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Inactivity
Kinds of Inactivity Selected AbstractsObesity and Physical Inactivity in Rural AmericaTHE JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2004Paul Daniel Patterson MPH ABSTRACT: Context and Purpose: Obesity and physical inactivity are common in the United States, but few studies examine this issue within rural populations. The present study uses nationally representative data to study obesity and physical inactivity in rural populations. Methods: Data came from the 1998 National Health Interview Survey Sample Adult and Adult Prevention Module. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate body mass index. Physical inactivity was defined using self-reported leisure-time physical activity. Analyses included descriptive statistics, x2 tests, and logistic regression. Findings: Obesity was more common among rural (20.4%, 95% CI 19.2%,21.6%) than urban adults (17.8%, 95% CI 17.2%,18.4%). Rural residents of every racial/ethnic group were at higher risk of obesity than urban whites, other factors held equal. Other predictors of obesity included being male, age 25,74, lacking a high school diploma, having physical limitations, fair to poor health, and a history of smoking. Proportionately more rural adults were physically inactive than their urban peers (62.8% versus 59.3%). Among rural residents, minorities were not significantly more likely to be inactive than whites. Males and younger adults were less likely to be inactive. Rural adults who were from the Midwest and South, had less than a high school education, had fair to poor health, and currently smoked were more likely to be inactive compared to their respective referent group. Conclusions: The high prevalence of obesity and inactive lifestyles among rural populations call for research into effective rural interventions. [source] Physical activity in adolescence and smoking in young adulthood: a prospective twin cohort studyADDICTION, Issue 7 2007Urho M. Kujala ABSTRACT Aims To control for familial confounds, we studied the association between adolescent physical activity and later smoking in twin siblings discordant for their baseline physical activity. Design and measurements In this prospective population-based twin study, we asked whether persistent physical activity/inactivity in adolescence (assessed at 16, 17 and 18.5 years) predicted questionnaire-reported daily smoking at ages 22,27. Twins who, on the three baseline questionnaires, consistently reported frequent leisure physical activity (more than three times weekly) were classified as persistent exercisers, those who exercised less than three times monthly were called persistently inactive, others were occasional exercisers. Setting Finland. Participants A total of 4240 individuals, including 1870 twin pairs. Findings In analyses of individual twins, compared to persistent activity, persistent physical inactivity predicted increased risk of daily smoking (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio 5.53, 95% confidence interval 3.88,7.88, P < 0.001). The risk remained elevated even after excluding all those who had smoked 50 cigarettes or more life-time at baseline and adjusted for educational level in adolescence. In within-pair analyses compared to the active members of discordant twin pairs, the physically inactive co-twins had increased risk of future daily smoking (sex-adjusted odds ratio 3.39, 95% confidence interval 1.56,7.39, P = 0.002). Conclusions Persistent physical inactivity in adolescence relates to adult smoking, even after familial factors are taken into account. [source] Spirocyclic Ethers Related to Ambrox®: Synthesis and Structure-Odor RelationshipsHELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 7 2004Beat Winter The seven spirocyclic ethers 4,10, related to the tricyclic odorant Ambrox,® (1) and its diastereoisomers 2 and 3, were synthesized. Their odoriferous activity/inactivity was correlated with the steric accessibility of the ether O-atom, calculated by computer-aided molecular modeling. The olfactory properties of the active compounds are discussed. [source] Regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function: genes to proteinsACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2010I. R. Lanza Abstract The impact of ageing on mitochondrial function and the deterministic role of mitochondria on senescence continue to be topics of vigorous debate. Many studies report that skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and function are reduced with ageing and metabolic diseases associated with insulin resistance. However, an accumulating body of literature suggests that physical inactivity typical of ageing may be a more important determinant of mitochondrial function than chronological age, per se. Reports of age-related declines in mitochondrial function have spawned a vast body of literature devoted to understanding the underlying mechanisms. These mechanisms include decreased abundance of mtDNA, reduced mRNA levels, as well as decreased synthesis and expression of mitochondrial proteins, ultimately resulting in decreased function of the whole organelle. Effective therapies to prevent, reverse or delay the onset of the aforementioned mitochondrial changes, regardless of their inevitability or precise underlying causes, require an intimate understanding of the processes that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, which necessitates the coordinated regulation of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Herein we review the current thinking on regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis by transcription factors and transcriptional co-activators and the role of hormones and exercise in initiating this process. We review how exercise may help preserve mitochondrial content and functionality across the lifespan, and how physical inactivity is emerging as a major determinant of many age-associated changes at the level of the mitochondrion. We also review evidence that some mitochondrial changes with ageing are independent of exercise or physical activity and appear to be inevitable consequences of old age. [source] Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity in sub-Saharan AfricaDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 6 2010Vivian C. Tuei Abstract While communicable diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, malaria, and tuberculosis have continued to pose greater threats to the public health system in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), it is now apparent that non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus are undoubtedly adding to the multiple burdens the peoples in this region suffer. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common form of diabetes (90,95%), exhibiting an alarming prevalence among peoples of this region. Its main risk factors include obesity, rapid urbanization, physical inactivity, ageing, nutrition transitions, and socioeconomic changes. Patients in sub-Saharan Africa also show manifestations of ,-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. However, because of strained economic resources and a poor health care system, most of the patients are diagnosed only after they have overt symptoms and complications. Microvascular complications are the most prevalent, but metabolic disorders and acute infections cause significant mortality. The high cost of treatment of T2DM and its comorbidities, the increasing prevalence of its risk factors, and the gaps in health care system necessitate that solutions be planned and implemented urgently. Aggressive actions and positive responses from well-informed governments appear to be needed for the conducive interplay of all forces required to curb the threat of T2DM in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the varied ethnic and transitional factors and the limited population data on T2DM in sub-Saharan Africa, this review provides an extensive discussion of the literature on the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, complications, treatment, and care challenges of T2DM in this region. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Impaired glucose regulation and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescentsDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 6 2008Kerstin Kempf Abstract Diabetes mellitus in paediatric patients used to be almost exclusively type 1, but in recent years, case series as well as hospital-based and population-based studies indicated that the number of children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has been increasing. This development is alarming since T2DM in youth is usually not an isolated condition, but accompanied by other cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and low-grade inflammation. In adults, numerous studies provided detailed data on prevalence, incidence and risk factors for the development of T2DM, but for children and adolescents clinical and experimental data are still rather limited. This review provides an overview about the epidemiology and pathogenesis of T2DM in youth and about impaired glucose regulation as major risk factor for diabetes development with a special focus on the recent literature on clinical and lifestyle-related risk factors. Differences in incidence and prevalence across different populations indicate that ethnic background and genetic pre-disposition may be important risk determinants. In addition, epigenetic factors and foetal programming appear to confer additional risk before birth. Among the environmental and lifestyle-related risk factors there is evidence that obesity, hypercaloric diet, physical inactivity, socio-economic position (SEP), smoking, low-grade inflammation, psychosocial stress and sleeping patterns contribute to the risk for T2DM. However, the assessment of the relevance of risk factors and of incidence or prevalence estimates in youth is complicated by methodological issues that are also discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The association of physical activity and depression in Type 2 diabetesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2008Z. Lysy Abstract Aims Physical inactivity and depressed mood are both associated with a higher likelihood of diabetes-related complications; the association between physical activity and depressed mood in Type 2 diabetes has not been reviewed previously. We have reviewed (i) the strength of this association and (ii) the impact of depression-specific management and physical activity interventions on mood and activity levels in overweight adults with Type 2 diabetes. Methods Studies published between January 1996 and September 2007 were identified (Ovid - medline, Psych- Info and embase) using pertinent search terms (keyword/title). Results Of the 12 studies included (10 cross-sectional, two trials), most employed a standardized questionnaire for depressed mood but only one item for physical activity. In adults with Type 2 diabetes, the inactive are 1.72 to 1.75 times more likely to be depressed than the more active; the depressed are 1.22 to 1.9 times more likely to be physically inactive than the non-depressed. Two randomized trials demonstrated that a depression management programme improved mood, but only one demonstrated increased physical activity. Conclusions Studies to date suggest an association between depressed mood and physical inactivity in adults with Type 2 diabetes, although objective measures of physical activity have not been employed. Depression-specific management may improve mood and possibly activity. A trial comparing the impact of depression-specific management compared with exercise intervention on depressed mood and activity in Type 2 diabetes is justified. [source] The termination of the last major phase of aeolian sand movement, coastal dunefields, DenmarkEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 7 2006Lars B. Clemmensen Abstract Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of sand samples from stabilized (or inactive) coastal dunes in Denmark provides information on the age of the termination phase of the last major aeolian activity period. A total of 26 sand samples were taken from four different coastal dunefields around the North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat coasts of Denmark. The OSL dates indicate that the last major phase of aeolian activity terminated between ad 1860 and 1905. Most of the dunes examined in this study were active around 1820, during a period documented to have been very stormy. A dune management scheme started around 1792, and this no doubt was a major cause of dunefield stabilization, but an overall decline of storminess, particularly spring and summer storminess, around the end of the 19th century must also have contributed to the increasing inactivity of coastal dunes. The new OSL dates on aeolian sand movement agree well with historical data and data from topographic maps on dune movement. This agreement supports the observation from earlier work that OSL dating of recent aeolian sand movement is accurate over the last few decades to centuries. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] EMPLOYMENT OF OLDER WORKERS IN POLAND: ISSUES AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS1ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, Issue 4 2008Piotr ZientaraArticle first published online: 22 DEC 200 The aim of this paper is to discuss barriers to the employment of older workers in Poland, where, due to various structural weaknesses and institutional arrangements, this problem has taken on a particularly acute seriousness. After analysing the causes of inactivity amongst older workers, the paper concludes by making policy recommendations. [source] Physical activity in adolescence and smoking in young adulthood: a prospective twin cohort studyADDICTION, Issue 7 2007Urho M. Kujala ABSTRACT Aims To control for familial confounds, we studied the association between adolescent physical activity and later smoking in twin siblings discordant for their baseline physical activity. Design and measurements In this prospective population-based twin study, we asked whether persistent physical activity/inactivity in adolescence (assessed at 16, 17 and 18.5 years) predicted questionnaire-reported daily smoking at ages 22,27. Twins who, on the three baseline questionnaires, consistently reported frequent leisure physical activity (more than three times weekly) were classified as persistent exercisers, those who exercised less than three times monthly were called persistently inactive, others were occasional exercisers. Setting Finland. Participants A total of 4240 individuals, including 1870 twin pairs. Findings In analyses of individual twins, compared to persistent activity, persistent physical inactivity predicted increased risk of daily smoking (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio 5.53, 95% confidence interval 3.88,7.88, P < 0.001). The risk remained elevated even after excluding all those who had smoked 50 cigarettes or more life-time at baseline and adjusted for educational level in adolescence. In within-pair analyses compared to the active members of discordant twin pairs, the physically inactive co-twins had increased risk of future daily smoking (sex-adjusted odds ratio 3.39, 95% confidence interval 1.56,7.39, P = 0.002). Conclusions Persistent physical inactivity in adolescence relates to adult smoking, even after familial factors are taken into account. [source] Effects of Circadian Regulation and Rest,Activity State on Spontaneous Seizures in a Rat Model of Limbic EpilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 5 2000Mark Quigg Summary: Purpose: Circadian regulation via the suprachiasmatic nuclei and rest,activity state may influence expression of limbic seizures. Methods: Male rats (n = 14) were made epileptic by electrical stimulation of the hippocampus, causing limbic status epilepticus and subsequent seizures. We monitored seizures with intrahippocampal electrodes in 12,12-h light/dark (LD) cycles and in continuous dark (DD). We used radiotelemetry monitoring of activity to measure state and body temperature to determine circadian phase. Cosinor analysis and ,2 tests determined whether seizures occurred rhythmically when plotted by phase. State was defined as inactive or active in 10-min epochs based on whether activity count was below or above a cut-off value validated from video observation. Results: In LD, the peak seizure occurrence was 14:59 h after circadian temperature peak (95% confidence limit, 13:37,16:19). Phasic seizure occurrence persisted in DD for 14:05 (12:31,15:38), p < 0.0001, against uniform mean distribution. In LD, 14,787 epochs contained 1,268 seizures; seizures preferentially occurred during inactive epochs (965 observed, 878 expected in proportion to the overall distribution of inactive versus active epochs; p < 0.001). In DD, 20,664 epochs contained 1,609 seizures; seizures had no preferential occurrence by state (999 observed, 1,025 expected; p = 0.16). Conclusions: Limbic seizures occurred with an endogenous circadian rhythm. Seizures preferentially struck during inactivity during entrainment to the light,dark cycle. [source] Effects of short-term training on insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle glucose metabolism in Standardbred horsesEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue S36 2006L. STEWART-HUNT Summary Reasons for performing study: Increased insulin sensitivity occurs after a period of exercise training, but the mechanisms underlying this training-associated increase in insulin action have not been investigated. Objective: To examine the effects of short-term endurance training (7 consecutive days) and a subsequent period of inactivity (5 days) on whole body insulin sensitivity and GLUT-4 protein and the activities of glycogen synthase (GS) and hexokinase (HK) in skeletal muscle. It was hypothesised that training would increase insulin sensitivity in association with increased GLUT-4 protein and activities of GS and HK, but that these changes would be transient, returning to baseline after 5 days of inactivity. Methods: Seven mature Standardbred horses completed training consisting of 7 consecutive days of 45 min of treadmill exercise at a speed that elicited 55% of pretraining maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak). Insulin sensitivity was determined by rate of glucose disposal (M) during the last 60 min of a 120 min euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC) performed before (-2 days) and at 1 and 6 days following training. VO2peak was measured before (UT) and after (TR) training and the period of inactivity (IA). Results: Training resulted in a 9% increase in mean VO2peak (P<0.05) that was maintained following inactivity (IA). Mean M values were more than 2-fold higher (P<0.05) in TR than in UT. Mean M was also higher (P<0.05) in IA when compared to UT. GLUT-4 protien abundancewas more than 10-fold higher in TR and IA (P<0.001) than in UT. Pre-EHC GS activity and GS fractional velocity were increased (P<0.05) in TR when compared to UT and IA. Pre-EHC HK activity was increased (P<0.05) in IA when compared to UT and TR. Muscle glycogen was 66% lower (P<0.05) in TR than in UT and IA. Conclusions: Short-term training resulted in increases in whole body insulin sensitivity, and GLUT-4 protein content and glycogen synthase activity in skeletal muscle. The enhancements in insulin sensitivity, GLUT-4 protein and glycogen synthase activity were still evident after 5 days of inactivity. Potential relevance: Insulin resistance in equids has been associated with obesity and predisposition to laminitis. Regular physical activity may mitigate risk of these conditions via enhancement of insulin sensitivity and/or control of bodyweight. [source] GluR3 subunit regulates sleep, breathing and seizure generationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 5 2008Hendrik W. Steenland Abstract The functional role of GluR3 AMPA (,-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid) receptor subunits has remained elusive. In vitro studies of genetic knockout mice have not yielded significant alterations in synaptic communication. However, behavioural approaches utilizing knockout mice have shown that the subunit may be involved in exploration and motor coordination, suggesting that in vivo methodologies may be more forthcoming. We tested the hypothesis that GluR3 subunits are involved in the modulation of neural network activity. We used a freely behaving mouse model to examine the effect of GluR3,/, on field potential recordings of electroencephalogram, vital functions (i.e. breathing and heart rate) and muscle tone across natural sleep and wakefulness states. We found that GluR3,/, mice virtually lack electroencephalographic signatures of NREM sleep (n = 9) as demonstrated by reduction in electroencephalogram power in the low-frequency bands (,1, ,2 and ,). In addition, three of nine GluR3,/, mice expressed seizure activity during wakefulness and sleep, suggesting that deletion of the GluR3 gene may predispose to seizure. GluR3 gene knockout also produced state-dependent respiratory modulation, with a selective reduction in breathing rate during behavioural inactivity. These findings show that GluR3 subunits have diverse neurophysiological impact, modulating oscillatory networks for sleep, breathing and seizure generation. Finally, this is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of direct diaphragm electromyogram recordings in freely behaving mice. [source] Structural Studies on Hydrogen-Bonding Receptors for Barbiturate Guests That Use Metal Ions as Allosteric InhibitorsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2004Mohammad H. Al-Sayah Abstract Receptor 1 was designed to bind barbiturate substrates through a six-point hydrogen-bonding motif only in the absence of metal allosteric cofactors. It was predicted that the binding of metal ions by bipyridine ligands in 1 would result in a geometric change in the receptor to inhibit substrate recognition. However, receptor 1 showed minimal affinity for the barbiturate guests even in the absence of the metal. Binding studies on model compounds 2, 3, 5, and 6 revealed that the inactivity of 1 is due to an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the N,H donor groups and the nitrogen atoms on the first heterocycle of the bipyridine ligands. This intramolecular hydrogen-bonding was eliminated by altering the position of the tether between the bipyridine ligands and the active site to produce receptor 7. Consequently, the high affinity exhibited by 7 for the barbiturate substrate (Ka = 2.8±0.7 × 103M,1 in 9:1 CD2Cl2/CD3CN) was significantly reduced by the addition of ZnII ions as a negative allosteric co-factor. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004) [source] Neediness and connectedness and the five-factor model of personalityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 2 2006David M. Dunkley Abstract This study examined maladaptive and relatively more adaptive forms of dependency, as measured by the neediness and connectedness factors of the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ; Blatt, D'Afflitti, & Quinlan, 1976), within a comprehensive scheme of personality provided by the revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R; Costa & McCrae, 1992). University students (n,=,475) completed the DEQ, NEO-PI-R, and a measure of depressive symptoms. Results indicated that neediness reflected anxiety, self-consciousness, vulnerability, unassertiveness, and inactivity, whereas connectedness reflected anxiety, warmth, agreeableness, and valuing of relationships. Neediness demonstrated stronger relations than connectedness with depressive symptoms. These results support the validity of DEQ neediness and connectedness as measures of maladaptive and relatively more adaptive forms of dependency. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Exercise training attenuates ageing-induced BKCa channel downregulation in rat coronary arteriesEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Sulayma Albarwani Physical inactivity and ageing are widely recognized as risk factors for development of coronary artery disease. One of the characteristic changes that occurs in aged coronary artery is downregulation of their large-conductance voltage- and calcium-activated K+ (BKCa) channels. In this study, we investigated the effects of moderate exercise training (ET) on the activity of BKCa channels in coronary arteries of aged rats. Old Fischer 344 rats (23,26 months old) were randomly assigned to sedentary (O-SED, n= 24) or exercise-trained groups (O-ET, n= 28). The O-ET rats underwent a progressive treadmill exercise-training programme for 60 min day,1, 5 days week,1 for 12 weeks. Young animals were used for comparison. Coronary arteries were mounted on a wire myograph, and contractions in response to 1, 10, 30, 50 and 100 nmol l,1 iberiotoxin were compared. Iberiotoxin (100 nmol l,1) contracted coronary arteries of young, O-SED and O-ET rats by 115 ± 14, 36 ± 5.6 and 61 ± 5% of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contractions, respectively. Patch-clamp studies revealed a larger magnitude of BKCa current in young (104 ± 15.6 pA pF,1) compared with O-ET (44 ± 9 pA pF,1) and least in O-SED coronary smooth muscle cells (8.6 ± 2 pA pF,1). Western immunoblotting was performed to study expression levels of BKCa channel proteins. The , and ,1 subunits of the BKCa channel were reduced by 40 ± 3.5 and 30 ± 2.6%, respectively, in coronary arteries of old compared with young rats, and ET attenuated this reduction in expression level to 28 ± 2 and 12 ± 4%, respectively. Our results showed that ageing was associated with a reduction in BKCa channels, and ET partly reversed this reduction. We conclude that low-intensity ET may be beneficial in restoring age-related decline in coronary vasodilatory properties mediated by BKCa channels. [source] Reactive oxygen species are signalling molecules for skeletal muscle adaptationEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Scott K. Powers Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is crucial to the remodelling that occurs in skeletal muscle in response to both exercise training and prolonged periods of disuse. This review discusses the redox-sensitive signalling pathways that are responsible for this ROS-induced skeletal muscle adaptation. We begin with a discussion of the sites of ROS production in skeletal muscle fibres. This is followed by an overview of the putative redox-sensitive signalling pathways that promote skeletal muscle adaptation. Specifically, this discussion highlights redox-sensitive kinases, phosphatases and the transcription factor nuclear factor-,B. We also discuss the evidence that connects redox signalling to skeletal muscle adaptation in response to increased muscular activity (i.e. exercise training) and during prolonged periods of muscular inactivity (i.e. immobilization). In an effort to stimulate further research, we conclude with a discussion of unanswered questions about redox signalling in skeletal muscle. [source] Plasticity of human skeletal muscle: gene expression to in vivo functionEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5 2007Stephen D. R. Harridge Human skeletal muscle is a highly heterogeneous tissue, able to adapt to the different challenges that may be placed upon it. When overloaded, a muscle adapts by increasing its size and strength through satellite-cell-mediated mechanisms, whereby protein synthesis is increased and new nuclei are added to maintain the myonuclear domain. This process is regulated by an array of mechanical, hormonal and nutritional signals. Growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and testosterone, are potent anabolic agents, whilst myostatin acts as a negative regulator of muscle mass. Insulin-like growth factor I is unique in being able to stimulate both the proliferation and the differentiation of satellite cells and works as part of an important local repair and adaptive mechanism. Speed of movement, as characterized by maximal velocity of shortening (Vmax), is regulated primarily by the isoform of myosin heavy chain (MHC) contained within a muscle fibre. Human fibres can express three MHCs: MHC-I, -IIa and -IIx, in order of increasing Vmax and maximal power output. Training studies suggest that there is a subtle interplay between the MHC-IIa and -IIx isoforms, with the latter being downregulated by activity and upregulated by inactivity. However, switching between the two main isoforms appears to require significant challenges to a muscle. Upregulation of fast gene programs is caused by prolonged disuse, whilst upregulation of slow gene programs appears to require significant and prolonged activity. The potential mechanisms by which alterations in muscle composition are mediated are discussed. The implications in terms of contractile function of altering muscle phenotype are discussed from the single fibre to the whole muscle level. [source] Developmental programming of obesity in mammalsEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007P. D. Taylor Converging lines of evidence from epidemiological studies and animal models now indicate that the origins of obesity and related metabolic disorders lie not only in the interaction between genes and traditional adult risk factors, such as unbalanced diet and physical inactivity, but also in the interplay between genes and the embryonic, fetal and early postnatal environment. Whilst studies in man initially focused on the relationship between low birth weight and risk of adult obesity and metabolic syndrome, evidence is also growing to suggest that increased birth weight and/or adiposity at birth can also lead to increased risk for childhood and adult obesity. Hence, there appears to be increased risk of obesity at both ends of the birth weight spectrum. Animal models, including both under- and overnutrition in pregnancy and lactation lend increasing support to the developmental origins of obesity. This review focuses upon the influence of the maternal nutritional and hormonal environment in pregnancy in permanently programming appetite and energy expenditure and the hormonal, neuronal and autocrine mechanisms that contribute to the maintenance of energy balance in the offspring. We discuss the potential maternal programming ,vectors' and the molecular mechanisms that may lead to persistent pathophysiological changes resulting in subsequent disease. The perinatal environment, which appears to programme subsequent obesity, provides a potential therapeutic target, and work in this field will readily translate into improved interventional strategies to stem the growing epidemic of obesity, a disease which, once manifest, has proven particularly resistant to treatment. [source] Neuroserpin Portland (Ser52Arg) is trapped as an inactive intermediate that rapidly forms polymersFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 16 2004Implications for the epilepsy seen in the dementia FENIB The dementia familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB) is caused by point mutations in the neuroserpin gene. We have shown a correlation between the predicted effect of the mutation and the number of intracerebral inclusions, and an inverse relationship with the age of onset of disease. Our previous work has shown that the intraneuronal inclusions in FENIB result from the sequential interaction between the reactive centre loop of one neuroserpin molecule with ,-sheet A of the next. We show here that neuroserpin Portland (Ser52Arg), which causes a severe form of FENIB, also forms loop-sheet polymers but at a faster rate, in keeping with the more severe clinical phenotype. The Portland mutant has a normal unfolding transition in urea and a normal melting temperature but is inactive as a proteinase inhibitor. This results in part from the reactive loop being in a less accessible conformation to bind to the target enzyme, tissue plasminogen activator. These results, with those of the CD analysis, are in keeping with the reactive centre loop of neuroserpin Portland being partially inserted into ,-sheet A to adopt a conformation similar to an intermediate on the polymerization pathway. Our data provide an explanation for the number of inclusions and the severity of dementia in FENIB associated with neuroserpin Portland. Moreover the inactivity of the mutant may result in uncontrolled activity of tissue plasminogen activator, and so explain the epileptic seizures seen in individuals with more severe forms of the disease. [source] Physical fitness in children with haemophilia and the effect of overweightHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 2 2009D. C. M. DOUMA-VAN RIET Summary., Although children with haemophilia are advised to participate in physical activities, their physical fitness has not been studied in a large group. In addition, children with haemophilia may be at increased risk for becoming overweight as a result of inactivity because of joint bleedings or because of overprotection. This study aimed to assess physical fitness (aerobic capacity), joint status, muscle strength, quality of life (QoL), self-reported motor competence and also prevalence of overweight and its association with physical parameters. Weight and height were measured. Skin folds were measured unilaterally at biceps, triceps, subscapular and supra-iliac sites. Aerobic capacity was determined on a cycle ergometer or with a 6-min walk test (6MWT). Muscle strength and active range of motion of elbows, knees and ankle joints were measured. Self-reported motor competence was measured with the ,Competentie BelevingsSchaal voor Kinderen'. Joint pain was scored on a Visual Analogue Scale. The Haemo-QoL Index was used to measure QoL. In 158 Dutch boys with haemophilia, with a mean age of 12.7 years (SD 2.9), normal aerobic capacity and muscle strength were found. Joint pain was reported by 16% of the participants. The prevalence of overweight (16%) was slightly increased when compared with healthy Dutch boys (13.5%). Being overweight had a negative association with the 6MWT and QoL. Dutch children with haemophilia have normal aerobic exercise capacity and muscle strength. The majority also has normal joint mobility. Prevalence of overweight is slightly increased. [source] Experimental haemophilic synovitis: rationale and development of a murine model of human factor VIII deficiencyHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 3 2004L. A. Valentino Summary., Haemophilia is a genetic disease as a result of the deficiency of blood coagulation factor VIII or IX. Bleeding is common, especially into joints where an inflammatory, proliferative synovitis develops resulting in a debilitating arthritis, haemophilic arthropathy. The pathogenesis of blood-induced haemophilic synovitis (HS) is poorly understood. The gross, microscopic and ultrastructural changes that occur in the synovial membrane following human and experimental hemarthrosis have been described. Repeated episodes of bleeding induce synoviocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, an intense neovascular response and inflammation of the synovial membrane. The component(s) in blood that initiates these changes is(are) not known, although iron is often proposed as one possibility. Here, we describe a novel murine model of human haemophilia A, which facilitates the examination of large number of animals and tissue specimens. The effects of hemarthrosis on the physical, gross and microscopic changes evoked following joint bleeding are described. Controlled, blunt trauma to the knee joint consistently resulted in joint swelling because of a combination of bleeding and inflammation. Hemosiderin was found in the synovial membrane. Similar to hemarthrosis in human haemophilia, joint bleeding resulted in acute morbidity evidenced by inactivity, weight loss and immobility. With time the animals recovered. The model of experimental murine HS described here has utility in the study of the pathogenesis of HS. This is the first of a series of articles, which will discuss the pathophysiology and characterize the model, with comparison of his model to others which have been published previously. It should provide a useful model to test potential therapeutic interventions. [source] Physical inactivity and its impact on healthcare utilizationHEALTH ECONOMICS, Issue 8 2009Nazmi Sari Abstract Physically inactive people are expected to use more healthcare services than active people. This inactivity imposes costs on the collectively funded health insurance programs. In this paper, excess utilization of healthcare services due to physical inactivity is examined using count data models and the Canadian Community Health Survey. The aim of the paper is to estimate utilization of healthcare services associated with inactivity and to estimate its impact on the Canadian healthcare system. The results suggest that physical inactivity increases hospital stays, and use of physician and nurse services. On average, an inactive person spends 38% more days in hospital than an active person. S/he also uses 5.5% more family physician visits, 13% more specialist services, and 12% more nurse visits than an active individual. The subsequent social cost of inactivity for the healthcare system is substantial. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Time-dependent involvement of the dorsal hippocampus in trace fear conditioning in miceHIPPOCAMPUS, Issue 4 2005Ilga Misane Abstract Hippocampal and amygdaloid neuroplasticity are important substrates for Pavlovian fear conditioning. The hippocampus has been implicated in trace fear conditioning. However, a systematic investigation of the significance of the trace interval has not yet been performed. Therefore, this study analyzed the time-dependent involvement of N-methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the dorsal hippocampus in one-trial auditory trace fear conditioning in C57BL/6J mice. The NMDA receptor antagonist APV was injected bilaterally into the dorsal hippocampus 15 min before training. Mice were exposed to tone (conditioned stimulus [CS]) and footshock (unconditioned stimulus [US]) in the conditioning context without delay (0 s) or with CS-US (trace) intervals of 1,45 s. Conditioned auditory fear was determined 24 h after training by the assessment of freezing and computerized evaluation of inactivity in a new context; 2 h later, context-dependent memory was tested in the conditioning context. NMDA receptor blockade by APV markedly impaired conditioned auditory fear at trace intervals of 15 s and 30 s, but not at shorter trace intervals. A 45-s trace interval prevented the formation of conditioned tone-dependent fear. Context-dependent memory was always impaired by APV treatment independent of the trace interval. The results indicate that the dorsal hippocampus and its NMDA receptors play an important role in auditory trace fear conditioning at trace intervals of 15,30-s length. In contrast, NMDA receptors in the dorsal hippocampus are unequivocally involved in contextual fear conditioning independent of the trace interval. The results point at a time-dependent role of the dorsal hippocampus in encoding of noncontingent explicit stimuli. Preprocessing of long CS-US contingencies in the hippocampus appears to be important for the final information processing and execution of fear memories through amygdala circuits. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] CD57+ cells in radicular cystINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 2 2000P. R. Moreira Aim As CD57 antigen is an important modulator of the immune system, the purpose of the present study was to compare the expression of this antigen on radicular cysts (RC) with hyperplastic or atrophic epithelium. Methodology Twenty cases of RC were retrieved and classified as atrophic or hyperplastic. A biotin-streptavidin amplified system was used for identification of the CD57 receptor. Results The results demonstrated a greater percentage of CD57+ cells in RC with atrophic epithelium compared to hyperplastic epithelium. Conclusion As the expression of CD57 is indicative of immunosuppression, it may constitute a negative immunomodulator of RC's epithelium growth. Further studies are necessary to understand the importance of this cell to the biological activity or inactivity of RC's epithelium development. [source] Low-risk factor profile, estrogen levels, and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal womenINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 8 2009Naja Hulvej Rod Abstract Obesity, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and postmenopausal hormone use are known modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. We aim to measure incidence rates of breast cancer for women with favorable levels on all 4 risk factors (BMI , 30 kg/m2, alcohol <1 drink/week, physically active and no current hormone use) and to evaluate their associations with estrogen. The 5,054 postmenopausal women in the Copenhagen City Heart Study were asked about risk factors at baseline in 1981,3 and were followed until 2002 in the Danish Cancer Registry, with <0.1% loss to follow-up. Estradiol was measured in a subset of 1,042 women. During follow-up, 263 women developed breast cancer. Twenty-six percent of the women had a favourable risk factor profile, and their breast cancer rates were markedly lower (154 per 100,000 years) than women with 3+ risk factors (460 per 100,000 years). One, two and three risk factors were associated with hazard ratios of 1.38 (95% CI: 0.99; 1.92), 1.84 (1.26; 2.67) and 2.79 (1.59; 4.88) compared to women with a favourable profile. Each of the risk factors was associated with estrogen. In conclusion, the risk of breast cancer was markedly lower for women with a favourable risk profile than for other women and lower estrogen levels is a possible explanation. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Dementia Care Mapping reconsidered: exploring the reliability and validity of the observational toolINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 8 2004A. Thornton Abstract Background Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) is a widely used observational method for evaluating the service quality provided to people with dementia. However, there is little evidence concerning its reliability and validity when used by routine care staff for whom it was designed. Method The study evaluated levels of inter-observer agreement; The ability of the five-minute time frame to reflect the ,actual passing of time'; And the nature of the relationship between individual Well/Ill-Being values (WIB) and dependency levels. Data collected using DCM and continuous time sampling (CTS) were compared. The methods were used in parallel where the CTS coder and the DCM mapper(s) observed the same participants. Observations were carried out with 64 people with dementia within a day hospital and a continuing care ward. Inter-observer agreement was calculated across 20 participants. Dependency levels were measured using the Clifton Assessment Procedure for the Elderly (CAPE) (Pattie and Gilleard, 1979). Results Low levels of inter-observer agreement were found where 11 of the 25 Behaviour Category codes and all six Well/Ill-being Codes produced unacceptable kappas (<0.6). The Behaviour coding frame provided a meaningful picture of activities participants engaged in, but significantly underestimated participant levels of inactivity. A strong relationship was demonstrated between participants' WIB score and levels of dependency, thus DCM was unable to measure well-/ill-being as a separate construct from participants' levels of dependency. Conclusions Questions were raised regarding the reliability and validity of DCM as used by routine care staff. Possible reasons for this, and suggestions for amendments are made. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] TV viewing and physical activity: a segment analysis for social marketingINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NONPROFIT & VOLUNTARY SECTOR MARKETING, Issue 3 2008Satyendra Singh Elevated television viewing and physical inactivity promote sedentary behavior, leading to obesity. Yet, modifying the behavior has received a limited academic investigation. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory study is to develop segments relating to such behavior, and propose TV viewing-reduction and physical activity-enhancing strategies for the various segments. Using data from a mall, the multiple regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) led to the identification of four segments: alert, inactive, action, and ideal. Results indicate that those engaged in physical activity appear to watch less TV, and that age and gender do not have a significant impact on TV viewing. The managers can use the findings, segments, and strategies to create appeals for target social marketing. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Risk factors of Egyptian male osteoporosisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 4 2008Salwa S. ELGENDI Abstract Background:, Osteoporosis (OP) is a growing health problem not only in women but also in men. Subjects and methods:, This study was carried out on 100 healthy men, age range 30,65 years (mean ± SD, 44.65 ± 8.3). All were randomly recruited from Assiut city during the period January 2005 to January 2006. Complete clinical history included occupational history, smoking habit, physical activity and calcium intake. Complete clinical examination and anthropometric measurments were done. Laboratory investigations for serum calcium, phosphorus and osteocalcin were performed. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by calcaneal ultrasound. Results:, Sixty-three percent of participants had normal BMD, 37% had low BMD, (26% had quantitative bone ultrasound [QUS] T-score ,1 to ,2.5 and 11% had QUS T-score , ,2.5). Smoking and low physical activity were risk factors for low BMD. Significant positive correlations were found between BMD and body mass index, serum calcium, and osteocalcin and negative correlation with phosphorus. We concluded that low BMD occurs with high frequency in Egyptian men. Smoking, physical inactivity and low body index are significant risk factors. Low serum calcium, low serum osteocalcin and high serum phosphorus are biochemical risk factors of low BMD in males. [source] Bone mineral density and perceived menopausal symptoms: factors influencing low back pain in postmenopausal womenJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 6 2009Sukhee Ahn Abstract Title.,Bone mineral density and perceived menopausal symptoms: factors influencing low back pain in postmenopausal women. Aim., This paper is a report of a study of the relationships between the factors influencing low back pain in postmenopausal women (i.e. menopausal symptoms, bone mineral density, duration of menopause, hormonal therapy, obesity, inactivity during leisure time, parity, osteoarthritis and drinking coffee). Background., Previous studies have shown that low back pain in postmenopausal women is associated with bone mineral density, menopausal symptoms and lifestyle factors, yet the factors influencing low back pain are not clear and vary with ethnicity. Method., A survey was conducted with postmenopausal women (n = 134) in Korea in 2006. Bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, back pain status, menopausal symptoms and health habits were assessed. Results., Participants' mean age was 59 years. About 70% experienced back pain on more than 1 day during the week prior to the survey and 35% suffered back pain daily. Women with back pain reported more severe menopausal symptoms than those without back pain. Based on bone mineral density scores, 26·9% of the women were considered to be at risk of osteoporosis. However, there was no association between back pain status and fracture risk status. Based on a multiple logistic regression model, menopausal symptoms, drinking coffee and inactivity during leisure time were statistically significant influencing factors for low back pain in this sample. Conclusion., The prevalence of low back pain in postmenopausal women should be recognized in association with menopausal symptoms and health habits. Further research is needed to develop interventions for the management of low back pain in postmenopausal women. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||