Pubertal Status Research Articles

Appearance-Related Victimization and Pubertal Asynchrony: Identifying Sex-Specific Vulnerabilities.

Pubertal development is associated with many psychosocial and interpersonal changes, including a dramatic rise in appearance-related victimization. Yet, it is unclear what aspects of pubertal development provoke victimization along with which, and when, youth are at heightened risk. The present study seeks to address this gap by examining the effect of pubertal asynchrony (i.e., temporal variation in an individual's pubertal milestones) on appearance-related victimization and by determining whether associations between asynchrony and victimization differ by sex and pubertal status. In follow-up analyses, associations between pubertal asynchrony and different typologies of victimization were also assessed. Participants included 373 youth (Mage = 13.51 [1.62]; 40% girls, 60% boys; 61% White) drawn from an online sample. The results showed that more pubertal asynchrony was associated with more appearance-related victimization, especially for girls, but associations did not differ across pubertal status. Latent profile analyses of appearance-related victimization further suggested that asynchronous youth were more likely to be in profiles characterized by high appearance-related victimization as well as those characterized by high height-based victimization (boys only). The findings suggest that pubertal asynchrony contributes to appearance-related victimization in adolescence and highlights the need for targeted intervention efforts related to pubertal development and specific typologies of victimization.

Changes in peripheral quantitative computed tomography measured bone density, size and strength in Zimbabwean children with and without HIV over one year: a cohort study.

Understanding bone accrual in adolescents may inform approaches to improve skeletal health and reduce adult fracture risk. We investigated the effect of HIV on bone mineral accrual assessed by peripheral Quantitative Computed tomography (pQCT). Children with HIV (CWH) on ART for ≥2years, and children without HIV (CWOH), aged 8-16years (n = 609), had tibial pQCT scans at 0 and 12months. Linear regression estimated sex stratified differences in change (∆) and mean pQCT bone density (trabecular and cortical), size (total cross-sectional area [CSA]) and strength (SSI) between CWH and CWOH, adjusting for socio-economic status (SES) and orphanhood and incorporating an interaction term for baseline pubertal status (Tanner 1-2[pre/early] vs 3-5[mid/late]). Structural equation modelling tested whether baseline height-for-age-Z-scores (HAZ) mediate the effect of HIV on ∆bone outcomes. CWH were more likely than CWOH to be orphans (44% vs 7%), of lower SES (43% vs 27%) and be stunted (30% vs 8%); but similar in age. At baseline and follow up, CWH had lower trabecular density, CSA and SSI than CWOH. After adjustment, bone density and strength increased similarly in CWH and CWOH. CWH in mid/late puberty at baseline had greater 12months increases in CSA than CWOH, particularly males (mean difference [31.3(95%CI:-3.1, 65.6) mm2 in mid/late puberty vs. -2.04(-23.8, 19.7) mm2 in pre/early puberty; interaction P-value = 0.013]. HAZ mediated the effect of HIV on ∆bone outcomes only in females as follows: indirect pathways from HIV to ∆trabecular density [-1.85(-3.5, -0.2) mg/cm3], ∆cortical density [-2.01(-3.9, -0.01) mg/cm3], ∆CSA [-2.59(-4.7, -0.5) mm] and ∆SSI [-18.36(-29.6, -7.2) mm3]. In conclusion, CWH show bone deficits at follow up. Investigations of bone mineral accrual earlier in life and post-puberty to peak bone mass are needed.

Effect of neutering timing in relation to puberty on health in the female dog-a scoping review.

Effects of neutering on bitch health have been reported, and are suggested to relate to bitch age at the time of neutering for some diseases. However, variation between published studies in terms of study populations and methodologies makes comparison and consolidation of the evidence difficult. A scoping review was designed to systematically search the available literature to identify and chart the evidence on the effect of neutering timing in relation to puberty on five health outcomes: atopy, developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD), neoplasia, obesity and urogenital disease. A protocol was registered, and literature searches were conducted in CAB Abstracts, Medline and Web of Science. Studies were reviewed against inclusion criteria. Data on study and population characteristics and health outcomes were charted for the final included studies. A total of 1,145 publications were reviewed across all five searches; 33 were retained for inclusion and charting. Only six of the 33 studies categorised the timing of surgical neutering as prepubertal or post-pubertal; one investigating mammary neoplasia and the other five, urogenital disease, commonly urinary incontinence. No studies were identified that examined the impacts of neutering bitches before or after puberty on atopy, DOD or obesity. One study considered bitches that were pre or post-pubertal at the time of the first treatment with deslorelin acetate for oestrus suppression and 26 examined the effects on health related to age, rather than pubertal status, at neutering. This scoping review suggests that robust evidence to support veterinarians, those working with dogs and dog owners when discussing the timing of neutering relative to puberty does not yet exist. The impact of neutering before or after puberty on atopy, DOD, neoplasia, obesity and urogenital disease in female domesticated dogs remains unclear.

7718 Dysregulated BCAA catabolism and insulin secretory response in the early stages of insulin resistance in mature adolescents

Abstract Disclosure: A. Basin: None. Q. Wang: None. H. Hong: None. O. Ilkayeva: None. M. Muehlbauer: None. D. Hsia: None. D.A. D'Alessio: None. C.B. Newgard: None. M. Freemark: None. P. Gumus Balikcioglu: None. Objective: We recently showed that surrogate markers of insulin resistance (IR) and insulin secretion are differentially associated with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their catabolites the branched-chain ketoacids (BCKAs). In this longitudinal study, we determined if baseline levels of BCAAs, BCKAs or the BCKA/BCAA ratio are associated with changes in IR, insulin secretion, and insulin secretion adjusted for IR after a one year follow up in adolescents aged 18-21 yr without Type 2 diabetes. Methods: We performed frequently sampled oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) at baseline and one year follow up in 10 adolescents with normal weight and 10 adolescents without Type 2 diabetes but with overweight/obesity and mild IR. After an overnight fast of 8-12 hours, participants had fasting blood samples drawn and consumed 1.75 g/kg, to a maximum of 75 g glucose solution as the initiation of an OGTT. Glucose (G) and insulin (I) were measured at times -15, 0, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes. Plasma metabolomic profiles were obtained at time 0. HOMA-IR, Matsuda Index, AUC glucose, AUC insulin, insulinogenic index (IGI) and disposition index (DI) at 15 and 30 min were calculated. % Body fat was measured by TANITA. Results: At one year follow up groups were comparable in age, sex, race, ethnicity and pubertal status. Participants with overweight/obesity had higher BMI (22.5±1.3 vs 36.2±9.7), BF% (16.8±8.4 vs 37.9±10.2), leptin, and diastolic blood pressure than lean participants. They were also more insulin resistant as evidenced by higher HOMA-IR . AUC glucose,AUC insulin, and IGI were comparable across groups, as were fasting BCAA levels and BCKA/BCAA ratio. As with baseline levels, follow-up BCAA levels correlated positively with AUC insulin, HOMA-IR, and IGI at 30 min and negatively with totaland HMW-adiponectin, and Matsuda Index, but did not correlate with BMI or % body fat. Likewise at follow up, BCKAs correlated negatively with total and HMW-adiponectin and did not correlate with Matsuda Index, or HOMA-IR. In association models adjusted for baseline age, sex, and BMI, higher baseline levels of the BCKA, α-keto-β-methylvalerate (KMV, isoleucine catabolite), and a higher BCKA/BCAA ratio were associated with a relative reduction in acute insulin secretion as reflected in a reduction in 15 min IGI at 1 year follow up. Conclusions: In this cohort of adolescents without Type 2 diabetes and with varying degrees of adiposity and insulin sensitivity, we identified KMV as a marker associated with a subsequent reduction in acute glucose-stimulated insulin secretion at one year follow up.These findings suggest that dysregulated BCAA catabolism is associated with loss of compensatory insulin secretion in the face of IR and may play a role in progression to impaired glucose tolerance and development of Type 2 diabetes. Presentation: 6/1/2024

8256 Early Life Stress and Pubertal Predictors of Youth Substance Use Initiation: Does Sex Moderate the Relationship Between ELS, Puberty, and Substance Use Initiation?

Abstract Disclosure: A. Donovan: None. S. Assari: None. M. Shaheen: None. C. Grella: None. L. Richter: None. T.C. Friedman: None. Background: Early life stress (ELS) is a construct composed of children’s experiences of abuse, neglect, and conflict. Approximately 20% of adolescents in the United States have experienced ELS at some point, and these experiences influence adolescent and adult health behavior outcomes. Adults with a history of ELS display higher rates of substance use disorders (SUD) and report earlier initiation of substance use. Additionally, ELS has been associated with early puberty, which in turn is linked to earlier substance use initiation. Our study examines the roles of pubertal status, sex hormones (estradiol, testosterone, and DHEA) and ELS as predictors of the initiation of substance use among a nationally representative sample of male and female adolescents in NIDA’s Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) database. Methods: Baseline measures from the ABCD database release 5.0 were used to generate an ELS score (0-60), puberty assessed via parental report on the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS, 1-4), and sex hormones (estradiol, testosterone, and DHEA) were analyzed via salivary samples. The relationship between these scores and time to first use of alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana was determined via survival analysis utilizing a cox regression. Age was tested as a covariate in the interaction of ELS and time to first use of alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana. Data were analyzed overall and for biological boys and girls separately (N=11,866, 52%M 48%F. ages 9-11 at baseline). Results: We observed additive effects of PDS score, estradiol measure, age, and ELS on time to first use of any substance (alcohol, nicotine, or marijuana) and found age (Exp β= 1.029, p<0.001) and ELS (Exp β= 1.017, p<0.05) to be significant predictors of time to first use. After separating by sex, ELS was no longer a significant predictor for males (Exp β= 1.014, p=0.054), but remained a predictor for females (Exp β= 1.019, p<0.05) indicating the overall effect was driven by females. Additionally, salivary estradiol was a significant predictor of first use for females (Exp β= 1.208, p<0.05), while salivary DHEA and testosterone were not predictors for males or females. Conclusions: Our results indicate sex does moderate the relationship between ELS and substance use initiation within our population, with females showing increased risk of initiation with increases in estradiol. Further findings from our study will help to describe sex differences among the factors that increase the risk of substance use initiation among ELS-exposed youth and explore how these vary by substance. ABCD provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore the mechanisms behind complex effects of ELS by sex on risk factors for adolescent substance use initiation. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Nutritional Status and Growth Outcomes in Pediatric Idiopathic Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Retrospective Study in Turkey

Objective: Growth and development in children are significantly influenced by nutritional status. Nutritional deficiencies such as low hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D have been linked to impaired growth. This study aims to evaluate the impact of these nutritional markers on growth outcomes in children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) undergoing recombinant growth hormone therapy (rhGH). Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted on 100 children with IGHD, aged under 16, diagnosed between 2000 and 2023. Data were collected from medical records, including height, body mass index (BMI), pubertal status, bone age, and nutritional markers [Hb, ferritin, vitamin B12, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3]. Growth parameters were assessed at the start and end of the first year of rhGH treatment. Results: The cohort had a median age of 11.3 years; 30% were female, and 50% were prepubertal. The median height standard deviation score (SDS) was -2.8, and median BMI SDS was -0.7. Prevalence of nutritional deficiencies included 23% with low Hb, 31% with low ferritin, 44% with low 25(OH)D3, and 15% with low vitamin B12. Despite these deficiencies, no significant differences were observed in height SDS or growth velocity when grouped by nutritional markers or supplementation status. Growth velocity showed a significant positive correlation with Hb levels and mid-parental height (MPH). Conclusion: Nutritional deficiencies were common among IGHD patients; there was no significant difference in terms of growth-related metrics in the first year of the rhGH therapy in comparisons between the groups with and without common nutritional deficiencies. This finding underscores the resilience of growth in the presence of these deficiencies. In contrast, growth velocity correlated positively with Hb levels and MPH, suggesting that these factors may play a significant role in influencing growth. Further research with larger samples and extended follow-up is needed to explore the long-term impact of nutritional supplementation on growth in IGHD.

A Mega-Analysis of Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in Female Childhood Cancer Survivors Based on Treatment Risk, Time since Treatment, and Pubertal Status

A Mega-Analysis of Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in Female Childhood Cancer Survivors Based on Treatment Risk, Time since Treatment, and Pubertal Status

PSXII-11 Impact of pre-breeding and breeding supplementation in May-born range heifers on growth rates and reproductive performance

Abstract Our objectives were to determine the impact rumen undegradable protein (RUP) supplementation prior to and during the breeding season had on growth rates and reproductive performance in May-born yearling range heifers. This study was conducted over a 3-yr period at the University of Nebraska, Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL) near Whitman, NE and utilized May-born Red Angus x Simmental crossbred heifers [n = 192; weaning body weight (BW) = 200 kg ± 28 kg]. Heifers were randomly assigned by pre-breeding BW to one of two treatments: 1) received 0.908 kg of a dried distillers grain supplement (DDGS; Supp, n = 66) pre-breeding through the breeding season or 2) received no supplement (NoSupp, n = 138). Each year, treatments were initiated in July and ended in August (55 ± 3 d). Using a C-Lock Smart Feeder (Rapid City, SD) heifers had individual access to their allotted DDGS supplementation. On average, NoSupp heifers consumed 0.09 kg/d (yr 1) and 0.02 kg/d (yr 2 and 3); whereas, Supp heifers averaged 0.59, 0.74, and 0.76 kg/d in yr 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Heifer BW was collected pre-trial (May), pre-breeding (July), breeding (August), pregnancy diagnosis (October), and pre-calving (April). Body condition score (BCS) was collected at pregnancy diagnosis (October) and pre-calving (April; Yr 1 and 2). Before each breeding season, two blood samples were collected 10 d apart to determine pubertal status. Heifers were synchronized with a single 5 mL intramuscular injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha (Lutalyse, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) 5 d after bull turnout during a 30 d natural service breeding season. Pregnancy diagnosis was determined via rectal ultrasound in October. No differences (P > 0.12) in BW were noted among treatments for all measurement timepoints. Moreover, SUPP heifers had greater (P < 0.02) average daily gain (ADG) from pre- trial to pregnancy diagnosis compared with NoSUPP heifers. However, there was no differences (P = 0.11) in ADG from pregnancy diagnosis to pre- calving. At pregnancy diagnosis (October), a treatment x year interaction (P = 0.02) for BCS was present where Supp heifers had a greater BCS than NoSupp heifers in yr 3. Heifer BCS pre-calving was not affected (P = 0.12) by treatment. There was a greater percentage (P < 0.01) of SUPP heifers cycling compared with NoSUPP heifers. However, there were no differences (P > 0.24) in pregnancy rates, the percentage that calved in the first 21 d, calf birth BW, or subsequent calving date. Ultimately, this study implies that providing a RUP supplement prior to and during the breeding season will increase the percentage of heifers that are cycling before breeding and have a greater ADG through pregnancy diagnosis; however, supplementation will not impact other reproductive parameters or BW gains.

228 Evaluation of sire vs. dam influences on age at first parturition in Brahman heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if sire or dam had a stronger impact on age at first parturition of Brahman heifers (n = 833) born between 2000-2021. Typically, in Bos taurus heifers, puberty occurs between 10 to 12 mo of age leading to parturition of the first calf occurring around 24 mo of age. However, in Bos indicus cattle, puberty is achieved between 15 to 17 mo of age leading to a first calf around 36 mo of age. The ability of heifers to achieve pubertal status earlier plays a vital role in reproductive success. For selection purposes, knowing if early pubertal attainment is influenced more by the sire or dam is important for herd management. For this study, to minimize any epigenetic and environmental changes, all heifers originated and were developed at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Overton. Sire groups (SG) and dam groups (DG) were established based on the number of offspring used in the study. Sire groups were comprised of SG-1 (1+ calves sired; n = 58 sires), SG-2 (5+ calves sired; n = 44 sires), SG-3 (10+ calves sired; n = 31 sires), SG-4 (15+ calves sired; n = 23 sires), SG-5 (20+ calves sired; n = 17 sires), and SG-6 (25+ calves sired; n = 12 sires). Dam groups consisted of DG-1 (1+ calves; n = 489 dams), DG-2 (2+ calves; n = 215 dams), DG-3 (3+ calves; n = 81 dams), DG-4 (4+ calves; n = 38 dams), and DG-5 (5+ calves; n = 9 dams). Statistical analysis (PROC GLM; SAS 9.4) included the fixed effect of sire group (dam group) and all dams (sires) utilized in that grouping. Significance for age at first calving was considered at P < 0.05. Mean separation for age was performed using LSmeans. Sire significantly impacted age at first calving in SG-1 (P = 0.0173) vs dam effect (P = 0.3993; n = 489 dams), SG-2 (P = 0.0159) vs dam effect (P = 0.5476; n = 481 dams), SG-3 (P = 0.0023) vs dam effect (P = 0.2532; n = 439 dams), SG-4 (P = 0.0022) vs dam effect (P = 0.3997; n = 400 dams), SG-5 (P = 0.0002) vs dam effect (P = 0.0602; n = 361 dams), and SG-6 (P = 0.0005) vs dam effect (P = 0.1058; n = 305 dams). The dam impact on age at first calving was never significant in the dam groupings but sires did impact age at first calving in two groups: DG-1 (P = 0.3993) vs sire effect (P = 0.0173; n = 58 sires), DG-2 (P = 0.4823) vs sire effect (P = 0.0173; n = 56 sires), DG-3 (P = 0.3011) vs sire effect (P = 0.3420; n = 49 sires), DG-4 (P = 0.3911) vs sire effect (P = 0.6278; n = 40 sires), and DG-5 (P = 0.3042) vs sire effect (P = 0.9159; n = 23 sires). In summary, evaluation of sire and dam influences on age at first parturition for female offspring demonstrates that the ability to calve at an earlier age is influenced by the sire but not the dam. Further studies into the mechanisms for the transmission of this trait are warranted.

Acrylamide exposure, sex hormones, and pubertal status in Japanese adolescents

ABSTRACT Acrylamide may affect sex hormone levels and the timing of sexual maturation. The present study cross-sectionally examined interrelationship between the urinary metabolite of acrylamide exposure, serum sex hormone levels, and pubertal status in 408 Japanese adolescents aged 13–14 years. Their caregivers completed a questionnaire concerning the health status of their children, including pubertal maturation, and the lifestyles of children and parents. Pubertal status was queried by the Pubertal Development Scale. A major metabolite of acrylamide, N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-cysteine (AAMA) in first-void urine samples. In male students, urinary AAMA was significantly inversely associated with testosterone, puberty stage, and facial hair growth after controlling for covariates. Serum testosterone and DHEAS were significantly positively associated with puberty stage. In female students, urinary AAMA was not associated with puberty stage, the indices, or any measured hormones. The data suggest that exposure to acrylamide may impact the pubertal development of boys through the effects on testosterone level.

A - 56 Cumulative Childhood Adversity Is Linked with Reduced Cognitive Performance during Late Childhood to Adolescence

Abstract Objective History of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been linked with poorer cognitive performance in young adulthood and cognitive decline in older adults; however, few studies have examined these relationships during childhood and adolescence, which are key periods for neurocognitive development. The current study investigated the longitudinal relationships between ACEs and cognitive performance during late childhood/adolescence. Method 10,827 participants (ages = 9–15.5 years old; 48% female) were included from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Cumulative ACE scores were created using annual parent and child reports of youth’s exposure to ACEs from baseline (ages 9–10) to Year 4 follow-up (ages 13–15). Cognitive performance was assessed using the NIH Toolbox (completed at baseline, Year 2, and Year 4). Separate linear mixed-effects models examined associations between ACEs and cognitive performance while accounting for time, age, sex assigned at birth, caregiver education, household income, pubertal status, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and random effects of subject and family/twin status. Additional analyses tested for interactions with time. Results Greater ACEs were associated with poorer cognitive performance on tasks measuring verbal (p’s < 0.001) and visual (p < 0.001) memory, working memory (p = 0.01), cognitive flexibility (p = 0.004), processing speed (p < 0.001), and language (p’s < 0.001), above and beyond covariates. ACEs were not associated with attention (p = 0.09). Cognitive performance improved over time; however, compared to baseline, youth with greater ACE history at Year 4 demonstrated poorer attentional performance (p = 0.008). Conclusions Findings suggest that ACEs influence cognitive performance during key neurodevelopmental periods, and future work should assess clinical utility of targeted cognitive remediation in youth with adversity history.

Association of Whole Blood Amino Acid and Acylcarnitine Metabolome with Anthropometry and IGF-I Serum Levels in Healthy Children and Adolescents in Germany.

Physiological changes of blood amino acids and acylcarnitines during healthy child development are poorly studied. The LIFE (Leipziger Forschungszentrum für Zivilisationserkrankungen) Child study offers a platform with a large cohort of healthy children to investigate these dynamics. We aimed to assess the intra-person variability of 28 blood metabolites and their associations with anthropometric parameters related to growth and excess body fat. Concentrations of 22 amino acids (AA), 5 acylcarnitines (AC) and free carnitine of 2213 children aged between 3 months and 19 years were analyzed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Values were transformed into standard deviation scores (SDS) to account for sex- and age-related variations. The stability of metabolites was assessed through the coefficient of determination. Associations with parameters for body composition and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) SDS were determined by the Pearson correlation and linear regression. Our research revealed substantial within-person variation in metabolite concentrations during childhood and adolescence. Most metabolites showed a positive correlation with body composition parameters, with a notable influence of sex, pubertal status and weight group. Glycine exhibited negative associations with parameters of body fat distribution, especially in normal weight girls, overweight/obese boys and during puberty. Blood AA and AC measurements may contribute to elucidating pathogenesis pathways of adiposity-related comorbidities, but the specific timings and conditions of development during childhood and adolescence need to be taken into consideration.

Impact of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements on Pubertal Status of 9–13-Year Olds: A Follow-Up Study of the iLiNS-DYAD Ghana Trial

BackgroundEarly and delayed puberty are both associated with adverse health and psychosocial outcomes. ObjectivesWe assessed the impact of provision of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (SQ-LNS) to mothers during pregnancy and 6 mo postpartum and to their children aged 6–18 mo, on pubertal status. MethodsThis study was a follow-up to a partially double-blind randomized controlled trial. At ≤20 wk, 1320 females were randomly assigned to receive daily: iron and folic acid during pregnancy and placebo 0–6 mo postpartum; or multiple micronutrients during pregnancy and 0–6 mo postpartum; or SQ-LNS during pregnancy and 0–6 mo postpartum and to their children from 6 to 18 mo. We re-enrolled 966 and 919 children at 9–11 y and 11–13 y, respectively. We calculated a total pubertal status score based on the Petersen Pubertal Development Scale (PDS) to assess growth spurt, skin changes, body hair, facial hair, voice break, breast development, and menstruation. Pubertal status was regressed on child’s age to generate age-adjusted PDS z-scores (aPDSZ); we performed interaction and mediation analyses. ResultsMean ± standard deviation aPDSZ did not differ between the SQ-LNS and non-LNS groups at 9–11 y (0.01 ± 0.95 compared with –0.01 ± 0.98; P = 0.958) but was more advanced in the SQ-LNS group at 11–13 y (0.07 ± 1.04 compared with –0.04 ± 0.98; P = 0.049) in the adjusted model. The effect of SQ-LNS varied by sex (P-interaction = 0.003) and household asset index z-score (P-interaction = 0.002): Puberty was more advanced in the SQ-LNS compared with non-LNS group among females (P = 0.007) but not males (P = 0.877), and within lower (P = 0.002) than average (P = 0.436) and higher (P = 0.332) socioeconomic households. ConclusionProvision of SQ-LNS during the first 1000 d of life advanced pubertal status among females. Trial registration numberThis trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00970866 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT00970866).

Chronological age, relative age, pubertal development, and their impact on countermovement jump performance in adolescent football players: An integrative analysis

This paper examined the relationship among countermovement jump (CMJ), football category, chronological age, relative age, and pubertal development status to investigate which parameter could be better associated with jumping performance. We tested 259 young male football players (14.9 ± 1.8 yrs; 169.7 ± 9.8 cm; 60.6 ± 11.3 kg; 20.9 ± 2.6 kg m−2) belonging to elite football academies. One-sample chi-square tests were used to test the uniformity of distributions of the proportions of players in each year quarter (relative age effect, RAE) for the whole sample and stratified for each football age category (U14, U15, U17, and U19). One-way ANOVAs were used to test the associations among a) categories, RAE, and CMJ, and b) the pubertal status category and CMJ. Pearson's correlation assessed the relationship among variables. The birth distribution among the year's quarters significantly differed from the expected proportion of 25 % of participants each quarter (χ2 = 41.74; p < 0.001), highlighting the presence of a relative age effect. Results indicate that age significantly influences CMJ (F(6,231) = 8.85, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.187), and a significant interaction effect (age × birth quarter) was found. Coaches, strength and conditioning trainers, and scouts should be aware of physical and biological players' maturation.

Oncofertility care for children, adolescents, and young adults at risk for treatment-related fertility loss.

As therapy for childhood malignancies becomes more sophisticated and survival has improved, long-term therapy-related sequelae have emerged. Loss of reproductive potential among childhood cancer survivors is one such concern that has become increasingly recognized among patients, families, and healthcare providers. The risk status for infertility based upon therapy received, state of current reproductive technology and outcomes, and an emphasis on adequate referral and counseling for fertility preservation options are reviewed. Contributing factors to infertility are discussed, and options for female and male preservation based upon age and pubertal status are summarized. This article highlights the current state of fertility opportunities for children and adolescents undergoing therapy for cancer. Providers caring for these young patients should be familiar with such options and should routinely initiate evaluations for eligibility of fertility preservation.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity, dietary behaviors, and physical activities among sixth graders: a cross-sectional study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents has been increasing worldwide and is a significant public health challenge. Obesity is linked to several non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity based on three growth references and described physical activities and dietary patterns among sixth graders in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). From 2018 to 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1375 students from 16 junior high schools in HCMC. We applied Probability Proportional to Size sampling to select schools. Anthropometric measurements, pubertal status assessment, and diet and physical activity data were collected through Food Frequency and Physical Activity Questionnaires. The study revealed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among grade 6 students, with ∼45%-56% of students classified as overweight or obese using various growth references. Moreover, most students did not meet the World Health Organization's physical activity and sedentary behavior recommendations. Most students spent <60 min/day on moderate to vigorous physical activity, and over 70% spent at least 120 min/day on sedentary activities during weekdays and weekends. The diet of the students was also imbalanced, with high intakes of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates and low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Nutritionists and policymakers should inform and encourage opportunities for healthier food and more daily activity for children, starting before the sixth-grade, so they can learn how to make healthier choices and change their behavior before they reach adolescence.

Within-person biological mechanisms of mood variability in childhood and adolescence.

Mood variability, the day-to-day fluctuation in mood, differs between individuals and develops during adolescence. Because adolescents show higher mood variability and average mood than children and adults, puberty might be a potential biological mechanism underlying this increase. The goal of this preregistered developmental study was to examine the neural and hormonal underpinnings of adolescent-specific within-person changes in mood variability, with a specific focus on testosterone, cortisol, pubertal status, and resting-state functional brain connectivity. Data from two longitudinal cohorts were used: the L-CID twin study (aged 7-13, N at the first timepoint = 258) and the accelerated Leiden Self-Concept study (SC; aged 11-21, N at the first timepoint = 138). In both studies resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data was collected, as well as daily mood. Additionally, in the SC study self-reported puberty testosterone and cortisol were collected. Random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM) were used to study the within-person relations between these biological measures and mood variability and average mood. Mood variability and average mood peaked in adolescence and testosterone levels and self-reported puberty also showed an increase. Connectivity between prefrontal cortex (dlPFC and vmPFC) and subcortical regions (caudate, amygdala) decreased across development. Moreover, higher testosterone predicted average negative mood at the next time point, but not vice versa. Further, stronger vmPFC-amygdala functional connectivity predicted decreases in mood variability. Here, we show that brain connectivity during development is an important within-person biological mechanism of the development of mood in adolescents. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Mood variability peaks in adolescence. Within-person changes in testosterone predict within-person changes in mood. Within-person changes in vmPFC-amygdala connectivity predict within-person changes in mood variability.

Socioeconomic Disadvantage, Neighborhood Belonging, and Inflammation Among Adolescents.

Childhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with a host of adverse health outcomes across the lifespan. However, there is increasing interest in identifying factors that may promote resilience to disadvantage's effects on health. One promising candidate in this regard is a sense of neighborhood belonging, which could offset health risks by providing a sense of connection to others, as well as a sense of belonging to a community larger than oneself. In a sample of 245 adolescents (age: mean [standard deviation] = 15.98 [0.54] years; sex: 64.1% female; race: 41.6% White, 37.6% Black/African American, 9.8% Other; ethnicity: 68.6% non-Hispanic), we examined neighborhood belonging as a moderator of the relationship between socioeconomic disadvantage (measured on a 0- to 5-point scale, mean [standard deviation] = 1.21 [1.36]) and low-grade inflammation (measured via a composite of circulating inflammatory biomarkers including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, CRP, and suPAR). Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, and pubertal status. Neighborhood belonging buffered the relationship between socioeconomic disadvantage and low-grade inflammation, a key mechanistic pathway to multiple chronic diseases. Specifically, there was a positive relationship between socioeconomic disadvantage and low-grade inflammation among individuals with low neighborhood belonging, but not among individuals with high neighborhood belonging. These findings suggest that neighborhood belonging is one type of social connection factor that can mitigate the relationship between socioeconomic disadvantage and low-grade inflammation in youth.

P-344 Systematic review of the gonadotoxicity and risk of infertility of soft tissue sarcoma chemotherapies in pre- and postpubertal females and males

Abstract Study question What is the gonadotoxicity of soft tissue sarcoma chemotherapies to better counsel females and males about the risk of infertility? Summary answer Limited data about the gonadotoxicity indicate a rather high risk with an average suspected infertility in females of 71% and in males of 54%. What is known already There is increasing awareness of the need to counsel young female and male cancer patients about the gonadotoxicity of chemotherapies and the risk of infertility. In addition, fertility preservation measures are offered in most countries. However, our knowledge of the gonadotoxicity of most cancer diseases and chemotherapies is still limited making it difficult to indicate fertility preservation measures. Soft tissue and mesothelial cancer are such a types of cancer for which data is very poor. The gonadotoxicity and risk of infertility of soft tissue and mesothelial cancer has not yet been systematically reviewed. Study design, size, duration This review is part of the FertiTOX project (www.fertitox.com) which aims to close the gap of data regarding gonadotoxicity of cancer therapies to enable more accurate counselling regarding fertility preservation. A systematic literature search considering papers on gonadotoxicity of treatment of soft tissue sarcoma and mesothelial cancer was performed. A total of 2801 records were identified for abstract screening. The review was performed from December 2022 until October 2023. Participants/materials, setting, methods A literature search of papers published in the databases of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library since 2000 was performed. Only females and males without metastases or recurrent disease were considered. Due to limited infertility data the outcome parameter “Suspected infertility” was defined based on reported low ovarian reserve parameters, low inhibin B, high gonadotropin concentration, gonadal dysfunction, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, azoospermia or oligozoospermia. Main results and the role of chance The database search yielded a total of 2801 abstracts, 136 of which were included in the full-text analysis. Of these, 7 studies, each on soft tissue sarcomas, could be included in the review. Studies on mesothelial cancer could not be identified. Two of the 7 soft tissue sarcoma studies were retrospective and 5 were prospective. Of the 7 studies, 3 provided data on women, 3 on men and 1 on both genders. A total of 28 women and 50 men, a total of 78, were included. The pubertal status could not be determined for all patients. Suspected infertility was found in 20 of 28 (71.4%, range 0-100%) of females (4 studies) and in 27 of 50 (54%, range 34.8-100%) of males (4 studies) soft tissue sarcoma patients. Limitations, reasons for caution The weakness is the inclusion of prepubertal and pubertal females and males, and the unknown pubertal status in some cases. A further weakness is the heterogenous spectrum of infertility markers and the limited number of studies which required to define for the analysis the rather vague outcome parameter “suspected infertility”. Wider implications of the findings Our data suggest a high risk of infertility due to chemotherapies in soft tissue sarcomas. This appears to be more pronounced in females than in males, although precise information cannot be given due to limited data. However, even though the study emphasizes the importance to consider fertility preservation measures. Trial registration number PROSPERO (Registry number CRD42023385402)

Associations between Sleep and Physical Activity Behavior Clusters and Epigenetic Age Acceleration in Mexican Adolescents.

Epigenetic aging, a marker of biological aging measured by DNA methylation, may be affected by behaviors, including sleep and physical activity. However, investigations of physical activity and sleep with epigenetic aging among pediatric populations are scant and have not accounted for correlated behaviors. The study population included 472 Mexico City adolescents (52% female). Blood collection and 7-day wrist actigraphy (Actigraph GTX-BT) occurred during a follow-up visit when participants were 14.5 (2.09) years. Leukocyte DNA methylation was measured with the Infinium MethylationEPIC array after bisulfite conversion, and 9 epigenetic clocks were calculated. Sleep vs wake time was identified through a pruned dynamic programing algorithm, and physical activity was processed with Chandler cut-offs. Kmeans clustering was used to select actigraphy-assessed physical activity and sleep behavior clusters. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate adjusted associations between the clusters and epigenetic aging. There were 3 unique clusters: "Short sleep/high sedentary behavior", "Adequate sleep duration and late timing/low moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA)", and "Adequate sleep duration/high MVPA". Compared to the "Adequate duration/high MVPA", adolescents with "Adequate duration and late sleep timing/low MVPA" had more accelerated aging for the GrimAge clock (β = 0.63;95% CI 0.07, 1.19). In pubertal-stratified analyses, more mature adolescents in the "Adequate duration and late sleep timing/low MVPA group" had accelerated epigenetic aging. In contrast, females in the "Short sleep/high sedentary" group had decelerated epigenetic aging for the Wu pediatric clock. Associations between behavior clusters and epigenetic aging varied by pubertal status and sex. Contrary results in the Wu clock suggest the need for future research on pediatric-specific clocks.