Newcastle Thousand Research Articles

Associations between early infections and childhood cognition in the Newcastle Thousand Families Study birth cohort.

Childhood infections have been shown to stunt growth, contribute to malnutrition and reduce cognition in early adulthood. This study aimed to assess relationships between early life infections and childhood cognition at age 11 years in the Newcastle Thousand Families Study (NTFS). The analysis included 741 members from the NTFS who had complete data for infections between birth and 5 years, and the 11-plus examinations. School records from the 11-plus examinations showed cognitive (IQ), English (EQ) and arithmetic (AQ) abilities. Housing conditions, overcrowding, birth order and social class were recorded at birth. Helicobacter pylori seropositivity was measured at age 49-51 years. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine relationships between infections and cognition. The total number of infections in the first 5 years of life was not significantly associated with IQ, EQ or AQ, nor were there significant relationships between cognitive outcomes and most infections. Tonsillitis did display a positive, significant association with IQ after adjustment for confounders (b = 6.43, 95% CI 0.92, 11.94, p = 0.022). Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) showed significant negative relationships with all cognitive outcomes. H. pylori seropositivity at age 50 exhibited negative, significant relationships with EQ (p = 0.014) and AQ (p = 0.024) after adjustment for confounders. Although no significant relationship between overall infections and cognition were found, there were indications that LRTIs and gastrointestinal system infections may limit cognitive development. Given these infections remain prevalent, further research regarding severity and recurrence of infections and how they affect childhood cognition is needed.

Differences Between Self-Reported and Objectively Measured Hearing Loss at Age 61-63 Years: The Newcastle Thousand Families Birth Cohort.

Hearing loss is most prevalent among older adults, yet underestimated by patients, clinicians, and research communities. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of self-reported hearing difficulties among a group of adults aged 61-63 years, against audiometric measures. The analysis used a sample (N = 346) of the Newcastle Thousand Families Study birth cohort. Data from audiological examinations and self-reported hearing difficulties were used to compare subjective and objective hearing. Hearing aid use was also assessed. Over 40% of the participants had some level of hearing loss (n = 155, 44.8%), and 31% (n = 133) of these reported having hearing problems during subjective assessment. Only 18 (10%) of those with objectively measured hearing loss reported using hearing aids. There was an inconsistency between measured and self-perceived hearing loss among adults aged 61-63 years in this cohort. The small number of hearing aid users in the cohort is a concern, in that people in this age group appear not to be getting the help they need. The data also add to the research evidence that people at this age underestimate their hearing loss.

The Biological and Social Determinants of Childhood Obesity: Comparison of 2 Cohorts 50 Years Apart

To determine whether the same relationships between early-life risk factors and socioeconomic status (SES) with childhood body mass index (BMI) are observed in a modern cohort (2000) compared with a historic cohort (1947). The relationships between early-life factors and SES with childhood BMI were examined in 2 prospective birth cohorts from the same region, born 50years apart: 711 children in the 1947 Newcastle Thousand Families Study (NTFS) and 475 from the 2000 Gateshead Millennium Study (GMS). The associations between birth weight, breastfeeding, rapid infancy growth (0-12months), early-life adversity (0-12months), and parental SES (birth and childhood) with childhood BMI z-scores and whether overweight/obese (BMI >91st percentile using UK 1990 reference) aged 9years were examined using linear regression, path analyses, and logistic regression. In the NTFS, the most advantaged children were taller than the least (+0.91 height z-score, P=.001), whereas in GMS they had lower odds of overweight/obese than the least (0.35 [95% CI 0.14-0.86]). Rapid infancy growth was associated with increased BMI z-scores in both cohorts, and with increased likelihood of overweight/obese in GMS. This study suggests that children exposed to socioeconomic disadvantage or who have rapid infancy growth in modern environments are now at lower risk of growth restriction but greater risk of overweight.

"It's Luck as to What Sort of Family You're Born Into" Cumulative Dis/advantage Generative Systemic Processes Across the Life Course of a Baby-Boom Birth Cohort.

While a large body of evidence exists in support of outcomes associated with cumulative dis/advantage (CAD), individual-level experiences of the systemic processes that generate unequal outcomes have received far less attention. This study explored experiences, among members of an early baby-boom birth cohort, of CAD-generative processes within the education and housing systems and the mechanisms by which they interacted with initial social position to perpetuate inequalities. The author conducted in-depth interviews (n = 27) with members of the Newcastle Thousand Families Study, a UK 1947 birth cohort. Longitudinal survey data enabled participant sampling on the basis of gender, occupational social class at birth and age 50, educational attainment and homeownership status at age 60. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Analysis identified two themes: Firstly, the sorting and funneling mechanisms by which the "meritocratic" education system interacted with initial social position, progressively narrowing aspirations and opportunities; and secondly, the creation in later life of winners and losers in the property market, resulting in legitimization of inequalities through a deservingness narrative. CAD has proved persistent, even among the supposedly "lucky" early baby-boom cohort. Policies to ameliorate CAD generation through education and property systems act instead to entrench advantaged social positions. Later-life outcomes can be naturalized as the product of effort-plus-ability if not seen in a whole-life context. Disruption of CAD processes requires challenging vested interest inherent in social systems.

Life-Course Influences on Extended Working: Experiences of Women in a UK Baby-Boom Birth Cohort

Combining feminist political economy and life-course perspectives, this mixed-methods study critically examines the extent to which extended working life policies take account of women’s experiences of paid and unpaid work. I explore how decisions to extend working life are shaped by gendered social structures and norms across the life course among women in the Newcastle Thousand Families Study, a UK early baby-boom birth cohort. Among this cohort of women currently transitioning into retirement, analysis of longitudinal survey data identifies a range of mid- and later-life factors that impact on the likelihood of women working beyond state-pension age. In-depth life-course interviews identify further complex and interacting gendered life-course experiences, not captured in the survey data, which act to necessitate, encourage, enable or constrain extended working. I conclude that, if women are to extend their working lives, ‘joined-up’ policies are required, addressing gendered inequalities across the life course.

DNA methylation biomarkers of early life rapid weight gain: Findings from the Newcastle Thousand Families Study and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children

DNA methylation biomarkers of early life rapid weight gain: Findings from the Newcastle Thousand Families Study and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children

Objectively-measured sedentary time, habitual physical activity and bone strength in adults aged 62 years: the Newcastle Thousand Families Study.

The influence of sedentary time and habitual physical activity on the bone health of middle aged adults is not well known. Bone mineral density (BMD) and hip bone geometry were evaluated in 214 men (n = 92) and women (n = 112) aged 62.1 ± 0.5 years from the Newcastle Thousand Families Study birth cohort. Accelerometry was used to measure physical activity (PA) and sedentary time over 4 days. Regression models were adjusted for clinical risk factor covariates. Men were more sedentary than women (P < 0.05), and sedentary time was negatively associated with spine BMD in men, with 84 minutes more sedentary time corresponding to 0.268 g.cm-2 lower BMD (β = -0.268; P = 0.017). In men, light PA and steps/day were positively associated with bone geometry and BMD. Steps/day was positively associated with bone geometry and femur BMD in women, with a positive difference of 1415 steps/day corresponding to 0.232 g.cm-2 greater BMD (β = 0.232, P = 0.015). Sedentary time was unfavourably associated with bone strength in men born in North East England at age 62 years. Higher volumes of light PA, and meeting the public health daily step recommendations (10 000 steps/day) was positively associated with bone health in both sexes.

Obesity, bone density relative to body weight and prevalent vertebral fracture at age 62years: the Newcastle thousand families study.

Obesity is a global epidemic, and there remains uncertainty over the effect of obesity on skeletal health, particularly in the context of osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of body mass index (BMI) and obesity with BMD and prevalent VF in men and women aged 62 years. Three hundred and forty-two men and women aged 62.5 ± 0.5 years from the Newcastle Thousand Families Study birth cohort underwent DXA evaluations of femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD and of the lateral spine for vertebral fracture assessment. The likelihood of prevalent VF was significantly increased in men when compared to women (OR = 2.7, p < 0.001, 95% Cl 1.7-4.4). As BMI increased in women, so did the likelihood of prevalent any-grade VF (OR = 1.09, p = 0.006, 95% CI 1.02-1.17). Compared to normal weight women, obese women were more likely to have at least one VF (OR = 2.65, p = 0.025, CI 1.13-6.20) and at least one grade 1 vertebral deformity (OR = 4.39, p = 0.005, CI 1.57-12.28). Obese men were more likely to have a grade 2 and/or grade 3 VF compared to men of normal weight (OR = 3.36, p = 0.032, CI 1.11-10.16). In men and women, BMI was negatively associated with femoral neck BMD/weight (R = - 0.65, R = - 0.66, p < 0.001) and lumbar spine BMD/weight (R = - 0.66, R - 0.60, p < 0.001). Obesity appears to be a risk factor for prevalent VF, and although absolute BMD is higher in obese individuals, this does not appear commensurate to their increased body weight.

Obesity, bone density for weight and prevalent vertebral fracture at age 62 years: the Newcastle Thousand Families Study

Background Obesity is a global epidemic and there remains uncertainty concerning the effect of obesity on skeletal health, particularly in the context of osteoporosis and fracture. Objective To investigate associations of body mass index (BMI), obesity with bone mineral density (BMD) and prevalent vertebral fracture (VF) in men and women aged 62 years. Methods Three hundred and forty two men and women aged 62.5 ± 0.5 years from the Newcastle Thousand Families Study cohort, received DXA evaluations of femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD, of the lateral spine for vertebral fracture assessment. Results In men and women, higher BMI was associated with lower femoral neck BMD/ weight (R = - 0.65, R = - 0.66, p Conclusions Obesity appears to be a risk factor for an increased likelihood of prevalent VF, and lower BMD relative to body weight in both men and women. Low BMD for weight may increase the risk for fracture in obese populations but this requires further investigation.

Quality of life at the retirement transition: Life course pathways in an early ‘baby boom’ birth cohort

Promoting quality of life (QoL) in later life is an important policy goal. However, studies using prospective data to explore the mechanisms by which earlier events influence QoL in older age are lacking. This study is the first to use prospective data to investigate pathways by which a range of measures of life-course socioeconomic status contribute to later-life QoL. The study uses data from the Newcastle Thousand Families Study cohort (N = 1142), an early ‘baby-boom’ birth cohort born in 1947 in Newcastle upon Tyne, an industrial city in north-east England. Using prospective survey data collected between birth and later adulthood (N = 393), a path analysis investigated the effects and relative contributions of a range of life-course socioeconomic factors to QoL at age 62–64 measured using the CASP-19 scale. Strong positive effects on later-life QoL were found for advantaged occupational status in mid-life and better self-reported health, employment and mortgage-freedom in later adulthood. Significant positive indirect effects on QoL were found from social class at birth and achieved education level, mediated through later-life socioeconomic advantage. Experiencing no adverse events by age five had a large total positive effect on QoL at age 62–64, comprising a direct effect and indirect effects, mediated through education, mid-life social class and later-life self-reported health. Results support a pathway model with the effects of factors in earlier life acting via later-life factors, and an accumulation model with earlier-life factors having large total, cumulative effects on later-life QoL. The presence of a direct effect of adverse childhood events by age five on QoL suggests a ‘critical period’ and indicates that policies across the life-course are needed to promote later-life QoL, with policies directed towards older adults perhaps too late to ‘undo the damage’ of earlier adverse events.

How does childhood socioeconomic hardship affect reproductive strategy? Pathways of development.

ObjectivesIn high‐income populations, evidence suggests that socioeconomic disadvantage early in life is correlated with reproductive strategy. Children growing up in unfavorable rearing environments tend to experience earlier sexual maturity and first births. Earlier first births may be associated with higher fertility, but links between socioeconomic disadvantage and larger family size have rarely been tested. The pathways through which early disadvantage influences reproduction are unknown. We test whether physiological factors link childhood adversity to age at first birth and total children.MethodsUsing data from the Newcastle Thousand Families Study, a 1947 British birth cohort, we developed path models to identify possible physiological traits linking childhood socioeconomic status, and poor housing standards, to two reproductive outcomes: age at first birth and total children. We explored birth weight, weight gain after birth, childhood illnesses, body mass index at age 9, age at menarche, and adult height as possible mediators.ResultsWe found direct, negative effects of socioeconomic status (SES) and housing on age at first birth, and of housing on fertility. Although we found links between childhood disadvantage and menarche and height, neither of these were significantly correlated with either reproductive outcome. Age at first birth completely mediates the relationship between childhood adversity and total fertility, which we believe has not been empirically demonstrated before.ConclusionsWhile there are some links between childhood adversity and child health, we find little evidence that physiological pathways, such as child health and growth, link early childhood adversity to reproductive outcomes in this relatively well‐nourished population. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:356–363, 2016. © 2015 The Authors American Journal of Human Biology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effect of childhood infection on hearing function at age 61 to 63 years in the newcastle thousand families study.

Objectives:It is known that childhood hearing function can become impaired after the occurrence of specific infections. However, evidence on the effect of common childhood infections on adult hearing function is limited. The objective of the study was to identify whether associations exist between the occurrence of common childhood infections in a UK birth cohort and hearing function across different frequencies at age 61 to 63 years.Design:The Newcastle Thousand Families study is a birth cohort of all individuals born in May and June 1947 to mothers resident in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Of the original cohort members who had an audiometry test at age 61 to 63 years, 333 had data available on infections during their first year of life and 296 on infections up to their fifth year of life. These data were analyzed using linear regression in relation to adult hearing function across differing frequencies in isolation.Results:After adjustment for sex, overcrowding in the first year, having had an ear operation, and having worked in a loud environment, significant negative associations were identified between adult hearing and tonsillitis at 250 Hz (p = 0.013), 1 kHz (p = 0.018), 6 kHz (p = 0.012), and 8 kHz (p = 0.033); otorrhea at 4 kHz (p = 0.005), 6 kHz (p = 0.003), and 8 kHz (p = 0.002); bronchitis (two or more episodes) at 2 kHz (p = 0.001), 3 kHz (p = 0.005), 4 kHz (p = 0.009), 6 kHz (p < 0.001), and 8 kHz (p < 0.001); and the total number of severe respiratory infections in the first year at 2 kHz (p = 0.037), 3 kHz (p = 0.049), 4 kHz (p = 0.030), 6 kHz (p < 0.001), and 8 kHz (p = 0.006). That is, individuals who had tonsillitis, bronchitis (twice or more), otorrhea, or a severe respiratory infection (twice or more) in their first year of life were more likely to have impaired adult hearing function than those who did not have any infections in early life.Conclusion:The occurrence of some, but not all, childhood infections appears to have an effect on adult hearing function across different frequencies. Reducing the incidence of infectious diseases in early life may reduce subsequent incidence of hearing impairment among adults. However, further research in modern cohorts is needed to clarify the links between infectious childhood diseases and adult hearing function.

Population prevalence of ultrasound features of osteoarthritis in the hand, knee and hip at age 63 years: the Newcastle thousand families birth cohort.

BackgroundMusculoskeletal ultrasound has been found to be more sensitive than radiographs in detecting osteophytes. Our objective was to measure the prevalence of features of osteoarthritis (OA), in the dominant hand, knees and hips using ultrasound, within the Newcastle Thousand Families birth cohort.MethodsParticipants were aged 61–63 (mean 63) years. Knee images were scored for presence of osteophytes and effusion. Hip images were scored for the presence of osteophytes and femoral head abnormality. The first carpometacarpal joint, metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints of the index finger (dominant hand) were imaged for osteophytes.ResultsAmong 311 participants, prevalence of osteophytes at the distal interphalangeal joint was 70% while it was 23%, 10% and 41% for index proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal and thumb base carpometacarpal joints respectively. Prevalence of knee osteophytes was 30%, hip OA was 41%. Prevalence of knee effusions was 24% (right) and 20% (left). Ultrasound evidence of generalised OA (48%) and isolated hand OA (31%) was common, compared to isolated hip or knee OA (5%) and both hip and knee OA (3%).ConclusionThis is the first study to assess prevalence of ultrasound features of OA in a population-based sample. The higher prevalence of hand/hip OA, when compared to previous radiographic studies, supports the hypothesis that ultrasound is more sensitive than radiography in detecting OA, particularly for osteophytes.

Lung function and plasma fibrinogen concentrations in the Newcastle Thousand Families birth cohort between age 49 and 51 years

A number of studies have suggested inverse associations between lung function and inflammatory markers, including fibrinogen. In this study, we used data from the Newcastle Thousand Families birth cohort to assess the association between contemporaneous markers of lung function and fibrinogen while adjusting for potential confounding factors throughout life. At age 49-51 years, complete data on lung function and plasma fibrinogen were available for 380 study members. These data were analysed in relation to each other, adjusted for sex and height, with further adjustment for potential confounders within linear regression models using robust estimates. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s was significantly inversely associated with plasma fibrinogen concentration after initial adjustments for sex and height (beta = -0.12, P = 0.011) and remained so after further adjustments for pack-years of cigarettes smoked and current smoking status. On further adjustment for standardized birthweight and duration breast-fed, the association approached statistical significance (P = 0.051). Adjusting for body mass index (BMI) resulted in a loss of significance (P = 0.09), but an unchanged regression coefficient, while, after adjustment for percent body fat, rather than BMI, the association was no longer significant (P = 0.20) and the coefficient reduced. The association between lung function and fibrinogen remains after adjustment for potential early-life confounders and smoking. However, it is not independent of contemporaneous measures of adiposity, with evidence of confounding by percent body fat. Further studies, with measures of adiposity, are required to confirm whether associations between markers of inflammation and lung function are due to residual confounding by adiposity.

IQ in childhood and atherosclerosis in middle-age: 40 Year follow-up of the Newcastle Thousand Families Cohort Study

ObjectiveCarotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a known precursor to coronary heart disease (CHD) and other relevant health outcomes such as stroke and cognitive impairment. In addition, higher childhood intelligence has been associated with lower risk of coronary heart disease events in later life, although the mechanisms of effect are unclear. We therefore examined the association between childhood intelligence and atherosclerosis using carotid IMT as a marker of the atherosclerotic process. ApproachParticipants were 412 members of the Newcastle Thousand Families Study, a prospective cohort study of all 1142 births in the city of Newcastle in May and June 1947, who took an IQ test and English and arithmetic tests at age 11 years. Study members participated in a medical examination and lifestyle assessment at age 49–51 years during which IMT was measured using ultrasound techniques. ResultsIndividuals with higher childhood IQ score had a lower mean IMT in middle-age. A standard deviation higher score in childhood overall IQ was associated with a 0.053 mm (95% CI −0.102, −0.004) lower IMT in men and a 0.039 mm (95% CI −0.080, −0.002) lower IMT in women. Similar levels of association were found for the English and arithmetic tests. After adjustment for a range of covariates including education, the size of effect was undiminished in men but increased in women. ConclusionsIn the present study, higher childhood IQ scores were associated with a lower degree of atherosclerosis by middle-age.

Deprivation, timing of preschool infections and H. pylori seropositivity at age 49-51 years: the Newcastle thousand families birth cohort

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection is acquired in early childhood and persists for life (or until eradication treatment is taken). Seropositivity of H. pylori at age 49-51 years was assessed in relation to socio-economic deprivation in early life and the timing of other childhood infections common at that time.MethodsProspectively collected socio-economic and morbidity data from the Newcastle Thousand Families study, a birth cohort established in 1947. H. pylori IgG seropositivity was assessed at 49-51 years and examined in relation to both whether the individual had been diagnosed with one of measles, mumps or chicken pox, and, if so, the age at first infection. This was done in logistic regression models, allowing adjustment for socio-economic status and housing quality in childhood.ResultsAdult H. pylori status was strongly linked to disadvantaged socio-economic status in early life (p ≤ 0.002), unlike measles, mumps and chicken pox which showed no associations. Early measles infection was independently associated with H. pylori seropositivity (p = 0.01).ConclusionsOf the four infectious diseases that we have studied, it appears that H. pylori differs from the others by the strength of association with socio economic deprivation in early childhood.Our findings further highlight the complex interaction between measles, childhood infections and other non-microbiological factors that occur within a whole population. These data suggest a strong association between H. pylori and deprivation and raise the possibility of an interaction between early measles exposure and increased risk of exposure to H. pylori infection.

OP20 The Effects of Social Mobility on Blood Pressure at Ages 50 and 60 years- In the Newcastle Thousand Families Study

BackgroundMany studies have suggested an association between early life circumstances and adult health. Relatively few studies have explored the effects on health of social mobility, the movement of an individual...

Childhood infections, but not early life growth, influence hearing in the Newcastle thousand families birth cohort at age 14 years

BackgroundWhile current research priorities include investigations of age-related hearing loss, there are concerns regarding effects on childhood hearing, for example through increased personal headphone use. By utilising historical data, it is possible to assess what factors may have increased hearing problems in children in the past, and this may be used to inform current public health policies to protect children against hearing loss and in turn reduce the long-term burden on individuals and services that may possible evolve. The aim of this study was to investigate which factors in early life significantly impacted on hearing level in childhood using existing data from the Newcastle Thousand Families Study, a 1947 birth cohort.MethodsData on early life factors, including growth, socio-economic status and illness, and hearing at age 14 years were collated for a representative subset of individuals from the cohort (n = 147). Factors were assessed using linear regression analysis to identify associations with hearing thresholds.ResultsMales were found to have lower hearing thresholds at 250 Hz, 500 Hz and 1 kHz. Main analyses showed no associations between hearing thresholds and early life growth or socio-economic indicators. An increasing number of ear infections from birth to age 13 years was associated with hearing thresholds at 250Hz (p = 0.04) and 500Hz (p = 0.03), which remained true for females (p = 0.050), but not males (p = 0.213) in sex-specific analysis. Scarlet fever and bronchitis were associated with hearing thresholds at 8 kHz. After adjustment for all significant predictors at each frequency, results remained unchanged.ConclusionsWe found no associations between childhood hearing thresholds and early life growth and socio-economic status. Consistent with other studies, we found associations between childhood infections and hearing thresholds. Current public health strategies aimed at reducing childhood infections may also have a beneficial effect upon childhood hearing.

Early Life Influences Kidney Function at Age 63–64 Years, but So Does Adult Body Size: Results from the Newcastle Thousand Families Birth Cohort

BackgroundIt is suggested that impaired fetal growth can affect kidney development, resulting in fewer glomeruli being formed and reduced kidney function later in life. The aim of this study was to investigate early life variables in relation to adult kidney function, and compare these to the influence of later life variables.MethodsDetailed information was collected prospectively regarding 1,142 babies, born in 1947 in Newcastle upon Tyne. At the age of 63–64 years, 335 participants had serum creatinine successfully measured and completed a lifestyle questionnaire. These measurements were used to calculate their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).ResultsBody mass index (BMI) and being female were significantly negatively associated with eGFR. Birth weight was significantly positively associated with eGFR. In sex-specific analyses, BMI and cigarette smoking remained significant for males (n = 154), with a near significant association for birth weight, whereas none of the variables remained significant for females (n = 181).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that sex, size at birth and BMI may be important variables influencing adult kidney function. However, as only a small amount of variance in eGFR was explained by these variables, additional longitudinal studies would be beneficial for assessing lifecourse influences on kidney function.

FRI0409 Breast is best. Lifecourse influences on the development of knee osteophytes: The newcastle thousand families study

BackgroundThere has been very little lifecourse research looking at the risk of osteoarthritis (OA). Several studies have demonstrated the association between adult risk factors such as obesity and higher bone...