Correlates of poor mental health in early pregnancy in obese European women

Background: Depression during pregnancy is associated with higher maternal morbidity and mortality, and subsequent possible adverse effects on the cognitive, emotional and behavioral development of the child. The aim of the study was to identify maternal characteristics associated with poor mental health, in a group of overweight/obese pregnant women in nine European countries, and thus, to contribute to better recognition and intervention for maternal depression. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, baseline data from early pregnancy (\u3c 20 weeks) of the DALI (Vitamin D and Lifestyle Intervention for gestational diabetes mellitus prevention) study were analyzed. Maternal mental health was assessed with the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Women were classified as having a low (WHO-5 ≤ 50) or high wellbeing. Results.: A total of 735 pregnant women were included. The prevalence of having a low wellbeing was 27.2%, 95% CI [24.0, 30.4]. Multivariate analysis showed independent associations between low wellbeing and European ethnicity, OR = .44, 95% CI [.25,.77], shift work, OR = 1.81, 95% CI [1.11, 2.93], insufficient sleep, OR = 3.30, 95% CI [1.96, 5.55], self-efficacy, OR = .95, 95% CI [.92,.98], social support, OR = .94, 95% CI [.90,.99], and pregnancy-related worries (socioeconomic: OR = 1.08, 95% CI [1.02, 1.15]; health: OR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.01, 1.11]; relationship: OR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.05, 1.31]). Conclusions: Mental health problems are common in European overweight/obese pregnant women. The identified correlates might help in early recognition and subsequent treatment of poor mental health problems during pregnancy. This is important to reduce the unfavorable effects of poor mental health on pregnancy outcomes. Trial registration:ISRCTN70595832 , 02.12.2011

Drastic Reductions in Mental Well-Being Observed Globally During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From the ASAP Survey

Most countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have repeatedly restricted public life to control the contagion. However, the health impact of confinement measures is hitherto unclear. We performed a multinational survey investigating changes in mental and physical well-being (MWB/PWB) during the first wave of the pandemic. A total of 14,975 individuals from 14 countries provided valid responses. Compared to pre-restrictions, MWB, as measured by the WHO-5 questionnaire, decreased considerably during restrictions (68.1 +/- 16.9 to 51.9 +/- 21.0 points). Whereas 14.2% of the participants met the cutoff for depression screening pre-restrictions, this share tripled to 45.2% during restrictions. Factors associated with clinically relevant decreases in MWB were female sex (odds ratio/OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.11-1.29), high physical activity levels pre-restrictions (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.16-1.42), decreased vigorous physical activity during restrictions (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05-1.23), and working (partially) outside the home vs. working remotely (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.16-1.44/OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.23-1.47). Reductions, although smaller, were also seen for PWB. Scores in the SF-36 bodily pain subscale decreased from 85.8 +/- 18.7% pre-restrictions to 81.3 +/- 21.9% during restrictions. Clinically relevant decrements of PWB were associated with female sex (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.50-1.75), high levels of public life restrictions (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.18-1.36), and young age (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03-1.19). Study findings suggest lockdowns instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic may have had substantial adverse public health effects. The development of interventions mitigating losses in MWB and PWB is, thus, paramount when preparing for forthcoming waves of COVID-19 or future public life restrictions.DJ-P is supported by a grant from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation-MINECO (RYC-2014-16938). The research fellowship of KH was funded by the German Research Foundation (Grant no. HO 6214/2-1)

Formation of beads-on-a-string structures during break-up of viscoelastic filaments

Break-up of viscoelastic filaments is pervasive in both nature and technology. If a filament is formed by placing a drop of saliva between a thumb and forefinger and is stretched, the filament’s morphology close to break-up corresponds to beads of several sizes interconnected by slender threads. Although there is general agreement that formation of such beads-on-a-string (BOAS) structures occurs only for viscoelastic fluids, the underlying physics remains unclear and controversial. The physics leading to the formation of BOAS structures is probed by numerical simulation. Computations reveal that viscoelasticity alone does not give rise to a small, satellite bead between two much larger main beads but that inertia is required for its formation. Viscoelasticity, however, enhances the growth of the bead and delays pinch-off, which leads to a relatively long-lived beaded structure. We also show for the first time theoretically that yet smaller, sub-satellite beads can also form as seen in experiments.National Science Foundation (U.S.). ERC-SOPS (EEC-0540855)Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Thrust on 'Directed Self-assembly of Suspended Polymer Fibers' (NSF-DMS0506941

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

Pattern of the Heart Rate Performance Curve in Subjects with Beta-Blocker Treatment and Healthy Controls

(1): Heart rate performance curve (HRPC) in incremental exercise was shown to be not uniform, causing false intensity estimation applying percentages of maximal heart rate (HRmax). HRPC variations are mediated by β-adrenergic receptor sensitivity. The aim was to study age and sex dependent differences in HRPC patterns in adults with β-blocker treatment (BB) and healthy controls (C). (2): A total of 535 (102 female) BB individuals were matched 1:1 for age and sex (male 59 ± 11 yrs, female 61 ± 11 yrs) in C. From the maximum incremental cycle ergometer exercise a first and second heart rate (HR) threshold (Th1 and Th2) was determined. Based on the degree of the deflection (kHR), HRPCs were categorized as regular (downward deflection (kHR > 0.1)) and non-regular (upward deflection (kHR < 0.1), linear time course). (3): Logistic regression analysis revealed a higher odds ratio to present a non-regular curve in BB compared to C (females showed three times higher odds). The odds for non-regular HRPC in BB versus C decreased with older age (OR interaction = 0.97, CI = 0.94–0.99). Maximal and submaximal performance and HR variables were significantly lower in BB (p < 0.05). %HRmax was significantly lower in BB versus C at Th2 (male: 77.2 ± 7.3% vs. 80.8 ± 5.0%; female: 79.2 ± 5.1% vs. 84.0 ± 4.3%). %Pmax at Th2 was similar in BB and C. (4): The HRPC pattern in incremental cycle ergometer exercise is different in individuals receiving β-blocker treatment compared to healthy individuals. The effects were also dependent on age and sex. Relative HR values at Th2 varied substantially depending on treatment. Thus, the percentage of Pmax seems to be a stable and independent indicator for exercise intensity prescription

Triple careers of athletes: exploring the challenges of planning a pregnancy among female elite athletes using semi-structured interviews

Background: The challenging factors that elite athletes perceive for combining their sportive career with planning a pregnancy and motherhood need to be identified in order to develop supportive measures. Therefore, this phenomenological qualitative study aimed to explore challenges associated with planning a pregnancy among female, non-pregnant elite athletes. Methods: Semi-structured skype-interviews were performed among female elite athletes (athletes competing on national or international level) aged 28 years or older. Using Mayring’s qualitative content analysis approach, anchor examples served to identify potential challenges of planning a pregnancy which were categorized independently by two researchers. Results: Interviews of 16 elite athletes (mean age 30.7 years) entered analysis. Eleven challenges of planning a pregnancy were identified, categorized into organizational / environmental, financial, personal, and physical factors. Conclusions: With regard to financial challenges, we propose mandatory maternity leave and continuation of the contracts and salary. Furthermore, mentoring programs may help to provide support and advice to new generations of female elite athletes and help to reduce concerns regarding the wish of becoming pregnant during a sportive career. In order to reduce physical concerns regarding pregnancy and exercise, we see a need for scientific studies investigating the association of sport discipline specific characteristics on sportive performance and the mother´s, fetus’ and child´s health. Finally, the results of the current study may be used in future quantitative studies to test specific hypotheses

Performance Enhancing Effect of Metabolic Pre-conditioning on Upper-Body Strength-Endurance Exercise

High systemic blood lactate (La) was shown to inhibit glycolysis and to increase oxidative metabolism in subsequent anaerobic exercise. Aim of this study was to examine the effect of a metabolic pre-conditioning (MPC) on net La increase and performance in subsequent pull-up exercise (PU). Nine trained students (age: 25.1 1.9 years; BMI: 21.7 1.4) performed PU on a horizontal bar with legs placed on a box (angular hanging) either without or with MPC in a randomized order. MPC was a 26.6 2 s all out shuttle run. Each trial started with a 15-min warm-up phase. Time between MPC and PU was 8 min. Heart rate (HR) and gas exchange measures (VO2, VCO2, and VE) were monitored, La and glucose were measured at specific time points. Gas exchange measures were compared by area under the curve (AUC). In PU without MPC, La increased from 1.24 0.4 to 6.4 1.4 mmoll1, whereas with MPC, PU started at 9.28 1.98 mmoll1 La which increased to 10.89 2.13 mmoll1. With MPC, net La accumulation was significantly reduced by 75.5% but performance was significantly increased by 1 rep (4%). Likewise, net oxygen uptake VO2 (50% AUC), pulmonary ventilation (VE) (34% AUC), and carbon dioxide VCO2 production (26% AUC) were significantly increased during PU but respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was significantly blunted during work and recovery. MPC inhibited glycolysis and increased oxidative metabolism and performance in subsequent anaerobic upper-body strength-endurance exercise.(VLID)309584

Cross-sectional association between active commuting and perceived commuting stress in Austrian adults : Results from the HOTway study

Objective Little is known about the acute psychological stress responses caused by commuting. Evidence for the benefits of active commuting (e.g., walking, cycling) is usually based on studies without measurements in free-living environments and without consideration of daily variations in stress. This study investigated the association between commuting mode (active, passive) and perceived commuting stress, assessed on multiple days immediately after commuting. Methods Adults participating in the cross-sectional ‘Healthy On The way’ (HOTway) study between 2016 and 2017 in Graz, Austria, were included. Participants completed an online survey and responded to statements about perceived stress (demands, tension) on three days before commuting (baseline stress) and after arrival (commuting stress), respectively. Active commuting was defined as cycling and/or walking (passive: car, motorbike, public transport). Results Of 188 participants (93 women, mean age: 28.0 ± 10.0 years) included, 124 were active and 64 were passive commuters. Active commuting was associated with less perceived commuting stress compared to passive commuting (bi = −2.95, 95% CI: −4.97 to −0.92, p = .005), even after controlling for subjective well-being, physical activity, commuting time and other confounding variables. Conclusion Active commuting is related to a small reduction in perceived commuting stress. The results of this study support the promotion of active commuting for population (mental) health but future studies on the causal mechanisms and the role of active commuting in the recovery from previous stressors are needed

Validity and responsiveness of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) in assessing physical activity during pregnancy.

The physiological and biomechanical changes that occur during pregnancy make accurate measurement of physical activity (PA) a challenge during this unique period. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) has been used extensively in low-to-middle income countries, but has never been validated in a pregnant population. In this longitudinal study, 95 pregnant women (mean age: 29.5±5.7 years; BMI: 26.9±5.0 kg/m2) completed the GPAQ and were asked to wear an accelerometer for 7 days at two time points during pregnancy (14-18 and 29-33 weeks gestation). There was a significant difference between accelerometry and GPAQ when measuring moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at 29-33 weeks gestation (16.6 vs 21.4 min/day; p = 0.02) as well as sedentary behaviour (SB) at both 14-18 weeks (457.0 vs 300 min/day; p < 0.01) and 29-33 weeks gestation (431.5 vs 300 min/day; p < 0.01). There was poor agreement between the GPAQ and accelerometry for both PA and SB at both time points (ICC: -0.05-0.08). Bland Altman plots indicated that the GPAQ overestimates PA by 14.8 min/day at 14-18 weeks and by 15.8 min/day at 29-33 weeks gestation. It underestimates SB by 127.5 min/day at 14-18 weeks and by 89.2 min/day at 29-33 weeks gestation. When compared to accelerometry, the GPAQ shows poor agreement and appears to overestimate PA and underestimate SB during pregnancy