Fat Percentage Research Articles

Parental obesity, health determinants, and cardiometabolic risk according to sleep duration in schoolchildren: analysis through structural equations

Backgroundthe independent association between parental obesity, sleep and lifestyle habits with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents has been widely explored in the literature. Our study represents a novel approach to comprehensively investigate a complex model encompassing various aspects associated with cardiometabolic risk in youth. Thus, the aim of the present study was to verify the relationship between parental obesity and cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents, considering the mediator role of health indicators according to sleep time.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 3,973 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years attending public and private schools in a city located in Southern Brazil. Sleep duration, lifestyle, physical activity, natural food consumption, and parental obesity were evaluated through self-reported questionnaires. Physical fitness was evaluated according to the protocols of Projeto Esporte Brasil. The body fat percentage was evaluated through the measures of tricipital and subscapular folds, and the body mass index was calculated. The clustered metabolic risk score (cMetS) considered the summing z-scores of waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and fasting glucose, divided by five. A structural equation model was applied for statistical analysis. Results: The relationship between parental obesity and cardiometabolic risk was observed in children and adolescents with adequate sleep, being significant (p < 0.05) mediated by physical activity, natural food, physical fitness, and lifestyle. This was also observed when parental education was included in the inadequate sleep cluster model. Conclusion: Present findings underscore the importance of sufficient sleep duration as a critical factor in understanding the complex interplay between parental obesity and cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents.

Combination of body mass index and body fat percentage in middle and late pregnancy to predict pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes in Wenzhou, China: a single-centre retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to evaluate whether body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) could be used to predict pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).DesignRetrospective...

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Its Association with Risk of Obesity, Sedentary Behaviors, and Well-Being in Adolescents

Background/Objectives: The literature on consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) using the NOVA classification is still limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was twofold: (i) to compare the UPF consumption, sedentary behaviors, and well-being perception between boys and girls; and (ii) to investigate the association between the UPF consumption and risk of overweight, sedentary behaviors, and well-being in adolescents. Methods: The present cross-sectional study comprised a sample of 245 adolescents (131 boys) aged 12–17 years-old (M = 14.20; SD = 1.09). Height and weight were assessed, and subsequently, the BMI was computed; furthermore, total body fat percentage was measured with bioelectrical impedance. Daily consumption of UPF was assessed by the NOVA screener and time spent sedentary was assessed by the Midlands Behavior Health 2024 questionnaire. The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) was used to measure adolescents’ psychosocial well-being. Pearson’s correlations and logistic regression analysis were used, controlling for biological, behavioral, and socio-economic confounders. Results: No sex differences were observed for the different UPF NOVA subscales. Boys reported higher computer use levels than girls on the weekend (p = 0.025), and they spent more time playing electronic games during the week (p = 0.005) and on the weekend than their female counterparts (p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, boys reported higher scores in all well-being dimensions (p &lt; 0.001) than girls. Conclusions: The findings revealed, after controlling for sex, sedentary time, and active behaviors, adolescents who consumed UPF on the previous day tended to be associated with a higher risk of being overweight, but also marginally without statistical significance (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83–1.01, p = 0.06). Of relevance, the present study revealed that both boys and girls of mothers with high educational levels were less likely to be classified as overweight or obese youth.

Associations of Cardiovascular Health Metrics in Childhood and Adolescence With Arterial Health Indicators in Adolescence: The PANIC Study.

Our aim was to assess the relationships of cardiovascular health metrics, cardiorespiratory fitness, lean mass, and fat percentage with arterial structure and function from childhood to adolescence. Five hundred four children aged 6 to 9 years were examined in the PANIC (Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children) study at baseline, 2 and 8 years later. The associations of adjusted American Heart Association cardiovascular health metrics (smoking status, body mass index-SD score, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, diet quality, plasma total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, plasma glucose categorized into poor, intermediate, and ideal), the American Heart Association cardiovascular health score, cardiorespiratory fitness measured by maximal oxygen uptake in a bicycle exercise test, lean mass and fat percentage with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were analyzed cross-sectionally and longitudinally in 277 participants at age 15 to 17 years. Higher American Heart Association cardiovascular health score at baseline was associated with lower PWV at 8-year follow-up (ß, -0.19 [95% CI, -0.32 to -0.05]). Higher body mass index-SD score and systolic blood pressure were associated with higher cIMT (ß, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.05-0.31]); and (ß, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.00-0.25]; respectively) and PWV (ß, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07-0.34]) and (ß, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.00-0.26]; respectively) at 8-year follow-up. Higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with higher cIMT (ß, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.07-0.43]); yet lower PWV (ß, -0.25 [95% CI, -0.44 to -0.06]) at 8-year follow-up. Better cardiorespiratory fitness (ß, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.08-0.51]) and higher lean mass (ß, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.03-0.98]) were associated with higher cIMT after accounting for American Heart Association cardiovascular health score at 8-year follow-up. While our results suggest that higher cardiometabolic risk factors in childhood may exert unfavorable effects on arterial health during adolescence, we demonstrated the complexity of relationships between cardiovascular health metrics and arterial health indicators in childhood and adolescence. We found different associations of cardiovascular health metrics with cIMT and PWV in childhood and adolescence, calling for caution when interpreting the results of various cardiovascular risk factors with measures of arterial health, particularly in youth. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01803776.

Serum Metabolome Signature Response to Different Types of Resistance Training.

Pneumatic resistance training (PRT) facilitates a longer time under tension that might lead to greater changes in body composition when compared to traditional resistance training (TRT), possibly enhancing serum metabolite concentrations indicative of healthy metabolic function. To assess the impact of PRT and TRT on muscular strength, body composition, and serum metabolome, 69 men (age: 31.8±7.2 years, height: 179.7±5.4 cm, weight: 81.1±9.9 kg) were randomized into two 10-week intervention groups (PRT:n=24 and TRT:n=24) and one control group (CON:n=21). Serum metabolite concentrations were assessed before and after the training intervention by high-throughput nuclear magnetic resonance. Fat mass and lean mass were obtained by bioimpedance analysis. The training intervention resulted in an increase in lean mass for both PRT (1.85±2.69%; p=0.003) and TRT (2.72±4.53%; p=0.004), while only PRT reduced statistically significantly in body fat percentage (PRT: -5.08±10.76%; p=0.019). Only in PRT and TRT significant increases in small high-density lipoproteins (S-HDL-L) and small HDL particles (S-HDL-P) were observed. When controlling for fat and lean mass, the effects on S-HDL-L/S-HDL-P diminished. Network analysis may suggest that PRT and TRT result in an increase in network connectivity and robustness. It appears that the observed improvements are associated with changes in body composition.

Impact of Alternating Exercise Intensity Interventions on the Physical and Mental Health of Middle-Aged and Young Men

Exercise interventions have been shown to improve health levels; however, the effects of different exercise intervention methods remain to be studied. This study designed seven types of exercise interventions, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), low-intensity steady-state training (LISS) and various alternating combinations. A 16-week follow-up investigation analyzed the impact of these different exercise interventions on participants’ physical and psychological health. The results indicate that exercise interventions are an effective health promotion method, significantly reducing BMI and body fat percentage, improving metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and cardiorespiratory function and enhancing quality of life and psychological state. Specifically, the HIIT-LISS combination performed best in reducing BMI, regulating blood lipids, and increasing VO2max. Furthermore, HIIT demonstrated the most significant improvement in body fat percentage and blood pressure, with body fat reduced by up to 5.65% and blood pressure decreasing by nearly 9 mmHg, whereas the MICT-LISS showed better effects on heart rate. Although the improvement in psychological health from different exercise interventions was not significant, it increased by over 10% compared to the control group. Overall, the combined effect of HIIT and MICT was found to be the most effective, with mixed exercise interventions showing more pronounced effects on physical health indicators.

Longer-term effects of intermittent fasting on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of long-term intermittent fasting (IF) on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults with overweight and obesity. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2024 to identify original randomized trials that investigated the effects of IF versus either a control diet (CON) and/or continuous caloric restriction (CR). Participants were adults with overweight and obesity and intervention durations were ≥ 6 months. Overall, a total of 24 studies involving 2032 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with CON, IF significantly reduced body weight [WMD: -2.84 kg], BMI [WMD: -1.41 kg.m2], fat mass [WMD: -3.06 kg], fat-free mass [WMD: -0.81 kg], waist circumference [WMD: -3.85 cm], visceral fat [SMD: -0.37], fasting glucose [WMD: -0.14 mmol/l], triglycerides [WMD: -0.12 mmol/l], and diastolic blood pressure [WMD: -2.24 mmHg]. Conversely, IF significantly increased high-density lipoproteins [WMD: 0.04 mmol/l] when compared with CON, but had no effects on insulin, hemoglobin A1c%, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, or systolic blood pressure. Compared with CR, IF significantly reduced fat mass [WMD: -0.70 kg], body fat percentage [WMD: -0.59%], and DBP [WMD: -0.91 mmHg], and increased HDL [WMD: 0.03 mmol/l], with no other significant effects. Subgroup analyses showed that the mode of IF and intervention duration were the primary moderators of IF effects on the markers. In adults with overweight or obesity, IF and CR are comparably effective for reducing body weight and adiposity, as well as for improving cardiometabolic health markers.

Correlation Between Muscle Strength, Swing Speed, Batting Statistics, and Body Composition Parameters in High School Baseball Players: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Suzuki, K, Mizoguchi, Y, Kimura, F, Fujisaki, K, Yokoyama, D, Hall, T, and Akasaka, K. Correlation between muscle strength, swing speed, batting statistics, and body composition parameters in high school baseball players: a retrospective observational study. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Body composition has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing baseball player performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between muscle strength, swing speed, batting statistics, and body composition in high school baseball players. This retrospective study evaluated 29 high school baseball players included critical parameters related to body composition (body fat percentage, lean body mass [LBM], fat mass index [FMI], and fat-free mass index [FFMI]), muscle strength (bench press, squat, deadlift), batting statistics (batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, on-base plus slugging), and swing speed. These metrics were gathered using a body composition analyzer (Omron HBF-701; Omron Healthcare Co., Kyoto, Japan). After the correlation analysis with body composition, a subsequent multivariate analysis was conducted. Multivariate regression analysis identified LBM (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) as a significant predictor for bench press and swing speed, FFMI for squat (p < 0.01), and FMI for deadlift (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between body composition and batting statistics. Lean body mass has been identified as an important contributing factor to swing speed, suggesting the need for body composition management among high school baseball players and coaches to enhance performance and functionality. However, no association was found between batting statistics and body composition. Therefore, it is suggested that high school baseball players prioritize the development of technical skills over swing speed and muscle strength to improve batting statistics.

The Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Body Composition Indices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials

Background: Beta-alanine is an important oral supplement for improving athletes’ performance, followed by probable effects on body composition. Current meta-analysis was performed to investigate the role of beta-alanine supplementation on body weight, fat mass, free fat mass, and body fat percentage in adults. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library databases, and EMBASE were searched between January 1990 and May 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing beta-alanine supplementation with a placebo assessing anthropometric indices were included. Meta‐analysis was performed using the random‐effects model. Publication bias was evaluated using standard methods, and subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were carried out. Results: A total of 875 articles were identified through database searching, of which 12 RCTs with 15 datasets were included in the study. This study showed that beta-alanine supplementation did not have any significant effect on body weight [SMD, 0.08; 95% CI (−0.17, 0.33); P=0.517], fat percentage [SMD, 0.09; 95% CI (−0.18, 0.37); P=0.504], fat mass [SMD, 0.10; 95% CI (−0.29, 0.50); P=0.612], and fat free mass [SMD, 0.16; 95% CI (−0.18, 0.49); P=0.517]. Conclusions: Results showed that beta-alanine supplementation does not change body composition significantly.

The Effects of an 8-Month Multicomponent Training Program in Body Composition, Functional Fitness, and Sleep Quality in Aged People: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of an intervention on anthropometrics, body composition, physical fitness, and sleep quality in aged individuals, comparing a control group (N = 11) and an experimental group (N = 13) across two measurement points. Methods: A multicomponent training program of 8 months was adopted as the intervention group. A bioimpedance balance, functional fitness test, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index measured body composition, functional fitness, and sleep quality. Results: Both groups showed minimal changes in body mass and hand grip strength. However, the experimental group experienced significant improvements in physical fitness, including a 26% increase in arm curl repetitions, an 18% reduction in 5 times sit-to-stand (5TSTS) completion time, and a 29% rise in 2-min step test (2MST) steps, indicating enhanced muscle endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Flexibility decreased significantly in the experimental group, while body fat percentage was reduced by 10%. Sleep quality improved by 47% in the experimental group but declined by 14% in the control group. Correlational analysis revealed that better sleep quality was linked to improved fitness performance and reduced body fat in the experimental group, with post-intervention results further confirming the connection between sleep and fat reduction. In the control group, improved sleep quality was associated with higher metabolic rates after 8 months. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the intervention positively impacted physical fitness and sleep quality, with potential benefits for overall health.

Relationship between physical activity and abdominal obesity and metabolic markers in postmenopausal women

This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical activity indicators monitored by the POLAR accelerometer on body obesity indicators, metabolic syndrome parameters, and energy metabolism hormones in postmenopausal women. Was included 71 participants from this study program (68.8 ± 4.3 years). We divided participants into LPA and MVPA groups based on their level of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week; Physical activity levels over 7 days were assessed using a POLAR accelerometer, with daily step counts and sedentary time recorded. Measurements included waist circumference, visceral fat volume, body fat percentage, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride levels, HDL cholesterol, and energy metabolism hormone levels (leptin, resistin, adiponectin). The MVPA group displayed lower waist circumference, body fat percentage, abdominal fat, and BMI compared to the LPA group (p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between daily step count and obesity indicators, including waist circumference (r = -0.301), body fat percentage (r = -0.295), abdominal fat (r = -0.318), and BMI (r = -0.238). Conversely, sedentary time showed a positive correlation with obesity indicators such as waist circumference (r = 0.258), body fat percentage (r = 0.239), and abdominal fat (r = 0.244). Moreover, daily step count exhibited a significant negative correlation with leptin levels (r = -0.245), while sedentary time was positively correlated with the energy metabolic factor leptin (r = 0.279). Waist circumference demonstrated significant positive correlations with triglycerides, blood glucose, adiponectin, resistin, and leptin levels. Postmenopausal women who engage in at least 150 min of MVPA weekly show lower obesity indices. There is a significant correlation between physical activity levels and obesity indicators, which relate to metabolic syndrome and energy metabolism factors. Thus, increased physical activity may help prevent metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases in this population.

Evaluation of Body Composition Assessment Methods in Reproductive-Aged Iranian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)

Background: Despite the introduction of modern scales for assessing physical health, "body mass index" (BMI) remains a foundational metric in many health assessments. Objectives: This community-based cross-sectional study aims to compare BMI with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in evaluating the physical health of Iranian women of reproductive age. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 182 Iranian women aged 30 - 45 years, selected through random sampling from the population served by selected urban health centers. The Omron BF511 bioelectrical impedance analysis device was used to measure BMI, skeletal muscle mass, total body fat, and visceral fat. A structured questionnaire was also administered to collect sociodemographic data. Results: The average BMI of the participants was 27.47 kg/m², with skeletal muscle mass comprising 24.98%, visceral fat averaging 6.93%, and total body fat at 40.04%. When comparing BMI with total body fat, 52% of cases were misclassified; with visceral fat percentage, 68% were misclassified; and with skeletal muscle mass percentage, 73% were misclassified. Misclassification was most pronounced among individuals with a normal BMI who were overweight or obese according to body fat percentage. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical need to reassess the use of BMI as an accurate health indicator for women of reproductive age. The researchers argue that reliance on BMI as a sole health metric is outdated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of health assessment criteria for women in this demographic.

Evaluating the relationship between standing height, body mass index, body fat percentage with risk of inguinal hernia: a Mendelian randomization study

Observational studies have suggested links between standing height, BMI, body fat percentage, and inguinal hernia risk, but with inconsistent results. We conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) method to investigate their causal relationships. Independent SNPs associated with standing height, BMI, and body fat percentage were extracted from GWAS data as instrumental variables (IVs). Two-sample MR initially explored causal relationships between these factors and inguinal hernia risk. Multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) assessed the direct causal effects of exposures on inguinal hernia. Positive findings from the MVMR analysis were independently validated. The inverse-variance weighted Methods (IVW), weighted median(WM), and MR-Egger were used for the MR estimates. Sensitivity analyses were used to examine the stability and reliability of the results. Two-sample MR analysis revealed a suggestive causal association between height and inguinal hernia (OR = 1.091, 95% CI = 1.003–1.186, P = 0.042). BMI (OR = 0.846, 95% CI = 0.774–0.924, P < 0.001) and body fat percentage (OR = 0.793, 95% CI = 0.690–0.911, P = 0.001) were significantly protective factors. After MVMR adjustment, BMI (OR = 0.746,95%CI = 0.638–0.872, P < 0.001) remained protective. Independent validation yielded consistent result. Genetically predicted BMI is a significant protective factor for inguinal hernia, providing valuable guidance for individualized prevention strategies.

Glutamate increases the lean percentage and intramuscular fat content and alters gut microbiota in Shaziling pigs

This study aimed to explore the effects of glutamate (Glu) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, composition of amino acids and fatty acids in the longissimus dorsi muscle, and the colonic microbial community of Shaziling pigs. A total of 48 healthy male Shaziling pigs (150 d, 31.56 ± 0.95 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups, and fed a basal diet with no supplement (control group) or supplemented with 1% Glu (Glu group) for 51 d, and 6 pigs per group were finally slaughtered. Glu significantly increased the average daily gain (P = 0.039), lean percentage (P = 0.023), and intramuscular fat (IMF) content (P = 0.015), and decreased the fat percentage (P = 0.021) of Shaziling pigs. In the muscle, Glu increased the concentrations of inosine-5’-monophosphate (P = 0.094), Fe (P = 0.002), Cu (P = 0.052), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (P = 0.024), and decreased the content of C18:2n6 (P = 0.011), n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n6 PUFAs) (P = 0.014), and PUFAs (P = 0.014). Moreover, Glu significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of adipogenesis-related genes (FAS, SREBP-1C) (P = 0.032, P = 0.026) and muscle growth-related genes (MyHCⅡb, MyHCⅡx) (P = 0.038, P = 0.019) in the muscle, and increased the relative abundance of Spirochaetota (P < 0.001) and the acetic acid content in the colon (P = 0.039). Correlation analysis indicated that the acetic acid content was positively correlated with the relative Spirochaetota abundance and the IMF content, and a negative trend with the fat percentage of Shaziling pigs. In conclusion, these results indicated that Glu could simultaneously increase the lean percentage and IMF content and decrease the fat percentage of Shaziling pigs, and these beneficial effects may be related to increased colonic Spirochaetota abundance and acetic acid concentrations.

Age- and Gender-Specific Reference Values for Physical Performance in Tunisian Youth Basketball Players

Background/Objectives: Physical performance is becoming increasingly critical in basketball, as it directly influences players’ agility, power, and endurance. This study aimed to assess the progression of body composition and physical performance metrics across different ages and genders, establishing age- and gender-specific reference values for Tunisian basketball athletes. Methods: A total of 469 Tunisian basketball players (239 boys and 230 girls) were assessed and grouped by age. Anthropometric measures—including standing and sitting height, body mass, leg length, body mass index, fat mass, fat-free mass, body fat percentage, wingspan, and leg muscle volume—were collected alongside physical performance metrics. Performance tests included countermovement and squat jumps, change-of-direction speed, maximal oxygen uptake, flexibility, the five-jump test, and 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m sprints with and without the ball. Normative data were generated based on age and gender categories. Results: The findings revealed significant age-related improvements in both anthropometric and performance parameters. Boys consistently outperformed girls in physical and fitness-related measures, with gender differences becoming more pronounced with age. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that, for boys, body fat percentage, leg muscle volume, standing height, and wingspan were the best predictors of physical performance. For girls, body fat percentage, standing height, and sitting height were identified as key predictors. Conclusions: The newly established Tunisian reference values for physical performance in youth basketball provide valuable benchmarks that can support the development of explosive power and strength in players, aiding in talent identification and potentially enhancing individual and team performance outcomes.

The associations of n-3 fatty acid intake with handgrip strength and muscle mass indices in older adults: A cross-sectional study from UK Biobank

ObjectivesTo investigate the associations of n-3 fatty acid intake with handgrip strength and muscle mass indices in older adults. A secondary aim was to investigate whether these associations differed by physical activity status. Research methods & proceduresA cross-sectional study included 53,170 participants aged 60 years and over from the UK biobank (25,324 men and 27,846 women). The primary outcomes were grip strength index and muscle mass index, the predictor variable was n-3 fatty acid intake and the covariates were age, ethnicity, Townsend deprivation index, physical activity, multimorbidity count, total energy intake, body fat percentage and the month of assessment. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed across 5 models. Model 1 was unadjusted; model 2 adjusted for age, ethnicity, deprivation index and month of assessment; model 3 adjusted as in model 2 plus total energy intake; model 4 as in model 2 plus multimorbidity count; and model 5 as in model 4 plus body fat percentage. ResultsIn model 5, higher n-3 fatty acid intake was positively associated with the grip strength index in women. For each additional gram of n-3 fatty acid consumed per day, there was an increase of 0.03 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.06 kg/m2) in active women and 0.04 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.07 kg/m2) in inactive women. However, no significant associations were observed in men, whether active (p = 0.405) or inactive (p = 0.323). Additionally, no significant associations were found between n-3 fatty acid intake and muscle mass index in either active (p = 0.858) or inactive (p = 0.250) men, or in active (p = 0.909) or inactive (p = 0.187) women. ConclusionAlthough n-3 fatty acid intake was associated with grip strength index in older women, regardless of their activity status, the magnitude of this association was very small and unlikely to be clinically relevant. Additionally, n-3 fatty acid was not associated with muscle mass index.

Host genetic regulation of specific functional groups in the rumen microbiome of dairy cows: Implications for lactation trait

IntroductionRuminants play a pivotal role in our society by transforming non-consumable substances from industrial by-products and plant fibers into valuable resources such as meat and milk. This remarkable conversion ability is primarily attributed to the rumen microbiota, which is influenced by various factors, including diet, climate, and geographical location. In recent years, increasing research has shown that host factors (breed, genetic variation, etc.) also play vital roles in shaping rumen microbial composition and function in cattle. ObjectiveThis study aims to provide a theoretical basis and an opportunity for further investigating the regulation of lactation traits in dairy cows through host genetics and the interaction with the rumen microbiota. MethodTo investigate the interactions between host genotype, rumen microbiota, and animal phenotype, we curated and analyzed the dairy herd improvement (DHI) data, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotypes, and 16S rumen microbiota data from 1,169 Holstein dairy cows. Heritability and microbiability estimation, along with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed to identify candidate microorganisms and host genetic loci. ResultWe identified thirty-one heritable taxa, whose functions were predominantly enriched in carbohydrate metabolism and energy metabolism. The genome-wide association study revealed that nine heritable bacteria were significantly associated with forty-three SNPs. Functional genes located within or near these SNPs were primarily associated with rumen epithelial development. Additionally, these nine heritable bacteria were primarily annotated as complex polysaccharide degraders and butyrate producers, such as Fibrobacter sp900143055 and Pseudoruminococcus massiliensis, which showed significant associations with milk yield and milk fat percentage. Compared to previous studies, we newly discovered the existence of a high heritability of Olsenella umbonate, Butyrivibrio hungatei, among others.

Corporal Filler HD, a Minimally Invasive Technique for Male Body Contouring: A Pilot Study.

The perception of body image is highly influenced by culture and society. Lean, more muscular, and strong bodies are usually pursued by men. Body aesthetics procedures have become popular, and minimally invasive procedures have been used to achieve body image satisfaction. This article describes a technique that utilizes hyaluronic acid filler to enhance muscular contours in the abdominal and pectoral regions. The procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid filler at a level anterior to the pectoralis major and rectus abdominis muscles through marked entry points, creating an illusion of light and shadow that accentuates muscle definition. Additionally, the iliac region can be addressed to enhance the oblique muscles. The results are illustrated with pre- and postprocedure images, demonstrating a significant aesthetic improvement, high patient satisfaction, and absence of serious adverse events. This minimally invasive technique is suitable for patients with a low body fat percentage and a desire to enhance muscle definition, providing immediate results with no downtime. Although the scientific literature on filler applications in the thoracoabdominal region is limited, this study demonstrates that precision in minimally invasive procedures can yield highly satisfactory outcomes.

The Estimation of Copper Serum Level Among Obese Children

Background: Obesity means an excess amount of body fat. No general agreement exists on the definition of obesity in children as it does adults. Most professionals use published guidelines based on the body mass index (BMI), or a modified BMI for age, to measure obesity in children. Others define obesity in children as body weight at least 20% higher than a healthy weight for a child of that height, or a body fat percentage above 25% in boys or above 32% in girls Objective: to estimate the serum level of copper among obese children. Methods: This comparative study was conducted on fifty of overweight and/or obese children (based on BMI) and thirty of clinically healthy, age and sex matched children's served as controls also, the cases and controls were selected randomly from the pediatrics outpatient clinic of Benha University Hospital and Sheben El Kom Educational hospital, in the period between 2013 to 2015. Parental consent was obtained for all children included in the study. Results: In the current study there were no significant difference found between patients and control group regarding age, sex and residence, but there was significant difference between the two groups regarding income and socioeconomic state. P=0.04. Also, there were no static difference in height in patient when compared to control group, and patients had a higher statically significant Weight, BMI and Skin fold thickness when compared to control group. Additionally, that there were significantly higher rate of frequent bad nutritional habits including shipping breakfast (p=0.022) consumption of energy- dense food and food consumption during TV watch in patients than controls. P&lt; 0.001 and the children's physical activity levels were lower in the patient’s group than the control group. P&lt;0.001. Conclusion: The obesity varied remarkably with different socioeconomic levels. Obese children had a characteristic nutritional pattern like skipping breakfast and consumption of energy dense food

Looking Beyond Sleep Duration in Understanding Obesity Risk in Adolescents: The Role of Circadian Timing and Misalignment on Adolescent Dietary Outcomes, Physical Activity, and Body Mass Index

Abstract Objectives This study evaluated the differences in obesity-related outcomes across multiple adolescent sleep health domains, including circadian misalignment (CM), circadian timing, and sleep duration. Methods 53 adolescents (aged 14-18; body mass index (BMI) percentile&amp;lt;95%; 53.7% female) completed a cross-sectional study that included baseline assessment of height; weight; demographics; and a 10-day assessment of sleep, physical activity, and dietary outcomes. Sleep duration, sleep timing, and physical activity data were collected from all participants using wrist-worn and waist-worn actigraphs. Dietary intake was measured using the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour dietary recalls on three randomized days. Circadian timing was measured using dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO), and CM was calculated as the distance of time between DLMO and the average sleep onset time. Participants were categorized into groups (early versus late circadian timing, aligned versus misaligned circadian timing, and adequate sleep versus short sleep), and differences in dietary outcomes, physical activity, and BMI were analyzed using t-tests. Results Adolescents with later DLMO (M = 21:30 ± 1:11) had 0.63 higher BMI and 0.47% less averaged daily percent fat consumption than adolescents with early DLMO. Adolescents with CM (M = 1:42 ± 1:06) consumed 451.77 more averaged daily kcal consumption compared to those with circadian alignment. No statistically significant differences were found in any obesity-related outcome between sleep duration groups. Conclusions Our cross-sectional findings indicate that focusing on sleep timing and circadian alignment, beyond sleep duration, may promote better health outcomes for healthy adolescents. The findings of this study could enhance sleep education and inform clinical models for prevention efforts for pediatric obesity.