Relationships among carcass traits, auction price, and image analysis traits of marbling characteristics in Korean cattle beef.

Marbling score (MS) is related to beef auction price (AP) in Korea, but how these relate to marbling texture (i.e. number and distribution of marbling particles [MPs]) is not known. We examined relationships among carcass traits, carcass AP, and image analysis marbling texture traits. In experiment 1, carcass data and longissimus thoracis (LT) were obtained from Korean cattle steers reared under similar feeding conditions. MS, quality grade (QG), and AP were related (P < 0.001) to numbers of coarse MPs and fine MPs and fineness index. In experiment 2, LT images photographed at a slaughterhouse were used in regression analysis within individual QG classes (QGs: 1 [middle], 1+, and 1++ [best]). AP was related (P < 0.001) to numbers of coarse MPs and fine MPs and fineness index in both QGs 1+ and 1++ but not in QG 1. Overall, several marbling texture traits were related to AP, but both MS and QG were more strongly related to AP.

Comparison of the decision tree, artificial neural network and multiple regression methods for prediction of carcass tissues composition of goat kids.

The aim of this study was to predict carcass tissue composition of goat kids using the decision tree with CHAID algorithm (DT) and artificial neural network (ANN) method in comparison with classical step-wise regression (SWR) analyse. Data were obtained from 57 goat kids of Gokceada breed. Predictor variables were pre-slaughter weight, several carcass measurements and indices, weights of different carcass joints and dressing percentage. R2 values ranging from 0.212 to 0.371 indicating low to moderate accuracy were obtained for predicting muscle proportion. DT and ANN yielded similar R2 values for predicting bone proportion. DT was the best prediction method for estimating proportions of subcutaneous fat (R2 = 0.828) and intermuscular fat (R2 = 0.789). According to DT analyses, cold carcass weight was the most important factor influencing bone proportion, while kidney knob and channel fat weight was the predominant factor influencing subcutaneous, intermuscular and total fat proportions. Consequently, the use of DT method can be considered to predict carcass fat proportions.

Abdominal volume computed tomography assessment of body composition in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) has been used to estimate body composition and determine tissue distribution in dogs, despite limited validation. This may introduce error into estimates of body composition studies and its effect on health in dogs. Further, the modality has not been validated against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or over a wide range of dog breeds, ages and sexes. The objective of this study was to validate the use of semi-automated, abdominal volume CT for estimating total body composition of dogs relative to DXA. Twenty-two staff-owned dogs (weighing between 5.1-60 kg) were sedated and underwent full body DXA scan and abdominal CT. Abdominal tissue composition was estimated by CT using semi-automated volume segmentation, over predetermined tissue Hounsfield threshold values. Abdominal tissue composition determined by the various CT threshold ranges was compared to total body composition determined by DXA. RESULTS: Abdominal tissue composition estimated by CT strongly correlated with the estimates derived from DXA with a small Bland-Altman mean percentage differences in values: total body mass (- 250/2000HU: r2 = 0.985; - 1.10%); total fat mass (- 250/-25HU: r2 = 0.981; - 1.90%); total lean tissue mass (- 25/150HU: r2 = 0.972; 3.47%); and total bone mineral content (150/2000HU: r2 = 0.900; - 0.87%). Although averaged CT values compared well to DXA analysis, there was moderate variation in the individual predicted values. There was near perfect inter- and intra-observer agreement in segmentation volumes for abdominal fat. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal volume computed tomography (CT) accurately and reliably estimates total body composition in dogs, but greater variations may be observed in dogs weighing less than 10 kg.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging assessment of lateral atlantoaxial joint meniscoid composition: a validation study.

PURPOSE: Lateral atlantoaxial (LAA) joint meniscoid composition may have clinical significance in patients following neck trauma. However, the existing method of radiologically assessing meniscoid composition has an inherent element of subjectivity, which could contribute to measurement variability. The present study sought to investigate the accuracy of two-point Dixon fat/water separation MRI as a quantitative assessment of LAA joint meniscoid composition. METHODS: Sixteen LAA joint meniscoids were excised from four cadavers (mean [SD] age 79.5 [3.7] years; one female) following cervical spine MRI (two-point Dixon, T1-weighted VIBE and T2-weighted SPACE sequences). Composition of LAA joint meniscoids was undertaken by (1) histological examination by light microscopy, (2) calculation of fat fraction by Dixon MRI (both in-phase/opposed-phase and fat/water methods), and (3) the existing method of considering VIBE and SPACE signal intensities. Analysis was performed using the kappa statistic with linear weighting. RESULTS: Microscopy revealed three, five, and eight meniscoids to be composed of adipose, fibroadipose, and fibrous tissues, respectively. Dixon sequence MRI classified 11 of these meniscoids correctly, with 'substantial' level of agreement (In-phase/Opp-phase kappa statistic = 0.78 [95% CI 0.38, 1.17]; fat/water kappa statistic = 0.72 [95% CI 0.32, 1.11]). Level of agreement between microscopy and the VIBE and SPACE method was 'slight' (kappa statistic = 0.02 [95% CI - 0.34, 0.38]). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that Dixon fat/water separation MRI may have superior utility in the assessment of LAA joint meniscoid composition than the existing method of considering VIBE and SPACE signal intensities. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

The relationship between organ-tissue body composition and resting energy expenditure in prepubertal children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In this study, we ascertained the relationship between resting energy expenditure (REE) obtained using two procedures: indirect calorimetry and from organ-tissue mass, calculated employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and adult metabolic rate constants, in prepubertal children. Differences between the measured and the calculated REEs were assessed according to age at puberty approaching stage. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We recruited 6-12 years old 110 healthy Japanese prepubertal children (40 girls and 70 boys). Organ-tissue masses for different organs (skeletal muscle, liver, kidneys, brain and adipose tissue) were determined using MRI and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Heart and residual masses were calculated on the basis of each equation. REE was measured using the Douglas bag technique (measured REE). On the other hand, calculated REE was obtained by multiplying the sum of body compartments with the corresponding adult tissue respiration rate. RESULTS: The measured REE was significantly greater than the calculated REE in both, boys and girls, although a significant association was noticed between the two REEs in both the sexes. Besides, correlation between age and difference in the two REEs was found to be significant only in girls. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that: (1) measured and calculated REEs differ by approximately 300 kcal/day in a relatively large sample of prepubertal children, and (2) the difference in organ-tissue mass between the measured and calculated REEs increased from approximately 200 to 400 kcal/day during the developmental process in girls but not in boys.

Inter- and intra-observer variability of an anatomical landmark-based, manual segmentation method by MRI for the assessment of skeletal muscle fat content and area in subjects from the general population.

OBJECTIVES: Changes in skeletal muscle composition, such as fat content and mass, may exert unique metabolic and musculoskeletal risks; however, the reproducibility of their assessment is unknown. We determined the variability of the assessment of skeletal muscle fat content and area by MRI in a population-based sample. METHODS: A random sample from a prospective, community-based cohort study (KORA-FF4) was included. Skeletal muscle fat content was quantified as proton-density fat fraction (PDFF) and area as cross-sectional area (CSA) in multi-echo Dixon sequences (TR 8.90 ms, six echo times, flip angle 4°) by a standardized, anatomical landmark-based, manual skeletal muscle segmentation at level L3 vertebra by two independent observers. Reproducibility was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), scatter and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: From 50 subjects included (mean age 56.1 ± 8.8 years, 60.0% males, mean body mass index 28.3 ± 5.2) 2'400 measurements were obtained. Interobserver agreement was excellent for all muscle compartments (PDFF: ICC0.99, CSA: ICC0.98) with only minor absolute and relative differences (-0.2 ± 0.5%, 31 ± 44.7 mm2; -2.6 ± 6.4% and 2.7 ± 3.9%, respectively). Intra-observer reproducibility was similarly excellent (PDFF: ICC1.0, 0.0 ± 0.4%, 0.4%; CSA: ICC1.0, 5.5 ± 25.3 mm2, 0.5%, absolute and relative differences, respectively). All agreement was independent of age, gender, body mass index, body height and visceral adipose tissue (ICC0.96-1.0). Furthermore, PDFF reproducibility was independent of CSA (ICC0.93-0.99).  Conclusions:  Quantification of skeletal muscle fat content and area by MRI using an anatomical landmark-based, manual skeletal muscle segmentation is highly reproducible. Advances in knowledge: An anatomical landmark-based, manual skeletal muscle segmentation provides high reproducibility of skeletal muscle fat content and area and may therefore serve as a robust proxy for myosteatosis and sarcopenia in large cohort studies.

Assessment of muscle mass relative to fat mass and associations with physical functioning in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: To determine whether a novel measure of appendicular lean mass relative to fat mass is associated with physical functioning in RA. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, three independent RA cohorts were retrospectively analysed. Whole-body DXA measures of appendicular lean mass index (ALMI, kg/m 2 ) and fat mass index (FMI, kg/m 2 ) were converted to age, sex and race-specific Z-scores using published National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reference ranges. Adiposity-adjusted ALMI Z-scores (ALMI FMI ) were determined using a published method to adjust for normal associations between ALMI and FMI Z-scores. Associations between ALMI Z-scores, ALMI FMI Z-scores and physical functioning were assessed after adjusting for age, sex and study. Functional outcomes assessed included the HAQ, Valued Life Activities assessment and Short Physical Performance Battery. Low lean for age was defined as a Z-score of -1 or less. Results: Our sample consisted of 442 patients with RA. The combined cohort had a mean ALMI Z-score of - 0.51 (1.08) and a mean ALMI FMI Z-score of - 0.58 (1.53), suggesting muscle mass deficits compared with a nationally representative sample. Greater ALMI FMI Z-scores demonstrated stronger associations with better functional outcomes compared with ALMI Z-scores. Associations were not attenuated with adjustment for systemic inflammation or pain. The FMI Z-score was independently associated with physical functioning, with a stronger association seen among patients with greater FMI Z-score. Adiposity-adjusted definitions of low lean mass more clearly identified those with functional impairment. Conclusion: Estimates of appendicular lean mass that are adjusted for adiposity demonstrate stronger positive associations with functional outcomes compared with unadjusted estimates.

Semiparametric modeling and analysis of longitudinal method comparison data.

Studies comparing two or more methods of measuring a continuous variable are routinely conducted in biomedical disciplines with the primary goal of measuring agreement between the methods. Often, the data are collected by following a cohort of subjects over a period of time. This gives rise to longitudinal method comparison data where there is one observation trajectory for each method on every subject. It is not required that observations from all methods be available at each observation time. The multiple trajectories on the same subjects are dependent. We propose modeling the trajectories nonparametrically through penalized regression splines within the framework of mixed-effects models. The model also uses random effects of subjects and their interactions to capture dependence in observations from the same subjects. It additionally allows the within-subject errors of each method to be correlated. It is fit using the method of maximum likelihood. Agreement between the methods is evaluated by performing inference on measures of agreement, such as concordance correlation coefficient and total deviation index, which are functions of parameters of the assumed model. Simulations indicate that the proposed methodology performs reasonably well for 30 or more subjects. Its application is illustrated by analyzing a dataset of percentage body fat measurements. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

New anthropometric indices or old ones: Which is the better predictor of body fat?

BACKGROUND: The percent and distribution of body fat are important factors in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. Our aim was to investigate common anthropometric indices in their relationship with body fat content. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study 1360 healthy individuals (580 men and 780 women) in a cluster sampling, from Ahvaz, Iran, body fat content (using bioelectrical impedance) and anthropometric measurements [weight, waist circumference, a body shape index, abdominal volume index, body adiposity index, conicity, body mass index, hip circumference, waist to hip ratio and waist to height ratio] was obtained. The ROC curve analysis was used to compare each index with body fat percent. RESULTS: Significant difference was found between men and women in all anthropometric parameters (p < 0.001). Women displayed higher percentages in the overweight and obese categories (33.6% vs. 32.9% and 26.4% vs. 22.1%, respectively). In both men and women, the strongest correlations were seen between body fat percent and BMI, AVI and WHtR (r>7.9 and p<0.001). BMI, WHtR and AVI in men and BAI, BMI and WHtR in women showed the most accuracy for estimating body fat percent, respectively. CONCLUSION: All anthropometric parameters could predict body fat percent with relatively good power, however BMI, WHtR and AVI are more powerful predictors. Based on our findings, we suggest using the AVI and WHtR instead of other indexes, as they are better able to assess the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area and are able to more accurately assess body fat percent, which are indicators of chronic disease.

Assessment of Fat distribution and Bone quality with Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) in Healthy Chinese Men.

Whether fat is beneficial or detrimental to bones is still controversial, which may be due to inequivalence of the fat mass. Our objective is to define the effect of body fat and its distribution on bone quality in healthy Chinese men. A total of 228 men, aged from 38 to 89 years, were recruited. BMD, trabecular bone score (TBS), and body fat distribution were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Subcutaneous and visceral fat were assessed by MRI. In the Pearson correlation analysis, lumbar spine BMD exhibited positive associations with total and all regional fat depots, regardless of the fat distribution. However, the correlation disappeared with adjusted covariables of age, BMI, HDL-C, and HbA1c%. TBS was negatively correlated with fat mass. In multiple linear regression models, android fat (and not gynoid, trunk, or limbs fat) showed significant inverse association with TBS (ß = -0.611, P < 0.001). Furthermore, visceral fat was described as a pathogenic fat harmful to TBS, even after adjusting for age and BMI (ß = -0.280, P = 0.017). Our findings suggested that body fat mass, especially android fat and visceral fat, may have negative effects on bone microstructure; whereas body fat mass contributes to BMD through mechanical loading.

Assessment of Arterial Stiffness, Volume, and Nutritional Status in Stable Renal Transplant Recipients.

Reduction of cardiovascular death might have a significant effect on the long-term survival rates of renal transplant recipients (RTRs). The aim of the study was to assess the relation between arterial stiffness and graft function, adipose tissue content, and hydration status in patients after kidney transplantation (KTx).The study included 83 RTR patients (mean age: 55 ±â€Š13 years) who had been admitted to a nephrology-transplantation outpatient clinic 0.5 to 24 years after KTx. Clinical and laboratory data were analyzed and eGFR was calculated with the CKD-EPI formula. Arterial stiffness was assessed in all RTRs with pulse wave propagation velocity (PWV) with the use of a complior device. In addition, fluid and nutritional status was assessed with a Tanita BC 418 body composition analyzer. The control group consisted of 31 hospital workers who received no medication and had no history of cardiovascular disease.Multivariable linear regression analysis, with PWV as a dependent variable, retained the following independent predictors in the final regression model: red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (B = 0.323; P = 0.004), age (B = 0.297; P = 0.005), tacrolimus therapy (B = -0.286; P = 0.004), and central DBP (B = 0.185; P = 0.041). Multivariable linear regression analysis with eGFR as a dependent variable retained the following independent predictors in the final regression model; creatinine concentration (B = -0.632; P = 0.000), hemoglobin (B = 0.280; P = 0.000), CRP (B = -0.172; P = 0.011), tacrolimus therapy (B = 0.142; P = 0.039), and triglycerides (B = -0.142; P = 0.035).Our data indicates that: kidney transplant recipients can present modifiable CVD risk factors linked to increased arterial stiffness, DBP, waist circumference, SCr, time on dialysis, CyA therapy, and visceral fat mass; RDW is a parameter associated with arterial stiffness; and parameters such as CyA therapy, time on dialysis, PWV, RDW, and triglycerides show negative associations with the allograft function assessed with eGFR.

[THE MANAGEMENT OF QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DIETARY TREATMENT FOR OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY: METHODOLOGY AND A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON INDIVIDUALISED ASSESSMENT]. / GESTIÓN DEL TRATAMIENTO DIETÉTICO CUALI-CUANTITATIVO EN EL SOBREPESO Y LA OBESIDAD: METODOLOGÍA Y UNA NUEVA PERSPECTIVA DE ASESORAMIENTO INDIVIDUALIZADO.

UNLABELLED: %WL: percentage of weight loss; % FL: percentage of fat loss. OBJECTIVE: to describe the management methodology of a qualitative and quantitative dietary treatment for overweight and obesity. METHOD: 4,625 consultations were conducted with 616 overweight and obese patients over the age of 25 in the south-east of Spain between 2006-12. A balanced, low-calorie, qualitative and quantitative diet based on locally grown food was employed. The weight loss and maintenance dietary treatment methodology is described, as are the units of measurement considered suitable for the expression of successful weight loss; a new vision of individualised counselling and multidisciplinary treatment. RESULTS: 80% of patients obtained a % FL ≥ 5% (22.6±11.8-11.2±7.4), and attended appointments for more than a month and a half. CONCLUSION: the dietary treatment methodology is described; units of measurement are recommended for use in consultations and in clinical trial publications, creating a precedent with a degree of evidence on how to determine successful weight loss; it is recommended to measure hip and waist perimeters and incorporate a study of body image; a new vision of individualised assessment and advanced multidisciplinary care is presented, independent of age, pregnancy and physical disabilities. The health care professional's position should be seen as that of the person responsible for determining which techniques might be most effective in such loss.

%WL: porcentaje de pérdida de peso; %FL: porcentaje de pérdida de grasa. Objetivo: describir la metodología en la gestión del tratamiento dietético cuali-cuantitativo en el sobrepeso y la obesidad. Método: se llevaron a cabo 4.625 consultas con 616 pacientes mayores de 25 años con sobrepeso y obesidad, en el sur-este de España, durante los años 2006-12. Se utilizó una dieta equilibrada, hipocalórica, cuali-cuantitativa con alimentos de la zona. Se describió la metodología del tratamiento dietético en la pérdida y el mantenimiento. Se trató qué unidades de medida son adecuadas para la expresión del éxito en la pérdida; una nueva visión del asesoramiento individualizado y el tratamiento multidisciplinar. Resultados: el 80% de los pacientes obtienen un %FL ≥ 5% (22,6 ± 11,8 - 11,2 ± 7,4), y asistieron a la consulta más de mes y medio. Conclusión: se presenta un esquema de la metodología del tratamiento dietético; se han recomendado las unidades de medidas a utilizar en consulta y en la publicación de ensayos clínicos, creando un precedente con grado de evidencia de cómo determinar la pérdida exitosa; se recomienda medir los perímetros de cadera y cintura, e incorporar el estudio de la imagen corporal; se presenta una nueva visión del asesoramiento individualizado y una atención multidisciplinar avanzada, independiente de la edad, el estado de gestación y las minusvalías físicas. La postura del sanitario debe de ser considerada como el gestor encargado de determinar qué técnicas podrían ser más efectivas en dicha pérdida.

MR relaxometry for the facial ageing assessment: the preliminary study of the age dependency in the MR relaxometry parameters within the facial soft tissue.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the location-specific tissue properties and age-related changes of the facial fat and facial muscles using quantitative MRI (qMRI) analysis of longitudinal magnetization (T1) and transverse magnetization (T2) values. METHODS: 38 subjects (20 males and 18 females, 0.5-87 years old) were imaged with a mixed turbo-spin echo sequence at 1.5 T. T1 and T2 measurements were obtained within regions of interest in six facial fat regions including the buccal fat and subcutaneous cheek fat, four eyelid fat regions (lateral upper, medial upper, lateral lower and medial lower) and five facial muscles including the orbicularis oculi, orbicularis oris, buccinator, zygomaticus major and masseter muscles bilaterally. RESULTS: Within the zygomaticus major muscle, age-associated T1 decreases in females and T1 increases in males were observed in later life with an increase in T2 values with age. The orbicularis oculi muscles showed lower T1 and higher T2 values compared to the masseter, orbicularis oris and buccinator muscles, which demonstrated small age-related changes. The dramatic age-related changes were also observed in the eyelid fat regions, particularly within the lower eyelid fat; negative correlations with age in T1 values (p<0.0001 for age) and prominent positive correlation in T2 values in male subjects (p<0.0001 for male×age). Age-related changes were not observed in T2 values within the subcutaneous cheek fat. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates proof of concept using T1 and T2 values to assess age-related changes of the facial soft tissues, demonstrating tissue-specific qMRI measurements and non-uniform ageing patterns within different regions of facial soft tissues.

Assessment of whole spine vertebral bone marrow fat using chemical shift-encoding based water-fat MRI.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of bone marrow composition has recently gained significant attention due to its association with bone loss pathophysiology and cancer therapy-induced bone marrow damage. The purpose of our study was to investigate the anatomical variation of the vertebral bone marrow fat using chemical shift-encoding based water-fat MRI and to assess the repeatability of these measurements. METHODS: Chemical shift-encoding based water-fat MRI of the whole spine was performed in 28 young, healthy subjects (17 males, 11 females, 26 ± 4 years). Six subjects were scanned three times with repositioning to assess the repeatability of these measurements. Proton density fat fraction (PDFF) maps were computed and manually segmented to obtain PDFF of C3-L5. RESULTS: Mean PDFF of all subjects significantly increased from C3 to L5 (P < 0.05) with r = 0.88 (P < 0.05). PDFF averaged over C3-7, T1-6, T7-12, and L1-5 of males and females amounted to 31.7 ± 7.9% and 23.0 ± 7.8% (P = 0.002), 33.8 ± 6.8% and 24.6 ± 8.8% (P = 0.005), 33.8 ± 6.4% and 26.1 ± 6.4% (P = 0.023), and 38.8 ± 7.6% and 31.5 ± 12.4% (P = 0.063), respectively. The repeatability for PDFF measurements expressed as absolute precision error was 1.7% averaged over C3-L5. CONCLUSION: Whole spine vertebral bone marrow fat could be reproducibly assessed by using chemical shift-encoding based water-fat MRI and showed anatomical variations.

Automatic and quantitative assessment of regional muscle volume by multi-atlas segmentation using whole-body water-fat MRI.

PURPOSE: To develop and demonstrate a rapid whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for automatic quantification of total and regional skeletal muscle volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method was based on a multi-atlas segmentation of intensity corrected water-fat separated image volumes. Automatic lean muscle tissue segmentations were achieved by nonrigid registration of atlas datasets with 10 different manually segmented muscle groups. Ten subjects scanned at 1.5 T and 3.0 T were used as atlases, initial validation and optimization. Further validation used 11 subjects scanned at 3.0 T. The automated and manual segmentations were compared using intraclass correlation, true positive volume fractions, and delta volumes. RESULTS: For the 1.5 T datasets, the intraclass correlation, true positive volume fractions (mean ± standard deviation, SD), and delta volumes (mean ± SD) were 0.99, 0.91 ± 0.02, -0.10 ± 0.70L (whole body), 0.99, 0.93 ± 0.02, 0.01 ± 0.07L (left anterior thigh), and 0.98, 0.80 ± 0.07, -0.08 ± 0.15L (left abdomen). The corresponding values at 3.0 T were 0.97, 0.92 ± 0.03, -0.17 ± 1.37L (whole body), 0.99, 0.93 ± 0.03, 0.03 ± 0.08L (left anterior thigh), and 0.89, 0.90 ± 0.04, -0.03 ± 0.42L (left abdomen). The validation datasets showed similar results. CONCLUSION: The method accurately quantified the whole-body skeletal muscle volume and the volume of separate muscle groups independent of field strength and image resolution.

Body composition assessment of paddle and tennis adult male players.

INTRODUCTION: Racket sports require athletes to constantly improve and progress in their physical qualities in order to maintain competitive standards. This includes achieving and maintaining an optimal body composition. However, few studies have been published addressing this topic. OBJECTIVE: This study tries to provide a complete anthropometric profile, including somatotype and body composition, of paddle and tennis male adult players. METHODS: Anthropometric parameters including weight, height, skinfolds, girths and breadths were measured in 21 paddle and 26 tennis players, and the results were compared between the two groups as well as a control group, who did not play racket-based sports. RESULTS: No significant differences in any body composition variable were found comparing tennis vs paddle players, with both groups showing a meso-endomorphic somatotype. The athletes presented lower muscle mass, and therefore less mesomorphic component, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Since body composition is a major determinant in racket sport performance, it is instrumental to control fat and muscle body mass by using adequate dietetic and nutritional tools as well as optimal training programs.

Introducción: los deportistas que practican disciplinas deportivas de raqueta necesitan mejorar constantemente sus cualidades físicas con el fin de competir al máximo nivel. Por lo tanto, es necesario conseguir y mantener en dichos jugadores una óptima composición corporal, pero no obstante, existen pocos estudios publicados relacionados con esta temática. Objetivo: el presente trabajo trata de ofrecer un perfil antropométrico completo, incluyendo el somatotipo y la composición corporal de jugadores varones adultos de pádel y tenis. Material y métodos: se realizaron diversas medidas antropométricas, incluyendo peso corporal total, estatura, pliegues cutáneos, perímetros y diámetros, en 21 jugadores de pádel y 26 jugadores de tenis. Los resultados obtenidos de cada grupo de jugadores se compararon entre ellos y frente a un grupo control que no practicaba deportes de raqueta. Resultados: no se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a las variables de composición corporal analizadas entre los grupos de jugadores de pádel y tenis, mostrando ambos grupos un somatotipo meso-endomófico. Los jugadores presentaron una menor masa muscular, y por tanto un menor componente mesomórfico, cuando se compararon con el grupo control. Conclusión: ya que la composición corporal es determinante en el rendimiento de los jugadores de deportes de raqueta, es imprescindible realizar un control de la grasa y masa muscular mediante herramientas dietético-nutricionales así como de programas de entrenamiento adecuados.

Analytic morphometric assessment of patients undergoing colectomy for colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Analytic morphometrics provides objective data that may better stratify risk. We investigated morphometrics and outcome among colon cancer patients. METHODS: An IRB-approved review identified 302 patients undergoing colectomy who had CT scans. These were processed to measure psoas area (PA), density (PD), subcutaneous fat (SFD), visceral fat (VF), and total body fat (TBF). Correlation with complications, recurrence, and survival were obtained by t-tests and linear regression models after adjusting for age and Charlson index. RESULTS: The best predictor of surgical complications was PD. PMH, Charlson, BMI, and age were not significant when PD was considered. SF area was the single best predictor of a wound infection. While all measures of obesity correlated with outcome, TBF was most predictive. Final multivariate Cox models for survival included age, Charlson score, nodal positivity, and TBF. CONCLUSIONS: Analytic morphometric analysis provided objective data that stratified complications and outcome better than age, BMI, or co-morbidities.

Lower energy expenditure predicts long-term increases in weight and fat mass.

CONTEXT: The relevance of the contribution of energy expenditure (EE) and substrate oxidation to weight change has not been fully confirmed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether metabolic parameters measured in a whole room indirect calorimeter are predictive of long-term body weight change. SETTING: The study was conducted at a clinical research unit in Phoenix, Arizona, from 1985 to 2005. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 612 healthy subjects (384 males and 228 females; aged 29.5 ± 8.1 years; body mass index 33.0 ± 8.7 kg/m(2); percent body fat 30.9 ± 9.6%), including 422 Native Americans and 190 whites. Follow-up data were available for 292 Native Americans with a median follow-up time of 6.7 years (interquartile range 3.9-10.5). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Twenty-four-hour EE, sleeping metabolic rate, daily (fed) and sleeping (fasting) respiratory quotient, and carbohydrate and fat oxidation rates were measured during a 24-hour respiratory chamber. Body composition was assessed by underwater weighing or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: After accounting for demographic and body composition measures, the remaining variance of 24-hour EE was inversely related to the rate of weight change (ρ = -0.158, P = .007) and fat mass change (ρ = -0.179, P = .012), such that 100 kcal below the expected 24-hour EE corresponded to 0.2 kg/y weight gain, of which 0.1 kg/y was fat mass. Deviations from the predicted values of the sleeping metabolic rate (ρ = -0.121, P = .039) and fed respiratory quotient (ρ = 0.119, P = .042) were also associated with future weight change, whereas the fat oxidation rate was inversely associated with weight change in men (ρ = -0.174, P = .024) but not in women (ρ = 0.018, P = .853). CONCLUSIONS: Measures of energy expenditure and substrate oxidation are predictors of long-term weight change, indicating a small but significant role for reduced metabolic rate in weight gain.

Socioeconomic status, stature, and obesity in women: 20-year trends in urban Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Ongoing social and economic changes in developing countries are associated with increases in body size, and most notably increases in the prevalence of obesity. The social patterning of these changes in terms of socioeconomic status (SES) is not well documented. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in stature, body mass index (BMI) and fatness in adult women in urban Cali, Colombia between 1988-1989 and 2007-2008. METHODS: We compared the results of anthropometric surveys completed in 1988-1989 and 2007-2008 of nonpregnant, nonlactating women, 18-44 years of age. Samples in both studies were stratified by SES. We calculated age-standardized prevalence rates to assess time trends in obesity. Body fatness was assessed by skinfold thicknesses. RESULTS: Stature increased in all SES groups and remained positively associated with SES. BMI increased only in the lower SES group, from 24.4 to 25.9 kg/m(2) and remained negatively associated with SES. The age-standardized prevalence of obesity increased from 7.9 to 17.0% in the lower SES group, but only from 4.5 to 8.2% in the middle SES group, and was unchanged in the upper SES group. Body fatness increased in all SES groups, but only in the upper body. CONCLUSION: The increased stature in all SES groups is indicative of general improvements in socioeconomic conditions. The increased prevalence of obesity in the lower SES groups is in keeping with the findings in other middle-income developing countries.

Water-silicone separated volumetric MR acquisition for rapid assessment of breast implants.

PURPOSE: To develop a robust T(2) -weighted volumetric imaging technique with uniform water-silicone separation and simultaneous fat suppression for rapid assessment of breast implants in a single acquisition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-dimensional (3D) fast spin echo sequence that uses variable refocusing flip angles was combined with a three-point chemical-shift technique (IDEAL) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR). Phase shifts of -π/6, +π/2, and +7π/6 between water and silicone were used for IDEAL processing. For comparison, two-dimensional images using 2D-FSE-IDEAL with STIR were also acquired in axial, coronal, and sagittal orientations. RESULTS: Near-isotropic (true spatial resolution-0.9 × 1.3 × 2.0 mm(3) ) volumetric breast images with uniform water-silicone separation and simultaneous fat suppression were acquired successfully in clinically feasible scan times (7:00-10:00 min). The 2D images were acquired with the same in-plane resolution (0.9 × 1.3 mm(2) ), but the slice thickness was increased to 6 mm with a slice gap of 1 mm for complete coverage of the implants in a reasonable scan time, which varied between 18:00 and 22:30 min. CONCLUSION: The single volumetric acquisition with uniform water and silicone separation enables images to be reformatted into any orientation. This allows comprehensive assessment of breast implant integrity in less than 10 min of total examination time.