Background: Obesity-related diseases are arising as a major problem among children. inflammation has recently been identified to play an important role in the relationship between obesity.- as well as stunting-related diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the association between serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and a variety of cardiometabolic and anthropometric indices of children in a township outside Potchefstroom, South Africa. Methods: Blood samples of 115 girls and 78 boys (mean age 15.6 ± 1.35) in the Physical Activity in the Young (PLAY) study were cross-sectionally analysed. Trained fieldworkers collected the demographic, Tanner growth stage and habitual physical activity information. Physiologists measured the children’s blood pressure. Anthropometric measurements were taken by. trained post-graduate students with level 1 or 2 qualifications in anthropometrics. A standard test battery was administered by trained postgraduate students in Human Movement Science to assess muscular strength. flexibility and endurance of the children. Blood samples were collected, centrifuged and stored frozen until further analyses. Results: Stunted girls had a significantly higher serum TNF-α concentration than the non-stunted girls (p=0.03). The factor analyses showed that the inflammatory. status clustered with the height for age-z-scores (HAZ) scores and the waist-hip-ratio (WHR). The HAZ-score of the over-fat boys (- 1.46) was significantly smaller than the lean boys (- 1.14, p=0.0 1). whereas the over-fat girls had a trend for a smaller HAZ-score (-1.07) than the lean girls (-0.89). No significant differences were found between the over-fat and the lean children-s inflammatory status. TNF-α and CRP levels tended to be higher in the over-fat children than in lean children. The girls' scrum IL-6 and CRP concentrations correlated significantly with their body mass index (BMI) and WHR (p<0.05 )and their TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations correlated significantly with their WHR (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Conclusion: In comparison to the non-stunted girls, stunted girls had a statistically significantly higher TNF-α concentration. Unusual fat distribution that is found in over-fat and stunted children may be associated with low-grade inflammation in children. More research is needed on these associations with markers of inflammation in a long-term longitudinal study. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Bakgrunn: Diabetes er globalt økende, og et voksende folkehelseproblem. Hovedårsakene er den raske økningen av fedme, fysisk inaktivitet og et økende antall eldre. Samtidig med økt inntakav sukker og kunstige søtningsstoffer, brus og lettbrus, har fedme og diabetestilfeller også økt. Hensikten med denne studien var å undersøke om det er en sammenheng mellom inntak av brus og lettbrus og insidensav diabetes type 2. Metode: Data ble samlet fra Adventist Health Study-2, en prospektiv kohortstudie. Data benyttet varbasert på et spørreskjema ved studiestart, og et oppfølgingsskjema, Hospital History Form(HHF-3). HHF-3 ble benyttetopptil 6 år senere med spørsmål om en evt. diabetesdiagnose, og tidspunkt for diagnosen. Deltakere med diabetes ved studiestart ble ekskludert. Antall deltakere i diabetesstudien var 45777. Nye diabetestilfeller under studien var 1277. Analysene ble gjort både med og uten kroppsmasseindeks (KMI). Det ble benyttet komplementær log-log-Cox analyse for å beregne hazard ratioer (HR) og tilhørende 95 % konfidensintervaller. Resultater: I multivariate analyser justert for demografiske variabler, KMI, type kosthold, fysisk aktivitet, inntak av fiberog magnesium, var inntak av≥1 boks ( = 355 ml) lettbrus daglig assosiert med insidens av diabetes type 2(HR=1,46, 95% CI, 1,19-1,78),p(trend)&lt; 0,0001. Inntak av ≥ 1 boksvanlig brusdagligvar ikke forbundet med økt risiko for diabetes, (HR=1,20, 95 %Cl 0,95-1,50). Sammenhengene ble styrketog statistisk signifikant for begge typer brus når det ikke blejustert for KMI. Andre risikofaktorer for utvikling av diabetes var alder, mannlig kjønn, ikke-hvit etnisitet, og KMI. Et høyt magnesiuminntak, et høytfiberinntak, høyere utdanningog et vegetarisk kostholdvar beskyttende mot sykdommen. Konklusjon: Inntak av lettbrus men ikkevanlig brus,var signifikant assosiert med utvikling av diabetes type 2. / Background: Diabetes is increasing globally,presenting a growing public health problem. The rapid rise of obesity, physical inactivity, and an increasinglyelderly populationcontribute to this epidemic. The increase in obesity and diabetes coincide with increased intake of sugary and artificially sweetened drinks. Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether the consumption of regularor diet soft drinks predicts the incidence of type2 diabetes. Method: We used data collected from the Adventist Health Study-2, a prospective cohort study. The data was based on a baseline questionnaire, as well as a follow-up form (i.e., hospital history form-3) distributed to previous respondents up to 6 years later. Both questionnaire and follow-upformasked about a possible diabetes diagnosis and date of diagnosis. Importantly, Adventist Health Study-2 excluded individiuals who presented with diabetes at baseline. Among 45,777 subjects, the study detected 1,277 new cases of diabetes. Analyses were conducted both with and without body mass index. Complementary log-log Cox analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios(HR)and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results: Adjusted for demographic variables, body mass index, type of diet, physical activity, and fiber and magnesiumintake, multvariateanalysis showed that consumptionof ≥1 can (355 ml) of diet soda/day was associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes (HR=1.46, 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.73;p&lt;0.001). In comparison,consumptionof ≥ 1 can of regular soda/daydid not increaserisk of diabetes (HR = 1.20, 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.50). The associations were strengthened and statistically significant for both types of soda when not adjusted for BMI. Other risk factors for developing diabetes included age, male gender, non-white ethnicity, and body mass index. High intake of magnesiumandfiber, higher education,and a vegetarian diet were protective against the disease. Conclusion:  Consumption of diet soda was significantly associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. / <p>ISBN 978-91-982282-0-5</p>

Placental function is central for normal pregnancy and in many of the major pregnancy disorders. We used magnetic resonance imaging techniques to investigate placental function in normal pregnancy, in early and late preeclampsia and in intrauterine growth restriction. We also investigated maternal body mass index and height, as risk factors for preeclampsia. A high body mass index and a short maternal stature increase the risk of preeclampsia, of all severities. The association seems especially strong between short stature and early preeclampsia, and a high body mass index and late preeclampsia. (Study I) Using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, we found that the placental perfusion fraction decreases with increasing gestational age in normal pregnancy. Also, the placental perfusion fraction is smaller in early preeclampsia, and larger in late preeclampsia, compared with normal pregnancies. That these differences are in opposite directions, suggests that there are differences in the underlying pathophysiology of early and late preeclampsia. (Study II) Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we found that the phosphodiester spectral intensity fraction and the phosphodiester/phosphomonoester spectral intensity ratio increases with increasing gestational age. Also, we found that the phosphodiester spectral intensity fraction and the phosphodiester/phosphomonoester spectral intensity ratio are higher in early preeclampsia, compared with early normal pregnancy. These findings indicate increased apoptosis with increasing gestational age in normal pregnancy, and increased apoptosis in early preeclampsia. (Study III) The placental perfusion fraction is smaller in intrauterine growth restriction than in normal pregnancy. Fetal growth, Doppler blood flow in maternal and fetal vessels, infant birth weight and plasma markers of placental function are all correlated to the placental perfusion fraction. The placental perfusion fraction examination seems therefore to offer a fast, direct estimate of the degree of placental dysfunction. (Study IV) In conclusion: Our findings in studies I-III all support the hypothesis of partly different pathophysiology between early and late preeclampsia, and suggest a strong link between early preeclampsia and placental dysfunction. Study IV shows that the placental perfusion fraction has potential to contribute to the clinical assessment of placental dysfunction.

No description available.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : Univ., 2005. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2006. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Thesis (Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Dept. of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics) -- University of Colorado Denver, 2008. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 81-92). Free to UCD Anschutz Medical Campus. Online version available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations;

Thesis (Ph.D. in Epidemiology) -- University of Colorado Denver, 2007. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 95-109). Free to UCD affiliates. Online version available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations;

Σε αυτή τη διπλωματική εργασία, με τη χρήση ενός δείγματος που αποτελούνταν από 4458 καυκάσια άτομα, για τα οποία ήταν γνωστά: - ο Δείκτης Μάζας Σώματος (ΔΜΣ), - το φύλο, - η ηλικία, και - τα γενετικά χαρακτηριστικά 23 γονιδίων τους (δηλ. τα αλληλόμορφα γονίδια), διερευνήθηκε: - η ύπαρξη κύριων (μεμονωμένων) επιδράσεων αυτών των παραγόντων (φύλο, ηλικία, αλληλόμορφα γονίδια) στον ΔΜΣ, και - ο αντίκτυπος των αλληλεπιδράσεων μεταξύ έως και τριών παραγόντων στον ΔΜΣ. Μετά από την απαραίτητη προ-επεξεργασία των δεδομένων (αναζήτηση διπλών καταχωρήσεων και διαγραφή τους, κωδικοποίηση, εξαγωγή περιγραφικών στατιστικών στοιχείων, κ.λπ.) εκτελέστηκαν παραμετρικοί και μη παραμετρικοί στατιστικοί έλεγχοι με τη χρήση των 26 συνολικά διαθέσιμων μεταβλητών. Οι στατιστικές μέθοδοι που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ήταν οι ακόλουθες (σε παρένθεση δίνονται κάποια συνοπτικά χαρακτηριστικά των μεταβλητών που ελέγχονταν κατά περίπτωση): - γραμμική συσχέτιση του Pearson (μεταξύ του ΔΜΣ και της Ηλικίας, καθώς και μεταξύ του ΔΜΣ και του Φύλου), - ανάλυση της διακύμανσης (ANOVA) (με χρήση του ΔΜΣ ως ποσοτική συνεχής μεταβλητή και των υπόλοιπων μεταβλητών σε κατηγορική μορφή), - μέθοδος x2 (chi-square): o με χρήση του ΔΜΣ σε κατηγορική μορφή 4 κατηγοριών (λιποβαρείς, κανονικού σωματικού βάρους, υπέρβαροι, παχύσαρκοι) και των υπόλοιπων μεταβλητών σε κατηγορική μορφή, και o με χρήση του ΔΜΣ σε κατηγορική μορφή 2 κατηγοριών [κανονικού βάρους (ενσωματώνει τις κατηγορίες λιποβαρών ατόμων και ατόμων κανονικού βάρους), μη κανονικού βάρους (ενσωματώνει τις κατηγορίες υπέρβαρων και παχύσαρκων ατόμων)] και των υπόλοιπων μεταβλητών σε κατηγορική μορφή, - μέθοδος μείωσης πολυπαραγοντικής διάστασης (MDR - Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction) με χρήση του ΔΜΣ σε κατηγορική μορφή 2 κατηγοριών [κανονικού βάρους (ενσωματώνει τις κατηγορίες λιποβαρών ατόμων και ατόμων κανονικού βάρους), μη κανονικού βάρους (ενσωματώνει τις κατηγορίες υπέρβαρων και παχύσαρκων ατόμων)] και των υπόλοιπων μεταβλητών σε κατηγορική μορφή. / In this thesis, using a sample that consisted of 4458 Caucasian men, for which we had the following available: - Body Mass Index (BMI) - Sex, - Age, and - The genetic characteristics of 23 genes (ie alleles) we examined: - The existence of major (individual) effects of these factors (gender, age, alleles) in BMI, and - The impact of interactions between up to three factors in BMI. After the necessary pre-processing of data (search for duplicate entries and deletion, coding, extraction of descriptive statistics, etc.) we performed parametric and non parametric statistical tests using the total of 26 available variables. The statistical methods used were as follows (in brackets are some brief features of the controlled variables as appropriate): - Linear correlation of Pearson (between BMI and age, and between BMI and sex) - Analysis of variance (ANOVA) (using BMI as a quantitative continuous variable and other variables in categorical form) - Chi-square test: o Using the BMI, in categorical form of four categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese) and other variables in categorical form, and o Using the BMI, in categorical form of two categories [normal weight (incorporates underweight and normal weight), non-normal weight (incorporates overweight and obese)] and other variables in categorical form - Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (MDR), using the BMI in categorical form of two categories [normal weight (incorporates underweight and normal weight), non-normal weight (incorporates overweight and obese)] and other variables in categorical form.

Thesis (Mnutr)--Stellenbosch Univresity, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate post-immigration BMI changes in a South African immigrant population and how dietary intake and habitual physical activity reflect these changes. The study was designed as a cross-sectional, observational survey. Thirty-six volunteers aged 20 - 50 years were included in the sample. Volunteers were South African immigrants in the Atlanta area, USA, who have lived in the USA for more than 6 months but less than 5 years. METHOD: Subjects were required to complete four questionnaires including a selfadministered socia-demographic, physical activity and food frequency questionnaire. The weight history questionnaire containing measurements including height, weight and waist circumference was completed by the investigator. RESULTS: A significant increase in BMI was indicated for both male (p=0.036) and female (p=0.0009) subjects. The increase in BMI for two age categories, 20-29 years (p = 0.018) and 30-39 years (p = 0.006), was also significant. Forty five percent of females reported an energy intake above the Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) for active individuals. Reported saturated fatty acid intake (13% of TE) exceeded the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMOR). The prevalence of inadequate n-3 and n-6 PUFA as well as fibre intake was high, especially in men. Sixty four percent of the population had a 'low active' physical activity level (PAL). CONCLUSION: The observed increase in post-immigration BMI implies that the South African immigrant population, similar to other immigrant populations, has adopted to some extent, the lifestyle and dietary habits of the general US population. As a result, the South African immigrant population may also be subject to increased chronic disease risk. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: INLEIDING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die veranderinge in liggaamsmassa index (LMI) wat met immigrasie gepaard gaan in In Suid-Afrikaanse immigrant populasie te ondersoek, asook hoe die populasie se dieet en fisieke aktiwiteit hierdie veranderinge reflekteer. Die studie was In dwarssnit, observasie opname. Die steekproef het bestaan uit 36 vrywilligers (20 - 50 jaar oud). Respondente was deel van In Suid-Afrikaanse immigrant populasie in die Atlanta area, VSA, wat vir langer as 6 maande en korter as 5 jaar in die VSA woonagtig was. METODE: Respondente is versoek om vier vraelyste te voltooi insluitende In sosiodemografiese, fisieke aktiwiteit, -en voedsel frekwensie vraelys. Antropometriese metings, insluitende massa, lengte en middelomtrek is deur die navorser op die massa geskiedenis vraelys aangeteken. RESULTATE: In Betekenisvolle toename in LMI vir beide mans (p=0.036) en vroue (p=0.0009) is gevind. Die toename in LMI vir respondente 20-29 jaar (p = 0.018) en 30- 39 jaar (p = 0.006) was ook betekenisvol. Vyf-en-veertig persent vroue se energie inname was hoër as die aanbevole daaglikse inname vir aktiewe individue. Die populasie se versadigde vetsuur inname (13% van totale energie) was hoër as die aanvaarbare makronutriënt verspreiding. Die prevalensie vir onvoldoende innname van n-3 en n-6 poli-onversadigde vetsure, asook vesel inname was hoog, veralonder mans. Vier-en-sestig persent van die populasie se fisieke aktiwiteit vlak is geklassifiseer as 'lae aktiwiteit' . GEVOLGTREKKING: Die waargenome toename in LMI impliseer dat die studie populasie, soortgelyk aan ander immigrant populasies, die lewensstyl en dieet gewoontes van die algemene Amerikaanse populasie tot In sekere mate aangeneem het en is dus ook onderhewig aan die gevolglike toename in risiko vir kroniese siekte van lewensstyl.