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Background Mindfulness has been applied in the United States and Europe to improve physical and psychological health; however, little is known about its feasibility and efficacy in a Brazilian population. Mindfulness may also be relevant in tackling obesity and eating disorders by decreasing binge eating episodes—partly responsible for weight regain for a large number of people—and increasing awareness of emotional and other triggers for overeating. The aim of the present study protocol is to evaluate and compare the feasibility and efficacy of two mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) addressing overweight and obesity in primary care patients: a general programme called Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion and a targeted mindful eating protocol called Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training. Methods/design A randomised controlled trial will be conducted to compare treatment as usual separately in primary care with both programmes (health promotion and mindful eating) added to treatment as usual. Two hundred forty adult women with overweight and obesity will be enrolled. The primary outcome will be an assessment of improvement in eating behaviour. Secondary outcomes will be (1) biochemical control; (2) anthropometric parameters, body composition, dietary intake and basal metabolism; and (3) levels of mindfulness, stress, depression, self-compassion and anxiety. At the end of each intervention, a focus group will be held to assess the programme’s impact on the participants’ lives, diet and health. A feasibility study on access to benefits from and importance of MBIs at primary care facilities will be conducted among primary care health care professionals and participants. Monthly maintenance sessions lasting at least 1 hour will be offered, according to each protocol, during the 3-month follow-up periods. Discussion This clinical trial will result in more effective mindfulness-based interventions as a complementary treatment in primary care for people with overweight and obesity. If the findings of this study confirm the effectiveness of mindfulness programmes in this population, it will be possible to improve quality of life and health while optimising public resources and reaching a greater number of people. In addition, on the basis of the evaluation of the feasibility of implementing this intervention in primary care facilities, we expect to be able to suggest the intervention for incorporation into public policy. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02893150. Registered retrospectively on 30 March 2017. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2639-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

PurposeMaternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre, Brazil (MINA-Brazil) is a longitudinal, prospective population-based birth cohort, set-up to understand the effects of early environmental exposures and maternal lifestyle choices on growth and development of the Amazonian children.ParticipantsMother–baby pairs (n=1246) were enrolled at delivery from July 2015 to June 2016 in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil. Mothers of 43.7% of the cohort were recruited in the study during pregnancy from February 2015 to January 2016. Study visits took place during pregnancy, delivery, at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after delivery. In addition to clinical and epidemiological data, samples collected by the MINA-Brazil study include plasma, serum and extracted DNA from blood and faeces, which are stored in a biobank.Findings to dateKey baseline reports found a high prevalence of gestational night blindness (11.5%; 95% CI 9.97% to 13.25%) and maternal anaemia (39.4%; 95% CI 36.84% to 41.95%) at delivery. Antenatal malaria episodes (74.6% ofPlasmodium vivax) were diagnosed in 8.0% of the women and were associated with an average reduction in birth weight z-scores of 0.35 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.57) and in birth length z-scores of 0.31 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.54), compared with malaria-free pregnancies. At 2-year follow-up, data collection strategies combined telephone calls, WhatsApp, social media community and home visits to minimise losses of follow-up (retention rate of 79.5%).Future plansA 5-year follow-up visit is planned in 2021 with similar interviews and biospecimens collection. The findings from this prospective cohort will provide novel insights into the roles of prenatal and postnatal factors in determining early childhood development in an Amazonian population.

The aim of this study was to describe metabolic changes in HIV/AIDS patients according to the treatment regimen. It was a retrospective cohort conducted from 2002 to 2014. Researchers surveyed clinical variables and treatment regimen of 538 individuals. They used measures of central tendency and marginal logistic regression to determine the influence of the treatment regimen on clinical variables over time; survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. 56.2% of patients were male, 82.2% white, 33.8% had 4 to 7 years of study, 49.2% were married, 98.5% had sexual transmission, and 89.0% were heterosexuals. During the study period, 24.4% had hypertension, 18.2% changed cholesterol, 39.7% low HDL, 51.3% high triglycerides and 33.3% hyperglycemia. Treatment regimens with nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors associated with protease inhibitors, and the association of different classes of antiretrovirals have been associated with greater lipid changes. Higher metabolic changes were observed in patients with longer treatment time. It is concluded that preventive measures, as well as early treatment, can contribute to minimize the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases. Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os fatores de risco cardiovascular em pacientes HIV/AIDS de acordo com o esquema terapêutico utilizado. Estudo de Coorte retrospectiva no período de 2002 a 2014. Foram levantadas variáveis clínicas e esquema de tratamento de 538 indivíduos. Utilizaram-se medidas de tendência central, e regressão marginal logística para verificar a influência do esquema de tratamento sobre variáveis clinicas ao longo do tempo. Dos pacientes, 56,2% eram homens, 82,2% brancos, 33,8% tinham entre 4 a 7 anos de estudo, 49,2% eram casados, 98,5% tiveram transmissão sexual e 89,0% eram heterossexuais. A idade média no diagnóstico foi de 36,3 anos. Durante o período de estudo, 24,4% hipertensão arterial, 18,2% colesterol alterado, 39,7% HDL baixo, 51,3% triglicerídeos elevados e 33,3% hiperglicemia. Os esquemas de tratamento com Inibidores da transcriptase reversa nucleotídeos associados a inibidores da protease, e a associação de diferentes classes de antirretrovirais estiveram associados a maiores alterações lipídicas e maiores alterações metabólicas com maior tempo de tratamento. Conclui-se que medidas preventivas, bem como tratamento precoce pode contribuir para minimizar os riscos de desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares.

Why was the cohort set up? Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are characterized by much diversity in terms of socio-economic status, ecology, environment, access to health care,1,2 as well as the frequency of risk factors for and prevalence or incidence of non-communicable diseases;3–7 importantly, these differences are observed both between and within countries in LAC.8,9 LAC countries share a large burden of non-communicable (e.g. diabetes and hypertension) and cardiovascular (e.g. ischaemic heart disease) diseases, with these conditions standing as the leading causes of morbidity, disability and mortality in most of LAC.10–12 These epidemiological estimates—e.g. morbidity—cannot inform about risk factors or risk prediction, which are relevant to identify prevention avenues. Cohort studies, on the other hand, could provide this evidence. Pooled analysis, using data from multiple cohort studies, have additional strengths such as increased statistical power and decreased statistical uncertainty.13 LAC cohort studies have been under-represented,14 or not included at all,15–17 in international efforts aimed at pooling data from multiple cohort studies. We therefore set out to pool data from LAC cohorts to address research questions that individual cohort studies would not be able to answer. Drawing from previous successful regional enterprises (e.g. Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration),18,19 we established the Cohorts Consortium of Latin America and the Caribbean (CC-LAC). The main aim of the CC-LAC is to start a collaborative cohort data pooling in LAC to examine the association between cardio-metabolic risk factors (e.g. blood pressure, glucose and lipids) and non-fatal and fatal cardiovascular outcomes (e.g. stroke or myocardial infarction). In so doing, we aim to provide regional risk estimates to inform disease burden metrics, as well as other ambitious projects including a cardiovascular risk score to strengthen cardiovascular prevention in LAC. Initial funding has been provided by a fellowship from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Global Health Research at Imperial College London (Strategic Award, Wellcome Trust–Imperial College Centre for Global Health Research, 100693/Z/12/Z). Additional funding is being provided by an International Training Fellowship from the Wellcome Trust (214185/Z/18/Z). At the time of writing, the daily operations and pooled database are hosted at Imperial College London, though a mid-term goal is to transfer this expertise and operations to LAC. The collaboration relies fundamentally on a strong regional network of health researchers and practitioners

The objective of the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN) is to monitor the food intake of individuals attended by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). The objective of this research was to identify the feeding practices of children under 24 months of age who were attended at Primary Healthcare Units (UBS), using SISVAN, and to assess the relationship with maternal sociodemographic profiles. A cross-sectional study was conducted in order to evaluate 350 children using the Food Consumption Marker Form of SISVAN, and maternal demographic data to identify sociodemographic profiles by exploratory factor analysis. Of the children assessed, 41.1% were under 6 months of age and 98.7% of those between 6 and 23 months had an inadequate intake. Two sociodemographic profiles were found: Profile 1 (mothers with lower income, less education, and recipients of the 'Bolsa Família' conditional family grant program) associated with the consumption of water/tea, cow's milk and salty baby food; and Profile 2 (older mothers with many children and with a larger number of residents in the household) associated with breast milk consumption (p = 0.048). The use of SISVAN made it possible to identify that children had inadequate feeding practices, and Profile 1 appears to be a risk profile for weaning. O Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional (SISVAN) objetiva monitorar as características do consumo alimentar de indivíduos atendidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as práticas alimentares de crianças menores de 24 meses que frequentam Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS), utilizando o SISVAN, e avaliar a relação com perfis sociodemográficos maternos. Estudo transversal que avaliou 350 crianças utilizando-se o Formulário de Marcadores de Consumo Alimentar do SISVAN, e dados sociodemográficos maternos para a identificação dos perfis a partir da análise fatorial exploratória. Das crianças avaliadas, 41,1% das menores de 6 meses e 98,7% daquelas entre 6 e 23 meses apresentaram consumo inadequado. Foram encontrados 2 perfis sociodemográficos: Perfil 1 (mães com menor renda, menor escolaridade e beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família) associado com o consumo de água/chá, leite de vaca e papa salgada; e Perfil 2 (mães com mais idade, com maior número de filhos e com maior número de residentes no domicílio) associado com o consumo de leite materno (p= 0,048). A utilização do SISVAN possibilitou identificar que as crianças apresentaram práticas alimentares inadequadas, e o Perfil 1 parece ser um perfil de risco para o desmame.

OBJECTIVE To investigate if there is a reduced risk of type 1 diabetes in children breastfed or exclusively breastfed by performing a pooled analysis with adjustment for recognized confounders. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Relevant studies were identified from literature searches using MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Authors of relevant studies were asked to provide individual participant data or conduct prespecified analyses. Meta-analysis techniques were used to combine odds ratios (ORs) and investigate heterogeneity between studies. RESULTS Data were available from 43 studies including 9,874 patients with type 1 diabetes. Overall, there was a reduction in the risk of diabetes after exclusive breast-feeding for >2 weeks (20 studies; OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.64–0.88), the association after exclusive breast-feeding for >3 months was weaker (30 studies; OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.75–1.00), and no association was observed after (nonexclusive) breast-feeding for >2 weeks (28 studies; OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.81–1.07) or >3 months (29 studies; OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.78–1.00). These associations were all subject to marked heterogeneity (I2 = 58, 76, 54, and 68%, respectively). In studies with lower risk of bias, the reduced risk after exclusive breast-feeding for >2 weeks remained (12 studies; OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.99), and heterogeneity was reduced (I2 = 0%). Adjustments for potential confounders altered these estimates very little. CONCLUSIONS The pooled analysis suggests weak protective associations between exclusive breast-feeding and type 1 diabetes risk. However, these findings are difficult to interpret because of the marked variation in effect and possible biases (particularly recall bias) inherent in the included studies.

Visou-se a identificar os fatores associados à interrupção do aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME) de lactentes nascidos com baixo peso assistidos na Atenção Básica. Estudo transversal com 170 lactentes assistidos em unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) da periferia do Município de São Paulo, Brasil. Incluíram-se nascidos com peso ≤ 2.500g (inclusive gemelares), Apgar (5') ≥ 7 e acompanhados até o terceiro mês. Excluíram-se bebê/mãe com alterações que impedissem o AME e óbitos. Coletaram-se os dados utilizando-se formulários preenchidos nas consultas e prontuários. As razões de prevalência foram obtidas por regressão de Poisson. Identificou-se associado à interrupção do AME no terceiro mês: idade materna < 18 anos; vínculo empregatício informal (como fator de proteção); ingestão de álcool na gestação; < 6 consultas no pré-natal; gestação múltipla; peso ao nascer ≤ 2.000g; dificuldade na primeira mamada; queixa sobre a amamentação no primeiro mês; uso de chupeta no primeiro e segundo meses. O conhecimento desses fatores beneficia o planejamento de ações e políticas locais visando ao aumento da amamentação exclusiva dos lactentes nascidos com baixo peso. This study aimed to identify factors associated with interruption of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in low birth weight infants receiving primary care. This was a cross-sectional study of 170 infants treated at primary care units on the urban periphery of São Paulo, Brazil. The sample included infants with birth weight ≤ 2,500g (including twins) and 5-minute Apgar ≥ 7, followed until the third month of life, and excluded infants/mothers with complications that would impede EBF, besides infant/maternal deaths. Data were collected from forms completed during consultations and patient records. Prevalence ratios were obtained by Poisson regression. The following factors were associated with interruption of EBF in the first three months of life: maternal age ≤ 18 years; informal employment (protective factor); alcohol intake during pregnancy; < 6 prenatal visits; multiple gestations; birth weight ≤ 2,000g; difficulty breastfeeding in the first month; complaints in breastfeeding during the first month; and use of pacifiers in the first two months. Prior knowledge of these factors can help plan measures and policies to increase EBF rates among low birth weight infants.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as mudanças nos perfis metabólico e nutricional de nipo-brasileiros com e sem síndrome metabólica, após dois anos de participação em programa de intervenção. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo experimental não controlado. A pesquisa incluiu três momentos de avaliação clínico-laboratorial: basal (2005), após o primeiro ano de intervenção (2006) e ao final do segundo ano (2007). Na presente análise, utilizaram-se informações de 360 indivíduos examinados nos três momentos. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora no perfil metabólico e antropométrico, após o segundo ano de intervenção. Observaram-se diminuição na ingestão de gorduras totais, ácidos graxos saturados, colesterol e aumento de fibras totais nos homens sem síndrome metabólica. No sexo feminino sem síndrome metabólica, observou-se redução de gordura total (p = 0,003) e ácido graxo monoinsaturado (p = 0,002). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados encontrados mostraram impacto positivo do programa de intervenção nos perfis metabólico e nutricional dos nipo-brasileiros com e sem síndrome metabólica. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the changes in biochemical and nutritional profiles of Japanese-Brazilians with and without metabolic syndrome after two years of participation in the intervention program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a non-controlled experimental study. The biochemical and clinical assessments were conducted at baseline (2005), after a year (2006) and after two years (2007) of intervention. On the present study, data of 360 individuals, who participated on the three assessments were considered. RESULTS: Both groups presented improvements on the anthropometric and metabolic profile, after two years of intervention. It was observed reduction in the intake of total fat, saturated fat, and dietary cholesterol, and increased intake of fiber among men without metabolic syndrome. It was observed reduction in the intake of total fat (p = 0,003) and monounsaturated fatty acid (p = 0,002). CONCLUSION: The results showed a positive impact of the lifestyle intervention program in metabolic and nutritional profile of Japanese-Brazilians with and without metabolic syndrome.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever e identificar fatores associados aos padrões de consumo de alimentos de residentes no Município de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado entre sujeitos de ambos os sexos e com idade > 30 anos (n = 930; n ponderado = 2.197). Empregou-se a análise fatorial na identificação dos padrões de consumo obtidos por questionário semiquantitativo. Identificaram-se quatro padrões: (a) obesogênico: mais frequente entre os mais ativos, com maior escolaridade e idade < 40 anos; (b) saudável: mais frequente entre mulheres, naqueles sem excesso de peso, mais velhos, com obesidade central, mais ativos e com melhor condição socioeconômica; (c) misto: mais prevalente entre os sem excesso de peso, entre mulheres e entre os mais jovens; (d) popular: mais frequente entre os sem hipercolesterolemia e com menor renda familiar. Esses resultados evidenciam a necessidade de estimular a ingestão de alimentos saudáveis de forma a prevenir o aparecimento de doenças crônicas. This study aimed to identify and analyze correlates of dietary patterns in residents of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study including both men and women aged > 30 years (n = 930, weighted sample = 2,197). Factor analysis was applied to identify food consumption patterns, using a semi-quantitative questionnaire. Four patterns were identified: (a) obesogenic: associated with more physical activity, more schooling, and age < 40 years; (b) healthy: associated with female gender, individuals without overweight, older adults, central obesity, more physical activity, and higher socioeconomic status; (c) mixed: without overweight, female gender, and younger adults; and (d) popular: associated with absence of hypercholesterolemia and lower family income. The results highlight the need to encourage eating healthy foods in order to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases.

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hyperuricemia and associated risk factors among Japanese-Brazilians. We obtained data on demographic, health history, food intake, and laboratory variables. Chi-square and prevalence ratios were used as measures of association. 35.3% of the subjects presented hyperuricemia, which was more frequent in smokers, males, age > 55 years, with co-morbidities, individuals on uric acid-increasing medication, serum creatinine > 1.4mg/dL, high alcohol consumption, and low consumption of milk and dairy products. In the multivariate analysis, the associations remained significant with gender, overweight, central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and use of specific drugs. Among males, low intake of saturated fat was associated with hyperuricemia. Individuals with hypertension showed a negative association with dairy product consumption. The high hyperuricemia prevalence suggests that changes in nutritional profile and control of associated co-morbidities could help minimize occurrence of this condition. O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi estimar a prevalência de hiperuricemia e fatores associados entre nipo-brasileiros. Obtiveram-se informações sobre variáveis demográficas, de saúde, dietéticas e bioquímicas. O teste qui-quadrado e razões de prevalências foram utilizados como medidas de associação. 35,3% dos sujeitos tinham hiperuricemia e esta acometeu, principalmente, tabagistas, homens, com faixa etária > 55 anos, com outras comorbidades, em uso de drogas hiperuricemiantes, com creatinina sérica elevada, com maior ingestão de álcool e menor de laticínios. Em análise múltipla permaneceram significantes as associações com o sexo, excesso de peso, obesidade central, hipertrigliceridemia e uso de medicamentos. Entre os homens, o menor consumo de gorduras saturadas associou-se à hiperuricemia. Entre hipertensos ocorreu associação negativa com o consumo de laticínios. A alta prevalência de hiperuricemia indica que mudanças no perfil nutricional e controle das comorbidades associadas podem contribuir para minimizar a ocorrência dessa anormalidade.

Objective We investigated whether lifestyle-induced changes in dietary fat quality are related to improvements on glucose metabolism disturbances in Japanese Brazilians at high risk of type 2 diabetes. Methods One hundred forty-eight first- and second-generation subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glycemia who attended a lifestyle intervention program for 12 mo were studied in the city of Bauru, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Dietary fatty acid intakes at baseline and after 12 mo were estimated using three 24-h recalls. The effect of dietary fat intake on glucose metabolism was investigated by multiple logistic regression models. Results At baseline, mean ± standard deviation age and body mass index were 60 ± 11 y and 25.5 ± 4.2 kg/m2, respectively. After 12 mo, 92 subjects had normal plasma glucose levels and 56 remained in prediabetic conditions. Using logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, generation, basal intake of explanatory nutrient, energy intake, physical activity, and waist circumference, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for reversion to normoglycemia were 3.14 (1.22–8.10) in the second tertile of total ω-3 fatty acid, 4.26 (1.34–13.57) in the second tertile of eicosapentaenoic acid, and 2.80 (1.10–7.10) in the second tertile of linolenic acid. Similarly, subjects in the highest tertile of ω-3:ω-6 fatty acid ratio showed a higher chance of improving glucose disturbances (2.51, 1.01–6.37). Conclusions Our findings support the evidence of an independent protective effect of ω-3 fatty acid and of a higher ω-3:ω-6 fatty acid ratio on the glucose metabolism of high-risk individuals.

Background: Brazil has more than 200 indigenous peoples with 170 different languages that result in different epidemiological and demographic situations. The objective of this study was to describe the nutritional and metabolic profile of the adult Karib indigenous peoples, inhabitants of the Upper Xingu region, as well as to evaluate their possible effects on their cardiovascular health. Methods: In 2002, the Karib population comprised 1091 individuals, 390 of whom (35.7%) were 20 years of age or older. This study was based on results from 251 adult individuals (64.4%). χ 2 statistics were used to evaluate the possible relationship between chronic diseases and tribe, gender and age. Analysis of variance was used to compare the average values of the biomedical variables of the individuals according to tribe and gender. Results: The prevalence of the main risk factors detected was: 39.3% overweight and 6.8% obese, mainly among men (60.4%), 41.8% for central obesity mainly among women (66.7%), 68% for dyslipidaemia and 15.4% for blood pressure alterations mainly among men (24.7%). Overall, percentages were higher than in the non-indigenous Brazilian population. The percentage of individuals presenting simultaneously with at least two cardiovascular risk factors (29%) was also remarkable. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need to implement preventive health measures to control obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors in indigenous peoples.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Alta prevalência de diabetes em população nipo-brasileira de Bauru/SP foi previamente relatada. Visando a complementar a avaliação do risco cardiometabólico, este estudo analisou distúrbios no perfil lipídico de 1.330 nipo-brasileiros (46% homens) > 30 anos. Definiu-se hipercolesterolemia por níveis de colesterol total > 240 mg/dL; hipertrigliceridemia por valores > 150 mg/dL e HDL-colesterol baixo por valores < 40 mg/dL e < 50 mg/dL para homens e mulheres, respectivamente. A prevalência desses distúrbios foi comparada pelo qui-quadrado, estratificando-se por sexos e categorias glicêmicas. As médias dos lipídeos e lipoproteínas foram comparadas entre sexos pelo teste t de Student. A prevalência de hipertrigliceridemia foi de 66,0% (IC95%:63,5 - 68,5%), sendo mais comum em homens e aumentando com a piora da categoria glicêmica; a trigliceridemia média foi 235,7 ± 196,3 mg/dL. A prevalência de hipercolesterolemia foi 24,4% (IC95%:22,1 - 26,7%); HDL-C baixo foi observado em 43,0% (IC95%:39,4 - 46,6%] das mulheres e 17,5% (IC95%:14,5 - 20,5%) dos homens, porém a razão colesterol total/HDL-C foi menor em mulheres (4,23 ± 0,68 vs. 4,40 ± 0,73; p < 0,001). Em nipo-brasileiros, a hipertrigliceridemia é a anormalidade lipídica mais comum, em concordância com a elevada prevalência de diabetes. Os homens apresentaram pior perfil lipídico que as mulheres. Sugere-se que hábitos de vida ocidental possam estar deteriorando a saúde desses indivíduos. High prevalence of diabetes has been previously reported in Japanese-Brazilians. In an attempt to better estimate the cardiometabolic risk, this study evaluated lipid disorders in 1,330 Japanese-Brazilians (46% men) aged >30 years. Hypercholesterolemia was defined as serum cholesterol > 240 mg/dL, hypertriglyceridemia as values > 150 mg/dL and low-HDL-C as values

Although evidences indicate that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are independent predictors of type 2 diabetes (DM), some studies either did not support this association or examine it extensively throughout the stages of glucose tol- erance. In a cross-sectional population-based survey, we investigated the relation between CRP and the risk of newly di- agnosed impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and DM among Japanese-Brazilians (374 men and 464 women). In age- gender-adjusted analyses, the risks of IGT and type 2 diabetes were significantly higher in the highest CRP tertile as compared with participants with a normal glucose tolerance status (P for trend = 0.0001 in both conditions). After further adjustments for confounding factors, including waist circumference, only the odds of having IGT in the highest CRP ter- tile was still significant (odds ratio 1.87 (95% CI 1.04-3.37). Our results suggest that low-grade inflammation increases the risk of IGT in Japanese-Brazilians but that some of the risk is confounded by abdominal adiposity.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different body mass index (BMI) ranges associated with the risk of diabetes and hypertension in Japanese-Brazilians. This cross-sectional study was based on data from 1,330 Japanese-Brazilians > 30 years of age who participated in a population-based survey on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and associated diseases. Glucose tolerance status was classified according to WHO criteria and blood pressure levels according to the VI-JNC. Odds ratios for diabetes and hypertension were calculated for different BMI ranges; for different BMIs, sensitivity and specificity for percentiles 25, 50, 75, 90 and 95 were obtained. Increased odds ratios for diabetes mellitus and hypertension were observed with BMI values > 25kg/m². The 50th percentile corresponded to the highest sensitivity and specificity for the identification of risk for both diseases. Our results suggest that BMI values proposed by WHO should also be useful for this group of Japanese descendants in the assessment of risk for DM and hypertension.

Doenças associadas ao sedentarismo podem ser prevenidas por mudanças no estilo de vida. Parte dos benefícios cardiovasculares da atividade física poderia advir de menor grau de inflamação. Este estudo descreve a atividade física de uma população de origem japonesa e analisa sua associação à síndrome metabólica (SM), ajustada para diversas variáveis. Baseou-se em banco de dados previamente constituído a partir de um estudo de base populacional em nipo-brasileiros. Foram incluídos 1330 indivíduos > 30 anos, de ambos os sexos, residentes em Bauru, submetidos a entrevistas, sendo obtidos dados sócio-demográficos, de saúde, de atividade física e de dieta, além de exames médicos e laboratoriais. A avaliação da atividade física enfocou atividades no trabalho e nas horas vagas. O diagnóstico de SM foi baseado em adaptação para asiáticos dos critérios do NCEP. Empregou-se regressão logística, tendo a SM como variável resposta. Homens (46,1%) e mulheres apresentaram médias de idade semelhantes (57,0 ± 12,8 e 56,9 ± 12,2 anos, respectivamente). Houve leve predomínio do sexo feminino. Os homens apresentavam grau de instrução mais elevado e mais freqüentemente eram fumantes (p< 0,001); seus valores médios de IMC, cintura e de pressão arterial (p< 0,001) foram superiores aos das mulheres. Para ambos os sexos, a maioria referia praticar atividades de intensidade leve ou moderada nas horas vagas (81,2% dos homens e 86,6% das mulheres). Quanto ao esforço do trabalho, 87,8% dos homens classificaram seu esforço como leve ou moderado, contra 96,1% das mulheres. A distribuição dos níveis de AF invariavelmente revelou que as mulheres eram mais inativas (p= 0,01). Estratificando-se pela presença da SM, as mulheres e homens com SM eram significantemente mais velhos e apresentavam maiores valores antropométricos. Considerando a duração da caminhada ao trabalho, notou-se tendência a tempo menor entre aqueles com SM (p< 0,078). Conforme esperado, indivíduos com SM apresentaram níveis significantemente maiores de pressão arterial, glicemia, lípides e HOMA-IR quando comparados aos sem SM. O HDL foi menor no grupo com SM, sendo significante no sexo feminino. Os valores médios da PCR foram maiores nos indivíduos com SM. Na regressão logística, a idade, IMC, HOMA-IR e PCR se associaram independentemente à SM, o que não ocorreu com os parâmetros usados para mensurar AF. Nossos achados não permitem afirmar que a inatividade física associa-se à presença de SM numa população nipo-brasileira. A freqüência bastante alta de inatividade física deve ter contribuído para os achados negativos quanto a efeitos protetores da atividade física. O achado de associação da SM à PCR sérica é favorável à hipótese de que um estado inflamatório sub-clínico participe desta síndrome. Sedentary behavior-related diseases can be prevented by lifestyle changes. Part of the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity (PA) may be due to low-grade inflammation. This study describes the PA of a population of Japanese and analyses its association with metabolic syndrome (MS) adjusted a number of variables. This was based on a database previously created following a population-based study of Japanese-Brazilians. 1,330 subjects aged > 30 years, of both sexes, living in Bauru, were included and they were submitted to interviews, being obtained sociodemographic, health, physical activity and dietary data, as well as clinical and laboratory data. Physical activity assessment focused on activities during work and leisure times. Diagnosis of MS was based on an adaptation of NCEP criteria for Asians. Non-conditional logistic regression had MS as the dependent variable. Men (46.1%) and women showed similar mean ages (57.0 ± 12.8 and 56.9 ± 12.2 years, respectively). A slight preponderance of females was observed. Men had a higher level of education and more frequently were smokers (p< 0.001); their mean values of BMI, waist and blood pressure (p< 0.001) were higher than the women’s. For both sexes, the majority referred light and moderate activities (81.2% of men and 86.6% of women). As far as work time is concerned, 87.8% of men classified their effort as light or moderate versus 96.1% of women. Distribution by PA levels showed that women were always less active than men (p= 0.01). Stratifying by the presence of MS, men and women with MS were significantly older and showed greater anthropometric values. Considering the walking duration for work, there was a tendency of shorter periods among those with MS (p< 0.078). As expected, subjects with MS showed significantly higher levels of blood pressure, plasma glucose, lipids and HOMA-IR when compared to those without MS. HDL levels were lower in the MS group, being significant for the female sex. The mean values of CRP were higher in subjects with MS. In logistic regression, age, BMI, HOMA-IR and CRP were shown to be independently associated with MS, but not parameters used to measure physical activity. Our findings do not allow to state that physical inactivity is associated with MS in a Japanese-Brazilian population. High frequencies of physical inactivity should have contributed to the negative findings concerning protective effects of physical activity. The association of MS and serum CRP favors the hypothesis that a low-grade inflammatory state may participate in this syndrome.

The current article aimed to verify the degree of agreement in classification of nutritional status according to body mass index (BMI) and corrected body mass index (BMIc). Data were used from a cross-sectional study of Japanese-Brazilians. Statistical analysis provided prevalence rates for chronic diseases, kappa statistic, and Pearson's linear correlation coefficient. Some 5.9% of Japanese-Brazilians were discordant according to the BMI and BMIc classifications. The weighted kappa statistic (0.94; p = 0.000) indicated good agreement between the classifications. Similar prevalence rates for chronic diseases were obtained for individuals with excess weight classified by these two indices. Similar Pearson's linear correlation coefficients were obtained for these indices and waist circumference and body fat measurements. The results suggest that BMI correction for relative sitting height is probably unnecessary for these individuals.

Criteria for metabolic syndrome (MS) differ particularly regarding the definition of central obesity and consequently, there could be differences in the assessment of cardiovascular risk. We estimated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, compared the agreement of the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria with the standard and a modified National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criterion and investigated whether additional factors were associated with the diagnosis of the syndrome in a Japanese descendant population.In this cross-sectional, population-based survey, 1166 Japanese-Brazilians (533 men, 633 women) aged 57.4 +/- 12.4 years with mean body mass index (BMI) and waist of 25.2 +/- 4.0 kg/m(2) and 84.5 +/- 10.6 cm, respectively, were included. McNemar and kappa statistics were used to assess the concordance between WHO criteria with the standard and a modified NCEP criteria (waist of 90 and 80 cm, for men and women, respectively). In logistic regression analysis, a number of metabolic variables and albumin-to-creatinine ratio were included to test independent associations with metabolic syndrome defined by the modified NCEP criteria.According to WHO, 55.4% (95% CI 52.5-58.2%) of the subjects had MS and to NCEP 47.4% (95% CI 44.6-50.0%). WHO criterion detected 48.3% of central obese subjects while NCEP only 14.0%. Kappa statistics showed a good strength of agreement (k = 0.67, p0.01) between WHO and NCEP standard definitions of MS. Using the modified NCEP criterion for Asians, more subjects with metabolic syndrome were identified (58%) and agreement with WHO was improved (k = 0.72, p0.001). However, similar Framingham risk scores were attributed to the subsets of subjects classified by any of the three criteria. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves, obtained for the modified waist values to diagnose metabolic syndrome according to WHO, were0.80 and corresponded, respectively, to sensitivity and specificity of 63 and 83% for men and 77 and 72% for women. In final logistic regression model, age, male sex, BMI and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance but not with albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were independently associated with the syndrome.High prevalence of MS, independent of the criterion considered, was found in this Japanese-Brazilian population. The replacement of waist cutoff by those proposed by WHO for Asians lead to this diagnosis in a higher number of subjects with elevated cardiovascular risk. Our data did not support that ACR should be included in the classical definition of MS in Japanese descendants as previously suggested by WHO.

The Parkateje Indians, belonging to the Je group and inhabiting the Mae Maria Reservation in the southeast of the state of Para in the Amazon Region of Brazil, have suffered rapid and intensive cultural changes in recent years. This survey was designed to characterize the metabolic profile and the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors in this community. Ninety subjects (90.0% of the adult population without admixture) were investigated. Anthropometric measurements were performed and the following clinical characteristics measured: glycemia, serum insulin and proinsulin (fasting and 2-hr post 75 g of glucose load), s-cell function (%B) and insulin sensitivity (%S) estimated by HOMA, HbA1c, GAD65 antibody, serum lipids, uric acid, creatinine, leptin, and blood pressure. Information about alcohol use, smoking, and medical history was obtained through individual interviews. The prevalences were: overweight, 67.8%; obesity, 14.4%; central obesity, 72.2%; hypertension, 4.4%; dyslipidemia, 44.4%; hyperuricemia, 5.6%; GAD65 antibody positivity, 4.4%; smoking, 25.6%; chronic alcohol use, 0.0%. One case of impaired glucose tolerance (1.1%) and one case of impaired fasting glycemia (1.1%) were diagnosed during this study and one case of diabetes (1.1%) was diagnosed previously. The diabetic woman was excluded from the analyses involving HbA1c, glycemia, insulin, proinsulin, %B, and %S. All creatinine values were normal. Blood pressure did not correlate with age, anthropometric measurements, insulin, proinsulin, and natural logarithm (ln) transformed %S. After adjustment for age and sex, there were positive correlations between total cholesterol and body mass index (BMI; r = 0.24), triglycerides and BMI (r = 0.44), triglycerides and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; r = 0.52), ln leptin and BMI (r = 0.41), ln leptin and WHR (r = 0.29), uric acid and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.34), uric acid and triglycerides (r = 0.22). Systolic (r = 0.04; r = 0.70) and diastolic (r = 0.14; p = 0.18) blood pressure did not correlate with BMI. Ln leptin had a weak positive correlation with 2-hr insulin (r = 0.14) adjusted for age, sex, and BMI. The multiple linear regression model containing the variables sex, BMI, and 2-hr insulin concentrations explained 77.2% of the variation of ln leptin. In conclusion, the high rates of cardiovascular risk factors found among these Indians point to there being a high-risk group to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. To reduce this risk they need to receive preventive interventions.

Aims/hypothesis. In 1993, the prevalence of glucose intolerance was studied in a sample of 647 first-generation and second-generation Japanese-Brazilians. Their cohort was followed until 2000, when a second survey was conducted, this included the first and second generations, aged 30 or more years. The aims were to estimate the prevalence of glucose intolerance and 7-yr incidence of Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus in this population. Methods. Prevalence rates were obtained for 1330 subjects examined in 2000. The incidence of diabetes mellitus was calculated for those classified as normal glucose tolerant in 1993 (n=253). A Student's t test and the Cox proportional hazard model were used in data analysis. Results. In the year 2000, higher proportions of subjects were observed in all categories of glucose intolerance than those found in 1993. The overall incidence of diabetes was 30.9 per 1000 per year. A worse profile was observed among incident cases of diabetes, characterized by higher baseline values of anthropometric and metabolic variables as compared to those who had not developed diabetes. Analysis considering the simultaneous effects of demographic, nutritional and metabolic variables and physical activity levels for the development of diabetes showed that age, sex, waist circumference, fasting and 2-h plasma glucose concentrations were independent predictors. Conclusion/interpretation. Our data point towards a worsening of glucose tolerance status among Japanese-Brazilians, who show one of the highest prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus worldwide. This could reflect their strong genetic susceptibility associated with unfavourable environmental conditions.

Investigation of the determinants of metabolic outcomes associated with non-communicable diseases is increasingly important in developing countries, but such parameters have not been explored extensively during childhood. The present study assessed the impact of weight gain, measured as BMI-for-age Z-scores, on glucose and insulin concentrations, homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure during school years among Amazonian children. A population-based prospective study of 696 children aged >4 to ≤ 10 years with complete anthropometric information at baseline (51 % females and 86 % of mixed race) was carried out; 411 children had data on metabolic parameters after a median follow-up period of 2·0 years (range 1·7–2·6 years). During follow-up, there was a significant increase in the proportion of overweight children (BMI-for-age Z-score >1) from 10·1 to 15·8 % (P= 0·003). In linear regression models adjusted for the child's sex, age, race/ethnicity, baseline household wealth, birth weight and pubertal development stage, for each unit of BMI-for-age Z-score variation during follow-up, an increase of 8·58 (95 % CI 7·68, 9·60) pmol/l in fasting plasma insulin concentrations and 1·47 (95 % CI 1·30, 1·66) in HOMA-IR values was observed. There was no significant impact of weight gain on glucose concentrations and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, we found evidence that an increase in BMI during a 2-year period affected insulin resistance during school years. Considering the significant increase in overweight in this age group, special attention should be paid to monitoring increases in BMI in children from the Brazilian Amazon.

OBJETIVO: Como parte de um estudo envolvendo migrantes japoneses (issei) e seus descendentes (nisei), residentes na cidade de Bauru no Estado de São Paulo, descrevem-se e comparam-se os coeficientes de mortalidade (CM) observados para o período de 1993 a 1996 em indivíduos com graus diferentes de tolerância à glicose. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Nesse estudo, em 1993, a coorte era composta por 530 nipo-brasileiros (236 issei e 294 nisei), de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 40 e 79 anos, sendo que 91 indivíduos (17%) foram classificados como diabéticos não dependentes de insulina (DMNDI), 90 (17%) como portadores de tolerância à glicose diminuída (TGD) e 349 (66%) como normais quanto à tolerância à glicose. Em 1996 foram identificados os óbtos ocorridos e obtidas informações dos familiares e dos certificados de óbito para o registro da data e da causa da morte. Calcularam-se, para os três grupos de indivíduos, os CM brutos e ajustados, por todas as causas e por causas específicas (doenças circulatória e renal). O modelo de Cox foi utilizado para a comparação dos CM ajustados segundo idade, sexo, geração, creatinina sérica, presença de hipertensão arterial, de dislipidemia e de obesidade. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: As razões entre os CM brutos de indivíduos diabéticos e normais foram 2,95 (IC 95%: 1,10 -7,62) para os óbitos ocorridos por todas as causas e 4,75 (IC 95%: 1,31 - 16,48) para os óbitos por causas específicas. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os CM brutos de indivíduos com TGD quando comparados aos indivíduos normais. Após o ajuste simultâneo pelas variáveis de controle, observou-se que, entre os indivíduos diabéticos, a força de mortalidade por causas específicas foi aproximadamente 4 vezes aquela observada entre os indivíduos normais (Razão dos CM: 3,86 e IC 95%: 1,11 -13,38). Os resultados em nipo-brasileiros são consistentes com outros obtidos em populações diabéticas, reforçando a influência desse distúrbio metabólico, particularmente sobre a mortalidade por doenças cardiovascular e renal. OBJECTIVE: As part of a study involving Japanese migrants, living in a developed city in the state of S. Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, a four-year experience of mortality among diabetic and non-diabetic subjects is described and their respective death rates are compared. In 1993, a cohort of 530 Japanese-Brazilians (236 issei or 1st generation and 294 nisei or 2nd generation) of both sexes, aged 40 from to 79 years old, were identified. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD: At that time, 91 (17%) were classified as non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects (NIDDM), 90 (17%) with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 349 (66%) as normal, according to WHO criteria. In 1996, families were questioned with a view detecting the deaths wich had occurred among the subjects previously studied. This information, in addition to that from death certificates was used to record the date and the causes of death. Mortality rates for all causes and for specific causes (circulatory and renal diseases) were obtained for the three groups of subjects, by glucose tolerance status. Proportional hazard regression models were used to compare the mortality rates, adjusted for several covariables (gender, age, generation, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity and serum creatinine). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Crude mortality rate ratios for all causes and specific causes, for NIDDM, and normal subjects were 2.95 (95% CI: 1.10 - 7.62) and 4.57 (95% CI: 1.31- 16.48), respectively. No difference was observed between the crude mortality rate ratio for IGT and normal subjects. After simultaneous adjustments for the covariates, higher mortality rates for specific causes were observed among NIDDM than in the normal subjects (mortality rates ratio: 3.86; 95% CI: 1.11 - 13.38). These results in Japanese-Brazilians are consistent with previous reports of increased mortality in other diabetic subjects, thus confirming the adverse effect of this metabolic disturbance on mortality among diabetic subjects.