Independent Positive Relationship Research Articles

Beyond Gender: Exploring the Intersectional Dynamics in Political Interest Among Youth

One of the most persistent and puzzling inequalities across Western democracies is that women are less interested in politics than men. We know that political interest is developed—or not—at an early age, and that it becomes a key determinant of political involvement during adulthood. Due to its early development, recent research suggests focusing on gendered political socialization patterns to understand why women display lower levels of political interest than men. A recent systematic literature review on political interest confirms that the gap is already present at an early age. In addition, the review shows that research and evidence on the potential intersectionality of inequalities on young people’s political interest is surprisingly scarce. In this article we present novel evidence on the interaction of gender with an additional source of political inequality: immigration background. In doing so we use the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries (CILS4EU) dataset, a longitudinal survey that follows a sample of adolescents with foreign-born parents that can be compared to natives in four countries. The analyses follow the latest recommendations regarding the use of interactions to evaluate claims of intersectionality. The results of our preliminary tests indicate that girls with an immigrant background are more interested in politics than girls without personal or family immigration background. Furthermore, the results are compatible with an intersectional approach by which being both a girl and having an immigration background has an independent positive relationship with political interest. Finally, we do not find significant differences between first- and second-generation immigrant girls.

Association Between the Weight-Adjusted Waist Index and OSA Risk: Insights from the NHANES 2017-2020 and Mendelian Randomization Analyses.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) reflects weight-independent centripetal obesity. Our study aims to evaluate the relationship between WWI and OSA. The data used in the current cross-sectional investigation are from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was carried out between 2017 and 2020. We utilized weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between WWI and the risk of OSA. In addition, we applied various analytical methods, including subgroup analysis, smoothing curve fitting, threshold effect analysis and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. To further explore the relationship, we conducted a MR study using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics. We performed the main inverse variance weighting (IVW) method along with other supplementary MR methods. In addition, a meta-analysis was conducted to provide an overall evaluation. WWI was positively related to OSA with the full adjustment [odds ratio (OR)=1.14, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.06-1.23, P<0.001]. After converting WWI to a categorical variable by quartiles (Q1-Q4), compared to Q1 the highest WWI quartile was linked to an obviously increased likelihood of OSA (OR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.06-1.50. P=0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed the stability of the independent positive relationship between WWI and OSA. Smoothing curve fitting identified a saturation effect of WWI and OSA, with an inflection point of 11.62. In addition, WWI had the strongest prediction for OSA (AUC=0.745). Sensitivity analysis was performed to verify the significantly positive connection between WWI and stricter OSA (OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.05-1.32, P=0.005). MR meta-analysis further supported our results (OR=2.11, 95% CI: 1.94-2.30, P<0.001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness and reliability of these findings. WWI was significantly associated with the risk of OSA, suggesting that WWI could potentially serve as a predictor for OSA.

A study of the relationship between serum asprosin levels and MAFLD in a population undergoing physical examination

Asprosin, an adipokine, was recently discovered in 2016. Here, the correlation between asprosin and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was examined by quantitatively assessing hepatic steatosis using transient elastography and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). According to body mass index (BMI), 1276 adult participants were enrolled and categorized into three groups: normal, overweight, and obese. The study collected and evaluated serum asprosin levels, general biochemical indices, liver stiffness measure, and CAP via statistical analysis. In both overweight and obese groups, serum asprosin and CAP were greater than in the normal group (p < 0.01). Each group showed a positive correlation of CAP with asprosin (p < 0.01). The normal group demonstrated a significant and independent positive relationship of CAP with BMI, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), asprosin, waist circumference (WC), and triglycerides (TG; p < 0.05). CAP showed an independent positive association (p < 0.05) with BMI, WC, asprosin, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and TG in the overweight group, and with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) showed an independent negative link (p < 0.01). CAP showed an independent positive relationship (p < 0.05) with BMI, WC, asprosin, TG, LDL-C, FBG, glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and alanine transferase in the obese group. CAP also showed an independent positive link (p < 0.01) with BMI, WC, asprosin, TG, LDL-C, and FBG in all participants while independently and negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with HDL-C. Since asprosin and MAFLD are closely related and asprosin is an independent CAP effector, it may offer a novel treatment option for metabolic diseases and MAFLD.

Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure and carotid intima-media thickness: Baseline data from the Aidai Cohort Study in Japan.

Epidemiological evidence regarding the relationship between smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been limited in Asian populations. Employing baseline data from the Aidai Cohort Study, Japan, we evaluated the evidence in this cross-sectional study. Study subjects were 727 men aged 35-88 years and 1297 women aged 34-85 years. Information on smoking, SHS exposure, and confounders was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. An automated carotid ultrasonography device was used to measure the right and left CIMT. The greatest CIMT measurement in the left or right common carotid artery was considered the maximum CIMT, and a maximum CIMT >1.0 mm was indicative of carotid wall thickening. Age, alcohol consumption, leisure time physical activity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, waist circumference, employment, and education level were adjusted at one time. The prevalence of carotid wall thickening was 13.0%. The prevalence of never smoking was 30.5% in men and 90.1% in women. Among those who had never smoked, the prevalence of never SHS exposure at home and work was 74.3% and 48.2% in men and 38.3% and 56.3% in women, respectively. Active smoking and pack-years of smoking were independently positively related to carotid wall thickening regardless of sex, although the association with current smoking in women was not significant. Independent positive relationships were shown between former smoking and pack-years of smoking and maximum CIMT in men but not in women. No significant relationships were found between SHS exposure at home and work and carotid wall thickening or maximum CIMT in either men or women. Active smoking, especially pack-years of smoking, was positively associated with carotid wall thickening in both sexes. Such positive associations with maximum CIMT were found only in men; however, interactions between smoking and sex were not significant.

The association of manganese levels with red cell distribution width: A population-based study.

Experimental and acute exposure studies imply that manganese affects red blood cell production. Nevertheless, the association between environmental exposure and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has yet to be explored. This research sought to assess the correlation between blood manganese levels and RDW within the general population of the United States. Employing weighted multiple linear regression models, data from the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized to assess the correlation between manganese levels in the blood and RDW. Restricted cubic spline plots and two-piecewise linear regression models were also employed. The analysis included a total of 15882 participants in which we determined an independent positive relationship between blood manganese levels and RDW among participants(β = 0.079, P<0.001). Moreover, we identified a J-shaped association between blood manganese levels and RDW in total participants (inflection point for blood manganese: 7.32 ug/L) and distinct subgroups following adjusted covariates. Women exhibited a more pronounced association, even after controlling for adjusted covariates. We determined a J-shaped relationship between blood manganese levels and RDW with an inflection point at 7.32 ug/L for blood manganese. Nevertheless, fundamental research and large sample prospective studies are needed to determine the extent to which blood manganese levels correlate with RDW.

The association between weight-adjusted-waist index and depression: Results from NHANES 2005–2018

The weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) serves as an innovative obesity measure, seemingly surpassing body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in evaluating lean and fat mass. This study aimed to explore the relationship between WWI and depression in United States (US) adults. This population-based study investigated adults with comprehensive WWI and PHQ-9 (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire) data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2018. WWI was computed by dividing WC by the square root of body weight. Weighted multivariate logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting were employed to examine linear and non-linear associations. Additionally, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted. A total of 34,528 participants were enrolled with a prevalence of depression of 7.61%. WWI was positively related to depression with the full adjustment [odds ratio (OR)=1.21, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.13-1.29]. After converting WWI to a categorical variable by quartiles (Q1-Q4), compared to Q1 the highest WWI quartile was linked to an obviously increased likelihood of depression (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.29-1.76). Subgroup analysis revealed the stability of the independent positive relationship between WWI and depression (all P for trend >0.05). WWI levels were positively related to an increased likelihood of depression in US adults. Our findings indicated that WWI may serve as a simple anthropometric index to predict depression.

Novel anthropometric parameters in the adult population with prediabetes.

Although it is assumed that novel-derived anthropometric indices can better reflect cardiometabolic risk than traditional ones, the results are conflicting. Previous studies have mainly focused on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, studies conducted on populations with prediabetes are scarce. The present study aimed to examine the potential relationship between prediabetes and novel anthropometric parameters [that is, cardiometabolic index (CMI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product index (LAP), body roundness index (BRI), and body adiposity index (BAI)] and traditional parameters [that is, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)] in adults with prediabetes. This case-control cross-sectional study included 177 patients with prediabetes and 609 control subjects. Biochemical and simple anthropometric parameters were measured (WC, HC, body weight, and height), whereas the other parameters were calculated. WC, CMI, VAI, and LAP independently correlated with prediabetes. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract several factors that correlated with prediabetes. Significant predictive capability was demonstrated for non-traditional anthropometric/lipid-related factors and WHipR-related factors for prediabetes (OR=1.334 and OR=1.202, respectively). However, only non-traditional anthropometric/lipid-related factors (i.e., VAI, CMI, and LAP) demonstrated an independent significant positive relationship with prediabetes in multivariate binary regression analysis. CMI, VAI, and LAP could be superior to BAI, BRI, and conventional anthropometric parameters for discriminating patients with prediabetes in the adult population. Prospective trials are needed to confirm our results.

Relationship between weight-adjusted-waist index and erectile dysfunction in the United State: results from NHANES 2001-2004.

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between a novel adiposity parameter, the weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), and erectile dysfunction (ED). According to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2004, a total of 3884 participants were categorized as ED and non-ED individuals. WWI was calculated as waist circumference (WC, cm) divided by the square root of weight (kg). Weighted univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to assess the correlation between WWI and ED. Smooth curve fitting was utilized to examine the linear association. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and DeLong etal.'s test were applied to compare the area under curve (AUC) value and predictive power among WWI, body mass index (BMI), and WC for ED. WWI was positively related to ED with the full adjustment [odds ratio (OR)=1.75, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.32-2.32, p=0.002]. After converting WWI to a categorical variable by quartiles (Q1-Q4), compared to Q1 the highest WWI quartile was linked to an obviously increased likelihood of ED (OR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.39-5.59. p=0.010). Subgroup analysis revealed the stability of the independent positive relationship between WWI and ED. It was shown that WWI had a stronger prediction for ED (AUC=0.745) than BMI (AUC=0.528) and WC (AUC=0.609). Sensitivity analysis was performed to verify the significantly positive connection between WWI and stricter ED (OR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.36-2.94, p=0.003). An elevated WWI was related to higher risks of ED in the United State adults, and a stronger predictive power of WWI for ED was observed than BMI and WC.

Perirenal Fat Volume Is Positively Associated With Serum Uric Acid Levels in Chinese Adults.

BackgroundVisceral fat has been considered an important risk factor of elevated serum uric acid (SUA). Perirenal fat is a unique visceral fat around the kidneys that has special morphological and physiological features while its relationship with SUA remains incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to assess the association between perirenal fat volume (PrFV) and SUA.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 102 subjects aged ≥ 18 years old recruited from Nanjing,China. The clinical characteristics including age, sex, drinking behavior, history of hypertension, body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, fast plasma glucose, urea, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, and SUA were recorded. PrFV was measured by ultrasonography. Multivariate linear models and the restricted cubic spline were used to investigate the association between PrFV and SUA.ResultsThe median age of this study population was 52.5 (42.0-60.0) years and 56.9% were female. The median value of SUA was 5.73 mg/dL (4.58-6.80 mg/dL). The subjects were divided by PrFV tertiles and we found that the subjects in the highest PrFV tertile had a higher level of SUA compared to those in the lowest tertile (β=1.86, 95%CI 1.23–2.48, P for trend <0.001).The positive association also remained after adjustment for potential covariates (tertile3 versus tertile1: β=0.99, 95%CI 0.35-1.63, P for trend =0.005). There was an increase of approximately 0.53 mg/dL in SUA per 1-fold increase in PrFV (β=0.53, 95%CI 0.02-1.04, P for nonlinearity = 0.637).ConclusionOur results confirmed a positive independent relationship between PrFV and SUA in Chinese adults. This study suggested that perirenal fat might constitute a potential risk factor for elevated serum uric acid levels.

A U-shaped association between serum albumin with total triiodothyronine in adults.

BackgroundThyroid dysfunction is a common thyroid disorder in our life and its symptoms are non‐specific, therefore the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction is important for patients. Albumin (ALB) can carry thyroid hormones to their sites of action as a way to achieve rapid delivery of thyroid hormones to the tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum ALB levels and total triiodothyronine (TT3) in adults.MethodsData from the 2007–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to examine the association between ALB and TT3 using multivariate logistic regression models. Fitting smoothed curves and generalized weighted models were also used.ResultsThe analysis included a total of 7933 participants that we found an independent positive relationship between ALB and TT3 among participants [0.006 (0.003, 0.009)]. In men, there was a significant positive correlation between ALB and TT3, whereas in women ALB and TT3 suggested a significant negative correlation. Moreover, our study revealed that the independent association between the levels of ALB and TT3 was significant in Non‐Hispanic White, but not in Non‐Hispanic Black. Notably, we found a U‐shaped association between ALB and serum TT3 in total participants (inflection point for ALB: 41 g/L) and females after adjusted covariates (inflection point for ALB: 46 g/L).ConclusionsWe found a U‐shaped relationship between serum ALB and TT3 with infection point at 41 g/L for ALB, which may provide a reference for future screening in adults with thyroid dysfunction.

Other-Oriented Perfectionism in Children and Adolescents: Development and Validation of the Other-Oriented Perfectionism Subscale-Junior Form (OOPjr).

Research on adults indicates other-oriented perfectionism (requiring perfection from others) is associated with various consequential outcomes independent of self-oriented perfectionism (requiring perfection of the self) and socially prescribed perfectionism (believing others require perfection of the self). However, historically, the most widely used and researched measure of trait perfectionism in children, the Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale (CAPS), has omitted other-oriented perfectionism. In the present study, we address this by reporting on the multisource development and validation of the first self-report measure of other-oriented perfectionism specifically intended for youths: the Other-Oriented Perfectionism Subscale-Junior Form (OOPjr). Children (N = 107; Mage = 11.5, SD = 1.7) completed the OOPjr, CAPS, and measures of perfectionistic self-presentation, narcissism, social disconnection, depressive symptoms, and parental psychological control. Parents provided ratings of children’s self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented perfectionism. Psychometric analyses indicated the OOPjr is a homogenous and internally reliable scale that, when factor analyzed alongside the CAPS, displays measurement invariance across gender and replicates the three-factor solution found in adults. Furthermore, parent ratings of other-oriented perfectionism showed unique positive relationships with OOPjr scores, but not CAPS scores. Likewise, other-oriented perfectionism had independent positive relationships with narcissistic superiority and achievement-oriented parental psychological control, after controlling for self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism. Overall, our findings provide preliminary support for the use of the OOPjr as a measure of other-oriented perfectionism in youths.

Associations of Fat Mass and Fat Distribution With Bone Mineral Density in Non-Obese Postmenopausal Chinese Women Over 60 Years Old.

BackgroundBone mineral density (BMD) loss is a major complication of menopause, and this loss is closely associated with Fat mass (FM). The relationship between FM, fat distribution (FD), and BMD in postmenopausal women, however, remains incompletely understood. The present study was thus developed to explore these associations between body fat accumulation, FD, and BMD among non-obese postmenopausal women over the age of 60.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional analysis of 357 healthy postmenopausal women between the ages of 60.2 and 86.7 years. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was utilized to measure total and regional BMD as well as fat-related parameters including total FM, android and gynoid fat, body fat percentage (BF%), and total lean mass (LM) for all subjects. The android-to-gynoid fat ratio (AOI) was used to assess FD. Pearson’s correlation testing and multiple regression analyses were used to explore relationships among AOI, LM, FM, and BMD.ResultsBoth LM and FM were positively correlated with total and regional BMD in univariate analysis (all P < 0.01), whereas BMD was not significantly associated with AOI in any analyzed site other than the head. Multivariate linear regression models corrected for age, height, and years post-menopause, revealed a sustained independent positive relationship between FM and BMD (standard β range: 0.141 – 0.343, P < 0.01). The relationship between FM and BMD was unaffected by adjustment for LM (standard β range: 0.132 – 0.258, P < 0.01), whereas AOI had an adverse impact on BMD at most analyzed skeletal sites (total body, hip, femoral neck, arm, leg, and head) (standard β range: −0.093 to −0.232, P < 0.05). These findings were unaffected by using BF% in place of FM (standard β range: −0.100 to −0.232, P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn this cohort of non-obese postmenopausal women over the age of 60 from China, total FM was positively associated with BMD, while AOI was negatively correlated with BMD. As such, a combination of proper weight gain and the control of central obesity may benefit the overall bone health of women after menopause.

“Prevalence of NAFLD in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease-A Study in Enam Medical College and Hospital in Bangladesh”

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has an in-creasing prevalence worldwide. It has also been closely associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome - two conditions known to be asso-ciated with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Several common metabolic risk factors contribute to development of both nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Ischemic Heart Disease worldwide with a preva-lence as high as 30% in the general population. Objective: To deter-mine prevalence of NAFLD in patients with Ischemic Heart Disease. Methods: The prospective study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology, Enam Medical College & Hospital, Savar, Bangladesh between January 2020 to December 2020. The study was conducted on 100 patients (62 patients with NAFLD and 38 Non-NAFLD) subjects were selected. Full history taking, clinical examination and laboratory tests including blood sugar, lipid profile and liver profile were done. Ultrasonography was performed to prove NAFLD while ECG and echocardiography were used for detection of myocardial ischemia. Results:The present study was by enrolling 100 patients of coronary artery disease divided into two groups i.e. NAFLD group n= 62 (62%) and Non NAFLD group n= 38 (38%). Participants were selected and divided into two groups; NAFLD group included 62 patients with ultrasonography NAFLD (45 males & 21 females) with mean age 45.81±12.46 years and non-NAFLD group of 38 subjects with mean age 45.32± 10.56 years. The present study shows that the prevalence of NAFLD was highest (86.8%) in more than 40 years of age group. The present study shows that the prevalence of NAFLD was more in males (84.2%) as compare to females (15.8%). The present study also shows significantly high incidence of metabolic syndrome in patients with NAFLD (23.7%) as compared to Non-NAFLD (3.2%) patients with Coronary Artery (CAD). Of the NAFLD group, the frequency of mild, moderate and severe NAFLD was 42.9%, 30% and 29.1% respectively. Subjects with NAFLD had a significantly higher BMI, waist circumference and weight compared to those of non NAFLD group (p=0.014, 0.0218 and <0.001 respectively). Independent risk factors for NAFLD were obesity, DM, high LDL, low HDL, waist circumference, glycated hemoglobin and IHD with odds ratios 1.09, 2.12, 1.01, 1.15, 1.13, 1.37 and 1.17 respectively. While independent risk factors for IHD included obesity, DM, high LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides and the presence of NAFLD with odds ratios 1.31, 1.23, 1.19, 1.132, 1.68 respectively. Conclusion: The current study revealed that presence of NAFLD is associated with increased risk of IHD. This association was not only due to common risk factors shared between the two entities such as obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes, but also a direct independent positive relationship was found between them. So NAFLD can be considered as an independent predictor of myocardial ischemia. The present study indicated a high prevalence of NAFLD in patients with documented Ischemic Heart Disease.

BAIAP2 rs8079781, postnatal smoking exposure, and emotional problems in Japanese children aged 5years: the Kyushu Okinawa Maternal and Child Health Study.

BAIAP2 might be implicated in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions via abnormal development of human cerebral asymmetry. The present prebirth cohort study examined the relationship between BAIAP2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs8079781 and the risk of behavioral problems in Japanese children aged 5years. Subjects were 1175 mother-child pairs. Emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, peer problems, and low prosocial behavior were assessed using the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Compared with the CC genotype of SNP rs8079781, at least one T allele was significantly inversely related to childhood emotional problems: the adjusted OR was 0.68 (95% CI 0.46-0.998, P = 0.049). Nevertheless, this significant inverse association disappeared after adjustment for multiple comparisons (adjusted P = 0.245). No associations were observed between SNP rs8079781 and childhood conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, peer problems, or low prosocial behavior. An independent positive relationship was observed between smoking in the household during the first year of life and emotional problems in children with the CC genotype, but not in those with at least one T allele (P for interaction = 0.04). This study is the first to show that at least one T allele of SNP rs8079781 was independently associated with a reduced risk of emotional problems in children aged 5years, but this inverse association fell below significance after adjustment for multiple comparisons. The influence of smoking in the household during the first year of life might rely on rs8079781.

Late weaning and maternal closeness, associated with advanced motor and visual maturation, reinforce autonomy in healthy, 2-year-old children

We studied neurodevelopmental outcomes and behaviours in healthy 2-year old children (N = 1306) from Brazil, India, Italy, Kenya and the UK participating in the INTERGROWTH-21st Project. There was a positive independent relationship of duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and age at weaning with gross motor development, vision and autonomic physical activities, most evident if children were exclusively breastfed for ≥7 months or weaned at ≥7 months. There was no association with cognition, language or behaviour. Children exclusively breastfed from birth to <5 months or weaned at >6 months had, in a dose-effect pattern, adjusting for confounding factors, higher scores for “emotional reactivity”. The positive effect of EBF and age at weaning on gross motor, running and climbing scores was strongest among children with the highest scores in maternal closeness proxy indicators. EBF, late weaning and maternal closeness, associated with advanced motor and vision maturation, independently influence autonomous behaviours in healthy children.

Which infancy growth parameters are associated with later adiposity? The Cambridge Baby Growth Study

Background: Highly consistent positive associations are reported between infancy growth and later obesity risk. However, it is unclear whether infancy growth parameters beyond body weight add to the prediction of later obesity risk.Aim: To assess whether infancy length and skinfold thicknesses add to infancy weight in the prediction of childhood adiposity.Subjects and methods: This analysis included 254 children with available data on infant growth from birth to 24 months and childhood adiposity at age 6–11 years measured by DXA. Multilevel linear regression was used to examine the predictors of childhood percent body fat (%BF), with adjustment for sex and age at follow-up visit.Results: Birth weight and weight gain (modelled as changes in z-score) between 0–3 months and 3–24 months showed independent positive relationships with childhood %BF. The addition of gains in infant length and skinfolds between 0–3 months, but not 3–24 months, improved overall model prediction, from 18.7% to 20.7% of the variance in childhood %BF (likelihood ratio test, p < 0.0001), although their independent effect estimates were small (infant length gain: negative trend, partial R-square 0.6%, p = 0.2; skinfolds: positive trend, 1.3%, p = 0.09).Conclusion: Infancy length and skinfolds contribute significantly, but only modestly, to the prediction of childhood adiposity.

Relationship between telomerase activity and parameters of carbohydrate metabolism and vascular wall

Aim. To study the relationship between telomerase activity and parameters of carbohydrate metabolism and vascular wall depending on the type 2 diabetes (T2D). Material and methods. The study included 50 patients with T2D and 139 healthy volunteers. All subjects were assessed for carbohydrate metabolism, chronic inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen), endothelial dysfunction, carotid intima-media thickness and number of atherosclerotic plaques by duplex scanning, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, lymphocyte telomere length and telomerase activity. Results. In T2D patients, telomerase activity was lower (p=0,039), telomeres were shorter (p=0,031) and CRP level was higher (p=0,031) than in patients without T2D. All patients were divided by telomerase activity. T2D patients with low telomerase activity had higher values of CRP ( р =0,016), pulse wave velocity ( р =0,010), carotid intima-media thickness ( р &lt;0,001) and number of atherosclerotic plaques ( р =0,014) than in patients without T2D. There were no significant differences in high telomerase activity group. In the group of patients with/without T2D, there were independent negative relationship between telomerase activity and glycated hemoglobin (p=0,035), fasting plasma glucose (p=0,003), arterial stiffness (p=0,044) and independent positive relationship between telomerase activity and fibrinogen (p=0,027), CRP (p=0,042). Conclusion. Vascular changes, chronic inflammation and cell aging were weightier in patients with T2D. The established relationship between telomerase activity and parameters of carbohydrate metabolism, chronic inflammation and vascular stiffness may indicate the important role of telomerase activity in the development of cardiovascular diseases in T2D patients.

Circulating palmitoleic acid is an independent determinant of insulin sensitivity, beta cell function and glucose tolerance in non-diabetic individuals: a longitudinal analysis.

Experimental studies suggest that the fatty acid palmitoleate may act as an adipocyte-derived lipid hormone (or 'lipokine') to regulate systemic metabolism. We investigated the relationship of circulating palmitoleate with insulin sensitivity, beta cell function and glucose tolerance in humans. Plasma NEFA concentration and composition were determined in non-diabetic individuals from the Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular disease (RISC) study cohort at baseline (n = 1234) and after a 3 year follow-up (n = 924). Glucose tolerance, insulin secretion and beta cell function were assessed during an OGTT. Whole-body insulin sensitivity was measured by a hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp (M/I) and OGTT (oral glucose insulin sensitivity index [OGIS]). The liver insulin resistance index was calculated using clinical and biochemical data. Body composition including fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance. Circulating palmitoleate was proportional to fat mass (r = 0.21, p < 0.0001) and total NEFA levels (r = 0.19, p < 0.0001). It correlated with whole-body insulin sensitivity (M/I: standardised regression coefficient [std. β] = 0.16, p < 0.0001), liver insulin resistance (std. β = -0.14, p < 0.0001), beta cell function (potentiation: std. β = 0.08, p = 0.045) and glucose tolerance (2 h glucose: std. β = -0.24, p < 0.0001) after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, adiposity and other NEFA. High palmitoleate concentrations prevented the decrease in insulin sensitivity associated with excess palmitate (p = 0.0001). In a longitudinal analysis, a positive independent relationship was observed between changes in palmitoleate and insulin sensitivity over time (std. β = 0.07, p = 0.04). We demonstrated that plasma palmitoleate is an independent determinant of insulin sensitivity, beta cell function and glucose tolerance in non-diabetic individuals. These results support the role of palmitoleate as a beneficial lipokine released by adipose tissue to prevent the negative effects of adiposity and excess NEFA on systemic glucose metabolism.

Quadriceps muscle strength is a discriminant predictor of dependence in daily activities in nursing home residents.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the relationship between dependence in Activities of Daily Living and muscle strength, muscle morphology and physical function in older nursing home residents, taking possible confounders into consideration.MethodsA total of 30 nursing home residents (age, 85.6±7.1 years) were included in this observational cross-sectional study. Performance of basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL) was assessed with the Resident Assessment Instrument and categorized as either independent or dependent. Isometric grip, quadriceps and elbow-flexor strength were determined by hand-dynamometry, muscle thickness and echo intensity by B-mode ultrasonography, a sit-to-stand task by using a stop watch and physical activity by the German-Physical-Activity Questionnaire. Degree of frailty was evaluated according to Fried’s frailty criteria, whereas cognition, depression, incontinence, pain and falls were part of the Resident Assessment Instrument.ResultsDependence in Activities of Daily Living was negatively correlated with physical activity (rs = -0.44, p = .015), handgrip (rs = -0.38, p = .038), elbow-flexor (rs = -0.42, p = .032) and quadriceps strength (rs = -0.67, p < .001), analysed by Spearman’s correlation. Chronic diseases (rs = -0.41, p = .027) and incontinence (rs = -0.39, p = .037) were positively correlated with ADL while the other variables were not related. Only quadriceps strength remained significant with logistic regression (Wald(1) = 4.7, p = .03), when chronic diseases, quadriceps and handgrip strength were considered (R2 .79). 11 kg was the best fitting value in this sample to predict performance in Activities of Daily Living, evaluated with Receiver-Operating Characteristic analysis, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 79%.Conclusion and implicationQuadriceps strength had a positive independent relationship with performance in ADL in the nursing home residents studied. Although a large prospective study is needed to verify the results, maintaining quadriceps strength above 11 kg may be helpful in retaining independence in this cohort.

Bullying Victimization, School Environment, and Suicide Ideation and Plan: Focusing on Youth in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

This study examines the relationship between bullying victimization, measured at individual and school levels, and suicide intent and plan among youth living in less developed parts of the world. Multilevel modeling is used to estimate the degree to which school-level bullying has an independent effect on the two suicide measures and how it moderates the impact of individual-level victimization on contemplating and planning suicide. Data are drawn from the Global School-Based Student Health (2000-2012) survey that consists of probability samples of adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. By fitting three-level mixed effects models, we find that adjusting for personal experience of victimization, greater school-level prevalence of bullying has a positive independent relationship with suicide plan, but not ideation. Significant cross-level interaction effects are shown, that is, the bullying-suicide linkage at the individual level is moderated by the school environment. For suicide ideation only, it is weaker in schools where more students are bullied. The association is also less pronounced in the context characterized by higher proportion of physical violence among students and peer hostility on campus. The bulk of prior research narrowly defines the relationship between bullying and suicide at the individual (e.g., student) level. This study shows that school context (e.g., proportion of bullied peers) must be incorporated into the analysis in better understanding the conditions under which youth think about and/or plan on inflicting lethal self-harm.