Search Results (9)

Professional dancers are susceptible to lower limb pathologies, particularly in the hip joint, due to biomechanical stress. Multiple factors contribute to this, requiring a particular therapeutic approach to address them. This review aims to document these injuries, identify the contributing causes, and propose appropriate treatment modalities. This research was conducted by searching the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases using relevant keywords and phrases, and in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The major findings suggest that the most prevalent conditions include snapping hip syndrome, femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, acetabular labral tears, bursitis, and fatigue fractures. The main factors contributing to these results include excessive joint range of motion, increased training loads, hyperactivity, gender, and BMI. Dancers are susceptible to injuries; nevertheless, studies on this topic are limited, necessitating further research to strengthen their methodological level and establish their results. Full article

The objective of this study was to (1) assess via cross-sectional survey the prevalence of food insecurity among African Americans [AAs] after their most recent grocery shopping trip, and (2) examine the grocery shopping factors of importance and characteristics of food-insecure AA grocery shoppers. Most (70.4%) were food-insecure. Food-insecure grocery shoppers were significantly more likely to be younger, less educated, who often skipped meals and/or practiced fasting, accessed a food pantry, were SNAP recipients, were considered to not be in ”good” health, and who had higher BMI compared to food-secure shoppers (p ≤ 0.03 * for all). Our data showed that AAs shopped for groceries a mean 2.20 ± 1.29 times per week, for low prices (72.1%), without a weekly budget (58.9%), with a grocery list (44.6%) or using an app (27.6%), for high-quality vegetables (27.5%), for good customer service (22.9%), for store brands (20.8%) and name brands (17.9%).Food-insecure shoppers were significantly more likely to grocery shop more times per week, have a weekly budget, and use an app, but were significantly less likely to report store brands, name brands, good customer service, and high-quality vegetables as grocery factors of importance (p ≤ 0.03 * for all). Grocery strategies such as shopping with a grocery app and/or grocery list could help food-insecure AAs reduce grocery trips, promote meal planning to save money, and avoid skipping meals/fasting, while eating healthier. Full article

The inadequate efficacy and adverse effects of antipsychotics severely affect the recovery of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). We report the evidence for associations between pharmacogenetic (PGx) variants and antipsychotics outcomes, including antipsychotic response, antipsychotic-induced weight/BMI gain, metabolic syndrome, antipsychotic-related prolactin levels, antipsychotic-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD), clozapine-induced agranulocytosis (CLA), and drug concentration level (pharmacokinetics) in SSD patients. Through an in-depth systematic search in 2010–2022, we identified 501 records. We included 29 meta-analyses constituting pooled data from 298 original studies over 69 PGx variants across 39 genes, 4 metabolizing phenotypes of CYP2D9, and 3 of CYP2C19. We observed weak unadjusted nominal significant (p < 0.05) additive effects of PGx variants of DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, HTR1A, HTR2A, HTR3A, and COMT (10 variants) on antipsychotic response; DRD2, HTR2C, BDNF, ADRA2A, ADRB3, GNB3, INSIG2, LEP, MC4R, and SNAP25 (14 variants) on weight gain; HTR2C (one variant) on metabolic syndrome; DRD2 (one variant) on prolactin levels; COMT and BDNF (two variants) on TD; HLA-DRB1 (one variant) on CLA; CYP2D6 (four phenotypes) and CYP2C19 (two phenotypes) on antipsychotics plasma levels. In the future, well-designed longitudinal naturalistic multi-center PGx studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of PGx variants in antipsychotic outcomes before establishing any reproducible PGx passport in clinical practice. Full article

Various studies have suggested a link between vitamin A (VA), all-trans-retinol, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the functional role/expression of vitamin A receptors (Rarα, β, and γ) in pancreatic β-cells is not clear yet. Accordingly, we performed a series of bioinformatics, molecular and functional experiments in human islet and INS-1 cells to evaluate the role of Rarβ on insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell function. Microarray and RNA-sequencing (RAN-seq) expression analysis showed that RARα, β, and γ are expressed in human pancreatic islets. RNA-seq expression of RARβ in diabetic/hyperglycemic human islets (HbA1c ≥ 6.3%) revealed a significant reduction (p = 0.004) compared to nondiabetic/normoglycemic cells (HbA1c < 6%). The expression of RARβ with INS and PDX1 showed inverse association, while positive correlations were observed with INSR and HbA1c levels. Exploration of the T2D knowledge portal (T2DKP) revealed that several genetic variants in RARβ are associated with BMI. The most associated variant is rs6804842 (p = 1.2 × 10⁻²⁵). Silencing of Rarβ in INS-1 cells impaired insulin secretion without affecting cell viability or apoptosis. Interestingly, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production levels were elevated and glucose uptake was reduced in Rarβ-silenced cells. mRNA expression of Ins1, Pdx1, NeuroD1, Mafa, Snap25, Vamp2, and Gck were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in Rarβ-silenced cells. For protein levels, Pro/Insulin, PDX1, GLUT2, GCK, pAKT/AKT, and INSR expression were downregulated considerably (p < 0.05). The expression of NEUROD and VAMP2 were not affected. In conclusion, our results indicate that Rarβ is an important molecule for β-cell function. Hence, our data further support the potential role of VA receptors in the development of T2D. Full article

The health benefits of breast milk feeding have been well-established, yet disparities exist, with African American mothers having the lowest breast milk feeding rates in the United States. This prospective, longitudinal study examined infant feeding (breast milk and/or infant formula) from birth to age 16 weeks, predictors of any breast milk feeding by age 1 week, and predictors of cessation of any breast milk feeding by ages 3, 8, and 16 weeks among primiparous African American mothers. This secondary analysis included 185 mother–infant dyads from the Sleep SAAF (Strong African American Families) study, a randomized clinical trial testing a responsive parenting vs. child safety control intervention. Mothers reported sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics at age 1 week and infant feeding practices at ages 1, 3, 8, and 16 weeks. Rates of any breast milk feeding decreased from 66.5% at 1 week to 23.3% at 16 weeks. Bivariate logistic regression models showed that prepregnancy BMI (OR = 1.09), working prepregnancy (OR = 2.25), and food insecurity (OR = 2.49) significantly increased the odds of mothers feeding any breast milk by 1 week, whereas Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participation (OR = 0.21) significantly decreased the odds. Bivariate logistic regression models showed that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation (OR = 2.86) and racial discrimination (OR = 2.14) significantly increased the odds of cessation of any breast milk feeding by 3 weeks. SNAP (OR = 2.33) and WIC (OR = 2.38) participation significantly increased the odds of cessation of any breast milk feeding by 8 weeks, whereas higher prepregnancy BMI (OR = 0.95) decreased the odds. Higher mother’s age (OR = 0.92) significantly decreased the odds of cessation of any breast milk feeding by 16 weeks. The findings can be used to inform targeted interventions to promote mothers feeding any breast milk and help reduce breast milk feeding disparities among African American mothers. Full article

This study aimed to examine whether probiotics supplements using Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bf-688) can improve clinical characteristics and gut microbiomes among patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This open-label, single-arm trial consisted of 30 children aged 4–16 years who met the criteria for ADHD diagnosis. Each subject took Bf-688, with one sachet in the morning and one in the evening (daily bacteria count 5 × 10⁹ CFUs), for 8 weeks. Patients’ clinical symptoms were assessed using the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale (SNAP-IV). We collected stool samples at the baseline, the 8th week, and the 12th week for gut microbiota examination. During the 8-week Bf-688 supplement period, patients’ inattention symptoms and hyperactivity/impulsive symptoms improved, and their weights and BMIs increased. For gut microbiota, the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) decreased significantly. LEfSe analysis revealed that Firmicutes significantly decreased while Proteobacteria significantly increased during the 8-week treatment period. After Bf-688 was discontinued for 4 weeks (12 weeks from baseline), Bacteroidota significantly decreased and Shigella significantly increased. The probiotic Bf-688 supplement was associated with an improvement of clinical symptoms and with weight gain among ADHD children. Furthermore, gut microbiota composition was significantly altered by the Bf-688 supplement. A future randomized control trial is warranted to verify these findings. Full article

(1) Objective: Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children over six years old. Although it is common knowledge that primary school children with ADHD often present with difficulties in the morning prior to school and in the evening, these two periods, and the family interactions they involve, are often neglected in studies of ADHD. Questionnaire–Children with Difficulties (QCD) has been widely used in China to evaluate parents’ perceptions of ADHD and patients’ daily behaviors during different times. In the long term, the efficacy and safety of atomoxetine have been well established in previous studies. Still, the short-term effects of atomoxetine treatment on serum growth parameters, such as IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and thyroid function, are not well documented. Therefore, this study was the first one using the QCD to quantify the efficacy of atomoxetine treatment in the morning prior to school and in the evening, and has investigated the possible influence on the growth parameters of Chinese primary school children with ADHD. (2) Method: This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from August 2019 to February 2021. Changes in the children’s behavior and core ADHD symptoms following treatment were assessed using three parent-reported questionnaires, including Children with Difficulties (QCD), the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham IV scale (SNAP-IV), and the Conners’ parents rating scales (CPRS). The height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were measured and corrected to reflect the standard deviations (SDS) in Chinese children based on age and gender. Serum growth parameters, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and thyroid function, were also measured to assess the children’s growth development. Any adverse drug reactions were assessed every three weeks. (3) Result: Finally, 149 children were enrolled in this study, and they completed 12 weeks of atomoxetine treatment. The QCD results indicated that the atomoxetine treatment could significantly alleviate behavioral difficulties in primary children with ADHD, especially in the morning prior to school (p < 0.001, r = 0.66) and in the evening (p < 0.001, r = 0.73). A statically significant decrease in weight SDS (p < 0.05) was noted during treatment, but the effect size was slight (r = 0.09). The atomoxetine treatment had no significant impact on height SDS, BMI SDS, and serum growth parameters, such as the levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and thyroid function. The SNAP-IV results showed a significant improvement in the core symptoms of ADHD, while the CPRS results indicated a significant improvement in controlling ADHD symptoms across two different domains, learning problems (r = 0.81) and hyperactivity (r = 0.86). No severe adverse reactions were observed in the course of treatment, and the most common adverse reactions were gastrointestinal symptoms. (4) Conclusions: Atomoxetine is an effective and safe treatment for primary school children with ADHD. In China, it may be an excellent choice to alleviate parenting stress and improve the condition of primary school children with ADHD. Moreover, our study indicated that the serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were within the normal range in newly diagnosed ADHD children, and atomoxetine will not affect the serum concentration of growth parameters, such as IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and thyroid function, in the short term. However, the treatment may reduce appetite, resulting in a reduction in the Children’s weight for a short period. Further observational studies to monitor the long-term effects of atomoxetine on primary school children are recommended. Full article

(1) Background: Despite considerable efforts to increase farmers’ market access (FM) and improve household fruit and vegetable (FV) purchasing in low-income communities, little is known about the FV purchasing and consumption characteristics of low-income Hispanic farmers’ market shoppers. (2) Methods: A secondary analysis of baseline data from a farmers’ market study conducted between 2015 and 2017 (n = 2825) was performed. Participants who also received supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) completed a 31-item online survey assessing demographics, health characteristics, and FV purchasing and consumption habits. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess between- and within-group differences amongst Hispanic and non-Hispanic households. Regression analyses were used to examine associations among BMI, FV purchasing and consumption, and household size for Hispanic and non-Hispanic households as well as for Hispanic subgroups. (3) Results: The sample included 515 Hispanic and 2310 non-Hispanic SNAP-using FM shoppers in 13 states. Despite experiencing significantly higher food insecurity (89% vs. 81%, non-Hispanic), Hispanic shoppers consumed similar amounts of FV (3.04 cups/day) and spent less doing so. Significant subgroup differences were identified for FV purchasing. (4) Conclusions: Findings emphasize the importance of food insecurity and household size in FV interventions and underscore the capacity of Hispanic families to maintain FV consumption. Full article

There is a need to disseminate evidence-based childhood obesity prevention interventions on a broader scale to reduce obesity-related disparities among underserved children. The purpose of this study was to test the comparative effectiveness of an evidence-based obesity prevention intervention, Hip-Hop to Health (HH), delivered through Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) versus the standard curriculum delivered by the programs (Standard Nutrition Education (NE)). A nonequivalent control group design was delivered to compare the effectiveness of HH to NE on weight gain prevention and health behavior outcomes at EFNEP and SNAP-Ed sites. One hundred and fifty-three caregiver–child dyads (n = 103 in the HH group; n = 50 in the NE group) participated in the study. HH is an evidence-based dietary and physical activity intervention for low-income preschool children. The NE curriculum provided lessons for children that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010. Data were collected on demographics, anthropometrics, and behavioral variables for parent–child dyads at baseline and postintervention. Mixed model methods with random effects for site and participant were utilized. No differences in child or caregiver diet, physical activity, or screen time by group were found. No between-group differences in child BMI z-score were found; however, caregivers in the HH group lost significantly more weight than those in the NE group. Results from this trial can inform future dissemination efforts of evidenced-based programs for underserved families. Full article