Physical activity (PA) plays a key role in the treatment of hypertension, and moderate to vigorous PA has been documented to lower the risk of developing hypertension. However, dose-response relationships between PA a...Physical activity (PA) plays a key role in the treatment of hypertension, and moderate to vigorous PA has been documented to lower the risk of developing hypertension. However, dose-response relationships between PA and hypertension are not consistent, and little is known about this relationship within the Chinese middle-aged and older people. We investigated the relationship between PA and hypertension within this population using China Health and Nutrition Survey 1991-2015 data. Physical activity was expressed in terms of the metabolic equivalent task (MET) and participants were divided into groups according to quartiles, namely, Q1 (< 32.97 METs-h/w), Q2 (32.97-60.38 METs-h/ w), Q3 (60.38-98.95 METs-h/w), and Q4 (> 98.95 METs-h/w). Compared with the Q1 group, the odds ratio of risk with hypertension (95% CIs) after adjusting for confounding factors were 0.63 (0.35, 1.12), 0.49 (0.28, 0.86), and 0.62 (0.35, 1.09) for those in Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. Restricted cubic spline functions were used and a U-shaped relationship between physical activity and hypertension risk was found, indicative of an optimal level of physical activity, which was found to be 112 METs-h/w. Our data suggest maintenance of optimal levels of total daily physical activity may be important for preventing hypertension in Chinese adults over the age of 40.展开更多
The mineral dust emitted from Central Asia has a significant influence on the global climate system.However,the history and mechanisms of aeolian activity in Central Asia remain unclear,due to the lack of well-dated r...The mineral dust emitted from Central Asia has a significant influence on the global climate system.However,the history and mechanisms of aeolian activity in Central Asia remain unclear,due to the lack of well-dated records of aeolian activity and the intense wind erosion in some of the dust source areas(e.g.,deserts).Here,we present the records of aeolian activity from a sedimentary sequence in the southern Gurbantunggut Desert of China using grain size analysis and optically stimulated luminescence(OSL)dating,based on field sampling in 2019.Specifically,we used eight OSL dates to construct chronological frameworks and applied the end-member(EM)analysis for the grain size data to extract the information of aeolian activity in the southern Gurbantunggut Desert during the last 900 a.The results show that the grain size dataset can be subdivided into three EMs(EM1,EM2,and EM3).The primary modal sizes of these EMs(EM1,EM2,and EM3)are 126.00,178.00,and 283.00μm,respectively.EM1 represents a mixture of the suspension components and saltation dust,while EM2 and EM3 show saltation dust transported over a shorter distance via strengthened near-surface winds,which can be used to trace aeolian activity.Combined with the OSL chronology,our results demonstrate that during the last 900 a,more intensive and frequent aeolian activity occurred during 450-100 a BP(Before Present)(i.e.,the Little Ice Age(LIA)),which was reflected by a higher proportion of the coarse-grained components(EM2+EM3).Aeolian activity decreased during 900-450 a BP(i.e.,the Medieval Warm Period(MWP))and 100 a BP-present(i.e.,the Current Warm Period(CWP)).Intensified aeolian activity was associated with the strengthening of the Siberian High and cooling events at high northern latitudes.We propose that the Siberian High,under the influence of temperature changes at high northern latitudes,controlled the frequency and intensity of aeolian activity in Central Asia.Cooling at high northern latitudes would have significantly enhanced the Siberian High,causing its position to shift southward.Subsequently,the incursion of cold air masses from high northern latitudes resulted in stronger wind regimes and increased dust emissions from the southern Gurbantunggut Desert.It is possible that aeolian activity may be weakened in Central Asia under future global warming scenarios,but the impact of human activities on this region must also be considered.展开更多
Youthful feelings were shown to have a positive effect on the mental and physical conditions of the elderly. On the contrary, elderly people whose self-perceived age is older than their chronological age were shown to...Youthful feelings were shown to have a positive effect on the mental and physical conditions of the elderly. On the contrary, elderly people whose self-perceived age is older than their chronological age were shown to experience negative health outcomes. This study investigated whether the self-perceived age (younger or older) relative to chronological age promotes social activity. The baseline data acquired from 3094 older adults as part of the Keeping Active across Generations Uniting the Youth and the Aged study was used in the current study. The participants completed a questionnaire that solicits information pertaining to sociodemographic factors, felt age, self-rated health, physical activity, depression, disease burden, fall history, fear of falling, level of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and social activity. The discrepancy between felt age and chronological age was defined as the self-perceived age. Self-perceived age was calculated by subtracting the participant’s chronological age from the felt age, and the score for the difference was divided by the chronological age. The Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence was used to evaluate social activity. Regression analysis results revealed that a younger self-perceived age was associated with higher social activity after controlling for sociodemographic factors, self-rated health, depression, physical activity, disease burden, level of IADL, fall history and fear of falling. Fall history was significantly associated with higher social activity in young-old participants (65 - 74 years) (p = 0.014) but not in old-old participants (>75 years). This study suggests that a younger self-perceived age in older adults would lead to a high-level living function. This finding may provide useful information for interventions aimed at the promotion of health and/or the prevention of frailty.展开更多
Melatonin, the pineal indole is characterized by being a compound that crosses all cell membranes and which has been attributed to several mechanisms of action. Among these it is the ability to reduce free radicals, t...Melatonin, the pineal indole is characterized by being a compound that crosses all cell membranes and which has been attributed to several mechanisms of action. Among these it is the ability to reduce free radicals, thereby reducing the potential aging and cell death. Studies in different age Wistar rats have shown that chronic application of melatonin, in the hippocampus, reduces the concentration of free radicals and keeps its architecture. This study showed that melatonin increases the firing rate and favors the presence of bursting activity in animals of different ages. It is suggested that melatonin conserved hippocampal cells in good anatomical and physiological condition probably as a result of the elimination of free radicals.展开更多
The incidence of major chronic Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) medically diagnosed or treated, was studies in a cross section of Kuwait adult population as well as their daily levels of physical activity (PA) as recal...The incidence of major chronic Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) medically diagnosed or treated, was studies in a cross section of Kuwait adult population as well as their daily levels of physical activity (PA) as recalled by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ. A group of 1957 subjects 17 - 65 years of age, representative of the Kuwait population was selected using last year high school students and their relatives as well as government workers in each Kuwait governorate. Descriptive statistics, frequency tables, chi square and Fisher tests were used. ANOVA or Mann Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons. The percentage of subjects in the low categorical PA level (from IPAQ) is high (29.4%) even at a young age (17 - 24), similar in prevalence to overweight/obesity (30%). At age 45, obesity increases to 40% with little change in % subjects of low PA. Weighted average categorical PA was 1280 MET.min/week reflecting that the majority (40%) of subjects belonged to the moderate PA category. A high proportion (38%) of subjects in the 17 - 24 age category contributed to the observed level of PA activity. Incidence of overweight and obesity increased from 30 to more than 55% from the second to the sixth decade of life. Hyperlipidemias increased in incidence from 8% to 45% of the sample from the third to the sixth decades of age. Hypertension and diabetes increased from the 4<sup>th</sup> to the 6<sup>th</sup> decades of life to affect from 14% to 40% and from 10% to 36% of the studied population, respectively. Incidence of Heart Disease increased from 9% to 15% of the sample population, between the 5<sup>th</sup> and 6<sup>th</sup> decades of life. The data indicate a sequence of events, initiated by overweight and obesity as early as in the 2<sup>d</sup> decade of life, followed by hyperlipidemia in the 3<sup>d</sup> decade, diabetes and hypertension in the 4<sup>th</sup>, and heart disease in the 5<sup>th</sup> decade of life. Changes in incidence of low energy expenditure (low PA) were not associated with the observed changes in prevalence of obesity/overweight with age which are likely due to increments in energy intake in groups with insufficient PA. Changes in low PA incidence with age did not correlate with those in NCD. Interventions to minimize overweight and hyperlipidemia should be started in the second and third decades of life respectively. Increases in PA may potentiate the responses to these treatments.展开更多
AIM To investigate the effect of disease activity or thiopurine use on low birth weight and small for gestational age in women with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS Selection criteria included all relevant arti...AIM To investigate the effect of disease activity or thiopurine use on low birth weight and small for gestational age in women with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS Selection criteria included all relevant articles on the effect of disease activity or thiopurine use on the risk of low birth weight(LBW) or small for gestational age(SGA) among pregnant women with IBD. Sixtynine abstracts were identified,35 papers were full text reviewed and,only 14 of them met inclusion criteria. Raw data were extracted to generate the relative risk of LBW or SGA. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.RESULTS This meta-analysis is reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria,and nine reported raw data suitable for meta-analysis. We found an increased risk ratio of both SGA and LBW in women with active IBD,when compared with women in remission: 1.3 for SGA(4 studies,95%CI: 1.0-1.6,P = 0.04) and 2.0 for LBW(4 studies,95%CI: 1.5-2.7,P < 0.0001). Women on thiopurines during pregnancy had a higher risk of LBW(RR 1.4,95%CI: 1.1-1.9,P = 0.007) compared with non-treated women,but when adjusted for disease activity there was no significant effect on LBW(RR 1.2,95%CI: 0.6-2.2,P = 0.6). No differences were observed regarding SGA(2 studies; RR 0.9,95%CI: 0.7-1.2,P = 0.5). CONCLUSION Women with active IBD during pregnancy have a higher risk of LBW and SGA in their neonates. This should be considered in treatment decisions during pregnancy.展开更多
We examined time allocation by Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana in the montane, temperate and highly seasonal forests of the Shennongjia Nature Reserve in China, in order to improve our understanding...We examined time allocation by Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana in the montane, temperate and highly seasonal forests of the Shennongjia Nature Reserve in China, in order to improve our understanding of the ecological and social influences on monkey behavior. We collected data on activity budgets in relation to food availability in a group of monkeys from July 2003 to September 2004 (except February 2004), using instantaneous scan samples. The monkeys spent 36.21% of daytime moving ( n = 21, 269 records), 24.39% foraging, 9.33% inactive, 11,7% performing social behaviors, and 18.38% performing other behaviors. There were seasonal and annual variations in the proportions of time devoted to some activities. These variations were largely attributed to seasonal or annual fluctuations in the distribution and quality of food resources. Adult males spent more time moving, searching, and displaying other behaviors, but less time feeding and performing social behaviors than adult females. Adults performed other behaviors more often and moving less often than juveniles. These differences in activity budgets may reflect fundamental differences in reproductive biology, parental investment, and development among the different age/sex classes [ Current Zoology 55 (3) : 173 - 179, 2009] .展开更多
Serum testosterone does not correlate with androgen tissue activity, and it is critical to optimize tools to evaluate such activity in males. Ultrasound measurement of bulbocavernosus muscle (BCM) was used to assess...Serum testosterone does not correlate with androgen tissue activity, and it is critical to optimize tools to evaluate such activity in males. Ultrasound measurement of bulbocavernosus muscle (BCM) was used to assess the relationship between the number of CAG repeats (CAGn) in the androgen receptor (AR) and the BCM size; the changes in the number of CAGn over age were also evaluated. Transperineal ultrasound measurement of the BCM was also performed. AR CAGn were determined by high performance liquid chromatography, and morning hormone levels were determined using immunoassays. Forty-eight men had CAG repeat analysis. Twenty-five were 〈30 years of age, mean 23.7 years (s.d, = 3.24) and 23 were 〉45 years of age, mean 53years (s.d. = 5.58). The median CAGn was 21 (13-29). BCM area was greater when the number of CAGn were 〈18 as compared to the number of CAGn 〉24 (P= 0.04). There was a linear correlation between the number of CAGn and the BCM area R^2= 16% (P= 0.01). In the 45 to 65-years-old group, a much stronger negative correlation (R^2 = 29%, P= 0.01) was noticed. In the 19 to 29-years-old group, no such correlation was found (R2 = 4%, P = 0.36). In older men, the number of CAGn increased with age (R^2 = 32%, P= 0.01). The number of CAGn in the AR correlates with the area of the BCM. Ultrasound assessment of the BCM is an effective surrogate to evaluate end-organ activity of androgens. The number of CAGn may increase with age.展开更多
The apparent activation energy of concrete in early age was determined by adiabatic temperature rise test with different initial temperatures. The influence of mineral admixtures such as fly ash, slag and silica fume ...The apparent activation energy of concrete in early age was determined by adiabatic temperature rise test with different initial temperatures. The influence of mineral admixtures such as fly ash, slag and silica fume on the apparent activation energy of concrete was investigated. The equivalent age that expresses the maturity of concrete was calculated to evaluate the cracking risk of concrete in structures. The results reveal that a substitution of 20% fly ash for Portland cement obviously decreases the apparent activation energy of concrete, however, a substitution of 10% silica fume for Portland cement increases the apparent activation. Finite element method analysis of a simulating concrete wall shows that the concrete containing 20% fly ash has the lowest cracking risk.展开更多
In this study,three different ages of Larix principis-rupprechtii forests in 5,10 and 20 years were selected as the research objects,and the changes in soil nutrient and soil enzyme activities in different growth stag...In this study,three different ages of Larix principis-rupprechtii forests in 5,10 and 20 years were selected as the research objects,and the changes in soil nutrient and soil enzyme activities in different growth stages were analyzed. The results showed that the contents of organic matter and available phosphorus in the soil of different growth stages showed a significant downward trend with the increase of soil depth.For different forest ages in the same soil layer,the soil available phosphorus content declined with the increase of the forest age. The organic matter content of 40-60 cm in 20 years of forest age was the lowest in July,which was 4. 17 g/kg,significantly lower than that in other soil layers. Besides,the soil available phosphorus content of 5 years of forest age reached the maximum in July,with an average of 4. 44 mg/kg,which was higher than the available phosphorus content in soil in May and September,but the difference between the three months was not significant. The changes in ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen content in soil with different forest ages were consistent with the changes in the soil depth,showing a downward trend. In the new leaf stage,the ammonium nitrogen content of the L. principis-rupprechtii forest land in5 years of age at 20-40 and 40-60 cm of the soil depth was 13. 47 and 9. 09 mg/kg,respectively,which was 46. 9% and 64. 2% lower than that at 0-20 cm( 25. 36 mg/kg) of the soil depth. The soil nitrate nitrogen content of 20 years of forest age was 19. 24 mg/kg,which was25. 8% lower than that of 10 years of forest age,showing significant difference( P < 0. 05). In addition,with the increase of the age of L. principis-rupprechtii,soil catalase( CAT),alkaline phosphatase( ALP) and urease( Ure) decreased,and the decline of ALP was slow,while CAT and Ure decreased significantly. In summary,it is concluded that the soil fertility of forest land declined with the increase of forest age on the basis of change trend of soil nutrient and soil enzyme activity in the surveyed forest age.展开更多
The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months o...The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months of pregnancy are scarce. We evaluated the association between LPTA and the risk of both preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) during the last three months of pregnancy in Italy. A nationwide case-control study was performed in nine Italian cities. A total of 299 preterm delivery, 364 SGA and 855 controls were enrolled in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic variables, medical and reproductive history, life-style habits and LTPA referred to the last three months of pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to estimate Odds ratios and 95% CI. LTPA during the last three months of pregnancy decreases the risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.56;95% CI 0.39 - 0.79). Among the different types of physical activity, walking, the most frequently referred activity, appears significantly protective against preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.53;95% CI 0.36 - 0.81). Moreover, a small protective effect of walking was evidenced against SGA (adjusted OR = 0.72;95% CI 0.51 - 1.00). In conclusion, a mild physical activity such as walking in the last three months of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of preterm delivery and, at a lesser extent, of SGA, confirming the beneficial effects of physical activity along the whole pregnancy.展开更多
AIM: To correlate the C/T-13910 variant, associated with lactase persistence/non-persistence (adulttype hypolactasia) trait, with intestinal disaccharidase activities in different age groups of the adult population...AIM: To correlate the C/T-13910 variant, associated with lactase persistence/non-persistence (adulttype hypolactasia) trait, with intestinal disaccharidase activities in different age groups of the adult population.METHODS: Intestinal biopsies were obtained from 222 adults aged 18 to 83 years undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy because of unspecified abdominal complaints. The biopsies were assayed for lactase, sucrase and maltase activities and genotyped for the C/T-13910 variant using PCR-minisequencing. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between lactase activity and the C/T-13910 variant (P 〈 0.00001). The mean level of lactase activity among subjects with C/C-1391o genotype was 6.86± 0.35 U/g, with C/T-13910 genotype 37.8 ± 1.4 U/g, and with T/T-13910 genotype 57.6± 2.4 U/g protein, showing a trimodal distribution of this enzyme activity. Significant differences were also observed in maltase activities among individuals with different C/T-13910 genotypes (P = 0.005). In contrast, in sucrase activity, no significant differences emerged between the C/T-13910 genotypes (P = 0.14). There were no statistical differences in lactase (P = 0.84), sucrase (P = 0.18), or maltase activity (P = 0.24) among different age groups. In the majority (〉 84%) of the patients with the C/C-13910 genotype associated with lactase non- persistence, the lactase activity was less than 10 U/g protein.CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates a statistically significant correlation between the C/T-13910 genotype and lactase activity and this correlation is not affected by age in adults but the cut-off value of 20 U/g protein used for the diagnosis of lactase non-persistence might be too high.展开更多
The Xiannushan and Jiuwanxi are the two major fracture belts adjacent to the Three Gorges Dam Site. Apatites are selected from fracture clay and fracture\|cliff rock in the fracture belts and examined with the fission...The Xiannushan and Jiuwanxi are the two major fracture belts adjacent to the Three Gorges Dam Site. Apatites are selected from fracture clay and fracture\|cliff rock in the fracture belts and examined with the fission track dating method. Our study shows that the Xiannushan and Jiuwanxi fracture belts were tectonically active at 0.60±0.04Ma and 0.29±0.04Ma ago, respectively. Their ages are close to those obtained by the U\|series method.展开更多
The concept of quality of life is multiple concerns as a cultural, social and environmental individuality. The aim of this study was to verify the levels of quality of life in elderly practitioners of physical activit...The concept of quality of life is multiple concerns as a cultural, social and environmental individuality. The aim of this study was to verify the levels of quality of life in elderly practitioners of physical activity comparing a active group with a control group The sample consisted of 159 physically independent and apparently healthy individuals of either sex, with mean age of 66.61 ± 4.73 years. Active group obtained mean 14.32 ± 0.763 in whoqol’s scores for levels of quality of life, the Control group (CG) obtained mean 13.31 ± 0.94 and p-value 0.05. The ANOVA with repeated samples showed higher values for active group when compared with control group after intervention, the significant level was p < 0.05. It must be recognized that not every aspect of human life is reduced to the practice of physical activity;however, it is an important instrument that generates well-being in this age group.展开更多
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Icariin has been shown to enhance erectile function through its bioactive form, icarisid Ih This study investigates the effects of icarisid Ⅱ ...Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Icariin has been shown to enhance erectile function through its bioactive form, icarisid Ih This study investigates the effects of icarisid Ⅱ on diabetic rats with ED and its potential mechanism viathe assessment of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), autophagy, mTOR and the NO-cGMP pathway. Icarisid Ⅱ was extracted from icariin by an enzymatic method. In the control and diabetic ED groups, rats were administered normal saline; in the icarisid Ⅱ group, rats were administered icarisid Ⅱ intragastrically. Erectile function was evaluated by measuring intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP). AGE concentrations, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and cGMP concentration were assessed by enzyme immunoassay. Cell proliferation was analysed using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and flow cytometry. Autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy, monodansylcadaverine staining and GFP-LC3 Iocalisation. The expression of NOS isoforms and key proteins in autophagy were examined by western blot. Our results have shown that Icarisid Ⅱ increased ICP/MAP values, the smooth muscle cell (SMC) growth curve, S phase and SMC/collagen fibril (SMC/CF) proportions and decreased Beclin 1 (P〈0.05). Icarisid Ⅱ significantly increased the proliferative index and p-p70S6K(Thr389) levels and decreased the numbers of autophagosomes and the levels of LC3-11 (P〈0.01). Icarisid Ⅱ decreased AGE concentrations and increased cGMP concentration, NOS activity (P〈0.05) and cNOS levels (P〈0.01) in the diabetic ED group. Therefore, Icarisid Ⅱ constitutes a promising compound for diabetic ED and might be involved in the upregulation of SMC proliferation and the NO-cGMP pathway and the downregulation of AGEs, autophagy and the mTOR pathway.展开更多
Dating data, altitude of Neolithic sites, climatic changes from sedimentary records and previous research results were collected and analyzed to detect possible connections between climatic changes and human activitie...Dating data, altitude of Neolithic sites, climatic changes from sedimentary records and previous research results were collected and analyzed to detect possible connections between climatic changes and human activities in the Changjiang River Delta in the Neolithic Age. The results indicated that hydrological changes greatly impacted the human activities in the study region. Low-lying geomorphology made the floods and sea level changes become the important factors affecting human activities, especially the altitude change of human settlements. People usually moved to higher places during the periods characterized by high sea level and frequent floods to escape the negative influences from water body expansion, which resulted in cultural hiatus in certain profiles. However, some higher-altitude settlements were not the results of climatic changes but the results of social factors, such as religious ceremony and social status. Therefore, further research will be necessary for the degree and types of impacts of climatic changes on human activities in the study area at that time.展开更多
Background:Designing a simple and accessible approach to age estimation in children and youth is a great challenge in the fields of sports and physical activity(PA).This study was designed to develop and validate a ph...Background:Designing a simple and accessible approach to age estimation in children and youth is a great challenge in the fields of sports and physical activity(PA).This study was designed to develop and validate a physical-examination-based method of estimating age in young children.Methods:In a cross-sectional study conducted in 2014,we performed physical examinations and assessed PA among 14,970 elementary school children 7–12 years old in Shanghai,China.Additional biological information on the children's height and birth date was ascertained through their parents.Two indicators were applied to develop a gender-specific age estimation equation:The percentage of predicted mature height(PPMH) and the Tanner stage.The equation was validated through a k-fold cross-validation approach.To check for estimation accuracy,the association between the discrepancy of estimated age(EA) and chronological age and PA was examined.Results:The gender-specific equations of EA were as follows:EA_(boy) = –6.071 + 6.559 Tanner 2 + 13.315 Tanner 3 + 14.130 Tanner 4 + 0.190 PPMH – 0.071 Tanner 2 × PPMH – 0.146 Tanner 3 × PPMH – 0.155 Tanner 4 × PPMH;EA_(girl) = –4.524 – 1.251 Tanner 2 + 2.504 Tanner 3 + 8.752 Tanner 4 + 11.893 Tanner 5 + 0.158 PPMH + 0.017 Tanner 2 × PPMH – 0.024 Tanner 3 × PPMH – 0.087 Tanner 4 × PPMH – 0.118 Tanner5 × PPMH.The mean absolute error was 0.60 years for boys and 0.59 years for girls.The discrepancy score was negatively and weakly associated with self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA in both genders(r_(boy) = –0.09,p < 0.001;r_(girl) = –0.12,p < 0.001).Conclusion:Findings suggest that physical examinations could provide a valid and reliable approach for estimating age in young Chinese children.展开更多
The present study sought to evaluate the relative associations of exercise, sleep and other lifestyle habits with aging, sex hormones, percent body fat (%BF) and sexual activities in men living in the community. A b...The present study sought to evaluate the relative associations of exercise, sleep and other lifestyle habits with aging, sex hormones, percent body fat (%BF) and sexual activities in men living in the community. A better understanding of this complex interrelationship is important in helping the formulation of modalities for a holistic approach to the management of aging men. The results showed that age is a major determinant for many physiological parameters, including sleep, hormonal and metabolic parameters, some lifestyle factors and sexual activities. Testosterone (T), bioavailable testosterone (BloT) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) concentrations decreased with age, while estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and %BF increased with age. In addition, there exist intricate associations among hormonal and lifestyle factors, %BF and age. High-intensity exercise and longer duration of sleep were associated with higher concentrations of T and BloT. T was shown to be associated positively with men who were engaged in masturbation. DHEAS was associated with men wanting more sex and with good morning penile rigidity. Older Singaporean men tended to sleep for shorter duration, but exercised more intensely than younger men. Coital and masturbation frequencies decreased with age, and a significantly greater number of younger men were engaged in masturbation. Relationship between the partners is a key determinant of sexuality in men. It appears that T may have a limited, while dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have a greater role than previously suggest, as a motivational signal for sexual function in men. Both biological and psychosocial factors interact with each other to influence sexual functions in men. Hence, a biopsychosocial approach may be more appropriate for a more lasting resolution to sexual dysfunctions in men.展开更多
Subretinal hemorrhage is a vision threatening complication of exudative age related macular degeneration(AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV). Timely removal or displacement of subretinal hemorrhage from th...Subretinal hemorrhage is a vision threatening complication of exudative age related macular degeneration(AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV). Timely removal or displacement of subretinal hemorrhage from the central macula, ideally within 7 to 10 days after onset, is critical to allowing potential recovery of vision. Surgical techniques with the use of a bubble to displace the subretinal hemorrhage can now be performed with tissue plasminogen activator to lyze the blood and with or without vitrectomy.展开更多
In present paper,a study on reconstitution of porcine oocytes by using nuclear transfer with cumulus cells(CC) and fibroblast cells(FC) was carried out.Reconstituted oocytes which were the fusion with CC and showed a ...In present paper,a study on reconstitution of porcine oocytes by using nuclear transfer with cumulus cells(CC) and fibroblast cells(FC) was carried out.Reconstituted oocytes which were the fusion with CC and showed a cleavage rate of 56.7%,developed into morula (11.7%) and blastocysts (6.7%) phases which were higher than those derived from the fusion with FC( P <0.05).The results of this study also involved the effects of oocyte collection method,activation protocol and maturational age of recipient oocytes during the in vitro develpoment of nuclear transfer embryos which were reconstituted with cultured cumulus cells.The cumulus cells synchronized in G 0/G 1 phases through serum starvation culture,were transferred into enuclated oocytes which were collected by aspiration or dissection method and cultured for 33 or 44 h.Reconstituted embryos were activated with a combination of calcium ionophore A23187 or electric pulsation and 6 DMAP,and cultured for 6 days.As for the oocyte collection methods,activation treatment in the presence of cytochalasin B and activation protocols did not affect the developmental rate of embryos reconstituted with 44 h mature recipients.However,the development rate of reconstituted embryos with 33 h mature recipients were significantly higher( P <0.05) by activation with the combination of electric pulsation and 6 DMAP.These results suggest that the reconstituted porcine embryos derived from cultured cumulus cells can develop into the blastocyst stage and that the development of the former could be improved for the reconstitution with young oocyte cytoplast after the activation with the combination of electric pulsation and 6 DMAP.展开更多
基金The National Key Research and Development Program of China,Scientific Fitness Guidance Service System Research(2020YFC2006904)。
文摘Physical activity (PA) plays a key role in the treatment of hypertension, and moderate to vigorous PA has been documented to lower the risk of developing hypertension. However, dose-response relationships between PA and hypertension are not consistent, and little is known about this relationship within the Chinese middle-aged and older people. We investigated the relationship between PA and hypertension within this population using China Health and Nutrition Survey 1991-2015 data. Physical activity was expressed in terms of the metabolic equivalent task (MET) and participants were divided into groups according to quartiles, namely, Q1 (< 32.97 METs-h/w), Q2 (32.97-60.38 METs-h/ w), Q3 (60.38-98.95 METs-h/w), and Q4 (> 98.95 METs-h/w). Compared with the Q1 group, the odds ratio of risk with hypertension (95% CIs) after adjusting for confounding factors were 0.63 (0.35, 1.12), 0.49 (0.28, 0.86), and 0.62 (0.35, 1.09) for those in Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. Restricted cubic spline functions were used and a U-shaped relationship between physical activity and hypertension risk was found, indicative of an optimal level of physical activity, which was found to be 112 METs-h/w. Our data suggest maintenance of optimal levels of total daily physical activity may be important for preventing hypertension in Chinese adults over the age of 40.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (42167063)the Open Fund of Key Laboratory for Digital Land and Resources of Jiangxi Province (DLLJ202113)+2 种基金the State Scientific Survey Project of China (2017FY101001)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province (20202BABL213028)the Scientific Research Foundation of East China University of Technology (DHBK2019028)。
文摘The mineral dust emitted from Central Asia has a significant influence on the global climate system.However,the history and mechanisms of aeolian activity in Central Asia remain unclear,due to the lack of well-dated records of aeolian activity and the intense wind erosion in some of the dust source areas(e.g.,deserts).Here,we present the records of aeolian activity from a sedimentary sequence in the southern Gurbantunggut Desert of China using grain size analysis and optically stimulated luminescence(OSL)dating,based on field sampling in 2019.Specifically,we used eight OSL dates to construct chronological frameworks and applied the end-member(EM)analysis for the grain size data to extract the information of aeolian activity in the southern Gurbantunggut Desert during the last 900 a.The results show that the grain size dataset can be subdivided into three EMs(EM1,EM2,and EM3).The primary modal sizes of these EMs(EM1,EM2,and EM3)are 126.00,178.00,and 283.00μm,respectively.EM1 represents a mixture of the suspension components and saltation dust,while EM2 and EM3 show saltation dust transported over a shorter distance via strengthened near-surface winds,which can be used to trace aeolian activity.Combined with the OSL chronology,our results demonstrate that during the last 900 a,more intensive and frequent aeolian activity occurred during 450-100 a BP(Before Present)(i.e.,the Little Ice Age(LIA)),which was reflected by a higher proportion of the coarse-grained components(EM2+EM3).Aeolian activity decreased during 900-450 a BP(i.e.,the Medieval Warm Period(MWP))and 100 a BP-present(i.e.,the Current Warm Period(CWP)).Intensified aeolian activity was associated with the strengthening of the Siberian High and cooling events at high northern latitudes.We propose that the Siberian High,under the influence of temperature changes at high northern latitudes,controlled the frequency and intensity of aeolian activity in Central Asia.Cooling at high northern latitudes would have significantly enhanced the Siberian High,causing its position to shift southward.Subsequently,the incursion of cold air masses from high northern latitudes resulted in stronger wind regimes and increased dust emissions from the southern Gurbantunggut Desert.It is possible that aeolian activity may be weakened in Central Asia under future global warming scenarios,but the impact of human activities on this region must also be considered.
文摘Youthful feelings were shown to have a positive effect on the mental and physical conditions of the elderly. On the contrary, elderly people whose self-perceived age is older than their chronological age were shown to experience negative health outcomes. This study investigated whether the self-perceived age (younger or older) relative to chronological age promotes social activity. The baseline data acquired from 3094 older adults as part of the Keeping Active across Generations Uniting the Youth and the Aged study was used in the current study. The participants completed a questionnaire that solicits information pertaining to sociodemographic factors, felt age, self-rated health, physical activity, depression, disease burden, fall history, fear of falling, level of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and social activity. The discrepancy between felt age and chronological age was defined as the self-perceived age. Self-perceived age was calculated by subtracting the participant’s chronological age from the felt age, and the score for the difference was divided by the chronological age. The Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence was used to evaluate social activity. Regression analysis results revealed that a younger self-perceived age was associated with higher social activity after controlling for sociodemographic factors, self-rated health, depression, physical activity, disease burden, level of IADL, fall history and fear of falling. Fall history was significantly associated with higher social activity in young-old participants (65 - 74 years) (p = 0.014) but not in old-old participants (>75 years). This study suggests that a younger self-perceived age in older adults would lead to a high-level living function. This finding may provide useful information for interventions aimed at the promotion of health and/or the prevention of frailty.
文摘Melatonin, the pineal indole is characterized by being a compound that crosses all cell membranes and which has been attributed to several mechanisms of action. Among these it is the ability to reduce free radicals, thereby reducing the potential aging and cell death. Studies in different age Wistar rats have shown that chronic application of melatonin, in the hippocampus, reduces the concentration of free radicals and keeps its architecture. This study showed that melatonin increases the firing rate and favors the presence of bursting activity in animals of different ages. It is suggested that melatonin conserved hippocampal cells in good anatomical and physiological condition probably as a result of the elimination of free radicals.
文摘The incidence of major chronic Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) medically diagnosed or treated, was studies in a cross section of Kuwait adult population as well as their daily levels of physical activity (PA) as recalled by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ. A group of 1957 subjects 17 - 65 years of age, representative of the Kuwait population was selected using last year high school students and their relatives as well as government workers in each Kuwait governorate. Descriptive statistics, frequency tables, chi square and Fisher tests were used. ANOVA or Mann Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons. The percentage of subjects in the low categorical PA level (from IPAQ) is high (29.4%) even at a young age (17 - 24), similar in prevalence to overweight/obesity (30%). At age 45, obesity increases to 40% with little change in % subjects of low PA. Weighted average categorical PA was 1280 MET.min/week reflecting that the majority (40%) of subjects belonged to the moderate PA category. A high proportion (38%) of subjects in the 17 - 24 age category contributed to the observed level of PA activity. Incidence of overweight and obesity increased from 30 to more than 55% from the second to the sixth decade of life. Hyperlipidemias increased in incidence from 8% to 45% of the sample from the third to the sixth decades of age. Hypertension and diabetes increased from the 4<sup>th</sup> to the 6<sup>th</sup> decades of life to affect from 14% to 40% and from 10% to 36% of the studied population, respectively. Incidence of Heart Disease increased from 9% to 15% of the sample population, between the 5<sup>th</sup> and 6<sup>th</sup> decades of life. The data indicate a sequence of events, initiated by overweight and obesity as early as in the 2<sup>d</sup> decade of life, followed by hyperlipidemia in the 3<sup>d</sup> decade, diabetes and hypertension in the 4<sup>th</sup>, and heart disease in the 5<sup>th</sup> decade of life. Changes in incidence of low energy expenditure (low PA) were not associated with the observed changes in prevalence of obesity/overweight with age which are likely due to increments in energy intake in groups with insufficient PA. Changes in low PA incidence with age did not correlate with those in NCD. Interventions to minimize overweight and hyperlipidemia should be started in the second and third decades of life respectively. Increases in PA may potentiate the responses to these treatments.
文摘AIM To investigate the effect of disease activity or thiopurine use on low birth weight and small for gestational age in women with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS Selection criteria included all relevant articles on the effect of disease activity or thiopurine use on the risk of low birth weight(LBW) or small for gestational age(SGA) among pregnant women with IBD. Sixtynine abstracts were identified,35 papers were full text reviewed and,only 14 of them met inclusion criteria. Raw data were extracted to generate the relative risk of LBW or SGA. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.RESULTS This meta-analysis is reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria,and nine reported raw data suitable for meta-analysis. We found an increased risk ratio of both SGA and LBW in women with active IBD,when compared with women in remission: 1.3 for SGA(4 studies,95%CI: 1.0-1.6,P = 0.04) and 2.0 for LBW(4 studies,95%CI: 1.5-2.7,P < 0.0001). Women on thiopurines during pregnancy had a higher risk of LBW(RR 1.4,95%CI: 1.1-1.9,P = 0.007) compared with non-treated women,but when adjusted for disease activity there was no significant effect on LBW(RR 1.2,95%CI: 0.6-2.2,P = 0.6). No differences were observed regarding SGA(2 studies; RR 0.9,95%CI: 0.7-1.2,P = 0.5). CONCLUSION Women with active IBD during pregnancy have a higher risk of LBW and SGA in their neonates. This should be considered in treatment decisions during pregnancy.
基金supported by grants from the"973"program(code:2007CB411600)the National Science Foundation(code:30670354)
文摘We examined time allocation by Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana in the montane, temperate and highly seasonal forests of the Shennongjia Nature Reserve in China, in order to improve our understanding of the ecological and social influences on monkey behavior. We collected data on activity budgets in relation to food availability in a group of monkeys from July 2003 to September 2004 (except February 2004), using instantaneous scan samples. The monkeys spent 36.21% of daytime moving ( n = 21, 269 records), 24.39% foraging, 9.33% inactive, 11,7% performing social behaviors, and 18.38% performing other behaviors. There were seasonal and annual variations in the proportions of time devoted to some activities. These variations were largely attributed to seasonal or annual fluctuations in the distribution and quality of food resources. Adult males spent more time moving, searching, and displaying other behaviors, but less time feeding and performing social behaviors than adult females. Adults performed other behaviors more often and moving less often than juveniles. These differences in activity budgets may reflect fundamental differences in reproductive biology, parental investment, and development among the different age/sex classes [ Current Zoology 55 (3) : 173 - 179, 2009] .
文摘Serum testosterone does not correlate with androgen tissue activity, and it is critical to optimize tools to evaluate such activity in males. Ultrasound measurement of bulbocavernosus muscle (BCM) was used to assess the relationship between the number of CAG repeats (CAGn) in the androgen receptor (AR) and the BCM size; the changes in the number of CAGn over age were also evaluated. Transperineal ultrasound measurement of the BCM was also performed. AR CAGn were determined by high performance liquid chromatography, and morning hormone levels were determined using immunoassays. Forty-eight men had CAG repeat analysis. Twenty-five were 〈30 years of age, mean 23.7 years (s.d, = 3.24) and 23 were 〉45 years of age, mean 53years (s.d. = 5.58). The median CAGn was 21 (13-29). BCM area was greater when the number of CAGn were 〈18 as compared to the number of CAGn 〉24 (P= 0.04). There was a linear correlation between the number of CAGn and the BCM area R^2= 16% (P= 0.01). In the 45 to 65-years-old group, a much stronger negative correlation (R^2 = 29%, P= 0.01) was noticed. In the 19 to 29-years-old group, no such correlation was found (R2 = 4%, P = 0.36). In older men, the number of CAGn increased with age (R^2 = 32%, P= 0.01). The number of CAGn in the AR correlates with the area of the BCM. Ultrasound assessment of the BCM is an effective surrogate to evaluate end-organ activity of androgens. The number of CAGn may increase with age.
基金the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(863)(No.2003AA33X100)the National Post Doctoral Fund(No.20060400284)+1 种基金the Jiangshu Province Natural Science Fund(No.BK2005216)the Jiangshu Province Post Doctoral Fund(2006)
文摘The apparent activation energy of concrete in early age was determined by adiabatic temperature rise test with different initial temperatures. The influence of mineral admixtures such as fly ash, slag and silica fume on the apparent activation energy of concrete was investigated. The equivalent age that expresses the maturity of concrete was calculated to evaluate the cracking risk of concrete in structures. The results reveal that a substitution of 20% fly ash for Portland cement obviously decreases the apparent activation energy of concrete, however, a substitution of 10% silica fume for Portland cement increases the apparent activation. Finite element method analysis of a simulating concrete wall shows that the concrete containing 20% fly ash has the lowest cracking risk.
文摘In this study,three different ages of Larix principis-rupprechtii forests in 5,10 and 20 years were selected as the research objects,and the changes in soil nutrient and soil enzyme activities in different growth stages were analyzed. The results showed that the contents of organic matter and available phosphorus in the soil of different growth stages showed a significant downward trend with the increase of soil depth.For different forest ages in the same soil layer,the soil available phosphorus content declined with the increase of the forest age. The organic matter content of 40-60 cm in 20 years of forest age was the lowest in July,which was 4. 17 g/kg,significantly lower than that in other soil layers. Besides,the soil available phosphorus content of 5 years of forest age reached the maximum in July,with an average of 4. 44 mg/kg,which was higher than the available phosphorus content in soil in May and September,but the difference between the three months was not significant. The changes in ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen content in soil with different forest ages were consistent with the changes in the soil depth,showing a downward trend. In the new leaf stage,the ammonium nitrogen content of the L. principis-rupprechtii forest land in5 years of age at 20-40 and 40-60 cm of the soil depth was 13. 47 and 9. 09 mg/kg,respectively,which was 46. 9% and 64. 2% lower than that at 0-20 cm( 25. 36 mg/kg) of the soil depth. The soil nitrate nitrogen content of 20 years of forest age was 19. 24 mg/kg,which was25. 8% lower than that of 10 years of forest age,showing significant difference( P < 0. 05). In addition,with the increase of the age of L. principis-rupprechtii,soil catalase( CAT),alkaline phosphatase( ALP) and urease( Ure) decreased,and the decline of ALP was slow,while CAT and Ure decreased significantly. In summary,it is concluded that the soil fertility of forest land declined with the increase of forest age on the basis of change trend of soil nutrient and soil enzyme activity in the surveyed forest age.
文摘The association between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and foetal outcomes has been extensively investigated. However, epidemiological studies specifically referred to LPTA in the last months of pregnancy are scarce. We evaluated the association between LPTA and the risk of both preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) during the last three months of pregnancy in Italy. A nationwide case-control study was performed in nine Italian cities. A total of 299 preterm delivery, 364 SGA and 855 controls were enrolled in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic variables, medical and reproductive history, life-style habits and LTPA referred to the last three months of pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to estimate Odds ratios and 95% CI. LTPA during the last three months of pregnancy decreases the risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.56;95% CI 0.39 - 0.79). Among the different types of physical activity, walking, the most frequently referred activity, appears significantly protective against preterm delivery (adjusted OR = 0.53;95% CI 0.36 - 0.81). Moreover, a small protective effect of walking was evidenced against SGA (adjusted OR = 0.72;95% CI 0.51 - 1.00). In conclusion, a mild physical activity such as walking in the last three months of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of preterm delivery and, at a lesser extent, of SGA, confirming the beneficial effects of physical activity along the whole pregnancy.
基金a grant from the Emil Aaltonen Foundation, Tampere, the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, Helsinki, the Center of Excellence in Disease Genetics of the Academy of Finland, Helsinki University Research Funding, Helsinki, and Finnish Cultural Foundation, Helsinki, Finland
文摘AIM: To correlate the C/T-13910 variant, associated with lactase persistence/non-persistence (adulttype hypolactasia) trait, with intestinal disaccharidase activities in different age groups of the adult population.METHODS: Intestinal biopsies were obtained from 222 adults aged 18 to 83 years undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy because of unspecified abdominal complaints. The biopsies were assayed for lactase, sucrase and maltase activities and genotyped for the C/T-13910 variant using PCR-minisequencing. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between lactase activity and the C/T-13910 variant (P 〈 0.00001). The mean level of lactase activity among subjects with C/C-1391o genotype was 6.86± 0.35 U/g, with C/T-13910 genotype 37.8 ± 1.4 U/g, and with T/T-13910 genotype 57.6± 2.4 U/g protein, showing a trimodal distribution of this enzyme activity. Significant differences were also observed in maltase activities among individuals with different C/T-13910 genotypes (P = 0.005). In contrast, in sucrase activity, no significant differences emerged between the C/T-13910 genotypes (P = 0.14). There were no statistical differences in lactase (P = 0.84), sucrase (P = 0.18), or maltase activity (P = 0.24) among different age groups. In the majority (〉 84%) of the patients with the C/C-13910 genotype associated with lactase non- persistence, the lactase activity was less than 10 U/g protein.CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates a statistically significant correlation between the C/T-13910 genotype and lactase activity and this correlation is not affected by age in adults but the cut-off value of 20 U/g protein used for the diagnosis of lactase non-persistence might be too high.
文摘The Xiannushan and Jiuwanxi are the two major fracture belts adjacent to the Three Gorges Dam Site. Apatites are selected from fracture clay and fracture\|cliff rock in the fracture belts and examined with the fission track dating method. Our study shows that the Xiannushan and Jiuwanxi fracture belts were tectonically active at 0.60±0.04Ma and 0.29±0.04Ma ago, respectively. Their ages are close to those obtained by the U\|series method.
文摘The concept of quality of life is multiple concerns as a cultural, social and environmental individuality. The aim of this study was to verify the levels of quality of life in elderly practitioners of physical activity comparing a active group with a control group The sample consisted of 159 physically independent and apparently healthy individuals of either sex, with mean age of 66.61 ± 4.73 years. Active group obtained mean 14.32 ± 0.763 in whoqol’s scores for levels of quality of life, the Control group (CG) obtained mean 13.31 ± 0.94 and p-value 0.05. The ANOVA with repeated samples showed higher values for active group when compared with control group after intervention, the significant level was p < 0.05. It must be recognized that not every aspect of human life is reduced to the practice of physical activity;however, it is an important instrument that generates well-being in this age group.
文摘Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Icariin has been shown to enhance erectile function through its bioactive form, icarisid Ih This study investigates the effects of icarisid Ⅱ on diabetic rats with ED and its potential mechanism viathe assessment of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), autophagy, mTOR and the NO-cGMP pathway. Icarisid Ⅱ was extracted from icariin by an enzymatic method. In the control and diabetic ED groups, rats were administered normal saline; in the icarisid Ⅱ group, rats were administered icarisid Ⅱ intragastrically. Erectile function was evaluated by measuring intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP). AGE concentrations, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and cGMP concentration were assessed by enzyme immunoassay. Cell proliferation was analysed using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and flow cytometry. Autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy, monodansylcadaverine staining and GFP-LC3 Iocalisation. The expression of NOS isoforms and key proteins in autophagy were examined by western blot. Our results have shown that Icarisid Ⅱ increased ICP/MAP values, the smooth muscle cell (SMC) growth curve, S phase and SMC/collagen fibril (SMC/CF) proportions and decreased Beclin 1 (P〈0.05). Icarisid Ⅱ significantly increased the proliferative index and p-p70S6K(Thr389) levels and decreased the numbers of autophagosomes and the levels of LC3-11 (P〈0.01). Icarisid Ⅱ decreased AGE concentrations and increased cGMP concentration, NOS activity (P〈0.05) and cNOS levels (P〈0.01) in the diabetic ED group. Therefore, Icarisid Ⅱ constitutes a promising compound for diabetic ED and might be involved in the upregulation of SMC proliferation and the NO-cGMP pathway and the downregulation of AGEs, autophagy and the mTOR pathway.
基金Under the auspices of K. C. WANG Education Foundation Hong Kong+1 种基金 the National Postdoctoral Foundation of China and Key Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. KZCX3-SW-331)
文摘Dating data, altitude of Neolithic sites, climatic changes from sedimentary records and previous research results were collected and analyzed to detect possible connections between climatic changes and human activities in the Changjiang River Delta in the Neolithic Age. The results indicated that hydrological changes greatly impacted the human activities in the study region. Low-lying geomorphology made the floods and sea level changes become the important factors affecting human activities, especially the altitude change of human settlements. People usually moved to higher places during the periods characterized by high sea level and frequent floods to escape the negative influences from water body expansion, which resulted in cultural hiatus in certain profiles. However, some higher-altitude settlements were not the results of climatic changes but the results of social factors, such as religious ceremony and social status. Therefore, further research will be necessary for the degree and types of impacts of climatic changes on human activities in the study area at that time.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81422040,81172685)Ministry of Education New Century Excellent Talents(NCET-13-0362)+3 种基金Shanghai Science and Technology Commission(12411950405,14441904004,13QH1401800)The fourth round of Three-Year Public Health Action Plan(2015–2017)(GWIV-36)Shanghai Municipal Education Commission(D1502)The Ministry of Science and Technology(2010CB535000)
文摘Background:Designing a simple and accessible approach to age estimation in children and youth is a great challenge in the fields of sports and physical activity(PA).This study was designed to develop and validate a physical-examination-based method of estimating age in young children.Methods:In a cross-sectional study conducted in 2014,we performed physical examinations and assessed PA among 14,970 elementary school children 7–12 years old in Shanghai,China.Additional biological information on the children's height and birth date was ascertained through their parents.Two indicators were applied to develop a gender-specific age estimation equation:The percentage of predicted mature height(PPMH) and the Tanner stage.The equation was validated through a k-fold cross-validation approach.To check for estimation accuracy,the association between the discrepancy of estimated age(EA) and chronological age and PA was examined.Results:The gender-specific equations of EA were as follows:EA_(boy) = –6.071 + 6.559 Tanner 2 + 13.315 Tanner 3 + 14.130 Tanner 4 + 0.190 PPMH – 0.071 Tanner 2 × PPMH – 0.146 Tanner 3 × PPMH – 0.155 Tanner 4 × PPMH;EA_(girl) = –4.524 – 1.251 Tanner 2 + 2.504 Tanner 3 + 8.752 Tanner 4 + 11.893 Tanner 5 + 0.158 PPMH + 0.017 Tanner 2 × PPMH – 0.024 Tanner 3 × PPMH – 0.087 Tanner 4 × PPMH – 0.118 Tanner5 × PPMH.The mean absolute error was 0.60 years for boys and 0.59 years for girls.The discrepancy score was negatively and weakly associated with self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA in both genders(r_(boy) = –0.09,p < 0.001;r_(girl) = –0.12,p < 0.001).Conclusion:Findings suggest that physical examinations could provide a valid and reliable approach for estimating age in young Chinese children.
文摘The present study sought to evaluate the relative associations of exercise, sleep and other lifestyle habits with aging, sex hormones, percent body fat (%BF) and sexual activities in men living in the community. A better understanding of this complex interrelationship is important in helping the formulation of modalities for a holistic approach to the management of aging men. The results showed that age is a major determinant for many physiological parameters, including sleep, hormonal and metabolic parameters, some lifestyle factors and sexual activities. Testosterone (T), bioavailable testosterone (BloT) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) concentrations decreased with age, while estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and %BF increased with age. In addition, there exist intricate associations among hormonal and lifestyle factors, %BF and age. High-intensity exercise and longer duration of sleep were associated with higher concentrations of T and BloT. T was shown to be associated positively with men who were engaged in masturbation. DHEAS was associated with men wanting more sex and with good morning penile rigidity. Older Singaporean men tended to sleep for shorter duration, but exercised more intensely than younger men. Coital and masturbation frequencies decreased with age, and a significantly greater number of younger men were engaged in masturbation. Relationship between the partners is a key determinant of sexuality in men. It appears that T may have a limited, while dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have a greater role than previously suggest, as a motivational signal for sexual function in men. Both biological and psychosocial factors interact with each other to influence sexual functions in men. Hence, a biopsychosocial approach may be more appropriate for a more lasting resolution to sexual dysfunctions in men.
文摘Subretinal hemorrhage is a vision threatening complication of exudative age related macular degeneration(AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV). Timely removal or displacement of subretinal hemorrhage from the central macula, ideally within 7 to 10 days after onset, is critical to allowing potential recovery of vision. Surgical techniques with the use of a bubble to displace the subretinal hemorrhage can now be performed with tissue plasminogen activator to lyze the blood and with or without vitrectomy.
文摘In present paper,a study on reconstitution of porcine oocytes by using nuclear transfer with cumulus cells(CC) and fibroblast cells(FC) was carried out.Reconstituted oocytes which were the fusion with CC and showed a cleavage rate of 56.7%,developed into morula (11.7%) and blastocysts (6.7%) phases which were higher than those derived from the fusion with FC( P <0.05).The results of this study also involved the effects of oocyte collection method,activation protocol and maturational age of recipient oocytes during the in vitro develpoment of nuclear transfer embryos which were reconstituted with cultured cumulus cells.The cumulus cells synchronized in G 0/G 1 phases through serum starvation culture,were transferred into enuclated oocytes which were collected by aspiration or dissection method and cultured for 33 or 44 h.Reconstituted embryos were activated with a combination of calcium ionophore A23187 or electric pulsation and 6 DMAP,and cultured for 6 days.As for the oocyte collection methods,activation treatment in the presence of cytochalasin B and activation protocols did not affect the developmental rate of embryos reconstituted with 44 h mature recipients.However,the development rate of reconstituted embryos with 33 h mature recipients were significantly higher( P <0.05) by activation with the combination of electric pulsation and 6 DMAP.These results suggest that the reconstituted porcine embryos derived from cultured cumulus cells can develop into the blastocyst stage and that the development of the former could be improved for the reconstitution with young oocyte cytoplast after the activation with the combination of electric pulsation and 6 DMAP.