Proposal of new body composition prediction equations from bioelectrical impedance for Indonesian men.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is one of the most affordable and feasible body composition assessment techniques for clinical and field settings. However, it is important to use an equation appropriate for the study population. This study aimed to propose and validate prediction equations to estimate body composition using BIA for Indonesian men. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Total body water (TBW), fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) were determined using the deuterium dilution technique in 292 Indonesian males. Participants were divided equally into development and validation groups to develop prediction equations and to cross-validate the proposed prediction equations, respectively. In addition, selected prediction equations using BIA were cross-validated. RESULTS: The proposed BIA equations were valid in our cross-validation samples. The best performance equations obtained from the absolute measure of body composition (TBW, FFM and FM) showed that r ranged between 0.89 and 0.91 and standard error of the estimate=1.8-2.6 kg. Cross-validation analysis indicated that the proposed equations had a bias of 0.1-0.3 kg, pure error of 1.3-1.8 kg and limits of agreement (mean difference±1.96 s.d.) of -0.26 to 0.13±4.09 to 5.59 kg. Among existing prediction equations examined, those by Deurenberg et al. (1989) and Lukaski et al. (1987) significantly overestimated FM by 4.0 and 3.2 kg, respectively, whereas the equation by Deurenberg et al. (1991) significantly (P<0.001) underestimated FFM by 5.0 kg compared with the reference FFM. CONCLUSIONS: The new BIA prediction equations may provide more precise and accurate estimation of body composition in Indonesian men than the existing equations.

Resistivity coefficients for body composition analysis using bioimpedance spectroscopy: effects of body dominance and mixture theory algorithm.

Body composition is commonly predicted from bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy using mixture theory algorithms. Mixture theory algorithms require the input of values for the resistivities of intra-and extracellular water of body tissues. Various derivations of these algorithms have been published, individually requiring resistivity values specific for each algorithm. This study determined apparent resistivity values in 85 healthy males and 66 healthy females for each of the four published mixture theory algorithms. The resistivity coefficients determined here are compared to published values and the inter-individual (biological) variation discussed with particular reference to consequential error in prediction of body fluid volumes. In addition, the relationships between the four algorithmic approaches are derived and methods for the inter-conversion of coefficients between algorithms presented.

Knee alignment can help predict sedentary behaviour in children: a pilot study.

AIM: The purpose of this pilot study was to introduce knee alignment as a potential predictor of sedentary activity levels in boys and girls. METHODS: Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and anthropometric assessment were conducted on 47 children (21 boys and 26 girls; 5-14 y) and their gender-matched parent. Body Mass Index (BMI) and abdominal-to-height ratio were calculated. Lower extremity alignment was determined by anatomic tibiofemoral angle (TFA) measurements from DXA images. Time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary activities were obtained from a parent-reported questionnaire. Stepwise multiple regression analyses identified anthropometric, musculoskeletal, and activity factors of parents and children for predicting total time spent in sedentary behaviour. RESULTS: Weight, total sedentary time of parents and TFA are moderate predictors of sedentary behaviour in children (R2=0.469). When stratifying for gender, TFA and total sedentary time of the parent, as well as waist circumference, are the most useful predictors of sedentary behaviour in boys (R2=0.648). However, weight is the only predictor of sedentary behaviour in girls (R2=0.479). CONCLUSION: Negative associations between TFA and sedentary behaviour indicate that even slight variations in musculoskeletal alignment may influence a child's motivation to be physically active. Although growth and development is complicated by many potentialities, this pilot study suggests that orthopaedic factors should also be considered when evaluating physical activity in children.

Molecular dynamics analysis of multiphase interfaces based on in situ extraction of the pressure distribution of a liquid droplet on a solid surface.

Molecular dynamics simulations of a nanoscale liquid droplet on a solid surface are carried out in order to examine the pressure tensor field around the multiphase interfaces, and to explore the validity of Young's equation. By applying the virial theorem to a hemicylindrical droplet consisting of argon molecules on a solid surface, two-dimensional distribution of the pressure tensor is obtained. Tensile principal pressure tangential to the interface is observed around the liquid-vapor transition layer, while both tensile and compressive principal pressure tangential to the interface exists around the solid-liquid transition layer due to the inhomogeneous density distribution. The two features intermix inside the overlap region between the transition layers at the contact line. The contact angle is evaluated by using a contour line of the maximum principal pressure difference. The interfacial tensions are calculated by using Bakker's equation and Young-Laplace equation to the pressure tensor distribution. The relation between measured contact angle and calculated interfacial tensions turns out to be consistent with Young's equation, which is known as the description of the force balance at the three-phase interface.

Comparing patient dissatisfaction and rational judgment in intentional medication non-adherence versus unintentional non-adherence.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Patients' poor adherence to medications is reported to be related to the individual patients' beliefs and cognitions and their trust of the medical staff. However, the causes of the two forms of non-adherence, intentional and unintentional behaviours, have yet to be clarified. This study compared psychological latent factors associated with intentional and unintentional non-adherence to chronic medication regimens, focusing on the potential effects of (i) patients' dissatisfaction with treatment and their relationships with the medical staff and (ii) patients' subliminal rational thinking processes, which weighed the positive values such as their expectations of benefits from treatment against negative values such as their dissatisfaction. METHODS: Two cross-sectional surveys were undertaken of patients given medications for chronic diseases, using a questionnaire developed and validated in this study. One survey was undertaken in three hospitals and the other survey, online throughout Japan. We scored the individual latent factors using the questionnaire and calculated the differential score between two negatively correlated latent factors to quantify patients' subliminal rational thinking process. We compared the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of latent factors between intentional and unintentional non-adherence to medication in both surveys. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Of the eligible subjects, 149 hospitalized patients and 524 survey participants completed the questionnaire. Intentional non-adherence was associated with patient dissatisfaction with treatment including interpersonal relationships with medical staff in both hospitalized patients and online survey participants (95% confidence interval of adjusted OR for Dissatisfaction, 1·20-16·26 in the hospital-based survey and 1·33-3·45 in the online survey). In both surveys, intentional non-adherence was significantly associated with the differential score between two negatively correlated latent factors, Willingness and Dissatisfaction (P = 0·02 in the hospital-based survey and P < 0·001 in the online survey). However, these associations were not evident in unintentionally non-adherent patients. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: Patients' dissatisfaction and their resulting rational judgments are unique, consistent determinants of intentional non-adherence to medications, but not of unintentional non-adherence.

Molecular dynamics analysis on wetting and interfacial properties of water-alcohol mixture droplets on a solid surface.

Molecular dynamics simulations of single water, water-methanol, or water-IPA (isopropyl-alcohol) mixture droplets on a solid surface were performed with various mixture ratios. An increase in alcohol fraction generally gave an increase in droplet wettability. Both methanol and IPA molecules showed a strong preference to gather at various interfaces, with methanol molecules also showing a tendency to diffuse into the droplet bulk. Specific interfacial tensions were investigated using quasi-one-dimensional simulation systems, and liquid-vapor and solid-liquid interfacial tensions were found to decrease greatly due to the presence of interfacial alcohol, while solid-vapor interfacial tensions were proved to have little influence on wettability. Young's relation was found to hold quantitatively well for both water-methanol and water-IPA droplets. The validity of using Bakker's equation on solid-liquid interfaces was also investigated, and it was shown that for tightly spaced crystal surfaces, the introduced uncertainly is small.

Day-to-day physical functioning and disability in obese 10- to 13-year-olds.

UNLABELLED: What is already known about this subject? Compared with their healthy-weight peers, children with obesity have; impaired physical health-related quality of life reduced physical activity levels reduced capacity to perform certain weight-bearing tasks in field-based fitness tests What this study adds? First investigation of obesity-related disability in children using the International Classification for Functioning, Disability and Health framework for Children and Youth. Obesity in children appears to be associated with disability impacting basic locomotor skills and physical health-related quality of life. Children's participation in key life areas related to physical functioning appears to be minimally impacted by obesity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether obesity is related to impaired day-to-day physical functioning and disability in children. METHODS: An observational case-control study was conducted in three Australian states. Obese (n = 107) and healthy-weight (n = 132) 10- to 13-year-olds (132 male, 107 female) were recruited via media advertisements. Assessment of body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), locomotor capacity (six-minute walk test [6MWT], timed up and down stairs test [TUDS] and timed up and go [TUG]) and child-reported physical health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were undertaken. Participants wore an accelerometer for 8 days and completed two use-of-time telephone interviews to assess participation in key life areas. RESULTS: Compared with their healthy-weight counterparts, obese children had lower physical HRQoL scores (P < 0.01) and reduced locomotor capacity (TUDS z-score, TUG and 6MWT; P < 0.01). Higher percent body fat was significantly related to lower physical HRQoL scores (r = -0.48, P < 0.01), slower performance times for the TUDS and TUG (r = 0.59 and 0.26 respectively, P < 0.01), shorter 6MWT distances (r = -0.51, P < 0.01) and reduced time spent in community participation activities (r = -0.23, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: As anticipated, obesity appears to undermine physical functioning in children, including the capacity to perform basic locomotor skills yet, unexpectedly, participation in key life areas related to physical functioning appeared largely unaffected.

FETAL OUTCOMES AMONG GRAND MULTIPAROUS AND MULTIPAROUS WOMEN IN MULAGO HOSPITAL, UGANDA.

OBJECTIVE: To compare fetal outcomes among grand multiparous (para 5-9) and multiparous (para 2-4) delivering in Mulago hospital, Uganda. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Mulago hospital, Uganda. SUBJECTS: One hundred and fifty six grand multiparous and multiparous women were recruited on admission in labourward and followedup through labour and immediate postpartum period. Fetal outcomes among the two groups were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The admissions to SCU were similar in the two groups i.e. 11(7%) GMP vs. 11(7%) MP, the number of fresh still births was higher among the grandmultiparas 13(8.3%) GMP vs. 7(4.5%) MP though this was not statistically significant. The fetal weight did not significantly differ in the two groups. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in fetal outcomes among GMPs when compared to MPs.

Non-contact heart rate monitoring method for elderly people In bed with random body motions using 24 GHz dual radars located beneath the mattress in clinical settings.

We have developed a non-contact heart rate monitoring system for elderly people In bed using two radars placed on the bed base. The system is designed to increase accuracy despite body motion noise and change of body position and sleeping posture In bed. In order to achieve this, we combined an automatic gaIn control (AGC) method with a real-time radar-output channel selection method which is based on a spectrum shape analysis (SSA). Field tests were carried out with elderly subjects at a nursing home. The accuracy was maintained because the system successfully avoided the null detection point (NDP) problem, respiratory harmonic interference and intermodulation problems. The heart rate accuracy (r = 0.703) was higher than that of the conventional method. The system was proved to be effective In monitoring vital signs without the need for any physical contact with the subjects.

A novel stress monitoring method through stress-induced respiratory alterations: non-contact measurement of respiratory V(T)/T(I) alterations induced by stressful sound using a 10 GHz microwave radar.

We have developed a non-contact stress monitoring system which measures respiratory V(T)/T(I) (tidal volume/inspiration time) alterations using a 10 GHz microwave radar. The measurable distance of the system is 50 cm, which is 10 times longer than our previously developed stress monitoring system which measures heart rate variability using a 24-GHz microwave-radar. The study was conducted with eight subjects (23 ± 1 years old) to evaluate the efficacy of the system. An audio stimulus at 95 dB sound pressure level was presented to the subjects following a silent period of 120 seconds. During the silent period, V(T)/T(I) averaged 826 ± 384 ml s(-1), while it increased significantly (p < 0.05) with an average of 1227 ± 704?ml s(-1) during audio stimulus low frequency component (LF)/high frequency component (HF), which reflects sympatho-vagal valance, showed a peak during audio stimuli. This paper aims to study the efficacy of the non-contact stress monitoring system for its future applications in many fields including health and safety.

Validation of bioelectrical impedance analysis for total body water assessment against the deuterium dilution technique in Asian children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To develop and cross-validate bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) prediction equations of total body water (TBW) and fat-free mass (FFM) for Asian pre-pubertal children from China, Lebanon, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Height, weight, age, gender, resistance and reactance measured by BIA were collected from 948 Asian children (492 boys and 456 girls) aged 8-10 years from the five countries. The deuterium dilution technique was used as the criterion method for the estimation of TBW and FFM. The BIA equations were developed using stepwise multiple regression analysis and cross-validated using the Bland-Altman approach. RESULTS: The BIA prediction equation for the estimation of TBW was as follows: TBW=0.231 × height(2)/resistance+0.066 × height+0.188 × weight+0.128 × age+0.500 × sex-0.316 × Thais-4.574 (R (2)=88.0%, root mean square error (RMSE)=1.3 kg), and for the estimation of FFM was as follows: FFM=0.299 × height(2)/resistance+0.086 × height+0.245 × weight+0.260 × age+0.901 × sex-0.415 × ethnicity (Thai ethnicity =1, others = 0)-6.952 (R (2)=88.3%, RMSE=1.7 kg). No significant difference between measured and predicted values for the whole cross-validation sample was found. However, the prediction equation for estimation of TBW/FFM tended to overestimate TBW/FFM at lower levels whereas underestimate at higher levels of TBW/FFM. Accuracy of the general equation for TBW and FFM was also valid at each body mass index category. CONCLUSIONS: Ethnicity influences the relationship between BIA and body composition in Asian pre-pubertal children. The newly developed BIA prediction equations are valid for use in Asian pre-pubertal children.

A comparison of body perceptions in relation to measured body composition in young Japanese males and females.

The body composition of 139 Japanese females and 84 Japanese males (aged 18-30 years) was measured using anthropometry to assess gender differences in body perceptions in relation to their measured values. Participants were asked to rate perceptions of their own "heaviness" and "fatness" and these were compared to their BMI and percent body fat (%BF). Japanese females showed a significantly greater desire to lose body weight (-4.20+/-0.6 kg) compared to males (0.27+/-1.4 kg). Females also showed poor understanding of their "heaviness" and "fatness" in relation to actual body composition compared to males. The results confirmed distinct gender differences in body perception in relation to actual body composition and attitudes to weight management. Further promotion of "healthy" body image is recommended for the Japanese population.

Olympic lightweight and open-class rowers possess distinctive physical and proportionality characteristics.

Rowers competing at the 2000 Olympic Games were measured for 38 anthropometric dimensions. The aim was to identify common physical characteristics that could provide a competitive advantage. The participants included 140 male open-class rowers, 69 female open-class rowers, 50 male lightweight rowers, and 14 female lightweight rowers. Body mass, stature, and sitting height were different (P < 0.01) between the open-class and lightweight rowers, as well as a comparison group of healthy young adults ("non-rowers", 42 males, 71 females), for both sexes. After scaling for stature, the open-class rowers remained proportionally heavier than the non-rowers, with greater proportional chest, waist, and thigh dimensions (P < 0.01). Rowers across all categories possessed a proportionally smaller hip girth than the non-rowers (P < 0.01), which suggested the equipment places some constraints on this dimension. Top-ranked male open-class rowers were significantly taller and heavier and had a greater sitting height (P < 0.01) than their lower-ranked counterparts. They were also more muscular in the upper body, as indicated by a larger relaxed arm girth and forearm girth (P < 0.01). For the male lightweight rowers, only proportional thigh length was greater in the best competitors (P < 0.01). In the female open-class rowers, skinfold thicknesses were lower in the more highly placed competitors (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the rowers in this sample demonstrated distinctive physical characteristics that distinguish them from non-rowers and other sports performers.

Ethnic differences in the BMI-%BF relationships between young Japanese and Australian-Caucasian males living in Australia using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

The Body Mass Index (BMI) has been used worldwide as an indicator of fatness. However, the universal cut-off points by the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification may not be appropriate for every ethnic group when consider the relationship with their actual total body fatness (%BF). The application of population-specific classifications to assess BMI may be more relevant to public health. Ethnic differences in the BMI-%BF relationship between 45 Japanese and 42 Australian-Caucasian males were assessed using whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan and anthropometry using a standard protocol. Japanese males had significantly (p<0.05) greater %BF at given BMI values than Australian males. When this is taken into account the newly proposed Asia-Pacific BMI classification of BMI >23 as overweight and >25 as obese may better assess the level of obesity that is associated increased health risks for this population. To clarify the current findings, further studies that compare the relationships across other Japanese populations are recommended.

Toxicological study of a new maintenance fluid, Veen 3G, in rats.

A study of the different volume and infusion rates of a new maintenance fluid, Veen 3G, on the general conditions of rats was investigated during the 14 days after infusion. In Experiment I, 100 ml/kg and 200 ml/kg of Veen 3G were infused at a rate of 300 ml/kg/h in male and female rats. Results were compared with those for Gurunon Ringer solution (GRS) in male and female rats. We observed only transient polyuria in animals administered by each dose of Veen 3G and GRS for 0-15 min after infusion. Necropsy was not observed in any of the animals tested 14 days after infusion. In Experiment II, 200 ml/kg of Veen 3G was infused at rates of 200, 400, 800 and 1600 ml/kg/h in male rats. At 800 and 1600 ml/kg/h, irregular respiration and decrease in movement were observed concomitantly with polyuria. Three out of 4 rats died immediately after the infusion of Veen 3G at a rate of 1600 ml/kg/h, and one rat was still alive 14 days after the infusion. In this experiment, 200 ml/kg Veen 3G was safe when we infused at a rate of less than 400 ml/kg/h in male rats. Since this rate is about 27-80 times higher than that used clinically in maintenance treatment, Veen 3G is suggested to be safe, with the exception of polyuria, in clinical situations at the standard infusion rate (5-15 ml/kg/h).

Toxicological study of a glucose-added acetic acid maintenance infusion solution (VEEN 3G Inj.) local irritation test.

The local irritating effect of Veen 3G Inj. (glucose-added acetic acid maintenance infusion solution) was examined in male rabbits. We studied the local irritating effect of the infusion solution compared with that of Ringer's solution, 5% sulfobromophthalein sodium injection, distilled water for injection or glucose-added Ringer's solution. In the vascular irritation test, macroscopical and histopathological changes induced by the infusion solution were not observed in the vessels. Moreover, in the hemolytic test, hemolysis of rabbit erythrocyte was not observed in the mixture with the infusion solution. In the present study, no change suggesting irritation by the infusion solution was observed in the in vivo vascular irritation test using the auricular vein of rabbits or in the in vitro hemolytic test using rabbit erythrocyte. In conclusion, in clinical use the infusion solution produces extremely slight adverse effects, such as vessel pain and phlebitis on the injection site.

[A guide line for antibiotic therapy of infectious diseases of the central nervous system].

The purpose of this paper is to provide assistance to clinicians in the treatment of infectious diseases of the central nervous system. Antibiotic therapy should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is made and should not be delayed until the next scheduled dose or until investigations have been performed. The infecting organism is usually unknown when treatment is initiated and often remains so, and therefore empirical therapy should always cover the most common suspected organisms. The choice of antibiotics, dosage, and route of administration depends upon the severity of illness. Likely pathogens and the known sensitivities of pathogens of the central nervous system are discussed.

Acute and subacute toxicities of theophylline are directly reflected by its plasma concentration in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between acute and subacute toxicity and blood levels of theophylline in dogs. Theophylline was administered intravenously into dogs once (at doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) or for 4 weeks (at doses of 20, 35 and 70 mg/kg/day). In the single dose toxicity study, by increasing the dose of theophylline, plasma concentration increased and the severity of toxic symptoms were intensified. After a single dosing of theophylline, accentuated heart rate and vomiting were observed at a concentration of more than 67 micrograms/ml, and excitement, spasm and hyperpnea were observed at more than 130 micrograms/ml. Animals died after tonic convulsion at 180 micrograms/ml. In the repeated dose toxicity study, the plasma concentration of theophylline increased dependent on dosage, and was not affected by repeated dosing. Even under these conditions, the toxic symptoms were quite similar to those of the single dose, except for an additional decrease in movement, body weight reduction and myocardial lesion. These present results suggest that the severity of theophylline toxicity is dependent on its plasma concentrations rather than accumulated dosages. The blood concentration of theophylline-treated patients should be maintained within the therapeutic range in order to diminish risk.

Forms of vitamin B12 compounds containing sulfitoB12 in corbiculas.

Forms of vitamin B12 (B12) compounds in young and aged corbiculas were examined by bioautography using B12-requiring microorganisms combined with cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis or high-performane liquid chromatography (HPLC). Both corbiculas (per 100 g) contained ca. 30 microg of cobalamin, a complete type of B12. Five known B12 compounds, adenosylB12 (AdoB12), methylB12, hydroxoB12, sulfitoB12 and cyanoB12, were identified by bioautography. Young corbicula contained more B12 compounds, assumed as methylB12, AdoB12 and sulfitoB12, as compared to aged corbicula. All of the B12 compounds detected around the location corresponding to those of methylB12, AdoB12 and sulfitoB12 in the bioautography were converted into compounds that behaved like hydroxoB12 after photolysis. Young corbicula was found to contain an unidentified B12 compound using bioautography combined with HPLC. A large portion of the B12 compound that moved like hydroxoB12 during cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis using 0.5 N acetic acid might be identical with the unidentified B12 compound detected in the HPLC-bioautography.