• A brief exposure to moderate passive smoke increases metabolism and thyroid hormone secretion.

      Metsios, Giorgos S.; Flouris, Andreas D.; Jamurtas, Athanasios Z.; Carrillo, A.E.; Kouretas, Dimitris; Germenis, A.E.; Gourgoulianis, K.; Kiropoulos, T.; Tzatzarakis, M.N.; Tsatsakis, A.M.; et al. (The Endocrine Society/HighWire Press, 2007)
      CONTEXT: Active smoking influences normal metabolic status and thyroid function. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess experimentally the effects of 1 h of moderate passive smoking in a controlled simulated bar/restaurant environment on the metabolism and thyroid hormone levels in healthy nonsmokers. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen (nine females, nine males) healthy individuals (mean +/- sd: age, 25.3 +/- 3.1 yr; height, 174.0 +/- 10.1 cm; weight, 65.2 +/- 13.7 kg) participated in the study. DESIGN: In repeated-measures randomized blocks, participants visited the laboratory on 2 consecutive days. In the experimental condition, they were exposed to 1 h of moderate passive smoking at a carbon monoxide concentration of 23 +/- 1 ppm in an environmental chamber, whereas in the control condition participants remained in the same chamber for 1 h breathing normal atmospheric air. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In both conditions, cotinine serum and urine levels, resting energy expenditure (REE), as well as concentration of T3, free T4, and TSH were assessed before participants entered the chamber and immediately after their exit. Heart rate and blood pressure were tested in 10-min intervals during all REE assessments. RESULTS: The mean +/- sd difference of serum and urine cotinine levels (-0.27 +/- 3.94 vs. 14.01 +/- 6.54 and 0.05 +/- 2.07 vs. 7.23 +/- 3.75, respectively), REE (6.73 +/- 98.06 vs. 80.58 +/- 120.91) as well as T3 and free T4 (0.05 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.13 +/- 0.12 and 0.02 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.22 +/- 0.20) were increased in the experimental compared with the control condition at baseline and follow-up (P < 0.05). No statistically significant variation was observed in the mean difference of the remaining parameters (P > 0.05). Serum and urine cotinine values were linearly associated with REE (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: One hour of passive smoking at bar/restaurant levels is accompanied by significant increases in metabolism and thyroid hormone levels.
    • A century of state murder?: death and policy in twentieth century Russia

      Haynes, Michael J.; Hasan, Rumy (London: Pluto Press, 2003)
      Russia has one of the lowest rates of adult life expectancy in the world. Average life expectancy for a man in America is 74; in Russia, it is just 59. Birth rates and population levels have also plummeted. These excess levels of mortality affect all countries that formed the former Soviet bloc. Running into many millions, they raise obvious comparisons with the earlier period of forced transition under Stalin. This book seeks to put the recent history of the transition into a longer term perspective by identifying, explaining and comparing the pattern of change in Russia in the last century. It offers a sharp challenge to the conventional wisdom and benign interpretations offered in the west of what has happened since 1991. Through a careful survey of the available primary and secondary sources, Mike Haynes and Rumy Husan have produced the first and most complete and accurate account of Russian demographic crisis from the Revolution to the present. (Pluto Press)
    • A pilot study to determine the effectiveness of garlic oil capsules in the treatment of dyspeptic patients with Helicobacter pylori.

      McNulty, Cliodna A. M.; Wilson, Melanie P.; Havinga, Wouter; Johnston, Belinda; O'Gara, Elizabeth A.; Maslin, David J. (Wiley InterScience, 2001)
      BACKGROUND: Resistance of Helicobacter pylori to clarithromycin and metronidazole is now found worldwide. Steam-distilled garlic oil has in vitro activity against H. pylori and may be a useful alternative treatment strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this pilot study dyspeptic patients with positive serology for H. pylori confirmed by 13C urea breath test (UBT), at 0 and 2 weeks, were enrolled. Treatment consisted of one 4 mg garlic oil capsule with a meal four times per day for 14 days. H. pylori eradication was defined as a negative UBT at both follow-up appointments. Suppression was defined as a 50% fall in 13C excess between baseline and follow-up 1. RESULTS: Five patients completed the study. There was no evidence of either eradication or suppression of H. pylori or symptom improvement whilst taking garlic oil. CONCLUSION: These negative results show that, within the gastric milieu, garlic oil at this dose does not inhibit H. pylori. A higher dose administered for a longer time-period may be effective. Antibiotics are usually combined with a proton-pump inhibitor or bismuth salt, as the only antibiotic with any in vivo activity against H. pylori in monotherapy is clarithromycin. A proton pump inhibitor raises gastric pH and, by increasing bacterial division, may increase the in vivo activity of garlic oil. This may be worth pursuing in a future trial.
    • A role for human endogenous retrovirus-K (HML-2) in rheumatoid arthritis: investigating mechanisms of pathogenesis.

      Freimanis, Graham L.; Hooley, Paul; Ejtehadi, H Dava; Ali, H.A.; Veitch, A.; Rylance, P.; Alawi, A.; Axford, John; Nevill, Alan M.; Murray, Paul G.; et al. (Wiley-Blackwell, 2010)
      Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections within the human genome. These molecular fossils draw parallels with present-day exogenous retroviruses and have been linked previously with immunopathology within rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Mechanisms of pathogenesis for HERV-K in RA such as molecular mimicry were investigated. To clarify a role for HERVs in RA, potential autoantigens implicated in autoimmunity were scanned for sequence identity with retroviral epitopes. Short retroviral peptides modelling shared epitopes were synthesized, to survey anti-serum of RA patients and disease controls. A novel real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was also developed to quantify accurately levels of HERV-K (HML-2) gag expression, relative to normalized housekeeping gene expression. Both serological and molecular assays showed significant increases in HERV-K (HML-2) gag activity in RA patients, compared to disease controls. The real-time PCR assay identified significant up-regulation in HERV-K mRNA levels in RA patients compared to inflammatory and healthy controls. Exogenous viral protein expression and proinflammatory cytokines were also shown to exert modulatory effects over HERV-K (HML-2) transcription. From our data, it can be concluded that RA patients exhibited significantly elevated levels of HERV-K (HML-2) gag activity compared to controls. Additional factors influencing HERV activity within the synovium were also identified. The significant variation in RA patients, both serologically and transcriptionally, may be an indication that RA is an umbrella term for a number of separate disease entities, of which particular HERV polymorphisms may play a role in development.
    • A2 milk enhances dynamic muscle function following repeated sprint exercise, a possible ergogenic aid for a1-protein intolerant athletes?

      Kirk, Ben; Mitchell, Jade; Jackson, Matthew; Amirabdollahian, Farzad; Alizadehkhaiyat, Omid; Clifford, Tom; School of Health Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool L16 9JD, UK. kirkb@hope.ac.uk. (MDPI, 2017-01-28)
      Hyperaminoacidemia following ingestion of cows-milk may stimulate muscle anabolism and attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). However, as dairy-intolerant athletes do not obtain the reported benefits from milk-based products, A2 milk may offer a suitable alternative as it lacks the A1-protein. This study aimed to determine the effect of A2 milk on recovery from a sports-specific muscle damage model. Twenty-one male team sport players were allocated to three independent groups: A2 milk (n = 7), regular milk (n = 7), and placebo (PLA) (n = 7). Immediately following muscle-damaging exercise, participants consumed either A2 milk, regular milk or PLA (500 mL each). Visual analogue scale (muscle soreness), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), countermovement jump (CMJ) and 20-m sprint were measured prior to and 24, 48, and 72 h post EIMD. At 48 h post-EIMD, CMJ and 20-m sprint recovered quicker in A2 (33.4 ± 6.6 and 3.3 ± 0.1, respectively) and regular milk (33.1 ± 7.1 and 3.3 ± 0.3, respectively) vs. PLA (29.2 ± 3.6 and 3.6 ± 0.3, respectively) (p < 0.05). Relative to baseline, decrements in 48 h CMJ and 20-m sprint were minimised in A2 (by 7.2 and 5.1%, respectively) and regular milk (by 6.3 and 5.2%, respectively) vs. PLA. There was a trend for milk treatments to attenuate decrements in MVIC, however statistical significance was not reached (p = 0.069). Milk treatments had no apparent effect on muscle soreness (p = 0.152). Following muscle-damaging exercise, ingestion of 500 mL of A2 or regular milk can limit decrements in dynamic muscle function in male athletes, thus hastening recovery and improving subsequent performance. The findings propose A2 milk as an ergogenic aid following EIMD, and may offer an alternative to athletes intolerant to the A1 protein.
    • Accumulating brisk walking for fitness, cardiovascular risk, and psychological health.

      Murphy, Marie H.; Nevill, Alan M.; Neville, Charlotte; Biddle, Stuart; Hardman, Adrianne E. (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2002)
      PURPOSE: To compare the effects of different patterns of regular brisk walking on fitness, risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and psychological well-being in previously sedentary adults. METHODS: Twenty-one subjects (14 women), aged 44.5 +/- 6.1 yr (mean +/- SD) were randomly assigned to two different, 6-wk programs of brisk walking in a cross-over design, with an interval of 2 wk. One program comprised one 30-min walk per day, 5 d.wk(-1) (long bout) and the other three 10-min walks per day, also 5 d.wk(-1) (short bouts). All walking was at 70-80% of predicted maximal heart rate. Maximal oxygen uptake ((.)VO(2max)), body composition, resting arterial blood pressure, fasting plasma lipoprotein variables, and psychological parameters were assessed before and after each program. RESULTS: Overall, subjects completed 88.2 +/- 1.1% and 91.3 +/- 4.1% of prescribed total walking time in the short- and long-bout programs, respectively. Both programs increased plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and decreased concentrations of triacylglycerol and total cholesterol (all < 0.05). There were no changes in body mass, but the sum of four skinfolds, waist circumference, and hip circumference were decreased after both walking programs (all P<0.05). Predicted (.)VO(2max) increased with both programs ( P<0.05), but this increase was greater with the program based on short bouts (P<0.05). Both walking patterns resulted in similar decreases in tension/anxiety (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that three short bouts (10 min) of brisk walking accumulated throughout the day are at least as effective as one continuous bout of equal total duration in reducing cardiovascular risk and improving aspects of mood in previously sedentary individuals.
    • Acute and short-term effects of secondhand smoke on lung function and cytokine production.

      Flouris, Andreas D.; Metsios, Giorgos S.; Carrillo, A. E.; Jamurtas, Athanasios Z.; Gourgoulianis, K.; Kiropoulos, Theodoros; Tzatzarakis, M. N.; Tsatsakis, A. M.; Koutedakis, Yiannis (American Thoracic Society, 2009)
      RATIONALE: The acute effect of secondhand smoke (SHS) on lung function and the duration of system disruption remain unknown. OBJECTIVES: To assess the SHS effects and their duration on lung function and inflammatory markers. METHODS: In a randomized single-blind crossover experiment data were obtained from 16 (8 women) nonsmoking adults at baseline and at 0, 1, and 3 hours after a 1-hour SHS exposure set at bar/restaurant SHS levels. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Serum and urine cotinine, lung function, and cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IFN-gamma. At 0 hours most lung function parameters were significantly reduced (indicative: FEV(1), 4.3 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.8 +/- 0.3 L; FEV(1)/FVC, 0.9 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.8 +/- 0.1; P < 0.05) but at 3 hours they were at baseline levels. In contrast, cotinine (serum, 8.9 +/- 3.2 vs. 35.5 +/- 10.2 ng x ml(-1)), IL-4 (41.3 +/- 5.8 vs. 44.2 +/- 4.5 pg x ml(-1)), IL-5 (36.1 +/- 3.2 vs. 60.1 +/- 7.0 pg x ml(-1)), IL-6 (2.5 +/- 0.3 vs. 7.6 +/- 1.4 pg x ml(-1)) and IFN-gamma (0.3 +/- 0.2 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.2 IU x ml(-1)) at 3 hours were higher than at baseline (P < 0.05). IL-4 and TNF-alpha increased only in men, whereas IL-5, IL-6, and IFN-gamma were different between sexes after exposure (P < 0.05). Regression analyses revealed inverse associations of FEV(1) and FEV(1)/FVC ratio with IL-5 (P < 0.05) in men and with IL-5 (P = 0.01), IL-6 (P < 0.001), IFN-gamma (P = 0.034) and serum cotinine (P < 0.001) in women. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that 1 hour of SHS exposure at bar/restaurant levels is accompanied by significant decrements on lung function and marked increases in inflammatory cytokines, particularly in men. More importantly, whereas most smoke-induced effects on lung function appear to recede within 60 minutes, inflammatory cytokines remain elevated for at least 3 hours after exposure to SHS.
    • Age-related alterations in blood and colonic dendritic cell properties

      Vora, R; Bernardo, D; Durant, L; Reddi, D; Hart, AL; Fell, JME; Al-Hassi, Hafid Omar; Knight, SC; Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. (Impact Journals, LLC, 2016-03-01)
      Background: Dendritic cells (DC) determine initiation, type and location of immune responses and, in adults, show decreased Toll-like receptors and some increased cytokine levels on ageing. Few studies in children have characterised DC or explored DC-related mechanisms producing age-related immune changes. Results: The pDC marker BDCA2 (but not CD123) was absent in pre-pubertal children and numbers of pDC decreased with age. Blood and colonic DC were more mature and activated in adults. Decrease in pDC numbers correlated with reduced GM-CSF levels with aging, but increasing IL-4 and IL-8 levels correlated with a more activated DC profile in blood. CXCL16 levels decreased with age. Methods: Blood and colonic DC phenotypes were determined in healthy adults and children by flow cytometry and correlated with aging. Blood DC were divided into plasmacytoid (pDC) and myeloid (mDC) while only mDC were identified in colon. Serum cytokine levels were determined by multiplex cytokine assays and correlated with DC properties. Conclusions: In children, lack of BDCA2, a receptor mediating antigen capture and inhibiting interferon induction, may be immunologically beneficial during immune development. Conversely, reduced pDC numbers, probably secondary to decreasing GM-CSF and increasing cytokine-induced maturation of DC are likely to determine deteriorating immunity with ageing.
    • Age-related responses in circulating markers of redox status in healthy adolescents and adults during the course of a training macrocycle

      Zalavras, A; Fatouros, IG; Deli, CK; Draganidis, D; Theodorou, AA; Soulas, D; Koutsioras, Y; Koutedakis, Y; Jamurtas, AZ; Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Karies, 42100 Trikala, Greece. (Hindawi, 2015-04-06)
      Redox status changes during an annual training cycle in young and adult track and field athletes and possible differences between the two age groups were assessed. Forty-six individuals (24 children and 22 adults) were assigned to four groups: trained adolescents, (TAD, N=13), untrained adolescents (UAD, N=11), trained adults (TA, N=12), and untrained adults (UA, N=10). Aerobic capacity and redox status related variables [total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), catalase activity, TBARS, protein carbonyls (PC), uric acid, and bilirubin] were assessed at rest and in response to a time-trial bout before training, at mid- and posttraining. TAC, catalase activity, TBARS, PC, uric acid, and bilirubin increased and GSH declined in all groups in response to acute exercise independent of training status and age. Training improved aerobic capacity, TAC, and GSH at rest and in response to exercise. Age affected basal and exercise-induced responses since adults demonstrated a greater TAC and GSH levels at rest and a greater rise of TBARS, protein carbonyls, and TAC and decline of GSH in response to exercise. Catalase activity, uric acid, and bilirubin responses were comparable among groups. These results suggest that acute exercise, age, and training modulate the antioxidant reserves of the body.
    • Ankle and foot contributions to extreme plantar- and dorsiflexion in female ballet dancers.

      Russell, Jeffrey A.; Shave, Ruth M; Kruse, David W.; Koutedakis, Yiannis; Wyon, Matthew A. (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, Inc., 2011)
      Background: Female ballet dancers require extreme ankle motion. The objective of this study was to quantify the relative contributions of the ankle and various foot joints to extreme plantarflexion (PF) and dorsiflexion (DF) in female ballet dancers using an X-ray superimposition technique and digital graphics software. Materials and Methods: One asymptomatic ankle was studied in each of seven experienced female ballet dancers. Three lateral weightbearing X-rays were taken of each ballet dancer's ankle: en pointe (maximum PF), in neutral position, and in demi-plié (maximum DF). Using graphics software, a subject's three X-ray images were superimposed and the tali were aligned. On each image the tibia, navicular, intermediate cuneiform, and first metatarsal were marked. Positional differences of a bone's line among the three images demonstrated angular movement of the bone in degrees. The neutral position was the reference from which both PF and DF of the bones were calculated. Results: The talocrural joint contributed the most motion of any pair of bones evaluated for both PF and DF, with mean movements of 57.6 ± 5.2 degrees en pointe and 24.6 ± 9.6 degrees in demi-plié. Approximately 70% of total PF and DF were attributable to the talocrural joint, with the remaining 30% coming from motion between adjacent pairs of the studied foot bones. Conclusion: Superimposed X-rays for assessing ankle and foot contributions to the extreme positions required of female ballet dancers offer insight into how these positions are attained that is not available via goniometry. Clinical Relevance: Functional information gained from this study may assist clinicians in assessessing ankle and foot pain in these individuals.
    • Anthropometric indicators of adiposity related to body weight and body shape as cardiometabolic risk predictors in British young adults: Superiority of waist-to-height ratio

      Amirabdollahian, Farzad; Haghighatdoost, Fahimeh; School of Health Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool, UK. (Hindawi, 2018-11-01)
      Frequently reported poor dietary habits of young adults increase their risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Excess adiposity is the most established predictor of MetS, and numerous anthropometric measures have been proposed as proxy indicators of adiposity. We aimed to assess prevalence of MetS in young adult population and to make comparison between weight- and shape-oriented measures of adiposity to identify the best index in association with measured body fat and as a risk predictor for MetS. Healthy males and females aged 18-25 years from the Northwest of England were recruited using convenience sampling (<i>n</i>=550). As part of the assessment of the overall health of young adults, the biochemical variables and adiposity measures BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), new BMI, Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Clinica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), and A Body Shape Index (ABSI) were assessed. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the association between the proxy indices of adiposity and measured percentage body fat. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to investigate the relationship between cardiometabolic (CM) risk factors and proxy measures of adiposity. The discriminatory power of these measures for diagnosis of MetS was investigated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Body weight-related indicators of adiposity, particularly CUN-BAE, had stronger association with measured body fat compared with body shape-related indices. In relation with MetS, body shape-related indices, particularly elevated WC and WHtR, had stronger associations with CM risk compared with body weight-related measures. Amongst all indices, the best predictor for CM risk was WHtR, while ABSI had the weakest correlation with body fat, MetS, and CM risk. Indices directly associated with WC and specifically WHtR had greater diagnostic power in detection of CM risk in young adults.
    • Anthropometry, somatotypes, and aerobic power in ballet, contemporary dance, and dancesport

      Liiv, Helena; Wyon, Matthew A; Jürimäe, Toivo; Saar, Meeli; Mäestu, Jarek; Jürimäe, Jaak (Science & Medicine, 2013-12)
      This study compared anthropometric variables, somatotypes, and aerobic capacity between three groups of dancers: classical ballet dancers (M 33, F 56), contemporary dancers (M 28, F 109), and dancesport dancers (M 30, F 30). The assumption was that different functional requirements should produce differences in the anthropometric and aerobic capacity variables among the three groups. Anthropometric data for body mass index (BMI) and somatotypes were measured. Body fat percentage was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Maximal oxygen consumption and aerobic power were measured during an incremental treadmill test until exhaustion. Dancesport athletes were taller compared with same gender contemporary dancers (p<0.05). Female ballet dancers had a lower body mass and BMI compared with their contemporary dance and dancesport equivalents (p<0.001). There was significant difference between dance styles in endomorphy (F2,221 = 8.773, p<0.001) and mesomorphy (F2,221 = 21.458, p<0.001) scores. Dancesport dancers had significantly greater VO2max values (p<0.01). It was concluded that female contemporary dancers are generally more muscular than their ballet counterparts, while dancesport dancers are taller and heavier, less muscular, with slightly greater adioposity compared to the classical ballet dancers. Ballet dancers had the lowest body fat percentage, weight, and BMI values. Dancesport dancers had greater aerobic capacity than the ballet dancers. Based on this study, we conclude that dancers in these three styles differ in some aspects of anthropometric variables, somatotypes, and aerobic capacity, but we cannot say is it because of the training or selection or both.
    • Anti-beta2GPI-antibody-induced endothelial cell gene expression profiling reveals induction of novel pro-inflammatory genes potentially involved in primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

      Hamid, Colleen G.; Norgate, K.; D'Cruz, D.P.; Khamashta, M.A.; Arno, M.; Pearson, J.D.; Frampton, Geoffrey; Murphy, John J. (BMJ Publishing & European League Against Rheumatism, 2007)
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS)-derived anti-beta(2)GPI antibodies on gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by gene profiling using microarrays. METHODS: Anti-beta(2)GPI antibodies purified from sera of patients with PAPS or control IgG isolated from normal subjects were incubated with HUVEC for 4 h before isolation of RNA and processing for hybridisation to Affymetrix Human Genome U133A-2.0 arrays. Data were analysed using a combination of the MAS 5.0 (Affymetrix) and GeneSpring (Agilent) software programmes. For selected genes microarray data were confirmed by real-time PCR analysis or at the protein level by ELISA. RESULTS: A total of 101 genes were found to be upregulated and 14 genes were downregulated twofold or more in response to anti-beta(2)GPI antibodies. A number of novel genes not previously associated with APS were induced, including chemokines CCL20, CXCL3, CX3CL1, CXCL5, CXCL2 and CXCL1, the receptors Tenascin C, OLR1, IL-18 receptor 1, and growth factors CSF2, CSF3 IL-6, IL1beta and FGF18. The majority of downregulated genes were transcription factors/signalling molecules including ID2. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis confirmed the microarray results for selected genes (CSF3, CX3CL1, FGF18, ID2, SOD2, Tenascin C). CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals a complex gene expression response in HUVEC to anti-beta(2)GPI antibodies with multiple chemokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, pro-thrombotic and pro-adhesive genes regulated by these antibodies in vitro. Some of these newly identified anti-beta(2)GPI antibody-regulated genes could contribute to the vasculopathy associated with this disease.
    • Antioxidant responses following active and passive smoking of tobacco and electronic cigarettes

      Poulianiti, Konstantina; Karatzaferi, Christina; Flouris, Andreas D; Fatouros, Ioannis G; Koutedakis, Yiannis; Jamurtas, Athanasios Z (Taylor & Francis, 2016-07-27)
      It has been indicated that acute active and passive tobacco cigarette smoking may cause changes on redox status balance that may result in significant pathologies. However, no study has evaluated the effects of active and passive e-cigarette smoking on redox status of consumers.
    • Association between selected physical fitness parameters and aesthetic competence in contemporary dancers.

      Angioi, Manuela; Metsios, Giorgos S.; Twitchett, Emily; Koutedakis, Yiannis; Wyon, Matthew A. (J. Michael Ryan, 2009)
      The physical demands imposed on contemporary dancers by choreographers and performance schedules make their physical fitness just as important to them as skill development. Nevertheless, it remains to be confirmed which physical fitness components are associated with aesthetic competence. The aim of this study was to: 1. replicate and test a novel aesthetic competence tool for reliability, and 2. investigate the association between selected physical fitness components and aesthetic competence by using this new tool. Seventeen volunteers underwent a series of physical fitness tests (body composition, flexibility, muscular power and endurance, and aerobic capacity) and aesthetic competence assessments (seven individual criteria commonly used by selected dance companies). Inter-rater reliability of the aesthetic competence tool was very high (r = 0.96). There were significant correlations between the aesthetic competence score and jump ability and push-ups (r = 0.55 and r = 0.55, respectively). Stepwise backward multiple regression analysis revealed that the best predictor of aesthetic competence was push-ups (R(2) = 0.30, p = 0.03). Univariate analyses also revealed that the interaction of push-ups and jump ability improved the prediction power of aesthetic competence (R(2) = 0.44, p = 0.004). It is concluded that upper body muscular endurance and jump ability best predict aesthetic competence of the present sample of contemporary dancers. Further research is required to investigate the contribution of other components of aesthetic competence, including upper body strength, lower body muscular endurance, general coordination, and static and dynamic balance.
    • Association of air pollution with the risk of initial outpatient visits for tuberculosis in Wuhan, China

      Xu, Man; Lao, Jiaqiang; Yin, Ping; Hou, Jiang; Zhou, Yun; Huang, Jiao; Liu, Bing; Chen, Ruoling; Ke, Li; Chen, Hongying; et al. (BMJ, 2019-07-12)
      © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. Objectives Previous studies suggested the association of air pollution with initial Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and the disease development. However, few studies have been conducted on air pollution and initial tuberculosis (TB) consults using short-interval data. We investigated the weekly association between air pollution and initial TB outpatient visits. Methods We used a Poisson regression model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model to conduct a time-series study with weekly air pollution data and TB cases during 2014-2017 in Wuhan, China. Results A 10 μg/m 3 increase in NO 2 (nitrogen dioxide) was associated with 11.74% (95% CI: 0.70 to 23.98, lag 0-1 weeks), 21.45% (95% CI: 1.44 to 45.41, lag 0-2 weeks) and 12.8% (95% CI: 0.97 to 26.02, lag 0-1 weeks) increase in initial TB consults among all patients with TB, old patients (≥60 years old) and male ones, respectively. A 10 μg/m 3 increase in SO 2 (sulfur dioxide) was associated with -22.23% (95% CI: -39.23 to -0.49, lag 0-16 weeks), -28.65% (95% CI: -44.3 to -8.58, lag 0-16 weeks), -23.85 (95% CI: -41.79 to -0.37, lag 0-8 weeks) and -23.82% (95% CI: -41.31 to -1.11, lag 0-16 weeks) increase in initial TB consults among the total, young (aged 15-59 years old), old and male patients, respectively. In old patients, a 0.1 mg/m 3 increase in CO (carbon monoxide) and a 10 μg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 (particulate matter) were separately associated with 42.32% (95% CI: 1.16 to 100.22, lag 0-16 weeks) and 17.38% (95% CI: 0.28 to 37.38, lag 0-16 weeks) increases in TB consults. Conclusion Our study first highlighted the importance of weekly association between air pollution and the risk of initial TB consults, which is helpful for the arrangements of TB screening and medical assistance.
    • Associations of socioeconomic status and physical activity with obesity measures in rural Chinese adults

      Pan, M; Tu, R; Gu, J; Li, R; Liu, X; Chen, R; Yu, S; Wang, X; Mao, Z; Huo, W; et al. (Frontiers Media, 2021-01-08)
      Background: Although independent association of socioeconomic status (SES) or physical activity (PA) with obesity has been well-documented in urban settings, their independent and joint associations on obesity measures are limited in rural regions. Methods: Almost 38,000 (n = 37,922) individuals were included from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to evaluate PA. Obesity was reflected by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body fat percentage (BFP), and visceral fat index (VFI). The independent and interactive effects of SES and PA on obesity were analyzed by logistic regression models and generalized linear regression models, respectively. Results: Compared with high education level, the OR (95%CI) of obesity defined by BMI with low education level was 1.466 (1.337, 1.608), 1.064 (0.924, 1.225), and 1.853 (1.625, 2.114) in total population, men and women, respectively. Besides, the OR (95%CI) of obesity defined by BMI associated with per capita monthly income were 1.089 (1.015, 1.170), 1.192 (1.055, 1.347), 1.038 (0.951, 1.133) in total population, men and women, respectively. Similar results had been observed in other obesity measures. Negative interactive association of low education level and PA on obesity measures were observed only in women (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that women are more susceptible to obesity concerning low SES and that adequate PA may be a potential target for mitigating the negative effect of low SES on obesity in women. Clinical Trial Registration: The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699) http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375.
    • Associations of solid fuel use and ambient air pollution with estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk

      Pan, M; Li, S; Tu, R; Li, R; Liu, X; Chen, Ruoling; Yu, S; Mao, Z; Huo, W; Yin, S; et al. (Elsevier, 2021-09-09)
      Background Although exposure to ambient air pollution (AAP) increases the risk for arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), evidence on the association of solid fuel use with ASCVD and its association modified by ambient air pollution remains limited. Methods A total of 16,779 adults were derived from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Concentrations of ambient air pollutants (PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and NO2) were estimated by a spatiotemporal model based on satellites data. Solid fuel use was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. The associations of solid fuel use with high 10-year ASCVD risk and the modified association by exposure to air pollutants were explored using logistic regression models. Results There were positive associations of AAP exposure with high 10-year ASCVD risk among individuals with self-cooking. The joint associations between high AAP exposures and solid fuel use with high 10-year ASCVD risk were found. Compared to clean fuel user with low PM2.5 exposure, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of high 10-year ASCVD risk was 1.25 (1.09, 1.42) for solid fuel user with low PM2.5 exposure, 1.93 (1.75, 2.12) for clean fuel user with high PM2.5 exposure, and 3.08 (2.67, 3.54) for solid fuel user with high PM2.5 exposure, respectively. Their additive effect on high 10-year ASCVD risk was observed (relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI): 0.90 (95 %CI: 0.50, 1.30), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP): 0.29 (95 %CI: 0.19, 0.40), and synergy index (SI): 1.77 (95 %CI: 1.38, 2.26)). Conclusion This study showed a synergistic effect of AAP and household air pollution reflected by solid fuel use on high 10-year ASCVD risk, suggesting that reducing solid cooking fuels and controlling air pollution may have a joint effect on public health improvement.
    • B-type natriuretic peptide in reversible myocardial ischaemia.

      Chatha, K.; Alsoud, M.; Griffiths, M.J.; Elfatih, A.; Abozguia, K.; Horton, R.C.; Dunmore, Simon J.; Gama, R. (BMJ Publishing, 2006)
      BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease is associated with increased B-type natriuretic peptides (BNPs), and, although controversial, may cause exaggerated exercise-induced BNP secretion. We investigated BNP in relation to reversible myocardial ischaemia. Materials and methods: Serum N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) was measured before and after an exercise electrocardiogram test (ETT) in 14 patients with and 45 patients without exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia. Statistical analysis was carried out on logarithmically transformed data. Results, however, are pre-transformed data. RESULTS: NT-proBNP increased with exercise both in ETT-positive patients (mean (SD) 71.4 (41.2) v 76.8 (44.0) ng/l; p<0.001) and ETT-negative patients (54.0 (61.2) v 60.1 (69.0) ng/l; p<0.001). Pre-exercise and post-exercise NT-proBNP were higher (p<0.05) in ETT-positive than in ETT-negative patients. Incremental NT-proBNP was similar in ETT-positive (4.7 (4.2) ng/l) and ETT-negative (6.2 (8.6) ng/l) patients. CONCLUSION: Serum NT-proBNP concentrations are higher in patients with exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia than in those without. Exercise-induced electrocardiographic myocardial ischaemia, however, is not associated with exaggerated BNP secretion.
    • Ballet injuries: injury incidence and severity over 1 year.

      Allen, Nick; Nevill, Alan; Brooks, John; Koutedakis, Yiannis; Wyon, Matthew (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkin, 2012-09)
      STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, descriptive single-cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and severity of injuries to a professional ballet company over 1 year. METHODS: Data for an elite-level ballet company of 52 professional dancers were collected by an in-house medical team using a time-loss injury definition. RESULTS: A total of 355 injuries were recorded, with an overall injury incidence of 4.4 injuries per 1000 hours (female, 4.1; male, 4.8; P>.05) and a mean of 6.8 injuries per dancer (female, 6.3; male, 7.3; P>.05). Mean injury severity was 7 days (female, 4; male, 9; P<.05). Most injuries were classified as overuse (64%; female, 68%; male, 60%; P>.05); mean severity of injury was 3 days for females and 9 days for males (P<.05). The percentage of traumatic injuries was 32% for females and 40% for males (P<.05); the corresponding severity was 6 and 10 days, respectively (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The relatively high number of injuries reported and the resulting loss of dance time support the need to introduce interventions to reduce the risk of injury in professional dancers.