Important Marker Of Health Research Articles

Anthropometric Indices of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients in Mauritius.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder, affecting a significant number of individuals globally.It is associated with poor quality of life and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. It is estimated that most of the patients suffering from OSA are obese. Anthropometric indices can help guide doctors towardthe diagnosis. Objectives This study aimed to establish specific anthropometric thresholds associated with OSA risk, allowing clinicians to identify individuals more likely to have OSA and who may need further evaluation, such as polysomnography. This targeted screening approach would enable better resource allocation to those at higher risk, potentially enhancing the efficiency of OSA diagnosis and management. Methods We conducted a descriptive study using data from the sole private sleep clinic in Mauritius. We analyzed case files of consecutive patients diagnosed with OSA over a 3.5-year period from January 2015 to June 2018. Results The study population comprised 170 patients (79.4% males) diagnosed with OSA by a polygraphy test.The mean age of OSA diagnosis in men and women was 51.7 ± 14.0 years and 53.8 ± 12.5 years, respectively.The mean neck circumference (NC) for males and females was 41.9 ± 3.9 cm and 38.2 ± 3.9 cm, while the mean waist circumference (WC) was 105.6 ± 12.2 cm for men and 103.4 ± 14.5 cm for women. The body mass index (BMI) was 29.1± 5.0 kg/m2 and 31.4± 6.8 kg/m2 for males and females, respectively. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) averaged to 42.1 ± 19.7 events/hour for men and 33.3 ± 16.4 events/hour for women.In male patients, we found a positive significant correlation (p<0.001) between AHI and the following parameters: BMI (r=0.443), WC(r=0.337), WC-to-height ratio (WHr) (r=0.378), NC(r =0.274), and neck-to-height ratio (NHr) (r =0.321).In women, we observed a positive significant correlation between apnea severity and the following: BMI (r=0.396, p=0.029), WC (r=0.462, p=0.005), and WHr (r=0.494, p=0.003).No significant relationships were observed between AHI and the following parameters in women: NC (r=0.317, p=0.064) and NHr (r=0.311, p=0.069). A total of 83.5% of patients had a Mallampati score of 3-4. Conclusion This study represents a pioneering effort on the island. While further research is necessary to establish exact anthropometric cutoff values, the findings offer crucial insights for physicians to identify high-risk individuals. With just a scale, measuring tape, and calculator, healthcare professionals can detect important health markers that extend beyond diagnosing OSA. These simple measurements not only help in predicting OSA but also provide a broader view of an individual's overall health, identifying risks that go beyond sleep issues. This research sets an important foundation for future OSA studies within the Mauritian population.

Evidence of association between gender and physical fitness in physically active people in Colombia

Abstract Background Physical Condition (PC) is an important health marker (Colley, 2019), as a predictor of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, among other causes (Cruz, 2018). Aim To perform association tests between gender (G) and CP in physically active people in Colombia. This study is observational cross-sectional, 1,503 people participated, 1,019 Women (W) (68.6%) and 485 Men (M) (31.4%) in Colombia, mean age 52±16.2 in W and 42±17.8 in M. Data were analyzed with Rstudio v2022.12.0. The statistical protocol was: 1- Empirical distribution. 2- Normality tests with Kolmogorov-Smirnov. 3- Tests of independence with Chi-square (χ²). The mean (X¯), percentage (%) and standard deviation (±) were taken into account. PC was measured in body composition variables; Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI) and Abdominal Circumference (AC), Grip Strength (GS) and Maximal Oxygen Consumption (Vo2max). Results In W, 38.3% (27.2±1.37) were overweight (Ow) and 19.1% (33.0±2.83) obese (Ob), 69.6% (90.9±8.14) cardiovascular risk (CVR) for AC and 50.4% (32±4.73) risk for BAI. Regarding GS 43.4% (15.8±6.38) is weak and 54.6% (27.7±4.98) Vo2max is low. In M 35.6% (26.9±1.48) presented Ow and 10.6% (32.7±2.39) in Ob, 39.7% (98.4±6.8) with Rcv by AC and 24.3% (29.7±3.45) at risk by BAI. As for GS 41.5% (27.1±6.39) are weak and 32.3% (33.3±6.33) under Vo2max. According to independence tests with χ² there is association between the G and BMI (χ²=1452.1, df = 1427, p-value=0. 315), G and AC (χ²=394.9, df = 382, p-value=0. 313), G and Vo2max (χ²=155.5, df = 6, p-value&amp;lt;2. 2e-16), G and BAI (χ²=2970.3, df = 1502, p-value&amp;lt;2.2e-16), G and GS (χ²=6015.5, df = 1502, p-value&amp;lt;2.2e-16). This project has been approved by the bioethics committee. Conclusions Test of independence with (χ²), being a non-homogeneous sample, there is a strong association between G and PC with BMI, BAI, AC, GS and Vo2max, each variable depending on the others, evidencing higher Rcv in women with respect to men. Key messages • Several studies consider Physical Condition (PC) is an important health marker (Colley, 2019), as a predictor of morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease, among other causes (Cruz, 2018). • There is a strong association between G and the levels of BMI, BAI, AC, SG and Vo2max variables, each variable depending on the others, showing a higher Rcv in women compared to men.

Mutation of the peptide-regulated transcription factor ComR for amidated peptide specificity and heterologous function in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1.

There is a growing interest in the use of probiotic bacteria as biosensors for the detection of disease. However, there is a lack of bacterial receptors developed for specific disease biomarkers. Here, we have investigated the use of the peptide-regulated transcription factor ComR from Streptococcus spp. for specific peptide biomarker detection. ComR exhibits a number of attractive features that are potentially exploitable to create a biomolecular switch for engineered biosensor circuitry within the probiotic organism Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1. Through iterative design-build-test cycles, we developed a genomically integrated, ComR-based biosensor circuit that allowed WCFS1 to detect low nanomolar concentrations of ComR's cognate peptide XIP. By screening a library of ComR proteins with mutant residues substituted at the K100 position, we identified mutations that increased the specificity of ComR toward an amidated version of its cognate peptide, demonstrating the potential for ComR to detect this important class of biomarker.IMPORTANCEUsing bacteria to detect disease is an exciting possibility under active study. Detecting extracellular peptides with specific amino acid sequences would be particularly useful as these are important markers of health and disease (biomarkers). In this work, we show that a probiotic bacteria (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) can be genetically engineered to detect specific extracellular peptides using the protein ComR from Streptococcus bacteria. In its natural form, ComR allowed the probiotic bacteria to detect a specific peptide, XIP. We then modified XIP to be more like the peptide biomarkers found in humans and engineered ComR so that it activated with this modified XIP and not the original XIP. This newly engineered ComR also worked in the probiotic bacteria, as expected. This suggests that with additional engineering, ComR might be able to activate with human peptide biomarkers and be used by genetically engineered probiotic bacteria to better detect disease.

The interrelationships between sleep regularity, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension in a middle-aged community population.

Little is known about the interrelationships between sleep regularity, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and important health markers. This study examined whether irregular sleep is associated with OSA and hypertension, and if this modifies the known association between OSA and hypertension. Six hundred and two adults (age mean(SD) = 56.96(5.51) years, female = 60%) from the Raine Study who were not evening or night shift workers were assessed for OSA (in-laboratory polysomnography; apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/hour), hypertension (doctor diagnosed, or systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥90 mmHg) and sleep (wrist actigraphy for ≥5 days). A sleep regularity index (SRI) was determined from actigraphy. Participants were categorized by tertiles as severely irregular, mildly irregular, or regular sleepers. Logistic regression models examined the interrelationships between SRI, OSA and hypertension. Covariates included age, sex, body mass index, actigraphy sleep duration, insomnia, depression, activity, alcohol, smoking, and antihypertensive medication. Compared to regular sleepers, participants with mildly irregular (OR 1.97, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.20 to 3.27) and severely irregular (OR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.25 to 3.42) sleep had greater odds of OSA. Compared to those with no OSA and regular sleep, OSA and severely irregular sleep combined had the highest odds of hypertension (OR 2.34 95% CI: 1.07 to 5.12; p for interaction = 0.02) while those with OSA and regular/mildly irregular sleep were not at increased risk (p for interaction = 0.20). Sleep irregularity may be an important modifiable target for hypertension among those with OSA.

Trial of a Patient-Directed eHealth Program to Ameliorate Perinatal Depression: The MomMoodBooster2 Practical Effectiveness Study

ABSTRACT Perinatal depression and postpartum depression represent a significant burden for those who experience them and are associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, postpartum hospitalization, diminished mother-child relationships, offspring developmental delay, and other important markers of health and well-being. Perinatal depression, in particular, is underidentified and thus undertreated. This study was designed to assess the MMB eHealth program (MomMoodBooster2 [MMB2]), which is targeted toward perinatal depression, with an aim to assess the effectiveness of the smartphone version of this tool. Primary outcomes were targeted toward analyzing the extent to which MMB2 relieved the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms in general (using both perinatal and postpartum tools); secondary outcomes focused on usage trends along with ratings of usability and helpfulness. Participants were recruited from the Perinatal Depression Program (PDP) in the NorthShore University HealthSystem. Eligibility criteria included pregnant women and women less than a year postpartum, age older than 18 years, no active suicidal ideation, access to internet, and English language proficiency. REDCap (Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tenn) was used for onboarding and randomization. Final analyses included 191 patients randomized into 2 groups, one with MMB2 and the PDP protocol and one with only PDP. After program completion, 93% of patients completed an associated posttest. Primary screenings were not significantly different between groups, and baseline characteristics were likewise consistent. Controlling for perinatal status, posttests showed a significant decrease in depression severity, anxiety, stress, and automatic thoughts (P ≤ 0.001), as well as an increase in behavioral activation and self-efficacy. Further analysis showed that the MMB2 group showed greater decreases from baseline to posttest in both stress (P = 0.019) and depression severity (P = 0.003). No other significant effects were found when comparing the 2 groups. Usage of MMB2 varied, but generally showed that patients visited the program shortly after receiving the first invitation and then periodically on multiple distinct days between their first and last visit to their health care provider (mean [SD] visits, 49.4 [30.2] distinct days). Perinatal tools were used by 41% of participants, and 43% used postpartum tools, with 10% using both tools because of being pregnant at initial recruitment but delivering over the course of the study. The program included text messages for the first 12 weeks, and impact of these was not directly assessed. Of ratings provided, 96% rated the program as “somewhat” to “extremely” easy to use, and 83% of participants rated it as “somewhat” to “extremely” helpful. Many participants in both groups reported using other management strategies such as medication, therapy sessions, and physician advice, but use of these interventions did not differ between groups. These results indicate that MMB2 is effective at reducing anxiety and depression severity, as well as improving self-efficacy. Clinically, this eHealth tool may be an appropriate way to subsidize care for women where in-person options are limited or other options are unavailable. It could also be used to augment in-person options for management of depressive symptoms. Further research should focus on larger and more diverse populations, to understand if the findings are generalizable beyond this small population. In addition, the sustainability and adoption strategies should be optimized to allow this program to be as far reaching as possible. More research could also examine long-term follow-up and durability of the effects of this treatment.

Динамика кистевой силы рук у детей школьного возраста за период их нахождения в оздоровительной организации

INTRODUCTION: The dynamics of physiometric indicators of children's physical development is a reliable and adequate tool for assessing the effectiveness of children's health improvement during their stay in a summer health organization. Hand strength is an indicator that characterizes the overall endurance and muscle strength of a person, and is an important marker of health. AIM: To identify the features of the hand strength dynamics as an indicator of the effectiveness of health improvement in the organization of summer holidays for children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The article presents the results of the analysis of measurements of the hand strength of children aged 7 to 17 years living in the territory of the Russian Federation. In total, the results of examinations of 29,511 children were collected and processed. The data were evaluated and compared taking into account the age, gender and physical development of children. Data processing was carried out using nonparametric methods of statistical analysis. RESULTS: During the period of the health-improving session (21 days), there was a significant increase in the index of hand strength in children of all ages, regardless of gender. The vast majority of children (more than 80%) had an integral index of hand strength below the average level. For boys, the positive dynamics of increases in the hand strength index with increasing age was characteristic, while for girls this trend was negative. The dependence of the hand strength index on the values of the body mass index is noted. CONCLUSION: The dynamics of the hand strength index and its integral indicator are reasonable criteria for assessing the physical development of the child and the effectiveness of recovery. The revealed features of the dynamics of physiometric indicators, taking into account age, gender and physical development, serve as a prerequisite for improving the methodological aspects of assessing the effectiveness of children's health improvement.

Comparison of Several Anthropometric Indices Related to Body Fat in Predicting Cardiorespiratory Fitness in School-Aged Children-A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

Body fat (BF) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are important health markers that ought to be considered in screening exams. The aim of this study was to assess the value of six indicators, i.e., tri-ponderal mass index (TMI), relative fat mass (RFM), waist-BMI ratio, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) in predicting CRF in school-aged children. The analysis was based on the data coming from the examination of 190 children participating in school physical education (PE) classes. Their body weight (BW) and height (BH), waist and hip circumference (WC; HC) and percentage of body fat (%BF) were measured; the CRF test was performed with the use of the 20 m shuttle run test (20 mSRT); peak heart rate (HRpeak) was measured; TMI, relative fat mass pediatric (RFMp), waist-BMI ratio, WHtR, BMI and WHR were calculated. Statistical analysis was mainly conducted using regression models. The developed regression models, with respect to the sex and age of the children, revealed RFMp as the strongest CRF indicator (R2 = 51.1%) and WHR as well as waist-BMI ratio as the weakest ones (R2 = 39.2% and R2 = 40.5%, respectively). In predicting CRF in school-aged children, RFMp turned out to be comparable to body fat percentage obtained by means of the bioimpedance analysis (BIA) (R2 = 50.3%), and as such it can be used as a simple screening measure in prophylactic exams of school children. All of these models were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Self-Perception of Aging and Hypertension in a Cohort of Sexual Minority.

Objectives To determine whether self-perception of aging is an important marker of health and hypertension among older sexual minority men. Methods We evaluated associations between self-perception of aging (chronologic-subjective age discrepancy and aging satisfaction) and hypertension among 1,180 sexual minority men (51.6% with HIV/48.4% without HIV) from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study using a manifest Markov chain model adjusted for HIV status, age, race/ethnicity, education, smoking status, inhaled nitrite use, diabetes, dyslipidemia, kidney and liver disease. Results The overall prevalence of hypertension increased from 73.1% to 82.6% over three years of follow-up. Older age discrepancy (aOR (adjusted odds ratio): 1.13 95% CI: 0.35-3.69) and low aging satisfaction (aOR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.31-2.52) were not associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension, regardless of HIV status. Discussion More than 80% of sexual minority men had a diagnosis of hypertension but self-perception of aging was not predictive of incident hypertension.

Secular Trends in Physical Fitness of Peruvian Children Living at High-Altitude.

The physical fitness of children is an important marker of health, and monitoring its temporal changes provides important information for developing interventions. We aimed to: (1) describe secular trends in physical fitness across age, within each sex, in Peruvian schoolchildren; and (2) verify if these trends are also present when adjusted for changes in height and weight. We sampled 1590 children (707 in 2009; 883 in 2019), aged 6-11 years. Physical fitness was assessed with four tests from the EUROFIT battery. ANOVA and ANCOVA statistical models were used. Results showed that with increasing age, girls and boys were significantly stronger in all PF tests, except for the case of flexibility in girls. In 2019, girls were stronger (handgrip) and more flexible than in 2009; but lower values were evident in standing long jumps in both sexes. Age-by-year interactions were statistically significant for agility in both sexes, with significant differences occurring at different ages. These trends did not change when adjusted for temporal changes in height and weight. Our research provides important data for local governments to implement public policies and practices to improve physical fitness levels in children.

Trends in means and distributional characteristics of cardiorespiratory endurance performance for Italian children (1984–2010)

ABSTRACT Cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE) is an important health marker. The aim of this study was to examine temporal trends of CRE performance for Italian children between 1984 and 2010. Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, 5303 CRE test results were available for 2520 children aged 11–13 years from a single Northern Italian middle-high school between 1984 and 2010. CRE was measured as 1000-m and 12-min run test performance. With adjustments for BMI, temporal trends in means were estimated using linear regression, with trends in distributional characteristics described visually and estimated as the ratio of coefficients of variation (CVs). There was a significant small increase in BMI (effect size (ES) [95%CI]: 0.40 [0.32, 0.48]) over the entire period. When adjusted for BMI, there were significant small to moderate declines in mean running speed (ES [95%CI]: 1000-m, – 0.34 [–0.39, – 0.29]); 12-min, – 0.65 [–0.70, – 0.60]). Declines were larger for boys compared to girls. Variability substantially increased over time (ratio of CVs: range, 1.7–2.9), with larger declines in children with low running speed compared to children with average or high running speed. Our findings may be important to public health because low CRE is significantly related to current and future health.

A Hierarchy Of Correlates Of Physical Independence In Portuguese Older Adults: A Data Miming Approach

Physical independence (PI) represents the ability to perform everyday tasks of living and is considered an important health marker during older adulthood. Since lower levels of PI are associated with frailty and morbidity, identifying which correlates best predict distinct levels of PI is paramount. PURPOSE: To establish a hierarchy of multidimensional correlates predicting low and medium-to-high levels of PI in Portuguese older adults. METHODS: Data from 1435 older adults (65-79 yrs: n = 784; 80+ yrs: n = 651) who participated in the 2018 Portuguese national survey were analyzed. A Chi-Square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) decision tree - data miming approach - was used to comprehensively identify and hierarchize 30 self-reported correlates related to socio-demographic, behavioral, health, and environmental domains. PI was assessed using a 12-item composite physical function (CPF) scale, and age-reference categories were used to dichotomize levels of PI into low or medium-high. RESULTS: Out of 1435 older adults assessed, 750 and 685 had low and medium-to-high levels of PI, respectively. In the 65-79 yrs age group, the cluster of correlates related to lower PI levels consisted of older adults not owning a computer, spending prolonged times sitting and not having stores in the neighborhood (n = 80; response index (RI) = 1.75), whereas owning a computer, having an income >500€ and frequently breaking sitting time represented the most likely group to have medium-to-high PI (n = 11; RI = 0.18). For the 80+ yrs age group, having a low-income and spending prolonged hours sitting represented the cluster of correlates corresponding to lower PI (n = 126; RI = 1.34), whereas having an income >500€, breaking sitting every hour/multiple times per hour, and having a family that exercises (n = 32; RI = 0.48) formed the group with a greater likelihood of having moderate-to-high PI. CONCLUSIONS: To successfully prevent the deterioration of PI of older adults, future healthcare interventions should prioritize older adults with limited accessibility to technologies and with lower incomes. Additionally, promoting strategies to reduce and frequently break-up prolonged sitting time will help to reduce higher levels of PI and, thus, reduce the overall risk of frailty and vulnerability in this age-group.

Associations between Self-Perceived and Desired Health-Related Physical Fitness in Spanish Children

Health-related physical fitness (HRPF) has emerged as an important marker of health among children. It is usually defined as a multidimensional construct consisting of cardiorespiratory endurance; muscular strength and endurance; and flexibility. Currently, health policies are aimed at getting children to increase their HRPF levels. Understanding the relationship between the perceived and the desired levels of fitness can be important to avoid the abandoning of physical activity practice. We analyzed the associations between the self-perceived and the desired health-related physical fitness. A modified version of the self-perceived HRPF questionnaire was completed by 330 children (148 girls, mean age: 10.78 ± 0.67 years, and 182 boys, mean age: 10.82 ± 0.61 years). Fitness was measured through tests selected from the Eurofit battery. The questions regarding desired HRPF showed moderate internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.671) and good test–retest reliability (ICC: 0.761). In general, children shared a desire to improve their self-perceived HRPF. Those who perceived themselves as already being fit were the ones who showed the strongest desire for achieving higher HRPF levels.

Subjective Age and Falls in Older Age: Evidence From Two Longitudinal Cohorts.

Falls are a common and serious health problem. The present study examined the association between subjective age (i.e., feeling younger or older than one's chronological age) and falls in 2 large national samples. Participants aged 65-105 years old were drawn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Data on falls, subjective age, and demographic factors were available from 2,382 participants in HRS and 3,449 in NHATS. Falls were tracked for up to 8 (HRS) and 7 (NHATS) years. Cox regression analyses that included demographic covariates indicated that older subjective age increased the risk of falling in HRS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-1.27) and in NHATS (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.00-1.13). When compared to people who felt younger, people who reported an older subjective age had a higher risk of fall (HRS: HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.33-2.04; NHATS: HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.15-1.79). The associations remained significant after accounting for depressive symptoms, handgrip strength, chronic diseases, and cognitive impairment in HRS only. These results confirm the role of subjective age as an important health marker in the aging population. Subjective age assessment can help identify individuals at greater risk of falls.

O-198 Fecundity – a marker of health and survival?

Abstract Study question Fecundity (the ability to conceive) may be declining in many high income countries. Does long time to pregnancy reflect a worse of health condition and survival potential in couples? Summary answer We find that time to pregnancy as a marker of fecundity to be a strong maker of both health and survival in couples. What is known already Women have postponed their childbearing with an increased risk of infertility with age and many young men have a low semen quality. The effect of reduced fecundity on the societal level is obvious; a contribution to the reduced fertility in the Western world. The health consequences for the individuals suffering from reduced fecundity themselves have been studied to a less extend and mostly for males. Most of the research done within the research area have been based on produced offspring. One intrinsic and less explored question is how the ability to conceive influence health and survival in the affected couples. Study design, size, duration We performed a registry-based cohort study on 18,359 mothers and fathers with information on time to pregnancy. The mothers in the study population were first time mothers who attended prophylactic antenatal care between 1977 and 1987 at the department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Odense University Hospital, Denmark. The study participants were followed up for survival and hospitalizations until 2018. Participants/materials, setting, methods Information on reproduction (including TTP), medical, occupational, and lifestyle histories was collected as a part of the first routine antenatal examination. Nationwide registries were used for gathering more information: Biological fathers were identified in the Danish Medical Birth Registry, total and causes of death was retrieved from the Danish Causes of Death Registry, information on dates of migrations from the Danish Population Registry, and hospitalizations from the Danish Hospital Discharge Registry. Main results and the role of chance We find a strong association between time to pregnancy and survival. Mothers with more than 12 months waiting time to pregnancy had an adjusted higher instant risk of dying compared to mothers with less than 12 months of waiting time to pregnancy (HR: 1.3, 95%CI: 1.1-1.5). Similar results were found for fathers (HR:1.2, 95%CI: 1.1-1.3). A clear dose-response association between time to pregnancy and survival in mothers and fathers was found. E.g. more than 60 months of waiting-time to pregnancy resulted in HR: 2.0, 95%CI 1.6-2.6 (mothers) and HR: 2.4, 95%CI:2.0-2.8 (fathers). No specific causes of death explained the overall increased mortality as increased risks was observed for nearly all causes. Time to first hospitalization was shorter for both fathers and mothers with long time to pregnancy (e.g HR: 1.32 , 95% CI: 1.16-1.51 for mothers with more than 60 months of waiting time to pregnancy) and a clear dose-respond effect was observed (p-trend&amp;lt;0.001). No specific disease groups explained the overall higher hospitalization risk for persons with long waiting time to pregnancy as increased risks was observed for nearly all disease groups. Limitations, reasons for caution The study is comprised of couples conceiving a child and thus leave out those who fails. Thus, the found association between time to pregnancy and health and survival can only be inferred for mothers and fathers. We adjust for social-conditions, lifestyle and demographics but there may still be unknown confounders. Wider implications of the findings Our results suggest fecundity measured as time to pregnancy as an important marker of health and survival and may be a signal of increased environmental influence om reproductive and individual health. Trial registration number not applicable

Effects of Physical Exercise on Cardiometabolic Biomarkers and Inflammatory Markers in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The prevalence of obesity among children as well as the beneficial effects of physical exercise (PE) on weight loss has been determined by modulating the secretory factors of adipose tissue. PE has also been shown to have beneficial effects on obesity. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of physical exercise (PE) on adiponectin and other important health markers in children. We searched 6 electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cinahl, Scopus, and Web of Science) and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials from inception to December 15, 2021. We used random-effects models to estimate weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Fourteen studies were included (N = 468 participants; mean age: 14 years). In general, PE increased adiponectin (WMD: 0.91µg/mL; 95% CI, 0.27 to 1.55, p = 0.005), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: 1.01mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.33 to 1.69, p = 0.004), and VO2max (WMD: 2.52mL.kg.min; 95% CI, 1.41 to 3.62, p = 0.00,001). The levels of c-reactive protein (WMD: -0.37mg/L; 95% CI, -0.57 to -0.17, p = 0.0003), insulin (WMD: -4.61μIU/ml; 95% CI, -5.46 to -3.76, p = 0.00,001), fasting glucose (WMD: -5.11mg/dL; 95% CI, -7.88 to -2.34, p = 0.0003), and insulin resistance index (WMD: -1.44; 95% CI, -1.92 to -0.96, p = 0.00,001), decreased significantly. Our study showed that PE may increase the level of adiponectin, HDL-C, and VO2max in children.

The modulatory role of internet-supported mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on extracellular vesicles and psychological distress in people who have had cancer: a protocol for a two-armed randomized controlled study

BackgroundMindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been used in oncology contexts as a promising tool with numerous benefits for various health-related and psychosocial outcomes. Despite the increasing popularity of MBIs, few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined their effects upon biological parameters. Specifically, no previous study has examined the effects of MBIs on extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are potentially important markers of health, disease, and stress. Moreover, the lack of RCTs is even more limited within the context of technology-mediated MBIs and long-term effects.MethodsThe current study protocol presents a two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled study investigating the effects of internet-supported mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) compared with treatment as usual (TAU). Primary outcomes are psychological distress and EV cargo of distressed participants with previous breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer diagnoses. Secondary outcomes are self-reported psychosocial and health-related measures, and additional biological markers. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks after baseline (mid-point of the intervention), 8 weeks after baseline (immediately post-intervention), 24 weeks after baseline (after booster sessions), and 52 weeks after baseline. Our goal is to recruit at least 111 participants who have been diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer (cancer stage I to III), are between 18 and 65 years old, and have had primary cancer treatments completed between 3 months and 5 years ago. Half of the participants will be randomized to the TAU group, and the other half will participate in an 8-week online MBCT intervention with weekly group sessions via videoconference. The intervention also includes asynchronous homework, an online retreat after the fifth week, and 4 monthly booster sessions after completion of the 8-week programme.DiscussionThis study will allow characterizing the effects of internet-based MBCT on psychosocial and biological indicators in the context of cancer. The effects on circulating EVs will also be investigated, as a possible neurobiological pathway underlying mind-body intervention effects.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04727593 (date of registration: 27 January 2021; date of record verification: 6 October 2021).

Diet Quality Index for older adults (DQI-65): development and use in predicting adherence to dietary recommendations and health markers in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey.

Diet quality indexes (DQI) are useful tools for assessing diet quality in relation to health and guiding delivery of personalised nutritional advice; however, existing DQI are limited in their applicability to older adults (aged ≥ 65 years). Therefore, this research aimed to develop a novel evidence-based DQI specific to older adults (DQI-65). Three DQI-65 variations were developed to assess the impacts of different component quantitation methods and inclusion of physical activity. These were Nutrient and Food-based DQI-65 (NFDQI-65), NFDQI-65 with Physical Activity (NFDQI-65+PA) and Food-based DQI-65 with Physical Activity (FDQI-65+PA). To assess their individual efficacy, the NFDQI-65, NFDQI-65+PA and FDQI-65+PA were explored alongside the validated Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) and Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010) using data from the cross-sectional UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) rolling programme. Scores for DQI-65 variations, the HEI-2015 and AHEI-2010 were calculated for adults ≥ 65 years from years 2-6 of the NDNS (n 871). Associations with nutrient intake, nutrient status and health markers were analysed using linear and logistic regression. Higher DQI-65 and HEI-2015 scores were associated with increased odds of meeting almost all our previously proposed age-specific nutritional recommendations, and with important health markers of importance for older adults, including lower BMI, lower medication use and lower C-reactive protein (P < 0·01). Few associations were observed for the AHEI-2010. This analysis suggests value of all three DQI-65 as measures of dietary quality in UK older adults. However, methodological limitations mean further investigations are required to assess validity and reliability of the DQI-65.

Standing Long Jump Performance in Youth with Visual Impairments: A Multidimensional Examination

Muscular fitness, an important marker of health in youth, includes explosive strength, which can be assessed using the standing long jump (SLJ). Little is known concerning the SLJ in populations with disabilities such as youth with visual impairments (VI) who trend with decreased health- and performance-related outcomes. The purposes of this study were to investigate multidimensional SLJ performance outcomes in youth with VI (i.e., descriptives and percentages of occurrence) and to explore associations among such variables and known factors of interest (e.g., age) using robust linear bivariate regressions. This study was a secondary analysis from data collected in 2018 (N = 61, Mage = 12.98 years, SD = 2.21). SLJ performance was investigated using a multidimensional focus (e.g., distance, Test of Gross Motor Development-3 horizontal jump, landing developmental sequences, landing joint displacement, and stabilization after landing). In general, SLJ performance was substandard in youth with VI. Most SLJ assessment scores were predictive of other SLJ assessment scores. Few hypothesized variables of interest (e.g., multimorbidity) were predictive of SLJ performance. Youth with VI who match the characteristics of the current sample may have decreased explosive strength/muscular fitness and, worryingly, their SLJ performance may not be influenced by expected factors (e.g., age). Implications and explanations for these results are discussed.

Association of Cardiorespiratory Fitness with Achievement Motivation in Physical Education in Adolescents.

Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important health marker in adolescents. Thus, examining the relation between cardiorespiratory fitness and motivation should be important to increase health-related behaviors. This study aimed to describe adolescents’ cardiorespiratory fitness and motivation by gender and to analyze the association between two cardiorespiratory fitness tests (original and with music) and motivation. A total of 341 adolescents (14.2 ± 1.5 years, 52.2% girls) participated in this study. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the 20 m shuttle run and its adaptation with music. Motivation was assessed though the “Achievement Motivation towards Physical Education” questionnaire. Boys presented with higher cardiorespiratory fitness and motivation (all, p < 0.05). Yet, when classifying fit and unfit groups, a higher percentage of girls were considered fit compared to boys (85.8% vs. 74.5%). A higher level of cardiorespiratory fitness (stages) and VO2max were associated with a higher level of motivation (self-perceived competence and compared competence) and lower anxiety (all p < 0.05). These associations with motivation were stronger when the music was present in the test. In this sense, including music in activities focused on cardiorespiratory fitness could increase the cardiorespiratory fitness performance and motivation, especially in girls. It should be important to increase adolescents’ cardiorespiratory fitness levels in order to increase motivation in physical education lessons and to include more motivational activities in order to achieve higher performance.

Health Risk, Functional Markers and Cognitive Status in Institutionalized Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study.

A Follow-up of vitamin B12 and lipids status is essential in older people, being closely related to non-communicable diseases. Their relationships with cognitive and physical status are not clear. The aim was to analyze the evolution of vitamin B12 and related parameters, lipid and hematological profiles, and their relationships with cognitive and physical status among institutionalized elderly. Sixty residents, ranged from 62 to 99, were evaluated. Biomarkers (vitamin B12 and related parameters, lipid and hematological profiles), functional capacity (handgrip, arm and leg strength), and cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination) were evaluated four times at 4-month intervals. At the beginning of the study, 63% and 70% of the sample showed abnormal homocysteine and folate values, respectively. At the end of the year, abnormal homocysteine increased to 68%, abnormal folate values decreased to 50%. Throughout the year, serum folate showed a significant increase (14.9 vs. 16.3 nmol/L), (p < 0.05). Serum cobalamin (299 vs. 273 pmol/L). HDL-cholesterol (49.9 vs. 47.0 mg/dL) and triglyceride levels (102.4 vs. 123.2 mg/dL) showed a significant decrease and increase respectively in mean values (all p < 0.05). Serum cobalamin and HDL-cholesterol were the most important biomarkers associated with cognitive function (both p < 0.05). The most relevant biomarkers associated with poor physical strength depending on the body part analyzed were low concentrations of HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, and albumin (all p < 0.05). The evolution of lipid biomarkers, their significance with cognitive values, and association with handgrip, point to the importance of the handgrip measurement, a very simple test, as an important health marker. Both serum albumin and physical strength are important health markers in older people.