Physical activity is important in obesity prevention, but the effectiveness of different physical activity modalities remains to be determined among children. The main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 6-month soccer programme and a traditional physical activity programme on changes in body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers, cardiorespiratory fitness and perceived psychological status in obese boys. Eighty-eight boys (8-12 years; BMI > +2 standard deviations of WHO reference values) participated in one of three groups: soccer, traditional activity and control. Soccer and traditional activity programmes involved 3 sessions per week for 60-90 min at an average intensity of 70-80% of maximal heart rate. Control group participated in activities of normal daily living. All boys participated in school physical education, two sessions per week of 45-90-min. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 6 months, and included body size and composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers, cardiorespiratory fitness and perceived psychological status. Physical activity and dietary intake were assessed before and immediately following the intervention. The three groups had similar characteristics at baseline. After 6 months, both intervention groups had significantly lower relative fatness (% fat), waist circumference and total cholesterol, and higher cardiorespiratory fitness, self-esteem, perceived physical competence and attraction to physical activity compared with control group. In conclusion, physical activity interventions over 6 months positively influenced several indicators of health status among obese boys. The results also suggested that soccer has the potential as an effective tool for the prevention and reduction of childhood obesity and associated consequences.

Objective: To analyze and compare perinatal outcomes of pregnant adolescent women and pregnant women in later age (between 20 and 34 years old) from data of a Live Born Information System. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with data collected retrospectively of 18,009 live born infants from consults of data of a Live Born Information System. Registers of live born infants were distributed in three groups: group I (adolescents) -10 to 19 years old; group II -20 to 34 years old; and group III (later age) -35 years or older. Results: Findings showed that perinatal risks were related to prematurity (OR 1,35) and five-minute Apgar scores of less than seven (OR 1,44) among infants born to adolescent mothers. Conclusion: Results pointed out high indexes of preterm birth in low-birth-weight infants and five-minute Apgar scores of less than seven in pregnancies that occurred in adolescents and in women 35 years and older. ResumoObjetivo: Analisar e comparar os resultados perinatais de gestantes adolescentes e em idade tardia com mulheres entre 20 a 34 anos, a partir dos dados do Sistema de Informação de Nascidos Vivos. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, com coleta de dados retrospectiva de 18009 nascidos vivos a partir de consultas aos dados do Sistema de Informação de Nascidos Vivos. Os registros dos nascidos vivos foram distribuídos em três grupos: grupo I (adolescentes) -10 a 19 anos; grupo II -20 a 34 anos e grupo III (idade tardia) -35 anos ou mais. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram riscos perinatais relacionados à prematuridade (OR 1,35) e Apgar quinto minuto menor que sete (OR 1,44) em mães adolescentes. O baixo peso ao nascer apresentou risco de 1,22 e 1,24 vezes entre as gestantes do grupo I e III. Conclusão: Os resultados apontaram elevados índices de nascimento pré-termo, baixo peso ao nascer e Apgar no quinto minuto menor que sete nas gestações ocorridas em adolescentes e em mulheres com idade igual ou superior aos 35 anos.

BackgroundThe menopause is associated with a tendency to gain weight. Several alterations in fat deposits occur, leading to changes in the distribution of body fat. There are strong indications that, in middle age, obesity is associated with increased mortality. This study set out to determine the factors associated with the prevalence of overweight and abdominal obesity in postmenopausal women in a population-based study in Brazil.MethodsThe sample included 456 women, aged 45–69 years, residing in the urban area of Maringa, Parana. Systematic sampling, with a probability proportional to the size of the census sector, was performed. Behavioral, economic, and sociodemographic data were collected, and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were determined.ResultsAccording to BMI criteria (≥25.0 kg/m2), 72.6% of the women were overweight, and according to WC (≥88 cm), 63.6% had abdominal obesity. Based on logistic regression analysis, the factors that were most closely associated with overweight were: having three or more children (odds ratio (OR): 1.78; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–3.00); and not taking hormone replacement therapy (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.06–2.63). The prevalence of abdominal obesity was positively associated with greater parity (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05–1.72) and age older than 65 years (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.03–2.19).ConclusionsThis study found that the prevalences of overweight and abdominal obesity were higher for postmenopausal women who had three or more children. Age over 65 years was also a risk factor for abdominal obesity and no use of hormonal replacement therapy was a risk factor for overweight.

Objective: to verify the effectiveness of the organ donation process in the State of Paraná. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with data provided by the Department of Transplantation of the State of Paraná referred to the organ donation process, from 2011 to 2016. Of the 3,872 notifications of potential donors with brain death, 2,600 were included in this study since they were eligible organ donors. The outcome of the protocols and variables related to eligible donors, notifying centers and notifications were evaluated. Data were analyzed descriptively by absolute and relative frequencies, and odds ratio was calculated through the Wald Chisquare test, with p<0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of the 2,600 eligible donors, 1,267 (48.7%) became effective organ donors. The main obstacles of the process were cardiopulmonary arrest, sepsis and family refusal. The odds of donation were significantly higher in the individuals younger than 60 years old (p<0.001), male (p=0.001) and in the East and West Macro-regions of the State (p<0.001). The percentage of organ donations increased from 38.8% to 66.5% in the period studied. Conclusion: The state of Parana presented a significant increase in the number of notifications and organ donations in the last six years. The weaknesses identified in the process refer to clinical and cultural issues, which indicate the need for interventions to train health professionals in the identification and maintenance of the potential donor, as well as in raising awareness of the importance of the consent to donation. ResumoObjetivo: Verificar a efetividade do processo de doação de órgãos para transplantes no Estado do Paraná. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com dados disponibilizados pelo Sistema Estadual de Transplantes do Paraná referentes ao processo de doação de órgãos, no período de 2011 a 2016. Das 3.872 notificações de potenciais doadores em morte encefálica, 2.600 foram incluídas neste estudo por se constituírem em doadores elegíveis de órgãos. Avaliou-se os desfechos dos protocolos e variáveis relacionadas aos doadores elegíveis, aos centros notificantes e às notificações. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente por frequências absolutas e relativas, e calculou-se odds ratio verificando-se a associação pelo teste de Qui-Quadrado de Wald, em que considerou-se p<0,05 como significância estatística. Resultados: Entre os 2.600 doadores elegíveis, 1.267 (48,7%) tornaram-se doadores efetivos de órgãos. Como principais obstáculos do processo destacaram-se a parada cardiorrespiratória, a sepse e a recusa familiar. As chances de efetivação da doação foram significativamente maiores nos indivíduos com menos de 60 anos (p<0,001), do sexo masculino (p=0,001) e notificados pelas Macrorregionais Leste e Oeste do Estado (p<0,001). O percentual de doações de órgãos aumentou de 38,8% para 66,5% no período estudado. Conclusão: O Paraná apresentou crescimento expressivo no número de notificações e doações de órgãos nos últimos seis anos. As fragilidad...

Background: Beach handball (BH) is a sport in which sporting performance is influenced, together with team interaction, by individual performance in terms of strength. Body composition is one of the main factors for sports performance and eating habits can condition this variable. The Mediterranean diet (MD) can significantly reduce the risk of mortality or cardiovascular disease. In addition, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment carries out different campaigns to promote it among young athletes, establishing it as a suitable diet for sports. Objectives: The main aims of the study are to assess body composition, physical activity and adherence to the MD of beach handball players. It also aims to evaluate age group differences in male and female players, as well as studying the possible relationship between MD, body composition and performance variables. Methods: A total of 59 Spanish BH players were recruited in the national championship of BH in the province of Alicante. Thirty-eight male (14 junior; 17.0 ± 0.1 years and 24 seniors; 25.5 ± 4.7 years) and twenty-one female (7 junior; 16.1 ± 1.46 years and 14 seniors; 23.2 ± 2.0 years) BH players participated in this study. The questionnaire to evaluate eating habits was Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED). Body composition was measured with electrical bioimpedance. Strength was evaluated by means of a maximum isometric handgrip test of the dominant hand with handgrip and height of jump by counter-jump on contact platform. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations between the study variables were made. Results: In females, when the adherence to the MD is lower, the weight is higher, the lean body mass is lower and worse results are observed in performance tests. As for males, there are differences in weight and lean body mass according to category. Conclusions: Adequate eating habits are related to the weight of beach handball athletes. In addition, specifically with junior players, it has been observed that adherence to the MD correlates with weight.