BACKGROUND&AIMS: Obesity and sarcopenia are major health concerns, particularly among older populations. Dietary protein may help preserve muscle mass and function, but high-protein diets, especially from animal sources, may also increase adipose mass. We investigated associations of total, animal, and plant protein intake with body composition trajectories, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity. METHODS: We included 4576 participants (mean age 65.1 years, 56 % women) from the population-based Rotterdam Study. Dietary protein was measured using food-frequency questionnaires at baseline (2004-2009). Body composition was measured every 4-5 years using dual X-ray-absorptiometry. Handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed starting 2006 using a hydraulic dynamometer. Sarcopenia was determined based on low appendicular skeletal muscle and HGS; and sarcopenic obesity risk based on measures of lean mass, HGS and body fat. Analyses used linear mixed models and generalized estimate equation models. RESULTS: Higher total protein intake was associated with increased BMI over time (mean difference [95 %-confidence interval (CI)]: 0.86 kg/m2 [0.01,1.71] per 5E% increase), and increased fat-mass index (1.33 [0.67,1.99]), body-fat-percentage (4.54[2.76,6.31]), and both gynoid and android fat percentage. Higher protein intake was also associated with a higher sarcopenic obesity risk (-0.85[-1.5,-0.2]), but with a lower sarcopenia risk (odds ratio: 0.62 [0.43,0.90]). These associations were mainly driven by animal protein. CONCLUSION: Higher protein intake, particularly from animal food sources, is protective against sarcopenia but also linked to a higher obesity risk. A balanced protein intake advice for older persons should be formulated based on individual needs and health status to prevent sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity.
- Keywords
- Body compositions, Dietary protein intake, Longitudinal cohort study, Sarcopenia, Sarcopenic obesity,
- MeSH
- Diet * MeSH
- Dietary Proteins * administration & dosage MeSH
- Body Mass Index MeSH
- Muscle, Skeletal MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Obesity * epidemiology MeSH
- Prospective Studies MeSH
- Sarcopenia * epidemiology MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Hand Strength MeSH
- Body Composition * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Netherlands epidemiology MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Dietary Proteins * MeSH
BACKGROUND: In this study, we used a generalised linear mixed-effects model (GLMER) to establish a predictive pedotransfer function defining the relationship between forest soil bulk density and total organic carbon. More than 950 soil samples were obtained from four forested areas with a wide range of bedrock (limestone, loess, crystalline volcanic, sandstone, alluvial loam, polygenic loam and transported materials rich in organic carbon) and soil types (Leptosols, Cambisols, Fluvisols, Podzols and Technosols). Model validation was performed by testing against 10% of the data randomly selected from the original dataset (10% dataset) and an independent dataset from the Czech national forest inventory (NFI2 dataset). RESULT: The GLMER including sample origin locality as random effect displayed a highly accurate predictive capacity. Subsequent analysis avoided model simplification by excluding sample origin and retaining the global GLMER only. For all samples, the final model covered a range from 0.16 to 27.70% for total organic carbon and from 0.27 to 1.94 g cm- 3 for bulk density. Model residuals based on laboratory values were symmetrical with a median value just 0.09 g cm- 3 higher. While validation with the 10% dataset confirmed model parameter validity with high accuracy, validation using the NFI2 dataset indicated slight discrepancies, possibly due to differences in sampling method used. Individual GLMs fitted both validation datasets better than the global GLMER; however, Wilcoxon tests showed better consistency in the original model on the 10% validation data. Consequently, we suggest the global GLMER may prove more suitable for direct use in expressing bulk density from total organic carbon. CONCLUSION: The pedotransfer functions produced, particularly that based on global GLMER, can be used to express bulk density via total organic carbon content, or vice versa, with high accuracy. While based on a wide range of bedrock/soil types, further studies may be needed in other regions to validate the model for general application.
- Keywords
- Climate change, Pedotransfer function, Soil carbon stock, Soil stoniness, Undisturbed soil sample,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonography is a non-invasive and safe method for assessing muscle morphology. Among its parameters, echo intensity (EI), derived from grayscale image analysis, has emerged as a promising indicator of muscle quality and intramuscular fat infiltration. This study aims to validate EI as a marker for evaluating muscle quality in a population of Czech children, through integration with gold-standard assessments of muscle strength and body composition. The primary aim of this study is to assess the reliability and construct validity of quadriceps muscle EI using ultrasound as a proxy measure of morphological muscle quality in children aged 10-14 years. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Children aged 10-14 years will undergo ultrasound assessment of the quadriceps femoris (QF). EI will be derived from longitudinal scans of each QF head and the cross-sectional area (CSAQF) from panoramic mid-thigh images. Muscle function will be assessed as maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of isometric knee extension with muscle quality expressed as MVC/CSAQF. A 30 s sit-to-stand test (30STS) will be used as an additional functional measure. EI reliability (intra-rater, inter-rater and test-retest) will be evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman plots and complementary indices. Exploratory known-groups validity will be tested by comparing EI between weight-status groups. Control variables include dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived body composition, skeletal age (as determined by DXA hand scans) and physical activity (assessed using 7-day accelerometry).This study will include 200 children (100 girls and 100 boys) aged 10-14 years using an a priori power analysis based on the primary objective of assessing construct validity through multiple linear regression, assuming an alpha level of 0.05 and 80% power. Participants will be recruited from paediatric outpatients of the Paediatric Obesity Clinic and individuals reached through a recruitment campaign. Inclusion criteria require general good health, while exclusion criteria include a history or symptoms of cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic or neurological disease, as well as the use of over-the-counter or prescribed medications. Informed consent and assent will be obtained from all participants.Reliability of ultrasound-derived EI will be assessed for intra-rater, inter-rater and test-retest agreement using ICC coefficients, Bland-Altman plots and complementary indices such as SE of measurement, coefficient of variation and minimal detectable change at 95% CI, following Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments guidelines. Construct validity will be examined by modelling associations between EI and functional muscle quality (MVC/CSAQF), with 30STS as an additional functional measure. Known-groups validity will be tested by comparing EI across weight groups, using generalised linear regression models adjusted for skeletal age, body composition and physical activity. All validity analyses will be conducted separately for girls and boys. Ultrasound-derived EI of the QF is expected to show high reliability (ICC≥0.80) and acceptable test-retest reproducibility. Construct validity should be supported by moderate associations with functional muscle quality (MVC/CSAQF), while known-groups validity is expected to reveal higher EI values in children with obesity and/or insufficient physical activity. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University (EK 101/2024). Written parental consent and verbal assent from children will be obtained, with all data handled confidentially and anonymised. Results will be disseminated transparently to participants and their families in line with ethical principles of respect, beneficence and justice. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06792279.
- Keywords
- Child, Obesity, Ultrasound,
- MeSH
- Quadriceps Muscle * diagnostic imaging physiology MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Observational Studies as Topic MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Reproducibility of Results MeSH
- Body Composition MeSH
- Muscle Strength * physiology MeSH
- Ultrasonography methods MeSH
- Validation Studies as Topic MeSH
- Research Design MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Clinical Trial Protocol MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
BACKGROUND: The presence of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX) in the environment is of increasing concern due to their toxicity and ubiquity. Although the adverse health effects of BTEX exposure have been documented, robust epidemiological evidence from large-scale, multicountry studies using advanced exposure assessment methodologies remains scarce. We aimed to assess the association of short-term ambient exposure to individual BTEX components and their mixture with daily total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality on a global scale. METHODS: Daily data on mortality, meteorological factors, and air pollution were collected from 757 locations across 46 countries or regions. Data on individual chemicals (ie, benzene, toluene, xylenes [summation of ethylbenzene, m-xylene, p-xylene, and o-xylene]) and the aggregate mixture (ie, BTEX) were estimated using a chemistry-climate model. We examined the short-term associations of each individual chemical as well as the BTEX mixture with daily total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality in a multicountry framework. Using a two-stage time-series design, we first applied generalised additive models with a quasi-Poisson distribution to obtain location-specific associations, which were subsequently pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Two-pollutant models were used to assess the independent effects of BTEX after adjusting for co-pollutants (PM2·5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide). Additionally, we assessed the overall exposure-response curves with spline terms. FINDINGS: An IQR increment of BTEX concentration on lag 0-2 days (3-day moving average of the present day and the previous 2 days) was associated with increases of 0·57% (95% CI 0·49-0·65), 0·42% (0·30-0·54), and 0·68% (0·50-0·86) in total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, respectively. The corresponding effect estimates for an IQR increment in individual chemicals (benzene, toluene, and xylenes) were 0·38-0·61%, 0·44-0·70%, and 0·41-0·65%, respectively. The associations remained significant after adjusting for co-pollutants, with a general decline in magnitude, except for a slight increase after adjustment for ozone. The shape of the exposure-response curves for all pollutants and causes of death was almost linear, with steeper slopes at low concentrations and no discernible thresholds. INTERPRETATION: This global study provides novel evidence linking short-term exposure to ambient BTEX, both individually and as a mixture, with increased daily total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality. Our findings underscore the need for comprehensive air pollution mitigation policies, including stringent controls on BTEX emissions, to protect public health. FUNDING: Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Project, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project, Shanghai B&R Joint Laboratory Project, and Shanghai International Science and Technology Partnership Project.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: Exposure to benzophenone-1 (BP-1) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3), widely used as UV filters in personal care products, has been associated with adverse health effects. However, epidemiological evidence is limited and inconclusive, particularly in vulnerable populations such as teenagers. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relation between BP-1 and BP-3 concentrations and obesity, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and asthma/allergy outcomes in European teenagers, including possible sex-specific associations. METHODS: A multi-country cross-sectional study was conducted using pooled data from six aligned studies from the Human Biomonitoring for Europe Initiative (HBM4EU). Sociodemographic data, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and asthma/allergy outcomes were collected through questionnaires. Anthropometric data and BMI z-scores were calculated (n = 1339). Plasma/serum cardiometabolic biomarkers and asthma/allergy outcomes were available for a subsample (n = 173-594). Urinary BP-1 and BP-3 concentrations were adjusted for creatinine dilution using the traditional standardization (trad.) and the covariate-adjusted creatinine standardization (CAS) method. Generalized additive models, linear, logistic, and multinomial mixed models were applied, and sex-interaction terms were tested. RESULTS: Each natural log-unit increase in urinary BP-3 (CAS) concentrations was associated with higher odds of obesity in the whole population (OR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.04-1.38). Sex-specific associations were also found with BP-1 (CAS) and BP-3 (CAS) concentrations, which were associated with higher odds of obesity in male teenagers (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.01-1.55; OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.09-1.65, respectively). Linear mixed models showed consistent findings toward higher BMI z-scores. A negative association was found between BP-1 (CAS) concentration and serum adiponectin levels in females (% change per loge-unit increase: -3.73, 95%CI: -7.32, -0.10). BP-3 (CAS) concentrations were also associated with higher odds of non-food allergies in males (OR: 1.27; 95%CI: 1.00-1.63). Traditional creatinine adjustment showed similar or slightly attenuated estimates compared to the CAS method. CONCLUSIONS: BP-1 and BP-3 exposure was cross-sectionally associated with higher odds of obesity in European male teenagers, highlighting the need to update regulations and keep exposure levels as low as practically achievable. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.
- Keywords
- Allergy, Benzophenone, Endocrine disruption, HBM4EU, Obesity, PARC, UV filter,
- MeSH
- Hypersensitivity * epidemiology MeSH
- Benzophenones * toxicity urine adverse effects MeSH
- Biomarkers blood MeSH
- Biological Monitoring MeSH
- Asthma * epidemiology chemically induced MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Obesity * epidemiology chemically induced MeSH
- Sunscreening Agents * adverse effects MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Environmental Exposure * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe epidemiology MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Benzophenones * MeSH
- Biomarkers MeSH
- Sunscreening Agents * MeSH
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is marked by multidomain cognitive impairments, with fluctuations in cognition and alertness being among the most common clinical features. Disruptions in functional connectivity are thought to underlie these fluctuations, but it remains unclear whether such patterns are already present at prodromal stages. We investigated the presence of static and dynamic functional connectivity alterations and their contribution to the clinical phenotype of prodromal DLB, and explored their association with declining locus coeruleus integrity, while considering premorbid intelligence (a proxy for cognitive reserve) as a moderating factor. Three groups of participants on the prodromal spectrum were analyzed: 29 healthy controls, 58 cognitively normal subjects with core clinical features of prodromal DLB (CN-CCF), and 39 subjects with mild cognitive impairment due to Lewy body dementia (MCI-LB). Dynamic and static functional connectivity features were derived from resting-state source-reconstructed high-density EEG, and integrity of the right caudal locus coeruleus was quantified using neuromelanin-sensitive MRI. Robust analyses, such as PERMANOVA, Spearman correlations and general linear models were conducted to study the relationships. We observed a nonlinear trajectory of two functional connectivity metrics-temporal variability (fluidity) and connectedness (average node strength)-across symptom severity, especially in the delta frequency band. Both measures (F(2,123) = 1.86, p =.037; F(2,123) = 1.51, p =.023, respectively) were elevated in the intermediate severity groups-that is, in CN-CCF and possible MCI-LB (i.e., one core clinical feature)-and this was associated with better executive functioning after controlling for age and premorbid intelligence (rho = 0.26, p =.004; rho = 0.28, p =.002, respectively). Additionally, elevated fluidity (rho = - 0.34, p =.034) and average node strength (rho = - 0.37, p =.022) were also correlated with fewer fluctuations in alertness in subjects with MCI-LB. Fluidity was further associated with right caudal locus coeruleus integrity, particularly among individuals with lower premorbid intelligence (F(5,97) = 3.56, p =.005). Our findings indicate that increased dynamic reconfiguration and enhanced connectivity may serve compensatory functions in early DLB, helping temporarily preserve cognition. As DLB progresses, these mechanisms wane, with noradrenergic contributions more evident in individuals with lower cognitive reserve. Clinical trial number Not applicable.
- Keywords
- Cognitive reserve, Dementia with lewy bodies, Dynamic functional connectivity, Fluidity, Locus coeruleus, Node strength, Prodromal dementia with lewy bodies,
- MeSH
- Lewy Body Disease * physiopathology diagnostic imaging psychology MeSH
- Electroencephalography MeSH
- Cognitive Dysfunction * physiopathology diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Locus Coeruleus * physiopathology diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
- Prodromal Symptoms MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Currently, there is relatively little published information on the urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratio in horses, a parameter commonly used in dogs and cats. The aim of this study was to determine the reference range of UPC in urine samples of apparently healthy horses and to assess the influence of age and sex. Urinalysis and the determination of urinary protein and creatinine concentrations and ratios were performed. A total of 118 urine samples from apparently healthy horses were included in the study: 10 from foals younger than 6 months and 108 from horses older than 1 year. The median UPC for foals younger than 6 months and horses aged 1-4 years, 5-10 years, 11-17 years and older than 18 years were 0.074, 0.073, 0.070, 0.083, and 0.070, respectively. Using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test, statistically significant differences were found between the youngest age group and both groups of adult horses (i.e., 5-10 years and 11-17 years); however, these differences were not confirmed by the General Linear Model, likely due to the small sample sizes in some categories. There was no effect of sex on UPC. The indicative reference range was set for the group of horses aged 5-17 years as 0.02-0.18.
- Keywords
- biomarkers, proteinuria, renal disease,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Understanding germination characteristics, including optimal stratification requirements of target species, is necessary for supporting grassland restoration yet poorly understood. This knowledge is essential for effective conservation, particularly with climate change altering germination conditions and thus germination capacity of plants. Here we studied the effect of three different durations of warm dry and cold wet stratification treatments, and their combinations in a full factorial design (in total 15 different pre-germination treatments), on the germination capacity of 48 grassland species native to Central Europe. Stratification treatments modelled present and forecasted summer (1-3 months warm period) and winter (1-3 months cold period) temperature conditions, while the study of the combined effect of these treatments is especially important in spring-germinating species. As response variables, we calculated relative response indexes and germination uncertainties of each species separately and applied general linear models to study the effect of treatments on these variables. We found clear effect of warm- or cold stratification on relative response indexes only in four species: strong positive response to warm stratification was found in Silene conica, while strong positive response to cold stratification was found in Agrimonia eupatoria, Echium vulgare, and Plantago lanceolata. The responses to treatment combinations were contradictory or lacked clear trends in most of the species. Germination uncertainty in general was high for all species, supporting the fact that Central European grassland species often rely on bet hedging as risk spreading strategy, to avoid unfavourable conditions during seedling establishment.
- Keywords
- Climate change, Germination capacity, Grassland specialist species, Seed dormancy, Stratification,
- MeSH
- Germination * MeSH
- Climate Change MeSH
- Grassland * MeSH
- Seasons MeSH
- Temperature * MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
Temperature sensing to adjust developmental rates and phenological responses to different climatic environments is critical for plant survival. Population-based thermal-time threshold models predict linear relationships between temperature and, for example, seed germination rates (speed), but the mechanisms are not known. Here, we used an integrative approach into the molecular biomechanical mechanisms underpinning a thermal-time model by combining Lepidium sativum micropylar endosperm (CAP) and radicle transcriptome analysis at defined heat units (generated by different time-temperature combinations) with corresponding CAP biomechanics. The thermal-time model delivered linear relationships with germination rates, but the underpinning biomechanical mechanisms of CAP weakening differed fundamentally between the optimal (24°C-27°C), sub-optimal (colder: 11°C, 18°C) and supra-optimal (warmer: 32°C) temperatures. Chilling (11°C) differed from other temperatures in that its CAP weakening inhibition was combined with altered CAP stiffness/elasticity. Differentially expressed cell wall remodelling protein (CWRP) genes associated with CAP weakening and/or stiffness/elasticity were identified using defined heat unit comparisons. Xyloglucans, galactomannans, pectins and UDP-sugar metabolism were major targets. Temperature regulation of CAP CWRP expression by DELAY-OF-GERMINATION-1 (DOG1) controls CAP weakening and seed germination. We conclude that distinct and temperature-specific molecular and biomechanical mechanisms underpin the apparently linear thermal-time responses during CAP weakening and seed germination.
This study investigates the dynamic behavior of the linear quadratic model (LQM), a fundamental framework in radiation biology that describes cellular response to radiation, particularly in the context of DNA damage and cancer progression. The LQM was originally developed to quantify radiation-induced cell death and repair mechanisms, with a focus on double-stranded DNA breaks, the most critical type of radiation damage. Despite advances in tracking tumor cell dissemination, the mechanisms underlying cancer invasion remain poorly understood. Mathematical modeling, particularly through partial differential equations, has become an essential tool for simulating tumor growth and optimizing therapeutic strategies, bridging the gap between theoretical biology and clinical applications. In this work, we employ advanced analytical techniques, including the generalized Arnous method, modified F-expansion method, and generalized exponential rational function approaches to solve the model for the first time. By transforming the governing PDE into an ordinary differential equation using β-derivative and wave transformations, we derive exact solutions in the form of dark, bright, singular, mixed, complex, and combined soliton waves. These solutions, visualized through 2D and 3D plots, reveal the system's behavior under varying parameters, demonstrating the computational power and effectiveness of the applied methods. The results not only validate the proposed techniques but also enhance our understanding of the model's nonlinear dynamics. The novel findings presented here are expected to advance future research in radiation biology and cancer treatment optimization.
- Keywords
- β-fractional derivatives, Generalized Arnous method, Modified F-expansion method, Modified generalized exponential rational function method, Radiology, Solitons, Tumor cell,
- MeSH
- Models, Biological * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Linear Models MeSH
- Neoplasms * pathology radiotherapy MeSH
- DNA Damage MeSH
- Radiobiology * MeSH
- Models, Theoretical * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
