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INTRODUCTION The alarming increase in obesity worldwide is of concern, because of the associations of obesity with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular diseases. (1) Adipose [...], BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary patterns and biomarkers of inflammation have been scarcely associated. The aim was to assess dietary factors associated with subclinical inflammation among girls. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Fasting blood samples were collected from 12- to 17-year old girls (n = 219) to measure adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and food intake were also measured. Western (WDP) and Mediterranean (MDP) dietary patterns were identified. RESULTS: BMI and WHtR were associated with adiponectin, leptin and hs-CRP (the last, only associated with BMI). Intakes of β-carotene equivalents and vitamin C were associated with adiponectin; saturated fatty acids (SFA), vitamin A, manganese and selenium with leptin; linoleic acid with PAI-1;and oleic acid and vitamin E with IL-6. Selenium was inversely associated with adiponectin, whereas magnesium was positively associated with IL-6. MDP was associated with higher plasma concentrations of adiponectin (β = 0.174, P < 0.05); after adjustment for BMI, associations were not significant (β = 0.144, P = 0.076). WDP was negatively associated with adiponectin (β = -0.177, P < 0.05) and positively with IL-6 (β = 0.183, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical inflammation is detectable with increasing BMI and also WHtR. Measures of adiposity (BMI and WHtR) are significant predictors of adiponectin, leptin and hs-CRP. Dietary patterns per se have a small role in affecting inflammatory markers among adolescents. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2013) 67, 1264-1270; doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2013.196; published online 23 October 2013 Keywords: inflammation; adiponectin; leptin; PAI-1; IL-6; hs-CRP

Objective: To assess prevailing food patterns among Balearic Islands' adolescents, and socio-economic and lifestyle determinants.Design: Cross-sectional nutritional survey carried out (2007-2008) in the Balearic Islands, a Mediterranean region. Dietary assessment was based on a 145-item semi-quantitative FFQ and two non-consecutive 24 h recalls. Anthropometric measurements and questions related to socio-economic, lifestyle, physical activity and body image were assessed.Setting: Data obtained from a representative sample of all inhabitants living in the Balearic Islands aged 12-17 years.Subjects: A random sample (n 1231) of the adolescent population (12-17 years old) was interviewed.Results: Factor analysis identified two major dietary food patterns: 'Western' and 'Mediterranean'. The 'Western' dietary pattern was higher among boys than girls, associated with spending ≥4 h/d on media screen time, but less prevalent among those adolescents who desired a thinner body and those girls who desired to remain the same weight. The 'Mediterranean' dietary pattern was mainly followed by girls, and also boys who spent < 2 h/d on media screen time and girls with high parental socio-economic status.Conclusions: The present study shows the existence of two major dietary patterns among Balearic Islands' adolescents: 'Western' and 'Mediterranean', but girls are more 'Mediterranean' than boys. This evidence supports that the food pattern of Balearic Islands' adolescents is in a transitional state characterised by the loss of the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern towards a Western dietary pattern. Low parental socio-economic status, much leisure-time on sedentary behaviours such as media screen time and body image are factors associated with the 'Western' dietary pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Validation of self-reported tools, such as physical activity (PA) questionnaires, is crucial. The aim of this study was to determine test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and the concurrent, construct, and predictive validity of the short semi-quantitative Physical Activity Unit 7 item Screener (PAU-7S), using accelerometry as the reference measurement. The effect of linear calibration on PAU-7S validity was tested., Methods: A randomized sample of 321 healthy children aged 8-16 years (149 boys, 172 girls) from the nationwide representative PASOS study completed the PAU-7S before and after wearing an accelerometer for at least 7 consecutive days. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. Cronbach alpha was calculated for internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was determined by intra-class correlation (ICC). Concurrent validity was assessed by ICC and Spearman correlation coefficient between moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) derived by the PAU-7S and by accelerometer. Concordance between both methods was analyzed by absolute agreement, weighted kappa, and Bland-Altman statistics. Multiple linear regression models were fitted for construct validity and predictive validity was determined by leave-one-out cross-validation., Results: The PAU-7S overestimated MVPA by 18%, compared to accelerometers (106.5 ± 77.0 vs 95.2 ± 33.2 min/day, respectively). A Cronbach alpha of 0.76 showed an acceptable internal consistency of the PAU-7S. Test-retest reliability was good (ICC 0.71 p < 0.001). Spearman correlation and ICC coefficients of MVPA derived by the PAU-7S and accelerometers increased from 0.31 to 0.62 and 0.20 to 0.62, respectively, after calibration of the PAU-7S. Between-methods concordance improved from a weighted kappa of 0.24 to 0.50 after calibration. A slight reduction in ICC, from 0.62 to 0.60, yielded good predictive validity. Multiple linear regression models showed an inverse association of MVPA with standardized body mass index (β - 0.162; p < 0.077) and waist to height ratio (β - 0.010; p < 0.014). All validity dimensions were somewhat stronger in boys compared to girls., Conclusion: The PAU-7S shows a good test-retest reliability and acceptable internal consistency. All dimensions of validity increased from poor/fair to moderate/good after calibration. The PAU-7S is a valid instrument for measuring MVPA in children and adolescents., Trial Registration: Trial registration number ISRCTN34251612 ., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Large randomized trials testing the effect of a multifactorial weight-loss lifestyle intervention including Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on renal function are lacking. Here, we evaluated the 1-year efficacy of an intensive weight-loss intervention with an energy-reduced MedDiet (erMedDiet) plus increased physical activity (PA) on renal function., Methods: Randomized controlled "PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea-Plus" (PREDIMED-Plus) trial is conducted in 23 Spanish centers comprising 208 primary care clinics. Overweight/obese (n = 6,719) adults aged 55-75 years with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned (1:1) to an intensive weight-loss lifestyle intervention with an erMedDiet, PA promotion, and behavioral support (intervention) or usual-care advice to adhere to an energy-unrestricted MedDiet (control) between September 2013 and December 2016. The primary outcome was 1-year change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Secondary outcomes were changes in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), incidence of moderately/severely impaired eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and micro- to macroalbuminuria (UACR ≥30 mg/g), and reversion of moderately (45 to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) to mildly impaired GFR (60 to <90 mL/min/1.73 m2) or micro- to macroalbuminuria., Results: After 1 year, eGFR declined by 0.66 and 1.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the intervention and control groups, respectively (mean difference, 0.58 mL/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI: 0.15-1.02). There were no between-group differences in mean UACR or micro- to macroalbuminuria changes. Moderately/severely impaired eGFR incidence and reversion of moderately to mildly impaired GFR were 40% lower (HR 0.60; 0.44-0.82) and 92% higher (HR 1.92; 1.35-2.73), respectively, in the intervention group., Conclusions: The PREDIMED-Plus lifestyle intervention approach may preserve renal function and delay CKD progression in overweight/obese adults., (© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: High nut consumption has been previously associated with decreased prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) regardless of race and dietary patterns., Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess whether changes in nut consumption over a 1-y follow-up are associated with changes in features of MetS in a middle-aged and older Spanish population at high cardiovascular disease risk., Methods: This prospective 1-y follow-up cohort study, conducted in the framework of the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED)-Plus randomized trial, included 5800 men and women (55-75 y old) with overweight/obesity [BMI (in kg/m2) ≥27 and <40] and MetS. Nut consumption (almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and other nuts) was assessed using data from a validated FFQ. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to 1 y in features of MetS [waist circumference (WC), glycemia, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure] and excess weight (body weight and BMI) according to tertiles of change in nut consumption. Secondary outcomes included changes in dietary and lifestyle characteristics. A generalized linear model was used to compare 1-y changes in features of MetS, weight, dietary intakes, and lifestyle characteristics across tertiles of change in nut consumption., Results: As nut consumption increased, between each tertile there was a significant decrease in WC, TG, systolic blood pressure, weight, and BMI (P < 0.05), and a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (only in women, P = 0.044). The interaction effect between time and group was significant for total energy intake (P < 0.001), adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) (P < 0.001), and nut consumption (P < 0.001). Across tertiles of increasing nut consumption there was a significant increase in extra virgin olive oil intake and adherence to the MedDiet; change in energy intake, on the other hand, was inversely related to consumption of nuts., Conclusions: Features of MetS and excess weight were inversely associated with nut consumption after a 1-y follow-up in the PREDIMED-Plus study cohort. This trial was registered at isrctn.com as ISRCTN89898870., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Nutrition.)

Chronic and non-healing wounds, especially diabetic foot ulcers and radiation injuries, imply remarkable morbidity with a significant effect on the quality of life and a high sanitary cost. The management of these wounds requires complex actions such as surgical debris, antibiotic treatment, dressings and even revascularization. These wounds are characterized by poor oxygen supply resulting in inadequate oxygenation of the affected tissue. The adjuvant treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may increase tissue oxygenation favoring the healing of wounds which do not respond to the usual clinical care. The increase in the partial pressure of oxygen contributes to cover the energy demands necessary for the healing process and reduces the incidence of infections. Moreover, the increase in oxygen leads to the production of reactive species with hormetic activity, acting on signaling pathways that modulate the synthesis of inflammation mediators, antioxidants and growth factors which can contribute to the healing process. Studies performed with cell cultures and in animal models seem to demonstrate the beneficial effects of HBOT. However, clinical trials do not show such conclusive results; thus, additional randomized placebo-controlled studies are necessary to determine the real efficacy of HBOT and the mechanism of action for various types of wounds., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: The Mediterranean diet includes olive oil as its primary source of fat. This diet is frequently associated to longevity and a lower incidence of chronic diseases due to its biological activities and health effects. Apart from oleic acid, olive oil contains many bioactive components including polyphenols that have been reported to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Polyphenols may almost in part be responsible for the protective effects against cardiovascular diseases associated with olive oil., Objective: To review and discuss the available literature on hydroxytyrosol effects as a cardioprotective agent. Moreover, we also discuss the chemistry, nutritional aspects and bioavailability of hydroxytyrosol., Results: Hydroxytyrosol is one of the major phenolic compounds in olive oil and has demonstrated strong radical-scavenging properties. Several studies have been performed in order to look further into the effects of the polyphenol hydroxytyrosol in relation to cardiovascular events and illnesses in animal trials and in vitro. However, no clinical trials have focused on the specific action of hydroxytyrosol and cardiovascular diseases, although some are being undertaken to look at olive oil or olive leaf extract properties., Conclusion: Hydroxytyrosol from olive oil exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation and ati-atherogenic activities in in vitro and animal models. However, its possible therapeutic use in humans requires additional clinical trials., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)

Several studies investigating the relationship between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and/or body fat (BF) with macronutrient composition of the diet have suggested that dietary composition may play an important role to overweight/obesity in childhood, but its relation remains inconclusive. The aim was to assess the association between energy intake (EI) and macronutrient diet composition with overweight/obesity among children.Nonrandomized cohort study including 396 Italian children and preadolescents (9-13 years old), 200 overweight/obese and 196 normal-weight. The children's weight, height, WC, and food intake were measured.Reported EI was higher in overweight/obese than in nonoverweight children; however, after body weight was considered, the overweight/obese children had less EI than their leaner counterparts. Percentages of EI from proteins, SFA, MUFA and PUFA (in males), and dietary fiber (g/1000 kcal) were higher in the overweight/obese children than in the leaner ones. EI from carbohydrates and fats was lower in overweight/obese males and females, respectively. Positive correlations between BMI and waist-to-height ratio with EI from proteins were found in males (r = 0.296, P < 0.01 and r = 0.326, P < 0.01; respectively) and females (r = 0.374, P < 0.01 and r = 0.405, P < 0.01; respectively), but negative correlations with fats were found in females (r = -0.240, P < 0.01 and r = -0.188, P < 0.05; respectively). Using binary logistic regression, the highest EI from proteins were associated with higher odds ratio for overweight/obesity, while the lowest EI from carbohydrates was associated with higher odds ratio for overweight/obesity in males.Reported EI of overweight/obese children was higher than nonoverweight peers. Overweight/obese children had higher intakes of proteins compared with nonoverweight ones. Overweight/obese males and females showed lower EI from carbohydrates and fats, respectively, than their leaner counterparts., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Background: Knowledge about trends in the socioeconomic patterning of overweight and obesity in women provides insights into the nature of the obesity epidemic. Therefore the aim was to assess a ten-year trend (2000-2010) in the prevalence of excessive weight in Balearic Islands' women and its association with socioeconomic factors., Method: Young (18-35 year-old) and middle-aged (36-55 year-old) women were selected from two population-based cross-sectional nutritional surveys carried out in the Balearic Islands, Spain. The participation rate was 80% during 1999-2000 and 92.5% during 2009-2010. Measured weight and height was obtained, and body mass index (kg/m(2)) was classified as follows: overweight (25.0 < 30), obese (≥ 30) and excessive weight (≥ 25). In both surveys, a general questionnaire including questions relating to socioeconomic status factors was used. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of excessive weight with socioeconomic variables and to test the interaction between the survey period and the socioeconomic factors., Results: Overall, while the prevalence of obesity mainly remained stable over the study period, the prevalence of overweight increased from 21.0 to 24.8%. Young women showed an increased prevalence of overweight and excessive weight, from 14.1 to 20.9% and from 20.9 to 28.6%, respectively. Significant differences were not found in middle-aged women. Over the whole period, the incidence of excessive weight was higher among middle-aged and foreign women, but lower in women with a high educational profile and in employment. The prevalence of excessive weight in young women was also around 2.5 times higher in women who were living with at least one child at home. The tendency towards excessive weight in employed women decreased significantly between 2000 and 2010 in the younger age group (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.22-0.82)., Conclusions: No significant increase in the prevalence of overweight/obesity was observed in middle-aged women, with a low level of education being the single socioeconomic variable associated with excessive weight in this target group. Overweight/obesity increased in young women with unemployment being the distinguishing socioeconomic factor associated with this increase.

Objective: The Balearic Islands, a well-known Spanish tourist destination for Europeans, is undergoing profound social events, which are reflected in the current food patterns of this population. The aim of this study was to assess 10-year trends (2000-2010) in compliance with the current Spanish nutritional objectives among the adult population of the Balearic Islands., Methods: Two independent cross-sectional dietary surveys were carried out among the adult population (16-65 y) of the Balearic Islands in 2000 (n = 1200) and 2010 (n = 1350). Dietary habits were assessed by means of two non-consecutive 24-h diet recalls., Results: The proportion of adults complying with the nutritional objectives for consumption of dietary fiber, folate, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, carbohydrate, and fruit has increased over the 10-y span. In 2009 and 2010, 25% of participants met the nutritional objectives for folate, calcium, monounsaturated fatty acid, cholesterol, and fruit. These results are not affected by age, occupational status, or birthplace., Conclusions: The percentage of compliers with the Spanish nutritional objectives has increased for 6 to 11 items over the 10-y period. A reduction in saturated fatty acid and cholesterol intake, and an increase in dietary fiber, carbohydrate, fruit, vegetables, folate, and calcium intake should be recommended., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Nutrition is recognized as one of the major health determinants, and so a healthy diet may contribute to the delay or prevention of an important number of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the current food consumption habits of the Balearic Islands adult population. A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in the Balearic Islands, Spain (2009-2010). A random sample (n = 1388) of the adult population (16-65 years) was interviewed. Dietary habits were assessed by means of a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, and consumption results were compared with dietary guidelines for the Spanish population. According to the dietary guidelines for the Spanish population, only consumption levels of milk and dairy products, nuts, potatoes, cereals, bread, and water were adequate. Intakes of fruit, vegetables, olive oil, eggs, and pulses were below the recommendation levels. These findings indicate that, to fulfill the dietary guidelines for the Spanish population, the Balearic Islands adult population should decrease their consumption of meat, sugar and cakes, buns, butter/margarine, and soft drinks and increase their consumption of olive oil, fruits, vegetables, fish, and pulses., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims: To assess compliance with the 2010 nutritional objectives for the Spanish population in the Balearic Islands' adolescents., Methods: A cross-sectional nutrition survey was carried out in adolescents (n = 1,231). Dietary habits were assessed by means of 2 nonconsecutive 24-hour recalls and a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Differences in the percentage of compliers with the 2010 nutritional objectives and differences in food consumption patterns between genders and high or low consumers of fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), fiber, and fruits and vegetables were analyzed., Results: None of the nutritional objectives were achieved by the Balearic Islands' adolescents, and less than 25% of them met the dietary fiber, folate, iodine, total fat, SFA, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), total carbohydrate, and fruit and vegetable requirements. Gender differences were observed in terms of energy, nutrients, and food item consumption. Low fat/SFA and high fruit and vegetable/fiber consumers kept a diet in line with current food group pyramids and the traditional Mediterranean diet. Adolescents need to decrease their meat and increase pulse, fish, and fruit and vegetable consumption., Conclusions: The nutritional objectives for the Spanish population could be achieved through maintenance of the traditional Mediterranean diet in the Balearic Islands' adolescents. This dietary model could be used to develop food-based dietary guidelines relevant to this population., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)