Molecular aspects of COVID-19 and its relationship with obesity and physical activity: a narrative review

Abstract BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has several mechanisms of action related to inflammatory responses, especially in individuals diagnosed with obesity. This hyperinflammatory clinical profile resulting from the association between obesity and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be attenuated by regular physical activity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the evidence on the consequences of physical inactivity and physical activity on COVID-19 in patients with obesity. DESIGN AND SETTING: Narrative review at the Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health in Salvador, Brazil. METHODS: We searched evidence on the association of COVID-19 with physical activity and obesity using the following keywords: "covid-19," "physical activity," and "obesity". The databases used were MEDLINE (PubMed), ScienceDirect, and Virtual Health Library. Studies published from 2019 to 2021 and available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were included. The final search was conducted on September 26, 2021. RESULTS: We identified 661 studies in the database, among which 71 were considered for inclusion in the narrative review of the molecular aspects of COVID-19 and its relationship with physical activity and obesity. CONCLUSION: This literature review enabled the perception of the relationship between the molecular mechanisms of COVID-19 and obesity. Regular physical activity had various benefits for the inflammatory condition of the studied population, highlighting moderate-intensity.

¿Diagnóstico o estigma? Problematizar la enfermedad desde un acercamiento duoetnográfico

Objetivo: El propósito de este escrito es hablar sobre las construcciones socioculturales alrededor de la enfermedad. La principal preocupación es contribuir a desmontar desde nuestras vivencias como investigadoras y mujeres diagnosticadas, el estigma que impregna la vida cotidiana de las personas como nosotras: obesas o con VPH (virus del papiloma humano). Metodología: Mediante la metodología conocida como duoetnografía, en la que dos individuos narran experiencias compartidas para profundizar sobre un fenómeno sociocultural, presentamos una serie de cavilaciones que cuestionan el lugar social en el que se nos coloca al ser valuadas como enfermas. Resultados: Encontramos, a partir de nuestras reflexiones simultáneas, tres epifanías que se relacionan, primero, con el estigma biomédico, luego, con el estigma personal y, después, con el estigma sociocultural. Una cuarta epifanía expone las consideraciones de aprendizaje conjunto durante el proceso de convivencia académica de las autoras. Conclusión: Nos interesa, sobre todo, dejar una invitación a considerar críticamente el estigma, nos preocupa hablar de cuidado y apuntar las prácticas discriminatorias más que negar nuestros diagnósticos.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho é falar sobre as construções socioculturais que envolvem a doença. A principal preocupação é contribuir para desmontar, desde nossas experiências como pesquisadores e mulheres diagnosticadas, o estigma que permeia a vida diária de pessoas como nós: obesas ou com HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Metodologia: Por meio da metodologia conhecida como duoetnografia, na qual dois indivíduos narram experiências compartilhadas a fim de aprofundar um fenômeno sociocultural, apresentamos uma série de reflexões que questionam o lugar social em que somos colocados quando somos categorizadas como doentes. Resultados: Encontramos, a partir de nossas reflexões simultâneas, três epifanias que se relacionam primeiro com o estigma biomédico, depois com o estigma pessoal e depois com o estigma sociocultural. Uma quarta epifania expõe as considerações de aprendizagem conjunta durante o processo de convivência acadêmica das autoras. Conclusão: Estamos interessados, acima de tudo, em deixar um convite para considerar criticamente o estigma, estamos preocupadas em falar de cuidados e apontar práticas discriminatórias em vez de negar nossos diagnósticos.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to talk about the sociocultural constructions around the disease. The main interest is to contribute to dismantle from our experiences as researchers and diagnosed women, the stigma that permeates the daily lives of people like us: obese or with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Methodology: Through the methodology known as duoethnography, in which two individuals narrate shared experiences to study in detail a sociocultural phenomenon, we present a series of thoughts that question the place in which we are placed when we are valuated as sick. Results: We found, from our simultaneous reflections, three epiphanies that relate first to biomedical stigma, then to personal stigma and then to sociocultural stigma. A fourth epiphany expounds joint learning considerations during the authors' academic shared experience. Conclusion: We are interested, above all, in leaving an invitation to critically consider stigma, we are concerned with talking about care and pointing out discriminatory practices rather than denying our diagnoses.

Corpo feminino e sexualidade: gordura, feiura e exclusão social / Female body and sexuality: fatness, ugliness and social exclusion / Corps féminin et sexualité: graisse, laideur et exclusion sociale

O presente artigo busca investigar o lugar do corpo na atualidade, uma vez que ele nunca é totalmente apreendido pelos dispositivos culturais que possibilitem sua submissão completa às expectativas sociais. Neste sentido, é legítimo afirmar haver certa dificuldade epistêmica, no que tange às disputas de narrativas em torno do corpo gordo. Culturalmente legitimado, observamos um discurso dominante que sugere a responsabilização do sujeito por sua condição corporal. De modo análogo, a criminalização da gordura aumenta quando a sobrepomos à questão de gênero, conforme ilustrarão algumas vinhetas; fruto de entrevistas realizadas anteriormente pela autora, na pesquisa que desenvolve sobre corpo feminino, imagem, sofrimento psíquico e regulação social. A "feiura" ou o "estranho", muitas vezes poderão ser tomados como uma mensagem, cuja força reside, justamente, na sua surpreendente apresentação. Neste sentido, as práticas corporais podem ser compreendidas em um cenário de indiferenciação, na estetização da vida cotidiana, de sujeição ao discurso do outro, mas também, como uma contestação, como problematização do estatuto do corpo na contemporaneidade.

This article seeks to investigate the place of the body nowadays, since it is never fully apprehended by cultural devices that allow its complete submission to social expectations. In this sense, it is legitimate to affirm that there is some epistemic difficulty, regarding the disputes of narratives around the fat body. Culturally legitimized, we observe a dominant discourse that suggests the responsibility of the subject for body condition. Similarly, the criminalization of fat increases when we overwrite it the issue of gender, as some vignettes will illustrate; the result of interviews previously conducted by the author, in the research she develops on the female body, image, psychic suffering and social regulation. The "ugliness" or the "strange" can often be taken as a message, whose strength lies precisely in its surprising presentation. In this sense, body practices can be understood in a scenario of indifferentiation, in the instantiation of everyday life, of subjection to the discourse of the other, but also, as a contestation, as a problematization of the body's status in contemporaneity.

Cet article cherche à étudier la place du corps de nos jours, car il n'est jamais complètement appréhendé par des dispositifs culturels qui permettent sa soumission complète aux attentes sociales. En ce sens, il est légitime d'affirmer qu'il existe une certaine difficulté épistémique, en ce qui concerne les disputes de récits autour du corps gras. Culturellement légitimé, nous observons un discours dominant qui suggère la responsabilité du sujet pour son état corporel. De même, la criminalisation des graisses augmente lorsque nous écrasons la question du genre, comme certaines vignettes l'illustreront; le résultat d'entretiens précédemment menés par l'auteure, dans la recherche qu'elle développe sur le corps féminin, l'image, la souffrance psychique et la régulation sociale. La «laideur¼ ou l'«étrange¼ peut souvent être prise comme un message, dont la force réside précisément dans sa présentation surprenante. En ce sens, les pratiques corporelles peuvent être comprises dans un scénario d'indifférenciation, dans l'estantiation de la vie quotidienne, de soumission au discours de l'autre, mais aussi, comme contestation, comme problématisation du statut du corps dans la contemporanéité.

The influence of protected fat in supplements on the performance and carcass characteristics of Nellore beef bulls in tropical pasture.

The finishing stages for uncastrated Nellore beef cattle on tropical pasture often produce high yielding carcasses with minimal fat cover. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and carcass characteristics of uncastrated Nellore beef bulls fed a diet containing rumen-protected fat during the rainy period for 210 days. Eighty Nellore beef bulls with 28 months of age, and an initial live weight of 416 kg ± 16 kg, were allocated into eight paddocks (7.0 ha), totaling 56 ha, at 10 animals/paddock, in a continuous-grazing system. The pasture characteristics, performance production, loin-eye area (cm2), subcutaneous fat thickness (mm), and rump fat thickness were evaluated. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the average total weight gain (203.00 kg) and average daily gain (0.98 kg/day). On the other hand, the subcutaneous fat thickness and rump fat thickness were 42.8% and 49.5% greater, respectively, when the animals were fed a diet containing rumen-protected fat inclusion (P < 0.05). Supplementation with rumen-protected fat provided a thicker fat layer in the carcass of Nellore beef bulls grazing on tropical pasture during the rainy period.

Early-life mice housed in standard stocking density reduce the spontaneous physical activity and increase visceral fat deposition before reaching adulthood.

Laboratory rodents spend the entire day housed in standard cages that provide a restricted area for movements and might, therefore, limit physical activity. However, it has not been tested in immature rodents of ages ranging from weaning to adulthood (adolescence period) whether the restricted area per animal does actually reduce physical activity and impact the body composition. We analyzed the spontaneous physical activity and feeding behavior during the adolescence of mice kept in two different housing conditions (standard stocking density (SSD) versus low stocking density (LSD)). We aimed to compare the body composition between SSD and LSD groups before they reached adulthood. Differential housing began at four weeks of age and was maintained for four weeks until euthanasia at eight weeks of age. The SSD group had a floor space of 88 cm2 available per animal, while LSD mice were housed with a floor space of 320 cm2 per animal, increasing the individual radius for movement more than three-fold compared with standard requirements. Mice kept in SSD exhibit lower spontaneous physical activity than mice kept in LSD. Early-life exposure to reduced physical activity in mice housed in SSD resulted in greater visceral fat accumulation before adulthood. An environment enabling/stimulating physical activity should be established for rodents as early as possible. This study will be helpful in showing that mice kept in SSD are early exposed to a reduced physical activity already in the adolescence period. Our findings could raise reflections about the translatability of rodents kept in SSD to healthy active humans.

Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity parameters with blood pressure: fitness and fatness in youth Latin-American ethnic minority.

Background: In spite of wide international evidence about cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and adiposity in association with cardiovascular disease, there is poor evidence about this relationship in schoolchildren of ethnic minorities.Aim: To examine the relationship between CRF and body composition on blood pressure (BP) in a sample of ethnic minority schoolchildren from three Latin-American countries.Material and methods: A descriptive cross sectional study of total n = 3866, mean age 12.5 (2.7) y [girls n = 1997, mean age 12.8 (2.8) y; boys n = 1869, mean age 12.2 (2.7) y] schoolchildren from three Latin-American countries (Colombia, Brazil, Chile). Main outcomes were CRF, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage (%BF), and BP (systolic SB, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure (MAP).Results: In both sex, and after adjusting for covariates (age and ethnicity group), negative CRF by V˙O2peak levels were associated with a higher body fatness parameters (BMI, WC, WHtR and %BF p<0.001), and blood pressure measures (systolic BP, diastolic BP, and MAP; p<0.001). A lower CRF (by V˙O2peak) was associated with a higher BP in girls (systolic SB -0.15; -5.10 (0.30), diastolic BP -0.14; -4.43 (0.23), and MAP -0.15; -4.93 (0.26) at p<0.001), and boys (systolic SB -0.02; -0.85 (0.32), DB -0.07; -2.23 (0.23), and MAP-0.06; -1.89 (0.25 at p<0.001). There was a significant association between a 'high-CRF + low-%BF' with a lower systolic SB diff = - 9.6 [0.7], diastolic BP diff= - 11.0 [0.6]; and MAP level diff = - 10.6 [0.6] all p<0.001). There was a significant association between a 'high-CRF + low-BMI' with a lower systolic diff = - 10.3 [1.1], diastolic diff = - 11.2 [1.1], and MAP diff = - 10.9 [1.0] all p<0.001.Conclusion: A lower CRF is associated with a higher body fatness parameters, and higher BP levels in Latin-American ethnic schoolchildren.Abbreviators: %BF: Percentage of Body fat; BIA: Bioelectric impedance analysis; BMI: Body mass index; BP: Blood pressure; CRF: Cardiorespiratory fitness; CVD: Cardiovascular disease; LDL-cholesterol: SD: Standard deviation; WC: Waist circumference; WHtR: Waist-height to ratio; V˙O2max: Maximal oxygen consumption; V˙O2peak: Peak of oxygen consumption.

Mediation Role of Physical Fitness and Its Components on the Association Between Distribution-Related Fat Indicators and Adolescents' Cognitive Performance: Exploring the Influence of School Vulnerability. The Cogni-Action Project.

Background: Physical fitness and fatness converge simultaneously modulating cognitive skills, which in turn, are associated with children and adolescents' socioeconomic background. However, both fitness components and fat mass localization are crucial for understanding its implication at the cognitive level. Objective: This study aimed to determine the mediation role of a global physical fitness score and its components on the association between different fatness indicators related to fat distribution and adolescents' cognitive performance, and simultaneously explore the influence of school vulnerability. Methods: In this study, 1,196 Chilean adolescents participated (aged 10-14; 50.7% boys). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), and speed-agility fitness (SAF) were evaluated, and a global fitness score (GFS) was computed adjusted for age and sex (CRF + MF + SAF z-scores). Body mass index z-score (BMIz), sum-of-4-skinfolds (4SKF), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were used as non-specific, peripheral, and central adiposity indicators, respectively. A global cognitive score was computed based on eight tasks, and the school vulnerability index (SVI) was registered as high, mid or low. A total of 24 mediation analyses were performed according to two models, adjusted for sex and peak high velocity (Model 1), and adding the school vulnerability index (SVI) in Model 2. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: The fitness mediation role was different concerning the fatness indicators related to fat distribution analyzed. Even after controlling for SVI, CRF (22%), and SAF (29%), but not MF, mediated the association between BMIz and cognitive performance. Likewise, CRF, SAF and GFS, but not MF, mediated the association between WHtR and cognitive performance (38.6%, 31.9%, and 54.8%, respectively). No mediations were observed for 4SKF. Conclusion: The negative association between fatness and cognitive performance is mitigated by the level of adolescents' physical fitness, mainly CRF and SAF. This mediation role seems to be more consistent with a central fat indicator even in the presence of school vulnerability. Strategies promoting physical fitness would reduce the cognitive gap in children and adolescents related to obesity and school vulnerability.

Associations of feed efficiency with circulating IGF-1 and leptin, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of feed efficiency classifications on live animal measurements, circulating IGF-1 and leptin concentrations, and carcass, non-carcass and meat quality traits of lambs. One-hundred and two lambs approximately 70 days-old with initial live weight of 24.6 ± 3.71 kg (mean ± SD) were individually fed for 56 days to determine residual feed intake (RFI) and residual feed intake and gain (RIG). Lambs were then classified as phenotypically Low-, Medium- or High-RFI and Low-, Medium- or High-RIG phenotypes. Circulating leptin and IGF-1 concentrations were higher in more efficient lambs (Low-RFI or High-RIG). Variation in RFI and RIG did not affect meat redness or tenderness, but High-RIG lambs had darker meat. These findings show that the phenotypically more efficient Low-RFI and High-RIG lambs produced carcasses with similar characteristics and meat quality as the less efficient High-RFI and Low-RIG lambs but have a strategic advantage of lower feed intake to achieve similar production outcomes.

Analysis of added value in bovines sold for the angus meat program in the south of Brazil / Análise do valor agregado em bovinos certificados para o programa de carne angus no sul do Brasil

The objective of this work was to analyze price aggregation and disaggregation in commercialized animals searching for "Programa Carne Angus" benefits in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data from 40,698 carcasses with Angus cattle racial pattern, slaughtered in a meat industry that performs the "Programa Carne Angus "certification, during the 2014 year were analyzed. The aggregated value was calculated by the difference between the negotiated base price for the lot and the final price obtained by animal after the certification process. The disaggregation was calculated based on the factors preventing the animals from being included in the certification program. The results show that the major disqualifying factor in males with the racial pattern was carcass fatness, and for females was the dentition, which disqualified 34.3 and 12.7% respectively. Value breakdown from 7,177 disqualified animals due to lack of finishing, or advanced dentition, reached R$ 1,213,528.00, or US$ 369,077.86 (US$ 51.43 per head), an amount that is no paid on from the industry to rural producers.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a agregação e a desagregação de valores dos animais comercializados em busca das bonificações do programa Carne Angus no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram analisados os dados de 40.698 carcaças de bovinos abatidos em uma indústria frigorífica que realiza a certificação para o programa Carne Angus, durante o ano de 2014. A agregação de valor foi calculada pela diferença entre o preço base negociado para o lote e o preço final obtido pelo animal depois do processo de certificação. A desagregação foi calculada em função dos fatores que impediram os animais de serem enquadrados no programa de certificação. Os resultados mostram que o maior motivo para a desclassificação de animais com o padrão racial foi a dentição e o acabamento, os quais desclassificam, respectivamente, 34,3 e 12,7% dos animais com padrão racial. A desagregação de valor resultante de 7.177 animas que foram desclassificados por falta de acabamento ou por dentição avançada atingiu um valor de R$ 1.213.528,00, ou US$ 369.077,86 (US$ 51,43 por cabeça), quantia esta que deixou de ser repassada da indústria aos produtores rurais.

Análise do valor agregado em bovinos certificados para o programa de carne angus no sul do Brasil / Analysis of added value in bovines sold for the angus meat program in the south of Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a agregação e a desagregação de valores dos animais comercializados em busca das bonificações do programa Carne Angus no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram analisados os dados de 40.698 carcaças de bovinos abatidos em uma indústria frigorífica que realiza a certificação para o programa Carne Angus, durante o ano de 2014. A agregação de valor foi calculada pela diferença entre o preço base negociado para o lote e o preço final obtido pelo animal depois do processo de certificação. A desagregação foi calculada em função dos fatores que impediram os animais de serem enquadrados no programa de certificação. Os resultados mostram que o maior motivo para a desclassificação de animais com o padrão racial foi a dentição e o acabamento, os quais desclassificam, respectivamente, 34,3 e 12,7% dos animais com padrão racial. A desagregação de valor resultante de 7.177 animas que foram desclassificados por falta de acabamento ou por dentição avançada atingiu um valor de R$ 1.213.528,00, ou US$ 369.077,86 (US$ 51,43 por cabeça), quantia esta que deixou de ser repassada da indústria aos produtores rurais.

The objective of this work was to analyze price aggregation and disaggregation in commercialized animals searching for “Programa Carne Angus” benefits in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data from 40,698 carcasses with Angus cattle racial pattern, slaughtered in a meat industry that performs the “Programa Carne Angus ”certification, during the 2014 year were analyzed. The aggregated value was calculated by the difference between the negotiated base price for the lot and the final price obtained by animal after the certification process. The disaggregation was calculated based on the factors preventing the animals from being included in the certification program. The results show that the major disqualifying factor in males with the racial pattern was carcass fatness, and for females was the dentition, which disqualified 34.3 and 12.7% respectively. Value breakdown from 7,177 disqualified animals due to lack of finishing, or advanced dentition, reached R$ 1,213,528.00, or US$ 369,077.86 (US$ 51.43 per head), an amount that is no paid on from the industry to rural producers.

Analysis of added value in bovines sold for the angus meat program in the south of Brazil

Abstract The objective of this work was to analyze price aggregation and disaggregation in commercialized animals searching for Programa Carne Angus benefits in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data from 40,698 carcasses with Angus cattle racial pattern, slaughtered in a meat industry that performs the Programa Carne Angus certification, during the 2014 year were analyzed. The aggregated value was calculated by the difference between the negotiated base price for the lot and the final price obtained by animal after the certification process. The disaggregation was calculated based on the factors preventing the animals from being included in the certification program. The results show that the major disqualifying factor in males with the racial pattern was carcass fatness, and for females was the dentition, which disqualified 34.3 and 12.7% respectively. Value breakdown from 7,177 disqualified animals due to lack of finishing, or advanced dentition, reached R$ 1,213,528.00, or US$ 369,077.86 (US$ 51.43 per head), an amount that is no paid on from the industry to rural producers.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a agregação e a desagregação de valores dos animais comercializados em busca das bonificações do programa Carne Angus no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram analisados os dados de 40.698 carcaças de bovinos abatidos em uma indústria frigorífica que realiza a certificação para o programa Carne Angus, durante o ano de 2014. A agregação de valor foi calculada pela diferença entre o preço base negociado para o lote e o preço final obtido pelo animal depois do processo de certificação. A desagregação foi calculada em função dos fatores que impediram os animais de serem enquadrados no programa de certificação. Os resultados mostram que o maior motivo para a desclassificação de animais com o padrão racial foi a dentição e o acabamento, os quais desclassificam, respectivamente, 34,3 e 12,7% dos animais com padrão racial. A desagregação de valor resultante de 7.177 animas que foram desclassificados por falta de acabamento ou por dentição avançada atingiu um valor de R$ 1.213.528,00, ou US$ 369.077,86 (US$ 51,43 por cabeça), quantia esta que deixou de ser repassada da indústria aos produtores rurais.

Relationship between insulin resistance and adipocytokines: the mediator role of adiposity in children.

Background: Leptin and adiponectin interact with each other in the modulation of obesity and insulin resistance (IR) and it is also important to consider the role of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in these relationships.Aim: To analyse the relationship between IR with adipocytokines in children, and to test the mediation effect of %BF (percentage of body fat) in the association of IR with leptin, adiponectin, and L/A ratio.Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study comprised a sample of 150 schoolchildren, aged 6-11 years, from school in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The following variables were evaluated: cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), percentage of body fat (%BF), and biochemical variables (leptin, adiponectin, glucose, and insulin).Results: IR was associated with leptin and L/A ratio, after adjustments for age, sex, sexual maturation, and CRF. When adjusted for age, sex, sexual maturation, and MF, an association was found between IR with leptin and L/A ratio. Moreover, %BF was a mediator in the association between IR and leptin, as well as IR and L/A ratio, explaining 54% and 57% of these associations, respectively.Conclusion: Leptin and L/A ratio are positively associated with IR after adjustments. Also, %BF is a mediator in the associations between IR and leptin and L/A ratio.

Physical fitness components in relation to attention capacity in Latin American youth with overweight and obesity.

The aim of the study was twofold: (a) to examine the association between health-related physical fitness and attention capacity in Latin American children and adolescents with overweight and obesity and (b) to test whether body composition outcomes are moderators of this association. A cross-sectional design was used to study 201 overweight/obese participants (12.1 ± 2.1 years of age; 34.3% girls) from Chile (Active-Start study) and Colombia (HEPAFIT study). Body composition, muscular fitness, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness were evaluated using two similar test batteries (ALPHA and FUPRECOL). Attention capacity was measured by the d2 Test. Linear regression and moderation analyses were conducted. Linear regression analysis revealed an association between muscular fitness (ß = 0.245, P = .015), speed-agility (ß = -0.16, P = .027), cardiorespiratory fitness (ß = 0.331, P < .001) and overall fitness score (ß = 0.210; P = .004) and attention capacity (all analyses were controlled for age, sex, peak height velocity, maternal education, and study setting). Moderation analysis using the Johnson-Neyman technique revealed that the effect of the relationship between muscular fitness score and speed-agility and attention capacity was stronger as fat mass and fat mass index increased. In conclusion, physical fitness components are associated with higher attention capacity in youth with overweight/obesity, but body composition seems to moderate these relationships. Randomized controlled trials in this population would help to better understand whether improvements in different components of physical fitness lead to better attention capacity, especially in youth with excess adiposity.

Association of Neck Circumference with Anthropometric Indicators and Body Composition Measured by DXA in Young Spanish Adults.

BACKGROUND: Due to a clinical and public health interest of neck circumference (NC), a better understanding of this simple anthropometric measurement, as a valid marker of body composition is necessary. METHODS: A total of 119 young healthy adults participated in this study. NC was measured over the thyroid cartilage and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the neck. Body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference were measured. A Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan was used to determine fat mass, lean mass, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Additionally, body mass index (BMI) and triponderal mass index (TMI), the waist to hip and waist to height ratios, and the fat mass and lean mass indexes (FMI and LMI, respectively) were calculated. RESULTS: NC was positively associated in women (W) and men (M), with BMI (rW = 0.70 and rM = 0.84, respectively), TMI (rW = 0.63 and rM = 0.80, respectively), WC (rW = 0.75 and rM = 0.86, respectively), VAT (rW = 0.74 and rM = 0.82, respectively), Waist/hip (rW = 0.51 and rM = 0.67, respectively), Waist/height (rW = 0.68 and rM = 0.83, respectively) and FMI (rW = 0.61 and rM = 0.81, respectively). The association between NC and indicators of body composition was however weaker than that observed by BMI, TMI, WC and Waist/height in both women and men. It is of note that in women, NC was associated with FMI, VAT and LMI independently of BMI. In men, adding NC to anthropometric variables did not improve the prediction of body composition, while slight improvements were observed in women. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the present study provides no indication for NC as a useful proxy of body composition parameters in young adults, yet future studies should explore its usefulness as a measure to use in combination with BMI, especially in women.

Housing conditions modulate spontaneous physical activity, feeding behavior, aerobic running capacity and adiposity in C57BL/6J mice.

There is evidence of reduced adiposity in rodents living in a large cages (LC) as compared to animals housed in small cages (SC). Because spontaneous physical activity (SPA) provides an important portion of the total daily energy expenditure, an increase of SPA in rodents kept in LC could explain their reduced body fat accumulation. The relationship between SPA and components of physical fitness (i.e. aerobic and anaerobic fitness and body leanness) has not been previously determined. We examined the effects of eight weeks of LC exposure on SPA, body composition, feeding behavior, as well as aerobic and anaerobic running capacity in adult C57BL/6J mice. Male mice were housed in cages of two different sizes for 8 weeks: a small (SC, n = 10) and large (LC n = 10) cages with 1320 cm2 and 4800 cm2 floor space, respectively. SPA was measured gravimetrically, and food and water intake were recorded daily. Mice had critical velocity (CV) and anaerobic running capacity (ARC) evaluated at the beginning, middle course (4th week) and at the end of study (8th week). Despite non-significant differences in each week LC-mice were more active than SC-mice by considering all SPA values obtained in the entire period of 8 weeks. The difference in SPA over the whole day was mainly due to light phase activity, but also due to activity at dark period (from 6 pm to 9 pm and from 5 am to 6 am). LC-mice also exhibited higher food and water intake over the entire 8-wk period. LC-mice had lower content of fat mass (% of the eviscerated carcass) than SC-mice (SC: 8.4 ±â€¯0.4 vs LC: 6.3 ±â€¯0.3, p < 0.05). LC-mice also exhibited reduced epididymal fat pads (% of body mass) compared to SC-mice (SC: 1.3 ±â€¯0.1 vs LC: 0.9 ±â€¯0.1, p < 0.05) and retroperitoneal fat pads (SC: 0.4 ±â€¯0.05 vs LC: 0.2 ±â€¯0.02, p < 0.05). The LC-group showed significantly higher critical velocity than SC-group at the fourth week (SC: 14.9 ±â€¯0.6 m·min-1 vs LC: 18.0 ±â€¯0.3 m·min-1, p < 0.05) and eighth week (SC: 17.1 ±â€¯0.5 m·min-1 vs LC: 18.8 ±â€¯0.6 m·min-1, p < 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that eight weeks of LC housing increases SPA of C57BL/6J mice, and this may lead to reduced fat accumulation as well as higher aerobic fitness. Importantly, our study implies that SC limits SPA, possibly generating experimental artifacts in long-term rodent studies.

Variations in Tissue-Specific Expression of Adipose Differentiation-Related Protein Gene in Two Native Yunnan Chicken Breeds

Adipose differentiation-related protein (ADFP) is a fatty acid-binding protein that can promote the absorption of long-chain fatty acids. However, few results have been published regarding its role in Yunnan Native chicken breeds. The aim of this study was to determine ADFP gene tissue-specific expression in Piao chickens (PC) and Wuliangshan black-bone chickens (WBC) by RT-qPCR. The ontogenetic expression levels of the ADFP gene were significantly different during growth and development phases in the subcutaneous fat, liver, and pectoralis muscle of PC, and in the subcutaneous fat, liver, and pectoralis muscle of WBC (p 0.05). Individual tissue-differential expression levelswere detectedon d 91 and 112 in PC, with highest levels determined in abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat, respectively. However, in WBC, the highest levels were determined on d 49, 91 and 112 d in the pectoralis muscle and liver. Correlation analysis revealed ADFP expression level in liver of WBC was significantly related with LW and HC (p 0.05), while no significant correlations with carcass fatness (CF) were found in PC (p>0.05). The results suggest ADFPdifferential expression in the liver and pectoral muscles of PC and WBC during the growth and development phases (p 0.05). The observed expression patterns indicate that the ADFP gene plays an important role in lipid metabolism of PC and WBC, and that these patterns are expressed differently in the tissues of different chicken genotypes.

Variations in Tissue-Specific Expression of Adipose Differentiation-Related Protein Gene in Two Native Yunnan Chicken Breeds

Adipose differentiation-related protein (ADFP) is a fatty acid-binding protein that can promote the absorption of long-chain fatty acids. However, few results have been published regarding its role in Yunnan Native chicken breeds. The aim of this study was to determine ADFP gene tissue-specific expression in Piao chickens (PC) and Wuliangshan black-bone chickens (WBC) by RT-qPCR. The ontogenetic expression levels of the ADFP gene were significantly different during growth and development phases in the subcutaneous fat, liver, and pectoralis muscle of PC, and in the subcutaneous fat, liver, and pectoralis muscle of WBC (p 0.05). Individual tissue-differential expression levelswere detectedon d 91 and 112 in PC, with highest levels determined in abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat, respectively. However, in WBC, the highest levels were determined on d 49, 91 and 112 d in the pectoralis muscle and liver. Correlation analysis revealed ADFP expression level in liver of WBC was significantly related with LW and HC (p 0.05), while no significant correlations with carcass fatness (CF) were found in PC (p>0.05). The results suggest ADFPdifferential expression in the liver and pectoral muscles of PC and WBC during the growth and development phases (p 0.05). The observed expression patterns indicate that the ADFP gene plays an important role in lipid metabolism of PC and WBC, and that these patterns are expressed differently in the tissues of different chicken genotypes.(AU)

Carcass characteristics and tissue composition of the meat of feedlot lambs fed high-grain diets / Características da carcaça e composição tecidual da carne cordeiros confinados com o uso de dietas de alto grão

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using different high-grain diets on the carcass characteristics and tissue composition of the meat of feedlot-finished lambs. Thirty-two male castrated Texel lambs born from single births and weaned at approximately 50 days of age were allotted to treatments that consisted of different unprocessed grains, as follows: corn grain, white oat grain, black oat grain, or grain of rice in the husk. The animals were slaughtered upon reaching the pre-established slaughter weight of 32 kg, which corresponds to 60% of the mature weight of their mothers. Lambs fed the high-corn grain diet had higher weights and yields of hot and cold carcass and larger loin-eye areas than those finished in the feedlot receiving high-grain diets based on white oat, black oat, or rice in the husk. Additionally, they had a higher degree of fatness and a thicker subcutaneous fat layer at slaughter, which lead to decreased cooler shrink loss. The neck, shoulder, ribs, and leg cuts were heavier in lambs fed the high-corn grain diet. By contrast, these lambs had a lower proportion of leg, more rib, and higher meat fat content, which may be undesirable for the consumer market. The use of high-corn grain diets, in comparison with high-grain diets based on black oat, white oat, and rice in the husk, may be recommended for finishing lambs in the feedlot when they are slaughtered at similar weights.(AU)

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do uso de diferentes dietas de alto grão sobre as características da carcaça e a composição tecidual da carne de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros machos, castrados, da raça Texel, nascidos de parto simples e desmamados com aproximadamente 50 dias de idade. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por diferentes tipos de grãos, não processados, sendo: grão de milho, grão de aveia branca, grão de aveia preta ou grão de arroz com casca. Os animais foram abatidos assim que atingiram o peso vivo de abate pré-estabelecido de 32 kg, que corresponde a 60% do peso adulto de suas mães. Os cordeiros alimentados com dietas de alto grão de milho apresentam maiores pesos e rendimentos de carcaça quente e fria e maior área de olho de lombo quando comparados com cordeiros terminados em confinamento com o uso de dietas de alto grão a base de aveia branca, aveia preta ou arroz com casca. Além disso, apresentaram maior estado de engorduramento e espessura de gordura subcutânea no momento do abate, o que leva a redução do índice de quebra ao resfriamento das carcaças. Os pesos de pescoço, paleta, costilhar e perna foram superiores nos cordeiros terminados com o uso de dieta de alto grão de milho. Por outro lado, apresentaram menor proporção de perna, maior de costilhar e maior proporção de gordura na carne, fatores estes que pode ser indesejado pelo mercado consumidor. O uso de dieta de alto grão de milho em comparação ao uso de dietas de alto grão de aveia preta, aveia branca ou arroz com casca pode ser recomendada para a terminação de cordeiros em confinamento quando esses são abatidos com pesos semelhantes.(AU)

A genome-wide association study reveals novel genomic regions and positional candidate genes for fat deposition in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: Excess fat content in chickens has a negative impact on poultry production. The discovery of QTL associated with fat deposition in the carcass allows the identification of positional candidate genes (PCGs) that might regulate fat deposition and be useful for selection against excess fat content in chicken's carcass. This study aimed to estimate genomic heritability coefficients and to identify QTLs and PCGs for abdominal fat (ABF) and skin (SKIN) traits in a broiler chicken population, originated from the White Plymouth Rock and White Cornish breeds. RESULTS: ABF and SKIN are moderately heritable traits in our broiler population with estimates ranging from 0.23 to 0.33. Using a high density SNP panel (355,027 informative SNPs), we detected nine unique QTLs that were associated with these fat traits. Among these, four QTL were novel, while five have been previously reported in the literature. Thirteen PCGs were identified that might regulate fat deposition in these QTL regions: JDP2, PLCG1, HNF4A, FITM2, ADIPOR1, PTPN11, MVK, APOA1, APOA4, APOA5, ENSGALG00000000477, ENSGALG00000000483, and ENSGALG00000005043. We used sequence information from founder animals to detect 4843 SNPs in the 13 PCGs. Among those, two were classified as potentially deleterious and two as high impact SNPs. CONCLUSIONS: This study generated novel results that can contribute to a better understanding of fat deposition in chickens. The use of high density array of SNPs increases genome coverage and improves QTL resolution than would have been achieved with low density. The identified PCGs were involved in many biological processes that regulate lipid storage. The SNPs identified in the PCGs, especially those predicted as potentially deleterious and high impact, may affect fat deposition. Validation should be undertaken before using these SNPs for selection against carcass fat accumulation and to improve feed efficiency in broiler chicken production.

Association between Clustering of Lifestyle Behaviors and Health-Related Physical Fitness in Youth: The UP&DOWN Study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine clustering of lifestyle behaviors in Spanish children and adolescents based on screen time, nonscreen sedentary time, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, Mediterranean diet quality, and sleep time, and to analyze its association with health-related physical fitness. STUDY DESIGN: The sample consisted of 1197 children and adolescents (597 boys), aged 8-18 years, included in the baseline cohort of the UP&DOWN study. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was assessed by accelerometry. Screen time, nonscreen sedentary time, Mediterranean diet quality, and sleep time were self-reported by participants. Health-related physical fitness was measured following the Assessing Levels of Physical Activity battery for youth. A 2-stage cluster analysis was performed based on the 5 lifestyle behaviors. Associations of clusters with fatness and physical fitness were analyzed by 1-way ANCOVA. RESULTS: Five lifestyle clusters were identified: (1) active (n = 171), (2) sedentary nonscreen sedentary time-high diet quality (n = 250), (3) inactive-high sleep time (n = 249 [20.8%]), (4) sedentary nonscreen sedentary time-low diet quality (n = 273), and (5) sedentary screen time-low sleep time (n = 254). Cluster 1 was the healthiest profile in relation to health-related physical fitness in both boys and girls. In boys, cluster 3 had the worst fatness and fitness levels, whereas in girls the worst scores were found in clusters 4 and 5. CONCLUSIONS: Clustering of different lifestyle behaviors was identified and differences in health-related physical fitness were found among clusters, which suggests that special attention should be given to sedentary behaviors in girls and physical activity in boys when developing childhood health prevention strategies focusing on lifestyles patterns.