Free Mass Research Articles

Characteristics of Normal Weight Insulin-Resistant Adults with Unfavorable Health Outcomes.

Background: Insulin resistance can be present in otherwise healthy, normal weight adults. Whether there are phenotype/sex-differences between normal weight insulin-resistant (NWIR) and normal weight insulin-sensitive (NWIS) Caucasians and whether there are differences in adverse health outcomes are unknown. Our goal was to define phenotypes and intermediate-term health outcomes of NWIR versus NWIS Caucasian adults. Methods: We analyzed data from 227 healthy volunteers body mass index 18 to <25.0 kg/m2 who underwent insulin clamp studies between January 1987 and January 2017 at Mayo Clinic to identify those in the top (NWIS, n = 56) and bottom (NWIR, n = 56) quartiles of insulin action. We compared the phenotypical characteristics and were able to collect medical records data for 80% of NWIS and 88% of NWIR to identify time to onset of hypertension, hyperglycemia, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and all cause death; the follow-up averaged 11 (4, 20) years. Results: Body fat was significantly greater and peak VO2 was significantly less in both NWIS than NWIR males and females. Only in females was abdominal subcutaneous fat by computed tomography significantly greater in NWIR than NWIS. In NWIR males high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and fat free mass were significantly less, and fasting insulin was greater than NWIS males. For the entire NWIS population, Kaplan-Meier disease-free survival analysis showed longer times free of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and some cardiovascular diseases than for NWIR. Conclusions: There are sex-specific phenotypes of NWIR in Caucasian adults. NWIR may be associated with accelerated onset of some adverse medical outcomes.

Complete responses in AL amyloidosis are unequal: the impact of free light chain mass spectrometry in AL amyloidosis

AbstractAmyloidogenic serum free light chains (sFLCs) drive disease progression in AL amyloidosis. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry–based FLC assay (FLC-MS) has greater sensitivity than conventional sFLC assays allowing for the detection of serological residual disease. We report the utility of FLC-MS in a large series of patients with AL amyloidosis assessing the impact of FLC-MS negativity after treatment on overall survival (OS) and organ response rates. Serum samples were analyzed using FLC-MS at diagnosis and at 6 and 12 months after treatment. The impact of FLC-MS negativity over standard hematologic responses on survival and organ response was assessed. A total of 487 patients were included; 290 (59%) and 349 (71.5%) had cardiac and renal involvement, respectively. There was 100% concordance between the light chain (LC) fibril type and LC isotype identified by FLC-MS. At 6 and 12 months, 81 (16.6%) and 101 (20.7%) were FLC-MS negative. Of those achieving a conventional hematologic complete response (CR) at 6 and 12 months, 45 (27.7%) and 64 (39%) were FLC-MS negative. At 12 months, median OS for CR + FLC-MS negative was not reached vs 108 months in CR + FLC-MS positive (P = .024). At 12 months, 70% of patients with FLC-MS negativity (vs 50% FLC-MS positive) achieved a cardiac response (P = .015). In a multivariate analysis, FLC-MS negativity at 12 months was an independent predictor of better outcomes. FLC-MS can detect persistent monoclonal light chains in a significant proportion of patients in a conventional hematologic CR. FLC-MS assessment promises to be a new standard for response assessment in AL amyloidosis.

Energy Requirements of Paralympic Athletes: Insights from the Doubly Labeled Water Approach.

Advanced insight in energy requirements of Paralympic athletes is imperative for optimizing their nutritional counseling. Given the lack of accurate data on total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) of Paralympic athletes, this study aimed to assess energy expenditure and nutritional intake of a large cohort of Paralympic athletes, across different sports and disabilities. In this cross-sectional study, 48 Dutch and Norwegian Paralympic athletes (19 male/29 female) with various disabilities, competing in Para cycling, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, Para Nordic skiing, and alpine skiing participated. TDEE was assessed by the gold standard doubly labeled water method over a 14-d period, resting metabolic rate by ventilated hood indirect calorimetry, energy intake by three unannounced 24-h dietary recalls, body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and exercise training duration by a training log. Mean TDEE was 2908 ± 797 kcal·d -1 , ranging from 2322 ± 340 kcal·d -1 for wheelchair basketball players to 3607 ± 1001 kcal·d -1 for Para cyclists. Regression analysis identified fat-free mass, exercise duration, and the presence of a spinal cord disorder as the primary predictors of TDEE, explaining up to 73% of the variance in TDEE. Athletes' energy intake (2363 ± 905 kcal·d -1 ) was below their TDEE, whereas their body mass remained constant, indicating underreporting. Carbohydrate intake (4.1 ± 1.9 g·kg -1 body mass) was low, even when considering underreporting, whereas protein intake (1.8 ± 0.6 g·kg -1 body mass) was relatively high. Paralympic athletes display moderate- to high-energy expenditure, varying across sports and individuals. Much of the variation in TDEE can be attributed to individual differences in fat-free mass and exercise duration. This study establishes the benchmarks for energy requirements of Paralympic athletes, serving as the foundation for future dietary guidelines within this population.

Heat and Mass Transfer on Unsteady MHD Chemically Reacting Rotating Flow of Jeffrey Fluid Past an Inclined Plates under the Impact of Hall Current, Diffusion Thermo and Radiation Absorption

An analytical solution for two dimensional unsteady MHD free convective double diffusive heat and mass transfer rotating flow of viscous incompressible optically thin non Newtonian fluid (jeffrey fluid) past a semi-infinite porous plate in the presence of generation of heat absorption with hall current, radiation absorption and Dufour effects are presented in this paper. Lorentz force is applied perpendicular direction to the plate with a first-order chemical reaction. The governing PDEs transformed into ODEs by applying the perturbation technique. The effects of various physical parameters like Hall current, heat absorption, radiation parameter, radiation absorption parameter, Grashof number, modified Grashof number, Dufour effect, magnetic field parameter, inclined angle, chemical reaction parameter, etc., are studied with graphically. Temperature profile is increased by raising the values of Dufour effect, radiation absorption parameter and reverse effect of the heat absorption parameter and also concentration profile distribution is downfall by raising the values of Schmited number, chemical reaction parameter. Another significant finding of the current study is that the numerical data are displayed with the use of Matlab programmes to investigate the outcomes of the skin friction solution. the rate of heat and mass transfer at the wall rising under the influence of Dufour effect. Tables, graphs, and reports can be used to display the impact of all pertinent parameters.

Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties in Highly Co-Doped Bi2Se3 by Density-of-State Effective Mass Increase

Bi2Se3 alloys are promising thermoelectric materials for use at near room temperature. In this study, we investigated the thermoelectric transport properties of Co-doped Bi2Se3, Bi2−xCoxSe3 (x=0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09, and 0.12) polycrystalline alloys. The electrical conductivity of Bi2Se3 increased with Co doping as the electron concentration increased. The power factor increased by 83% (1.17 mW/mK2) with the Co doping compared with 0.64 mW/mK2 for pristine Bi2Se3 at room temperature. The density-of-states effective mass significantly increased to 0.30 m0 (free electron mass) by high Co doping of x =0.12 compared to 0.14 m0 for pristine Bi2Se3. The total thermal conductivity of the Co-doped samples increased owing to the increase in electronic thermal conductivity, despite the systematic decrease in the lattice thermal conductivity caused by Co doping due to additional phonon scattering. Nevertheless, an enhancement in zT was observed for all the Co-doped samples. The maximum zT value of 0.39 in highly Co-doped Bi1.88Co0.12Se3 is observed at 520K, which is 18% higher than that of pristine Bi2Se3. The zT value of the Co-doped sample could be further increased with the decrease in carrier concentration, which could be attained with the decrease in total thermal conductivity owing to the decreased electronic thermal conductivity while maintaining a high power factor originating from the increased effective mass.

Synthesis structural optical and mechanical properties of Nb3⁺ doped Zinc Borophosphate glass for radiation shielding application

Abstract The Nb3⁺ doped Zinc Borophosphate glass (30B2O3 +35P2O5+5TiO2+10ZnO+9LiCO3+10 BaCO3+1NbO2) has been synthesized successfully using melt-quenching method. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to find the glass nature of Nb3⁺ doped Zinc Borophosphate glass. The functional group of Nb3⁺ doped Zinc Borophosphate glass was recognized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Linear optical properties of the Nb3⁺ doped Zinc Borophosphate glass were studied using UV–vis–NIR spectrum in the room temperature. Mechanical behaviour of Nb3⁺ doped Zinc Borophosphate glass was examined through Vicker’s hardness method. The mechanical properties of Nb3⁺ doped Zinc Borophosphate glass was examined with various loads. The emission transitions of Nb3⁺ doped Zinc Borophosphate glass was studied using Photoluminescence analysis. The CIE diagram of the Photoluminescence was examined. Gamma ray shielding parameters such half value layer, mean free path and mass attenuation coefficient of Nb3⁺ doped Zinc Borophosphate glass were studied using Phy-X software.

Basal metabolic rate using indirect calorimetry among individuals living with overweight or obesity: The accuracy of predictive equations for basal metabolic rate

Weight reduction programs in people with overweight or obesity can be informed by indirect calorimetry (IC) which is the gold standard to measure basal metabolic rate (BMR). Since IC is labor intensive and expensive, predictive equations are often used as an alternative. In this study the accuracy rate was assessed and bias statistics of predictive equations were compared to IC among subjects with overweight or obesity. Secondly, differences in clinical features between individuals with over-, accurate or underestimation of their BMR were evaluated. This cross sectional study included 731 subjects from the outpatient obesity clinic of the Antwerp University Hospital, Belgium. Fourteen equations were evaluated. Overestimation and underestimation was defined as >10 % and <10 % of measured BMR. In the total population, mean age was 43±13 years, mean BMI 35.6±5.8kg/m2 and 79.5% were female. The highest accuracy rates were reached by the Henry (73%), Ravussin (73%) and Mifflin St. Jeor (73%) equations. In the total population, the Mifflin St. Jeor and Henry equation were unbiased. The Akern, Livingston and Ravussin equations were biased to underestimation. All other equations were biased to overestimation. Subjects with an underestimation of BMR had significantly higher waist-hip ratio (1.02±0.13 vs 0.91±0.11; P<0.001), higher visceral adipose tissue (239±96 vs 162±93; P<0.001), lower fat free mass (kg) (67.6 (45.4-95.9) vs 54.0 (39.6-95.5); P<0.001) and a higher prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome (24 (77.4) vs 112 (37.5); P<0.001). Individuals with an overestimation of BMR had significantly higher subcutaneous adipose tissue (545±149 vs 612±149; P<0.05), lower fasting plasma insulin (81 (10-2019) vs 67 (27-253); P<0.001) and lower 2-h plasma glucose (132 (30-430) vs 116 (43-193); P<0.001) during OGTT. In this study, the Henry and Mifflin St. Jeor equations have the highest accuracy and lowest bias to estimate the basal metabolic rate in a Caucasian, predominantly female, population living with overweight or obesity. Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue and presence of metabolic syndrome were significantly different in individuals with over- or underestimation of BMR.

Современные электронные датчики угла наклона: обзор основных физических принципов функционирования и перспективных разработок

Electronic tilt angle sensors, also called inclinometers, are devices that measure horizontal tilt and are widely used in many fields of science and technology. This paper considers not only the basic physical principles of the functioning of such sensors, but also provides examples of some promising developments in this field. Currently, tilt angle measuring devices based on electronic accelerometers are becoming increasingly common. At the same time, such devices have a significant disadvantage, which is expressed in the fact that the greater the measured angle of inclination, the lower the sensitivity of the device becomes. An important task is to develop specialized inclinometers with higher performance and lower power consumption. Such sensors use solid-state, liquid or gas free mass, which is driven by gravitational forces. Resistive, capacitive, inductive, magnetic, fiber-optic and optical methods are most often used to measure the reaction to gravity. Mercury or electrolyte is usually used as a conductive medium in liquid tilt sensors with an electric outlet, while devices with ferromagnetic liquid are also being developed. Optical inclinometers are immune to electromagnetic interference, which is suitable for extreme operating conditions and provides potentially high performance. Most of these devices are fiber sensors with a Bragg grid. In thermal inclinometers, the slope is analyzed by changing the resistance of the electrodes in the temperature field of the hot air flow in a sealed chamber. Capacitive inclinometers have a number of advantages, such as simplicity of design, non-contact measurement and the possibility of extended linear movement. It should be noted that in addition to tilt angle sensors, switches are being developed and successfully applied that open or close electrical contacts when a certain angle of inclination is reached.

Association of Body Mass Index and Abdominal Obesity with Myocardial Infarction: We Reveal Confounding Factors that Historically Distorted Causal Inferences

Cardiovascular diseases, mainly myocardial infarction and stroke, are the leading cause of death globally. Therefore, epidemiological research seems necessary to prevent cardiovascular events and mortality. However, real-world data from obesity metrics has intrinsic limitations for the assessment of causality. Despite of historical studies showing that the body mass index (BMI), the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and the waist circumference (WC) have been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, they might not be accurate from a causal inference. Our aim was to summarize historical and novel findings about obesity metrics and myocardial infarction to evidence causal association biases. Method: an epidemiological review study was conducted while being original research when adding new anthropometrics in study design. Mathematical inequalities between the simple body measurements in anthropometrically healthy adults were described. Mean values and cut-offs for classic and several newer anthropometric variables were established. Classic metrics, ratios between the means of the simple measurements, a modulus |x| as a result of subtracting some measurement means from others (e.g., mean fat free mass minus fat mass) and somatotype ratings were collated. Mathematically, a non-zero difference for each modulus |x| in any population study would indicate an unbalanced distribution of the measurements between groups being compared, and therefore, the risk exposure levels differing. Thus, when between-groups the high-risk body compositions and somatotype ratings differ, any metric-associated risk is biased from a causal inference. After investigating large epidemiological studies, the historical omission of key anthropometric variables is stated, and as being uncontrolled confounding factors distorted causal inferences. Therefore, a protective overestimate of fat free mass and hip circumference over fat mass and WC, respectively, always occurred. Similarly, when the waist-to-height ratio values of &gt;0.5 are associated; a protective underestimate of height over WC occurs. Any metric-associated risk is biased if prediction is made from WC or technologically measured body compositions without accounting for relative risk volume measures. In conclusion, summarizing the historical and novel findings regarding risk prediction, BMI, WHR and WC alone show evidence of causal association biases because of high-risk body compositions and risk exposure levels always differ between the groups being compared.

Feasibility of a Novel Geriatric Rehabilitation Program for People With COPD-induced Malnutrition and Muscle Wasting: A Qualitative Study.

Background and Purpose: Patients with COPD-induced malnutrition and muscle wasting are often frail. Consequently, traditional rehabilitation may be even counterproductive due to energy costs and there is a need for specialized rehabilitation programs, which are lacking for these patients. We developed such a program, which includes resistance training, following Nonlinear Periodized Exercise principles and physical energy management, in combination with a restriction of physical activities. The purpose of the study was to investigate the feasibility and the potential effects of this program. Methods: Patients who are eligible for the program are those with COPD gold III/IV and a fat free mass index below standard. We conducted a qualitative feasibility study and interviewed both patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs), using a deductive approach. The open interviews were qualitatively analyzed focussing on six areas of Bowens' feasibility model: acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, limited efficacy, and integration. Results and discussions: Seven patients and seven HCPs were interviewed. For patients, key factors that helped to adhere to the program were knowledge about energy management, alternative skills to cope with COPD, and social support. They found the program beneficial. However, several patients considered a limitation of walking and ADL activities challenging. HCPs considered the program feasible and beneficial especially for those patients who accept they need a behavior change and who adhere to the program. For HCPs, key factors were the consistent approach and coaching skills of the multidisciplinary team members, and the monitoring role of the nurses. The limitation of physical activity and endurance training deviates from existing geriatric rehabilitation programs which propagate functional activity and training. Still, evidence from the current study suggests that our tailored approach for these patients might be more appropriate and also potentially effective without harm for physical function. Conclusions: Our novel, multidisciplinary rehabilitation program is considered feasible and clinically relevant by both patients and healthcare professionals. The next step is to explore its effects on muscle strength, physical functioning, and quality of life.

Measurement of body composition in postpartum South African women living with and without HIV infection.

While several methodologies are available to measure adiposity, few have been validated in sub-Saharan African (SSA) and none in postpartum African women living with HIV (WLHIV). We compared bioelectrical impendence analysis (BIA) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) against dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in South African women and examined differences by HIV and body mass index (BMI) status. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) test was used to examine fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), and total body fat percent (%BF) difference between BIA vs. DXA, and ADP vs. DXA in women living with HIV (n = 57) and without HIV (n = 25). The Bland Altman test was used to assess mean differences and the direction of bias. The median age was 31 years (IQR, 26-35) and months postpartum were 11 (IQR, 7-16), 44% of the women had obesity. Lin's CCC for BIA and ADP vs. DXA were both 0.80 for %BF and 0.97 for FM, and 0.86 and 0.80 for FFM, respectively. Mean differences (DXA-BIA and ADP estimates) were 0.22 ± 4.54% (p = 0.54) and 3.35 ± 3.27% (p < 0.01) for %BF, -0.82 ± 3.56 kg (p = 0.06) and 1.43 ± 2.68 kg (p = 0.01) for FM, -1.38 ± 3.61 kg (p = 0.01) and - 3.34 ± 2.37 kg (p < 0.01) for FFM, respectively. BIA overestimated %BF in WLHIV and underestimated it in women with obesity. Body composition measurements using BIA and ADP correlated well with DXA, thereby providing alternative, safe tools for measuring postpartum FM and FFM in SSA women, including WLHIV.

Post-restriction hyperphagia and metabolic responses to short-term calorie restriction in C57BL/6 mice

Aims: To evaluate post-restriction hyperphagia (PRH) responses to short-term calorie restriction (CR) and the potential drivers of this behaviour. Methods: Adult male C57BL/6J mice underwent 30% CR for 5 to 30 days, then refed for 12 days. Energy intake, body mass, fat mass, fat-free mass, body temperature, and physical activity were measured continuously throughout the CR and re-feeding phases and daily energy expenditure was measured over final 2 days of CR and the first 5 days of re-feeding. Results: Following restriction, energy intake, body mass, fat free mass, body temperature and daily energy expenditure were reduced in all groups compared to controls (P&lt;0.05). Only the 20d and 25d groups had significantly lower fat mass than controls (P=0.004). Total physical activity and dark-phase physical activity did not differ between control and CR groups (P=0.446 and 0.380 respectively); but light-phase physical activity of groups 20d, 25d and 30d increased significantly (P&lt;0.001) due to food anticipatory activity. All CR groups displayed peak PRH on day1 of refeeding. Total energy intake over the following 2-5 days of refeeding was also greater than the controls (P=0.002). The magnitude of PRH increased with CR duration and body mass loss at the individual level (P&lt;0.001). In a multiple regression analysis fat free mass loss was the main factor that was correlated with the level of PRH (Multiple regression R2=32.7%, fat mass P=0.036, fat free mass P=0.003). Conclusion: Hunger (reflected by PRH) was mostly related to body mass and fat free mass loss. The effect of fat free mass loss was the opposite of that expected if fat free mass is a key driver of food intake as recently postulated. Developing restriction protocols that minimize loss of fat free mass may reduce the level of hunger that emerges when individuals are under restriction.

Comparação do gasto energético entre mulheres com anorexia nervosa em tratamento ambulatorial e controles saudáveis

ABSTRACT Objective Resting metabolic rate is an important measure for nutritional monitoring in anorexia nervosa. This study aims to investigate the differences in resting metabolic rate measurements across various methods between underweight and recovered anorexia nervosa patients, as well as healthy controls. Methods Participants were categorized into three groups: active anorexia nervosa, recovered anorexia nervosa, and healthy individuals. Indirect calorimetry, the gold standard for resting metabolic rate measurement, was used to evaluate the performance of the Harris-Benedict, Schebendach, FAO/WHO, and Buchholz equations. Body mass index and fat free mass were also measured. Mean and median resting metabolic rate values across evaluation methods were compared, and Bland-Altman plots along with percent difference tables were employed to compare the different methods. Results In the active anorexia nervosa group, the Buchholz, Harris-Benedict, and FAO/WHO equations overestimated resting metabolic rate, whereas the Schebendach equation did not. In the recovered anorexia nervosa group, Schebendach’s equation underestimated resting metabolic rate, while the other equations, with the exception of FAO/WHO, did not. Bland-Altman analysis supported the adequacy of the Schebendach equation in active anorexia nervosa. In recovered anorexia nervosa, proportional biases observed for the Harris-Benedict, Buchholz, and FAO/WHO equations indicated its inadequacies for this group. Conclusion In patients with active anorexia nervosa, the results indicate that the Schebendach equation may be adequate for estimating resting metabolic rate. However, none of the equations showed adequacy for estimating resting metabolic rate in recovered patients.

Семантика глаголов сквозь призму «пассивных» и «активных» словарей

The paper compares the meanings of the verbs zhit’ (to live), delat’ (to do), and idti (to go) as presented in dictionaries of different types. The dictionaries used include three types: (1) the traditional “passive” dictionaries by V. I. Dal’ and T. F. Efremova, (2) the “active” dictionary by Yu. D. Apresyan, and (3) the associative databases RAS (Russian Associative Dictionary) and SIBAS (Russian Regional Associative Database of Siberia and the Far East). The first and second types of dictionaries are based on textual materials. The third type reflects associative-verbal networks modeled on the data of free mass associative experiments conducted in the USSR and Russia in the 1990s (RAS) and 2000s (SIBAS). The assumptions are corroborated that the mental meaning of a word differs from its linguistic meaning and that associative thesauri reflect the language consciousness of an average Russian speaker. Thus, the order of meanings of the verb zhit’ given in the first and second types of dictionaries does not match the “ranks” of these meanings in the native speakers’ language consciousness depicted in RAS and SIBAS. Dialogic responses, traces of precedent phenomena, and visual images present in RAD and SIBAS supplement the image of active linguistic consciousness processing the speaker’s experience of interacting with reality. Conversely, the first and second types of dictionaries provide more information about different meanings and contexts that exclude ambiguity of interpretation of meanings. It is concluded that a comprehensive study of linguistic personality requires the complementary use of different types of dictionaries.

Ownership, coverage, utilisation and maintenance of long-lasting insecticidal bed nets in three Health Districts in Cameroon: a cross-sectional study.

the Bamenda, Santa and Tiko Health Districts are in the highest malaria transmission strata of Cameroon. The purpose of this study was to explore the indicators of ownership and utilisation as well as maintenance of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in three health districts in Cameroon. a cross-sectional household survey involving 1,251 households was conducted in the Tiko Health District (THD) in June and July 2017 and in Bamenda and Santa Health Districts in March to May 2018. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on LLIN ownership, utilisation, and maintenance as well as demographic characteristics. the average number of LLINs per household was higher in the Bamenda Health District (BHD) compared to the THD (2.5, range; 0-6 vs. 2.4, range; 0-6) as well as the household ownership of at least one LLIN (93.3% vs. 89.0%). The proportion of the defacto population with universal utilisation was higher in BHD compared to THD (13.1% vs 0.2%). In the multinomial regression analysis, households in the SHD (p = 5.5x10-4, OR; 0.3, 95% C.I; 0.1-0.6), were less likely to own at least one LLIN compared to those in THD. Eighty-seven point one percent (87.1%) of household heads admitted that LLINs could be washed, while 50.1% affirmed the correct washing frequency. ownership of LLINs was low in the THD in comparison to the goal of one for every two household members. Overall, LLINs coverage and accessibility was still low after the free mass distribution campaigns (MDCs), as only 14.6% of children 0-5 years and 16.1% of the entire population used LLIN the night before the survey.

Anthropometry and Physical Characteristics of Indian Badminton Players

Introduction: Badminton is a fast-paced racket sport characterized by high-intensity intermittent actions interspersed with rest intervals. The role of anthropometry is critical in assessing athletes since the physique, body composition, physical growth, and one’s motor development are fundamental for optimal performance. Methods: 32 badminton players' anthropometry data was collected using ISAK protocol. Fat and fat free mass percentages were calculated using existing formulas. Results: Significant differences were observed across gender in body surface area, body density, fat mass, and fat free mass values. Body surface area, body density, and fat free mass and percentages are higher in male players and fat percentage and fat mass values are higher in female players. Conclusion: The average height of Indian players is less compared to other international players, whereas the fat percentage of both male and female players is relatively higher.

Effects of aerobic morning intervention on body composition changes in young women of morning and neither chronotypes

This study aimed to compare the effect of a morning physical intervention on the body composition of young women (n = 8, mean age ± SD = 23.1 ± 1.0 years, mean height ± SD = 168.9 ± 5.8 cm, mean weight ± SD = 66.2 ± 6.8 kg) of the morning chronotype (M-types) vs. young women (n = 25, mean age ± SD = 21.4 ± 1.5 years, mean height ± SD = 167.1 ± 5.4 cm, mean weight ± SD = 65.6 ± 7.8 kg) of the neither chronotypes (N-types). We used bioimpedance analysis to detect changes in the following indicators: weight, body mass index, fat mass (FM%), fat free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), total body water (TBW), extracellular and total body water ratio (ECW/TBW), extracellular and body cell mass ratio (ECM/BCM), and phase angle (PA). Intervention effects in groups were compared and evaluated by Cohen’s d within the statistical procedure of paired samples t-test, which did not show any significant differences in all indicators, except PA, between the pre-test and post-test (p&gt;0.05). Statistical improvement was denoted and examined in the PA of the N-types. The most significant difference was found in the ECM/BCM indicator, which was stimulated more effectively in M-types after the morning intervention compared with the N-types. M-type participants improved in ECM/BCM (d = 0.62) and PA (d = 0.70) with a medium effect, but scored worse in FM% (d = 0.47) with a small effect, FFM (d = .43), MM (d = 0.42), and TBW (d = 0.40), whereas no effect was found in ECW/TBW (d = 0.15). N-type participants improved in PA (d = .60) with a medium effect, FFM (d = 0.29), MM (d = 0.28), and ECW/TBW (d = 0.28) with a small effect; no effect was observed in ECM/BCM (d = 0.01), FM% (d = 0.03), and TBW (d = 0.04). The results showed that the ECM/BCM and PA parameters were more sensitive than the other parameters. Our findings indicate the importance of further exploration and examination of the problem of time effect examination on particular chronotypes.

The influence of serum selenium in differential epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of CPT1B gene in women with obesity

IntroductionThe increasing prevalence of obesity has become a major health problem worldwide. The causes of obesity are multifactorial and could be influenced by dietary patterns and genetic factors. Obesity has been associated with a decrease in micronutrient intake and consequently decreased blood concentrations. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for human health, and its metabolism could be affected by obesity, especially severe obesity. This study aimed to identify differential methylation genes associated with serum selenium concentration in women with and without obesity. MethodologyThirty-four patients were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: Obese (Ob) n = 20 and Non-Obese (NOb) n = 14, according to the Body Mass Index (BMI). Anthropometry, body composition, serum selenium, selenium intake, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. DNA extraction and bisulfite conversion were performed to hybridize the samples on the 450k Methylation Chip Infinium Beadchip (Illumina). Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the R program and the Champ package. The differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified using the Bumphunter method. In addition, logarithmic conversion was performed for the analysis of serum selenium and methylation. ResultsIn the Ob group, the body weight, BMI, fat mass, and free fat mass were higher than in the NOb group, as expected. Interestingly, the serum selenium was lower in the Ob than in the NOb group without differences in selenium intake. One DMR corresponding to the CPT1B gene, involved in lipid oxidation, was related to selenium levels. This region was hypermethylated in the Ob group, indicating that the intersection between selenium deficiency and hypermethylation could influence the expression of the CPT1B gene. The transcriptional analysis confirmed the lower expression of the CPT1B gene in the Ob group. ConclusionStudies connecting epigenetics to environmental factors could offer insights into the mechanisms involving the expression of genes related to obesity and its comorbidities. Here we demonstrated that the mineral selenium might play an essential role in lipid oxidation via epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of the CPT1B gene in obesity.

Analytical, numerical and scale analysis study of thermal diffusion effect on free convection boundary layer flows in a slender porous layer

This paper reports an analytical, numerical and scale analysis study of free convective heat and mass transfer flows coupled with thermal diffusion effect in a slender vertical porous cavity subjected to cooperating lateral temperature and concentration gradients. The top and bottom walls of the cavity are assumed to be adiabatic and impermeable to mass transfer. This study aims to analyze the different hydrodynamic, thermal and solutal behaviors developed in laminar boundary layer flow regime reached at high Rayleigh numbers. Based on the parallel flow approximation, an analytical solution of the problem is derived in the extreme case of heat-driven (N≪1) free convection. The obtained analytical results are validated numerically by generating the solutions of the full governing differential equations by means of finite-difference method (FDM). To estimate the order of magnitudes involved in the boundary layer regime, a scale analysis of the conservation equations is performed. The order of magnitudes of boundary layer thickness, Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are derived in this study. For all these quantities, the trends predicted by the scaling law theory are found to be in good agreement with those of the parallel flow approach. The combined effects of Rayleigh and Soret numbers on the boundary layer thickness, flow intensity and heat and mass transfers are illustrated graphically for representative values of N, Le and A_r, and the main results are highlighted and discussed.

Body composition profile of Brazilian national circus school students

Problem Statement. Professional education in circus has been increasing worldwide, placing the training programmes at the center of circus debate. Purpose. Concerning the physical demands of circus students, this research describes the body composition of Brazilian National Circus School students. Approach. Skinfold analyses was used to estimate body fat (%), fat free mass (kg) and body mass index (kg/m-2) in 57 students (n= 30 men, n= 27 women). Results. Men presented higher body weight, height, fat free mass (men 67.2 ± 7.0 kg and 45.7 ± 4.7 kg and for women), body mass index (men 24.1 ±1.6 kg/m2 and women 21.4 ± 2.0 kg/m2) and lower body fat (%) compared to women (men 7.2 ± 3.7 % and women 16.3 ± 3.7). The reassessment showed no differences in body composition for both sexes, a large heterogeneity of interindividual responses was observed (-3.9 to 4.0 for women; -1.5 to 6,5 men). Conclusions. The body fat and body mass index are similar to high performance athletes. No difference was observed between the assessments. The interindividual response to training showed no effect on body fat. However, the interindividual heterogeneity responses suggest adjustments of physical conditioning protocol in order to optimize the responses individually. The 7 or 3 skinfold protocol did not differ on the outcomes. Body composition of circus students’ needs to take into account the circus disciplines, age and biological diversity, and it is a key aspect to monitor training to avoid unsafe situations or unhealthy status. Keywords: performing arts; anthropometry; body mass; physical training.