Research on the influence of sport dance on physical health in national fitness exercise / Pesquisa sobre a influência da dança esportiva na saúde física no exercício de condicionamento físico nacional / Investigación sobre la influencia de la danza deportiva en la salud física en el ejercicio de acondicionamiento físico nacional

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sports dance is widely known as a competitive game, but as a leisure activity, there is little research on the efficacy of human health and fitness. Sports dance, as a popular national fitness exercise, has sound health promotion effects. At present, domestic and foreign researches mostly focus on the impact of sports dance on young men and women. Objective: This study will explore the influence of regular physical dance exercises on the body shape, function, and quality of middle-aged and older adults, provide a scientific basis for the role of physical dance in national fitness. Methods: This study recruited 20 healthy middle-aged and elderly members of a leisure sports dance club without professional dance experience for three months of dance training. The first two weeks are pre-experiments five times a week. Each exercise time is 60 minutes. The last ten weeks are formal experiments, two times a week, 90 minutes each time, and no other physical exercises are involved in everyday life. By comparing part of the body shape, physical function, and physical fitness index before and after the experiment, the impact of sports dance on middle-aged and older adults' healthy physical fitness is evaluated. Results: After three months of physical dance exercise with different dance styles, in male, BMI index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference, and thigh circumference indicators all decreased, but there was no significant difference. In women, BMI index, body fat percentage (P<0.01), waist circumference (P<0.05), diastolic blood pressure (P<0.01), sitting body forward bending (P<0.05), and standing with one foot and closed eyes all increased. In women, the indexes of grip strength (P<0.01), forward bending in sitting position (P<0.055), and standing with eyes closed on one foot all increased. Conclusions: It is suggested that long-term moderate-intensity aerobic sport dance exercise can improve the body shape of middle-aged and older adults and help increase physical fitness; meanwhile, sports dance can effectively improve the cardiovascular function of middle-aged and elderly subjects. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: A dança esportiva é amplamente conhecida como um jogo competitivo, mas como atividade de lazer, existem poucas pesquisas sobre sua eficácia na saúde e forma física humana. A dança esportiva, como exercício físico popular em âmbito nacional, tem importantes efeitos na promoção da saúde. Atualmente, a pesquisa nacional e estrangeira está focada principalmente no impacto da dança esportiva em jovens de ambos os sexos. Objetivo: Este estudo irá explorar a influência dos exercícios regulares de dança física na forma, função e qualidade do corpo de adultos mais velhos e de meia-idade, e fornecerá uma base científica para o papel da dança física no fitness nacional. Métodos: Este estudo recrutou 20 pessoas saudáveis, de meia-idade e idosos de um clube esportivo sem experiência profissional em dança durante três meses de treinamento. As primeiras duas semanas foram pré-experimentos cinco vezes por semana. Cada tempo de exercício foi de 60 minutos. As últimas dez semanas foram experimentos formais, duas vezes por semana, 90 minutos cada vez, sem nenhum outro exercício físico na vida cotidiana. Ao comparar a forma corporal, a função física e o índice de aptidão física antes e depois do experimento, o impacto da dança esportiva na aptidão física saudável de adultos mais velhos e de meia-idade é avaliado. Resultados: Após três meses de exercício físico de dança com diferentes estilos de dança, nos homens, o índice de IMC, o percentual de gordura corporal, a circunferência da cintura, a circunferência do quadril e a circunferência da coxa diminuíram, mas não houve diferença significativa. Nas mulheres, o índice de IMC, o percentual de gordura corporal (P <0,01), a circunferência da cintura (P <0,05), a pressão arterial diastólica (P <0,01), o corpo sentado inclinado para frente (P <0,05) e com um pés e olhos fechados aumentaram. Nas mulheres, os índices de força de preensão (P <0,01), de inclinação para a frente na posição sentada (P <0,055) e com um pé com os olhos fechados aumentaram. Conclusões: Sugere-se que o exercício de dança esportiva aeróbica de intensidade moderada de longa duração pode melhorar a forma corporal de adultos mais velhos e de meia idade e ajudar a aumentar a aptidão física; enquanto isso, a dança esportiva pode efetivamente melhorar a função cardiovascular de indivíduos de meia-idade e idosos. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos: investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La danza deportiva es ampliamente conocida como un juego competitivo, pero como actividad de ocio hay poca investigación sobre la eficacia en la salud y el estado físico humanos. La danza deportiva, como ejercicio físico popular a nivel nacional, tiene importantes efectos en la promoción de la salud. En la actualidad, las investigaciones nacionales y extranjeras se centran principalmente en el impacto de la danza deportiva en hombres y mujeres jóvenes. Objetivo: Este estudio explorará la influencia de los ejercicios regulares de danza física en la forma, función y calidad del cuerpo de los adultos mayores y de mediana edad, y proporcionará una base científica para el papel de la danza física en la aptitud nacional. Métodos: Este estudio reclutó a 20 miembros sanos de mediana edad y ancianos de un club deportivo sin experiencia profesional en danza durante tres meses de entrenamiento. Las dos primeras semanas eran experimentos previos cinco veces por semana. Cada tiempo de ejercicio fue de 60 minutos. Las últimas diez semanas eran experimentos formales, dos veces por semana, 90 minutos cada vez, sin otros ejercicios físicos en la vida cotidiana. Al comparar la forma del cuerpo, la función física y el índice de aptitud física antes y después del experimento, se evalúa el impacto de la danza deportiva en la aptitud física saludable de los adultos mayores y de mediana edad. Resultados: Después de tres meses de ejercicio físico de baile con diferentes estilos de baile, en los hombres, el índice de IMC, el porcentaje de grasa corporal, la circunferencia de la cintura, la circunferencia de la cadera y la circunferencia del muslo disminuyeron, pero no hubo diferencia significativa. En las mujeres, el índice de IMC, el porcentaje de grasa corporal (P <0.01), la circunferencia de la cintura (P <0.05), la presión arterial diastólica (P <0.01), el cuerpo sentado inclinado hacia adelante (P <0.05) y con un pie y ojos cerrados aumentaron. En las mujeres, aumentaron los índices de fuerza de agarre (P <0.01), de inclinación hacia adelante en posición sentada (P <0.055) y con un pie con los ojos cerrados. Conclusiones: Se sugiere que el ejercicio de danza deportiva aeróbica de intensidad moderada a largo plazo puede mejorar la forma del cuerpo de los adultos mayores y de mediana edad y ayudar a aumentar la aptitud física; mientras tanto, la danza deportiva puede mejorar eficazmente la función cardiovascular de sujetos de mediana edad y ancianos. Nivel de evidencia II;Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

The use of muscle lipids and fatty acids to assess shark diet and condition.

Following a lack of detected change in white shark Carcharodon carcharias L. 1758 diet and nutritional condition attributed to the interaction with the cage-diving industry, Lusseau and Derous (Tourism Management, 2019, 75, 547-549) cautioned the use of muscle lipids and fatty acids in this context, advocating for other biomarkers. This study provides additional evidence from peer-reviewed literature to contend the usefulness of elasmobranch muscle fatty acid profiles to detail diet and habitat use. It also presents findings from a controlled experiment on captive Port Jackson sharks Heterodontus portusjacksoni (Meyer 1793) whereby long-term (daily for 33 days) 3 min exhaustive chase exercise changed muscle lipid class profiles, supporting its use to infer nutritional condition after activities such as interactions with wildlife tourism operators. Conversely, the unaltered muscle fatty acid and lipid content suggests their use in trophic ecology is not confounded by activities such as interacting with tourism operators, remaining useful biomarkers to investigate diet and habitat use.

Disclosure of suboptimal health status through traditional Chinese medicine-based body constitution and pulse patterns.

OBJECTIVES: Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a dynamic state wherein people have not been diagnosed with a disease but tend to develop diseases. People with SHS often experience fatigue and other nonspecific symptoms, which are related to a deviated body constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the correlation between TCM constitution and SHS has not been adequately investigated. Furthermore, no study has explored the radial pulse analysis-an assistive objective indicator of TCM constitution-in healthy people and people with SHS. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTINGS/LOCATION: Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. SUBJECTS: Sixty-six adults (27 healthy participants and 39 participants with SHS) who were aged 20-39 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: The body constitution questionnaire (BCQ) scores, suboptimal health status questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25) scores, and radial pulse waves detected using sphygmography were recorded. Pulse wave analyses are presented as the ratio of frequency below 10 Hz to that above 10 Hz (SER10), which represent energy changes in organ blood flow. RESULTS: Participants with SHS had significantly higher Yang-Xu, Yin-Xu, and stasis scores of BCQ compared with healthy participants. The SHSQ-25 scores of the participants with SHS were moderately correlated with their Yang-Xu, Yin-Xu, and stasis scores (r = 0.65, 0.66, and 0.72, respectively; all p < 0.001), but weak correlations were discovered for healthy participants. The participants with SHS had significantly higher SER10 at the left guan (the "liver" system in TCM) than did the healthy participants. CONCLUSIONS: SHS is moderately correlated with TCM-based constitution and those with SHS had increased SER10 at the leftguan of the radial pulse.

Effects of edible environmental enrichments during the rearing and laying periods in a littered aviary-Part 1: integument condition in pullets and laying hens.

Severe feather pecking is a damaging allopecking behavior in pullets and laying hens which was found to be associated with multiple factors. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the occurrence of feather pecking could be reduced by additional environmental enrichment materials (EM; pecking stones and hard-pressed alfalfa bales) in a littered housing system. In total 4,000 pullets (2000 Lohmann Brown classic [LB] and 2000 Lohmann Selected Leghorn classic [LSL]) were reared in an aviary system until week 18, and 1,320 remaining laying hens were kept thereafter, from week 19 to 48. During rearing, half of the compartments were permanently supplied with enrichment materials, while the other half did not receive any EM. After transferring to the laying hens' stable, we examined the hens under four treatment variants: V1 - no EM over the entire study period; V2 - rearing period with and laying period without EM; V3 - rearing period without and laying period with EM; V4 - EM over the entire study period. The integument condition (i.e. beak protrusion, beak fissures, plumage condition, skin and toe injuries, and foot pad dermatitis) was scored in weeks 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, 18 (rearing) and 25, 30, 40, and 48 (laying period). At the end of the study (week 48), lower plumage damage was observed in the variants provided with EM during rearing (V2 and V4) compared to the other two variants (V1 and V3; P < 0.001). Skin injuries were less prevalent in week 40 in hens with access to EM during rearing (V2 and V4) than the other variants (V1 and V3) within LSL (P < 0.001), and in week 48 in the both strains (P < 0.001). The variants with access to EM during the laying period (V3 and V4) showed lesser protrusion of the beak tip in week 48 (P < 0.001). The observed beneficial effects of EM could be attributed to its impact on foraging behavior and beak-tip abrasion.

Non-hierarchical cluster analysis for determination of resistance to worm infection in meat sheep.

The aim of this study was to determine the resistance to worm infection in Santa Inês sheep by combining different sets of gastrointestinal parasite resistance indicator traits, using the k-means algorithm. Records from 221 animals reared in the Mid-North sub-region of Brazil were used. The following phenotypes were used: hematocrit (HCT); white blood cell count; red blood cell count (RBC); hemoglobin (HGB); platelets; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; fecal egg count (FEC); coloration of the ocular mucosa (FAMACHA score); body condition score (BCS); withers height; and rump height. Two files with phenotypic information of animals were edited: complete, including all traits, and reduced, in which only FAMACHA score, HCT, FEC, and BCS were used. For determination of worm resistance, three groups were formed using the k-means non-hierarchical clustering by combining the traits of the complete and reduced analyses. The animals of the group in which individuals had the lowest values for FEC and FAMACHA score, as well as the highest values for HCT, RBC, HGB, and BCS were classified as resistant. In the group with opposite values for the aforementioned traits, the animals were classified as sensitive. The animals of the group with values between the other two groups were classified as moderately resistant. The results obtained in complete and reduced analyses were equivalent. Thus, it is possible to identify animals of the Santa Inês sheep breed according to their status of resistance to worm infection based on a reduced trait set.

Effect of feeding frequency on the growth performance, carcass traits, and apparent nutrient digestibility in geese.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding frequency on growth performance, carcass traits, and apparent nutrient digestibility in geese from 28 to 70 D of age. In experiment 1, a total of 240 geese were distributed in a completely randomized design into 4 treatments and 6 replicates of 10 birds each. The treatments were free access to the feeder (ad libitum) and access to the feeder 3, 4, and 5 times daily. Geese fed 3 times daily had a lower (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, and ADFI and a higher (P = 0.064) feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 28 to 41 D of age compared with the other groups. Geese fed 4 times daily had a higher (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI and a lower (P < 0.05) FCR from 42 to 55 D of age compared with ad libitum fed geese. Geese fed 3 times daily had a higher (P < 0.05) ADG from 56 to 69 D of age than geese fed ad libitum and 4 times daily. No differences (P > 0.05) in BW, ADFI, ADG, and FCR were observed between ad libitum and feeding frequency groups from 28 to 69 D of age. Carcass traits and gastrointestinal development were not affected (P > 0.05) by feeding frequency. In experiment 2, the apparent nutrient digestibility in geese from 71 to 77 D of age fed using different feeding frequencies was determined using the total fecal collection method. Feeding frequency did not affect (P > 0.05) the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, crude ash, calcium, phosphorous, or ether extract in geese. Our study demonstrates for the first time that compensatory growth can be gained by enhancing feed intake when a lower feeding frequency is imposed on geese. Both ad libitum feeding and fixed feeding frequency for 3 to 5 times daily are suitable for geese from 28 to 70 D of age to achieve optimum production.

Linking the effect of psoriatic arthritis-related foot involvement to the Leeds Foot Impact Scale using the International Classification for Functioning, Disability and Health: a study to assess content validity.

BACKGROUND: Previous research to describe the impact of foot involvement in psoriatic arthritis has used the Leeds Foot Impact Scale in Rheumatoid Arthritis (LFIS-RA) in the current absence of any psoriatic arthritis foot-specific tools. However, the LFIS-RA is a rheumatoid arthritis disease-specific outcome measure and its content validity for evaluating the experiences of people with psoriatic arthritis-related foot involvement is unknown. The study objective was to determine the content validity of the LFIS-RA for assessing people with psoriatic arthritis, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as the frame of reference. METHOD: Concepts within each item of the LFIS-RA were linked to the best-matched ICF categories using established linking rules, which enable a systematic and standardised linking process. All concepts were independently linked to the ICF by 2 investigators with different professional backgrounds, which included occupational therapy and podiatry. The list of ICF categories derived from previous research that pertained to the foot in psoriatic arthritis was then compared with the ICF categories linked to the LFIS-RA. The comparison was undertaken in order to determine the extent to which concepts important and relevant to people with psoriatic arthritis-related foot involvement were addressed. RESULTS: Thirty-five distinct ICF categories were linked to the LFIS-RA, which related to body functions (44%), activities and participation (35%), environmental factors (16%) and body structure (5%). In comparison with the ICF categories derived from concepts of the foot in psoriatic arthritis previously defined, the LFIS-RA provided coverage of key constructs including pain, functioning, daily activities, footwear restrictions and psychological impact. Other concepts of importance in psoriatic arthritis such as skin and toenail involvement, self-management and paid employment were not addressed in the LFIS-RA. CONCLUSION: Content validity of the LFIS-RA to determine the impact of foot functional impairments and disability in people with psoriatic arthritis was not supported by the results of this study. Future work should consider the development of a psoriatic arthritis foot-specific patient reported outcome measure, using the LFIS-RA as an important foundation.

Role of Energy Excretion in Human Body Weight Regulation.

Food intake and energy expenditure are the typical determinants of body weight. Yet, recent observations underscore that a third and often-neglected factor, fecal energy loss, can influence energy balance. Here, we explore how macronutrient excretion modulates human energy homeostasis and highlight its potential impact on the propensity to gain weight.

Glucocorticoids and activity in free-living arctic ground squirrels: Interrelationships between weather, body condition, and reproduction.

The dynamic relationship between glucocorticoids and behavior are not well understood in wild mammals. We investigated how weather, body condition, and reproduction interact to affect cortisol levels and activity patterns in a free-living population of arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii). As a proxy for foraging and escape behaviors, collar-mounted accelerometers and light loggers were used to measure above-ground activity levels and the amount of time squirrels spent below the surface, respectively. Fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) were quantified to assess glucocorticoid secretion in squirrels. Male and female squirrels differed in above-ground activity levels and time spent below-ground across the active season, with males being most active during mating and females most active during lactation. We also found that female, but not male, squirrels exhibited seasonal variation in FCM levels, with concentrations highest during mid-lactation and lowest after the lactation period. In female squirrels, the seasonal relationships between breeding stage, activity, and FCM levels were also consistent with changes in maternal investment and the preparative role that glucocorticoids are hypothesized to play in energy mobilization. Body condition was not associated with FCM levels in squirrels. As predicted, deteriorating weather also influenced FCM levels and activity patterns in squirrels. FCM concentrations were affected by an interaction between temperature and wind speed when seasonal temperatures were lowest. In addition, above-ground activity, but not time spent below-ground, positively correlated with FCM levels. These results suggest that, although ground squirrels avoid inclement weather by remaining below-ground, activation of the stress axis may stimulate foraging activity.

[Tracking of physical fitness during chilhood: Longitudinal findings from the Diagnoform program]. / Évaluation de la condition physique durant l'enfance dans le nord de la France : le programme Diagnoform.

BACKGROUND: A high level of physical fitness is associated with cardiovascular health in adolescents. We describe change in physical fitness levels assessed at two time points over 3 years. METHODS: The study presents a longitudinal design, with the first phase data collection at 8 years and the second phase carried out at 11 years. A total of 516 children (254 boys) aged to 7.7±0.4 years (in 2010) and 10.9±0.4 years (in 2010) and 10.9 ± 0.4 years (in 2013) participated to the study. Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, speed, and agility were assessed in this study. For each physical fitness test, determination of the situation (in terms of percentiles) of each child in 2010 and then in 2013 compared to national standards. The 2010 and 2013 percentiles are then compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Muscular strength, agility and cardiorespiratory fitness decrease in both sex (p<0.01). A significant decrease was also found for all physical fitness components in normal weight children (p<0.05). For normal weight children in 2010 who became overweight or obese in 2013, there was a significant decrease in scores of cardiorespiratory fitness and agility tests (p<0.05). For overweight children in 2010 becoming from to normal weight status in 2013, only the agility test decreased significantly (p<0.05). Children being overweight or obese in 2010 and remaining in 2013, had a significant decrease in their physical fitness levels (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the physical fitness of French youth decrease between childhood and early adolescence. Developing and introducing a health promotion curriculum in the French schools is suggested to improve health and physical fitness.

Associations between postpartum diseases and milk yield and changes in body condition between drying off and parturition of dairy cows in Argentina.

Aims: To assess the change in body condition score (BCS) during the early and late dry periods and its association with postpartum diseases and milk yield in grazing dairy cows from central Argentina. Methods: BCS assessments during the dry period, and cow health and milk production records up to 90 days in milk (DIM), were collated for cows from 28 farms at monthly visits between 2007 and 2008. Cows were categorised into four groups; those in Group 1 (n=7,067) maintained or gained BCS during the early and late dry periods; Group 2 (n=2,615) maintained or gained BCS during the early dry period and lost BCS during the late dry period; Group 3 (n=1,989) lost BCS during the early dry period and maintained or gained BCS during the late dry period; and Group 4 (n=5,144) lost BCS during the early and late dry periods. Results: Cows in Group 1 had reduced odds of having retained fetal membranes (RFM), metritis, and clinical mastitis up to 90 DIM than cows in Group 2 (p<0.001), but the odds of disease were similar to cows in Group 3. The odds of having RFM or clinical mastitis tended to be lower in cows in Group 1 than cows in Group 4 (p=0.08). The odds of cows being culled or dying during the first 90 DIM were lower for cows in Group 1 than for those in Groups 2, 3, and 4 (p≤0.05). Mean accumulated milk yield up to 90 DIM was higher in cows in Group 1 than Group 2 and Group 4 (p<0.001), but was similar to that of cows in Group 3 (p=0.28). Conclusions and clinical relevance: Cows that lost BCS during the late dry period had increased odds of being diagnosed with several postpartum diseases and had decreased milk yield compared to cows that maintained or gained BCS during the entire dry period. Loss of BCS during any stage of the dry period was also associated with increased incidence of culling or death during the first 90 DIM. These results should raise awareness among dairy cattle producers of the importance of properly managing cow body condition during the dry period, especially during the late dry period.

Anthropometric characteristics and somatotype profile in amateur rugby players / Características antropométricas y somatotipo en jugadores amateur de rugby

INTRODUCTION: It has been proposed that body composition plays an essential role in sport performance. However, there are few studies that have analyzed body composition in amateur rugby players. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the anthropometric characteristics, somatotype profile, fat and muscle components in rugby players from an amateur Spanish team. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Height, body mass, diameters, perimeters and skinfolds from thirty-one rugby players were measured. Fat and muscle components and somatotype profile were determined. Proportionality was determined with the z-phantom strategy. Descriptive statics (mean ± SD) and t-student were used. RESULTS: Mean body mass was 85.32 ± 14.36 kg, mean fat mass percentage was 12.35 ± 3.46%, mean muscle mass percentage was 50.29 ± 7.74% and mean somatotype was 4.50-5.80-0.95. The sum of six skinfolds was 92.92 ± 32.95 mm. Significant diffe-rences were observed between forwards and backs in body mass (95.24 vs 77.15 kg; p < 0.001), in sum of six skinfolds (107.67 vs 80.77 mm; p = 0.021), in body fat percentage (13.90 vs 11.07%; p = 0.021), in muscle mass percentage (45.16 vs 54.54%; p=<0.001) in endomorphy (5.31 vs 3.76; p = 0.013) and in ectomorphy (0.62 vs 1.33; p = 0.002). Regarding proportionality, differences were found in function on the position in on the field. CONCLUSION: Anthropometrical measures would be an adequate instrument to evaluate body composition in rugby. Anthro-pometric profile in rugby could be related to the specific position the field, although further studies would be necessary to confirm this idea. The level of professionalism could affect to the anthropometrics characteristics in rugby players

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se ha propuesto que la composición corporal juega un papel esencial en el rendimiento deportivo. Sin embargo, hay pocos estudios que hayan analizado la composición corporal en jugadores amateurs de rugby. OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar las características antropométricas, el somatotipo, el compartimento muscular y de grasa en jugadores amateurs de rugby de nacionalidad española. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se midió la altura, el peso, los diámetros, los perímetros y los pliegues corporales de treinta y un juga-dores. Se analizó los componentes de grasa y músculo y el somatotipo. Se determinó la proporcionalidad con el z-phantom. Se utilizaron métodos estadísticos descriptivos (mean ± SD) y t-student. RESULTADOS: El peso medio fue 85,32 ± 14,36 kg, el porcentaje de grasa medio fue 12,35 ± 3,46%, el porcentaje medio de masa muscular fue 50,29 ± 7,74% y el somatotipo medio fue 4,50-5,80-0,95. La suma de los seis pliegues corporales fue 92,92 ± 32,95 mm. Se observaron diferencias entre jugadores de ataque y defensa en el peso (95,24 vs 77,15 kg; p < 0,001), en la suma de los seis pliegues corporales (107,67 vs 80,77 mm; p = 0,021), en el porcentaje de grasa corporal (13,90 vs 11,07%; p = 0,021), en el porcentaje de masa muscular (45,16 vs 54,54%; p = < 0,001) en la endomorfia (5,31 vs 3,76; p = 0,013) y en la ectomorfia (0,62 vs 1,33; p = 0,002). En cuanto a la proporcionalidad, se observaron diferencias en función de la posición de los jugadores en el campo. CONCLUSIÓN: Las medidas antropométricas serían un adecuado instrumento para evaluar la composición corporal en rugby. El perfil antropométrico en rugby podría estar relacionado con la posición ocupada en el campo de juego, aunque serían necesario más estudios para confirmar esta idea. El nivel de profesionalismo podría afectar a las características antropométricas de los jugadores de rugby

The Anthropometric Assessment With the Bioimpedance Method Is Associated With the Prognosis of Cirrhotic Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The bioimpedance analysis (BIA) can provide anthropometric data on patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical relevance of these automatically obtained values. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied the arm circumference (AC) and arm muscle circumference (AMC) of 197 histologically proven cirrhotic patients. The BIA-based anthropometric data were compared to the manually measured data. In addition, we evaluated whether or not the BIA-based anthropometric data were associated with the prognosis of the patients. RESULTS: The data of %AC and %AMC obtained using the two methods were well correlated (p<0.001) with relatively inconspicuous differences (approximately 6.0% for %AC and 16.0% for %AMC). The data of %AC and %AMC obtained from the BIA method were significantly associated with the prognosis of the patients. CONCLUSION: The BIA-based anthropometric data were associated with the direct measurement data and related to the prognosis of cirrhotic patients.

Females adjust maternal hormone concentration in eggs according to male condition in a burying beetle.

In birds and other vertebrates, there is good evidence that females adjust the allocation of hormones in their eggs in response to prenatal environmental conditions, such as food availability or male phenotype, with profound consequences for life history traits of offspring. In insects, there is also evidence that females deposit juvenile hormones (JH) and ecdysteroids (ESH) in their eggs, hormones that play a key role in regulating offspring growth and metamorphosis. However, it is unclear whether females adjust their hormonal deposition in eggs in response to prenatal environmental conditions. Here we address this gap by conducting an experiment on the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides, in which we manipulated the presence of the male parent and the size of the carcass used for breeding at the time of laying. We also tested for effects of the condition (i.e., body mass) of the parents. We then recorded subsequent effects on JH and ESH concentrations in the eggs. We found no evidence for an effect of these prenatal environmental conditions (male presence and carcass size) on hormonal concentration in the eggs. However, we found that females reduced their deposition of JH when mated with heavier males. This finding is consistent with negative differential allocation of maternal hormones in response to variation in the body mass of the male parent. We encourage further work to investigate the role of maternally derived hormones in insect eggs.

The influence of physiological status on the reproductive behaviour of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).

For most cetacean species, there is little known about how an individual's physiology influences its behaviour. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a good candidate to examine such links as they have a well-described distribution and behaviour, can be consistently sampled using remote biopsy systems, and have been the subject of several previous endocrine studies. The objective here was to examine whether a female humpback whale's social state (i.e. escorted by a male or not) is related to her endocrine condition, and whether male dominance ranking is related to testosterone levels. Skin and blubber biopsies were collected from the east and west Australian humpback whale populations in 2010-2016 (n = 252) at multiple times throughout the winter-spring breeding season. Steroid hormones were extracted from blubber and concentrations of progesterone (a marker for pregnancy), testosterone (a marker of male testicular activity) and oestradiol (a potential marker of ovarian activity) measured using enzyme-immunoassays. Principal escorts-the dominant males in mixed sex groups-had significantly higher blubber testosterone levels (mean ±â€¯SE; 1.43 ±â€¯0.20 ng/g wet weight) than subordinate, secondary escorts (0.69 ±â€¯0.06 ng/g wet weight). Females that were escorted by males typically possessed elevated blubber oestradiol levels (1.96 ±â€¯0.25 ng/g wet weight; p = 0.014); few were considered to be pregnant (p = 0.083). 'Unescorted' females displayed characteristically lower blubber oestradiol levels (0.56 ±â€¯0.06 ng/g wet weight). Together, these results are consistent with 'challenge hypothesis' theory and suggest the existence of associated reproductive patterns in humpback whales.

Association of concentrations of beta-carotene in plasma on pregnancy per artificial insemination and pregnancy loss in lactating Holstein cows.

The objective of this study was to determine the association of beta-carotene concentration in plasma at the moment of artificial insemination (AI) on pregnancy/AI in lactating Holstein cows. A total of 399 events from 364 lactating Holstein cows were enrolled in the trial (143 primiparous and 221 multiparous). All cows were assigned to a timed AI protocol based on estradiol and progesterone. Blood samples were collected at the moment of AI and at 24 and 31d post-AI (samples on 31 d post-AI were collected only from cows that were diagnosed pregnant). The BCS were recorded at the time of AI. Plasma beta-carotene was quantified from blood samples taken at the time of AI using a single step denaturation and extraction into a solvent, followed by measurement using a portable spectrophotometer. Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) were analyzed in blood samples taken at 24 and 31 d post-AI of pregnant cows. Milk production was collected for the entire experimental period. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound 31 and 60 d post-AI. Data was analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS. Cows classified as thin (<2.75) tended to have lower concentration of beta-carotene at AI when compared with those classified as Moderate (≥3.00; 3.8 ±â€¯0.1 vs. 4.3 ±â€¯0.1 µg/mL; P = 0.09). Concentration of beta-carotene were greater in multiparous compared with primiparous (P < 0.01). There was no correlation between concentration of beta-carotene and milk production (r = 0.04; P = 0.10). When plasma beta-carotene was categorized in quartiles, cows in the 1st quartile had lower pregnancy/AI and higher pregnancy losses when compared with cows that were in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartile (pregnancy/AI = 19.2 ±â€¯4.5, 33.7 ±â€¯4.7, 36.9 ±â€¯5.0 and 39.8 ±â€¯5.4%, respectively; P = 0.05; pregnancy losses = 41.9 ±â€¯4.8, 20.4 ±â€¯3.7, 22.1 ±â€¯4.1, and 15.7 ±â€¯4.2%, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no association between concentrations of beta-carotene at AI and PAG at 24 d post-AI (P = 0.60). Cows with greater concentrations of beta-carotene at AI were more likely to have greater concentrations of PAG at 31 d post-AI (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the concentration of beta-carotene at AI was affected by BCS and parity. Cows with higher concentrations of plasma beta-carotene at AI had greater pregnancy/AI, lower pregnancy losses and greater concentrations of PAG at d 31 post-AI, suggesting it may be associated with placental function in lactating dairy cows.

The relationship between measures of obesity and atherogenic lipids among Nigerians with hypertension.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between measures of obesity and serum lipid levels among hypertensive patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which participants newly diagnosed with hypertension formed the study population. A range of demographic and anthropometric data was obtained, including weight, height, and waist and hip circumference. Fasting serum lipids were also measured, including total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using Friedewald formula. Statistical analysis was then carried out to determine the relationship between anthropometric indices and lipid profile levels. Results: The study population consisted of 124 male and 290 female subjects with a mean age of 66±16.95 years (range, 30-100 years). The female subjects were older than the male subjects (p=0.020). Our analysis showed that 85%, 58.5% and 30.7% of the study population had abnormal waist circumference (WC), abnormal waist-hip ratio (WHR) and a body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2, respectively. Decreased HDL-C (70.1%) was the commonest lipid abnormality detected, followed by elevated LDL (6.0%). None of the anthropometric indices were independent predictors of abnormal lipid levels. However, advanced age and female sex were independent predictors for at least one serum lipid abnormality. Conclusion: None of the measures of obesity could independently predict abnormal lipid levels in individuals newly diagnosed with hypertension. However, female sex, advanced age and systolic blood pressure were independently associated with abnormal serum lipids. Encouraging regular exercise, and the possible addition of statins, may be beneficial in addressing both obesity and dyslipidaemia.

Five-Year Change in Choroidal Thickness in Relation to Body Development and Axial Eye Elongation: The CCC2000 Eye Study.

Purpose: We describe changes in choroidal thickness from age 11 to 16 years and its association with ocular biometrics and body development. Method: In this longitudinal, population-based observational study, choroidal thickness was measured subfoveally and 1- and 3-mm temporal thereof using enhanced depth imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for age and the time of day that the scan was performed. Results: The study included 687 participants (304 boys). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 11.5 (0.6) years at baseline and 16.6 (0.3) years at follow-up. Mean increase in choroidal thickness was 33, 27, and 11 µm at the three respective locations. The subfoveal choroid thickened less in eyes whose axial length increased more (boys, ß = -85 µm/mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], -104 to -66, P < 0.0001; girls, ß = -105 µm/mm; 95% CI, -121 to -89, P < 0.0001) and in eyes with a more negative refractive development (boys, 11 µm/diopters [D]; 95% CI, 4.0 to 18, P = 0.0022; girls, 22 µm/D; 95% CI, 16 to 27, P < 0.0001). Subfoveal choroidal thickness increased less in girls who underwent early puberty (Tanner stage 4 vs. 1; -39 µm' 95% CI, -72 to -5.9, P = 0.021) and who had a longer baseline axial length (ß = -8.6 µm/mm; 95% CI, -15 to -2.7, P = 0.0043), and more in girls who grew taller (ß = 0.9 µm/cm; 95% CI, 0.1 to 1.7, P = 0.026). Conclusions: The choroid increased in thickness from age 11 to 16 years. The increase was greater in girls with later sexual maturation and smaller in eyes that added more axial length and had a relatively negative refractive development.

Association of traditional Chinese medicine body constitution and moderate-to-severe cancer-related fatigue in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Fatigue is one of the most prevalent adverse events reported by cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between traditional Chinese medicine body constitution (TCMBC) and moderate-to-severe cancer-related fatigue in cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on cancer patients recruited from a regional hospital in southern Taiwan. The association between TCMBC, measured using the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ) and moderate-to-severe cancer-related fatigue (based on the Taiwanese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory score ≥ 4) was evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 170 participants, 37 (21.8%) had moderate-to-severe fatigue. Yang-deficiency (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50-8.40) and Qi-deficiency (aOR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.18-6.82) TCMBC were significantly associated with moderate-to-severe cancer-related fatigue. CONCLUSION: TCMBC could be used as a clinical tool to identify cancer patients prone to experience moderate-to-severe cancer-related fatigue, and to provide Chinese medicine practitioners a basis for selecting an appropriate treatment approach based on TCMBC.

Whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry demonstrates better reliability than segmental body composition analysis in college-aged students.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is rapidly becoming more accessible and popular as a technique to monitor body composition. The reliability of DXA has been examined extensively using a number of different methodological approaches. This study sets up to investigate the accuracy of measuring the parameters of body composition (BC) by means of the whole-body and the segmental DXA method analysis with the typical error of measurement (TEM) that allows for expressing the error in the units of measure. The research was implemented in a group of 63 participants, all of whom were university students. Thirty-eight males (22.6±2.9 years, average body mass 77.5±8.4 kg) and 25 females (21.4±2.0 years, average body mass 58.6±7.2 kg) were recruited. The measured parameters included body mass (BM), fat-free mass (FFM), body fat (BF), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD). For the whole-body analysis, the determined TEM was: BM at the level of 0.12 kg in females and 0.29 kg in males; BF 0.25kg and 0.44% females, 0.52 kg and 0.66% males; FFM 0.24 kg females and 0.42 kg males; BMC 0.02 kg females and males; BMD 0.01g/cm2 females and males. The TEM values in the segmental analysis were: BF within the range of 0.04-0.28 kg and 0.68-1.20% in females, 0.10-0.36 kg and 0.72-1.94% in males; FFM 0.08-0.41 kg females and 0.17-0.86 males, BMC 0.00-0.02 kg females and 0.01-0.02 kg males in relation to the body segment (upper limb, trunk, lower limb). The BMD value was at the level of 0.01-0.02g/cm2. The study results showed high reliability in measuring body composition parameters using the DXA method. The whole-body analysis showed a higher accuracy of measurement than the segmental. Only the changes that are greater than the TEM, or the upper bound (95%) of the confidence interval of the measurement can be considered demonstrable when interpreting repeated measurements.