinos represent a growing segment of our population, yet little is known about whether older Latinos are following the recommended Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which promotes certain food groups to reduce blood pressure (BP) over and above established strategies. Among Latinos, greater acculturation to the American society has been associated with suboptimal dietary choices and risk for chronic diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess differences in DASH accordance/adherence by BP status taking into account level of acculturation. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving older Latinos wherein DASH accordance and adherence were calculated on the basis of nutrient analyses of food frequency questionnaires. A DASH score of 4.5 or higher indicated accordance, and a DASH Adherence Index greater than 0 indicated adherence. Blood pressure was measured in triplicate using Omron HEM-907XL and was categorized according to BP level and/or antihypertensive medication. The Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II was used to rate level of acculturation. Results: Participants were 169 Latinos, primarily women (73%) and older (66 u 9.0 years); the majority were hypertensive (66%), preferred speaking in Spanish (85%), and were more Latino oriented (63%) with respect to acculturation status. Overall, participants were moderately DASH accordant (4.2 ± 1.6) and DASH adherent (-0.8 ± 0.8). Acculturation scores (odds ratio, 1.4-1.7, P < 0.02) were predictive of hypertensive status (defined as BP ≥140/90 mm Hg) regardless of which dietary score was modeled. Conclusion: Based on these findings, greater attention should be paid to identification of traditional Latino foods and food preparation that are consistent and acceptable to this older community in effort to foster greater DASH accordance and improve BP status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising costs of health and social support systems for an aging population will become unsustainable without proactive steps to create individual and environmental changes that promote successful aging. Unfortunately, many older adults do not currently have a healthy lifestyle and are at risk for poor health outcomes, including chronic illnesses and mortality. The authors review the behavioral and psychosocial correlates of health and well-being, which include resilience, self-efficacy, smoking, physical activity, diet, good sleep, and having a strong social network, and linked them to the concept of successful aging. They discuss the unique challenges of maintaining health behaviors among older adults over time and review 3 of the most common approaches to lifestyle intervention in older adults (ie, social cognitive theory, the transtheoretical model, and social ecological models). They conclude that initiation and maintenance of behaviors require perceptions of control (self-efficacy), a belief in the positive health outcomes for performing these behaviors, and a value for the outcome (outcome expectancy) for successful aging to be realized. Moreover, more research is needed that takes a broader ecological perspective that makes use of multilevel strategies to behavior change in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There exists a general understanding that physical education (PE) is a means to create a physically healthy population. However, disagreements arise over primary practices within PE to achieve this end. The primary divergence is whether PE facilitators should primarily ensure participants exert a specific level of energy during class or develop their confidence, competence, knowledge, and motivation for meaningful physical activity (PA) participation outside of the PE classroom (referred to as physical literacy (PL)). This study uses structural equation modeling to examine associations between enjoyment of PA and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in PE class in grade 5 (mean age = 10) and participation in PA and feelings about PA 1 year later, in grade 6 (mean age = 11), in the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD, N = 1364). Enjoyment of PA in grade 5 predicted sport self-concept (β = 0.347, p ≤ 0.001), MVPA (β = 0.12, p ≤ 0.001), and enjoyment of PA (β = 0.538, p ≤ 0.001) in grade 6. These associations remained when including weekday MVPA performed in grade 5 as an indirect effect (β = 0.058, p ≤ 0.001). MVPA performed during PE in grade 5 was not associated with any PA outcomes in grade 6. Findings suggest PE instructors should prioritize PL development over maintenance of high energy expenditure during PE class for long-term MVPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Aging is associated with declines in cognition and mental health that might be ameliorated by physical activity (PA). Dance integrates multiple physical, cognitive, and social elements, and might be an avenue for improving cognition and mood. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) examined the effects of formal and traditional dance on cognition, depression, and anxiety in older adults., Methods: Five database searches yielded 17 randomized control trials (RCT). RCTs were included if participants were ≥ 60 years and healthy or living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We examined interventions of dance against any comparison group. Records were independently screened, and data were extracted by 2 reviewers. We performed random-effects models using robust variance estimation and tested individual treatment, study, and outcome level moderators using the approximate Hotelling-Zhang test., Results: 17 RCTs were included in the systematic review, but 13 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis which included 1,174 participants with a mean age of 70.7 years, and 66.3% were female. There were 76 effect sizes (Hedges' g) calculated from the 13 RCTs with a range between -0.97 through 2.88. The overall effect of dance interventions on cognition was significant, yet small (g = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.50; p = 0.022), and the effect on depression was significant and nearly moderate (g = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.80; p = 0.036); only one RCT examined anxiety and was not included. No moderator variables significantly explained variation in the effects of dance on cognitive function or depression (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: Dance interventions can improve cognition and depression in older adults. Additional research is needed regarding the effects of dance on anxiety and depression in older adults., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest and Funding Source: There is no financial support to disclose. The authors have no competing interests related to this topic., (Copyright © 2024 by the American College of Sports Medicine.)

Context: Sport and physical activity (PA) programs are an important developmental resource for youth with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Disruptive Behavior Disorders. The purpose of this study is to assess sport participation rates, PA participation, and after-school supervision rates among African American children with ADHD and/or Disruptive Behavior Disorders., Design: In this cross-sectional study, parents of African American children with elevated symptoms of ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, and/or conduct disorder (N = 175, 6- to 12-y-old, 31% female) reported after-school program participation over the past year., Methods: Logistic regression analyses tested relationships between ADHD symptoms, oppositional defiant disorder symptoms, and conduct disorder symptoms, likelihood of regular participation (≥2 d/wk) in sport, PA, and sedentary after-school programs, and likelihood of being supervised and unsupervised after school. All regressions controlled for age, sex, income, and medication status. Sample participation rates were descriptively compared with participation rates of same-aged peers regionally, and nationally, reported in 3 national surveys., Results: Parents in the local sample reported higher rates of sedentary after-school program participation (54%) but lower rates of PA program participation (31%), and sport participation (12%) compared with same-aged peers. The local sample was less likely to be unsupervised after-school compared with same-aged peers with only 27% of parents reporting that their child was unsupervised ≥ 2 days per week. Children endorsing oppositional defiant disorder (odds ratio = 2.05; P < .05) and conduct disorder (odds ratio = 5.74; P < .05) were more likely to be unsupervised more frequently after-school as compared with those not meeting endorsement., Conclusions: Given demonstrated benefits of youth sport programming and observed inequities in participation, there is a need to develop support models that connect parents, coaches, and social services agencies to facilitate inclusion. Sports medicine professionals are uniquely positioned to contribute to these efforts, as they are often key opinion leaders in both the youth sport and health care contexts.

Suicide and contributing mental health conditions in athletes are shared concerns within health care and society at large. This commentary focuses on suicide risk among athletes and the role of sports medicine professionals in preventing suicide and promoting mental health. In this commentary, we draw on the scientific literature and our clinical experiences to pose and answer these questions: Does suicide risk among athletes vary by sociodemographic factors (eg, sex, gender, race/ethnicity, family income, sexual orientation) or if injured? Do sociodemographic differences influence access to and benefits from services among athletes? How do I know my athletes are at risk for suicide? What do I do if one of my athletes shares with me that they have considered suicide? Within our commentary, we review the current literature and clinical practices regarding these questions and close with actionable suggestions and recommendations for future directions.

This article examines cognitive, academic, and brain outcomes of physical activity in overweight or obese youth, with attention to minority youth who experience health disparities. Physically active academic lessons may have greater immediate cognitive and academic benefits among overweight and obese children than normal-weight children. Quasi-experimental studies testing physical activity programs in overweight and obese youth show promise; a few randomized controlled trials including African Americans show efficacy. Thus, making academic lessons physically active may improve inhibition and attentiveness, particularly in overweight youngsters. Regular physical activity may be efficacious for improving neurologic, cognitive, and achievement outcomes in overweight or obese youth., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Interpretation of touch DNA mixtures poses a significant challenge for forensic caseworking laboratories.  Front end techniques that facilitate separation of contributor cell populations before DNA extraction are a way to circumvent this problem. The goal of this study was to survey intrinsic fluorescence of epidermal cells collected from touch surfaces and investigate whether this property could potentially be used to discriminate between contributor cell populations in a biological mixture.  Analysis of red autofluorescence (650-670nm) showed that some contributors could be distinguished on this basis. Variation was also observed between autofluorescence profiles of epidermal cell populations from a single contributor sampled on different days. This dataset suggests that red autofluorescence may be a useful marker for identifying distinct cell populations in some mixtures. Future efforts should continue to investigate the extrinsic or intrinsic factors contributing to this signature, and to identify additional biomarkers that could complement this system., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.

The goal of this study was to investigate the relative contributions of different cellular and genetic components to biological samples created by touch or contact with a surface - one of the most challenging forms of forensic evidence. Touch samples were generated by having individuals hold an object for five minutes and analyzed for quantity of intact epidermal cells, extracellular DNA, and DNA from pelleted cell material after elution from the collection swab. Comparisons were made between samples where individuals had washed their hands immediately prior to handling and those where hand washing was not controlled. The vast majority (84-100%) of DNA detected in these touch samples was extracellular and was uncorrelated to the number of epidermal cells detected. Although little to no extracellular or cell pellet-associated DNA was detected when individuals washed their hands prior to substrate handling, we found that a significant number of epidermal cells (between ~5x10 (3) and ~1x10 (5)) could still be recovered from these samples, suggesting that other types of biological information may be present even when no amplifiable nuclear DNA is present. These results help to elucidate the biological context for touch samples and characterize factors that may contribute to patterns of transfer and persistence of genetic material in forensic evidence.

Background: The Theory of Learned Industriousness states that durable individual differences in industriousness are due in part to differences in the extent to which individuals were rewarded for high effort at an earlier time. Individuals rewarded for high effort during training are thought to generalize greater persistence to subsequent tasks than those rewarded for low effort. This study tested whether rewarded physical and/or mental effort at different intensities generalized to greater persistence at a subsequent mental task., Methods: 80 inactive 18-25 year-olds were randomized into four groups: Low Mental Effort, High Mental Effort, Low Physical Effort, and High Physical Effort. Each completed group-specific effort training and a mental persistence task at baseline and posttest., Results: Factorial analysis of covariance revealed a significant domain x effort interaction on persistence ( F [1,75]=4.93, p =.029). High Mental Effort and Low Mental Effort groups demonstrated similar gains in persistence ( d= -0.08, p >.05) and points earned ( d =0.11, p >.05) following effort training. High Physical Effort and Low Physical Effort diverged on persistence ( d =-0.49, p =.004) but not points earned ( d =-0.12, p >.05)., Conclusions: Findings suggest either that training and test stimuli were too dissimilar to cue effects of associative learning in physical effort groups, or that effects were present but overpowered by the affective and neurocognitive consequences of an acute bout of intense aerobic physical activity. Findings do not support the Theory of Learned Industriousness nor generalization of effort across physical and mental domains.

Background: Older Latinos represent a growing segment of our population, yet little is known about whether older Latinos are following the recommended Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which promotes certain food groups to reduce blood pressure (BP) over and above established strategies. Among Latinos, greater acculturation to the American society has been associated with suboptimal dietary choices and risk for chronic diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess differences in DASH accordance/adherence by BP status taking into account level of acculturation., Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving older Latinos wherein DASH accordance and adherence were calculated on the basis of nutrient analyses of food frequency questionnaires. A DASH score of 4.5 or higher indicated accordance, and a DASH Adherence Index greater than 0 indicated adherence. Blood pressure was measured in triplicate using Omron HEM-907XL and was categorized according to BP level and/or antihypertensive medication. The Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II was used to rate level of acculturation., Results: Participants were 169 Latinos, primarily women (73%) and older (66 ± 9.0 years); the majority were hypertensive (66%), preferred speaking in Spanish (85%), and were more Latino oriented (63%) with respect to acculturation status. Overall, participants were moderately DASH accordant (4.2 ± 1.6) and DASH adherent (-0.8 ± 0.8). Acculturation scores (odds ratio, 1.4-1.7, P < 0.02) were predictive of hypertensive status (defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg) regardless of which dietary score was modeled., Conclusion: Based on these findings, greater attention should be paid to identification of traditional Latino foods and food preparation that are consistent and acceptable to this older community in effort to foster greater DASH accordance and improve BP status.