Abstract

Objectives

Recent studies suggest that early menarche may increase cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. Yet few studies have examined this association in the Pacific Islands, where obesity prevalence is among the highest globally. We sought to examine associations between age at menarche and cardiometabolic risk in Samoa.

Methods

Participants were from the Soifua Manuia study (n = 285, age 32–72 years) conducted in Samoa from 2017 to 2019. Logistic regressions were conducted to estimate odds of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome per one-year increase in age at menarche. Linear regressions were conducted to examine associations between age at menarche and continuous measures of adiposity, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and serum lipids.

Results

Median age at menarche was 14 years (IQR = 2). After controlling for relevant covariates, each one-year increase in age at menarche was associated with a 15% decrease (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72–1.01, p = .067) in odds of hypertension, but a 21% increase (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01–1.45, p = .044) in odds of diabetes and 18% increase (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.98–1.42, p = .081) in odds of high total cholesterol. Each additional year in age at menarche was associated with a 1.60 ± 0.52 kg (p = .002) decrease in lean mass and 1.56 ± 0.51 kg (p = .003) decrease in fat-free mass.

Conclusions

Associations between age at menarche and cardiometabolic risk may be population-specific and are likely influenced by both current and historical nutritional and epidemiological contexts. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of childhood adiposity and other early life exposures on age at menarche and subsequent cardiometabolic risk.

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the present study was to compare the Preece–Baines 1 (PB1) model fit between longitudinal and cross-sectional data in male soccer players and to adjust the height growth curve by maturity status.

Methods

A final sample of 57 male Portuguese soccer players from professional soccer academies was included. Longitudinal height records were measured between 8 and 17 times in each subject from 2–8 years to 14–17 years. Additionally, longitudinal height records were used as cross-sectional data along with 1087 cross-sectional height records taken from 602 Portuguese soccer players. Skeletal age was estimated by Tanner-Whitehouse III method from a left hand–wrist radiograph. Age at peak height velocity (PHV) was estimated by PB1 model for longitudinal and cross-sectional data and by maturity status.

Results

No significant differences were found between all the longitudinal estimates of 57 players and the random cross-sectional samples for, S1 parameter and for growth velocity at PHV, at TO, and for age at PHV. The age at PHV in early, on-time, and late maturers were 12.26, 12.9, and 13.58 years, respectively.

Conclusion

PB1 adjusted the height growth of Portuguese male soccer players from cross-sectional data, obtaining an estimate PHV very similar to that found from longitudinal data. A maturity time difference of ≈0.6 years was found between the age at PHV of on-time, early, and on-time and late maturity state.

Abstract

Introduction: Social interactions shape the infant microbiome by providing opportunities for caregivers to spread bacteria through physical contact. With most research focused on the impact of maternal–infant contact on the infant gut microbiome, it is unclear how alloparents (i.e., caregivers other than the parents) influence the bacterial communities of infant body sites that are frequently contacted during bouts of caregiving, including the skin.

Methods: To begin to understand how allocare may influence the diversity of the infant microbiome, detailed questionnaire data on infant–alloparent relationships and specific allocare behaviors were coupled with skin and fecal microbiome samples (four body sites) from 48 infants living in Chicago, United States.

Results: Data from 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing indicated that infant skin and fecal bacterial diversity showed strong associations (positive and negative) to having female adult alloparents. Alloparental feeding and co-sleeping displayed stronger associations to infant bacterial diversity compared to playing or holding. The associations with allocare behaviors differed in magnitude and direction across infant body sites. Bacterial relative abundances varied by infant–alloparent relationship and breastfeeding status.

Conclusion: This study provides some of the first evidence of an association between allocare and infant skin and fecal bacterial diversity. The results suggest that infants' exposure to bacteria from the social environment may vary based on infant–alloparent relationships and allocare behaviors. Since the microbiome influences immune system development, variation in allocare that impacts the diversity of infant bacterial communities may be an underexplored dimension of the social determinants of health in early life.

Abstract

Objective

The aim was to analyze the relationship between early sports participation (ESP) and body fatness (BF) in adults, as well as to identify whether this possible relationship is directly influenced by the current physical activity (PA) level.

Methods

This cross-sectional study combined baseline data of two cohort. The BF estimated by DXA. The ESP, the subjects reported the engagement in sports during childhood (7–10 years) and adolescence (11–17 years) through two yes/no questions and current PA (described as steps) was device—measured using pedometers. Were identified as potential covariates and therefore adjusted the multivariate models: age, ethnicity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and sleep quality. Statistical analysis consisted of the chi-square test, analysis of variance/covariance, and structural equation modeling (software BioEstat version 5.0; p-value < .05).

Results

Adults engaged in ESP had lower BF; among women, the variance in BF explained by ESP was 25.5%; among men, it was 9.2%. Sports participation in early life (r = −.436 [95% CI: −0.527 to −0.346]) and current PA (r = −.431 [95% CI: −0.522 to −0.340]) were inversely related to BF, as well as positively related to each other (r = .328 [95% CI: 0.226 to 0.430]). In the mediation model, current PA partially mediated (18.5%) the impact of ESP on BF, while current PA and ESP remained relevant determinants of BF.

Conclusion

Early sports participation and current PA have a significant impact on BF in adulthood, which is of similar magnitude and independent of each other.

Abstract

Aim

This study aims to investigate the possible association between digit ratio (2D:4D) and match-play success (MPS) in junior tennis players. In addition, we consider the possible explanatory pathways of these associations in relation to psychological, strength, power, and hormonal parameters.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study, with a sample comprised of 64 male junior tennis players (11–18 years old). Digit ratio was calculated from direct finger measurements. In addition, we measured the ratio of wins by number of matches played in 5 years of official competition (MPS), handgrip strength (HGS), standing long jump (SLJ), training (in weekly hours), and expertise (number of years in official competition). Salivary testosterone and cortisol levels were measured before and after physical “challenge” tests.

Results

The 2D:4D correlated negatively with HGS and SLJ. MPS was also negatively associated with 2D:4D, but was positively correlated to HGS, expertise, training, and self-confidence (SC). Multiple linear regression showed 2D:4D and expertise were associated with MPS (43%–54%). None of the physical, or hormonal variables tested explained the links between 2D:4D and MPS.

Conclusion

Therefore, the specific fitness components influenced by prenatal androgenization that moderate sports success remain unknown. Future studies should explore the interaction of 2D:4D, with tennis exercises as a challenge to induce hormonal change, the effect of pubertal stage, and the influence of aerobic endurance in determining MPS.

Abstract

Objectives

The indigenous population in northern Laos has experienced a transition from self-sufficiency to a market-oriented economy, which may have brought about unprecedented chronic psychosocial stress. This study examined the association between the transition to a market economy and urinary free cortisol (UFC) concentration as a stress biomarker among rural residents of three villages with different degrees of integration into the market economy.

Methods

An interview survey and urine sample collection were conducted in August 2018 and March 2019. We measured the UFC concentration in spot urine samples collected in the morning from participants aged 20–60 years (n = 168) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine differences in UFC concentrations among villages by sex, with time of arrival for the survey, age, and body mass index included as covariates.

Results

The UFC concentration was higher in men living in the village with the highest degree of integration into the market economy than in those in the two villages with a lower dependence on cash, possibly linking increased stress levels with a change in employment type. This trend was not observed in women.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic changes incidental to a transition to a market economy may increase the stress levels of men in northern Laos.

Abstract

Objectives

(1) To examine the muscle thickness of various muscle groups of the body to estimate the absolute and relative skeletal muscle mass (SM) in competitive physique-based athletes (Bodybuilding, 212 Bodybuilding, Bikini, and Physique divisions) and (2) to compare values across various divisions of competition and to resistance trained and non-resistance trained individuals.

Methods

Eight competitive physique-based athletes (2 M and 6 F), two recreationally resistance trained (1 M and 1 F) and two non-resistance trained (1 M and 1 F) participants had muscle thickness measured by ultrasound at nine sites on the anterior and posterior aspects of the body. SM was estimated from an ultrasound-derived prediction equation and SM index was used to adjust for the influence of standing height (i.e., divided by height squared).

Results

SM values ranged from 19.6 to 60.4 kg in the eight competitive physique-based athletes and 16.1 to 32.6 kg in the four recreationally resistance trained and non-resistance trained participants. SM index ranged from 7.2 to 17.9 kg/m² in the eight competitive physique-based athletes and 5.8 to 9.3 kg/m² in the four recreationally resistance trained and non-resistance trained participants.

Conclusion

Overall, varying magnitudes of SM and SM index were present across competitors and their respective divisions of bodybuilding. The Men's Open Bodybuilder in the present study had greater values of total SM and SM index compared to previously published values in the literature. Our data provides insight into the extent of SM present in this population and further extends the discussion regarding SM accumulation in humans.

Abstract

Objective

The level of immunological reactivity of the indigenous inhabitants of the Far North may depend on the extreme-discomfort factors of the climatic environment and genetic traits of the population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the distinctive elements of the immune status of the Kola Saami and Russians living in the Far North (Murmansk Region).

Methods

A complex immunological study of peripheral venous blood composition was performed and involved 67 Saami and 81 Russian inhabitants of the Far North (Murmansk Region) who were aged 21–55. Blood was collected from the cubital vein on an empty stomach in the morning. For the peripheral venous blood, we obtained a hemogram and phagocytic activity of neutrophils, determined the content of lymphocytes with CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD71 phenotypes by indirect immunoperoxidase reaction and flow cytometry using an Epics XL apparatus (Beckman Coulter, United States), obtained concentrations of IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-10, IgA, M, G, E, sCD54, and sCD62L, transferrin, and sCD71 by enzyme immunoassay using the “Evolis” enzyme immunoassay analyzer from Bio-RAD (Germany), and obtained circulating immune complexes by precipitation using 3.5%, 4.0%, and 7.5% PEG-6000. The sIgA content was determined in morning saliva, urine, and gastrointestinal tract secretions. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-criterion, and Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

A decrease in the total number of leukocyte cells in the Saami was associated with a high incidence of leukopenia, lymphopenia, and neutropenia. Deficiency in active phagocytes and serum IgA and sIgA concentrations was revealed as well as increased contents of CD4+ and CD8+ receptor lymphocytes, membrane and free adhesion molecules, and transferrin. Leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, and eosinophilia with increased contents of natural killer cells, IL-6, and IL-10 were recorded more frequently in the Russians. High levels of IgE and IFN-γ, which have the most pronounced cytotoxicity and are indicative of strained immune mechanisms, were characteristic of the Saami and Russians.

Conclusion

The distinctive aspects of the immune status of the Kola Saami is related to the deficit in the active phagocyte and serum IgA and sIgA concentrations as well as the increase in the contents of cytotoxic lymphocytes, intercellular adhesion molecules, transferrin, and IFN-γ proinflammatory cytokines. The Russian inhabitants of the Far North are characterized by an adaptive response manifested by an increase in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, involving IL-6 and IL-10.

Abstract

Objective

High altitude hypoxic environment has a certain negative impact on physical fitness of adolescents. We aimed to understand the physical fitness status of Tibetan adolescents in different high-altitude areas in Tibet, China.

Methods

Physical fitness items, such as grip strength, standing long jump, sit and reach, 50 m dash, 1000 m run for boys, and 800 m run for girls were tested on 3806 Tibetan adolescents by using stratified whole group sampling method in class units. The mean age of the participants was (15.51 ± 1.69) years for Tibetan males and (15.54 ± 1.69) years for females. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and other methods were used to make cross-sectional comparisons of physical fitness performance of Chinese Tibetan adolescents in different high-altitude regions.

Results

The standing long jump scores of boys (203.37 ± 28.36) were higher than that of girls (152.97 ± 19.46) and the lowest standing long jump scores of adolescents in Shigatse region (166.39 ± 35.04). The highest level of sit and reach was found among boys (10.69 ± 5.34) in Nyingchi and the lowest level of sit and reach was found among girls (8.42 ± 5.84) in Shigatse. Shigatse region adolescents had the lowest performance in 50 m dash (9.09 ± 1.72) while the best performance in 1000 m run (266.23 ± 35.82) and 800 m run (245.40 ± 27.92).

Conclusion

There is variability in the physical fitness of Tibetan adolescents in different high-altitude regions of Tibet, China. Targeted physical fitness interventions should be carried out for Tibetan adolescents in different high-altitude regions. The focus should be on improving the endurance quality of Tibetan adolescents in Lhasa and the lower limb muscle strength, flexibility, and speed quality of adolescents in Shigatse.