Physical activity levels during COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors in patients with Chagas disease.

Background: A better understanding of the consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on lifestyle of patients with Chagas disease (ChD) is of paramount importance to facilitate the implementation of intervention strategies tailored to this specific population.

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the level of physical activity (PA) in Chagas disease (ChD) patients during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its main associated factors.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 187 patients of both sexes, aged ≥18 years, followed in a national infectious disease center (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).

Chagas heart disease is associated with decreased physical activity levels: A cross-sectional analysis.

Background: Studies evaluating physical activity (PA) levels in individuals with Chagas disease (CD) are still scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate PA levels in CD individuals and examine their association with Chagas heart disease (ChHD).

Methods: We included patients with CD regularly followed in a reference center for treatment of infectious diseases.

High-fidelity simulation versus case-based discussion for training undergraduate medical students in pediatric emergencies: a quasi-experimental study.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of high-fidelity simulation of pediatric emergencies compared to case-based discussion on the development of self-confidence, theoretical knowledge, clinical reasoning, communication, attitude, and leadership in undergraduate medical students.

Methods: 33 medical students were allocated to two teaching methods: high-fidelity simulation (HFS, n = 18) or case-based discussion (CBD, n = 15). Self-confidence and knowledge tests were applied before and after the interventions and the effect of HFS on both outcomes was estimated with mixed-effect models.

Treatment of childhood obesity based on the reduction of ultra-processed foods plus energy restriction: A randomised controlled trial based on the Brazilian guidelines.

Reducing ultra-processed foods (UPF) improves diet quality and may curb energy consumption. This study aimed to compare an intervention based on the reduction of UPF, according to the Dietary Guideline for the Brazilian Population (DGBP), with and without advice on energy intake. A parallel and randomised controlled trial was carried out with children with obesity from 7 to 12 years old.

Sleep duration and quality during the COVID-19 pandemic and the association with physical activity and screen time among Brazilian college students.

Background: As a result of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in sleep patterns have been observed in many countries, as well as changes in physical activity and screen time. The objective was to investigate sleep duration and quality during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with physical activity and screen time.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with students from a University in Rio de Janeiro who answered an online questionnaire between August 2020 and March 2021.

A multicomponent family intervention, combined with salt reduction for children with obesity: a factorial randomized study protocol.

Background: Clinical trials to treat childhood obesity show modest results, weight regain and high dropout rates. Children with obesity often live in families with habits that contribute to unhealthy weight gain. This study will test whether a family intervention with a Brazilian-adapted Planetary Healthy Diet (PHD) and reduced portion sizes, along with increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior, can reduce excessive weight gain.

Blood pressure variation and ultra-processed food consumption in children with obesity.

To investigate the influence of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in children with obesity, using dietary and urinary markers. We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial involving children with obesity, aged 7 to 12 years. Over a period of six months, the children and their guardians attended monthly individual consultations and educational activities aimed at promoting a reduction in UPF consumption.

Association between occupational stress, social support at work, and physical activity in outsourced workers.

Introduction: Psychosocial factors at work can affect individuals' physical and mental health. In this sense, evidence shows that physical activity and social support at work promote benefits to workers' health, especially regarding stress reduction.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between occupational stress, social support at work, and weekly frequency of physical activity among outsourced workers.

Association between social support and frequency of physical activity in adult workers.

Introduction: The benefits of taking up physical activity are well established and social support has been identified as one of the main determinants of this behavior.

Objectives: To investigate the association between social support and weekly frequency of physical activity in adults working at a public university in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional population study with a convenience sample of 189 contract workers of both sexes, aged from 21 to 72 years (39.

gene methylation and cortisol levels in preterm and healthy full-term infants in the first 3 months of life.

To describe exon-1 methylation and cortisol levels in newborns. Preterm ≤1500 g and full-term infants were included. Samples were collected at birth and at days 5, 30 and 90 (or at discharge).

Effect of the dietary inflammatory potential on the trajectory of body adiposity in a Brazilian cohort of university students.

Objectives: University students are vulnerable to unhealthy eating habits that characterize a proinflammatory diet. This study aimed to estimate the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and its association with the trajectory of body adiposity markers in university students.

Methods: The study analyzed data from 685 students entering a Brazilian public university in 2016 and 2017 and followed until 2018.

The association between variables of cardiopulmonary exercise test and quality of life in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (Insights from the PEACH STUDY).

Studies investigating the association between functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) usually do not include a gold-standard evaluation of functional capacity, limiting the validity and the interpretation of the results. The present study is a cross-section analysis aiming to evaluate the association between functional capacity (quantified by cardiopulmonary exercise test [CPET]) and QoL in individuals with CCC. QoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire.

Association between obesity and COVID-19 mortality and length of stay in intensive care unit patients in Brazil: a retrospective cohort study.

The present study aimed to evaluate the association between obesity and COVID-19 mortality and length of stay in ICU patients, and how these associations were modified by age groups. We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study with data obtained from a hospital-based registry. The sample consisted of 8183 ICU hospitalized patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Environment modification at school to promote physical activity among adolescents: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To assess the effect of modifications of the school environment on physical activity in Brazilian adolescent students.

Methods: Seven public schools in Duque de Caxias (Brazil) were randomized into control and intervention groups. The intervention group underwent modifications in the school environment (painting of hopscotch and school courts) and the provision of sports equipment (balls, basketball table, soccer goalpost, volleyball nets, and others) to stimulate physical activity.

Clinical features, electroencephalogram, and biomarkers in pediatric sepsis-associated encephalopathy.

To date, no specific diagnostic criteria for sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) have been established. We studied 33 pediatric patients with sepsis prospectively and evaluated the level of consciousness, the presence of delirium, electroencephalographic (EEG) findings, and plasma levels of neuron-specific enolase and S100-calcium-binding protein-B. A presumptive diagnosis of SAE was primarily considered in the presence of a decreased level of consciousness and/or delirium (clinical criteria), but specific EEG abnormalities were also considered (EEG criteria).

Insulin sensitivity as a predictor of longitudinal changes on body mass index in Brazilian adolescents.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effect of insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance status at baseline on longitudinal body mass index, and the possible effect modification by sex.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized intervention community trial, in which a subgroup of 84 adolescents, aged between 10 and 12 years, were analyzed. Body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were determined before and after 8 months of follow-up.

High discrepancies in the mortality of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the two most economically important states in Brazil.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the proportion of deaths among hospitalized cases of COVID-19 in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, stratified by private and public services.

Methods: Hospitalization data for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) were obtained using the SIVEP-Gripe Database. All hospitalized adults who were diagnosed as COVID-19 or unspecified SARS, between January and December 2020, were included in the analysis.

Comparison of growth curves in very low birth weight preterm infants after hospital discharge.

Monitoring preterm infants' growth is essential to ensure the best prognosis for their growth and development. We aimed to compare growth curves in very low birth weight preterm infants after hospital discharge. In this retrospective longitudinal study, 178 preterm infants' growth was assessed by z-scores for weight for age and length to age and compared between Fenton and Kim and Intergrowth-21st charts from hospital discharge until 50 weeks postnatal, and between Intergrowth-21st and WHO charts, 50 and 64 weeks postnatal.

Effectiveness of a school-based randomized controlled trial aimed at increasing physical activity time in adolescents.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of obesity prevention educational activities, isolated or combined with the modification of the school environment on total physical activity time.

Methods: This is a school-based randomized controlled trial, conducted with 2511 students from fifth and sixth-grade in Brazil, that employed a parallel, three-group experimental arms: control group (CG), PAAPPAS group (PG) and PAAPPAS-environment group (PEG). During the 2016 school year, the PG received educational activities in the classroom, providing a general basis for a healthy lifestyle.

Psychosocial determinants of physical activity among workers: an integrative review.

Knowledge of the psychosocial determinants of physical activity is critical to informing preventive and therapeutic interventions in the workplace. This study reviewed available evidence on psychosocial factors that have been associated with physical activity among workers. Studies were selected in December 2019 from the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases, with no date limits, using the following search terms: "physical activity", "physical exercise", "psychosocial", "workers", and "working-age".

The Cardiovascular Health Integrated Lifestyle Diet (CHILD) Lowers LDL-Cholesterol Levels in Brazilian Dyslipidemic Pediatric Patients.

Objective: To analyze the impact of the CHILD-2 diet on the lipid profile of Brazilian children and adolescents with dyslipidemia.

Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study, where 149 participants (5-17 years) with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia were divided into two groups (GI: low or normal weight; n = 58 and GII: overweight; n = 91). Both groups underwent the CHILD-2 diet, characterized by 25-30% total fat and less than 7% of low-saturated fat (SF) for 6 months.

Effect of phytosterol capsule supplementation associated with the National Cholesterol Education Program Step 2 diet on low-density lipoprotein in children and adolescents with dyslipidemia: A double-blind crossover trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of phytosterol capsule supplementation associated with the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Step 2 diet on LDL-C levels in children and adolescents with dyslipidemia.

Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial conducted with children and adolescents (n = 31; mean ± SD, age 9.0 ± 2.

The compensatory effect of exercise on physical activity and energy intake in young men with overweight: The EFECT randomised controlled trial.

Background: The compensatory effect of exercise on total volume of physical activity and food intake has been described as a possible explanation for the limited body weight loss observed during exercise interventions.

Objective: To investigate the effect of different exercise intensities on total volume of physical activity and energy intake amongst active men with overweight.

Design: Young men with overweight from a naval academy (n = 72; mean ± SD, age 21 ± 2 years, BMI 27.

Protein and energy intake and nutritional evolution of preterm infants after hospital discharge: A longitudinal study.

Background: Preterm infants, especially those with very low birth weight, are more susceptible to nutritional deficiencies and growth restriction after hospital discharge than term infants.

Aims: To investigate the association between energy and protein intake and nutritional evolution of preterm infants during the first year of life of corrected age after hospital discharge.

Study Design: This is a retrospective longitudinal study with 131 preterm infants born at a high-risk neonatal clinic.