Dual-emission X-ray Absorptiometry Research Articles

Differences in 5-km running pace between female and male triathletes

AbstractDuring an IRONMAN, the pacing strategy in the running segment differs significantly between sexes. However, it is unknown if sex affects the running pace in shorter triathlon events. This study compared the pacing strategy between sexes during a 5-km running test performed following a 20-km cycle (sprint triathlon distances). Participants included 16 men (34.7±7.5 years) and 16 women (39.5±7.7 years). A cardiopulmonary exercise test to measure maximal oxygen uptake (˙VO2max) and a functional threshold power (FTP) were performed. Body composition was measured using a dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry system. Participants cycled at 90% FTP for 20 km and ran as fast as possible for 5 km. The total time spent cycling 20 km was shorter (~11%) in male than in female athletes (p<0.001). Similarly, the time spent to run 5 km was shorter in male (~11%) than in female athletes (p=0.006). Male athletes performed the last 600 m of the 5km race significantly faster than the initial meters (p<0.05). Female athletes performed the 5-km race without pace variation (p>0.05). In conclusion, apart from the sex differences associated with performance in short-term triathlon events, the pacing strategy was also different.

Correlation between Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density Differs by Sex and Skeletal Site in Overweight and Obese Chinese Subjects

Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the relationship between obesity and bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of body composition on BMD and the serum sclerostin level in overweight and obese adults. The study had a cross-sectional design and included 90 men and 118 women with a body mass index ≥25. Fat mass, lean mass, and spinal and pelvic BMD were measured using dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry. Subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, and lean mass were measured between L2 and L3 by 16-slice spiral computed tomography. The serum sclerostin level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson analysis showed that fat mass and appendicular lean mass were positively correlated with spinal BMD in both sexes. A positive association of both fat mass and lean mass with pelvic BMD, which was stronger in women, was also found. Partial correlation analysis showed the positive association between fat mass and BMD was significantly attenuated but the positive association between lean mass and pelvic BMD remained after adjustment for age and body weight. A negative correlation was observed between visceral fat and spinal and pelvic BMD only in women, and the positive association between lean mass with pelvic BMD was more obvious in women than in men, indicating body composition seemed to have a greater impact on the BMD in women. The serum sclerostin level was positively associated with BMD but not with body composition. These findings suggest that the correlation between body composition and BMD is influenced by sex and skeletal site.

Body composition and phase angle in rugby union athletes: A comparison between forward and back positions

IntroductionRugby union has been increasingly attracting a multitude of enthusiasts over the past years. Nevertheless, there is a need for a more profound understanding of body composition, particularly regarding body fluids, and phase angle by playing position in rugby union athletes. MethodsThis study aimed to compare body composition components and phase angle among rugby union athletes based on their playing positions (forwards vs. backs). The sample consisted of 26 male athletes from rugby union clubs in Florianópolis, Brazil. Body composition [fat mass, lean soft tissue mass (LSTM)], body fluids (total body water, intra and extracellular water, and their proportions) and phase angle were evaluated using dual emission X-ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis, respectively. Statistical analysis was carried out using the analysis of covariance to compare body composition, and phase angle between playing positions (forwards vs. backs). ResultsThe primary findings indicated that rugby union athletes playing as forwards demonstrated higher values for fat mass, FFBM, and body fluids (total body water, intracellular, and extracellular water) compared to those playing as backs (p < 0.01). No difference was observed between playing positions for the other variables. ConclusionsBody composition may vary depending on the playing position in rugby union athletes.

Assessment of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Insulin Sensitivity by Hyperinsulinemic-Euglycemic Clamp in Resistance to Thyroid Hormone β Syndrome.

Background: Resistance to thyroid hormone beta (RTHβ) is a rare disease resulting from mutations in the THRB gene, characterized by reduced T3 action in tissues with high thyroid hormone receptor β expression. Thyroid hormones regulate body composition and metabolism in general, and increased or decreased hormone levels are associated with insulin resistance. This study evaluated the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors and insulin sensitivity in patients with RTHβ. Methods: In all, 16 patients, 8 adults (52.3 ± 16.3 years of age) and 8 children (10.9 ± 3.9 years of age), were compared to 28 control individuals matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Anthropometry evaluation and blood samples were collected for glycemia, lipids, insulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), leptin, adiponectin, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (CRPus), free thyroxine, total triiodothyronine, thyrotropin, and anti-thyroid peroxidase measurements. Body composition was assessed using dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry and bioimpedance. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated in adult patients and controls using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC), whereas homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated in all individuals studied. Results: Patients and controls presented similar weight, BMI, abdominal perimeter, and total fat body mass. Patients with RTHβ demonstrated higher total cholesterol (TC), p = 0.04, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), p = 0.03, but no alteration was observed in other parameters associated with metabolic risk, such as leptin, TNF-α, and CRPus. Two adult patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. There was no evidence of insulin resistance assessed by HEC or HOMA-IR. Elevated IL-6 levels were observed in patients with RTHβ. Conclusion: Using HEC as the gold standard method, no evidence of reduced insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle was documented in RTHβ adult patients; however, higher levels of TC and LDL-C were observed in these patients, which suggest the need for active monitoring of this abnormality to minimize cardiometabolic risk. In addition, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the increase in IL-6 levels in patients with RTHβ is probably secondary to metabolic causes as they have normal levels of TNF-α and CRPus, which may contribute to an increase in cardiovascular risk. A larger number of patients must be studied to confirm these results.

Impact of aging on maximal oxygen uptake in female runners and sedentary controls

The present study aimed to compare V̇O2max (absolute, adjusted to total body mass, and adjusted to lean mass) in recreational runners and sedentary women < and > 50 yr and verify the effect of aging and physical activity level on the three types of V̇O2 max expression. The study included 147 women:85 runners (45.7 ± 14.1 yr) and 62 sedentary controls (48.8 ± 9.8 yr). They were subjected to cardiopulmonary exercise testing for V̇O2 max measurement and a body composition test by dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry system. V̇O2max were expressed as absolute values (L/min), relative to total body mass values (mL/kg/min), and relative to lean mass values (mL/kgLM/min). The two-way analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction [F(2,131) = 4.43, p < 0.001] and effects of age group [F(2,131) = 32.79, p < 0.001] and physical activity group [F(2,131) = 55.64, p < 0.001] on V̇O2max (mL/min). V̇O2max (mL/kg/min) and V̇O2 max (mL/kgLM/min) were significantly influenced by age and physical activity levels. The multiple regression model explains 76.2 % of the dependent variable V̇O2max (mL/kg/min), age (β = −0.335, t = −7.841, p < 0.001), and physical activity group (β = −0.784, t = −18.351, p < 0.001). In conclusion, female runners had higher V̇O2 max values than sedentary women at all ages, even though aging has a greater impact on V̇O2 max in the runners group. In addition to cardiorespiratory fitness, women's metabolic lean mass function, as measured by V̇O2max adjusted by lean mass, is significantly influenced by aging. Finally, physical activity has a greater impact on V̇O2 max levels than aging.

The influencing factors on the spinal sagittal alignment and global balance status of degenerative thoracolumbar kyphosis

Objective: To explore the effect of degenerative thoracolumbar kyphosis (DTLK) on the sagittal alignment of the spine, as well as the impact on spinal parameters and imbalance secondary to thoracolumbar kyphosis. Methods: A case-control study. A total of 128 DTLK patients who aged over 50 years [thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK)>15°] treated in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 (DTLK group) were retrospectively included in this study. Other 73 contemporaneous patients with lumbar spinal stenosis or disc herniation without thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK=0°±15°) were enrolled into the control group. The following parameters were obtained on spine X-ray: TLK, thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA). In addition, the osteoporosis (OP) was evaluated by dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the L5/S1 disc signal grading (Pfirrmann grading) was evaluated on MRI. Based on the age, the Lafage formula SVA=2× (age-55)+25 was used to distinguish balance/imbalance, and the DTLK patients were divided into balanced and an imbalanced group, the characteristics and influencing factors of the loss of sagittal balance in this population were clarified, and the interaction among various parts of the spine under a state of balance was analyzed too. Results: The TK (30.0°±13.5° vs 24.2°±7.4°) and TLK (26.6°±9.7° vs 6.0°±6.6°) in the DTLK group were both larger than those in control group while LL was smaller (34.4°±17.7° vs 44.2°±10.3°) (all P<0.001). TK was correlated to TLK (r=0.234, P=0.008) and LL (r=0.539, P<0.001) in DTLK group. LL loss was positively correlated to L5/S1 disc signal reduction (r=0.253, P=0.044). LL loss [RR=1.04(1.01-1.08)] and OP [RR=3.97(1.09, 14.50)] were influencing factors for the occurrence of imbalance in DTLK patients. The influencing factors for TK in DTLK balance group were LL (β=0.572, P<0.001) and age (β=0.351, P=0.045). The positive influencing factor for TK in imbalanced group is LL (β=0.209, P=0.015), and the impact is weaker than balanced group. Conclusions: Loss of LL and osteoporosis are more likely to cause imbalance and kyphosis in DTLK patients. In DTLK balance group, the proximal spine is regulated by lumbar spine, and the synergistic effect between the two parts maintains balance.

Characteristics of bone mineral density in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea and its association with reproductive hormones and body composition.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is typically reduced in patients with female athlete triad (FAT) and anorexia nervosa (AN). However, bone health in most patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA), who may not suffer from severe energy deficiency, has not received adequate attention in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate BMD and its association with clinical and endocrine features in individuals with FHA and to provide clinical evidence for improving bone loss and preventing osteoporosis in FHA. To assess the bone status of patients with FHA and investigate its association with various clinical and endocrinological characteristics. We retrospectively analysed 80 patients with FHA who attended the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2022 to March 2023. The levels of reproductive hormones, including luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone, oestradiol (E2 )and total testosterone (TT), were examined at the time of initial diagnosis, and a body composition analyser was used to measure body fat percentage (BF%), lean body mass (LBM)and segmental muscle/fat. Dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure lumbar spine BMDand femoral neck BMDin patients with FHA, and the Z score was calculated. The study cohort consisted of 80 female patients with FHA. The average age of the patients was 24.64 ± 6.02 years, and their body mass index (BMI) was 19.47 ± 2.86 kg/m2 . The duration of weight loss was 12 (6, 24) months, while the duration of oligo/amenorrhoea was 12 (4.5, 24) months. The mean degree of weight loss was 18.39 ± 9.53%. Low BMD were present in 15% of patients with FHA at the lumbar spine and/or femoral neck; 12.5% and 10% had low bone mass at the lumbar spine and femoral neck, respectively. The low bone mass group experienced a longer period of weight loss than the normal group [24 (16.5, 60) vs. 12 (4.5, 24) months, p = .037]. In addition, the abnormal group had a lower BMR (basal metabolic rate, BMR) [1158 ± 85 vs. 1231 ± 91 kcal/day, p = .011] and lower bone mineral content [2.15 ± 0.26 vs. 2.43 ± 0.31 kg, p = .009] than the normal group. Both LBMD and femoral neck BMD (Fn BMD) were positively correlated with BMI, BF%, LBM, and regional muscle/fat mass (all p < .05). There was also a positive correlation between LBMD and basal LH levels (p = .009) and waist-to-hip ratio (p = .034), whereas Fn BMD was positively correlated with TT levels (p = .029). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that LBM was positively associated with LBMD (β = .007, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.004-0.009, p < .001), while trunk muscle mass was positively associated with Fn BMD (β = .046, 95% CI = 0.013-0.080, p = .008). Fifteen percent of the patients with FHA exhibited low bone mass, a condition associated with prolonged weight loss. The basal LH and TT levels showed positive correlations with LBMD and Fn BMD, respectively. Meanwhile, BMR levels, BMI, BF%, and muscle mass were all positively correlated with LBMD and Fn BMD. Clinically, we should be attentive to suboptimal bone health in patients with FHA and take early screening, diagnosis and intervention measures, especially appropriate muscle mass gain, to prevent the onset of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in the long term.

Association between dietary total choline and abdominal aorta calcification among older US adults: A cross-sectional study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Numerous studies indicate a potential bidirectional association between dietary choline intake and its derivative, betaine, and subclinical atherosclerosis. However, little research has been conducted on the relationship between dietary choline and severe abdominal aortic calcification (SAAC). This cross-sectional study analyzed population-based data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2014). Choline intake and food sources were measured using two 24-h dietary-recall interviews. The abdominal aortic calcification score was measured using a dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry scan. To assess the relationship between choline intake and SAAC, the study utilized restricted cubic spline and a multivariable logistic regression model. Among the 2640 individuals included in the study, 10.9% had SAAC. After adjusting for all selected covariates, compared with the lowest quartile of dietary choline, the odds ratios of SAAC for the second-quartile, third-quartile, and fourth-quartile dietary choline intake were 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.93), 0.63 (95% CI, 0.42-0.94), and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.5-1.16), respectively. The study found an L-shaped relationship between dietary choline and SAAC in the dose-response analysis. Subgroup analyses did not demonstrate any statistically significant interaction effects for any subgroup. The study found that a higher intake of dietary choline is associated with a lower prevalence of SAAC. The dose-response analysis revealed an L-shaped relationship between dietary choline and SAAC. However, further studies are warranted to investigate the direct role of choline in the development of SAAC.

Fat-free mass may play a dominant role in the association between systolic blood pressure and body composition in children and adolescents.

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is significantly associated with body composition in children and adolescents. However, which one of the components of body composition is the dominant contributor to SBP in children and adolescents remains unclear. We, therefore, aimed to determine the dominant contributor to SBP among components of body composition in a large cohort of American children and adolescents derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with cross-sectional analysis. In total, 13618 children and adolescents (median age 13 years; 6107 girls) with available data on whole-body dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry measurements were included. Multiple linear regression showed that SBP was associated with higher total fat-free mass in boys (β = 0·49, P < 0·001) and girls (β = 0·47, P < 0·001) and with higher total fat mass only in boys (β = 0·12, P < 0·001) after adjustment for covariates. When taking fat distribution into consideration, SBP was associated with higher trunk fat mass (boys: β = 0·28, P < 0·001; girls: β = 0·15, P < 0·001) but negatively associated with leg fat mass (Boys: β = -0·14, P < 0·001; Girls: β = -0·11, P < 0·001), in both boys and girls. Dominance analysis showed that total fat-free mass was the dominant contributor to SBP (boys: 49 %; girls: 55·3 %), followed by trunk fat mass (boys: 32·1 %; girls: 26·9 %); leg fat mass contributed the least to SBP in boys (18·9 %) and girls (17·8 %). Our findings indicated that total fat-free mass was not only associated with SBP but also the most dominant contributor to SBP variation in American children and adolescents.

Association between Phase Angle and Body Composition of Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with HIV Infection.

The aim of the study was to investigate how phase angle (PhA) is associated with subtotal and lumbar spine bone mineral density [BMD], lean soft tissue mass [LSTM], total body fat mass, android and gynoid in children and adolescents with HIV according to sex. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Florianópolis, Brazil, involving 64 children and adolescents vertically transmitted with HIV. Resistance and reactance values were obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and PhA was subsequently calculated. Dual emission X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition. Antiretroviral medication, physical activity (accelerometers) and skeletal maturation (wrist-carpal radiography) were used in the adjusted model. In males, PhA was directly associated with subtotal BMD (βadj: 0.65; R²: 0.38, p < 0.01) and lumbar spine BMD (βadj: 0.53; R²: 0.22, p = 0.01), directly associated with LSTM (βadj: 0.76; R²: 0.46, p < 0.01), and inversely associated with gynoid fat (βadj: -0.47; R²: 0.2, p = 0.01), in adjusted models. In females, PhA was directly associated with subtotal BMD (βadj: 0.46; R²: 0.17, p < 0.01) and lumbar spine BMD (βadj: 0.48; R²: 0.19, p < 0.01). It is concluded that PhA was directly associated with subtotal and regional BMD, LSTM, and inversely with gynoid fat in boys with HIV. In girls, PA was directly associated only with subtotal and regional BMD.

Fenestrated screws in osteoporotic spine—Is there an association between the cement distribution and DEXA scan T score?

Abstract Purpose: Cement distribution in spinal stabilization with fenestrated screws is unpredictable in patients with osteoporosis. The objective of our study was an assessment of cement distribution while using fenestrated screws and to establish an association between cement distribution and the Dual Emission X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan T scores. Materials and Methods: Osteoporotic patients who underwent spinal stabilization with fenestrated screws by a single surgeon with a minimum follow-up of one year were included. Cement distribution (four zones comprising the vertebral body and the pedicle), a pattern of distribution (concentrated or scattered) and cement leakage were assessed on CT scans. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their DEXA scan T scores to test an association between the pattern of distribution of cement and the scores. Clinical improvement was determined using visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index scores. Results: A total of 126 screws were analyzed in 20 patients with a mean age of 69 years and a mean follow-up of 18 months. Out of 126 screws, 114 (90.47%) had cement in Zones 1 and 2. In total, 58 screws had a concentrated pattern of distribution of cement, whereas 68 screws had a scattered distribution, and the odds ratio of a scattered pattern of distribution was 6.31:1 if the DEXA scan T score was “below (−)3.0.” Clinical improvement was calculated in percentage of change from the preoperative value (mean % visual analogue scale change = 65.13 ± 7.59 and mean % Oswestry disability index change = 43.14 ± 7.24). Conclusion: The pattern of cement distribution in fenestrated screws relates well with the DEXA scan T scores and their usage should be strongly considered in patients with poorer scores. However, there is no relevant difference between the pattern of distribution and the clinical outcome.

FAT-FREE MASS DOMINATES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY COMPOSITION AND SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Objective: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) significantly associates with body composition. However, which one of the components of body composition is the dominant contributor to SBP in children and adolescents remains unclear. We aimed to determine the dominant contributor to SBP among components of body composition in a large cohort of American children and adolescents derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Design and method: 13618 children and adolescents (median age 13 years; 6107 girls) with available data on whole-body dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry measurements were included. Results: Multiple linear regression showed that SBP significantly associated with fat-free mass in boys (↓ = 0.49, P&lt;0.001) and girls (↓ = 0.47, P&lt;0.001) and with total fat mass only in boys (↓ = 0.12, P&lt;0.001), after adjustment for covariates. When taking fat distribution into consideration, SBP positively associated with trunk fat mass (Boys: ↓ = 0.28, P&lt;0.001; Girls: ↓ = 0.15, P&lt;0.001), but negatively associated with leg fat mass (Boys: ↓ = -0.14, P&lt;0.001; Girls: ↓ = -0.11, P&lt;0.001), in both boys and girls. Dominance analysis showed that fat-free mass was the dominant contributor to SBP (boys: 49%; girls: 55.3%), followed by trunk fat mass (boys: 32.1%; girls: 26.9%); leg fat mass contributed the least to SBP in boys (18.9%) and girls (17.8%). Conclusions: Fat-free mass was not only significantly associated with SBP, but also the most dominant contributor to SBP variation in American children and adolescents.

Effect of transtibial prosthesis weight on the contralateral knee joint in relation to the risk of osteoarthritis.

Individuals with transtibial amputation place more load on the contralateral lower extremity. A higher adduction moment at the knee joint has been shown to have an effect on the risk of osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of weight-bearing of lower-limb prosthesis on the biomechanical parameters associated with the risk of contralateral knee osteoarthritis. Cross-sectional. The experimental group of 14 subjects with unilateral transtibial amputation (13 males). The mean age was 52.7 ± 14.2 years, height 175.6 ± 6.3 cm, weight 82.3 ± 12.5 kg, and duration of prosthesis use 16.5 ± 9.1 years. The control group consisted of 14 healthy subjects with identical anthropometric parameters. Dual emission X-ray absorptiometry was used to determine the weight of the amputated limb. For gait analysis, 10 Qualisys infrared cameras and a motion sensing system on 3 Kistler force platforms were used. Gait was analyzed with the original, lighter, commonly used prosthesis, as well as the prosthesis loaded to the original limb weight. The gait cycle and kinetic parameters of the amputated and healthy limbs were more similar to those of the control group when using the weighted prosthesis. We recommend further research to more accurately specify the weight of the lower-limb prosthesis with respect to the prosthesis design and duration of use of the heavier prosthesis during the day.

The value of Hounsfield units in predicting cage subsidence after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

BackgroundCage subsidence may occur following transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and lead to nonunion, foraminal height loss and other complications. Low bone quality may be a risk factor for cage subsidence. Assessing bone quality through Hounsfield units (HU) from computed tomography has been proposed in recent years. However, there is a lack of literature evaluating the correlation between HU and cage subsidence after TLIF.MethodsTwo hundred and seventy-nine patients suffering from lumbar degenerative diseases from April, 2016 to August, 2018 were enrolled. All underwent one-level TLIF with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Cage subsidence was defined as > 2 mm loss of disc height at the fusion level. The participants were divided into 2 groups: cage subsidence group (CS) and non-cage subsidence group (non-CS). Bone quality was determined by HU, bone mineral density of lumbar (BMD-l) and femoral (BMD-f) from dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). HU of each vertebra from L1 to L4 (e.g., HU1 for HU of L1) and mean value of the four vertebrae (HUm) were calculated. Visual analog scale (VAS) of back/leg pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to report clinical outcomes.ResultsCage subsidence occurred in 82 (29.4%) cases at follow-ups. Mean age was 50.8 ± 9.0 years with a median follow-up of 18 months (range from 12 to 40 months). A total of 90.3% patients presented fusion with similar fusion rate between the two groups. ODI and VAS in leg were better in non-CS group at last follow-ups. Using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) to predict cage subsidence, HUm provided a larger area under the curve (AUC) than BMD-l (Z = 3.83, P < 0.01) and BMD-f (Z = 2.01, P = 0.02). AUC for HU4 was larger than BMD-f and close to HUm (Z = 0.22, P = 0.481).ConclusionsCage subsidence may indicate worse clinical outcomes. HU value could be a more effective predictor of lumbar cage subsidence compared with T-score of DXA after TLIF.

The Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Gut Bacteria and Bone Strength of Broilers Offered Alternative, Sustainable Diets Varying in Nutrient Specification and Phytase Dose.

Simple SummaryPhytase has been routinely included in poultry diets for over 20 years with the benefits to bird growth performance, nutrient digestibility and bone parameters widely documented. However, with the costs of feed increasing, particularly of imported soyabean meal and pressure to reduce the environmental footprint of production, the need for alternative sustainable local protein sources is ever important. This work found that phytase superdosing to rapeseed meal (RSM) and maize dried distiller grains with solubles (DDGS) diets can improve performance, increase digestibility and reduce P excretion by 15% compared to birds offered the diet without exogenous phytase.This study assessed the use of locally sourced sustainable feed ingredients, rapeseed meal (RSM) and maize dried distiller grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets over traditional ingredients on the growth performance, bone strength and nutrient digestibility of broilers. This work also investigated the effects of supplementing exogenous phytase in two doses (500 vs. 1500 FTU/kg). Using male Ross 308 chicks (n = 320) assigned to receive one of four experimental diets: (1) Positive control diet 1 (PC1), a wheat, soya-based diet + 500 FTU/kg phytase. (2) Positive control diet 2, RSM/DDGS diet + 500 FTU/kg phytase (PC2). (3) Negative control (NC) reduced nutrient RSM/DDGS diet, no phytase. (4) The NC diet plus 1500 FTU/kg phytase (NC+). PC1 birds displayed higher feed intake and body weight gain consistently throughout the trial (p < 0.001) as well as increased body weight by 28 d and 42 d (p < 0.001). Whole-body dual emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) analysis revealed PC1 birds also had higher bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), total bone mass, total lean mass and total fat mass than birds offered other treatments (p < 0.01). Diet had no significant effect on bone strength. Phytase superdosing improved the digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), gross energy (GE), calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) compared to birds in other treatment groups. The phytase superdose also improved performance in comparison to birds offered the NC diet. Phytase superdosing increased the IP6 and IP5 degradation and increased the ileal inositol concentration of the birds. N excretion was lower for birds offered the traditional wheat–soya diet and highest for those offered the high-specification RSM/DDGS diet with a commercial dose of phytase. The addition of a phytase superdose to the negative control diet (NC+) reduced P excretion of birds by 15% compared to birds offered NC.

English

Objectives: Verify the validity of electrical bioimpedance (BIA) and the skinfold method in estimating the percentage of body fat (% BF) in middle-aged and elderly women, using dual emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a reference method. Material and methods: The sample consisted of 106 volunteers (middle age, n = 58 [51.3 ± 4.9 years] and elderly, n = 48 [67.2 ± 5.8 years]). The volunteers were submitted to anthropometric assessments and the % BF was subsequently calculated using the Jackson and Pollock 7 skinfold protocol (7SF). The % BF was also measured using BIA and DXA. Pearson’s correlation, Bland and Altman method, effect size and repeated-measure t-test were used to test the hypotheses. Results: Although there is a moderate positive relationship between the methods evaluated for middle-aged women (DXA vs 7SF, r = 0.67; DXA vs BIA, r = 0.62) and moderate to strong for the elderly (DXA vs 7SF, r = 0.57; DXA vs BIA, r = 0.75) (p ≤ 0.05 in all analyzes), the agreement between the methods was weak (limits of agreement &gt; ± 3.5%). Additionally, when assessing the % BF mean using each method within the groups, it was observed that there was no significant difference between the estimates only between DXA and Pollock 7SF in the elderly group. Conclusion: Therefore, both the 7SF method and the BIA are not valid for estimating body fat in the sample evaluated. It is necessary to develop equations for specific skinfolds to estimate the % BF of middle-aged and elderly women and review the equations used by the BIA.

Internet-based platform for a low-calorie dietary intervention involving prepackaged food for weight loss in overweight and obese individuals in China: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionObesity is a global health issue that impacts quality of life. A calorie-restricted diet with high-intensity consultation provided via the internet may be an effective way to lose weight. The...

Association between cognitive performance and sarcopenic obesity in older adults with Alzheimer's disease.

ABSTRACT.Sarcopenic obesity (SO), the co-occurrence of sarcopenia and obesity, is associated with functional loss, frailty, and incapacity in older adults. Recently, SO was associated with reduced cognitive performance in adults. However, no SO studies have been done with older adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Objective:The objective of this study was to verify the occurrence of SO and associated factors in 43 older adults with AD.Methods:We applied the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). SO was verified by using dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry.Results:We found five women with SO. Women had higher body fat and lower muscle mass compared with men. There was a significant relationship between body fat and cognitive performance only in men (r=0.65; p<0.01) adjusted by age and education. Men with obesity and aged >75 years had better cognitive performance compared with non-obese men aged <75 years (p=0.010) and women with obesity aged >75 years (p=0.033).Conclusions:Women with AD had higher body fat and lower muscle mass than men. SO occurs in older women with AD. Men with higher body fat showed better cognitive performance, independent of age and education.

Adolescent female handball players present greater bone mass content than soccer players: A cross-sectional study.

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease affecting half of women over the age of 50years. Considering that almost 90% of peak of bone mass is achieved until the second decade of life, ensuring a maximal bone mineral content acquisition may compensate for age-associated bone loss. Among several other factors, physical activity has been recommended to improve bone mass acquisition. However, it is unknown whether athletes involved with sports with different impact loading characteristics differ in regards to bone mass measurements. To compare the bone mass content, bone mass density and lean mass of young female soccer players (odd-impact loading exercise), handball players (high-impact loading exercises) and non-athletes. A total of 115 female handball players (15.5±1.3years, 165.2±5.6cm and 61.9±9.3kg) and 142 soccer players (15.5±1.5years, 163.7±6.6cm and 56.5±7.7kg) were evaluated for body composition using a dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry system, and 136 female non-athletes (data from NHANES) (15.1±1.32years, 163.5±5.8cm and 67.2±19.4kg) were considered as the control. Handball players presented higher bone mass content values than soccer players for upper limbs (294.8±40.2g and 270.7±45.7g, p<0.001), lower limbs (1011.6±145.5g and 967.7±144.3g, p=0.035), trunk (911.1±182.5g and 841.6±163.7g, p=0.001), ribs (312.4±69.9g and 272.9±58.0g, p<0.001), spine (245.1±46.8g and 222.0±45.1g, p<0.001) and total bone mass (2708.7±384.1g and 2534.8±386.0g, p<0.001). Moreover, non-athletes presented lower bone mass content for lower limbs (740.6±132.3g, p<0.001), trunk (539.7±98.6g, p<0.001), ribs (138.2±29.9g, p<0.001), pelvis (238.9±54.6g, p<0.001), spine (152.8±26.4g, p<0.001) and total bone mass (1987.5±311.3g, p<0.001) than both handball and soccer players. Handball players also presented higher bone mass density values than soccer players for trunk, ribs and spine (p<0.05) and handball and soccer players presented higher bone mass density than non-athletes for all measurements (p<0.005). Finally, the non-athletes' lower limb lean mass was lower than soccer and handball players values (p<0.05). Adolescent females engaged in handball training for at least one year present higher bone mass contents than those who are engaged in soccer training, which, in turn, present higher bone mass contents than non-athletes. These results might be used by physicians and healthcare providers to justify the choice of a particular sport to enhance bone mass gain in female adolescents.

Association of body-shape phenotypes with imaging measures of body composition in the UK Biobank cohort: relevance to colon cancer risk

BackgroundBody mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference are strongly correlated and do not reflect body composition. A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and Hip Index (HI) define waist and hip size among individuals with the same weight and height and would thus reflect body density. We examined differences in body composition between body-shape phenotypes defined with ABSI and HI and used this information to propose explanations for associations between body-shape phenotypes and colon cancer risk.MethodsWe used data from the UK Biobank Resource for 15,520 men, 16,548 women with dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements; 3997 men, 4402 women with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements; 200,289 men, 230,326 women followed-up for colon cancer. We defined body-shape phenotypes as: large-ABSI-small-HI (“apple”), small-ABSI-large-HI (“pear”), small-ABSI-small-HI (“slim”), large-ABSI-large-HI (“wide”). We evaluated differences in body composition in linear models and associations with colon cancer risk in Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for confounders and explored heterogeneity by BMI.ResultsAmong individuals with the same height and weight, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was lowest for “pear” and highest for “apple”, while abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) was lowest for “slim” and highest for “wide” phenotype. In the gynoid region, differences between “apple” and “pear” phenotypes were accounted for mainly by fat mass in women but by lean mass in men. In men, lean mass was inversely associated with waist size, while the pattern of gynoid fat resembled ASAT in women. Lean and fat mass were higher for higher BMI, but not hand grip strength. Compared to normal weight “pear”, the risk of colon cancer in men (1029 cases) was higher for “apple” phenotype for normal weight (hazard ratio HR = 1.77; 95% confidence interval: 1.16–2.69) and comparably for overweight and obese, higher for “wide” phenotype for overweight (HR = 1.60; 1.14–2.24) and comparably for obese, but higher for “slim” phenotype only for obese (HR = 1.98; 1.35–2.88). Associations with colon cancer risk in women (889 cases) were weaker.ConclusionsABSI-by-HI body-shape phenotypes provide information for body composition. Colon cancer risk in men appears related to ASAT quantity for “slim” and “wide” but to factors determining VAT accumulation for “apple” phenotype.