Bone Mineral Content Research Articles

Reduced peri-pubertal bone density accrual among Zimbabwean males living with HIV: a longitudinal study.

To investigate bone density accrual over 1 year among peripubertal children living with HIV (CWH) compared to children without infection (CWOH); and risk factors associated with bone density accrual among CWH. A prospective cohort study in urban Zimbabwe. CWH on antiretroviral therapy aged 8-16 years, and CWOH, frequency-matched by age were recruited in Zimbabwe. Z-scores for height-adjusted total-body less-head bone mineral content for lean mass (TBLH-BMCLBM) and size-adjusted lumbar spine bone mineral apparent density (LS-BMAD) were calculated from dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan measurements. Linear regression compared bone density accrual by HIV status. Of 609 participants, 492 (80.7%) completed a follow-up visit (50.2% male, 49.6% CWH). Mean baseline age was 12.5 years. More female CWH than CWOH were in Tanner stages I/II at baseline. Bone density accrual (Δ) adjusted for age, Tanner stage and baseline DXA Z-score was less in male CWH than male CWOH {adjusted mean (95% confidence interval (CI)] ΔLS-BMAD Z-score -0.14 (-0.25 to -0.02) vs. 0.01 (-0.09 to 0.12), P = 0.020, and ΔTBLH-BMCLBMZ-score -0.19 (-0.33 to -0.04) vs. 0.07 (-0.07 to 0.20), P = 0.015}, but similar in females with and without HIV [ΔLS-BMAD Z-score 0.05 (-0.07 to 0.17) vs. -0.01 (-0.09 to 0.07), P = 0.416, and ΔTBLH-BMCLBMZ-score 0.08 (-0.07 to 0.22) vs. -0.03 (-0.12 to 0.07), P = 0.295]. Viral load greater than 1000 copies/ml and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate use were associated with less gain in LS-BMAD Z-score among males, whereas Tanner stage IV and V were associated with greater gains in LS-BMAD and TBLH-BMCLBMZ-scores among CWH. Among males only, CWH had impaired bone accrual, associated with high viral load and tenofovir use. Bone density gains were greater in later puberty among CWH suggesting potential to correct deficits.

Muscle-to-bone and soft tissue-to-bone ratios in track and field athletes.

The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle-to-bone (MBR) and soft tissue-to-bone ratios (SBR) of 459 track and field athletes across event groups to identify differences in MBR and SBR. Dual X-ray absorptiometry provided total and regional (i.e., arm, leg, trunk) lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), and bone mineral content (BMC). MBR was calculated by dividing LM by BMC. The SBR was calculated by dividing LM+FM by BMC. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare ratios across event groups. Dunn's post-hoc tests were utilized to adjust for multiple comparisons. Total MBR for females was higher in the throwers compared to the multievent athletes (p=0.02). For the males, total MBR was lower in jumpers compared to all events except pole vaulters (PV) (p<0.05). Trunk MBR was higher in the long-distance runners (LD) compared to jumpers, PV, and throwers (p<0.05). The throwers had higher total, arm, and leg SBRs compared to the jumpers, LD, middle distance, PV, and sprint groups (p<0.05). Significant differences in total and regional MBR and SBR were identified across event groups for both sexes, and may indicate event-specific adaptations impacting the balance between soft tissue and bone.

Change and predictors of body composition after gastrectomy for gastric cancer during first postoperative year.

After gastrectomy for gastric cancer, patients often lose significant body weight because of decreased caloric intake and nutrient absorption. Body weight typically requires approximately 1 year to stabilize. This study aimed to examine the changes and predictors of body composition during the first postoperative year. A total of 230 patients underwent radical gastrectomy for stage I to III gastric cancers. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and changes were analyzed over 1 year. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of body composition changes. Body composition changes and significant body weight and body fat mass reductions occurred primarily within the first 6 months postoperatively. Skeletal muscle mass initially decreased but improved after 6 months without significant changes related to adjuvant chemotherapy. Increased edema was observed at 6 and 12 months postoperatively in patients after total gastrectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Gastrectomy type and body mass index significantly affected postoperative body weight changes. In addition, gastrectomy type was associated with changes in skeletal muscle mass and bone mineral content. Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly affected the whole-body phase angle at 6 and 12 months. Our findings emphasized the initial significant reductions postoperatively and subsequent adjustments over time and elucidated the complex interplay between surgical techniques, adjuvant treatment, and patient characteristics and midterm changes in body composition.

Development of bone mineral density and content in children with cerebral palsy: a retrospective, longitudinal study.

The aim of this study was to investigate long-term bone development in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using longitudinal measurements of total body less head bone mineral content (TBLH-BMC) and bone mineral density (TBLH-BMD). A retrospective longitudinal analysis was performed on 109 children with CP who participated in a rehabilitation programme from 2006 to 2018. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were performed at the beginning of the programme and repeated as clinically indicated. The study used SITAR growth curve analysis and the LMS method within the GAMLSS model to generate developmental trajectories for TBLH-BMC and TBLH-BMD. The findings suggest that the expected developmental trajectories of TBLH-BMC and TBLH-BMD in children with CP approximately follow the third percentile of healthy children. The median annual increase in bone mineral density was similar between GMFCS I-II and III-V groups at 5.12 and 5.79 %, respectively. Girls with CP reached age at peak velocity (APV) earlier than boys. The intensive exercise programme may have contributed to greater annual bone growth in children with more severe CP. Children with CP have bone growth trajectories close to the third percentile of their healthy peers, suggesting that age-adjusted z-scores for TBLH-BMC and BMD remain relatively stable throughout childhood and adolescence. Early and targeted interventions, including improving muscle strength and mobility and optimising nutritional and hormonal status, are essential to promote better bone health and quality of life in children with CP.

Higher bone mineral density at six years of age in very preterm-born infants fed human milk compared to formula feeding. A secondary analysis of an RCT

In very preterm-born infants, nutritional intake is important to reduce the risk of severe metabolic bone disease including the risk of a lower bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD (measured as BMC per bone area (BA)) at six years of age in very preterm-born infants fed different diets post-discharge. Data on this topic so far is insufficient, and with this study we aim to supply more useful data. A prospective follow-up study of 281 children born very preterm (gestational age ≤ 32 + 0 weeks) and enrolled in a multicentre RCT on post-discharge nutrition. Infants fed human milk (HM) were randomised respectively to be fed unfortified HM (UHM) or fortified human milk (FHM) from hospital discharge to four months’ corrected age. Those not fed HM received a preterm formula (PF). At six years of age, BMD and BMC in all the children were established by means of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan (Lunar Prodigy) and adjusted for sex, age, and anthropometrics. A total of 192 very preterm-born children (59 fed UHM, 67 FHM and 66 PF) had a DXA scan performed at median 6 (5.8—8.3) years of age. No significant difference was found comparing UHM and FHM according to height, weight, BA, BMC, and BMD at six years of age. However, a multiple regression analysis showed significantly improved BMD in breastfed children compared to PF-fed children. Conclusions: Fortified compared to non-fortified human milk post-discharge did not have an impact on BMD at 6 years of age in very preterm-born infants. Breastfed children demonstrated higher BMD than formula-fed children.What is Known:• Adequate nutritional intake is important to improve growth and to reduce the risk of severe bone disease in very preterm born infants.• Bone mineralization is attained later in preterm born infants compared to term born infants.What is New:• Feeding human milk with fortification compared to non-fortified human milk did not improve bone mineral density in children born very preterm in this follow-up study at six years of age.• Feeding human milk compared to formula was associated with increased BMD at six years of age among very preterm born infants.

Additive effects of curcumin and glucosamine on knee function, cartilage protection, and subchondral bone preservation in a post-traumatic osteoarthritis rat model

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) increasingly become a global public health concern. Curcumin and glucosamine, both widely used as dietary supplements for OA, have shown distinct therapeutic effects. However, curcumin’s low bioavailability and the debated efficacy of glucosamine limit their broader clinical use. Objective: Investigate the combined effects of curcumin and glucosamine on knee function, subchondral bone preservation, and cartilage protection in post-traumatic OA rat. Methods: Post-traumatic OA was induced in Lewis rats through medial meniscus transection (MMT) surgery. Rats were treated for 8 weeks with curcumin phospholipid liposome (C, 120 mg/kg/day), glucosamine (G, 190 mg/kg/day), or a combination of both (CG, C: G=1:3, 63/190 mg/kg/day). Knee width was measured weekly, and weight-bearing was assessed twice weekly. Subchondral bone and cartilage changes were analyzed using micro-CT, toluidine blue staining, and the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) score. Collagen II expression in cartilage was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results: Curcumin phospholipid liposomes significantly reduced joint swelling by up to 4.1% (P&lt;0.001) and improved weight-bearing force by 24.2% at week 2 (P&lt;0.01) and 14.9% at week 8 (P&lt;0.05) in comparison with the MMT group. Analysis of Micro-CT indicated an increase in bone volume (11.6%) and bone mineral content (13.0%) (P&lt;0.05). Histological analysis showed a 28.8% reduction in OARSI scores (P&lt;0.01) and a 53.1% increase in collagen II expression (P&lt;0.005). Glucosamine treatment reduced joint swelling by up to 5.7% (P&lt;0.0001), improved weight-bearing by 31.6% (P&lt;0.001) at week 2, and significantly increased bone volume (30.4%) and bone mineral content (29.9%) (P&lt;0.05). The combined treatment further reduced swelling by up to 6.6% (P&lt;0.0001) and improved the R/L weight-bearing ratio by 24.7% (P&lt;0.0001) at week 8. It also enhanced bone volume (28.6%), bone mineral content (29.7%, and anisotropy degree (59.3%) (P&lt; 0.05). Additionally, the combination therapy decreased OARSI scores by 27.1% (P&lt;0.01) and enhanced the expression of collagen II by 54.2% (P&lt;0.005), indicating enhanced cartilage and subchondral bone protection. Conclusion: Curcumin showed superior protection for cartilage, while glucosamine mainly benefited subchondral bone. Combined treatment demonstrated additive effects, improving both knee structure and physical function in OA, offering enhanced pain relief, anti-inflammatory action, and joint preservation.

Dietary acidity and bone mass in minority children and adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis from the MetA-Bone trial.

Childhood/adolescence is key for developing strong bones. With the continuing rise in osteoporosis rates in Western societies, attention has turned to the possible impact of diets that create high levels of acid in the body. Some studies have shown an association between dietary acid load and bone mass, but there are limited studies in children/adolescents and none in Hispanics. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between dietary acid load (assessed as dietary potential renal acid load, PRAL, and protein to potassium ratio) and whole-body bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) in a sample of 123 children and adolescents of predominantly Hispanic ethnicity. This study is a secondary cross-sectional analysis. Dietary PRAL was positively associated with BMC and BMD overall (p < 0.05) and with BMC in boys (p < 0.05) when adjusted for energy misreporting only. The vegetable protein to potassium ratio was inversely associated with BMC (p = 0.004) in boys only, after adjusting for important factors. Dietary acid load seems to be associated with BMC in boys in this sample of primarily Hispanic children. Long-term studies are needed to confirm these results and to understand the importance of protein intake in relation to other key nutrients in bone mass acquisition among Hispanic boys.

DXA-Measured Total and Regional Body Composition in Female Athletes with a Physical Impairment

Background/Objectives: In recent years, awareness has been growing regarding the needs of female athletes with physical impairments. Despite the importance from both health and performance perspectives of assessing body composition in this athletic population, there is limited literature focusing on this topic. This study explored whole-body and regional three-compartment body composition in female athletes with a physical impairment to assess the impact of impairment and sex on body composition parameters in this population. Methods: Twenty female athletes with a physical impairment were pair-matched by age with an able-bodied female athlete and a male athlete with a comparable physical impairment. All athletes underwent whole-body scanning with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Female athletes with physical impairments showed body composition changes including higher amounts of fat mass, particularly in the lower body regions. Among athletes with a physical impairment, sex showed an independent effect on whole-body composition, with females showing higher fat mass and lower lean mass and bone mineral content compared with males, especially in the legs. Conclusions: Female athletes with physical impairments had a distinct body composition profile, characterized by sex-specific distribution of body tissue at the regional level. Nutritional and training strategies aimed at optimizing body composition in female athletes with physical impairments should be specifically tailored to meet the needs of this athletic population.

Trabecular bone deficits predominate in the appendicular skeleton of midlife women living with HIV: findings from a cross-sectional study in Zimbabwe.

HIV-related mortality has fallen due to scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), so more women living with HIV (WLH) now live to reach menopause. Menopausal estrogen loss causes bone loss, as do HIV and certain ART regimens. However, quantitative bone data from WLH are few in Africa. A cross-sectional study of women aged 40-60years (49% WLH) was conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe. Menopause status, fracture history, HIV status and treatment, and anthropometry were collected, and radial/tibial peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT) scans performed. pQCT outcomes were: distal radius and tibia trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), total area, and compressive bone strength (BSIc); proximal radius and tibia cortical vBMD, bone mineral content (BMC), cortical thickness, bone area, and stress-strain index (SSI). Linear regression determined differences by HIV status, minimally adjusted for age and menopause status, and further adjusted for height and fat mass. Relationships between pQCT parameters and major osteoporotic fracture history were explored using univariate logistic regression. In WLH, linear regression assessed associations between HIV and ART durations on pQCT measures. 384 women mean(SD) age 49.7(5.8) years had pQCT data. WLH had lower absolute pQCT measures at all sites. Overall, HIV-related deficits were robust to adjustment for age, menopause status, height, and fat mass: WLH had lower trabecular vBMD (radius -7.3 [-12.5; -2.0]%, tibia -5.4 [-9.1; -1.7]%), and cortical vBMD (radius -3.5 [-5.9; -1.1]%, tibia -1.1[-1.6; -0.5]%). Strength estimates were lower in WLH and of similar magnitude at the radius and tibia. Longer HIV duration was associated with lower radius bone area, BMC, estimates of bone strength, independent of ART duration. Trabecular deficits predominate in WLH, though with age cortical compartment bone loss may increase in importance. This is particularly concerning as these differences were observed at the radius, a common site of postmenopausal osteoporotic fracture.

Antiosteoporosis and Bone Protective Effect of Phyllanthin Against Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis in Rats via Alteration of HO-1/Nrf2 and RANK/RANKL/OPG Pathway.

: SD rats were used in this study and subcutaneous administration of DEX (3 mg/kg) was used for the induction of osteoporosis and rats were treated with phyllanthin and alendronate for 12 weeks. The body weight, femur mass, length, hormones, nutrients, antioxidant, cytokines and bone parameters were estimated. The mRNA expression of HO-1, Nrf2, RANK, RANKL and OPG were estimated. : Phyllanthin treatment significantly (p < 0.001) improved the body weight, femur mass and femur length. Phyllanthin significantly (p < 0.001) altered the level of hormones estrodiol, PTH; nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium; Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD); Bone formation marker like ALP, TRAP, osteocalcin, β-CTX, BGP, cathepsin K, DPD; Bone parameters viz., Tb.N, BV/TV, Tb.sp, BS/BV, Tb.Th; Bone structure analysis includes maximum load, energy, stiffness, maximum stress, young's modules; oxidative stress parameters such as TBARS, CAT, GPx, GSH, GR; cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and antioxidant marker such as HO-1 and Nrf2. Phyllanthin significantly (P < 0.001) altered the mRNA expression of HO-1, Nrf2, RANK, RANKL and OPG. : On the basis of result, we can say that phyllanthin exhibited the antiosteoporosis effect against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rats via alteration of HO-1/Nrf2 and RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway.

P0166 Changes in bone mineral density in young patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are an urgent problem of modern gastroenterology, which is associated with an increase in morbidity, a lifelong recurrent course, and the prevalence of the disease mainly among young people of working age. Extracellular manifestations in CD and UC include damage to the bone system in the form of impaired bone mineralization with the possible development of osteoporosis (OP). In this regard, patients with IBD have a high risk of developing osteoporotic fractures. Methods The aim of the study was to evaluate the absolute values of bone mineral density (BMD) in young patients with IBD. 96 patients with a verified diagnosis of IBD were examined: 41 patients had CD, 55 had UC; men -50, women - 46. The average age of the patients was 29 [25;35] years. The average age of IBD debut was 24 [19.5;29] years. All patients underwent a general clinical examination, as well as a two-adsorption X-ray densitometric examination of the lumbar spine and proximal femur on the right and left with the determination of BMD and bone mineral content (BMC). The data obtained were correlated with the NHANES III database. Results The average index of the Z-criterion (L1-L4) was -0.4 [-1.4;0.4]. The average Z index (hip neck) was -0.4 [-1.2;0.5]. The average BMD value at the level of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) was 1.175 [1.07;1.28] (g/cm2). The average total BMC was 53.49 [45.83;60.04] g. The average BMD value at the level of the neck of the right femur was 0.99 [0.88;1.09] (g/cm2). The average value of the total BMC in the same place was 24.86 [22.35;28.58] g. The average BMD value at the level of the neck of the left femur was 0.97 [0.88;1.09]. The average total BMC value was 25.75 [22.34;28.82]. 13.5% (13 out of 96 patients) showed a decrease in bone mass below the chronological age. Conclusion Despite the young age of the patient, a significant proportion of patients (13.5%) have deviations in BMD from normal values. Also, the absolute values of BMD and bone mineral content differ from the values when compared with the reference interval in the NHANES III database.

Different frequencies to estimate bone mineral content from raw bioelectrical impedance data in adolescent soccer players: a critical analysis.

Skeletal muscle mass, body cell mass, total body water (TBW), and bone mineral mass (BMC) are components of fat-free mass (FFM), which conducts electrical energy due to its high water and electrolyte content. Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) has been used to predict FFM, and studies have explored its application for quantifying BMC, a subset of FFM. However, the accuracy of the BMC predicted using MF-BIA depends on the methodological rigor of the frequency selection. This study examined the relationships between BMC and raw MF-BIA data at different frequencies. The MF-BIA (SECA 515®) device obtained raw bioelectrical data at 5, 50, and 500 kHz. BMC was quantified using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Multiple linear regression models and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) were applied to evaluate whole-body and segmental BMC relationships. Male adolescent soccer players (n = 149; 15.6 ± 0.6 years) participated in this study. Whole-body BMC (R2 = 0.522), and upper and lower limb BMC (R2 = 0.349) were best predicted at 5 kHz, while trunk BMC (R2 = 0.301) was best predicted at 50 kHz. BIVA revealed a leftward vector shift in participants with higher BMC quartiles. The calculated phase angle (PhA) was significantly higher in the highest BMC quartile for 5, 50, and 500 kHz in both upper and lower limbs (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that MF-BIA could be a supplementary tool for studying BMC in adolescent athletes. However, its utility is constrained by prediction and interpretation errors, emphasizing the importance of careful frequency selection.

Investigating the preventive effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rats

The use of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has demonstrated effectiveness in the management of femoral head osteonecrosis as well as nonunion fractures; however, the effects of PEMF on preventing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) have not been extensively studied. The aim of this investigation was to explore the effectiveness of PEMF stimulation in averting GIOP in rats and uncover the potential fundamental mechanisms involved. A total of seventy-two adult male Wistar rats composed the experimental group and were subsequently assigned to three groups for treatment. (1) On the first day (day 0), 24 rats in the PEMF group were intravenously injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a concentration of 10 μg/kg. This was followed by intramuscular injections of methylprednisolone acetate (MPSL) at a dose of 20 mg/kg for the subsequent three days (days 1–3). Subsequently, the rats were exposed to PEMF for 4 h daily, with the duration varying from 1 to 8 weeks. (2) Adhering to the injection schedule of the PEMF group, the MPSL group (consisting of 24 rats) was administered LPS and MPSL, omitting PEMF stimulation. (3) The PS group (n = 24) was administered injections of 0.9% saline solution in an identical manner and at the same time intervals as the other two groups. At 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the last MPSL (or saline) injection, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and the expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) mRNA and protein in the proximal femur were measured. Analysis of the PS and PEMF groups at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the final saline (or MPSL) injection revealed no statistically significant differences in BMD or BMC (P > 0.05). From weeks 2 through 8, the MPSL group rats displayed a marked decrease in BMD and BMC compared to those of the PS group, and at the 4-week and 8-week time points, these values were significantly lower than those of the PEMF group (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the MPSL and PS groups, the expression levels of BMP-2 mRNA markedly increased after PEMF treatment, peaking one week later and sustaining a heightened state for four weeks, but decreased only at the eighth week. Conversely, BMP-2 protein expression exhibited a similar upward trend, peaking two weeks after PEMF treatment and then remaining elevated for the subsequent eight weeks. PEMF stimulation has been shown to have prophylactic potential against GIOP in rats, possibly through the upregulation expression of BMP-2 expression.

Impact loading exercise induced osteogenesis from childhood to early adulthood in tennis players aged 8-30years.

Osteogenesis with impact-loading exercise is often assessed by the extra bone growth induced in the loaded arm of tennis players. We used PRISMA to explore % bone mineral content (BMC) and area (BA) asymmetry in players 8-30years according to weekly training hours, age, sex, maturity, and bone segment. Proper statistics for 70 groups were extracted by two reviewers from 18 eligible studies of low risk of bias (< 35, STROBE) and good quality (> 70%). The quality of the review was high (AMSTAR, 81%). Using "random effects" we tested moderation-specific meta-comparisons and meta-regressions. The loaded bones % hypertrophy was higher in BMC (19%) than BA (10%), and, with BMC and BA merged, in boys (17%) than girls (13%), in humerus (19%) than radius-ulna (14%), and in pubertal (19%) players. Weekly training hours were more important (43%) than sex (17%), puberty (14%) and bone (15%) in BMC, and puberty (48%) was more important than weekly training hours (19%), sex (12%), and radius-ulna (5%) in BA. The loaded bones % hypertrophy correlated with weekly training hours highly (> 0.60) in all maturity groups for BMC and BA, and moderately (0.41) in early adults for BA; it also correlated with age (≥ 0.60) in children and peripubertal players, but not (0.037) with starting age. Impact loading exercise favors mineralization twice than bone expansion, while puberty favors bone expansion about three times more than mineralization. The bone gains are higher for boys than girls, and for peripubertal than older players. The bone growth implications are discussed considering limitations and future research.

Validity of A-Mode Ultrasound for Estimating Body Fat Percentage of Young Adult Athletes: A Multicomponent Model Study.

This study compared %BFUS to %BF4C in young adult athletes. University club sport athletes (86 women, 138 men) from a variety of teams participated. ADP, DXA, and bioimpedance spectroscopy were used to measure body volume, bone mineral content, and total body water, respectively, for the 4C model. Ultrasound measurements were taken at three sites to estimate %BFUS. Comparisons between %BFUS and %BF4C were evaluated with Pearson correlation, paired t-test, linear regression, equivalence testing, and plots of individual errors. For the combined sample of men and women (N = 224), the two methods were highly correlated (r = 0.93) with a constant error (CE) of 0.8% BF (P < .001) and standard error of estimate (SEE) of 3.0% BF. The 90% confidence intervals of the mean difference (0.47 to 1.17) were well within the ±2% BF limits for equivalence testing, and no bias was evident from the error plot. However, equivalence testing failed to remain inside the ±2% BF range for women, and the prediction errors for women (CE = 1.9% BF, P < .001, SEE = 3.2% BF) were larger than for men (CE = 0.1% BF, P = .597, SEE = 2.8% BF). Overall, the %BFUS errors were low, suggesting that A-mode ultrasound is a valid field measure of %BF for young adult athletes. Accuracy is better for men than women.

A data-driven framework for developing a unified density-modulus relationship for the human lumbar vertebral body.

Despite the broad agreement that bone stiffness is heavily dependent on the underlying bone density, there is no consensus on a unified relationship that applies to both cancellous and cortical compartments. Bone from the two compartments is generally assessed separately, and few mechanical test data are available for samples from the transitional regions between them. In this study, we present a data-driven framework integrating experimental testing and numerical modeling of the human lumbar vertebra through an energy balance criterion, to develop a unified density-modulus relationship across the entire vertebral body, without the necessity of differentiation between trabecular and cortical regions. A dataset of 25 spinal segments harvested from fresh-frozen human spines consisting of L1 vertebrae with adjacent intervertebral disks and neighboring T12 and L2 endplates was examined through a systematic process. Each specimen was subjected to axial compression using a custom-designed radiolucent device, and the deformation at multiple points during the ramp was quantified using digital volume correlation applied to the time-lapse series of microcomputed tomography images acquired during loading. A finite element model of each specimen was constructed from quantitative computed tomography images, with the experimental displacement fields imposed to replicate the observed deformation. The optimal density-modulus relationship, both in exponential and polynomial forms, was then determined by using data-driven techniques to match the numerical strain energy with the experimental external work. The resulting relationships effectively recovered bone tissue modulus at the microscale. Subsequently, the unified relationships were applied to investigate the vertebral structure-property correlations at the macroscale: as expected, compressive stiffness exhibited a moderate correlation with bone mineral density, whereas bending stiffness was revealed to correlate strongly with bone mineral content. These findings support the accuracy of the developed density-modulus relationships for the vertebral body and indicate the potential of the proposed framework to extend to other properties of interest such as vertebral strength and toughness.

Evaluation of Minerals Composition in Fish Bone Meal as Organic Fertilizer Development for Sustainable Environment

The improper disposal of agricultural waste leads to soil degradation and environmental harm, but this issue can be addressed by converting the waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, promoting soil health and sustainable farming practices. This study evaluates mineral content in fish bones waste which may support plant growth. FBM was prepared from fish bones collected from the local food processing industry in Terengganu, Malaysia, and nutrient composition was analyzed using the ICP-OES and CHNS equipment. Macronutrient and micronutrient content were compared among Sardinella fimbriata commonly known as Tamban fish, Decapterus tabl, commonly known as Selayang fish, and Chirocentrus dorab, commonly known as Parang fish. Among the species studied, Tamban fish had the highest phosphorus content of 105.59 g/kg, important for energy storage in plants, while Parang fish had the highest potassium content of 2.99 g/kg, important for root development. The Selayang fish expressed the highest values of calcium at 125.05 g/kg, which helps to mitigate soil salinity; other nutrient contents such as magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and boron were highly variable. These findings highlight the potential of FBM as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, supplying critical nutrients for plant growth as well as offering solutions to challenges related to waste management. To optimize its use, further research on blending FBM with other organic materials is recommended in order to balance nutrient availability for improved crop development, and thus support sustainable agriculture and circular economy.

Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationships of Novel Benzofuran Derivatives with Osteoblast Differentiation-Promoting Activity

Osteoporosis is caused by an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, which decreases bone mass and strength and increases the risk of fracture. Therefore, osteoporosis is treated with oral resorption inhibitors, such as bisphosphonates, and parenteral osteogenic drugs, including parathyroid hormone and antisclerostin antibodies. However, orally active osteogenic drugs have not yet been developed. In the present study, to find novel candidates for oral osteogenic drugs, various benzofuran derivatives were synthesized and their effects on osteoblast differentiation were examined in mouse mesenchymal stem cells (ST2 cells). Among the compounds tested, 3-{4-[2-(2-isopropoxyethoxy)ethoxy]phenyl}benzofuran-5-carboxamide (23d) exhibited potent osteoblast differentiation-promoting activity, estimated as EC200 for increasing alkaline phosphatase activity, and good oral absorption in female rats, resulting in high Cmax/EC200. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning revealed that 23d at 10 mg/kg/d for 8 weeks increased femoral bone mineral density in ovariectomized rats with an elevation in plasma bone-type alkaline phosphatase activity, and micro-computed tomography showed that it increased bone volume, mineral contents, and strength in femoral diaphysis cortical, but not trabecular bone during the experiment period. 23d potently inhibited cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) activity, suggesting that its osteoblastogenic activity is mediated by the suppression of CDK8, as previously reported for diphenylether derivatives. In conclusion, the structure-activity relationships of novel benzofuran derivatives were clarified and 3,5-disubstituted benzofuran was identified as a useful scaffold for orally active osteogenic compounds. Compound 23d exhibited potent osteoblastogenic activity through CDK8 inhibition and osteogenic effects in ovariectomized rats, indicating its potential as an orally active anti-osteoporotic drug.

Pubertal timing, depressive symptoms, and depression in adolescent males: a prospective cohort study.

Early pubertal timing is associated with depressive symptoms in girls, but studies in boys are limited and have yielded conflicting results. N=4,664 male participants from a UK birth cohort (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children - ALSPAC). Seven indicators of pubertal timing were measured repeatedly from 7 to 17years (age at: peak height velocity, peak weight velocity, peak bone mineral content velocity, Tanner stage 3 pubic hair, Tanner stage 3 genitalia, axillary hair, and voice break), categorised into 'early', 'on-time,' and 'late' (mean ± 1 SD). Depressive symptoms (binary variable indicating higher versus lower levels) were assessed at 14 and 18years, and depression (ICD-10 diagnosis) was assessed at 18years. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between each indicator of pubertal timing and depressive symptoms/depression, adjusted for socioeconomic status (SES) and prepubertal body mass index (BMI). Compared to males with normative pubertal development, the odds of depression at age 18 were higher in those with early age at peak height velocity (OR: 2.06; 95% CI 1.27-3.34), early age at peak weight velocity (OR: 2.10; 95% CI 1.16-3.79), and early age at Tanner genitalia stage 3 (OR: 1.81; 95% CI 1.01-3.26). There was no evidence for associations between pubertal timing and depressive symptoms at age 14 or 18. We found evidence that males with an earlier pubertal timing had increased odds of depression at age 18. Early maturing boys could be targeted for interventions aimed at preventing depression.

The relationship between maternal vitamin D levels and osteopenia development in preterm infants: A cross-sectional study.

Osteopenia of prematurity (OP) is characterized by reduced bone mineral content, and vitamin D deficiency may worsen OP by affecting bone metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between maternal vitamin D levels and biochemical markers related to OP. This analytical cross-sectional study, conducted at Shahid Sadoughi hospital, Yazd, Iran, from June 2022 to September 2023, included 49 pregnant women and their preterm infants. Based on the serum alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus levels of the infants at birth and 4 wk after birth, they were divided into osteopenic and non-osteopenic groups. Maternal and neonatal vitamin D and calcium levels were then compared between these groups. The mean maternal vitamin D level was 24.9 15.09 ng/ml, with 36% showing deficiency. 11 neonates at 4 wk exhibited osteopenia based on phosphorus and serum alkaline phosphatase levels. Those with osteopenia had significantly lower vitamin D (p = 0.032) and calcium levels compared to non-osteopenic neonates (p = 0.043), although maternal vitamin D mean was not a significant risk factor for OP (p = 0.313). The results suggest that maternal vitamin D levels do not have a significant association with the incidence of osteopenia in neonates, as the mean maternal vitamin D concentration was not identified as a risk factor for this condition. Therefore, it is recommended that future research should investigate alternative factors that may contribute to the development of osteopenia in preterm infants.