No association between grip strength and cardiovascular risk: The CoLaus population-based study.

Decreased grip strength (GS) is predictive of cardiovascular (CV) disease but whether it improves CV risk prediction has not been evaluated. We assessed the predictive value of low GS on incident CV events and overall mortality taking into account CV risk equations in a population-based study from Switzerland. 2707 adults (54.8% women, age range 50-75years) were followed for a median time of 5.4years. GS was assessed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. CV absolute risk at baseline was assessed using recalibrated SCORE, Framingham and PROCAM risk equations. Incident CV events were adjudicated by an independent committee. 160 deaths and 188 incident CV events occurred during follow-up. On bivariate analysis, low GS was associated with increased incident CV events: hazard ratio (HR) and (95% confidence interval) 1.76 (1.13-2.76), p<0.01 but not with overall mortality: HR=1.51 (0.94-2.45), p=0.09. The association between low GS and incident CV events disappeared after adjusting for baseline CV risk: HR=1.23 (0.79-1.94), p=0.36; 1.34 (0.86-2.10), p=0.20 and 1.47 (0.94-2.31), p=0.09 after adjusting for SCORE, Framingham and PROCAM scores, respectively. Low GS is not predictive of incident CV events when taking into account CV absolute risk

Of weekend warriors and couch potatoes: Socio-economic determinants of physical activity in Swiss middle-aged adults.

Determinants of the interplay between physical activity (PA) and sedentary (SE) status are poorly known. We assessed the socio-economic determinants of PA and SE behaviours and patterns in a population-based study (The CoLaus study, Lausanne, Switzerland, 2014-2017). 2229 adults (51.8% women, age range 45-86 years) had PA and SE levels measured for 14 days using a wrist-worn accelerometer. Four activity behaviours: (1) 'Couch potato': low PA & high SE; (2) 'Light mover': low PA & low SE; (3) 'Sedentary exerciser': high PA & high SE, and (4) 'Busy bee': high PA & low SE; and three activity patterns: (1) 'Inactive', (2) 'Weekend warrior', and (3) 'Regularly active' were defined. Employment, household income and educational level were collected by questionnaire. For activity behaviours, relative to 'Couch potatoes', multivariate analysis showed that being employed and having a low educational level were positively associated with 'Light movers': relative risk ratios and (95% confidence interval): 1.54 (1.00-2.37) and 1.73 (1.11-2.69), respectively, and also with 'Busy bees': 1.49 (1.09-2.04) and 1.71 (1.26-2.32), respectively. High household income was negatively associated with 'Light movers': 0.58 (0.34-0.97) and positively with 'Sedentary exercisers': 1.85 (1.10-3.10). For activity patterns, relative to 'Inactives', being employed and having a high household income were positively associated with 'Weekend warriors': 1.78 (1.26-2.50) and 1.59 (1.07-2.36), respectively, while having a low educational level was positively associated with 'Regularly actives': 1.76 (1.32-2.34). Employment, educational level and household income are significantly but differently associated with activity behaviours and patterns

Youths and poor emotional wellbeing: is it just a matter of stress? A longitudinal survey.

To date, research on emotional wellbeing among youths has been mostly based on cross-sectional studies, and little is known about its evolution over time. Our study adds a longitudinal approach to emotional wellbeing and defines different groups of youths according to their evolution over a two-year period. Stress and perceived health status seem to be the most important factors related to emotional wellbeing. Our research shows the importance of health care professionals exploring psychological health, especially when a youth has atypical somatic complaints. This could allow the early detection of psychological problems and the provision of proper timely treatment. To assess how emotional wellbeing evolves over a two-year period among youths in Switzerland, and to assess their characteristics. Data were obtained from the first and third waves of the GenerationFRee study (n = 1311, aged 15–24 at baseline). The sample was divided into four groups according to the evolution of their emotional wellbeing (WB): good at both waves (GoodWB: 67.9%), poor at T1 and good at T3 (BetterWB: 8.4%), good at T1 and poor at T3 (WorseWB: 13.2%), or poor at both waves (PoorWB: 10.4%). Significant variables at the bivariate level were included in a multinomial regression analysis using GoodWB as the reference category. Results are given as relative risk ratios (RRRs). The BetterWB group reported more stress at T1 (RRR 1.34), as did the WorseWB group at T3 (1.43). Those in the WorseWB group were more likely to report poorer health status at T3 (6.51). Finally, the PoorWB group reported more stress at T1 (1.33) and T3 (1.44), and poorer health status at T1 (9.39) and T3 (5.75). Other variables not significant in all groups were perceived onset of puberty, having a chronic condition, area of residence and relationships with parents. Using a longitudinal approach, stress and perceived health status seem to be the main factors that change with emotional wellbeing among youths. Inquiring about stress could be a good proxy for emotional wellbeing, especially among males, who tend to underestimate their emotional worries

Trends and determinants of time in bed in Geneva, Switzerland

STUDY OBJECTIVES: There is limited information regarding sleep duration and determinants in Switzerland. We aimed to assess the trends and determinants of time in bed as a proxy for sleep duration in the Swiss canton of Geneva. METHODS: Data from repeated, independent cross-sectional representative samples of adults (≥ 18 years) of the Geneva population were collected between 2005 and 2011. Self-reported time in bed, education, monthly income, and nationality were assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: Data from 3,853 participants (50% women, 51.7 ± 10.9 years) were analyzed. No significant trend was observed between 2005 and 2011 regarding time in bed or the prevalence of short (≤ 6 h/day) and long (> 9 h/day) time in bed. Elderly participants reported a longer time in bed (year-adjusted mean ± standard error: 7.67 ± 0.02, 7.82 ± 0.03, and 8.41 ± 0.04 h/day for 35-50, 50-65, and 65+ years, respectively, p < 0.001), while shorter time in bed was reported by non-Swiss participants (7.77 ± 0.03 vs. 7.92 ± 0.03 h/day for Swiss nationals, p < 0.001), participants with higher education (7.92 ± 0.02 for non-university vs. 7.74 ± 0.03 h/day for university, p < 0.001) or higher income (8.10 ± 0.04, 7.84 ± 0.03, and 7.70 ± 0.03 h/day for < 5,000 SFr; 5,000-9,500 SFr, and > 9,500 SFr, respectively, p < 0.001). Multivariable-adjusted polytomous logistic regression showed short and long time in bed to be positively associated with obesity and negatively associated with income. CONCLUSION: In a Swiss adult population, sleep duration as assessed by time in bed did not change significantly between 2005 and 2011. Both clinical and socioeconomic factors influence time in bed

Association of activity status and patterns with salivary cortisol: the population-based CoLaus study.

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to influence salivary cortisol concentrations in small studies conducted among athletes. We assessed the association of activity status and patterns with salivary cortisol in the general population. Cross-sectional study including 1948 adults (54.9% women, 45-86 years). PA and sedentary behaviour (SB) were measured for 14 days by accelerometry. Low PA and high SB status were defined, respectively, as the lowest and highest tertile of each behaviour. 'Inactive', 'Weekend warrior', and 'Regularly active' patterns were also defined. Four salivary cortisol samples were collected over a single day and the following parameters were calculated: area under the curve to ground (AUCg), awakening response (CAR) and diurnal slope. After multivariable adjustment, low SB remained associated to steeper slopes relative to high SB (- 1.54 ± 0.03 vs. - 1.44 ± 0.04 nmol/l per hour). Non-significant trends were found for high PA relative to low PA with steeper slopes (- 1.54 ± 0.03 vs. - 1.45 ± 0.04) and lower AUCg (208.7 ± 2.0 vs. 215.9 ± 2.9 nmol.h/l). Relative to 'Inactives', 'Regularly actives' had lower AUCg (205.4 ± 2.4 vs. 215.5 ± 2.9) and 'Weekend warriors' had steeper slopes (- 1.61 ± 0.05 vs. - 1.44 ± 0.04). No associations were found for CAR. Low SB and high PA are related to lower cortisol secretion as measured by different parameters of salivary cortisol, but the effects were only modest

Association of activity behaviours and patterns with cardiovascular risk factors in Swiss middle-aged adults: The CoLaus study.

The impact of the combination between physical activity (PA) and sedentary (SE) levels on cardiovascular health is poorly known. We assessed the association of activity behaviours and patterns with cardiovascular risk factors in the general population (The CoLaus study, Switzerland, 2014-2017). 2605 adults (54.4% women, age range 45-86 years) had PA and SE levels measured for 14 days using wrist-worn accelerometry. Four activity behaviours: "Couch potato": low PA & high SE; "Light mover": low PA & low SE; "Sedentary exerciser": high PA & high SE, and "Busy bee": high PA & low SE; and three activity patterns: "Inactive", "Weekend warrior", and "Regularly active" were defined. Smoking, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes were assessed. Relative to 'Couch potatoes', 'Sedentary exercisers' and 'Busy bees' had a lower likelihood of smoking: Odds Ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.40 (0.27-0.61) and 0.62 (0.47-0.81), obesity: 0.43 (0.29-0.63) and 0.41 (0.31-0.54), and diabetes: 0.53 (0.30-0.95) and 0.62 (0.42-0.89), respectively. Relative to 'Inactives', 'Weekend warriors' and 'Regularly actives' had a lower likelihood of smoking: 0.58 (0.43-0.78) and 0.56 (0.44-0.72), obesity: 0.41 (0.30-0.56) and 0.41 (0.32-0.53), hypertension: 0.66 (0.51-0.85) and 0.72 (0.59-0.89), and diabetes: 0.61 (0.38-0.98) and 0.60 (0.42-0.86), respectively. High PA is associated with a favourable cardiovascular risk profile, even when concomitant with high SE or when PA is concentrated on weekends. These findings suggest that being "Sedentary exerciser" or "Weekend warrior" might be sufficient to prevent cardiovascular disease

Effect of acute iron infusion on insulin secretion: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Chronic exposure to high iron levels increases diabetes risk partly by inducing oxidative stress, but the consequences of acute iron administration on beta cells are unknown. We tested whether the acute administration of iron for the correction of iron deficiency influenced insulin secretion and the production of reactive oxygen species. Single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial conducted between June 2017 and March 2020. 32 women aged 18 to 47 years, displaying symptomatic iron deficiency without anaemia, were recruited from a community setting and randomly allocated (1:1) to a single infusion of 1000 mg intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (iron) or saline (placebo). The primary outcome was the between group mean difference from baseline to day 28 in first and second phase insulin secretion, assessed by a two-step hyperglycaemic clamp. All analyses were performed by intention to treat. This trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03191201. Iron infusion did not affect first and second phase insulin release. For first phase, the between group mean difference from baseline to day 28 was 0 μU × 10 min/mL [95% CI, -22 to 22, P = 0.99]. For second phase, it was -5 μUx10min/mL [95% CI, -161 to 151; P = 0.95] at the first plateau of the clamp and -249 μUx10min/mL [95% CI, -635 to 137; P = 0.20] at the second plateau. Iron infusion increased serum ascorbyl/ascorbate ratio, a marker of plasma oxidative stress, at day 14, with restoration of normal ratio at day 28 relative to placebo. Finally, high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels remained similar among groups. In iron deficient women without anaemia, intravenous administration of 1000 mg of iron in a single sitting did not impair glucose-induced insulin secretion despite a transient increase in the levels of circulating reactive oxygen species. The Swiss National Science Foundation, University of Lausanne and Leenaards, Raymond-Berger and Placide Nicod Foundations

Physical activity is associated with higher sleep efficiency in the general population: the CoLaus study.

To evaluate the association of objective physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with sleep duration and quality. Cross-sectional study including 2649 adults (53.5% women, 45-86 years) from the general population. Proportions of time spent in PA and SB were measured using 14 day accelerometry. Low PA and high SB statuses were defined as the lowest and highest tertile of each behavior. "Inactive," "Weekend warrior," and "Regularly active" weekly patterns were also defined. Sleep parameters were derived from the accelerometer and validated questionnaires. High PA, relative to low PA, was associated with higher sleep efficiency (76.6 vs. 73.8%, p < 0.01) and lower likelihood of evening chronotype [relative-risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI: 0.71 (0.52; 0.97)]. Similar associations were found for low SB relative to high SB. "Weekend warriors" relative to "Inactives," had higher sleep efficiency [76.4 vs. 73.9%, p < 0.01] and lower likelihood of evening chronotype [RR: 0.63 (0.43; 0.93)]. "Regularly actives," relative to "Inactives," had higher sleep efficiency [76.7 vs. 73.9%, p < 0.01] and tended to have less frequently an evening chronotype [RR: 0.75 (0.54; 1.04), p = 0.09]. No associations were found for PA and SB with sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and risk of sleep apnea (after adjustment for body mass index). High PA and low SB individuals, even if they do not sleep longer, have higher sleep efficiency and have less frequently an evening chronotype

Seasonal variation of overall and cardiovascular mortality: a study in 19 countries from different geographic locations.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) mortality has been shown to follow a seasonal pattern. Several studies suggested several possible determinants of this pattern, including misclassification of causes of deaths. We aimed at assessing seasonality in overall, CVD, cancer and non-CVD/non-cancer mortality using data from 19 countries from different latitudes. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Monthly mortality data were compiled from 19 countries, amounting to over 54 million deaths. We calculated ratios of the observed to the expected numbers of deaths in the absence of a seasonal pattern. Seasonal variation (peak to nadir difference) for overall and cause-specific (CVD, cancer or non-CVD/non-cancer) mortality was analyzed using the cosinor function model. Mortality from overall, CVD and non-CVD/non-cancer showed a consistent seasonal pattern. In both hemispheres, the number of deaths was higher than expected in winter. In countries close to the Equator the seasonal pattern was considerably lower for mortality from any cause. For CVD mortality, the peak to nadir differences ranged from 0.185 to 0.466 in the Northern Hemisphere, from 0.087 to 0.108 near the Equator, and from 0.219 to 0.409 in the Southern Hemisphere. For cancer mortality, the seasonal variation was nonexistent in most countries. CONCLUSIONS: In countries with seasonal variation, mortality from overall, CVD and non-CVD/non-cancer show a seasonal pattern with mortality being higher in winter than in summer. Conversely, cancer mortality shows no substantial seasonality

ZFP30 promotes adipogenesis through the KAP1-mediated activation of a retrotransposon-derived Pparg2 enhancer.

Krüppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KZFPs) constitute the largest family of mammalian transcription factors, but most remain completely uncharacterized. While initially proposed to primarily repress transposable elements, recent reports have revealed that KFZPs contribute to a wide variety of other biological processes. Using murine and human in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrate here that one poorly studied KZFP, ZFP30, promotes adipogenesis by directly targeting and activating a retrotransposon-derived Pparg2 enhancer. Through mechanistic studies, we further show that ZFP30 recruits the co-regulator KRAB-associated protein 1 (KAP1), which, surprisingly, acts as a ZFP30 co-activator in this adipogenic context. Our findings provide an understanding of both adipogenic and KZFP-KAP1 complex-mediated gene regulation, showing that the KZFP-KAP1 axis can also function in a non-repressive manner