No abstract

Major mood disturbances associated with anabolic-androgenic steroids may represent an important public health problem for athletes using steroids and sometimes for the victims of their irritability and aggression.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of school-based strategies for obesity prevention and control using methods of systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Peer-reviewed studies published between 1966 and October 2004 were considered for review. Studies meeting eligibility criteria were published in English, targeted children aged 3-18 in a school setting, reported weight-related outcomes, included a control measurement and had at least a 6-month follow-up period. Studies employed interventions related to nutrition, physical activity, reduction in television viewing or combinations thereof. Weight related data were analyzed using RevMan software. Results: Sixty-four studies were considered for inclusion. Fourteen did not meet inclusion criteria; 29 were excluded due to poor methodological quality. Twenty-one papers describing 19 studies were included in the systematic review and 8 of these were included in the meta-analysis. Nutrition and physical activity interventions resulted in significant reductions in body weight compared with control ((standardized mean difference, SMD ¼ À0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) ¼ À0.45 to À0.14), random effects model). Parental or family involvement of nutrition and physical activity interventions also induced weight reduction ((SMD ¼ À0.20, 95%CI ¼ À0.41 to 0.00), random effects model). Conclusion: Combination nutrition and physical activity interventions are effective at achieving weight reduction in school settings. Several promising strategies for addressing obesity in the school setting are suggested, and warrant replication and further testing.

Cocoa contains more phenolic antioxidants than most foods. Flavonoids, including catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidins predominate in antioxidant activity. The tricyclic structure of the flavonoids determines antioxidant effects that scavenge reactive oxygen species, chelate Fe2+ and Cu+, inhibit enzymes, and upregulate antioxidant defenses. The epicatechin content of cocoa is primarily responsible for its favorable impact on vascular endothelium via its effect on both acute and chronic upregulation of nitric oxide production. Other cardiovascular effects are mediated through anti-inflammatory effects of cocoa polyphenols, and modulated through the activity of NF-jB. Antioxidant effects of cocoa may directly influence insulin resistance and, in turn, reduce risk for diabetes. Further, cocoa consumption may stimulate changes in redox-sensitive signaling pathways involved in gene expression and the immune response. Cocoa can protect nerves from injury and inflammation, protect the skin from oxidative damage from UV radiation in topical preparations, and have beneficial effects on satiety, cognitive function, and mood. As cocoa is predominantly consumed as energy-dense chocolate, potential detrimental effects of overconsumption exist, including increased risk of weight gain. Overall, research to date suggests that the benefits of moderate cocoa or dark chocolate consumption likely outweigh the risks. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 15, 2779-2811.