Relative Body Mass Research Articles

Prevalence of Daily Physical Activity and Obesity Among Students Grade 5th and 6th

Background: One of the most pressing threats for children’s health status is overweight and obesity. Previous literature indicates that increasing relative body mass index (RBMI) is accompanied by physical inactivity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of daily physical activity and obesity among students grade 5th and 6th. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out to determine the distribution of daily physical activity according to gender and relative body mass index in overweight and obese children. We randomly selected 12 primary schools and studied their health profiles, including body mass index (BMI) and RBMI. We then selected those who were in the range of overweight and obesity based on the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS). Daily physical activities of the subjects were assessed by a self-administered recall tool and concurrently via interviewing the subjects' mothers. Results: There was a significant difference between the prevalence of obesity and being overweight between genders (P = 0.000). Overweight children, regardless of their gender, had higher daily physical activity than obese individuals and the ANOVA test showed a significant difference between means of daily metabolic equivalent of task (MET) for different genders and relative body mass index (P = 0.000). Conclusions: As increasing RBMI is concomitant with decreased daily physical activities in both genders, it is important to set plans to increase physical activities of obese children rather than overweight ones.

What enables size-selective trophy hunting of wildlife?

Although rarely considered predators, wildlife hunters can function as important ecological and evolutionary agents. In part, their influence relates to targeting of large reproductive adults within prey populations. Despite known impacts of size-selective harvests, however, we know little about what enables hunters to kill these older, rarer, and presumably more wary individuals. In other mammalian predators, predatory performance varies with knowledge and physical condition, which accumulates and declines, respectively, with age. Moreover, some species evolved camouflage as a physical trait to aid in predatory performance. In this work, we tested whether knowledge-based faculty (use of a hunting guide with accumulated experience in specific areas), physical traits (relative body mass [RBM] and camouflage clothing), and age can predict predatory performance. We measured performance as do many hunters: size of killed cervid prey, using the number of antler tines as a proxy. Examining ∼4300 online photographs of hunters posing with carcasses, we found that only the presence of guides increased the odds of killing larger prey. Accounting for this effect, modest evidence suggested that unguided hunters presumably handicapped with the highest RBM actually had greater odds of killing large prey. There was no association with hunter age, perhaps because of our coarse measure (presence of grey hair) and the performance trade-offs between knowledge accumulation and physical deterioration with age. Despite its prevalence among sampled hunters (80%), camouflage had no influence on size of killed prey. Should these patterns be representative of other areas and prey, and our interpretations correct, evolutionarily-enlightened harvest management might benefit from regulatory scrutiny on guided hunting. More broadly, we suggest that by being nutritionally and demographically de-coupled from prey and aided by efficient killing technology and road access, wildlife hunters in the developed world might have overcome many of the physical, but not knowledge-based, challenges of hunting.

Effects of energy expenditure gene polymorphisms on obesity-related traits in obese children

To assess the frequencies of common polymorphisms of genes associated with energy expenditure among Hungarian obese children and investigate their influences on obesity-related traits and metabolic complications of common childhood obesity. In a total of 528 obese children (age 13.2±2.6 years) an oral glucose tolerance test and determination of fasting serum lipid levels were carried out, blood pressure and resting energy expenditure were measured and the children were genotyped for the following gene polymorphisms: Trp64Arg of β3-adrenoreceptor (ADRB3), -3826 A/G of uncoupling protein (UCP)-1, exon 8 45 bp del/ins and -866 G/A of UCP-2, -55 C/T of UCP-3, and Pro12Ala of peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor gamma-2. Carriers of the ADRB3 Arg64 allele had a significantly higher relative body weight and relative body mass index compared with non-carriers. The UCP-2 exon 8 del/ins polymorphism was associated with higher degree of obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipideamia and lower adjusted metabolic rate. Children with UCP-3 -55 T/T genotype had a significantly lower adjusted metabolic rate than the C allele carriers. We found evidence for associations between common polymorphisms of the ADRB3, the UCP-2 and UCP-3 genes and basic metabolic rate as well as level and metabolic consequences of common obesity among Hungarian school-aged children.

Understanding mismatches in body size, speed and power among adolescent rugby union players

With adolescent sport increasingly challenged by mismatches in size, new strategies are important to maximize participation. The objectives were to (1) improve the understanding of mismatches in physical size, speed and power in adolescent rugby union players, (2) explore associations between size and performance with demographic, playing-history, and injury profiles, and (3) explore the applicability of existing criteria for age/body mass-based dispensation (playing-down) strategies. Cross-sectional study. Four hundred and eighty-five male community rugby union players were recruited from three Australian states selected to represent community-based U12, U13, U14 and U15 players. Body mass, stature, speed (10, 30, and 40 m sprints) and lower-leg power (relative peak power and relative peak force) were measured. Independent student t-tests, linear regressions and Chi square analyses were undertaken. Mean values in age groups for size, speed and power masked considerable overlap in the ranges within specific age groups of adolescent rugby players. Only a small proportion of players (approximately 5%) shared the highest and lowest tertiles for speed, relative peak power and body mass. Physical size was not related to injury. The mean body mass of current community rugby union players was above the 75th percentile on normative growth-charts. The notion that bigger, faster, and more powerful characteristics occur simultaneously in adolescent rugby players was not supported in the present study. Current practices in body mass-based criteria for playing down an age group lack a sufficient evidence for decision-making. Dispensation solely based on body mass may not address mismatch in junior rugby union.

Body mass index at early adulthood, subsequent weight change and cancer incidence and mortality.

Obesity later in adulthood is associated with increased risks of many cancers. However, the effect of body fatness in early adulthood, and change in weight from early to later adulthood on cancer risk later in life is less clear. We used data from 13,901 people aged 45-64 in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort who at baseline (1987-1989) self-reported their weight at the age of 25 and had weight and height measured. Incident cancers were identified through 2006 and cancer deaths were ascertained through 2009. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to relate body mass index (BMI) at age 25 and percent weight change from age 25 to baseline to cancer incidence and mortality. After adjusting for weight change from age 25 until baseline, a 5 kg/m(2) increment in BMI at age 25 was associated with a greater risk of incidence of all cancers in women [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.10 (1.02-1.20)], but not in men. Associations with incident endometrial cancer were strong [1.83 (1.47-2.26)]. After adjusting for BMI at age 25, a 5% increment in weight from age 25 to baseline was associated with a greater risk of incident postmenopausal breast cancer [1.05 (1.02-1.07)] and endometrial cancer [1.09 (1.04-1.14)] in women and incident colorectal cancer [1.05 (1.00-1.10)] in men. Excess weight during young adulthood and weight gain from young to older adulthood may be independently associated with subsequent cancer risk. Excess weight and weight gain in early adulthood should be avoided.

Hyperglycemia is associated with relatively lower lean body mass in older adults.

Older adults with known diabetes are vulnerable to accelerated loss of lean body mass. However, the relationship of hyperglycemia per se with lean body mass is not fully understood. We sought to examine the independent relationship of hyperglycemia with relative lean body mass in older persons without a reported history of diabetes. Cross-sectional nationally representative survey. United States. We studied U.S. adults >50 years without known diabetes (n=5434) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004). In linear regression models, we studied the relationship of measured HbA1c (<5.0%, 5.0-5.4%, 5.5-5.9%, 6.0-6.4%, ≥6.5%) with percent lean body mass, measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, after accounting for potential confounders. Among older U.S. men and women, progressively higher HbA1c was associated with relatively lower total, appendicular, and trunk percent lean mass, independent of demographics and height (all p<0.05). Accounting for physical activity, C-reactive protein, and diabetes-related comorbidities (heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, arthritis, neuropathy, hip fracture, amputation, cancer, pulmonary disease), undiagnosed diabetes (i.e. HbA1c ≥6.5%) versus reference (<5.0%) in both men and women was associated with lower total (-3.5±0.8% and -2.9±0.8%), appendicular (-1.8±0.5% and -1.2±0.4%), and trunk percent lean mass (-1.2±0.4% and -1.3±0.5%), respectively (all p<0.05). Persons at increased risk for diabetes (i.e. HbA1c 6.0-6.4%) also had significant decrements at these sites versus reference. Hyperglycemia is associated with relatively lower lean mass in a nationally representative population of older adults without history of diabetes. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the relationship of hyperglycemia with the accelerated decline of skeletal muscle mass in older persons.

MP63-12 HIGH RISK GLEASON PATTERNS AT PROSTATE BIOPSY AND BODY MASS INDEX

You have accessJournal of UrologyProstate Cancer: Detection & Screening III1 Apr 2014MP63-12 HIGH RISK GLEASON PATTERNS AT PROSTATE BIOPSY AND BODY MASS INDEX Vincenzo Serretta, Giovanni Caruana, Francesco Sommatino, Federico Torretta, Salvatore Scurria, and Vito Franco Vincenzo SerrettaVincenzo Serretta More articles by this author , Giovanni CaruanaGiovanni Caruana More articles by this author , Francesco SommatinoFrancesco Sommatino More articles by this author , Federico TorrettaFederico Torretta More articles by this author , Salvatore ScurriaSalvatore Scurria More articles by this author , and Vito FrancoVito Franco More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2014.02.1949AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Obesity has been related with higher Gleason grade and worse prognosis. Increasing proportion of Gleason pattern 4 or 5 is a critical factor for biochemical recurrence, progression and mortality. The endocrine activity of visceral fat could be responsible of the differentiation of the prostate malignant cell towards more aggressive fenotypes. The aim of our study was to relate Body Mass Index (BMI) with the detection of Gleason pattern 4 or higher at biopsy. METHODS Consecutive patients with positive prostate biopsy were included. A written informed consent was obtained in all patients. A transrectal prostate biopsy procedure with 12 cores was performed. The number of cores was increased to 24 in case of re-biopsy. All tissue samples were reviewed. Patients were classified according to BMI (Kg/m2) into 4 categories: underweight: 16-19,9; normal weight: 20-24,9; overweight: 25-29,9 and obese ≥30. Fisher's exact test was adopted for the statistical analysis of Gleason pattern 4 (< 4 or ≥ 4) and for single weight class distribution. The Pearson's Chi-squared test with Yates' continuity correction was used for aggregate BMI classes. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The biopsy specimen of 135 unselected consecutive patients diagnosed with prostate cancer were reviewed. The median age was 71 years (range 49-86). The median BMI was 26.8 (range 17.5-37.4). Only 2 patients (1,5%) were underweight, 38 (28,1%) patients had normal weight (median BMI 23,15), 61 (45,2%) were overweight (median BMI 26.8,) and 34 (25,2%) were obese (median BMI 35,3) Median PSA was 9.5 ng/ml (range 0,41-1339). A prostate nodule was palpable in 55 (40,7%) patients. The median prostate volume was 40,4 cc. Gleason patterns 4 or 5 were evident in 57 (42,2%) and not detected in the remaining 78 (57,8%) patients. No statistically significant correlation was evident between the expression of Gleason patterns 4 or 5 at biopsy and the BMI class (p=0.79). CONCLUSIONS Although high risk prostate cancer has been reported more frequently in patients with higher BMI, in our experience no significant correlation between BMI and Gleason patterns 4 and 5 at biopsy emerged. Other factors related to metabolic syndrome could be responsible for the more aggressive behavior of prostate tumors in obese patients and should be the objects of future studies © 2014FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 191Issue 4SApril 2014Page: e713 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2014MetricsAuthor Information Vincenzo Serretta More articles by this author Giovanni Caruana More articles by this author Francesco Sommatino More articles by this author Federico Torretta More articles by this author Salvatore Scurria More articles by this author Vito Franco More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Variation in venom yield and protein concentration of the centipedes Scolopendra polymorpha and Scolopendra subspinipes

Venom generally comprises a complex mixture of compounds representing a non-trivial metabolic expense. Accordingly, natural selection should fine-tune the amount of venom carried within an animal's venom gland(s). The venom supply of scolopendromorph centipedes likely influences their venom use and has implications for the severity of human envenomations, yet we understand very little about their venom yields and the factors influencing them. We investigated how size, specifically body length, influenced volume yield and protein concentration of electrically extracted venom in Scolopendra polymorpha and Scolopendra subspinipes. We also examined additional potential influences on yield in S. polymorpha, including relative forcipule size, relative mass, geographic origin (Arizona vs. California), sex, time in captivity, and milking history. Volume yield was linearly related to body length, and S. subspinipes yielded a larger length-specific volume than S. polymorpha. Body length and protein concentration were uncorrelated. When considering multiple influences on volume yield in S. polymorpha, the most important factor was body length, but yield was also positively associated with relative forcipule length and relative body mass. S. polymorpha from California yielded a greater volume of venom with a higher protein concentration than conspecifics from Arizona, all else being equal. Previously milked animals yielded less venom with a lower protein concentration. For both species, approximately two-thirds of extractable venom was expressed in the first two pulses, with remaining pulses yielding declining amounts, but venom protein concentration did not vary across pulses. Further study is necessary to ascertain the ecological significance of the factors influencing venom yield and how availability may influence venom use.

Periodized resistance training with and without supplementation improve body composition and performance in older men

To examine the effects of 12 weeks of periodized resistance training (RT) with and without combined creatine and whey protein supplementation on changes in body composition, muscular strength, and functional performance. Twenty-two male volunteers (68.1 ± 6.1 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: RT plus supplementation (RTS, n = 7); RT only (RT, n = 7); or control (C, n = 8). RTS consumed 0.3 g/kg/day of creatine for 5 days followed by 0.07 g/kg/day. RTS also consumed one 35 g liquid protein ready-to-drink daily. RT and RTS trained 3 days/week. Following 12 weeks of training, there were no significant differences in the main measured outcome variables between RT and RTS. RTS increased relative (% change) lean body mass (LBM, 3.3 ± 3.1 %) compared with C (p = 0.01). Compared to baseline, RT increased LBM at week 6 (60.2 ± 8.3 to 61.6 ± 9.4 kg; p < 0.05), and decreased fat mass (20.8 ± 4.2 to 19.0 ± 3.9 kg; p = 0.05) and percentage body fat at week 12 (25.7 ± 3.8 to 23.8 ± 4.0 %; p = 0.05); RTS increased LBM at week 6 (p < 0.01) and week 12 (56.4 ± 4.3 to 58.2 ± 3.4 kg; p < 0.01), and decreased percentage body fat at week 12 (23.9 ± 4.4 to 22.0 ± 4.4 %; p < 0.01). In addition, compared to C, relative bench press 1-RM increased for RTS (72.4 ± 62.2 %; p < 0.01) and RT (50.1 ± 21.5 %; p = 0.05); relative leg press 1-RM increased for RTS (129.6 ± 39.4 %; p < 0.0001) and RT (112.9 ± 22.7 %; p < 0.0001); RTS increased relative Margaria stair-climbing power (38.3 ± 30.4 %; p < 0.05); and, relative 400-m walk time decreased for RT (-11 ± 9.2 %; p < 0.05) and RTS (-9.6 ± 9.4 %; p = 0.05). RT increased estimated VO2Max at week 6 (p < 0.01) and 12 (34.6 ± 1.9 to 36.4 ± 2.7 ml/kg/min; p = 0.01) compared to baseline. Lastly, RTS increased estimated VO2Max at week 12 (36.3 ± 2.7 to 37.5 ± 3.3 ml/kg/min; p = 0.05) compared to baseline. Creatine and whey protein supplementation may not provide additional benefits in older adults performing periodized RT to augment muscular and functional performance.

Responses of two sympatric sand lizards to exotic forestations in the coastal dunes of Argentina: some implications for conservation

Context Exotic forestations may modify habitat quality, affecting native animal populations that require specific microhabitats to remain viable. Aims We determined whether abundances and body condition of the lizard species Liolaemus wiegmannii and L. multimaculatus differed between forested and non-forested dunes. We also examined what environmental attributes are important in explaining the potential differences. Methods We sampled six sites of 300 ha each. Three of these sites had original vegetation and three were forested with exotic Acacia longifolia. We traced 120 transects per site searching for lizards. Key results Lizards were two times more abundant in non-forested sites than in sites covered by acacia trees (even as low as a fourth of the area). Sites with high densities of acacia (≥78% of coverage) had the lowest abundance of lizards. In forested sites, the snout–vent length of L. wiegmannii was 10% smaller and relative body mass 22% lower than in non-forested sites. We found no differences in the body size of L. multimaculatus. Conclusions The replacement of the native vegetation by A. longifolia has negative effects on lizard species, representing a substantial threat to L. wiegmannii and particularly to L. multimaculatus, a threatened status species. Structural and thermal characteristics of the non-forested sites seemed to be more favourable for the abundance and body condition, whereas the dense vegetation and the low temperatures on the forested sites might explain the lower presence of lizards. Implications We recommend that before the implementation of future forestation plans in the pampasic coastal dunes, the deleterious consequences that this practice generates on native lizard fauna must be considered. When necessary, we recommend that A. longifolia be planted so that the coverage does not exceed a quarter of the total area, so as to prevent the formation of continuous (or closed) forest patches and to maintain the structural heterogeneity of the habitat that these lizards need to survive. In the most affected areas, eradication and control strategies may help reduce the advancement of this exotic plant over the areas intended for conservation.

Effect of a carbohydrate drink on soccer skill performance following a sport-specific training program

Monitoring personal hydration status as well as examining the contents of sports beverages is crucial to improve physical performance in soccer players. This study examined the effects of 60 minutes of soccer-specific training on skill performance, hydration status, and core temperature (Tc) of soccer players after ingesting either a carbohydrate-containing (CHO) or a carbohydrate-free (CHO-F) drink. This study recruited seven healthy male soccer players (age: 23 ± 2.9 years, height: 1.7 ± 0.04 m, mass: 62.7 ± 6.7 kg), each of whom completed a CHO and a CHO-F trial in a randomized crossover design. The participants underwent skill tests [Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT)] prior to and after 60 minutes of training in a hot and humid environment (30 °C, 85% relative humidity). They consumed 2 mL of fluid per/kg body mass every 15 minutes during exercise. Blood glucose, blood lactate, and Tc were monitored throughout the exercise session. Improvement was observed in movement time (p = 0.034) and overall LSPT performance (p = 0.031) postexercise in those consuming CHO drinks compared with those consuming CHO-F drinks. No differences were observed in Tc or absolute and relative body mass loss between the trial groups (p > 0.05). Urine output was greater in the CHO trial group (CHO: 0.086 ± 0.051 L; CHO-F: 0.030 ± 0.028 L; p = 0.043). Compared with the consumption of a CHO-F drink, that of a CHO drink during a 60-minute soccer-specific exercise session in a hot and humid climate can improve postexercise skill performance. Additionally, Tc can be regulated efficiently by commencing training in a state of euhydration and by regular ingestion of fluids throughout the exercise period.

Effects of combined exercise training on immunological, physical and biochemical parameters in individuals with HIV/AIDS

The practice of exercise has shown to be beneficial to quality of life of individuals with HIV/AIDS. Thus, the present study analysed the effects of a combined exercise training in persons living with HIV/AIDS. Ten participants participated in the present study. The following variables were analysed: viral load and cell counts for TCD4+/TCD8; maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max); total mass, absolute fat mass, relative fat mass, absolute lean mass, relative lean mass and body mass index; fasting glycaemia, fasting insulinaemia, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index (insulin resistance – homeostatic model assessment (IR-HOMA)); total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL); superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. The combined exercise training consisted of resistance exercises plus aerobic training (60 min · session−1, three times per week, during 20 weeks). The number of TCD4+ cells, absolute lean mass and relative lean mass, muscle strength for the 45° leg press, seated row and triceps extension, HDL-c levels as well as VO2max increased post-training. The activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase enzymes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were diminished post-training. Finally, it can be concluded that combined exercise training is able to change positively several variables related to health of individuals with HIV/AIDS, mainly the immune system as well as antioxidant mechanisms re-establishment.

Effect of water deprivation on baseline and stress-induced corticosterone levels in the Children's python (Antaresia childreni)

Corticosterone (CORT) secretion is influenced by endogenous factors (e.g., physiological status) and environmental stressors (e.g., ambient temperature). Heretofore, the impact of water deprivation on CORT plasma levels has not been thoroughly investigated. However, both baseline CORT and stress-induced CORT are expected to respond to water deprivation not only because of hydric stress per se, but also because CORT is an important mineralocorticoid in vertebrates. We assessed the effects of water deprivation on baseline CORT and stress-induced CORT, in Children's pythons (Antaresia childreni), a species that experiences seasonal droughts in natural conditions. We imposed a 52-day water deprivation on a group of unfed Children's pythons (i.e., water-deprived treatment) and provided water ad libitum to another group (i.e., control treatment). We examined body mass variations throughout the experiment, and baseline CORT and stress-induced CORT at the end of the treatments. Relative body mass loss averaged ~10% in pythons without water, a value 2 to 4 times higher compared to control snakes. Following re-exposition to water, pythons from the water-deprived treatment drank readily and abundantly and attained a body mass similar to pythons from the control treatment. Together, these results suggest a substantial dehydration as a consequence of water deprivation. Interestingly, stress-induced but not baseline CORT level was significantly higher in water-deprived snakes, suggesting that baseline CORT might not respond to this degree of dehydration. Therefore, possible mineralocorticoid role of CORT needs to be clarified in snakes. Because dehydration usually induces adjustments (reduced movements, lowered body temperature) to limit water loss, and decreases locomotor performances, elevated stress-induced CORT in water-deprived snakes might therefore compensate for altered locomotor performances. Future studies should test this hypothesis.

Abstract B48: Prediagnosis body mass index and mortality from pancreatic cancer

Abstract Introduction: The role of obesity in pancreatic cancer survival is poorly understood. This is possibly because most studies have related body mass index (BMI) at the time of surgery for pancreatic cancer to survival. However, BMI at the time of surgery does not reflect pre-cancer BMI since pancreatic cancer has a catabolic effect on weight. To have a better understanding of the role of obesity in pancreatic cancer survival, prospective studies where BMI measurements were taken before cancer diagnosis are needed. Nonetheless, these studies are lacking. Using data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial cohort, we evaluated the associations of BMI before cancer diagnosis and pancreatic cancer survival. Methods: Weight, height, and other health-related data were collected from study participants aged 49 to 78 years at study enrollment between November 1993 and June 2001. Among participants who developed pancreatic cancer after study enrollment, 619 (588 exocrine [429 adenocarcinoma] and 25 endocrine) had complete information on pre-diagnosis BMI. For our study, follow-up time was from the date of cancer diagnosis to death. We categorized BMI into 4 (&amp;lt;25 [reference], 25 to &amp;lt;30, 30 to &amp;lt;35, ≥35) kg/m2. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards model. The multivariable model was adjusted for age (≥59, 60-64, 65-69, ≥70), smoking status (never, former, current) history of diabetes (yes, no) and tumor stage (localized, locally advanced, metastatic). Results: Ninety percent (529) of the participants with exocrine pancreas cancer died during the follow-up period. Median survival time was 2 months among those with the highest BMI compared to 4 months among those with BMI &amp;lt;25 and 25 to &amp;lt;30 kg/m2 and 5 months among those with BMI 30 to &amp;lt;35 kg/m2 but the difference was not statistically significant (p-value=0.12). We observed non-significant J-shaped associations between BMI and mortality from pancreatic cancer. Compared to those in the lowest BMI category (&amp;lt;25) at study enrollment, the HR for mortality among those with BMI ≥35 was 1.31 (95%CI 0.86-2.00). The results were similar in analyses stratified by sex, stage and history of diabetes. In analyses conducted using BMI at age 50, compared to those with normal BMI, the HRs for those with BMI 25 to &amp;lt;30 kg/m2, 30 to &amp;lt;35 kg/m2 and &amp;gt;35 kg/m2 were 0.87 (95% CI 0.71-1.07), 1.22 (95%CI 0.88-1.63), and 1.91 (95% CI=0.93-3.90), respectively, among people without diabetes. Conclusion: Although we did not observe statistically significant associations between obesity and mortality from pancreatic cancer, our results suggest that obesity during mid-life, especially among people without diabetes may be associated with increased mortality. Because of the long latency of pancreatic cancer, prospective studies evaluating the role of BMI earlier in life are needed. Citation Format: Adetunji T. Toriola, Su-Hsin Chang, Lara Dalidowitz, Graham A. Colditz, Rachael Stolzenberg-Solomon. Prediagnosis body mass index and mortality from pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr B48.

Self-Efficacy, Physical Activity, and Aerobic Fitness in Middle School Children: Examination of a Pedometer Intervention Program

Physical activity in children has been associated with a number of health benefits. Unfortunately, physical inactivity continues to increase. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among self-efficacy levels, physical activity, aerobic fitness, and body composition (relative body mass index [RBMI]) and to determine whether a school-based pedometer intervention program would improve those variables. The sample consisted of 116 rural 11- to 13-year-old students. Weakly positive correlations between self-efficacy, physical activity, and aerobic fitness and weakly correlated inverse relationships between self-efficacy, physical activity, aerobic fitness and RBMI were found. There was no statistical significance between the intervention and control group when analyzing outcome variables. These findings suggest that those with optimal RBMI levels have higher self-efficacy, physical activity and aerobic fitness levels. Although not statistically significant, the intervention group had greater improvements in mean self-efficacy scores, aerobic fitness levels, and RBMI.

Whole-organism performance in a jumping spider,Servaea incana(Araneae: Salticidae): links with morphology and between performance traits

Studies of whole-organism performance are central to understanding the links between animal behaviour, morphology, and fitness. Invertebrates have been popular models for studies of behaviour, although there have been few detailed studies of their whole-organism performance, links between performance and morphology, or trade-offs amongst different performance dimensions. In the present study, we investigate four facets of whole-organism performance (running speed, climbing speed, endurance, and pulling force) in males of a jumping spider (Servaea incana). We consider links between these performance traits and their association with three morphological measures expected to influence maximum performance capacity: body size, relative leg length, and relative body mass (condition). Running speed, climbing speed, and pulling force were all positively related, suggesting that selection for one may positively effect all. By contrast, endurance capacity decreased with running and climbing speed, suggesting an evolutionary trade-off. Associations amongst performance measures cannot be explained solely as correlates of morphology: large size was associated with greater running speed, climbing speed, and pulling force but not with endurance; relative leg length was associated with pulling force but not other performance traits; relative mass was associated with climbing speed and endurance but not running speed or pulling force. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 110, 644–657.

Associations between depression and different measures of obesity (BMI, WC, WHtR, WHR)

BackgroundGrowing evidence suggests that abdominal obesity is a more important risk factor for the prognosis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than BMI. Somatic-affective symptoms of depression have also been linked to cardiovascular risk. The relationship between obesity and depression, however, has remained contradictory. Our aim was therefore to relate body mass index (BMI) and different measures for abdominal obesity (waist circumference, WC, waist-to-hip ratio, WHR, waist-to-height ratio, WHtR) to somatic vs. cognitive-affective symptoms of depression.MethodsIn a cross-sectional population based study, data on the first N = 5000 participants enrolled in the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) are reported. To analyze the relationship between depression and obesity, we computed linear regression models with the anthropometric measure (BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR) as the dependent variable and life style factors, cardiovascular risk factors and psychotropic medications as potential confounders of obesity/depression.ResultsWe found that only the somatic, but not the cognitive-affective symptoms of depression are consistently positively associated with anthropometric measures of obesity.ConclusionsWe could demonstrate that the somatic-affective symptoms of depression rather than the cognitive-affective symptoms are strongly related to anthropometric measures. This is also true for younger obese starting at the age of 35 years. Our results are in line with previous studies indicating that visceral adipose tissue plays a key role in the relationship between obesity, depression and cardiovascular disease.

Long‐lived and heavier females give birth earlier in roe deer

In seasonal environments, parturition of most vertebrates generally occurs within a short time‐window each year. This synchrony is generally interpreted as being adaptive, as early born young survive better over the critical season than late born young. Among large herbivores, the factors involved in driving among‐ and within‐individual variation in parturition date are poorly understood. We explored this question by analyzing the relative importance of attributes linked to female quality (longevity, median adult body mass and cohort), time‐dependent attributes linked to female condition (reproductive success the previous year, relative annual body mass and offspring cohort (year)), and age in shaping observed variation in parturition date of roe deer. A measure of quality combining the effects of female longevity and median adult body mass accounted for 11% of the observed among‐individual variation in parturition date. Females of 2 yr old give birth 5 d later than older females. Our study demonstrates that high quality (heavy and long‐lived) females give birth earlier than low quality females. Temporally variable attributes linked to female condition, such as reproductive success in the previous year and relative annual body mass, had no detectable influence on parturition date. We conclude that parturition date, a crucial determinant of reproductive success, is shaped by attributes linked to female quality rather than by time‐dependent attributes linked to female condition in income breeders (individuals that rely on current resource intake rather than on accumulated body reserves to offset the increased energy requirements due to reproduction) such as roe deer.

Late-breeding Great CormorantsPhalacrocorax carbo sinensisproduce fewer young of the more vulnerable sex

We examined the brood sex ratio and offspring body mass in relation to the timing of breeding and brood size in the Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis. The brood sex ratio was not related to brood size but it was significantly related to the hatching date, with a decreasing proportion of males in the brood in the course of the season. Male chicks had significantly lower body mass if they hatched later in the season, whereas there was no such relationship for female offspring. Assuming that environmental conditions deteriorate with progress of the breeding season, and male offspring may be more vulnerable to poor environmental conditions, the observed decline in the proportion of male offspring late in the season may be adaptive.

Weight Status in Adolescence Is Associated With Later Life Functional Limitations

This study examines the relationship between weight status in adolescence and later life functional limitations. We use the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study to characterize the relationship between standardized relative body mass ascertained from high school photograph portraits in 1957 and self-reported functional imitations in 2004. Compared to individuals with normal body mass, those who were overweight in high school had poorer later life physical function, with observed gender differences. Women who were underweight in adolescence had better functioning in older adulthood than their normal weight counterparts. This relationship, however, was not found among men. These findings underscore the long-term consequences of being overweight in adolescence on the functional disadvantages conferred in late life.