Wnt Signaling Inhibitor Characteristics According to Bone Status, Physical Activity Levels, and Muscle Function in Young and Middle-aged Premenopausal Women

Introduction: Bone metabolism is regulated by the Wnt signaling pathway and is considered to be crucial for skeletal development. There are two glycoproteins that inhibit Wnt function and bone metabolism: sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1). These are novel markers of bone metabolism and could be considered valuable tools to investigate the mechanisms of bone remodeling. Although the mechanism of the Wnt signaling pathway and its inhibitors on bone biology has been well studied, only sparse data are available in humans, especially related to age and physical activity differences in circulating levels of sclerostin and DKK-1. Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to compare serum concentrations of sclerostin and DKK-1 in young and middle-aged premenopausal women. These age groups were selected to allow comparisons between women who are still accruing bone mass versus those who have already achieved their peak bone mass. The present study also evaluated the differences in sclerostin and DKK-1 concentrations based on physical activity status {low, moderate, and health enhancing physical activity (HEPA-active)}.This study further analyzed the relationship between bone density variables, jump trials and leg strength with the serum concentrations of sclerostin and DKK-1. Methods: In this non-randomized cross-sectional research design, a total of 50 young (n=25) and middle-aged (n=25) women participated and completed all protocols. During the first visit, participants completed informed consent and HIPAA forms, and questionnaires on physical activity, calcium intake, and menstrual history. During the second visit, a blood sample was drawn to measure serum levels of sclerostin, DKK-1 and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Participants’ body composition (percent body fat, fat mass, fat-free mass and bone-free lean body mass), areal bone mineral density (aBMD), and bone mineral content ( BMC) of total body, lumbar spine, and dual proximal femur was measured with Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Participants’ non-dominant tibia (4%, 38%, and 66% sites) was measured with peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT). Lower body strength and power were assessed by a two-leg press maximal strength test (1RM) and a vertical jump test. Results: Sclerostin levels were significantly lower in young women compared to middle-aged women (p<0.001). No significant age group and physical activity differences were observed for DKK-1 levels. Sclerostin levels were significantly higher in HEPA-active women compared to low-moderately active women (p<0.05). Sclerostin was significantly but weakly positively related with spine L1-L4 aBMD, spine L1-L4 Z-Score, several hip aBMD variables, specifically, right neck Z-Score, left neck Z-Score, right trochanter BMD, right trochanter Z-Score, left trochanter Z-score and total hip right aBMD. DKK-1 also weakly positively related with spine L1-L4 aBMD, spine L1-L4 Z-Score, right and left trochanter aBMD, and right and left trochanter Z-Scores. There was a significant moderate positive relationship between sclerostin and cortical vBMD at 38% tibia. The correlations ranged from (r=0.24 to 0.50; p <0.05). There were significant but small negative associations (r=0.27, p<0.05) between time in air and vertical jump height with sclerostin levels. Conclusions: Sclerostin concentrations were significantly higher in the middle-aged women, which supports a potential role for sclerostin in age-related bone health. The results from the current study found higher sclerostin concentrations in women participating in a high volume of physical activity. Age group and physical activity status were associated with higher serum sclerostin levels. Although Wnt signaling inhibitors are the negative regulator of bone mass, the findings of a low positive association between sclerostin/DKK-1 with BMD were unexpected. Further, the current findings may provide preliminary data for future research on exercise interventions and Wnt signaling inhibitors

An extension of the extended parallel process model to promote heart-healthy exercise behavior: An experimental study

Background: The prevalence of heart disease has increased and is a leading cause of death in the U.S. Despite the importance of physical activity, only one-third of adults in the United States meet the amount of physical activity recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The purpose of this study was to extend the extended parallel process model (EPPM) by adding a ‘barrier’ (a construct from Health Belief Model) and exploring the roles of threat, efficacy, and barrier on participants’ self-efficacy, attitudes, and intentions toward exercise. Methods: A between-subject experimental design was conducted online in 2018 in the U.S. A total of 446 participants were recruited from the Amazon Mechanical Turk age 18 or above. The participants were first provided with stimuli messages about physical activity behaviors. Then participants’ responses to self-efficacy, intention, and attitudes toward exercise were assessed. Results: The results found an interaction between efficacy and barrier to participants’ attitudes toward exercise [F(1,435)=4.35, P=0.038, η2 part=0.01]. The results also showed that there was a statistically significant effect of barriers on participants’ self-efficacy regarding exercise behavior [F(1,442)=4.21, P=0.04, η2 part=0.009]. However, three-way interactions of threat, efficacy, and barrier were not found in attitudes or intentions to exercise. Conclusion: The findings suggested that addressing an individual’s perceived barrier regarding a health behavior may lead to an increase in self-confidence ensuing in higher physical activity. Future studies should further explore how addressing barriers may influence other health behaviors to design unique and effective health messages

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Resistance Exercise on Cortisol Levels in Young Men

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(1) : 11-20, 2015. Few studies have focused on the acute hormone responses to whole-body vibration (WBV) combined with resistance exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare the cortisol response to a single bout of WBV combined with resistance exercise (WBV + RE) and resistance exercise only (RE) in young men (n=9). This study used a cross-over repeated measures design. 1-RM testing was performed for four lower body and two upper body isotonic resistance exercises. Subjects performed the RE condition (80% 1-RM, three sets, 10 reps) and the WBV+RE condition (20 Hz, five one-minute bouts, one- minute rest between bouts) followed by RE in random order separated by two weeks to avoid a last bout effect. Fasting morning blood samples were obtained at baseline (PRE), immediately after exercise (IP), and 30 minutes after exercise (30P) to assess cortisol and lactate concentrations. The WBV + RE condition included a blood draw immediately after the vibration exposure (POSTVIB). There were no significant time, group, or interaction effects for cortisol concentrations. Also, there were no significant differences between conditions for absolute changes in cortisol. Cortisol did not change at POSTVIB. Blood lactate significantly (

Sex Differences in Bone, Muscle, and Inflammatory Markers and Their Associations with Muscle Performance Variables

The importance of various markers such as Sclerostin, Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), Irisin, receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL), and Vitamin D have been well studied in bone metabolism. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) have been shown to hinder muscle protein synthesis, leading to the loss of muscle and strength. However, a research gap exists in understanding their role in muscle function and physical activity. Therefore, this study aims to explore the serum levels of Sclerostin, DKK-1, Irisin, IL-6, RANKL, Vitamin D, and TNF-α and assess their relationships with upper- and lower-body strength in young adults. In this study, 38 college-aged students (18–23 years), males and females, participated and completed the protocols. The participants’ lower and upper body strength were assessed by the vertical jump test (Just Jump, Probotic, AL) with a Tendo FitroDyne (Tendo Sports Machines, Trencin, Slovak Republic) and handgrip (HG) dynamometry (Takei Scientific Instruments, Yashiroda, Japan), respectively. Fasting morning blood samples were analyzed for serum levels of biomarkers by ELISA. The results indicate significant sex differences in Sclerostin, DKK-1, Irisin, and Vitamin D levels (p p p < 0.05). The results suggest that these markers may have a distinct effect on muscle performance, underscoring the need for further investigation to elucidate the concept of muscle–bone crosstalk

Associations of animal source foods, cardiovascular disease history, and health behaviors from the national health and nutrition examination survey: 2013–2016

Background: Some individuals adopt vegetarian or plant-based diets to improve their health. Observational evidence suggests diets composed of higher amounts of animal-source foods (ASFs) are associated with increased risk for disease and early mortality. In many of these studies, those who ate fewer animal-source foods reported fewer disease risk factors and unhealthy behaviors, which could indicate bias. Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationships between ASF consumption, health behaviors, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence in a population-representative sample of U.S. civilians controlling for confounders. Methods: Respondent data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 collection years. Collected data included demographics, ASF intake, healthy lifestyle variables, body mass index, and blood lipids. Results: There was a higher proportion of those with CVD history who consumed red meat (61.3%; C.I. 41.7%–77.8%), but the proportion was lower for white (23.3%; C.I. 12.6%–39.0%) and processed meat (15.4%; C.I. 6.5%–32.3%). When adjusted for sex, the odds of CVD history increased for red meat compared to processed meat consumption (OR 2.95; C.I. 1.14–7.66). Unhealthy lifestyle increased the odds of CVD history by nearly 8-fold (OR 7.8; C.I. 3.44–17.7). Individual factors including age, smoking history, body mass index, and blood lipids, and demographic factors, including education level, race, and income, were also associated with increased odds for CVD history. ROC analysis revealed 77.2% AUC for CVD history classified by individual factors (BMI ≥30 kg/m**2, ≤ 30 min moderate physical activity, smoker, fiber intake ≤25 g, dental visit more than two years ago, and age above 60 years). Three or more factors moderately predicted CVD history when optimized for sensitivity (73.4%) and specificity (71%). Adjusted for sex, the relationship between CVD and moderate physical activity became stronger possibly reflecting lifestyle changes. Despite evidence of lifestyle changes, modifiable risk factors persisted in the CVD group. CVD diagnosis in males was substantially delayed compared to females concerning the sex-specific age cutoff associated with higher risk. The healthy lifestyle group was characterized by earlier CVD diagnosis and fewer overall risk factors compared to the unhealthy lifestyle group. Conclusion: CVD history was strongly associated with demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors. Future research should focus on multidimensional models for disease risk stratification and prevention, including individual, behavioral, and sociodemographic factors

Association between bone-specific physical activity scores and pQCT-derived measures of bone strength and geometry in healthy young and middle-aged premenopausal women.

The aim of this study was to determine if bone-specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) scores were positively related to bone health in healthy young and middle-aged premenopausal women. The total BPAQ was a stronger predictor of bone strength and bone mineral density of hip in young women as compared to middle-aged premenopausal women. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the BPAQ scores were predictive indices of volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone strength, and bone geometry in young and middle-aged premenopausal women. METHODS: Healthy young (n = 60) and middle-aged premenopausal women (n = 54) between the ages of 18 and 50 years were recruited for this study. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) of lumbar spine and dual proximal femur (FN; femoral neck) was measured using DXA. We assessed vBMD of the tibia 4%, 38%, and 66% by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). The BPAQ was used to obtain a comprehensive account of lifetime physical activity related to bone health. RESULTS: Pearson\u27s correlation tests showed positive correlations between total BPAQ and aBMD of the right FN (r = 0.313, p = 0.015) and the left FN (r = 0.307, p = 0.017) in young women while not found in middle-aged premenopausal women (p \u3e 0.05). A positive relationship was only observed between total BPAQ and tibia 38% vBMD in middle-aged premenopausal women (r = 0.283, p = 0.038). All bone geometry variables were associated with total BPAQ (r = 0.280-0.422, p = 0.03-0.001) in young women. The Strength-Strain Index of tibia 38% (r = 0.350, p = 0.006) and 66% (r = 0.406, p = 0.001) was associated with total BPAQ in young women. In both young and middle-aged premenopausal women, when age, bone-free lean body mass (BFLBM), and total BPAQ were included in a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, BFLBM was a significant predictor of all aBMD variables, accounting for 7-25.7% (p = 0.043-0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The total BPAQ score-derived physical activity was more predictive of positive bone characteristics in young women than in middle-aged premenopausal women

Qualitative Analysis of 400 Life Stories from Children and Young People Working in the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Nepal

CLARISSA (Child Labour: Action-Research-Innovation in South and South‑Eastern Asia) is a large-scale research programme on the worst forms of child labour. It aims to identify, evidence, and promote effective multi‑stakeholder action to tackle the drivers of the worst forms of child labour in selected supply chains in Nepal and Bangladesh. This paper captures the perspectives of 400 children and young people working in the worst forms of child labour (WFCL) – mostly in the adult entertainment sector in Kathmandu, Nepal – to aid understanding about WFCL and how it can be brought to an end. Underpinning this paper is a thematic qualitative analysis of 400 life stories collected in locations where there is a high prevalence of work in the adult entertainment sector. This paper includes rich detail from those life stories and uncovers the micro-level detail and nuance within themes. The objective of this qualitative analysis was to build a stronger knowledge base on pathways into child labour and children’s lived experiences of child labour. This analysis should be considered as a companion analysis to the participatory collective analysis carried out by children themselves: Life Stories From Kathmandu’s Adult Entertainment Sector: Told and Analysed by Children and Young People

Worldwide Disparities in Recovery of Cardiac Testing 1 Year Into COVID-19

BACKGROUND The extent to which health care systems have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide necessary cardiac diagnostic services is unknown.OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the pandemic on cardiac testing practices, volumes and types of diagnostic services, and perceived psychological stress to health care providers worldwide.METHODS The International Atomic Energy Agency conducted a worldwide survey assessing alterations from baseline in cardiovascular diagnostic care at the pandemic's onset and 1 year later. Multivariable regression was used to determine factors associated with procedure volume recovery.RESULTS Surveys were submitted from 669 centers in 107 countries. Worldwide reduction in cardiac procedure volumes of 64% from March 2019 to April 2020 recovered by April 2021 in high- and upper middle-income countries (recovery rates of 108% and 99%) but remained depressed in lower middle- and low-income countries (46% and 30% recovery). Although stress testing was used 12% less frequently in 2021 than in 2019, coronary computed tomographic angiography was used 14% more, a trend also seen for other advanced cardiac imaging modalities (positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance; 22%-25% increases). Pandemic-related psychological stress was estimated to have affected nearly 40% of staff, impacting patient care at 78% of sites. In multivariable regression, only lower-income status and physicians' psychological stress were significant in predicting recovery of cardiac testing.CONCLUSIONS Cardiac diagnostic testing has yet to recover to prepandemic levels in lower-income countries. Worldwide, the decrease in standard stress testing is offset by greater use of advanced cardiac imaging modalities. Pandemic-related psychological stress among providers is widespread and associated with poor recovery of cardiac testing. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier on behalf of the American College of Cardiology Foundation