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Objective: To explore the association between occupational noise exposure and myocardial infarction (MI) one year later. Methods: Data came from the SNOW cohort, comprised of all individuals born between 1930 and 1990 in Sweden, with demographic, occupational, and outcome data available from 1960 until 2017. In this study, we included working individuals with at least one occupational code between 1985 and 2013. These were matched to a job exposure matrix (JEM) in five categories (LAeq8h): 85 dB(A). MI status in the year following exposure was ascertained using the patient register. To account for time-varying occupational data, we utilized a discrete-time proportional hazards model adjusted for individual confounders and other occupational exposures. Results: Preliminary results show that exposure to over 75 dB(A) of occupational is associated with a 13-21% increased risk for MI one year later. After adjusting for psychosocial work exposures, physical workload, exposure to vibrations, and chemical and particle exposure, noise exposure was no longer associated with an increased risk for MI. Conclusion: Exposure to noise was not associated with an increased risk for MI one year later after adjusting for other work exposures among this younger, working population. Additional in-depth analyses are ongoing.

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between occupational noise exposure and stroke incidence in a pooled study of five Scandinavian cohorts (NordSOUND).MethodsWe pooled and harmonised data from five Scandinavian cohorts resulting in 78 389 participants. We obtained job data from national registries or questionnaires and recoded these to match a job-exposure matrix developed in Sweden, which specified the annual average daily noise exposure in five exposure classes (LAeq8h): ResultsExposure to occupational noise at baseline was not associated with overall stroke in the fully adjusted models. For ischaemic stroke, occupational noise was associated with HRs (95% CI) of 1.08 (0.98 to 1.20), 1.09 (0.97 to 1.24) and 1.06 (0.92 to 1.21) in the 75–79, 80–84 and ≥85 dB(A) exposure groups, compared with ConclusionsWe found no association between occupational noise and risk of overall stroke after adjustment for confounders. However, the non-significantly increased risk of ischaemic stroke warrants further investigation.

The aim was to assess the risk of hyperacusis in relation to occupational noise exposure among female workers in general, and among women working in preschool specifically.A retrospective longitudinal study was performed. Survey data were collected in 2013 and 2014 from two cohorts: randomly selected women from the population in region Västra Götaland, Sweden, and women selected based on having received a preschool teacher degree from universities in the same region. The final study sample included n = 8328 women born between 1948 and 1989. Occupational noise exposure was objectively assigned to all time periods from the first to the last reported occupation throughout working life, using the Swedish Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM) with three exposure intervals:75 dB(A), 75 to 85 dB(A), and85 dB(A). The JEM assigns preschool teachers to the 75 to 85 dB(A) exposure interval. The outcome hyperacusis was assessed by self-report using one question addressing discomfort or pain from everyday sounds. In the main analysis, a hyperacusis event was defined by the reported year of onset, if reported to occur at least a few times each week. Additional sensitivity analyses were performed using more strict definitions: (a) at least several times each week and (b) every day. The risk (hazard ratio, HR) of hyperacusis was analyzed in relation to years of occupational noise exposure, using survival analysis with frailty regression modeling accounting for individual variation in survival times which reflect, for example, noise exposure during years prior to onset. Occupational noise exposure was defined by the occupation held at year of hyperacusis onset, or the occupation held at the survey year if no event occurred. Models were adjusted for confounders including age, education, income, family history of hearing loss, and change of jobs due to noise.In total, n = 1966 hyperacusis events between 1960 and 2014 were analyzed in the main analysis. A significantly increased risk of hyperacusis was found among women working in any occupation assigned to the 75 to 85 dB(A) noise exposure group [HR: 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4-2.9], compared with the reference group75 dB(A). The risk was tripled among preschool teachers specifically (HR: 3.4, 95% CI: 3.0-3.7), with the crude Kaplan-Meier curve showing a higher rate of onset early in the working life in preschool teachers compared with all the other exposure groups. The risk was increased, but not statistically significant in the main analysis, for the highest exposure group85 dB(A), where only six hyperacusis events were identified (HR: 1.4, 95% CI: 0.6-3.1). In the sensitivity analysis, where hyperacusis was defined as occurring every day, the HR was significant also in the highest exposure group (HR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.4-10.3), and generally slightly higher in the other exposure groups compared to the main analysis.This study indicates increased risk of hyperacusis already below the permissible occupational noise exposure limit in Sweden (85 dB LAeq,8h) among female workers in general, and in particular among preschool teachers. Prospective studies and less wide exposure intervals could confirm causal effects and assess dose-response relationships, respectively, although this study at present suggest a need for risk assessment, improved hearing prevention measures, and noise abatement measures in occupations with noise levels from 75 dB(A). The results could also have implications for management of occupational disability claims.

Objective Ambient particle matter is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, little is known about associations between particles in occupational settings and risk of CVD. We investigated associations between occupational dust exposure and biomarkers of CVD, and potential recovery effects after vacation. Methods Personal dust exposure measurements (respirable silica, respirable dust t tests were performed evaluating changes before and after vacation. Results Sixty-five workers participated. Homocysteine concentrations were significantly higher with increasing concentrations (mg/m3) of respirable silica, respirable dust, and PM 0.1–10, and pulse rate with higher levels of respirable dust and dust of PM 0.1–10. Homocysteine levels were also positively correlated to number of years of dust exposure, as were low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. A clear recovery effect was present for LDL after vacation, but not for homocysteine. Conclusions Occupational dust exposure was associated with some CVD risk markers, even at mean exposure concentrations below the Swedish occupational exposure limits for respirable silica and respirable dust, respectively. Vacation resulted in recovery for some risk markers. However, the change of the homocysteine and LDL levels suggest a long-term effect. Reduction of occupational exposure to dust may decrease the risk of CVD among exposed workers.

AIMS: The main aim of this study was to assess dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and airway exposure to PAHs, volatile organic compounds (VOCs; benzene and 1,3-butadiene), and particles among firefighters (FFs) and police forensic investigators (PFIs) in Sweden. METHODS: Active (pump with a filter and sorbent tube) and passive (polyurethane foam -cyl and perkin elmer carbopack-tube) personal air sampling and dermal tape stripping (wrist and collar bone) were performed on seven FF team leaders during training fires and nine PFIs investigating the aftermath of live fire events. In addition, passive personal air sampling was performed on eight FF team leaders during live emergency fires. PAHs and VOCs were analysed using high-resolution gas chromatography low-resolution mass spectrometry. The mass concentration of total dust (particles) was determined using standard gravimetric methods. RESULTS: The air samples showed that the exposure to PAHs, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and particles was below Swedish occupational exposure limits (OELs). Naphthalene was the predominant PAH in all air samples. Benzene and 1,3-butadiene were more abundant in live emergency fires, which caused higher exposures than the other studied situations. Both gaseous- and particle-associated PAHs were present on skin. The wrists seemed to be less well protected than the collarbone area. CONCLUSIONS: FFs and PFIs are exposed to several hazardous compounds during their work. Air exposures varied considerably between working scenarios. The observed exposures were substantially higher than urban background levels but well below Swedish OELs. The measured dermal PAH exposures were comparable to previously reported doses for US FFs but lower than the exposures reported for Swedish chimney sweeps. (Less)

It has been suggested that the association between self-reported occupational noise exposure and vestibular schwannoma (VS), found in several studies, represents recall bias. Therefore, we aimed to study the relationship in a large case-control study using occupational noise measurements. We performed a case-control study using data from Sweden for 1,913 VS cases diagnosed in 1961–2009 and 9,566 age- and sex-matched population controls. We defined occupational history by linkage to national censuses from 1960, 1970, 1980, and 1990. We estimated occupational noise exposure for each case and control using a job-exposure matrix. There was no association between occupational noise exposure and VS. Among subjects assessed as ever exposed to occupational noise levels of ≥85 dB (214 cases and 1,142 controls), the odds ratio for VS per 5 years of exposure was 1.02 (95% confidence interval: 0.90, 1.17). Workers with noise levels of ≥85 dB for at least 15 years (5-year latency period), showed no increased risk of VS (odds ratio = 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.73, 1.31) compared with those who had never been exposed to noise levels of 75 dB or higher. In summary, our large study does not support an association between occupational noise exposure and VS.

Objective Increasing evidence indicates aggravation of immune-mediated diseases due to physiological and psychological stress. Noise is a stressor, however, little is known about its effects on children's respiratory health. This study investigates the association between pre- or postnatal road traffic or occupational noise exposure and asthma as well as related symptoms from infancy to adolescence. Methods The study was conducted in the Swedish birth cohort BAMSE, including over 4000 participants followed with repeated questionnaires and clinical tests until 16 years of age. Pre- and postnatal residential road traffic noise was assessed by estimating time-weighted average noise levels at the most exposed facade. Maternal occupational noise exposure during pregnancy was evaluated using a job-exposure-matrix. The associations between noise exposure and asthma-related outcomes were explored using logistic regression and generalised estimating equations. Results We observed non-significant associations for asthma ever up to 16 years with residential road traffic noise exposure in infancy ≥55 dBLden (adjusted OR = 1.22; 95% CI 0.90–1.65), as well as prenatal occupational noise exposure ≥80 dBLAeq,8h (1.18, 0.85–1.62). In longitudinal analyses, however, no clear associations between pre- or postnatal exposure to residential road traffic noise, or average exposure to noise since birth, were detected in relation to asthma or wheeze until 16 years. Conclusion We did not find a clear overall association between exposure to noise during different time periods and asthma or wheeze up to adolescence.

Background Exposure to traffic noise has been associated with hypertension in adults but the evidence in adolescents is limited. We investigated long-term road traffic noise exposure, maternal occupational noise during pregnancy and other factors in relation to blood pressure and prehypertension at 16 years of age. Methods Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured in 2597 adolescents from the Swedish BAMSE birth cohort. Levels of road traffic noise were estimated at home addresses during lifetime and for the mother during pregnancy as well as maternal occupational noise exposure during pregnancy. Exposure to NOx from local sources was also assessed. Associations between noise or NOx exposure and blood pressure or prehypertension were analysed using linear and logistic regression. Results The prevalence of prehypertension was higher among males and in those with overweight, low physical activity or overweight mothers. No strong or consistent associations were observed between pre- or postnatal exposure to road traffic noise and blood pressure at 16 years of age. However, inverse associations were suggested for systolic or diastolic blood pressure and prehypertension, which reached statistical significance among males (OR 0.80 per 10 dB Lden, 95% CI 0.65–0.99) and those with maternal occupational noise exposure ≥ 70 dB LAeq8h (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41–0.87). On the other hand, occupational noise exposure during pregnancy tended to increase systolic blood pressure and prehypertension risk in adolescence. No associations were seen for NOx exposure. Conclusion No conclusive associations were observed between pre- or postnatal noise exposure and blood pressure or prehypertension in adolescents.

Background There is growing evidence that traffic noise exposure is associated with adiposity among adults but data in children are limited. Objective This longitudinal study examined whether pre- and postnatal noise exposure is associated with body mass index (BMI) between birth and adolescence or with adverse birth outcomes. Methods The study was conducted using data from the BAMSE birth cohort, which included 4089 children born in Stockholm County, Sweden. Data on BMI from birth to adolescence were collected via questionnaires, clinical examinations and health care records. A national register provided information on birth outcomes. Road traffic noise levels at the most exposed facade were estimated for all residences of the children during follow-up, as well as of their mothers during pregnancy, and time-weighted average exposure was calculated for different time windows. Maternal occupational noise exposure was obtained from a job-exposure-matrix. Logistic- and quantile regression models were used to estimate associations between noise exposure and health outcomes. Results We found residential road traffic noise exposure to be associated with increases in BMI from school age to adolescence, but not at earlier ages. In the age groups 8–11 years and 12–16 years the BMI increments were 0.11 kg/m2 per 10 dB Lden (95% CI 0.08–0.13) and 0.20 kg/m2 per 10 dB Lden (95% CI 0.17–0.22), respectively. Maternal noise exposure during pregnancy was generally unrelated to adverse birth outcomes and BMI from birth to adolescence in the children, however, traffic noise exposure was associated with a decreased risk of preterm birth Conclusion Residential road traffic noise exposure was associated with BMI increases from school age to adolescence, but not at earlier ages. Maternal occupational noise exposure or exposure from road traffic during pregnancy were not consistently related to birth outcomes or BMI from birth to adolescence.

Many workers are occupationally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may cause various health problems, and some PAHs are known or suspected carcinogens. PAH exposure is primarily monitored by air sampling, but contamination may also occur through dermal exposure. PAHs adsorbed to the skin can be sampled by tape-stripping, but subsequent extraction of sampling tapes in organic solvent also releases diverse co-eluting substances that are difficult to remove before analysis of the PAHs by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The objective of this study was to optimise a procedure for analytical clean-up after extraction of 32 PAHs from tape-strips, by dialysis in organic solvent using semipermeable membranes. With triplicate subsamples, the developed method yields acceptable precision and repeatability for both the 32 PAHs, across the concentration range 10-160 ng per sample, and for a certified reference material (urban dust). The optimized clean-up procedure and GC/MS methodology was used to assess PAHs on skin from the lower part of the ventral side of the wrist and just below the collar bone of three firefighters and seven controls (office workers). Several gaseous and particle-bound PAHs were detected in all samples, including controls. Thus, the optimized procedure using semipermeable membranes for clean-up of tape-strip extracts can be used to assess the dermal exposure of both occupational and general populations to multiple PAHs. The results also show that both gaseous and particle-bound PAHs, including alkylated species, may be present on skin.

Routine monitoring of workplace exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is performed mainly via active sampling. However, active samplers have several drawbacks and, in some cases, may even be unusable. Polyurethane foam (PUF) as personal passive air samplers constitute good alternatives for PAH monitoring in occupational air (8 h). However, PUFs must be further tested to reliably yield detectable levels of PAHs in short exposure times (1-3 h) and under extreme occupational conditions. Therefore, we compared the personal exposure monitoring performance of a passive PUF sampler with that of an active air sampler and determined the corresponding uptake rates (Rs). These rates were then used to estimate the occupational exposure of firefighters and police forensic specialists to 32 PAHs. The work environments studied were heavily contaminated by PAHs with (for example) benzo(a)pyrene ranging from 0.2 to 56 ng m

On behalf of the HELENA Study Group., This study aimed to examine the association between vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 biomarkers and plasma fatty acids in European adolescents. A subsample from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study with valid data on B-vitamins and fatty acid blood parameters, and all the other covariates used in the analyses such as BMI, Diet Quality Index, education of the mother and physical activity assessed by a questionnaire, was selected resulting in 674 cases (43 % males). B-vitamin biomarkers were measured by chromatography and immunoassay and fatty acids by enzymatic analyses. Linear mixed models elucidated the association between B-vitamins and fatty acid blood parameters (changes in fatty acid profiles according to change in 10 units of vitamin B biomarkers). DHA, EPA) and n-3 fatty acids showed positive associations with B-vitamin biomarkers, mainly with those corresponding to folate and vitamin B12. Contrarily, negative associations were found with n-6:n-3 ratio, trans-fatty acids and oleic:stearic ratio. With total homocysteine (tHcy), all the associations found with these parameters were opposite (for instance, an increase of 10 nmol/l in red blood cell folate or holotranscobalamin in females produces an increase of 15·85 Âmol/l of EPA (P value, The HELENA study received funding from the European Union’s Sixth RTD Framework Programme (contract FOODCT-2005-007034). Additional support was obtained from the Spanish Ministry of Education (AGL2007-29784-E/ALI), Axis-Shield Diagnostics Ltd (Oslo, Norway), Abbot Científica S.A. (Spain). This analysis was also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (JCI-2010-07055) with the contribution of the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). The first author is supported by a grant from the Spanish Carlos III Health Institute: RD08/0072/0025 (Red SAMID: Maternal, Child Health and Development Research Network).

Objective: We aimed to examine the association between adolescents' sleep time and a cardiometabolic risk score. A second aim was to examine associations between sleep time and individual cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: Adolescents (N= 699; ages, 12.5-17.5. years) participating in the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) study were examined. Sleep time was reported by a questionnaire. Physical activity (PA) was assessed by accelerometry (n= 497). Cardiometabolic risk factors measurements included insulin resistance, blood pressure, adiposity markers, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood lipids. A cardiovascular disease risk score was computed. Associations were examined by a multilevel regression analysis (linear for individual risk factors and Poisson for the clustered risk score). Results: For school days no association was found between sleep time and cardiometabolic risk factors. At weekend days, the prevalence ratio (PR) of having a clustered risk score increased by 15% for each additional hour of sleep controlling for age, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES); however, the prevalence disappeared when adjusting for PA. Conclusions: In European adolescents sleep time is not associated with cardiometabolic risk factors when important confounders are considered. Future research about sleep cardiovascular risk factors should register other sleep dimensions (sleep patterns or disturbances) to provide a better insight in this scientific field. © 2013 Elsevier B.V., This work was supported by the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (Contract FOOD-CT-2005-007034), the Spanish Ministry of Health, Maternal, Child Health and Development Network (grant number RD080072) (GVR), the Spanish Ministry of Education (grant numbers EX20101008, DEP200729933E, AP200602464) (SBS), and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (grant number RYC201005957). JPRL and ACM received grants from the São Paulo State Research Foundation – FAPESP (JPRL: 2012/05723-8; ACM: 2011/11137-1 and 2011/20662-2)

ObjectivesFirefighters (FFs) and police forensic investigators (PFI) may be exposed to a wide range of particles and combustion products, such as the carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the dermal exposure to 32 different PAHs for FFs and PFIs.MethodsThe skin was sampled by tape stripping (three consecutive tapes) on lower wrist and collarbone area after end of work shift of 7 FFs (fire starters; team leaders inside the burning house; team leaders outside the burning house) during training fires (14 samples), 9 PFIs investigating the aftermath of fire events (10 samples) and 7 office workers/control persons (7 samples). We used semipermeable membrane dialysis for clean-up of the tape strip exctracts and analysed the PAHs by gas chromatography mass spectrometry.ResultsThe median sum 32 PAH dermal exposure of the measured groups was in the range of 2 to 16 ng/cm2on the wrist and 2 to 4.6 ng/cm2on the collarbone area. Both gaseous and particle-associated PAHs were present on skin with large variability in levels between specific PAHs. The most abundant PAHs were phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and chrysene. For sum 32 PAHs the exposure of the wrist was statistically significantly higher for FF fire starters and PFIs than for controls. FF fire starters had the highest exposure for benzo(a)pyrene. For the collarbone area, the FFs and PFIs had lower exposures than on the wrist and similar to the levels for control persons.ConclusionsThe dermal occupational PAH exposure for FFs and PFIs was generally higher on the wrist than on the collarbone area. Thus, the wrists seem to be less well protected by personal protective equipment than the collarbone area. On the collarbone area, the dermal PAH exposure levels were similar between FFs, PFIs and control persons.

The aim was to investigate the influence of environmental exposures on hearing loss in a twin cohort.Male twins born 1914-1958, representing an unscreened population, were tested for hearing loss at two occasions, 18 years apart.Clinical audiometry and a questionnaire were performed at both time points in this longitudinal study. Noise and solvent exposure were assessed using occupational work codes and a job exposure matrix. Hearing impairment was investigated using two different pure tone averages: PTA4 (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) and HPTA4 (3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz).Age affected all outcome measures. Noise exposure between time point one and two affected the threshold shifts of PTA4 and HPTA4 more in participants with a pre-existing hearing loss at time point one. Lifetime occupational noise exposure was a risk factor especially for the low-frequency hearing threshold PTA4. Firearm use was a statistically significant risk factor for all outcome measures.Pre-existing hearing loss can increase the risk of hearing impairment due to occupational noise exposure. An increased risk for NIHL was also seen in the group with exposures below 85 dB(A), a result that indicates awareness of NIHL should be raised even for those working in environments where sound levels are below 85 dB(A).

Noise is one of the most common occupational hazardous exposures. In addition to hearing loss and tinnitus increasing evidence show that noise exposure is also associated with stress reactions, and cardiovascular effects. A Recent study (Selander et al . EHP 2015 Dec 8.) using an earlier version of our noise JEM, showed that noise exposure can negatively impact fetuses during pregnancy. We have developed, updated and validated a job exposure matrix for occupational noise using some 270 measurement reports from 1970 through 2014. The matrix contains 321 job families, as defined by the Nordic Occupational Classification system (NYK 85/90), and classifies 8 hour average noise exposure using a five grade scale 1: The matrix also includes assessments of the probability for impact noise exposure using a 4 grade scale1. Yes, for sure; 2. Yes, probably; 3. Yes, possibly; 4. Unlikely. Exposures were estimated by two separate teams, each comprised by one occupational hygienists and one experienced occupational safety engineer. Agreements were statistically analysed using Svensson’s non-parametric methods in terms of relative position (RP) and relative concentration (RC) Disagreements were discussed and a consensus was reached for the final version. In the final phase preliminary results indicate good agreement between the two teams concerning noise exposure levels, without systematic differences. However, impact noise source data were scarce and the team assessments were more split giving weaker agreement and a systematic difference. The consensus matrix will be made available to collaborators. A previous JEM, based on approximately half the number of reports and a 3-grade classification was published 2013. (Sjostrom et al Ann Occup Hyg. 2013 Jul;57(6):774-83)

To investigate the combined influence of diet quality and physical activity on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in adolescents, adolescents (n = 1513; 12.5-17.5 years) participating in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study were studied. Dietary intake was registered using a 24-h recall and a diet quality index was calculated. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry. Lifestyle groups were computed as: healthy diet and active, unhealthy diet but active, healthy diet but inactive, and unhealthy diet and inactive. CVD risk factor measurements included cardiorespiratory fitness, adiposity indicators, blood lipid profile, blood pressure, and insulin resistance. A CVD risk score was computed. The healthy diet and active group had a healthier cardiorespiratory profile, fat mass index (FMI), triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratio (all P ≤ 0.05). Overall, active adolescents showed higher cardiorespiratory fitness, lower FMI, TC/HDL-C ratio, and homeostasis model assessment index and healthier blood pressure than their inactive peers with either healthy or unhealthy diet (all P ≤ 0.05). Healthy diet and active group had healthier CVD risk score compared with the inactive groups (all P ≤ 0.02). Thus, a combination of healthy diet and active lifestyle is associated with decreased CVD risk in adolescents. Moreover, an active lifestyle may reduce the adverse consequences of an unhealthy diet.

We aimed to (a) examine the validity and reliability of the International FItness Scale (IFIS) in Spanish young adults and (b) compare the capacity of self-reported vs measured fitness to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The study comprised 276 participants (18-30 years). Fitness level (overall and specific components) was both self-reported (IFIS) and measured using standard fitness tests. Total and trunk fat was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We computed a previously validated metabolic syndrome score. A separate sample of 181 of same age and characteristics fulfilled IFIS twice for reliability purposes. The results of the present study support the validity and reliability of self-reported fitness, as measured by IFIS, in Spanish young adults. Our data also suggest that not only measured cardiorespiratory fitness but also self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness predicts CVD risk, as assessed by adiposity and metabolic syndrome indicators. The associations for muscular fitness (both reported and measured) differed depending on how it was expressed (i.e., absolute vs relative terms). Self-reported fitness, as assessed by IFIS, can be a good alternative when physical fitness cannot be measured in large surveys.

In rat, the first 18-24 h after partial hepatectomy (PH) are characterized by an acute-phase reaction, after which liver regeneration predominates. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) induces the iron hormone hepcidin, which blocks iron uptake and may compromise iron uptake in the growing liver. The expressions of hepcidin and the iron-regulatory pathway of hepcidin gene expression during the late phase of liver regeneration are unknown.To characterize the expression pattern of hepcidin and the iron-sensing pathway of hepcidin regulation during liver regeneration.Rats were subjected to PH or sham operation. Liver weights, number of S-phase nuclei, and serum levels of iron and IL-6 were determined. Messenger-RNA levels of hepcidin, ferritin, hemojuvelin, transferrin receptor 1 and 2, HFE, divalent metal transporter 1, ferroportin, and ceruloplasmin were determined with qPCR at different time points. Protein levels of STAT3 and SMAD4 were determined with western blot.During the acute-phase response, IL-6 release induced STAT3 protein and hepcidin mRNA, whereas mRNA levels of proteins in the iron-sensing pathway (HFE, hemojuvelin, and transferrin receptor 2) decreased. The mRNA levels of proteins involved in cellular iron uptake were increased and cellular iron export unchanged. During liver regeneration24 h after PH, gene expressions in the iron-sensing pathway were continuously suppressed and hepcidin mRNA levels declined 3-7 days after surgery.Hepcidin gene expression peaks during the acute-phase response, but a sustained down-regulation of the iron-sensing pathway of hepcidin regulation gradually reduces hepcidin gene expression until regeneration is complete, thereby promoting iron mobilization to the regenerating liver.

To examine the associations of insulin resistance at childhood with adiposity changes over a 6-year period (from 9 to 15 years) in a sample of 659 Swedish and Estonian children (52.7% girls) participating in the European Youth Heart Study.We measured weight, height, waist circumference, biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, and medial calf skinfolds, and we calculated body mass index (BMI), sum of five skinfolds, and body fat percentage. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin were measured and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Changes in puberty stage, sex, centre and the corresponding baseline adiposity values were used as confounders in all analysis.HOMA-IR at childhood was significantly and positively associated with changes in BMI (β=0.265; P=0.024), sum of five skinfolds (β=0.3445; P=0.003), body fat percentage (β=1.042; P=0.016) and waist circumference (β=0.806; P=0.002) from childhood to adolescence. These relationships persisted when overweight children were excluded from the analysis. BMI, sum of five skinfolds, body fat percentage and waist circumference at childhood were not significantly associated with changes in HOMA-IR (P for all0.1).These results give further support to the concept that lower insulin sensitivity at childhood may predict subsequent total and central adiposity gain at adolescence. These findings enhance the role of insulin sensitivity as a target of obesity prevention already from the first decades of life.

Aim: Neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) is expressed by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC), portal fibroblasts, cholangiocytes and hepatic progenitor cells during liver injury. Its functional role in liver disease and fibrogenesis is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of N-CAM in liver fibrogenesis. Methods: To induce fibrosis, N-CAM knockout mice and wild-type controls were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) or repeated carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injections. Fibrosis was quantified by hydroxyproline, immunhistochemistry staining and image analysis. Protein levels were determined with immunoblotting. HSCs were isolated by ultracentrifugation in a Larcoll gradient and thereafter in vitro stimulated with recombinant transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Results: Two weeks after BDL, wild-type mice had developed pronounced liver fibrosis while N-CAM−/− mice had less such alterations. N-CAM−/− mice had less deposition of collagen and fibronectin seen in immunhistochemistry. The protein levels of fibronectin were higher in the liver from the wild type, while laminin were unaltered. CCl4-treated N-CAM−/− and wild-type mice showed no significant difference in the extent of liver fibrosis or the expression levels of the above-mentioned genes. HSC isolated from N-CAM−/− mice showed declined levels of smooth muscle actin and desmin after stimulation in vitro with TGF-β1. Conclusions: Loss of N-CAM results in decreased hepatic collagen and fibronectin deposition in mice subjected to BDL, but not in animals exposed to repeated CCl4 injections. HSC isolated from N-CAM null mice show impaired activation in vitro. This indicates a role of N-CAM in cholestatic liver disease and HSC activation.

We examined the role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on the association between physical activity (PA) and abdominal fat content in adolescents. Abdominal fat content was measured by waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at 3 regions (R1, R2, and R3). PA and CRF were assessed by accelerometry and the 20 m-shuttle run test, respectively. Vigorous PA was inversely associated with waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio (β from -0.149 to -0.197; p0.05). In both CRF groups (i. e., low and high), vigorous and moderate-to-vigorous PA (also average PA in the low CRF group) were inversely associated with abdominal fat (i. e., R1, R2 and R3; β from -0.146 to -0.244; p0.05). This association did not differ according to CRF group (P for interaction0.05), yet the percentage of variance in abdominal fat content, when assessed by DXA, explained by PA was slightly higher in adolescents with low CRF (3-8%) compared to those with high CRF (2-4%). The findings indicate that there is not a clear interaction effect of CRF in the association between PA and abdominal fat in adolescents, yet slightly stronger association was observed in the low fit group.

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, feasibility and safety of a health-related fitness test battery administered by Physical Education (PE) teachers in the school setting. Six PE teachers, from three primary schools and three secondary schools, assessed twice (7 days apart) the 20 m shuttle run, handgrip and standing long jump tests, as well as weight, stature, triceps and subscapular thickness and waist circumference in 58 children (age: 6-11 yr) and 80 adolescents (age: 12-18 yr). Feasibility and safety were assessed by researches by means of direct observation. Significant inter-trial differences were found for the standing long jump test (3.8+/-12.7 cm, P

The purpose of the present study was to examine the criterion-related validity of the sit-and-reach test (SRT) and the modified sit-and-reach test (MSRT) for estimating hamstring flexibility in children and adolescents as well as to determine whether the MSRT is more valid than the SRT. A total of 87 (45 boys and 42 girls) children (6-12 years old) and adolescents (13-17 years old) performed the SRT and the MSRT. Hamstring flexibility was measured with goniometry through the passive straight-leg raise test. Regression analysis was performed to study the association of SRT and MSRT with hamstring flexibility (criterion measure). The SRT was associated with hamstring flexibility in both children (beta=1.089, R (2)=0.281, p=0.001) and adolescents (beta=0.690, R (2)=0.333, p=0.004). The MSRT was also associated with hamstring flexibility in both children (beta=1.296, R (2)=0.298, p

To examine the reliability of a set of health-related physical fitness tests used in the European Union-funded Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) Study on lifestyle and nutrition among adolescents.A set of physical fitness tests was performed twice in a study sample, 2 weeks apart, by the same researchers.A total of 123 adolescents (69 males and 54 females, aged 13.6+/-0.8 years) from 10 European cities participated in the study.Flexibility, muscular fitness, speed/agility and aerobic capacity were tested using the back-saver sit and reach, handgrip, standing broad jump, Bosco jumps (squat jump, counter movement jump and Abalakov jump), bent arm hang, 4 x 10 m shuttle run, and 20-m shuttle run tests.The ANOVA analysis showed that neither systematic bias nor sex differences were found for any of the studied tests, except for the back-saver sit and reach test, in which a borderline significant sex difference was observed (P=0.044). The Bland-Altman plots graphically showed the reliability patterns, in terms of systematic errors (bias) and random error (95% limits of agreement), of the physical fitness tests studied. The observed systematic error for all the fitness assessment tests was nearly 0.Neither a learning nor a fatigue effect was found for any of the physical fitness tests when repeated. The results also suggest that reliability did not differ between male and female adolescents. Collectively, it can be stated that the reliability of the set of physical fitness tests examined in this study is acceptable. The data provided contribute to a better understanding of physical fitness assessment in young people.

In mammalian cells, active sodium transport and its derived functions (e.g., plasma membrane potential) are dictated by the activity of the Na + ,K + -ATPase (NK), whose regulation is essential for maintaining cell volume and composition, as well as other vital cell functions. Here we report the existence of a salt-inducible kinase-1 (SIK1) that associates constitutively with the NK regulatory complex and is responsible for increases in its catalytic activity following small elevations in intracellular sodium concentrations. Increases in intracellular sodium are paralleled by elevations in intracellular calcium through the reversible Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger, leading to the activation of SIK1 (Thr-322 phosphorylation) by a calcium calmodulin-dependent kinase. Activation of SIK1 results in the dephosphorylation of the NK α-subunit and an increase in its catalytic activity. A protein phosphatase 2A/phosphatase methylesterase-1 (PME-1) complex, which constitutively associates with the NK α-subunit, is activated by SIK1 through phosphorylation of PME-1 and its dissociation from the complex. These observations illustrate the existence of a distinct intracellular signaling network, with SIK1 at its core, which is triggered by a monovalent cation (Na + ) and links sodium permeability to its active transport.

The aim of this study was to assess profiles of physical activity (PA) behavior using accelerometers among middle-aged and elderly women in free-living conditions. A subset of 133 women aged 56–75 years from the population-based Swedish Mammography Cohort with valid accelerometer data was included in the analysis. The proportion of women who met the PA recommendation of accumulating 30 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), in either one continuous bout or several shorter bouts lasting 8–10 min, on five or more days/week was 31%. The precision of mean daily estimates of MVPA and of inactivity based on 7 days monitoring was 0.80 and 0.86, respectively. On average, participants spent 103 min/day on MVPA, but only about a third of that time was accumulated in the recommended pattern of bouts lasting at least 8–10 min. Obese women had, on average, one bout of MVPA less than normal-weight women (mean 3.6 bouts/day). The mean MVPA decreased 10 min/day with every 5-year increase in age. A low proportion of women accumulated MVPA in the pattern recommended for health benefits. The proportion would increase considerably if women maintained their current amount of MVPA but increased the duration of each bout of MVPA.

In adults, there is some evidence that improving diet reduces blood pressure (BP) and the subsequent risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, studies that analyse this association in adolescents are still scarce. The objective of the present study was to examine the associations between heart rate, systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) among European adolescents and usual intake of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat, fish, high-sugar foods and savoury snacks.In total, 2283 adolescents from the HELENA-study (12.5-17.5 years old; 1253 girls) were included. Dietary intake was assessed using two computerized 24-hour dietary recalls. Age, sex, body mass index, maternal educational level, physical activity and Tanner stage were considered as confounders. Associations were examined by mixed model analysis stratified by sex. Tests for trend were assessed by tertiles of intake while controlling for the aforementioned confounders. Dairy products and fish intake were negatively associated with BP and heart rate. Significant decreasing trends were observed for heart rate and BP across tertiles of dairy products, fish intake and high-sugar foods intake (p 0.05). Significant increasing trends were observed for SBP and MAP across tertiles of savoury snack intake (p 0.05).Significant but small inverse associations between fish and dairy products consumption with blood pressure and heart rate have been found in European adolescents. Dietary intervention studies are needed to explore these associations in the context of the modification of several risk factors for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Background/objectives:The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between amino acid (AA) intake and serum lipid profile in European adolescents from eight European cities participating in the cross-sectional (2006-2007) HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) study, and to assess whether this association was independent of total fat intake.Subjects/methods:Diet, skinfold thickness, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), TC/HDL-c ratio, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) and Apo B/Apo A1 ratio were measured in 454 12.5- to 17.5-year-old adolescents (44% boys). Intake was assessed via two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Data on maternal education and sedentary behaviors were obtained via questionnaires. Physical activity was objectively measured by accelerometry.Results:Alanine, arginine, asparaginic acid, glycine, histidine, lysine and serine intakes were inversely associated with serum TG concentrations in both boys and girls. Intake of other AA like alanine and/or arginine was also inversely associated with serum TC, LDL-c and Apo B/Apo A1 ratio only in girls. An inverse association was observed between intakes of alanine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, serine, tryptophan, tyrosine and valine and TC/HDL-c ratio among female adolescents. Similar results were found in males for serine and tryptophan intakes. It is noteworthy, however, that associations were no longer significant in both genders when total fat intake was considered as a confounding factor.Conclusions:In this sample of adolescents, the association between AA intakes and serum lipid profile did not persist when dietary fat was considered. Therefore, dietary interventions and health promotion activities should focus on fat intake to improve lipid profile and potentially prevent cardiovascular disease. © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited.

Certain immunocompetent myeloid cells, such as eosinophils, basophils and mast cells, have a large capacity to synthesize the potent proinflammatory and spasmogenic mediator leukotriene (LT) C4 via a specific microsomal glutathione S-transferase (MGST) termed LTC4 synthase (LTC4S). Here, we report that MGST2, a distant homologue of LTC4S, is abundantly expressed in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and converts LTA4 into a single product, LTC4. Thus, using Northern blot, RT-PCR, Western blot, and enzyme activity assays, we show that MGST2 is the main, if not the only, enzyme that converts LTA4 into LTC4 in membrane preparations of HUVEC. In fact, we failed to detect any expression of LTC4S, MGST1 or MGST3 in these cells, indicating that MGST2 is a critical enzyme for transcellular LTC4 biosynthesis in the vascular wall. Unlike LTC4S, MGST2 prefers the naturally occurring free acid of LTA4 over the methyl ester as substrate and is also susceptible to product inhibition with an IC50 of about 1 µm for LTC4. Moreover, HUVEC were found to express the CysLT1 receptor in line with a paracrine and autocrine role for cysteinyl-leukotrienes in endothelial cell function.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a job-exposure matrix (JEM) for occupational noise in Sweden and to estimate its validity.METHODS: The JEM, developed by a group of experienced occupational hygienists, contains 321 job families with information regarding occupational noise from 1970 to 2004. The occupational noise information derives from measurements collected from different sources. The time period label has a 5-year scale starting in 1970. The estimated average 8h (TWA) noise level in decibel [dB(A)] for every 5-year period was coded either as

Insufficient sleep is associated with higher incidence of infections and worse recovery, and more recently with increased risk for noninfectious diseases and low-grade inflammation (1) . The immune system seems to be strongly influenced by the sleep/wake cycle and has its own circadian rhythm, in both its functions and circulating cell numbers (2) . During adolescence sleep patterns experience significant changes, such as delay of sleep initiation and/or reduction of the sleep duration; therefore, sleeping habits at this period may have an impact on the immune system. In the present work, absolute and relative counts of leukocyte types and lymphocyte subsets were compared between adolescents reporting to sleep less than 8 hours per night (short-sleep group) and those reporting 8 hours or more (sufficient sleep). Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast from 1,089 boys and girls (12.5‐17.5 years old; 53.3% females) participating in the HELENA-CSS (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence-Cross-Sectional Study). Leukocyte and lymphocyte subset counts were compared by means of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for country, gender, Tanner stage and body mass index (BMI). Non-normally distributed variables were previously log-transformed. Adolescents in the short-sleep group ( < 8h/night) presented higher counts and percentages of total T (CD3 + ; P < 0.05) and helper T (CD4 + ; P < 0.01) lymphocytes, higher counts of total memory T cells (CD3 + RO + ; P < 0.05) and memory helper T cells (CD4 + RO + ; P < 0.001), and lower percentages of natural killer cells (CD3 - CD16 + 56 + ; P < 0.05), independently of gender and BMI. Our results show a significant relationship between sleep duration and immune parameters in European adolescents, suggesting that sleep-related immune alterations can start at early life stages.

Introduction et but de l’etude L’activite physique est un determinant important de la sante chez l’enfant et l’adolescent. La cognition integre memoire, vitesse de reaction, attention et concentration, ces 2 derniers etant particulierement important chez l’enfant car indispensables aux processus de comprehension et d’apprentissage. Plusieurs etudes ont suggere que l’activite physique ameliorait les fonctions cognitives. Le but de notre travail etait d’evaluer la relation entre l’activite physique et la capacite d’attention chez des adolescents. Materiel et methodes L’etude comprenait 273 adolescents (126 garcons, 147 filles) âges de 12,5 a 17,5 ans, ayant participe a l’etude HELENA ( http://www.helenastudy.com ). L’activite physique quotidienne a ete mesuree avec un accelerometre pendant 7 jours. Les adolescents ont realise le test D2 qui evalue la capacite d’attention. L’association entre l’activite physique et la capacite d’attention a ete etudiee par analyse multivariee apres ajustement sur des facteurs de confusion (l’âge, l’indice de masse corporelle et le niveau d’education des parents). La methode des courbes ROC a ete utilisee pour determiner des seuils d’activite physique en fonction de la capacite d’attention. Resultats Le temps passe en activite physique moderee ou moderee a vigoureuse etait positivement correle a la capacite d’attention (p Conclusion Les resultats de ce travail montrent une association positive entre l’AP et la capacite d’attention chez l’adolescent. L’activite physique moderee a vigoureuse pourrait ameliorer les capacites d’attention chez les adolescents, qui est une composante importante de la fonction cognitive. Cela suggere donc que promouvoir l’activite physique moderee et vigoureuse peut etre benefique pour la fonction cognitive de l’adolescent.

Adolescents are at risk of iron deficiency because of their high iron requirements. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess iron intake, its determinants and its most important food sources and; (2) to evaluate the relation of iron intake and status in European adolescents.Two non-consecutive 24-h recalls were completed by a computerised tool. The socio-demographic and socio-economic data were collected by a self-reported questionnaire. Weight and height were measured. A distinction was made between haem and non-haem iron.The total iron intake was significantly higher among boys (13.8 mg/day; n=1077) than girls (11.0 mg/day; n=1253). About 97.3% of the boys and 87.8% of the girls met the estimated average requirement, and 72.4% of the boys and 13.7% of the girls met the recommendation for bio-available iron intake. The ratio of haem/non-haem iron intake was lower for girls than boys. Meat (19.2; 76%) and bread and rolls (12.6;3.9%) contributed most to total and haem iron intake. Bread and rolls (13.8%) and meat (10.8%) contributed most to non-haem iron intake. Age, sex and body mass index were associated with iron intake. Only red blood cell concentration was significantly negatively associated with total, haem and non-haem iron intake.Girls had lower iron intakes and ratio of haem/non-haem iron intake than boys. The main total iron and haem iron source was meat, while the main non-haem iron source was bread and rolls. Adolescent girls may be a group at risk for iron deficiency. Consequently, special attention and strategies are needed in order to improve iron intakes during adolescence.

12 páginas, 6 tablas.- Vandevijver, S.,Díaz, L.E.,Huybrecht, I. et al, Accurate food and nutrient intake assessment is essential for investigating diet–disease relationships. In the present study, food and nutrient intake assessment among European adolescents using 24 h recalls (mean of two recalls) and a FFQ (separately and the combination of both) were evaluated using concentration biomarkers. Biomarkers included were vitamin C, b-carotene, DHA þ EPA, vitamin B12 (cobalamin and holo-transcobalamin) and folate (erythrocyte folate and plasma folate). For the evaluation of the food intake assessment 390 adolescents were included, while 697 were included for the nutrient intake assessment evaluation. Spearman rank and Pearson correlations, and validity coefficients, which are correlations between intake estimated and habitual true intake, were calculated. Correlations were higher between frequency of food consumption (from the FFQ) and concentration biomarkers than between mean food intake (from the recalls) and concentration biomarkers, especially for DHA þ EPA (r 0·35 v. r 0·27). Most correlations were higher among girls than boys. For boys, the highest validity coefficients were found for frequency of fruit consumption (0·88) and for DHA þ EPA biomarker (0·71). In girls, the highest validity coefficients were found for fruit consumption frequency (0·76), vegetable consumption frequency (0·74), mean fruit intake (0·90) and DHA þ EPA biomarker (0·69). After exclusion of underreporters, correlations slightly improved. Correlations between usual food intakes, adjusted for food consumption frequency, and concentration biomarkers were higher than correlations between mean food intakes and concentration biomarkers. In conclusion, two non-consecutive 24 h recalls in combination with a FFQ seem to be appropriate to rank subjects according to their usual food intake., The HELENA Study has taken place with the financial support of the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (contract FOOD-CT-2005-007034).Additional support from the Spanish Ministry of Education (AGL2007- 29784-E/ALI)

The aim of the study was to examine the association of muscular strength with markers of insulin resistance in European adolescents. The study comprised a total of 1,053 adolescents (499 males; 12.5-17.5 years) from ten European cities participating in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) Cross-Sectional Study. Muscular strength was measured by the handgrip strength and standing long jump tests. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured by the 20-m shuttle run test. Fasting insulin and glucose were measured and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) indices were calculated. Weight, height, waist circumference and skinfold thickness were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. In males, the handgrip strength and standing long jump tests were negatively associated with fasting insulin and HOMA (all P < 0.05) after controlling for pubertal status, country and BMI or waist circumference. When skinfold thickness was included in the model, the association became non-signiWcant. In females, the standing long jump test was negatively associated with fasting insulin and HOMA (all P < 0.001) after controlling for pubertal status, country and surrogate markers of total or central body fat (BMI, waist circumference or skinfold thickness). Findings were retained in males, but not in females after controlling for cardiorespiratory fitness. The findings of the present study suggest that preventive strategies should focus not only on decreasing fatness and increasing cardiorespiratory fitness but also on enhancing muscular strength. © Springer-Verlag 2011.

The objective of this study was to determine the independent relationships of trunk fat, leg fat and arm fat to cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors, after controlling for relevant confounders such as fat mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness and objectively measured physical activity.This is a cross-sectional study involving 683 university students, aged 18-30 years. Total and regional body fat distribution was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The associations of trunk, leg and arm fat with CVD risk factors (triglycerides-TG-, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-HDL-c-, TG/HDL-c ratio, HOMA(IR), mean arterial pressure, C-reactive protein) were examined using regression linear models, controlling for age, sex, fat mass index [total body fat(kg)/height(m(2))], maximal oxygen consumption and physical activity by accelerometer.After controlling for fat mass index, and other confounders, higher levels of trunk fat were found to be associated with a poorer lipid profile, while higher levels of leg fat were found to be associated with a better lipid profile. We did not find any association between arm fat and lipid profile after controlling for total fatness and other confounders. Neither trunk, leg or arm fat was found to be related to insulin resistance, blood pressure or inflammation markers.Our data suggest that the region where fat is accumulated might have a differential effect on lipid profile: trunk fat has an adverse effect, leg fat has a protective effect, and arm fat has no effect. The differences observed between upper- and lower-body peripheral fat depots should be further explored.

Optimal cardio-respiratory fitness and adiposity levels are tightly related to health in youth. We analysed changes in fitness and adiposity in young individuals from two countries, and examined the role of maternal education in these changes.A 6-year follow-up study was conducted on 483 Estonian children (9 years) and 466 Swedish children (9-10 years) and adolescents (15 years). Fitness was assessed by a maximal bike test, and total and central adiposity were indirectly estimated by skinfolds (Slaughter's equation for fat mass) and waist circumference. At follow-up, fitness and adiposity had increased in the children cohort (P ≤ 0.001), while small or no change occurred in the adolescent cohort. In the children cohort, Estonian participants had a lower increase in fitness and a higher increase in adiposity (total and central) than Swedish participants. Higher maternal education increased the odds of remaining fit (top quartile) by half and reduced the risk of remaining fat (top quartile) by half; odds ratios = 1.56 (1.00-2.43), 0.50 (0.32-0.77) and 0.61 (0.39-0.94) for fitness, total and central adiposity, respectively.Our data suggest that the socioeconomic situation of a country might influence key cardiovascular risk factors (fitness and adiposity), being at higher risk for a low-middle income country (Estonia) than a higher income country (Sweden). The findings stress the role of socioeconomic status, particularly maternal education, in the maintenance of healthy fitness and adiposity levels from childhood into later life. Preventive efforts have to be taken from early age.

Neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) is expressed by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC), portal fibroblasts, cholangiocytes and hepatic progenitor cells during liver injury. Its functional role in liver disease and fibrogenesis is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of N-CAM in liver fibrogenesis.To induce fibrosis, N-CAM knockout mice and wild-type controls were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) or repeated carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ) injections. Fibrosis was quantified by hydroxyproline, immunhistochemistry staining and image analysis. Protein levels were determined with immunoblotting. HSCs were isolated by ultracentrifugation in a Larcoll gradient and thereafter in vitro stimulated with recombinant transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1.Two weeks after BDL, wild-type mice had developed pronounced liver fibrosis while N-CAM-/- mice had less such alterations. N-CAM-/- mice had less deposition of collagen and fibronectin seen in immunhistochemistry. The protein levels of fibronectin were higher in the liver from the wild type, while laminin were unaltered. CCl(4) -treated N-CAM-/- and wild-type mice showed no significant difference in the extent of liver fibrosis or the expression levels of the above-mentioned genes. HSC isolated from N-CAM-/- mice showed declined levels of smooth muscle actin and desmin after stimulation in vitro with TGF-β1.Loss of N-CAM results in decreased hepatic collagen and fibronectin deposition in mice subjected to BDL, but not in animals exposed to repeated CCl(4) injections. HSC isolated from N-CAM null mice show impaired activation in vitro. This indicates a role of N-CAM in cholestatic liver disease and HSC activation.

We assessed the criterion related validity of 1/2 mile run/walk (1/2MRW) test for estimating VO2peak in children aged 6-17 years. The criterion related validity of the Fernhall's equation in a sub-group of children aged 10-17 years was also examined. A total of 86 children completed a maximal graded treadmill test and the 1/2MRW test. The cohort was randomly divided into either validation (n=47) or a cross-validation (n=39) group. A regression equation was computed and assessed through several error measures, and the Bland and Altman method. There was no systematic bias in the validation group nor in the cross-validation group (P > 0.1). The root mean sum of squared errors (RMSE), and the percentage error were 6.5 ml/kg/min, and 13.9%, respectively. These figures were very similar in the cross-validation group. The new equation had a lower RMSE and percentage error than the Fernhall's Equation (6.2 vs. 19.7 ml/kg/min, and 16% vs. 50.4%, respectively, P

Rationale: Environmental factors such as dietary habits, breastfeeding, socioeconomic conditions and educational factors are strong influences on nutritional and puberty status, physical activity, food choices and their interactions. Several diseases of adulthood seem to be linked to, or to originate from, lifestyle in childhood and adolescence. Objective: The aims of this study are to describe birth parameters and socioeconomic factors and to assess clinical status in adolescents aged 13-16 years from 10 European countries participating in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) Cross-Sectional Study (CSS). Methodology: A self-report questionnaire on the socioeconomic status, a parental questionnaire concerning neonatal period and also a case report form (CRF), in which clinical items during clinical examination (such as medical history, treatments, anthropometry, Tanner staging, blood pressure, heart rate) were assessed. To develop these documents, first a list of items was established, a search of existing documents was performed and the advice of local and international experts was taken. All documents (questionnaires and an operations manual) were discussed in plenary HELENA meetings; a final version of these documents was fixed, and the process of translation and back translation was performed. Results: The questionnaires and CRF were tested for validation in all 10 participant cities; 208 adolescents were enrolled during the pilot study. All items that caused problems or questions in one or more participating centers or were completed by < 85% of the adolescents were reviewed before the beginning of the HELENA-CSS. Conclusion: These final questionnaires and CRF will contribute to better understanding of the inequalities in nutrition, behavior and health in the European adolescent population. The experience and process should be useful for other multicenter studies.

Leukotriene (LT) B4is a powerful chemotactic and immune modulating agent that signals via two receptors denoted BLT1and BLT2. Here we report that BLT1and BLT2are expressed at low levels in an apparently silent state in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). However, treatment with LPS leads to a >10 fold increase in the levels of BLT1mRNA without any significant effects on BLT2mRNA. In parallel, LPS also increases the amounts of BLT1protein. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) increases the expression of BLT2mRNA ≈6 times above basal levels with only a modest increase in BLT1mRNA. Interleukin-1β causes variable and parallel increases of both BLT1and BLT2mRNA. The natural ligand LTB4also increases BLT1, but not BLT2, mRNA and protein expression. Along with the induction of BLT1and/or BLT2, HUVEC acquire the capacity to respond to LTB4with increased levels of intracellular calcium and these signals can be blocked by isotype selective BLT antagonists, CP-105696 and LY-255283. In addition, treatment of HUVEC with LTB4causes increased release of both nitrite, presumably reflecting nitric oxide (NO), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Our data indicate that expression of functional BLT receptors may occur at the surface of endothelial cells in response to LPS, cytokines, and ligand, which in turn may have functional consequences during the early vascular responses to inflammation. Moreover, the results point to BLT receptors as potential targets for pharmacological intervention in LT-dependent inflammatory diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and arteriosclerosis.