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Epigenetics Nov 2022Epigenetic clocks quantify regular changes in DNA methylation that occur with age, or in relation to biomarkers of ageing, and are strong predictors of morbidity and...
Epigenetic clocks quantify regular changes in DNA methylation that occur with age, or in relation to biomarkers of ageing, and are strong predictors of morbidity and mortality. Here, we assess whether measures of fetal nutrition and growth that predict adult chronic disease also predict accelerated biological ageing in young adulthood using a suite of commonly used epigenetic clocks. Data come from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS), a long-running cohort followed since birth in metropolitan Cebu, Philippines. Past work has shown that birth weight (BW) and the mother's arm fat during pregnancy (a measure of pregnancy energy status) relate inversely to health outcomes in the CLHNS but primarily in males. Genome-wide DNA methylation was assessed in whole blood using the Infinium EPIC array. Participants included males (n=895) and females (n=803) measured in 2005 (20.8-22.5 years). Clocks included the Hannum and Horvath clocks trained on chronological age, the DNAmPhenoAge and DNAmGrimAge clocks trained on clinical biomarkers, the Dunedin pace of ageing (DunedinPACE) clock trained on longitudinal changes in ageing biomarkers, and the DNAmTL clock trained on leukocyte telomere length. In males, lower BW predicted advanced biological ageing using the Hannum, DNAmPhenoAge, DunedinPoAm, and DNAmTL clocks. In contrast, BW did not predict any clock in female participants. Participants' mothers' pregnancy arm fat only predicted DNAmTL in males. These findings suggest that epigenetic clocks are a useful tool for gauging long-term outcomes predicted by fetal growth, and add to existing evidence in the CLHNS for sex differences in these relationships.
Topics: Humans; Female; Young Adult; Pregnancy; Male; Animals; Adult; Birth Weight; DNA Methylation; Cebus; Philippines; Aging; Acceleration; Epigenesis, Genetic
PubMed: 35574972
DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2070105 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2022This study aimed to assess the physical fitness and upper body asymmetries of young padel players aged between 13 and 16 years and to determine the possible differences...
This study aimed to assess the physical fitness and upper body asymmetries of young padel players aged between 13 and 16 years and to determine the possible differences between genders and categories. A total of 60 padel players were divided into four groups: under-14 male (n = 15; age: 13.75 ± 0.45 years; height: 1.64 ± 0.07 m; weight: 54.7 ± 8.3 kg), under-14 female (n = 15; age: 13.75 ± 0.44 years; height: 1.60 ± 0.05 m; weight: 51.5 ± 6.0 kg), under-16 male (n = 15; age: 15.44 ± 0.51 years; height:1.71 ± 0.04 m; weight: 63.88 ± 6.2 kg) and under-16 female (n = 15; age:15.46 ± 0.52 years; height:1.63 ± 0.05 m; weight: 55.08 ± 3.6 kg). Handgrip strength, ischiosural flexibility, gestural speed of the dominant arm, vertical jump, cardiorespiratory capacity, lateral movement, lateral acceleration and reaction time were measured. Male players showed better results in manual grip strength, vertical jump power, cardiorespiratory capacity and lateral movement (p < 0.05). Moreover, males presented a higher percentage of asymmetry in upper limb strength. Female players showed better reaction time and greater flexibility (p < 0.05). Regarding the differences between categories, the under-16 players showed greater flexibility, gestural speed, vertical jump power, cardiorespiratory capacity and lateral movement compared to the under-14 players. These results can be used as reference values for coaches/physical trainers of younger categories to improve health control and physical performance planning.
Topics: Acceleration; Adolescent; Body Height; Female; Hand Strength; Humans; Male; Physical Fitness; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 35682046
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116461 -
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden) May 2013Weight loss is common among patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and is mainly due to tumor and treatment related factors. The aim of the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Weight loss is common among patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and is mainly due to tumor and treatment related factors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate weight loss in patients with SCCHN undergoing two different radiotherapy (RT) schedules.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Nutritional data were analyzed from the ARTSCAN study, a controlled randomized prospective Swedish multicenter study conducted with the aim of comparing conventional fractionation (2.0 Gy per day, total 68 Gy during 7 weeks) and accelerated fractionation (1.1 + 2.0 Gy per day, total 68 Gy during 4.5 weeks). Seven hundred and fifty patients were randomized and 712 patients were followed from the start of RT in the present nutritional study.
RESULTS
The patients had a weight loss of 11.3% (± 8.6%) during the acute phase (start of RT up to five months after the termination of RT). No difference in weight loss was seen between the two RT fractionation schedules (p = 0.839). Three factors were significantly predictive for weight loss during the acute phase, i.e. tumor site, overweight/obesity or lack of tube feeding at the start of RT. Moreover, the nadir point of weight loss occurred at five months after the termination of RT.
CONCLUSION
The results of the present study showed no difference in weight loss between the two RT fractionation schedules and also highlight that weight loss in SCCHN is a multifactorial problem. Moreover, the nadir of weight loss occurred at five months after the termination of treatment which calls for more intense nutritional interventions during the period after treatment.
Topics: Acceleration; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Dose Fractionation, Radiation; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy, Conformal; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Sweden; Weight Loss
PubMed: 23106176
DOI: 10.3109/0284186X.2012.731524 -
Journal of Biomechanics Jan 2005The well-known condition for standing stability in static situations is that the vertical projection of the centre of mass (CoM) should be within the base of support...
The well-known condition for standing stability in static situations is that the vertical projection of the centre of mass (CoM) should be within the base of support (BoS). On the basis of a simple inverted pendulum model, an extension of this rule is proposed for dynamical situations: the position of (the vertical projection of) the CoM plus its velocity times a factor (square root l/g) should be within the BoS, l being leg length and g the acceleration of gravity. It is proposed to name this vector quantity 'extrapolated centre of mass position' (XcoM). The definition suggests as a measure of stability the 'margin of stability' b, the minimum distance from XcoM to the boundaries of the BoS. An alternative measure is the temporal stability margin tau, the time in which the boundary of the BoS would be reached without intervention. Some experimental data of subjects standing on one or two feet, flatfoot and tiptoe, are presented to give an idea of the usual ranges of these margins of stability. Example data on walking are also presented.
Topics: Acceleration; Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Body Height; Female; Foot; Gravitation; Humans; Leg; Male; Models, Biological; Postural Balance; Pressure; Time Factors
PubMed: 15519333
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.03.025 -
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation Aug 2022Both isokinetic testing and functional tests are often used during patient rehabilitation programs. Most researchers have assessed the relationship of isokinetic testing...
CONTEXT
Both isokinetic testing and functional tests are often used during patient rehabilitation programs. Most researchers have assessed the relationship of isokinetic testing and functional tests in parameters such as peak moment, work, or power. However, little information exists regarding the acceleration and deceleration parameters and their relationship to function.
DESIGN
The purpose of the study was to investigate the concept of acceleration and deceleration of the knee flexor and extensor muscle groups during isokinetic testing and its relationship to function.
METHODS
Twenty-six healthy individuals (14 men and 12 women) participated in the study. Isokinetic bilateral concentric knee flexion and extension muscular performance was assessed isokinetically at the angular velocities of 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s. Functional performance was also assessed using (1) single hop for distance, (2) triple hop for distance, and (3) single timed hop. Functional data were normalized to body weight. A P value <.05 was considered to be significant.
RESULTS
Fair and moderate to good correlations (r = .396, P = .045 to r = .705, P = .001) were discovered between flexors' and extensors' acceleration/deceleration variables and the normalized to body weight functional tests.
CONCLUSIONS
Appropriate understanding of isokinetic parameters as described in this study, including acceleration/deceleration values, may provide useful information about the functional ability of the lower limb muscular system.
Topics: Acceleration; Body Weight; Deceleration; Female; Humans; Knee; Knee Joint; Male; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 35361738
DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2021-0290 -
Advances in Space Research : the... 2003It has been suggested that the changes of otolith mass during the otolith development in altered gravity conditions as well as the growth of otoliths in fishes in normal...
It has been suggested that the changes of otolith mass during the otolith development in altered gravity conditions as well as the growth of otoliths in fishes in normal conditions are determined by the feedback between the otolith dynamics and the processes that regulate otolith growth. This hypothesis originates from the pendulum model of an otolith (de Vries, 1950), in which otolith mass is a parameters. The validity of this hypothesis is tested by comparing the pendulum model with a simplified spatially distributed model of an otolith. It was shown that when the otolith plate (otoconial layer) was spatially distributed and fixed to the macular surface, the mechanical sensitivity of the otolith does not depend on the total otolith mass and its longitudinal dimensions. It is determined by otolith thickness, Young's modulus, and the viscosity of the gel layer of the growing otolith. These parameters may change in order to secure otolith sensitivity under altered dynamic conditions (e.g., in microgravity). Possible hypotheses regarding the relationship between the otolith growth, otolith dynamics and animal growth are proposed and discussed here.
Topics: Acceleration; Animals; Fishes; Gravity, Altered; Head Movements; Models, Biological; Organ Size; Otolithic Membrane
PubMed: 15000122
DOI: 10.1016/S0273-1177(03)90390-5 -
Annals of Emergency Medicine Jun 1997To determine whether wrist guards increase the fracture threshold for wrist and forearm fractures. (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To determine whether wrist guards increase the fracture threshold for wrist and forearm fractures.
METHODS
We conducted a controlled, blinded experimental study using matched cadaveric arms-one fitted with a wrist guard-dropped with the use of a device designed to simulate a fall. We measured the mean number of drops before the occurrence of fracture, mean height and velocity change to fracture, mean kinetic energy, mean peak acceleration (in Gs), and summed impulse [weight (kilograms) x delta velocity (meters/second)] to fracture with and without wrist guards. Fracture severity was compared with the use of an ordinal ranking system and analyzed with the Mann-Whitney rank-sum test.
RESULTS
Wrist guards were associated with a statistically significant increase in the number of drops, mean drop height, mean kinetic energy, and summed impulse required to cause a fracture. Fractures also tended to be less severe when wrist guards were used.
CONCLUSION
The biomechanical evidence of a protective effect of wrist guards against wrist fractures seen in this study, coupled with previous epidemiologic evidence, is strong enough to warrant pediatricians, family practitioners, and emergency physicians to counsel skaters to use these devices when using roller skates, skateboards, or in-line skates.
Topics: Acceleration; Accidental Falls; Biomechanical Phenomena; Body Weight; Braces; Cadaver; Forearm Injuries; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Injury Severity Score; Protective Devices; Single-Blind Method; Wrist Injuries
PubMed: 9174522
DOI: 10.1016/s0196-0644(97)70198-7 -
The American Journal of Physiology Sep 1965
Topics: Acceleration; Animals; Appetite; Body Weight; Bone Development; Centrifugation; Erythrocyte Count; Female; Gravitation; Growth; Heart; Hematocrit; Kidney; Leukocyte Count; Liver; Lung; Organ Size; Ovary; Pituitary Gland; Rats; Spleen; Thymus Gland; Thyroid Gland; Uterus
PubMed: 5891216
DOI: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1965.209.3.611 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Dec 2022To determine the value of quantifying accelerations of the fetal heart rate (FHR), as collected non-invasively during pregnancy, as a proxy for fetal movements.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of quantifying accelerations of the fetal heart rate (FHR), as collected non-invasively during pregnancy, as a proxy for fetal movements.
STUDY DESIGN
The study consists of a prospective collection of research material with retrospective analyses of the collected fetal electrocardiograms (ECGs), done in a homogeneous population in a low socioeconomic residential area of Cape Town, South Africa, as part of the Safe Passage Study. Recruitment and follow-up were done from August 2007 to August 2016. Maternal and fetal ECGs were collected non-invasively at various gestational ages, for approximately 30-60 min at a time in 4418 pregnant women. After processing of the signal, the number and duration of accelerations and the area under the acceleration curve of the FHR were calculated and compared with the pulsatility index (PI) of the uterine, umbilical, and middle cerebral arteries, common medical conditions, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamine use and z-scores of the birthweight (BWZS).
RESULTS
Of the total, 2777, 691, and 3879 women were at gestational ages of 20-24, 28-32 and 34-38 weeks respectively. At 20-24 weeks duration of accelerations was significantly longer in women who used marijuana (p = 0.014) or methamphetamine (p < 0.001) when compared to nonusers. At 28-32 weeks the duration of accelerations was significantly shorter in hypertensive women (p = 0.003) and significantly longer in women who used methamphetamine (p = 0.015). At 34-38 weeks the number of accelerations were significantly less in women who had hypertension ((p = 0.01) or stillbirths (p = 0.028) and the duration significantly shorter in hypertensive women (p = 0.007) and significantly longer in women who used marjuana (p = 0.003) or methamphetamine (p = 0.028). The acceleration area was significantly smaller (p = 0.02) in women who has stillbirths. Duration of accelerations was significantly longer in users of nicotine and alcohol when compared with that of abstainers. Birthweight z-score correlated significantly with number of accelerations (p < 0.01) and the acceleration area (<0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between the number of accelerations (p < 0.01) and acceleration area (p < 0.01) and the PI of the uterine artery at 34-38 weeks.
CONCLUSIONS
Calculation of the acceleration parameters of the FHR during pregnancy may provide useful information for evaluating fetal development.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Infant; Male; Heart Rate, Fetal; Birth Weight; Stillbirth; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; South Africa; Gestational Age; Electrocardiography; Acceleration; Methamphetamine; Heart Rate
PubMed: 36228448
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.10.005 -
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Oct 2011Study purpose were to describe growth patterns of premature infants in weight, length and head circumference from birth to 40th week of corrected ages (CA) and to...
PURPOSE
Study purpose were to describe growth patterns of premature infants in weight, length and head circumference from birth to 40th week of corrected ages (CA) and to explore factors affecting patterns.
METHODS
A longitudinal descriptive study was conducted with 267 premature infants. They were categorized into 2 groups; GA group with measurements at birth and the CA group with measurements at CA, which was categorized into 3 groups (group 1-3) by WHO guideline for gestational age (GA) at birth.
RESULTS
GA group presented greater measures in all than CA group at same week of life. Among CA groups, group 3 showed the highest measurements, up to 37 weeks of life, though this disappeared at 38-40 weeks. Reversely, group 1 revealed the highest growth rates in all measures, followed by group 2 and group 3. Significant interaction was observed in all measures between week of life and any type of groups.
CONCLUSION
Higher measures in GA group, as well group 3 among CA groups, supported the superiority of intra-uterine environment overriding quality of regimen from NICU. Regardless of growth acceleration, smaller infants remain smaller, indicating that intra-uterine thrifty phenotype may continue at least up to the 40th week of CA.
Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Birth Weight; Body Height; Body Weight; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Longitudinal Studies; Male
PubMed: 22143210
DOI: 10.4040/jkan.2011.41.5.613