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Health Reports May 2024The availability of measures to operationalize allostatic load - the cumulative toll on the body of responding to stressor demands - in population health surveys may...
BACKGROUND
The availability of measures to operationalize allostatic load - the cumulative toll on the body of responding to stressor demands - in population health surveys may differ across years or surveys, hampering analyses on the entire sampled population. Here, impacts of variable selection and calculation method were evaluated to generate an allostatic load index applicable across all cycles of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS).
METHODS
Data from CHMS cycles 1 to 4 were used to compare allostatic load scores when replacing the most prevalent risk factor, waist-to-hip ratio - available in cycles 1 to 4 but not 5 and 6 - with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist circumference within BMI groups (classified as normal, overweight, or obese), or waist-to-height ratio. Indexes were generated using clinical or sex-specific empirically defined risk thresholds and as count-based or continuous scores. Logistic regression models that included age and sex were used to relate each potential index to socioeconomic indicators (educational attainment, household income).
RESULTS
Of the variables assessed, waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference were closest to waist-to-hip ratio according to an individual's percentile ranking and in classifying "at risk" using either clinical or empirically defined cut-offs. Allostatic load profiles generated using waist-to-height ratios most closely resembled profiles constructed using waist-to-hip ratios. Sex-dependent associations with educational attainment and household income were maintained across constructs whether indexes were count-based or continuous.
INTERPRETATION
Allostatic load profiles and associations with socioeconomic indicators were robust to variable substitution and method of calculation, supporting the use of a harmonized index across survey cycles to assess the cumulative toll on health of stressor exposure.
Topics: Humans; Canada; Male; Female; Allostasis; Health Surveys; Body Mass Index; Adult; Middle Aged; Waist Circumference; Waist-Hip Ratio; Waist-Height Ratio; Risk Factors; Aged; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 38758724
DOI: 10.25318/82-003-x202400500002-eng -
JAMA Network Open May 2024High intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has been associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in adults; however, the evidence in children is limited.
IMPORTANCE
High intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has been associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in adults; however, the evidence in children is limited.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS).
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This baseline cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the data of CORALS participants recruited between March 22, 2019, and June 30, 2022. Preschool children (aged 3-6 years) were recruited from schools and centers in 7 cities in Spain. Inclusion criteria included informed consent signed by parents or caregivers and having a completed a set of questionnaires about the child's prenatal history at home. Exclusion criteria included low command of Spanish or unstable residence.
EXPOSURE
Energy-adjusted UPF consumption (in grams per day) from food frequency questionnaires and based on the NOVA food classification system.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Age- and sex-specific z scores of adiposity parameters (body mass index [BMI], fat mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference) and cardiometabolic parameters (diastolic and systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) were estimated using linear regression models.
RESULTS
Of 1509 enrolled CORALS participants, 1426 (mean [SD] age, 5.8 [1.1] years; 698 boys [49.0%]) were included in this study. Mothers of children with high UPF consumption were younger, had a higher BMI, were more likely to have overweight or obesity, and had lower education levels and employment rates. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of energy-adjusted UPF consumption, those in the highest tertile showed higher z scores of BMI (β coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), waist circumference (β coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), fat mass index (β coefficient, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.00-0.32), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.37) and lower z scores for HDL cholesterol (β coefficient, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.02). One-SD increments in energy-adjusted UPF consumption were associated with higher z scores for BMI (β coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.17), waist circumference (β coefficient, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.15), fat mass index (β coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-1.18), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.17) and lower HDL cholesterol (β coefficient, -0.07; 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.00). Substituting 100 g of UPFs with 100 g of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with lower z scores of BMI (β coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01), fat mass index (β coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.00), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
These findings suggest that high UPF consumption in young children is associated with adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, highlighting the need for public health initiatives to promote the replacement of UPFs with unprocessed or minimally processed foods.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cardiometabolic Risk Factors; Spain; Pediatric Obesity; Longitudinal Studies; Fast Foods; Food Handling; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Diseases; Adiposity
PubMed: 38758555
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11852 -
Annals of Geriatric Medicine and... May 2024Anthropometry and body mass index (BMI) do not assess body composition or its distribution in older adults; thus, individuals may have different fat percentages but...
BACKGROUND
Anthropometry and body mass index (BMI) do not assess body composition or its distribution in older adults; thus, individuals may have different fat percentages but similar BMI values. The body adiposity index (BAI) was recently proposed as a feasible and inexpensive method for estimating the percentage of body fat based on measurements of hip circumference and height. Objectives: The present study evaluated whether BAI and BMI are useful alternatives to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is rarely used in clinical practice, for predicting body fat in independent long-lived older adults.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, we used DXA to calculate the percentage of body fat, which was compared with BAI and BMI values. We performed Pearson correlation analyses and used Cronbach's alpha, described by Bland and Altman, to compare the reliability between the indexes.
RESULTS
Among 157 evaluated individuals (73.2% women, mean age 87 years, ± 3.57), men had a lower percentage of total fat, as assessed by DXA, and lower BAI indices than women. The correlation between BAI and DXA was moderate (r = 0.59 for men and r = 0.67 for women, p < 0.001). We confirmed the reliability based on Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.67 in men and 0.77 in women. We also observed that the BAI was strongly positively correlated with BMI in both men and women.
CONCLUSION
The BAI, used in combination with BMI, can be an alternative to DXA for the assessment of body fat in the oldest old in clinical practice, mainly women, and can be used to add information to BMI.
PubMed: 38757261
DOI: 10.4235/agmr.24.0008 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024High-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-adiponectin) is a cardio-metabolic health protector. Objectives: (1) to compare body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Integrated neuromuscular training intervention applied in schools induces a higher increase in salivary high molecular weight adiponectin and a more favorable body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in children as compared to the traditional physical education classes.
BACKGROUND
High-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-adiponectin) is a cardio-metabolic health protector. Objectives: (1) to compare body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscle strength (MS) in healthy school-children depending on their baseline salivary-HMW-adiponectin concentration; and (2) to apply a 3-month integrated neuromuscular training (INT) and evaluate its effects on salivary-HMW-adiponectin concentration, BMI, CRF and MS in the same children. Additional goal: to identify if any potential changes during the 3-month period may be related to a potential change in salivary-HMW-adiponectin concentration.
METHODS
Ninety children (7.4 ± 0.3 years) were recruited in primary schools and randomly allocated into control or intervention group. The intervention consisted of a 3-month INT applied during physical education (PE) classes, twice-weekly, while the control group had traditional PE classes. Body mass and height were measured, BMI was calculated and HMW-adiponectin was quantified in saliva. To assess CRF and MS, 800 m-run and hand-dynamometry were applied, respectively. All measurements were performed twice, at baseline and after 3 months.
RESULTS
Children with higher baseline salivary-HMW-adiponectin have more favorable BMI ( = 0.006) and slightly higher CRF ( = 0.017) in comparison to the children with lower baseline salivary-HMW-adiponectin. There were no big changes after the 3-month-period neither in the control, nor the INT group. However, it is worthy to note that the INT induced slightly higher increase in salivary-HMW-adiponectin ( = 0.007), and a slightly higher improvement in BMI ( = 0.028), CRF ( = 0.043) and MS ( = 0.003), as compared to the traditional PE classes. Finally, the INT-induced improvement in CRF was associated with the increased post-salivary-HMW-adiponectin concentration ( = 0.022).
CONCLUSION
Main findings may suggest the potential utility of an INT as a cost-effective strategy that can be applied in schools to induce cardio-protective effects in school-children.
Topics: Humans; Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Body Mass Index; Child; Adiponectin; Male; Female; Saliva; Muscle Strength; Physical Education and Training; Schools; Molecular Weight
PubMed: 38756879
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1337958 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2024Acetyl-Coenzyme A Acyltransferase-1 () is a peroxisomal acyltransferase involved in fatty acid metabolism. Current evidence does not precisely reveal the effect of the...
INTRODUCTION
Acetyl-Coenzyme A Acyltransferase-1 () is a peroxisomal acyltransferase involved in fatty acid metabolism. Current evidence does not precisely reveal the effect of the gene on pig growth performance.
METHODS
The present study assessed the mRNA expression levels of the gene in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney of 6-month-old Xiangsu pigs and in the longissimus dorsi muscle at different growth stages (newborn, 6 months and 12 months of age) using RT-qPCR. The relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of gene and growth traits in 6-month-old and 12-month-old Xiangsu pigs was investigated on 184 healthy Xiangsu pigs using Sanger sequencing.
RESULTS
The gene was expressed in heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and longissimus dorsi muscle of 6-month-old pigs, with the highest level of expression in the liver. gene expression in the longissimus dorsi muscle decreased with age ( < 0.01). In addition, four SNPs were identified in the gene, including exon g.48810 A>G (rs343060194), intron g.51546 T>C (rs319197012), exon g.55035 T>C (rs333279910), and exon g.55088 C>T (rs322138947). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium ( > 0.05) was found for the four SNPs, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis revealed a strong LD between g.55035 T>C (rs333279910) and g.55088 C>T (rs322138947) ( = 1.000). Association analysis showed that g.48810 A>G (rs343060194), g.51546 T>C (rs319197012), g.55035 T>C (rs333279910), and g.55088 C>T (rs322138947) varied in body weight, body length, body height, abdominal circumference, leg and hip circumference and living backfat thickness between 6-month-old and 12-month-old Xiangsu pigs.
CONCLUSION
These findings strongly demonstrate that the gene can be exploited for marker-assisted selection to improve growth-related phenotypes in Xiangsu pigs and present new candidate genes for molecular pig breeding.
PubMed: 38756449
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1346903 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024We present the evolution of GHD in adolescent males with persistent growth failure, in whom the diagnosis was established after a second GH stimulation test (GST).
INTRODUCTION
We present the evolution of GHD in adolescent males with persistent growth failure, in whom the diagnosis was established after a second GH stimulation test (GST).
METHODS
We performed a retrospective chart review of children who presented for short stature (height less < 2SD for mean/mid-parental height) and/or growth failure (sustained growth velocity < 0 SD) to pediatric endocrinology at Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital, New York and who had 2 GSTs. Data collected from electronic medical records were analyzed using SPSS v28.0.
RESULTS
Of 53 patients included, 42 were males. Average GH peak on initial GST was 15.48 ± 4.92 ng/ml, at 10.07 ± 2.65 years, mean height -1.68 ± 0.56SD(28% had <2SD), IGF-1 -1.00 ± 0.88SD. After 2.23 ± 1.22 years, at 12.04 ± 2.41years, height SDs decreased to -1.82 ± 0.63SD and IGF-1 was -1.08 ± 0.84SD. At repeat GST, average GH peak was 7.59 ± 2.12 ng/dL, with 36% ≤7 ng/dl and 32% in puberty. 12 males reached adult height of 0.08 ± 0.69 SD with a mean height gain of 1.83 ± 0.56SD(p<0.005), IGF-1 of -1.15 ± 0.81SD after 4.64 ± 1.4 years of GH.
CONCLUSION
We offer evidence for Evolving Growth Hormone Deficiency (EGHD) through repeat GST in children with persistent growth slowdown, even with pubertal progression; emphasizing the need for careful longitudinal follow-up to make accurate diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Male; Human Growth Hormone; Adolescent; Retrospective Studies; Child; Growth Disorders; Female; Body Height; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Proof of Concept Study; Dwarfism, Pituitary
PubMed: 38752175
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1398171 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2024To explore the suitable population of CT value for predicting low bone mineral density (low-BMD).
OBJECTIVE
To explore the suitable population of CT value for predicting low bone mineral density (low-BMD).
METHODS
A total of 1268 patients who underwent chest CT examination and DXA within one-month period retrospectively analyzed. The CT attenuation values of trabecular bone were measured in mid-sagittal plane from thoracic vertebra 7 (T7). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the ability to diagnose low-BMD.
RESULTS
The AUC for diagnosing low BMD was larger in women than in men (0.894 vs 0.744, p < 0.05). The AUC increased gradually with the increase of age but decreased gradually with the increase in height and weight (p < 0.05). In females, when specificity was adjusted to approximately 90%, a threshold of 140.25 HU has a sensitivity of 69.3%, which is higher than the sensitivity of 36.5% in males for distinguishing low-BMD from normal. At the age of 70 or more, when specificity was adjusted to approximately 90%, a threshold of 126.31 HU has a sensitivity of 76.1%, which was higher than that of other age groups.
CONCLUSION
For patients who had completed chest CTs, the CT values were more effective in predicting low-BMD in female, elderly, lower height, and lower weight patients.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Bone Density; Retrospective Studies; Adult; ROC Curve; Absorptiometry, Photon; Aged, 80 and over; Osteoporosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Age Factors; Mass Screening; Body Height
PubMed: 38751857
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S461018 -
Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare 2024This retrospective study evaluated nutritional status and body composition changes in paediatric β-thalassemia (β-TM) patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell...
Nutritional and Body Composition Changes in Paediatric β-Thalassemia Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Study Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study evaluated nutritional status and body composition changes in paediatric β-thalassemia (β-TM) patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and explored their relationship with HSCT outcomes.
METHODS
A cohort of 40 paediatric β-TM patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT was assessed for their nutritional status, anthropometric parameters, including body mass index (BMI), weight, and height, and body composition parameters pre-and post-HSCT, focusing on BIA measurements, including intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), fat mass (FAT), fat-free mass (FFM), Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM), soft Lean Mass (SLM), percent body fat (PBF), Body Cell Mass (BCM), Phase angle (PA) and muscle balance pre- and post-HSCT. Post-HSCT clinical outcomes, including acute graft-vs-host disease (aGVHD), engraftment time, oral mucositis (OM), sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), and diarrhoea in relation to nutrition status after HSCT were analysed.
RESULTS
After HSCT, 28.21% experienced diminished nutritional status, with 71.43% of those who were wasting before HSCT showing diminished nutritional status, significantly higher than the normal group (18.75%, P = 0.012). Anthropometric changes included significant weight reduction (87.5%, 22.15 ± 7.46 vs 20.74 ± 6.57, P < 0.001) and BMI decrease (90%, 15.19 ± 1.70 vs 14.05 ± 1.48, P < 0.001). Body composition parameters, which are FFM, SMM, SLM, ICW, ECW, BCM, and PA (18.26 ± 5.71 vs 17.27 ± 5.19, 8.68 ± 3.30 vs 7.93 ± 3.02, 17.11 ± 5.28 vs 16.06 ± 4.84, 8.19 ± 2.54 vs 7.62 ± 2.31, 5.15 ± 1.58 vs 4.94 ± 1.47, 11.74 ± 3.63 vs 10.92 ± 3.32, 4.42 ± 0.50 vs 3.90 ± 0.57, respectively, P < 0.001) analysis revealed significant decreases. No significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed based on nutritional status.
CONCLUSION
Paediatric β-TM patients undergoing HSCT exhibit significant changes in nutrition status and body composition, emphasizing the need for focused attention on malnourished children who are more prone to diminished nutritional status. Comprehensive BIA aids in understanding the impact, urging consideration for extended follow-up and larger cohorts in future research.
PubMed: 38751668
DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S463796 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Apr 2024To ascertain the significance of serum ferritin and De Ritis ratio as diagnostic markers in patients of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with and without type 2 diabetes...
OBJECTIVES
To ascertain the significance of serum ferritin and De Ritis ratio as diagnostic markers in patients of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.
METHODS
The comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from February to October 2022 at the Radiology Department of Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised individuals aged 30-65 who were divided into 3 groups. Healthy controls formed group I, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus formed group II and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were in group III. Blood 5ml was withdrawn and assessed for alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and ferritin. De Ritis ratio was calculated and subjected to intergroup comparison. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.
RESULTS
Of the 210 subjects, 110(52.4%) were males and 100(47.6%) were females, with 70(33.3%) in each of the three groups. Group I had 38(54.3%) females and 32(45.7%) males with mean age 37.50±4.513. In group II, there were 27(38.6%) females and 43(61.4%) males with mean age 45.86±9.646, while in group III there were 35(50%) females and 35(50%) males with mean age 54.01±9.243 years. Serum ferritin levels were significantly increased in patient groups II and III compared to control group I (p<0.05). De Ritis ratio was markedly raised in groups II and III compared to group I (p<0.05). Ferritin was significantly correlated to age, weight, height, fasting blood glucose, haemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase and bilirubin (p<0.05). De Ritis ratio had a significant correlation with body mass index and fasting blood glucose (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Serum ferritin and De Ritis ratio were found to be useful diagnostic indicators for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, highlighting their importance in improving disease screening.
Topics: Humans; Ferritins; Male; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Biomarkers; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Alanine Transaminase; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Case-Control Studies; Alkaline Phosphatase; Aged; Pakistan
PubMed: 38751257
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.9289 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Apr 2024To evaluate vitamin D deficiency in children with iron-deficiency anaemia, and to identify the risk factors for such deficiency.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate vitamin D deficiency in children with iron-deficiency anaemia, and to identify the risk factors for such deficiency.
METHODS
The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Children's Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, from October 2021 to March 2022, and comprised children aged 1-5 years who had been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anaemia. Quantitative variables, like age, height, weight, gender, socioeconomic status and sibling status, were controlled by stratification. Data was compared to assess the risk factors of vitamin D deficiency among the subjects. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.
RESULTS
Of the 236 children with iron-deficiency anaemia, 159(67.5%) also had vitamin D deficiency; 95(59%) girls and 65(41%) boys. Overall, 104(65.4%) subjects were aged 4-5 years and 55(34.6%) were aged 1-3 years. Vitamin D deficiency had significant association with female gender, older age, height and weight <5th centiles, educated parents, low to middle socioeconomic status, urban residence and higher number of siblings (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children with iron-deficiency anaemia was found to be high.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin D Deficiency; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Female; Male; Child, Preschool; Pakistan; Cross-Sectional Studies; Infant; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Sex Factors; Body Height; Age Factors; Body Weight; Educational Status; Social Class; Siblings
PubMed: 38751252
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.8042