Relative Body Mass Research Articles

Enhanced maximal exercise capacity, vasodilation to electrical muscle contraction, and hind limb vascular density in ASIC1a null mice.

Acid‐sensing ion channel (ASIC) proteins form extracellular proton‐gated, cation‐selective channels in neurons and vascular smooth muscle cells and are proposed to act as extracellular proton sensors. However, their importance to vascular responses under conditions associated with extracellular acidosis, such as strenuous exercise, is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if one ASIC protein, ASIC1a, contributes to extracellular proton‐gated vascular responses and exercise tolerance. To determine if ASIC1a contributes to exercise tolerance, we determined peak oxygen (O2) uptake in conscious ASIC1a−/− mice during exhaustive treadmill running. Loss of ASIC1a was associated with a greater peak running speed (60 ± 2 vs. 53 ± 3 m·min−1, P = 0.049) and peak oxygen (O2) uptake during exhaustive treadmill running (9563 ± 120 vs. 8836 ± 276 mL·kg−1·h−1, n = 6–7, P = 0.0082). There were no differences in absolute or relative lean body mass, as determined by EchoMRI. To determine if ASIC1a contributes to vascular responses during muscle contraction, we measured femoral vascular conductance (FVC) during a stepwise electrical stimulation (0.5–5.0 Hz at 3 V for 60 sec) of the left major hind limb muscles. FVC increased to a greater extent in ASIC1a−/− versus ASIC1a+/+ mice (0.44 ± 0.03 vs. 0.30 ± 0.04 mL·min−1·100 g hind limb mass−1 · mmHg−1, n = 5 each, P = 0.0009). Vasodilation following local application of external protons in the spinotrapezius muscle increased the duration, but not the magnitude, of the vasodilatory response in ASIC1a−/− mice. Finally, we examined hind limb vascular density using micro‐CT and found increased density of 0–80 μm vessels (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest an increased vascular density and an enhanced vasodilatory response to local protons, to a lesser degree, may contribute to the enhanced vascular conductance and increased peak exercise capacity in ASIC1a−/− mice.

Meta-analysis of gene-environment interaction exploiting gene-environment independence across multiple case-control studies.

Multiple papers have studied the use of gene-environment (G-E) independence to enhance power for testing gene-environment interaction in case-control studies. However, studies that evaluate the role of G-E independence in a meta-analysis framework are limited. In this paper, we extend the single-study empirical Bayes type shrinkage estimators proposed by Mukherjee and Chatterjee (2008) to a meta-analysis setting that adjusts for uncertainty regarding the assumption of G-E independence across studies. We use the retrospective likelihood framework to derive an adaptive combination of estimators obtained under the constrained model (assuming G-E independence) and unconstrained model (without assumptions of G-E independence) with weights determined by measures of G-E association derived from multiple studies. Our simulation studies indicate that this newly proposed estimator has improved average performance across different simulation scenarios than the standard alternative of using inverse variance (covariance) weighted estimators that combines study-specific constrained, unconstrained, or empirical Bayes estimators. The results are illustrated by meta-analyzing 6 different studies of type 2 diabetes investigating interactions between genetic markers on the obesity related FTO gene and environmental factors body mass index and age.

Dehydration resistance and tolerance in the brush-legged wolf spider (Schizocosaocreata): a comparison of survivorship, critical body water content, and water-loss rates between sexes

Small-bodied terrestrial animals like spiders face challenges maintaining water reserves essential for homeostasis. They may experience dry microclimates and (or) seasonal variation in water availability, so dehydration is a common stressor that may help explain movement, foraging, and other behaviors. This study examines aspects of dehydration resistance and tolerance in the brush-legged wolf spider, Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz, 1844) (Araneae: Lycosidae), commonly found in the leaf litter of eastern deciduous forests of North America. Sexes differ in morphology, physiology, reproductive strategy, and life history, likely resulting in divergent abilities to resist and tolerate dehydration. We used humidity-controlled chambers to examine relative survivorship by sex under varying humidity regimes, water-loss rates, body water content, and critical water mass. Spiders survived significantly longer in higher humidity regimes (≥50% RH). Females had significantly better survivorship overall, lower body-loss rates, and lower critical mass, though males had greater percent body water content, indicating that females have greater dehydration resistance and tolerance than males. Although sex-based differences in survival time and water-loss rates are likely an effect of relative body mass, females should be more successful than males during periods of episodic drought and are likely selected to survive later in the season while caring for offspring.

Impact of Moderate Intensity Endurance Exercise on Kidney Injury

PURPOSE: Exercise-induced redistribution of blood results in a decreased renal perfusion and changes in glomerular permeability and filtration ratio. These alterations may lead to a deterioration of renal function or even acute, but transient, renal failure. Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM1) and Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are new urinary biomarkers to detect kidney injury in an early stage. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an acute bout of endurance exercise on urinary KIM1 and NGAL levels. METHODS: A total of 60 subjects (56±10 years) participated in an annual walking event and walked 30-50 km at a self-selected pace. Heart rate was recorded every 5 km. Baseline and post-exercise blood and urine samples were taken to assess fluid balance and kidney injury and body mass was measured to determine the relative body mass loss. Urinary KIM1 and NGAL levels were corrected for variations in urine volume and for urinary concentration changes using urinary cystatin C. RESULTS: Subjects completed the exercise bout at 71±9% of their predicted maximal heart rate. At baseline, kidney function, measured as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 89.3±11.6 mL/min, whereas 49% of the subjects had a slightly decreased kidney function (eGFR<90 mL/min). Post-exercise body mass loss was 0.9±1.2% and 20% of the subjects were dehydrated after exercise (relative body mass loss >2%). We observed a significant increase in post-exercise cystatin C-corrected urinary NGAL levels (3.0±1.5 ng/10μg cystatin C) compared to baseline (2.3±1.3 ng/10μg cystatin C, p=0.025). Moreover, 65% of subjects demonstrated elevated NGAL levels after exercise. In contrary, corrected urinary KIM1 levels did not change after exercise (0.70±0.45 versus 0.74±0.49 ng/10μg cystatin C, p=0.63). At baseline, 2 subjects were detected with proteinuria, whereas 8 subjects had post-exercise proteinuria (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: The increased levels of cystatin C corrected NGAL and proteinuria after an acute bout of endurance exercise suggest that an acute bout of endurance exercise may cause transient kidney injury.

Phylogenetic and dietary patterning in the morphology of avian colic ceca

In birds, the colic ceca appear as a pair of blind sacs that arise from the junction of the ileum and colon. The length of the ceca is variable among species, ranging from absent to as long as 50% the length of the small and large intestine. We tested the hypotheses that cecal length is related to diet composition, and that phylogenetic relationships are not reflected in cecal morphology. We collated published data on relative cecal length, dietary category, and body mass from 150 avian taxa. To test whether these data patterned phylogenetically, we mapped the character states for each of the 150 avian taxa onto a recently published supertree and recorded the number of evolutionary steps. We then generated 1000 and 10,000 random simulated trees, and mapped the data onto them. None of the simulations required as few evolutionary steps as the real supertree (p&lt;0.001), indicating a significant phylogenetic signal in avian colic cecal morphology. The correlation between diet composition and relative cecal length was not significant (pairwise correlation and Pagel's analyses). However, this could be due to the absence of clades with a large variability in both cecal length and diet. We also found that birds within a given clade have a similar relative cecal size, which further suggests that phylogenetic relationship dominates dietary function. Future work within Galloanserae will examine the relationship between dietary function, cecal size, and phylogenetic relationships. We will specifically test whether plasticity in cecal length is a response to dietary alterations.

Lack of association of the HSD11B1 gene polymorphisms with obesity and other traits of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents

Introduction. Obesity and its related disorders, clustered into metabolic syndrome (MetS), are increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents. Clinical features, which define MetS are also encountered in patients with glucocorticoid excess. Since no evident hypercortisolaemia was detected in obesity and MetS, investigations turned to the local modulators of cortisol action. 11b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, encoded by HSD11B1 gene, controls tissue availability of cortisol by its regeneration from inert cortisone. Changes in HSD11B1 expression and enzyme activity may be influenced by its sequence variants and seem implicated in MetS pathogenesis. Our study was designed to evaluate plausible association of the HSD11B1 polymorphisms with early-onset obesity and features of MetS in Polish children and adolescents. Material and methods. The study comprised of 258 obese children (136 females), aged 12.3 ± 3.6 years, with excessive body mass lasting 7.1 ± 3.8 years. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, baseline biochemical analyses and oral glucose tolerance test were performed in all participants. Genotyp­ing of the HSD11B1 variants rs12086634, rs846910, rs4844880, and rs3753519 was conducted in obese youth and compared with 568 lean blood donors. Results. Mean relative body mass index in obese cohort was 164.7 ± 27.1%. Hypertension was detected in 12.4%, impaired fasting glucose in 8.9%, impaired glucose tolerance in 10.8%, diabetes in 2.7%, and dyslipidemia in 31.4% children and adolescents. None of the studied HSD11B1 polymorphisms displayed significant difference in frequency between obese and lean individuals. MetS was diagnosed in 27.6% of 203 patients with obesity aged 10–18 years. Further genotype-stratified analyses of relationship between HSD11B1 variants and particular features of MetS did not confirm increased susceptibility to develop early-onset hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and hypertension in carriers of specific genotypes at rs4844880, rs846910, rs3753519, and rs12086634 (p ≥ 0.05 in all tests). Conclusion. Our study does not support the implication of the HSD11B1 polymorphisms in early-onset obesity and other features of MetS.

Relative Body Mass Index as a New Tool for Nutritional Status Assessment in Children and Adolescents with Bronchial Asthma

Relative Body Mass Index as a New Tool for Nutritional Status Assessment in Children and Adolescents with Bronchial Asthma

Early development and the emergence of individual differences in behavior among littermates of wild rabbit pups

The ontogeny of associated individual differences in behavior and physiology during early postnatal life, and in particular the emergence of such differences among litter siblings, has been hardly explored in mammals under natural conditions. We studied such within-litter differences in behavior in European rabbit pups Oryctolagus cuniculus prior to weaning, and whether and how these differences co-varied with other individual characteristics such as postnatal body temperature and early growth. The study was conducted under semi-natural conditions in a colony of rabbits of wild origin, where the young were born and developed in nursery burrows. We equipped two siblings per litter with interscapular skin temperature loggers on postnatal day 2 and recorded temperature profiles for 48h. Individual body (skin) temperatures of pups within litters were repeatable across time, indicating the existence of consistent individual differences. Such differences within litters were associated with relative differences in pre-weaning growth, revealing that relatively warmer pups showed a greater increase in body mass during the nest period. Between postnatal days 12 and 17, after the pups had reached a developmental stage of greater mobility, we carried out different behavioral tests: a handling-restraint test, an open field test and a jump-down test from a platform. Individual responses in the former two tests were associated, as those pups showing a quicker struggling response to restraint during handling also exhibited greater exploratory activity in the open field. This correlation across contexts suggests the existence of personality types in wild rabbits at an early developmental stage. Furthermore, pups' behavioral responses were strongly associated with their relative within-litter body mass at testing. Animals with a lower body mass compared to their siblings showed a relatively quicker struggle response to handling restraint and covered a relatively larger distance in the open field, suggesting greater reactivity and responsiveness of relatively lighter pups in these tests. In contrast, relatively heavier pups jumped sooner from the platform, which may have been due to their greater physical maturation. In conclusion, our study shows that individual differences in behavior and associated differences in body temperature and growth are already present during early postnatal life, although such relationships can be easily overlooked, as they predominantly emerge as relative differences among littermates.

State Nutrition of Pre-School Children // Stanje uhranjenosti predškolske dece

The aim of the research was to analyse the state of nutrition in pre-school children. The sample enrolled 325 children, among which 196 boys and 129 girls. There was measuring in May 2015. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics methods and multivariate (MANOVA) variance analyses for p≤0.05. It was established that boys and girls of pre-school age significantly differ in statistical terms as far as nutrition state is concerned. Univaried (ANOVA) variance analyses pointed to differences also in following variables Body Mass, Ideal Body Mass and Body Mass Index in favor of girls and Relative Body Mass in favor of boys. The percentage of undernourished children was extremely high (31.76%), at the same time there were 13.54% of overweight children. 54.70% of children were found to be of normal nutritional status.

Size distribution and length-weight relationships in Pholis fangi in Haizhou Bay

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 海州湾方氏云鳚体长与体重分布特征及其关系 DOI: 作者: 作者单位: 1. 中国海洋大学 水产学院, 山东 青岛 266003;2. 青岛海洋科学与技术国家实验室 海洋渔业科学与食物产出过程功能实验室, 山东 青岛 266003 作者简介: 栾静(1993-),女,硕士研究生,主要从事渔业资源的研究.E-mail:lj_199308@126.com 通讯作者: 中图分类号: S93 基金项目: 中央高校基本科研业务费专项资金资助（201612002，201512002）. Size distribution and length-weight relationships in Pholis fangi in Haizhou Bay Author: Affiliation: 1. Key Laboratory of East China Sea and Oceanic Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture;East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 20009, China;2. College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:体长、体重是鱼类种群的基本生物学特征，能够反映鱼类个体生理状态以及所处环境条件的变化，但在实际研究中其时空变化往往被忽略。本文根据2011-2016年春、秋季海州湾8个航次的渔业资源底拖网调查数据，研究了方氏云鳚（）的体长组成、体重组成，体长-体重关系和肥满度特征，并分析了上述指标的时空异质性。结果表明，海州湾方氏云鳚的群体有多个年龄组，体长、体重和体长-体重关系参数及肥满度在时空上均有较大波动，且在年间差异显著。秋季各航次平均体长、体重呈现逐年增大趋势；肥满度的季节差异要大于年间差异，春季肥满度小于秋季；体长和肥满度在海州湾分布均是西南部大于东北部，但秋季肥满度分布则与此相反。调查的方氏云鳚群体基本符合正异速生长类型。体长体重特征的时空异质性可能与气候、摄食强度、性成熟比例与捕捞压力等有关，并在一定程度上反映了渔业生态系统和栖息地特征。相关研究应充分考虑体长、体重关系参数的时空变化，以为渔业资源评估提供精确参数。 Abstract:Body size is a basic biological characteristic in fish populations and can reflect individual physiology as well as changing environment conditions. Slight variabilities in some biological parameters may result in complex ecological effects, and affect food web link intensity in trophic cascades. However, the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of size composition within populations have often been ignored in many studies of fish biology. We use Fang's gunnel () in Haizhou Bay as an example for studying the variability of body size on an annual scale. is a low trophic fish and plays an important role in the food web and ecosystem of the Yellow Sea, with increasing dominance in Haizhou Bay. We collected annual bottom trawl surveys in Haizhou Bay in the spring and fall from 2011 to 2016. We used a range of statistical methods, included variable coefficient, covariance analysis, two-sample -test, and Pearson correlation analysis to study the population size composition, length-weight relationship, and relative fatness of in this area. We analyzed the annual and seasonal variability as well as the spatial distribution of body length and relative body mass. The results showed that had multiple age structure in Haizhou Bay. Their length frequency distributions were multi-modal and skewed, with the majority of captured individuals aged 2-3 years. Statistical analysis indicated that there were remarkable temporal and spatial variations in the average size and the parameters of body length-weight relationship of <0.05). The average body length and relative fatness tended to be higher during autumn surveys than spring surveys. Variation in relative fatness was greater between seasons than among years. In spring, the spatial distribution of body length and relative fatness was larger in the southwest area than the northeast area of the bay. A -test on the body length-weight relationship showed that the allometric growth patterns of were generally positive. Correlation analyses between benthic water temperature and the length-weight relationship showed that temperature had a substantial influence on the relative fatness, body length-weight relationship, and mean body length. The spatiotemporal variability of fish size and other parameters may be attributed to their feeding intensity, maturation, fishing pressure, and environmental and habit variation, and is also likely to reflect changes in the fishery ecosystem. We suggest that the spatiotemporal variability of population size composition should be fully considered in fisheries resource management, as these basic parameters can contribute significantly to fishery ecosystem modelling and management strategy evaluation. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Development of relative body mass (BMI) of students from Łódź, depending on the selected environmental, psychological and sociological factors

The human height-to-weight ratio is an important parameter of the body homeostasis. Currently, the most popular measurement determining the relationship between body mass and height is the Quetelet II indicator, called Body Mass Index (BMI). The aim of this study is an evaluation of the differences in the height-to-weight ratios, depending on selected environmental, psychological and sociological factors in people studying at higher education institutions in Łódź. The research was conducted among students of higher education institutions in Łódź, by electronic means or with the use of an anonymous survey. It consisted of 28 closed single or multiple choice questions. Statistical analysis was made of complete results of the research involving 135 people, both males and females, aged between 19-26. It was revealed that the factors related to higher BMI values in students are the following: the presence of a tendency in the students to gain weight themselves, and a tendency to gain weight present in their mothers, an evaluation of their own body mass as excessive, regularly smoking cigarettes and rarely undergoing medical check-ups. Among the factors connected with lower BMI values are: regular coffee consumption, perception of their own body mass as being too low, and also obtaining systolic pressure values below 110 mm Hg. Additionally, a positive correlation between taking up physical activity and higher values of systolic blood pressure (p&lt;0.05) was shown. Among the subjects, it was found that 92% of the underweight women declared that their body mass and figure were normal. In the case of women with optimal BMI values, 40% stated that their body mass was excessive. In the case of men the problem was reverse: 50% of the subjects who were either overweight or obese claimed that their body mass was within the norm. The factors that significantly influence body proportion differences among students include the subject’s and the subject’s mother’s tendency to put on weight, self-evaluation of their own body mass, the values of systolic blood pressure, coffee consumption and cigarette smoking, as well as the frequency of medical check-ups.

Assessment of senior pupils’ physical fitness considering physical condition indicators

Consideration of physical condition indicators in assessment pupils’ physical fitness permits to differentiate training and health restoration processes at physical culture lessons. Purpose: to substantiate criteria for pupils’ physical fitness assessment, considering their physical condition indicators. Material: in the research 10-11 form pupils (n=406; 211boys and 195 girls) participated. After physical fitness testing by requirement of acting programs we carried out diagnostic of pupils’ psycho-emotional state. Results: by results of physical; fitness we observed substantial deviation from universal law of normal distribution. It was found that physical condition indicators of most pupils are beyond normal. It was also determined that the most informative indicators are body length, chest circumference and body relative mass. We substantiated that it is necessary to consider physical condition indicators, when determining physical fitness level. We also substantiated and worked out differentiated normative for assessment pupils’ physical fitness. Conclusions: testing without consideration physical condition indicators does not facilitate pupils’ motivation for further physical self-perfection. Such testing results in high situational anxiety and unfavorable psycho-emotional state of pupils.

Moving south: effects of water temperatures on the larval development of invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) in cool-temperate Australia.

The distributional limits of many ectothermic species are set by thermal tolerances of early‐developmental stages in the life history; embryos and larvae often are less able to buffer environmental variation than are conspecific adults. In pond‐breeding amphibians, for example, cold water may constrain viability of eggs and larvae, even if adults can find suitable thermal conditions in terrestrial niches. Invasive species provide robust model systems for exploring these questions, because we can quantify thermal challenges at the expanding range edge (from field surveys) and larval responses to thermal conditions (in the laboratory). Our studies on invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) at the southern (cool‐climate) edge of their expanding range in Australia show that available ponds often average around 20°C during the breeding period, 10°C lower than in many areas of the toads’ native range, or in the Australian tropics. Our laboratory experiments showed that cane toad eggs and larvae cannot develop successfully at 16°C, but hatching success and larval survival rates were higher at 20°C than in warmer conditions. Lower temperatures slowed growth rates, increasing the duration of tadpole life, but also increased metamorph body mass. Water temperature also influenced metamorph body shape (high temperatures reduced relative limb length, head width, and body mass) and locomotor performance (increased speed from intermediate temperatures, longer hops from high temperatures). In combination with previous studies, our data suggest that lower water temperatures may enhance rather than reduce recruitment of cane toads, at least in areas where pond temperatures reach or exceed 20°C. That condition is fulfilled over a wide area of southern Australia, suggesting that the continuing expansion of this invasive species is unlikely to be curtailed by the impacts of relatively low water temperatures on the viability of early life‐history stages.

Modularity in ecological networks between frugivorous birds and congeneric plant species

Abstract:Ecological and evolutionary factors influence the presence of modules in species interaction networks, and these modules usually cluster functional similar species. But whether closely related species form modules is still unknown. We tested whether the interaction networks formed by frugivorous birds andMiconiaplants are modular and evaluated how modules were divided. To do so, we gathered from the literature data concerning four networks ofMiconiaand their frugivorous birds (three from Brazilian savanna and one from a rain forest in Panama). We quantified modularity using binary and weighted algorithms and also tested the relationship between bird traits (body mass, dietary specialization, migratory behaviour and phylogeny) in relation to within- and among-module connectivity indices (candzvalues). If considering only binary information, networks did not present distinct modular structure. Nevertheless, by including interaction strength, modules can be detected in all fourMiconia-bird networks. None of the bird traits, however, was related with the connectivity indices. The possible fluctuation of frugivorous bird abundance coupled with the asynchronic fruiting period ofMiconiamight favour the formation of temporal modules comprising birds and plant species with phenological overlap, ensuring seed dispersal and facilitating the coexistence in sympatry. Bird traits had little effect on the role that each species plays within the modular network, probably because the frugivorous assemblages were dominated by small-bodied and opportunistic species.

Fatigue, Cognitive Performance, and Subjective Recovery Time Estimation in High-Intensity Work

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS High-intensity work is associated with higher perceived fatigue, which could have a negative effect on both physical and cognitive performance. In particular, it may be unsafe and inefficient for workers to continue high-intensity physical work before complete recovery occurs (i.e., when heart rate returns to baseline levels). However, it is possible for workers to perform mental activities after subjective recovery time. After complete recovery, workers may return to performing the high-intensity physical work. The study evaluated a model of subjective recovery time using gender, relative body mass index, resting heart rate, perceived functional ability, and physical activity rating scores for high-intensity work tasks. With such subjective recovery time estimation, physical and mental work shift schedules that improve work efficiency can be designed.TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Many research studies have investigated the relationship between high-intensity work and cognitive performance. High-intensity work induces higher perceived fatigue, which could have a negative effect on cognitive performance. Few studies have focused on cognitive performance changes during the recovery procedure, however, especially after subjective recovery time. Purpose: Subjective recovery time estimation was examined here, to provide a basis for determining schedules of work that require alternating physical and mental processing. Methods: A total of 47 participants performed reaction tasks aimed at measuring cognitive performance at four time points: before high-intensity work, after high-intensity work, after subjective recovery time, and after complete recovery time. Data from an estimation group (n = 41) were used to derive the subjective recovery time estimate, while the remaining participant data (n = 6) were used for validation. Results: Cognitive performance declined after high-intensity work but improved after subjective recovery time. Subsequent analysis indicated that subjective recovery time was significantly and positively correlated with gender, relative body mass index, and heart rate. Conversely, significant negative correlations were found between subjective recovery time and both perceived functional ability and physical activity rating. Gender, relative body mass index, heart rate, perceived functional ability, and physical activity rating score predicted subjective recovery time (R2 = 0.74). The results of the cross-validation analysis demonstrated that the predicted and actual subjective recovery times were similar. Conclusion: The established model is an efficient tool, using predictor variables that are feasible to obtain in naturalistic work environments, which could be used to estimate subjective recovery time. Along with an existing model that predicts complete recovery time, reasonable arrangements of work schedules that alternate mental and physical work could be designed to improve work efficiency and security.

Assessment of nutritional status of dialysis patients in dialysis centre Novo Mesto

Abstract Background Malnutrition is an important cause of morbidity and mortality of dialysis patients. It is important to estimate the individual's nutritional status, detect malnutrition, start nutritional counselling, prescribe an appropriate diet, protein enriched food, oral and parenteral nutritional supplements. In dialysis centre Novo mesto we use MIS score (malnutrition inflammation score) for assessment of nutritional status of dialysis patients every six or twelve months. Methods MIS score contains categories like patients’ related medical history, physical exam, laboratory parameters and body mass index. The sum of all MIS components ranges from 0 to 30 points. The score from 0 to 4 implies a good nutritional status. The result between ≥5 and ≤ 9 indicates the median nutritional risk and the need for the additional nutritional treatment by nephrologist. The score ≥ 10 points indicates the high nutritional risk and need for extra nutritional treatment at the clinical nutrition clinic. Results The first MIS score was carried out in December 2014 on 90 dialysis patients. The average MIS score was 3.87. MIS ≥ 5 had 19 (21.1%) patients. Additional nutritional treatment by the nephrologist (MIS ≥5 and ≤ 9) needed 11 patients (12.2%). Eight patients (8.9%) were (MIS ≥ 10) referred to the clinical nutrition clinic. Nine (47.3%) patients with ≥ 5 MIS did not accept the offered treatment and nutritional supplements. Assessment of the nutrition status with MIS score after one year (December 2015) included 77 dialysis patients. Seven of 19 malnourished patients from December 2014 (MIS ≥5) died; 5 of those did not accept the offered nutritional supplements. The average MIS score in December 2015 has improved by 0.31 and was 3.56. MIS ≥ 5 had 13 patients (16.9%). Additional nutritional treatment by the nephrologist (MIS ≥5 and ≤ 9) needed 8 patients (10.4%). Referred to the clinic for clinical nutrition (MIS ≥ 10) were 5 patients (6.5%). Conclusion MIS score is a satisfactory nutritional screening of dialysis patients. There is a great importance for early detection of malnutrition and an adequate nutritional support, therefore even more frequent screening would be reasonable. Nutritional counseling, multidisciplinary treatment and the inclusion of the patient's family and friends in nutrition is of key importance in improving the quality of life and to reduce morbidity and mortality. Keywords: MIS score, malnutrition, additional nutritional support

Historical Study (1986-2014): Improvements in Nutritional Status of Dialysis Patients

Malnutrition is common in dialysis patients and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Despite an increased focus on improved nutrition in dialysis patients, it is claimed that the prevalence of malnutrition in this group of patients has not changed during the last decades. Direct historical comparisons of the nutritional status of dialysis patients have never been published. To directly compare the nutritional status of past and current dialysis patients, we implemented the methodology of a study from 1986 on a population of dialysis patients in2014. Historical study comparing results of two cross-sectional studies performed in 1986 and2014. We compared the nutritional status of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients attending the dialysis center at Roskilde Hospital, Denmark, in February to June 2014, with that of HD and PD patients treated at the dialysis center at Fredericia Hospital, Denmark, in April1986. Maintenance PD and HD patients (n=64 in 2014 and n=48 in 1986). We performed anthropometry (body weight, triceps skinfold, and midarm muscle circumferences [MAMCs]) and determined plasma transferrin. Relative body weight, triceps skinfold, MAMC, body mass index, and prevalence of protein-caloric malnutrition as defined in the original study from1986. Average relative body weight, triceps skinfold, MAMC, and body mass index were significantly higher in 2014 compared with 1986. The prevalence of protein-caloric malnutrition was significantly lower in 2014 (18%) compared with 1986 (52%). The nutritional status of maintenance dialysis patients has improved during the last 3decades. The reason for this improvement could not be identified in the present study, but the most likely contributors are the higher prevalence of obesity in the general population, less predialytic malnutrition, and an improved focus on nutrition in maintenance dialysis patients.

Diurnal variation in corticosterone release among wild tropical forest birds.

BackgroundGlucocorticoids are adrenal steroid hormones essential to homeostatic maintenance. Their daily variation at low concentrations regulates physiology and behavior to sustain proper immunological and metabolic function. Glucocorticoids rise well above these baseline levels during stress to elicit emergency-state responses that increase short-term survival. Despite this essence in managing life processes under both regular and adverse conditions, relationships of glucocorticoid release to environmental and intrinsic factors that vary at daily and seasonal scales are rarely studied in the wild.MethodsThis study on 41 passerine species of the Ecuadorian Chocó applied a standardized capture-and-restraint protocol to examine diurnal variation in baseline and stress-related release of corticosterone, the primary avian glucocorticoid. Tests for relationships to relative body mass, hemoglobin concentration, molt status and date complemented this evaluation of the time of day effect on corticosterone secretion in free-living tropical rainforest birds. Analyses were also partitioned by sex as well as performed separately on two common species, the wedge-billed woodcreeper and olive-striped flycatcher.ResultsInterspecific analyses indicated maximum baseline corticosterone levels at the onset of the active phase and reductions thereafter. Stress-related levels did not correspond to time of day but accompanied baseline reductions during molt and elevations in birds sampled later during the September - November study period. Baseline corticosterone related negatively to hemoglobin in the wedge-billed woodcreeper and stress-related levels increased with body mass in the olive-striped flycatcher. There were no substantial sex-related differences.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest a diurnal rhythmicity in baseline corticosterone release so robust as to emerge in pooled analyses across a highly variable dataset. While this detection in nature is singular, correspondent patterns have been demonstrated outside of the tropics in captive model species. Congruity in daily rhythms and links to physiological and life-history state across disparate taxa and environments may promote the yet unresolved utility of corticosterone release as a global metric for population health. However, certain results of this study also deviate from laboratory and field research at higher latitudes, cautioning generalization. Environmental distinctions such as high productivity and tempered seasonality may precipitate unique life-history strategies and underlying hormonal mechanisms in tropical rainforest birds.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12983-016-0151-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Field Position In Soccer Influencing Maladaptative Effect In Morphological And Body Composition Variables

Soccer players are divided into six field positions, and players in side positions (fullbacks, wide midfielders) often demonstrate distinct kicking leg preference in actions such as crossing and long distance passing. These preferences can lead to strength and morphological asymmetries (MA) which can result in large changes in myodynamic characteristics of the muscles, particularly in the preferred (kicking) leg. PURPOSE: To compare anthropometric parameters and body composition (BC), and to identify MAs in relation to field position (FP) in elite soccer players. METHODS: The monitored players (n = 104, age 18.2 ± 0.6 yrs) of the highest Czech league (U19) were divided according to FP into: goalkeepers (GK), fullbacks (FB), central defenders (CD), wide midfielders (WM), central midfielders (CM), and attackers (AT), and were tested using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. The following parameters were observed: Body Height (BH), Body Mass (BM), Lean Body Mass (LBM), relative Lean Body Mass (LBMr), percentage of Fat Mass (FM), the ratio Extra to Body Cell Mass (ECM/BCM), as well as segmental proportion of muscle mass in upper extremities, trunk, lower extremities and percentage differences between the upper extremities (ΔUE) and lower extremities (ΔLE). RESULTS: Multilevel analysis of variance revealed significant differences in means of the selected variables between the FPs (F(65.410) = 2.06, λ = .26, p < .01, η2 = .23). The criterion of “field position” had a significant effect on all screened variables apart from ECM/BCM, FM, LBMr, and ΔUE (p > .05). FBs and WMs are significantly smaller and lighter in comparison to other FPs (p < .01). We detected significant differences in ΔLE with respect to FPs (F(5.98) = 6.53, p < .01, η2 = .25). Significant differences were also found in FBs (3.54 ± 1.20 %) and WMs (3.58 ± 1.39 %) in comparison to CDs (2.19 ± 1.11 %), ATs (2.04 ± 1.62 %) and GKs (1.14 ± 0.96 %). CONCLUSION: Research has shown differences between anthropometric indicators and body composition parameters in players on the basis of division according to their FPs. Maladaptive effects in terms of different segmental muscle mass proportion between the preferred and non-preferred leg may represent a potential risk of a player’s injury, especially for FBs and WMs. Supported by PRVOUK P38.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of psychotropic medications: Differences between sexes

The gender based or gender sensitive pharmacology is a new research area. Differences among sexes are observed in several parameters of their pharmacokinetic which may relate to alteration of their pharmacodynamic as well. Most psychotropics are given per os, and the greater part of their absorption takes place in the small intestine. Premenopausal women have slower gastric emptying times and lower gastrointestinal blood flow which probably reduces the extent of drug absorption. The distribution of drugs is influenced by the relative lower body mass index, the lower blood volume and flow and the greater percentage of body fat of women. Further, the elimination and renal clearance is reduced in women and the hepatic metabolism differ between sexes. Besides, women differ from men in physiological conditions which may have an impact on the psychotropic medication and dosage required for efficacy and response. Women are exposed to monthly hormonal fluctuations (menstruation), pregnancy, puerperium, menopause and use of contraceptives or synthetic hormonal replacement therapies. Throughout of these conditions changes may occur in total body water, in renal clearance, cardiovascular and autoimmune system, which may cause fluctuations in the activity of the psychotropics, changes in the central neurotransmitters, in the number and sensitivity of the receptors, and the general metabolism as well. Despite the fact that women are the primer consumers of psychotropic medication, taking more psychotropics as well as more multiple medications than men, little attention has been paid to sex differences in psychopharmacology. Till recently women were under-represented or excluded from most of the pharmacological clinical trials. The treatment guidelines for psychotropic medication are based on studies verified and investigated almost exclusively in men. Results from such studies were generalized and recommended for use in the clinical practice without any critique and justification between the sexes. In conclusion, women compared to men, tend to have a greater bioavailability and slower elimination of drugs leading to higher concentrations of free circulating drugs in serum and causing more side effects and adverse reactions to the psychotropic medication than men do. In general, women require lower doses of antidepressants, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines than men. For safety and efficacy reasons and despite the fact that research is still being carried out to determine the exact differences in pharmacodynamic of several psychotropics between genders, the clinician must be aware of the reported effect of the recommended medications on serum levels and organ tissues both for men and women.