Circulating N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide and cardiac function in response to acute systemic hypoxia in healthy humans

Background: As it remains unclear whether hypoxia of cardiomyocytes could trigger the release of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in humans, we investigated whether breathing normobaric hypoxic gas mixture increases the circulating NT-proBNP in healthy male subjects.Methods: Ten healthy young men (age 29 ± 5 yrs, BMI 24.7 ± 2.8 kg/m2) breathed normobaric hypoxic gas mixture (11% O2/89% N2) for one hour. Venous blood samples were obtained immediately before, during, and 2 and 24 hours after hypoxic exposure. Cardiac function and flow velocity profile in the middle left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) were measured by Doppler echocardiography.Results: Arterial oxygen saturation decreased steadily from baseline value of 99 ± 1% after the initiation hypoxia challenge and reached steady-state level of 73 ± 6% within 20-30 minutes. Cardiac output increased from 6.0 ± 1.2 to 8.1 ± 1.6 L/min and ejection fraction from 67 ± 4% to 75 ± 6% (both p < 0.001). Peak diastolic flow velocity in the LAD increased from 0.16 ± 0.04 to 0.28 ± 0.07 m/s, while its diameter remained unchanged. In the whole study group, NT-proBNP was similar to baseline (60 ± 32 pmol/ml) at all time points. However, at 24 h, concentration of NT-proBNP was higher (34 ± 18%) in five subjects and lower (17 ± 17%), p = 0.002 between the groups) in f

Meta-analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies for Extraversion: Findings from the Genetics of Personality Consortium

Extraversion is a relatively stable and heritable personality trait associated with numerous psychosocial, lifestyle and health outcomes. Despite its substantial heritability, no genetic variants have been detected in previous genome-wide association (GWA) studies, which may be due to relatively small sample sizes of those studies. Here, we report on a large meta-analysis of GWA studies for extraversion in 63,030 subjects in 29 cohorts. Extraversion item data from multiple personality inventories were harmonized across inventories and cohorts. No genome-wide significant associations were found at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) level but there was one significant hit at the gene level for a long non-coding RNA site (LOC101928162). Genome-wide complex trait analysis in two large cohorts showed that the additive variance explained by common SNPs was not significantly different from zero, but polygenic risk scores, weighted using linkage information, significantly predicted extraversion scores in an independent cohort. These results show that extraversion is a highly polygenic personality trait, with an architecture possibly different from other complex human traits, including other personality traits. Future studies are required to further determine which genetic variants, by what modes of gene action, constitute the heritable nature of extraversion

Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for extraversion:Findings from the Genetics of Personality Consortium

Extraversion is a relatively stable and heritable personality trait associated with numerous psychosocial, lifestyle and health outcomes. Despite its substantial heritability, no genetic variants have been detected in previous genome-wide association (GWA) studies, which may be due to relatively small sample sizes of those studies. Here, we report on a large meta-analysis of GWA studies for extraversion in 63,030 subjects in 29 cohorts. Extraversion item data from multiple personality inventories were harmonized across inventories and cohorts. No genome-wide significant associations were found at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) level but there was one significant hit at the gene level for a long non-coding RNA site (LOC101928162). Genome-wide complex trait analysis in two large cohorts showed that the additive variance explained by common SNPs was not significantly different from zero, but polygenic risk scores, weighted using linkage information, significantly predicted extraversion scores in an independent cohort. These results show that extraversion is a highly polygenic personality trait, with an architecture possibly different from other complex human traits, including other personality traits. Future studies are required to further determine which genetic variants, by what modes of gene action, constitute the heritable nature of extraversion

Increased risk of respiratory viral infections in elite athletes:a controlled study

Abstract Background: Respiratory symptoms are commonly recognised in elite athletes. The occurrence, etiology and clinical presentation of the illnesses in athletes is unclear. Methods: We performed a prospective controlled study of respiratory viral infections in Team Finland during Nordic World Ski Championships 2019. There were 26 athletes and 36 staff members. Nasal swabs were taken at the onset of a symptom and on days 1, 7, and 13 during the follow-up of 14 days. Respiratory viruses were searched for by 3 different molecular multiplex tests. Fifty-two matched control subjects were studied in Finland during the same period. Results: Ten out of 26 (38%) athletes, 6 out of 36 (17%) staff, and 3 out of 52 (6%) control subjects experienced symptoms of respiratory infection (p = 0.0013). The relative risks for acquiring symptomatic infection were 6.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1–21.0) of athletes and 2.9 (95% CI, 0.84–10.0) of the staff as compared to the controls. Asymptomatic infections were identified in 8%, 22%, and 19%, respectively (p = 0.30). The etiology of respiratory infections was detected in 84% of the cases. Conclusion: The athletes had a 7-fold increase in the risk of illness compared to normally exercising control subjects

All-Arthroscopic Double-Bundle Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Using Autogenous Semitendinosus Graft: A New Technique

We present our novel arthroscopic anatomic double-bundle coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction technique using a semitendinosus tendon autograft. The dorsal limb of the graft is positioned around the dorsal edge of the clavicle, re-creating the conoid ligament. The anterior limb proceeds superiorly and re-creates the trapezoid ligament. The solution effectively stabilizes the acromioclavicular joint and prevents anterior posterior translation. This new arthroscopic double-bundle coracoclavicular joint reconstruction is an effective and reliable method in stabilizing the clavicle and neutralizing the anterior-posterior translation, and we find it to be technically practical for the surgeon

Tears of biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus are not equal:a new individual muscle-tendon concept in athletes

Abstract Objectives: Hamstring injuries are common and can now be accurately diagnosed. In addition, novel surgical indications have been introduced. However, evidence-based guidelines on the hamstring injuries in management of top-level athletes are missing. Methods: The management methods and outcomes of treatment are classically based on relatively small case series. We discuss a novel concept based on the fact that each tendon of the hamstrings muscle should be managed in an individual fashion. Furthermore, suitable indications for hamstring surgery in athletes are introduced. Results: The present study introduces modern treatment principles for hamstring injury management. Typical clinical and imagining findings as well as surgical treatment are presented based on a critical review of the available literature and personal experience. Conclusions: Hamstring injuries should not be considered to be all equal given the complexity of this anatomical region: The three separate tendons are different, and this impacts greatly on the decision-making process and outcomes in athletes

Physical Activity from Childhood to Adulthood and Cognitive Performance in Midlife

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) has been suggested to protect against old-age cognitive deficits. However, the independent role of childhood/youth PA for adulthood cognitive performance is unknown. This study investigated the association between PA from childhood to adulthood and midlife cognitive performance. Methods: This study is a part of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. Since 1980, a population-based cohort of 3596 children (age, 3–18 yr) have been followed up in 3- to 9-yr intervals. PA has been queried in all study phases. Cumulative PA was determined in childhood (age, 6–12 yr), adolescence (age, 12–18 yr), young adulthood (age, 18–24 yr), and adulthood (age, 24–37 yr). Cognitive performance was assessed using computerized neuropsychological test, CANTAB (N = 2026; age, 34–49 yr) in 2011. Results: High PA in childhood (A = 0.119; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.055–0.182) and adolescence (A = 0.125; 95% CI, 0.063–0.188) were associated with better reaction time in midlife independent of PA in other age frames. Additionally, an independent association of high PA in young adulthood with better visual processing and sustained attention in midlife was observed among men (A = 0.101; 95% CI, 0.001–0.200). There were no associations for other cognitive domains. Conclusions: Cumulative exposure to PA from childhood to adulthood was found to be associated with better midlife reaction time. Furthermore, cumulative PA exposure in young adulthood and adulthood was associated with better visual processing and sustained attention in men. All associations were independent of participants PA level in other measured age frames. Therefore, a physically active lifestyle should be adopted already in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood and continued into midlife to ensure the plausible benefits of PA on midlife cognitive performance.peerReviewe

Coaches’ health promotion activity and substance use in youth sports

Abstract There is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting youth sports clubs are an important setting for health promotion. Adolescents in sport club settings can benefit from exposures of positive and negative consequences to health. To better understand the sport club context and coaches’ health promotion activity in substance use prevention, this study compares sport club members with non-members aged between 14–16 years old on their experience and use of alcohol, smoking and snuff and coaches’ health promotion activity on substances. Methods: Adolescents (n = 671) from sports clubs and from matched schools (n = 1442) were recruited in this study. Multiple binary logistic regressions were performed on substance use. Results: Higher prevalence of substance use was associated with discussions of substances, often held by coaches. Significantly fewer girls who are sport club members had experiences in alcohol, smoking or snuff than their non-member counter-parts, the differences among boys varied by substance. Fewer sport club members experienced smoking than non-members. More boys used snuff than girls. Conclusions: The most salient points for health promotion were that girls who were sport club members used fewer substances and for boys the picture was more complicated. Coaches could be using reactive strategies through informal learning to address substance use in clubs, although more effective training on substance use for coaches is needed

The associations between adolescents’ sports club participation and dietary habits

Abstract For adolescent athletes, data on nutrition behaviors are limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the dietary habits of adolescent sports club participants (SPs) compared with those of non-participants (NPs). The cross-sectional study of 1917 adolescents aged 14-16 was based on data from the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study. The health behavior surveys were conducted among SPs (n = 1093) and NPs (n = 824). Logistic regression was used to test statistical significance of the differences in dietary habits between SPs and NPs. SPs were more likely than NPs to eat breakfast on weekends [89% vs 79%, odds ratio (OR) 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-2.01] and to report daily consumption of vegetables (46% vs 32%, OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.04-1.69) and fat-free or semi-skimmed milk (72% vs 55%, OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.04-1.68). Dietary habits regarded as unhealthy, such as sugared soft drink consumption, were similar between the groups. The aforementioned healthy dietary habits are more frequent in SPs than NPs, and unhealthy dietary habits are equally frequent in the groups. Both adolescent SPs’ and NPs’ dietary habits have deficiencies, like inadequate vegetable and fruit consumption. Sports clubs’ opportunities for adolescents’ healthy eating promotion should be examined

Longitudinal physical activity patterns and the development of cardiometabolic risk factors during adolescence

Abstract Purpose: To examine the associations between longitudinal physical activity (PA) patterns and the development of cardiometabolic risk factors from adolescence to young adulthood. Methods: This cohort study encompassed 250 participants recruited from sports clubs and schools, and examined at mean age 15 and 19. Device-measured moderate-to-vigorous PA was grouped into five patterns (via a data-driven method, using inactivity maintainers as a reference). The outcomes were: glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). Linear growth curve models were applied with adjustment for sex, age, fruit/vegetable consumption, cigarette/snuff use, and change in the device wear-time. Results: Insulin and BMI increased among decreasers from moderate to low PA (β for insulin 0.23, 95% CI 0.03–0.46; β for BMI 0.90; CI 0.02–1.78). The concentration of HDL cholesterol decreased (β −0.18, CI −0.31 to −0.05) and that of glucose increased (β 0.18, CI 0.02–0.35) among decreasers from high to moderate PA. By contrast, among increasers, blood pressure declined (systolic β −6.43, CI −12.16 to −0.70; diastolic β −6.72, CI −11.03 to −2.41). Conclusions: Already during the transition to young adulthood, changes in PA are associated with changes in cardiometabolic risk factors. Favorable blood pressure changes were found among PA increasers. Unfavorable changes in BMI, insulin, glucose, and HDL cholesterol were found in groups with decreasing PA. The changes were dependent on the baseline PA and the magnitude of the PA decline