Association Of Different Components Research Articles

Exploring the associations of daily movement behaviours and mid-life cognition: a compositional analysis of the 1970 British Cohort Study

BackgroundMovement behaviours (eg, sedentary behaviour (SB), moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light intensity physical activity (LIPA) and sleep) are linked to cognition, yet the relative importance of each component...

The association of specific industry-related air pollution with occurrence of chronic diseases: A register-based study

Air pollution may contribute to onset and progression of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Most studies have focused on the contribution of traffic-related exposure to PM10 or PM2.5. Our aim was to investigate the association of different components of industry-related air pollution on the occurrence of chronic diseases.A register-based repeated cross-sectional study was conducted among 89,714 subjects (2012) with 536,599 annual observations (2012–2017) living in the vicinity of a large industrial area in the Netherlands. Information from the dispensed medication registration was linked with a dispersion model to characterize annual individual-level exposure of all subjects at place of residence. Associations between annual exposure (concentration and duration) to particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOC) with annual dispensed medication for cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory conditions were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations (GEE) while controlling for confounders.Exposure to PM10 and to NOX (per μg/m3) were significantly associated with medication for cardiovascular diseases (OR 1.06, 95CI% 1.06–1.06 and OR 1.01, 95%CI 1.01–1.01 respectively). Exposures to PM10 and SO2 (per μg/m3) were significantly associated with medication for inflammatory conditions (OR 1.05, 95%CI 1.00–1.09 and OR 1.07, 95%CI 1.01–1.14 respectively). Exposure to SO2 was inversely associated with respiratory diseases (OR 0.91, 95%CI 0.86–0.97). Except for inflammatory conditions, exposure duration (years) was significantly associated with the other three chronic diseases (OR varying from 1.01 to 1.03).This study indicates that specific air pollution components caused by industry may contribute to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory conditions.

Oxidative stress correlates well with markers of metabolic syndrome in clinically hypothyroid cases: a hospital based study in a remote tribal district

Relevance. Dislipidemia is one of the major manifestation of thyroid disease process due to alteration of metabolic parameters which are also seen in metabolic syndrome. Though oxidative stress has been implicated in both processes, controversial results have been obtained. Objective. To determine the status of lipid peroxidation product (Lpx) in the study group and identify the association of different components of metabolic syndrome. Material and Methods: 102 patients comprising of 60 healthy euthyroid controls and 42 hypothyroid patients served as the study group. Blood samples were collected for fasting blood sugar, renal parameters, lipid profile, tri-iodothyronin (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Level of lipid peroxidation in the samples was determined by monitoring the level of thiobarbituric acid like substances (TBARS) like substances. Results. The demographic parameters were significantly altered in hypothyroid patients. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure amongst both the groups was observed to have higher mean value in hypothyroid patients. The fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the hypothyroid was significantly higher than euthyroid control groups. The most frequent alteration in the hypothyroid patients was rise in SBP (95 %), Hypertriglyceridemia (50 %) and raised waist circumference (48 %) and DBP (42 %). A fourfold rise in Lpx was observed in hypothyroid subjects (p0.001). Robust positive association was observed between TSH and Lpx. Multiple linear regressions revealed strongest and statistically significant association between serum serum thyroid stimulating hormone and waist circumference. Conclusion. The hypothyroid patients have significant higher degree of oxidative stress and the components of metabolic syndrome. They are the candidates for preventive health intervention.

High Levels of Physical Fitness Are Associated With Better Health-Related Quality of Life in Women With Fibromyalgia: The al-Ándalus Project

Physical fitness is a marker of health and is associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Identifying which components of physical fitness are associated with HRQoL in people with fibromyalgia may contribute to the development of more specific therapeutic strategies. The 2 aims of this study were to examine the association of different components of physical fitness (ie, flexibility, muscle strength, speed and agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness) with HRQoL and to determine the extent to which any association between the components of physical fitness and HRQoL were of clinical relevance to women with fibromyalgia. A cross-sectional design was used. This study included 466 women with fibromyalgia from southern Spain (Andalusia). The Senior Fitness Test battery and the handgrip test were used to assess physical fitness, and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess HRQoL. Tender points, cognitive impairment, anthropometric measurements, and medication usage were also measured. First, multivariate linear regression was used to assess the individual relationship of each physical fitness test with the 8 dimensions of the SF-36. Second, a standardized composite score was computed for each component of physical fitness (flexibility, muscle strength, speed and agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness). A 1-way analysis of covariance to assess the differences in each of the 8 dimensions of the SF-36 across each physical fitness composite score was conducted. Forward stepwise regression was performed to analyze which components of physical fitness were independently associated with the SF-36 physical and mental component scales. Overall, higher levels of physical fitness were associated with higher levels of HRQoL (regardless of the SF-36 subscale evaluated). The effect sizes for HRQoL between participants with the lowest and the highest physical fitness levels ranged from moderate to large (Cohen d=0.53-0.90). The muscle strength composite score was independently associated with the SF-36 physical component scale, whereas the flexibility composite score and cardiorespiratory fitness were independently associated with the SF-36 mental component scale. A limitation was that the cross-sectional design precluded the establishment of causality. Additionally, only women were included in the study, because fibromyalgia predominantly affects women. High levels of physical fitness were consistently associated with better HRQoL in women with fibromyalgia; clinically relevant differences were demonstrated between those at extreme physical fitness levels. Muscle strength, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness were independent indicators of HRQoL. These results warrant further prospective research on the potential of fitness to predict HRQoL in this population.

Physical Fitness and Body Composition in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Background and objectives: Higher physical fitness is associated with a more favorable weight and body composition in the general population, although this association has not been studied in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of the present study was to examine the association of different components of physical fitness with body composition in women with SLE with mild disease activity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 77 women with SLE (43.2 ± 13.8 years old) and clinical stability during the previous 6 months. Body composition (including body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and waist-to-hip ratio) was assessed using a stadiometer, an anthropometric tape, and a bioimpedance device. Physical fitness included cardiorespiratory fitness (Siconolfi step test and 6 min walk test), muscular strength (handgrip strength test as upper body measure and 30 s chair stand as lower body measure), and flexibility (back-scratch test). Participants with a fitness level equal or above the median of the study sample were categorized as “fit” and those below the median were categorized as “unfit”. Linear regression assessed the association of physical fitness with body composition parameters. Results: Cardiorespiratory fitness and upper body muscular strength were negatively associated with BMI, FMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (all, p < 0.05). Lower body muscular strength and flexibility were negatively related to FMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and waist-to-hip ratio (all, p < 0.05). These relationships were still significant after controlling for age, disease duration, accrual damage, and SLE activity. Overall, fit patients presented significantly lower values in all body composition parameters compared to unfit patients (all, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The main findings of the present study suggest that physical fitness is inversely associated with body composition in women with SLE. Given the cross-sectional nature of this study, future clinical trials should study the causal pathways underlying these relationships.

Association of physical fitness components and health-related quality of life in women with systemic lupus erythematosus with mild disease activity.

ObjectivesTo study the association of different components of physical fitness [flexibility, muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)] and a clustered fitness score with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to analyze whether participants with high fitness level have better HRQoL.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 70 women with SLE (aged 42.5; SD 13.9 years). The back-scratch test assessed flexibility, the 30-sec chair stand and handgrip strength tests assessed muscle strength, and the 6-min walk test (n = 49) assessed CRF. HRQoL was assessed through the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36).ResultsFlexibility was positively associated with the physical function dimension and the physical component summary (PCS) (rpartial between 0.26 and 0.31; p<0.05), and negatively related with social functioning dimension (rpartial = -0.26; p<0.05). Muscle strength was positively associated with the physical function, physical role, bodily pain dimensions and the PCS (rpartial between 0.27 and 0.49; all p<0.05). CRF was positively associated with the physical function and bodily pain dimensions, and PCS (rpartial between 0.39 and 0.65; all p<0.05). The clustered fitness score was associated with the physical function (B = 17.16) and bodily pain (B = 14.35) dimensions, and the PCS (B = 6.02), all p<0.005. Patients with high fitness level had greater scores in the physical function, physical role, and bodily pain dimensions and the PCS, all p≤0.05.ConclusionsOur study suggests that muscle strength and CRF are positively associated with HRQoL, while flexibility showed contradictory results. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining adequate fitness levels in women with SLE.

Components Analysis of Metabolic Syndrome in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

Background: Metabolic syndrome confers the risk of developing acute myocardial infarction which is the most common form of coronary heart disease and the single most important cause of premature death worldwide. The frequency and association of different components of metabolic syndrome on AMI are not well understood and has not been well evaluated.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the components of the metabolic syndrome and its association with AMI patients. This study will help in awareness building in reducing AMI by early detection of components of metabolic syndrome.Patients and methods: This was a prospective observational study consisted of 325 AMI patients who were aged &gt;20 years. Patients with first time AMI arriving in CCU of Rajshahi medical college during the period of 2012-2014, were included. Data were collected through interview, clinical examination, and laboratory tests within 24 hrs of AMI. Five components of metabolic syndrome were defined according to criteria set by modified NCEP ATP III (according to ethnic variation).Results: In AMI patients (n=325), no metabolic components were in 24 (7.4%) patients, one in 53 (16.3%), 2 components in 91(28.0%), 3 components were in 61(18.8%), 4 in 67(20.6%) and all 5 components were in 29 (8.9%) patients. In this study, there was no component in 7.4% of AMI patients, at least 1 component was 92.6%, at least 2 components were 76.3%, at least 3 components were 48.3%, at least 4 components were 29.5% and at least 5 components were 8.9%. The Metabolic syndrome was 48.3% (n=157). Among metabolic syndrome (≥3 components) in AMI (n=157, 48.3%) 4 components (20.6%) were more, next was 3 components (18.8%) and than 5 components (8.9%). Overall frequencies of components in acute myocardial infarction (n=325) were in order of abdominal obesity (54.8%) &gt; high blood pressure (54.5%) &gt; high FPG (54.2%) &gt; Triglyceride (46.2%) and low HDL-C (46.2%) in acute myocardial infarction. Highest percentage was observed in abdominal obesity (54.8%) followed by high blood pressure (54.5%) and FPG (54.2%).TAJ 2016; 29(2): 6-10

Correlations and path analysis for yield components in irrigated rice

Grain yield of irrigated rice is a complex character resulting from the expression and association of different components, which should be considered by the breeder for an efficient process of selection of new genotypes. In this sense, the objective is to highlight the phenotypic correlations and the direct and indirect associations of the main components related to crop yield via path analysis. The experiment was carried out in an experimental field of the Lowlands Station of Embrapa Clima Temperado using six genotypes of irrigated rice: the cultivars BRS Pampa, BRS IRGA 409, BRS 7 ‘Taim’, BRS Sinuelo CL, BRS Pampeira and AB 10101 CL. The agronomic characters evaluated were grain yield, days to flowering, panicle length, panicle mass, number of fertile spikelets, number of sterile spikelets, number of tillers per plant, number of panicles per square meter, and mass of one thousand grains. The number of fertile spikelets, number of panicles per square meter, panicle mass and mass of one thousand grains influenced grain yield, both through phenotypic correlation and direct effects. In addition, there was a high direct linear tendency of these variables towards yield. Panicle length and number of sterile spikelets showed a potential of use in the indirect selection for grain yield.

Testing the relative associations of different components of dietary restraint on psychological functioning in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

Although empirical evidence identifies dietary restraint as a transdiagnostic eating disorder maintaining mechanism, the distinctiveness and significance of the different behavioural and cognitive components of dietary restraint are poorly understood. The present study examined the relative associations of the purportedly distinct dietary restraint components (intention to restrict, delayed eating, food avoidance, and diet rules) with measures of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress), disability, and core eating disorder symptoms (overvaluation and binge eating) in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Data were analysed from a treatment-seeking sample of individuals with AN (n = 124) and BN (n = 54). Intention to restrict, food avoidance, and diet rules were strongly related to each other (all r's > 0.78), but only weakly-moderately related to delayed eating behaviours (all r's < 0.47). In subsequent moderated ridge regression analyses, delayed eating was the only restraint component to independently predict variance in measures of psychological distress. Patient diagnosis did not moderate these associations. Overall, findings indicate that delayed eating behaviours may be a distinct component from other indices of dietary restraint (e.g., intention to restrict, food avoidance, diet rules). This study highlights the potential importance of ensuring that delayed eating behaviours are screened, assessed, and targeted early in treatment for patients with AN and BN.

Effect of precipitation time and solvent power on asphaltene characteristics

The kinetics of asphaltene precipitation is studied regarding the characterization of the precipitated material. The association of different components of the crude oil depends on the solvent power of the blend heptane/oil and produces aggregates with a variable composition that change as a function of time. It was found that the precipitate contains a significant amount of maltenes whose relative content decreases as a function of time. In agreement with this behavior, the precipitate becomes more hydrogen deficient. These changes also produced a significant increase in the apparent average molecular weight of the precipitate as measured using size exclusion chromatography. This increase correlated with the amount of asphaltenes in the precipitated material independently of time or heptane/oil ratio. Solubility profile measurements showed that the average characteristics of the asphaltenes found in the precipitate varied as a function of time. As more asphaltene molecules precipitated, the distributions of these molecules changed decreasing its average solubility parameter. Considerable differences in the amount collected at low and high heptane/oil ratios as a function of time were also found. Based on the measurements, a new model was developed that describes the complex aggregation behavior involved in asphaltene precipitation.

Association of objectively measured physical activity and physical fitness with menopause symptoms. The Flamenco Project

Objective: The primary aim was to analyze the association of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with menopause symptomatology and its overall impact. A secondary/exploratory aim was to assess the association of different components of physical fitness with menopause symptomatology.Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 191 perimenopausal women from Southern Spain (age range 45–60 years, mean age 52.6 ± 4.5 years). The Blatt–Kupperman Menopausal Index was used to evaluate menopause symptomatology. Objectively measured MVPA was registered with accelerometry. Physical fitness was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test battery plus handgrip strength and sit-and-reach tests.Results: After adjustment for multiple confounders, MVPA was only inversely associated with vertigo (r = −0.185, p < 0.05) and palpitations (r = −0.148, p < 0.05). Upper-body flexibility was inversely associated with the Blatt–Kupperman Menopausal Index global score (r = −0.147, p < 0.05). This test was also inversely associated with vertigo (r = −0.230, p < 0.01) and arthralgia (r = −0.168, p < 0.05). Lower-body muscle strength was associated with lower nervousness (r = −0.171, p < 0.05). Cardiorespiratory fitness was inversely associated with paresthesia (r = −0.158, p < 0.05), vertigo (r = −0.219, p < 0.01), fatigue (r = −0.159, p < 0.05) and arthralgia (r = −0.180, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The main findings of the present study indicate a weak association of objectively measured MVPA with menopause symptomatology. Exploratory analyses suggest that upper-body flexibility was associated with slightly lower overall menopause impact whereas neither MVPA nor any physical fitness components studied were associated with vasomotor symptoms.

Association of physical fitness, body composition, cardiometabolic markers and adherence to the Mediterranean diet with bone mineral density in perimenopausal women. The FLAMENCO project

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to analyse the association of different components of physical fitness, body composition, cardiometabolic markers and the Mediterranean diet with bone mineral density (BMD) in perimenopausal women, and to test which of these components are independently associated with BMD. The sample comprised 197 perimenopausal women (52.6 ± 4.5 years). Physical fitness was assessed with the “Senior Fitness Test” battery and the handgrip strength and Bruce tests. Fat and lean mass and BMD were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We analysed the markers of metabolic syndrome, C-reactive protein, and components of the Mediterranean diet. Handgrip muscle strength (β = 0.212, P = 0.005), body weight (β = 0.244, P = 0.001), BMI (β = 0.180, P = 0.011) and lean mass (β = 0.379, P < 0.001) were positively associated with BMD. No associations were observed between cardiometabolic markers or the Mediterranean diet with BMD (all P > 0.05). When all relevant indicators of BMD were simultaneously considered, lean mass was the only 1 showing an independent association with BMD (β = 0.392, P < 0.001), explaining 14% of the BMD variability. In conclusion, muscle strength might be a marker of BMD in perimenopausal women. However, lean mass was the only factor independently associated with BMD. Future research to determine whether increasing lean mass through specific exercise-based interventions contributes to increasing BMD is warranted.

Association of physical fitness with health-related quality of life in early postmenopause.

ObjectiveTo assess the association of different components of physical fitness with HRQoL in early postmenopause and to test which physical fitness components are independently associated with the physical and mental components of HRQoL.MethodsThe final sample comprised 67 early postmenopausal women. Physical fitness was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test battery (additionally including handgrip strength test), and HRQoL was evaluated with the Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36). We also analyzed plasma gonadotropic hormones and estradiol.ResultsOverall, most of the fitness components were positively associated with HRQoL. Lower-body flexibility, upper-body muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness were the fitness components more strongly associated with HRQoL (r range from 0.28 to 0.56). Static balance was especially associated with mental health (r = −0.46, P < 0.001). Lower-body flexibility (assessed with the chair sit-and-reach test) and upper-body muscle strength (assessed with handgrip dynamometry) were independently associated with the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (both, P < 0.001). Upper-body muscle strength (P < 0.01) and cardiorespiratory fitness (assessed with the 6-min walk test, P < 0.05) were independently associated with the SF-36 Mental Component Summary.ConclusionsHigher physical fitness is associated with better HRQoL in early postmenopause. Lower-body flexibility and upper-body muscle strength were the most important independent fitness indicators, explaining ~30 % of HRQoL.

Variants and haplotypes within MEF2C gene influence stature of chinese native cattle including body dimensions and weight

Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) gene was annotated for its potential phenotypic effects on bovine stature including body dimensions and body weight. The aim of this study was the analysis of MEF2C as a candidate for bovine stature. Four SNPs including two novel SNPs were identified and the polymorphisms were genotyped by (forced) PCR-RFLP. Using a population of 805 cows from two Chinese native breeds, we report confirmation of this effect, demonstrating strong association of different components of bovine stature with MEF2C genotypes. Six combined haplotypes were constructed as well and diplotype H1H6/H3H5 (CTGGTCAA) affected bovine stature negatively, including body weight, hucklebone widt, and withers height (P<0.05). Our results suggest that the four variants within bovine MEF2C can be used as candidate SNP markers for marker-assisted selection in beef cattle breeding programmes.

Association of Physical Fitness With Pain in Women With Fibromyalgia: The al-Ándalus Project.

This population-based cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the association of different components of physical fitness with pain levels, pain-related catastrophizing, and chronic pain self-efficacy in women with fibromyalgia (FM). A total of 468 women with FM participated. The experience of pain was assessed with different tools (algometry, a numeric rating scale [revised FM impact questionnaire], a visual analog scale, and the bodily pain subscale on the Short Form 36 health survey). We also assessed pain-related catastrophizing and chronic pain self-efficacy. Physical fitness was assessed with performance-based tests (Senior Fitness Test battery and handgrip dynamometry). A standardized composite score was computed for each component of physical fitness (aerobic fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, and motor agility), and their average comprised a clustered global fitness profile. Overall, higher physical fitness was consistently associated with lower levels of pain, lower pain-related catastrophizing, and higher chronic pain self-efficacy (regardless of the pain assessment method and the fitness test evaluated). Muscle strength and flexibility were independently associated with pain (P < 0.005 for both), and participants with high muscle strength plus high flexibility (combined effect) had the lowest levels of pain in this population. Aerobic fitness and flexibility were independently associated with pain-related catastrophizing (P < 0.001 for both) and chronic pain self-efficacy (P < 0.001 for both), and participants with high flexibility plus high aerobic fitness (combined effect) had the best catastrophizing and self-efficacy profiles. Our results suggest that higher physical fitness is associated with lower levels of pain, lower pain-related catastrophizing, and higher chronic pain self-efficacy in women with FM. These results might have implications for future intervention studies in this population.

The prognostic impact of tumour-associated macrophages and Reed-Sternberg cells in paediatric Hodgkin lymphoma

BackgroundTumour-associated macrophages (TAM) are associated with treatment failure in adults with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Equivalent data in paediatric HL are sparse. We aimed to determine the prognostic significance of TAM and Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells in paediatric HL. MethodsAll children aged 0–18 with HL between 1980 and 2009 with available diagnostic biopsy material were identified. A treatment failure-enriched cohort was assembled. Demographic, disease and outcome data were abstracted. Tissue microarrays with duplicate cores were constructed from diagnostic biopsy material and stained with immunohistochemical markers for TAM (CD68, CD163) and RS (CD30). A high score was defined as >5% positive cells relative to overall cellularity in any core. The association of candidate variables with event-free survival (EFS) was determined using Cox proportional hazards. ResultsThe final study cohort comprised 96 patients with a median age of 14years (interquartile range 11–15). Agreement on scores between cores from the same biopsy revealed weighted kappas of 0.60, 0.68 and 0.73 for CD30, CD68 and CD163 respectively, indicating moderate tumour heterogeneity. In univariate analysis, a high CD30 score was significantly associated with treatment failure (hazard ratio (HR) 2.27; 95th confidence interval 1.01–5.11; p<0.05). High CD68 and CD163 scores were not associated with EFS. ConclusionsUnlike adult HL, a higher percentage of RS cells was associated with poor outcome, while a higher percentage of TAM was not. Adult HL findings may not extend to paediatric HL. Cooperative group trials of paediatric HL should prospectively determine the association of different components of the tumour microenvironment with outcome.

Social capital and self-rated health in Colombia: The good, the bad and the ugly

Although there is increasing evidence supporting the associations between social capital and health, less is known of potential effects in Latin American countries. Our objective was to examine associations of different components of social capital with self-rated health in Colombia. The study had a cross-sectional design, using data of a survey applied to a nationally representative sample of 3025 respondents, conducted in 2004-2005. Stratified random sampling was performed, based on town size, urban/rural origin, age, and sex. Examined indicators of social capital were interpersonal trust, reciprocity, associational membership, non-electoral political participation, civic activities and volunteering. Principal components analysis including different indicators of social capital distinguished three components: structural-formal (associational membership and non-electoral political participation), structural-informal (civic activities and volunteering) and cognitive (interpersonal trust and reciprocity). Multilevel analyses showed no significant variations of self-rated health at the regional level. After adjusting for sociodemographic covariates, interpersonal trust was statistically significantly associated with lower odds of poor/fair health, as well as the cognitive social capital component. Members of farmers/agricultural or gender-related groups had higher odds of poor/fair health, respectively. Excluding these groups, however, associational membership was associated with lower odds of poor/fair health. Likewise, in Colombians with educational attainment higher than high school, reciprocity was associated with lower odds of fair/poor health. Nevertheless, among rural respondents non-electoral political participation was associated with worse health. In conclusion, cognitive social capital and associational membership were related to better health, and could represent important notions for health promotion. Human rights violations related to political violence and gender based discrimination may explain adverse associations with health.

Food consumption, nutrient intake and the risk of having metabolic syndrome: the DR's EXTRA Study

The associations of different components of diet with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are largely unknown. We therefore studied the associations of intakes of selected food items and nutrients with the risk of having MetS. The participants were a representative population sample of 1334 individuals (671 women, 663 men) 57-78 years of age. Dietary intake was assessed by a 4-day food record. MetS was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. Consumption of vegetables, non-root vegetables, legumes and nuts berries and fish had an inverse and consumption of sausage had a direct association with the risk of having MetS in men after adjustment for age, smoking and alcohol consumption. Consumption of vegetables and non-root vegetables had an inverse and consumption of sausage had a direct association with the risk of having MetS in women after these adjustments. However, after further adjustment for maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂(max)) most of these associations vanished. Men in the highest third of consumption of berries, fish, and legumes and nuts had 49, 37 and 44% lower risk of having MetS, respectively, than those in the lowest third after further adjustment for VO₂(max). Women in the highest third of sausage consumption had a 72% higher risk of having MetS than non-consumers. Consumption of legumes and nuts, berries and fish was inversely associated with MetS in men. Consumption of sausage was directly associated with MetS in women. VO₂(max) seems to be a strong confounding factor between food consumption and MetS.

Blood-brain barrier and cerebral small vessel disease

Increasing evidence from neuro and retinal imaging, neuropathology, epidemiology and experimental models suggests that the primary underlying initiating cause of cerebral small vessel disease is the derangement of the blood-brain barrier. This may start some years before the first symptoms, leads to the small vessel structural changes (vessel wall thickening, disorganisation and eventual breakdown) and perivascular changes (oedema, enlarged perivascular spaces, tissue damage interpreted as “infarcts”) and is fundamentally different to traditional “ischaemic” mechanisms, although small vessel occlusion due to thrombus formation on damaged vessel walls may be a late secondary phenomenon. Space limits a detailed discussion of the epidemiology and experimental evidence, so this brief review will focus on neuroimaging evidence and summarise the appearances, risk factors and associations of different components of cerebral small vessel disease as identified on imaging, discuss potential causes and, in particular, the evidence that disordered blood-brain barrier precipitates or worsens progression of cerebral small vessel disease. This mechanism may also play a role in other common disorders of ageing such as Alzheimer's disease.

Anthropometric estimates of muscle and fat mass in relation to cardiac and cancer mortality in men: the Paris Prospective Study

The associations of different components of body mass with disease outcomes are not well defined. We investigated the effects of body composition on risk of death from cardiac causes and cancer in adult men. Middle-aged men (n = 7608) in the Paris Prospective Study were followed up for 15 y. At study entry, the following measurements were obtained: sagittal diameter, sum of midarm and midthigh circumferences, sum of 3 trunk skinfold thicknesses (estimate of trunk subcutaneous fat), and sum of 3 extremity skinfold thicknesses (estimate of extremity subcutaneous fat). To assess their relative contributions to cardiac and cancer mortality, we used multivariate Cox models in which the sagittal diameter adjusted for trunk skinfold thicknesses was used as an estimate of intraabdominal fat and the sum of midarm and midthigh circumferences adjusted for extremity skinfold thicknesses was used as an estimate of muscle mass. In multivariate analyses in both smokers and nonsmokers, the sagittal diameter was the only significant predictor of cardiac death. The sum of midarm and midthigh circumferences was negatively associated and sagittal diameter was positively associated with cancer death, whereas extremity skinfold thicknesses exhibited a U-shape relation. Exclusion of subjects who died from cancer in the first 5 y of follow-up did not change these results. Intraabdominal fat appears to be the main body compartment involved in risk of cardiac death, whereas increased risk of cancer death is associated with lower muscle mass and lower subcutaneous fat, independent of smoking and after the exclusion of early mortality. Increased central fat distribution may confer additional risk of death from cancer.