Associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and overweight with academic performance in 12-year old Brazilian children

Obesity has been associated with poor academic achievement, while cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has been linked to academic success. Purpose: To investigate whether CRF is associated with academic performance in Brazilian students, independently of body mass index (BMI), fatness and socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: Three hundred and nine two 5th and 6th grade students (193 girls) (12.11±0.75 years old) were evaluated in 2012. Skinfold thickness measures were performed, and students were classified according to BMI-percentile. CRF was estimated by a 20-meter shuttle run test, and academic achievement by standardized math and Portuguese tests. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the association between academic performance and CRF, adjusted for SES, skinfold thickness or BMI-percentile. Results: Among girls CRF was associated with higher academic achievement in math (β=0.146;p=0.003) and Portuguese (β=0.129;p=0.004) in crude and adjusted analyses. No significant association was found among boys. BMI was not associated with overall academic performance. There was a weak negative association between skinfold thickness and performance in mathematics in boys (β=-0.030;p=0.04), but not in girls. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of maintaining high fitness levels in girls throughout adolescence a period commonly associated with reductions in physical activity levels and CRF

Effect of Physical Exercise and Genetic Background on Glucose Homeostasis and Liver/Muscle Proteomes in Mice.

We compared the parameters related to glucose homeostasis, and liver and muscle proteomes in fluorosis-susceptible (A/J; S) and fluorosis-resistant (129P3/J; R) mice in response to fluoride (F) exposure and exercise. Ninety male mice (45 R-mice and 45 S-mice) were randomized into three groups: (SI; RI) No-F, No-Exercise, (SII; RII) 50 ppm F, No-Exercise, (SIII; RIII) 50 ppm F, Exercise. Overall, mean F concentrations in the plasma and femur were significantly higher in R-mice compared with S-mice. In R-mice, exercise resulted in an increase in F accumulation in the femur. In S-mice, the mean plasma glucose level was significantly higher in Group II compared with Groups I and III. There was an increase in liver proteins involved in energy flux and antioxidant enzymes in non-exercise groups (I, II) of S-mice in comparison with the corresponding groups of R-mice. The results also showed a decrease in muscle protein expression in Group I S-mice compared with their R-mice counterparts. In conclusion, the findings suggest an increased state of oxidative stress in fluorosis-susceptible mice that might be exacerbated by the treatment with F. In addition, fluorosis-susceptible mice have plasma glucose levels higher than fluorosis-resistant mice on exposure to F, and this is not affected by exercise

The impact of sitting time and physical activity on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and sitting time on adults’ mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety and wellbeing) and the influence of mediators and confounders. METHODS: An online survey was disseminated in the UK between May and June 2020. A total of 284 participants (33.5 ± 12.4 years) self-reported their PA, sitting time and mental health through validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that being of younger age, female, on a lower income, with one or more comorbid health conditions, with a previous diagnosis of mood disorder and increased sitting time independently correlated with higher depression scores (F (13,219) = 12.31, p < 0.001), and explained 42% of the variance. Similar results were found for wellbeing where socio-demographic, health outcomes and sitting time influenced the subjective wellbeing (F (14,218) = 5.77, p < 0.001, 27% variance), although only socio-demographic and health outcomes contributed to the variation in anxiety score (F (13,219) = 7.84, p < 0.001, 32% variance). PA did not explain variation when sitting time was taken into account in any of the models. Combined analysis revealed that participants with lower sedentary time (< 8 h) and with both low or moderate and high PA presented a significantly lower depression score [low PA: (B = −2.7, 95% CI −4.88, −0.52); moderate and high PA (B = −2.7, −4.88, −0.52)]. CONCLUSION: Sitting time was strongly associated with adverse mental health during COVID-19 lockdown and should be considered in future public health recommendations

The impact of social determinants on health outcomes in a region in the North of England:a structural equation modelling analysis

Objectives: To identify the impact of social determinants of health on physical and mental health outcomes in a UK population. Study design: Structural equation modelling was used to hypothesise a model of relationships between health determinants and outcomes within a region in the North of England using large-scale population survey data (6,208 responses). Methods: We analysed responses from a population survey to assess the influence of a deprivation-based index at the environmental level, education, and income on a behaviour index (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and dietary habits) and the influence of all these factors on self-reported physical health and the influence of the behaviour index and income on mental wellbeing.Results: The proposed model was well supported by the data. Goodness-of-fit statistics, most notably a low value of the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), supported the validity of the proposed relationships (RMSEA=0.054). The model revealed all examined paths to be statistically significant. Income and education were influential in determining an individual's behaviour index score, which, with income, was the most important predictor of both the correlated outcomes of physical health and mental wellbeing (p&lt;0.001 in all cases)Conclusions: Findings challenge the traditional view of singular causal pathways, emphasising that interventions should consider the underlying influencing socio-economic conditions which would influence behaviour, and therefore physical and mental wellbeing. The extent to which the model is supported by the data, and statistical significance of individual relationships accentuates the imperative for comprehensive public health strategies that integrate multiple socio-economic factors. <br/

Exploring students experiences of secondary school Physical Education in England

Background: There are many diverging views regarding the role and purpose of Physical Education (PE) in secondary schools within the UK. However, very few studies have explored PE processes through the eyes of young people. Adolescence represents a critical time period when physical activity (PA) behaviour patterns are often established. Student disengagement in PE is therefore a concern, as PE has the potential to play an important role in influencing adolescents to develop lifelong PA habits. Secondary school PE is compulsory in the UK until the age of 16, therefore PE teachers have a captive audience who they can influence positively or negatively. Understanding of students’ experiences and perceptions of PE could help inform future PE provision. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore students’ perceptions of PE throughout secondary school (age 11–16) in England, UK. This study aims to explore students’ views concerning changes and continuities from Key Stage (KS3) (age 11–14) to KS4 (age 14–16). We are also interested in the meanings that students attach to their PE experiences, identifying the social structures and processes that shape these meanings. Methods: Using a social constructionist framework, semi-structured interviews were conducted at eight secondary schools across Yorkshire, England. A convenience sample of eligible schools was used to recruit the study participants. Two participants aged 15–16 (Year 11, KS4) were interviewed at each school (N = 16). Inductive and deductive thematic analysis informed by self-determination theory guided the analysis. Thematic analysis comprised three second-order themes which were generated by ten first-order themes drawing students’ experiences of PE. Results: Perceptions of PE throughout KS3 (age 11–14) were perceived as unfavourable, owing to too much structure and social comparisons. However, perceptions of KS4 (age 14–16) PE lessons were positive, with students enjoying increased choice, less structure, and an opportunity to relieve the stress and pressure of school life. Students identified the role of the teacher to be significant in enhancing student experience throughout secondary school. However, students acknowledged that the student–teacher relationship changed across secondary school, suggesting a need for numerous pedagogical approaches to be adopted through secondary school PE. In addition, PE is recognised by some students as an opportunity to improve their wellbeing, advocating the need for PE teachers to consider employing more holistic outcomes within PE lessons. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that there is a noticeable difference between students’ experiences of PE at KS3 (age 11–14) compared to KS4 (age 14–16), questioning if the KS3 curriculum is conducive to support student engagement in PE. The results also indicate that PE teachers could widen the learning of PE beyond the physical domain and incorporate a more holistic approach when planning and delivering PE lessons. The long-term implications of engaging more students in PE is that we may inspire more adolescents to remain physically active into adulthood, and to live healthier, more active lives

Health risks associated with the production and usage of charcoal:a systematic review

Charcoal production and utilisation are linked to various health issues and occupational hazards. However, to our knowledge, no systematic review has primarily focused on the health implications of charcoal production and its use while distinguishing charcoal from other solid fuels such as wood and coal.ObjectivesThis systematic review presents a synthesis of the evidence on the health risks associated with producing and using charcoal across the world.DesignSystematic review using a systematic narrative synthesis approach.Data sourcesMEDLINE (through Ovid interface), CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS, from inception to 26 February 2021.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesPeer-reviewed journal articles reporting empirical findings on the associations between charcoal usage/production and health parameters.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of primary studies.ResultsOur findings showed that charcoal production and usage are linked with specific adverse health outcomes, including respiratory diseases (n=21), cardiorespiratory and neurological diseases (n=1), cancer (n=3), DNA damage (n=3), carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning (n=2), physical injury (n=2), sick house syndrome (n=1), unintentional weight loss and body mass index (BMI) reduction (n=2), increase in blood pressure (n=1) and CO death (n=1). Among the included articles that reported respiratory diseases (n=21), there was one case of asthma and tuberculosis and two cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.ConclusionsThis review links charcoal production/usage and some associated human health risks. These include respiratory diseases and other non-respiratory illnesses such as sick-building syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, DNA damage, CO poisoning and death, unintentional weight loss and BMI reduction, and physical injuries

Mapping the evidence for monitoring fluoride exposure in community prevention programmes for oral health using nail clippings and spot urine samples:a scoping review

Background: There is an increased interest in identifying practical and accurate biomarkers for fluoride exposure. Due to the narrow ‘dose-gap’ between the benefit of caries reduction and the risk of dental fluorosis, monitoring of fluoride exposure is vital when introducing any fluoridation programme for the prevention of dental caries. This scoping review aimed to ascertain the nature and extent of the available evidence on how spot urine and nail clippings are used to measure fluoride intake/exposure, by using a unique approach of mapping the studies according to population, setting, type of study design, methodology and analytical approach in community prevention programmes. Methods: Multiple relevant databases were searched up to July 2021 for any study designs, including randomised controlled studies, quasi-experimental studies, surveys, retrospective and prospective cohort studies, case studies, phenomenological studies, and expert opinions. Results: The search retrieved 9,222 studies of which 155 met the inclusion criteria. A high proportion of the studies (25.2%) originated from Latin America and the Caribbean continent subregion. However, per country, China recorded the highest number, followed by India and Mexico. The majority (62.6%) employed a cross-sectional study design, and 65.8% combined participants from different age groups. Of the included studies, 82.6% used spot urine samples as a biomarker for assessing fluoride intake/exposure. Water fluoride concentration was reported in 66.5% of the studies with 46.6% of all included studies reporting a water fluoride concentration of > 1.2 mg/L. The methods used in assessing oral hygiene and dietary intake were not reported in 72.3% and 71.0% of the included studies, respectively. Only 35.5% of the included studies assessed the relationship between fluoride exposure and excretion. Conclusions: This review revealed a large variability in the way in which spot urine samples and/or nail clippings are used to measure fluoride exposure in different settings and situations. Particularly, there are inconsistencies in the methodologies and the analytical approaches used in assessing fluoride exposure. Therefore, there is a need for more rigorous primary research studies using standardised approaches to determine the suitability of spot urine samples and nail clipping as biomarkers for monitoring fluoride exposure

Fluoride exposure in community prevention programmes for oral health using nail clippings and spot urine samples:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Due to practical difficulties in quantifying fluoride exposure in populations, practical and accurate biomarkers can play a major role in the surveillance of fluoride. Among different fluoride biomarkers, spot urine and nail clippings have gained more attention due to their ease of acquisition. However, there is no robust consensus about the accuracy of these biomarkers for the estimation of fluoride exposure. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesise evidence on the association between fluoride exposure and the fluoride concentration of spot urine and nail clippings. This review was conducted and reported using the PRISMA Statement. Nine databases (Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Sage Journals Online, Campbell Collaboration, Cochrane Collaboration, and Embase); search engines (Google and Google Scholar); and grey literature were searched up to September 2022. All screening, data extraction, and quality assessments were conducted in duplicate. All experimental and observational research studies that reported the correlation between fluoride exposure and fluoride concentrations of spot urine and/or nail clippings were included. The Mixed-Methods Appraisal tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. A random effect meta-analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between fluoride exposure and fluoride concentration of biomarkers (i.e., spot urine and nail clippings). Forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 694,578 participants were included in this review. Twenty-five studies were included in the meta-analysis. The primary meta-analysis showed a moderate correlation of 0.674 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.623-0.725, n = 25) between fluoride intake and fluoride concentration of spot urine and a strong correlation of 0.938 (95% CI: 0.520-1.355, n = 11) between fluoride intake and the fluoride concentration of nail clippings in all age groups. The findings of secondary meta-analyses showed a strong positive correlation between fluoride intake and fluoride/creatinine ratio of spot urine in children (0.929; 95% CI: 0.502-0.991; n = 2). In conclusion, spot urine and nail clippings have the potential to be employed as non-invasively obtained biomarkers in populations. However, due to the scarcity of high quality, relevant studies, more research is needed to establish the validity of these biomarkers