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Abstract: Background: Literature regarding physical activity and fitness among subjects at risk for psychosis especially in adolescents is scarce. This study evaluated the level of physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness among subjects at risk for psychosis in a relatively large birth cohort sample. Methods: The study population consisted of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 including 6987 adolescents who self-reported their physical activity by responding to a postal inquiry in 2001–2002 at the age of 15–16years. Their cardiorespiratory fitness was measured in a clinical examination by a submaximal cycle ergometer test. Vulnerability to psychosis was defined in three ways: having a parent with a history of psychosis, having prodromal symptoms of psychosis measured by PROD-screen questionnaire at the age of 15–16years or having actually developed psychosis after the field study (in 2002–2005). The Finnish Hospital Discharge Register was used to find out about parental and the individual''s own psychosis. Results: Those individuals who developed psychosis were more likely to be physically inactive (OR 3.3; CI 95% (1.4-7.9) adjusted for gender, parental socio-economic status, family structure and parents'' physical activity) and to have poor cardiorespiratory fitness (OR 2.2; 95% CI 0.6-7.8 adjusted for parental socio-economic status, family structure and parents'' physical activity) compared to those who did not develop psychosis. Conclusions: Adolescents who would actually develop psychosis had a relatively low level of physical activity compared to their age mates. General recommendations for physical activity would be important for subjects at risk for developing psychosis in order to avoid detrimental effect of physical inactivity on overall health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: We estimated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in adolescents, using the new International Diabetes Federation (IDF) paediatric definition and compared this with prevalence estimated using the IDF adult definition and five other previously published definitions. Design: Cross-sectional survey in the prospective general population-based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC 1986) at age 16 years. Setting: Birth cohort in Finland. Participants: 5665 adolescents (2862 males and 2803 females) clinically examined in 2001-2002. Main outcome measures: The prevalence of MS using different definitions. Results: The overall prevalence of MS using the IDF paediatric definition was 2.4% (95% CI 2.0 to 2.8%) at the age of 16 years. Using the IDF adult definition the overall prevalence was lower, 1.7% (CI 1.3 to 2.0%, European cut-offs for waist circumference) and 1.0% (CI 0.7 to 1.3%, North American cut-offs). Conclusion: In 16-year-old adolescents, the paediatric IDF definition rendered a higher prevalence estimate than the adult definition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low back pain (LBP) is a common health problem already in adolescence. Physical activity has been suggested as a risk factor for LBP in adolescents, but the current evidence is conflicting. This study examined the association of physical activity and amount of sitting with LBP. The study population consisted of 5999 boy and girl members of the Northern Finland 1986 birth cohort who responded to mailed questions at the age of 15–16 years. LBP during the past 6 months was classified as “no LBP,”“reporting LBP” (not seeking medical help), or “consultation for LBP.” Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals obtained by multinomial logistic regression were adjusted for smoking and body mass index. Being physically very active (more than 6 h of brisk physical activity per week) was associated with increased prevalence of “consultation for LBP” in both sexes, and with “reporting LBP” in girls, compared with being moderately active (2–3 h of brisk physical activity per week). High amount of sitting associated with “consultation for LBP” and “reporting LBP” in girls, but not in boys. We conclude that very active participation in physical activities in both sexes and a high amount of sitting in girls are related to self-reported LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the accuracy of a submaximal cycle ergometer test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents and provided population-based reference values. In a health study of the Northern Finland birth cohort born in 1985-1986 (NFBC 1986), cardiorespiratory fitness of 5375 males and females aged 15 to 16 years was measured by a submaximal cycle ergometer test by using a two-stage exercise protocol designed for this survey. A total of 4903 subjects performed two work stages. Maximal workload and peak oxygen consumption were calculated on the basis of heart rate responses by the WHO extrapolation method. An additional 472 subjects were able to finish only one work stage. For them, peak oxygen uptake was calculated by the Astrand nomogram. To evaluate the accuracy of submaximal testing, a validation sample of 90 subjects carried out both a submaximal test and a maximal cycle ergometer test with direct measurement of peak oxygen uptake. The WHO method proved to estimate peak oxygen uptake with reasonable accuracy. The Astrand nomogram method overestimated peak oxygen uptake considerably, and therefore a new single-stage regression method was applied to calculate maximal workload and peak oxygen consumption. Reference values of cardiorespiratory fitness were provided for 2690 males and 2685 females aged 15 to 16 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate how a change in the level of leisure-time physical activity from adolescence into adulthood is associated with overall and abdominal obesity at the age of 31?y. DESIGN:: Prospective follow-up study of Northern Finland birth cohort of 1966. SUBJECTS:: In all, a population of 2834 males and 2872 females aged 31?y was studied. MEASUREMENTS:: At the age of 31?y, overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0-29.9?kg/m2 and obesity as a BMI of 30.0?kg/m2 or more. The cutoff points of waist circumference for mild and severe abdominal obesity were 94.0 and 102.0?cm in males and 80.0 and 88.0?cm in females. The change in the level of physical activity (at least moderately active vs inactive) was evaluated by inquiries conducted at the ages of 14 and 31?y. The odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) obtained from logistic regression were adjusted for maternal BMI before pregnancy, BMI at the age of 14?y, alcohol intake, occupational physical activity, smoking, and, in the case of females, for parity at age 31?y. RESULTS:: Becoming inactive during the transition from adolescence to adulthood was associated with overall overweight in males (OR 1.49, CI 1.18-1.89), overall obesity in males (OR 1.53, CI 0.99-2.37) and females (OR 1.51, CI 0.94-2.44), and with severe abdominal obesity in females (OR 1.80, CI 1.13-2.86). Being persistently inactive from adolescence to adulthood was associated with mild abdominal obesity in males (OR 1.83, CI 1.13-2.95), but not with other obesity measures in either gender after adjustment for confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS:: Becoming inactive during the transition from adolescence to adulthood is related to overall obesity in both genders, and to severe abdominal obesity in females at the age of 31?y. The results emphasize the role of continued physical activity from adolescence into adulthood in the prevention of adult obesity.International Journal of Obesity (2004) 28, 775-782. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0802622 Published online 23 March 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical inactivity is related to an increased risk of certain chronic diseases. The aim here was to evaluate how physical activity and social status in adolescence are associated with physical inactivity in adulthood.Methods: The sample comprised 3664 males and 4130 females who answered questions on physical activity and social status at 14 and 31 years of age in follow-up surveys of the Northern Finland birth cohort of 1966. Associations between explanatory factors and physical inactivity in adulthood were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.Results: Infrequent participation in sports after school hours at 14 years of age and, in males, additionally a low grade in school sports, was associated with physical inactivity at the age of 31 years, independent of social circumstances in adulthood. Low social class of the childhood family was associated with physical inactivity in adolescence but not with inactivity at 31 years of age. Poor school achievement in adolescence was associated with adult inactivity independent of adolescent physical activity.Conclusion: Infrequent participation in sports, a low grade in school sports, and poor school achievements in adolescence were associated with physical inactivity in adulthood. Participation in sports is to be strongly supported among all adolescents because of its long-term beneficial effects on adult health through its tendency to reduce the probability of adult inactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years a lot of effort has been aimed at developing new bio-hybrid nano-composite barrier packaging materials for foods. Nanocomposite films and coatings with improved properties were produced from nanoclay and polysaccharides such as ultrasonic dispersed chitosan and high pressure fluidized pectin. The intercalation of chitosan in the silicate layers was confirmed by the decrease of diffraction angles while the chitosan/nanoclay ratio increased. Nanocomposite films and multilayer coatings had improved barrier properties against oxygen, water vapor, grease and UV-light transmission. Oxygen transmission was significantly reduced under all humidity conditions. In dry conditions, over 99% reduction and at 80% relative humidity almost 75% reduction in oxygen transmission rates was obtained. All chitosan coating raw materials were "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) and the calculated total migration was in all cases ≤6 mg/dm² thus the coatings met the requirements set by the packaging legislation. Processing of the developed bio-hybrid nanocomposite coated materials was safe as the amounts of released particles under rubbing conditions were comparable to the particle concentrations in a normal office environment. Nanoclay-pectin hybrid film formation and high shear induced orientation of nanoclay platelets were investigated by means of model surfaces which were prepared using high shear spincoating. After fluidization, the nanoclay formed uniform and laterally oriented stacks consisting of approximately 15 individual nanoclay layers. Pectin films with different nanoclay concentrations were prepared by casting. Nanocomposite films made of pectin and nanoclay showed improved barrier properties against oxygen and water vapor. Films were also totally impermeable to grease. The developed bio-hybrid nanocomposite packaging materials can be potentially exploited as a safe and environmentally sound alternative for synthetic barrier packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finland's 2022 Para Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents With Disabilities includes a summary of results and grades for 10 physical activity indicators and highlights how these grades are interpreted by stakeholders. The disability classification was based on the UNICEF/Washington Group on Disability Statistics measure, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD7) measure, or education status. Data between 2017 and 2021 were reviewed by 24 physical activity specialists using benchmarks adapted for data on disabilities from the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. The grades were assigned as follows: Overall Physical Activity, C+; Organized Sport, C; Active Play, D; Active Transportation, B; Family and Peers, C+; School, B; Community and Environment, C−; Government, A−; sedentary behavior and physical fitness were graded as incomplete. Stakeholder focus-group discussions highlighted the need for multidisciplinary cooperation and increasing competence of specialists working with children to promote a physically active lifestyle for all children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 9‐month supervised resistance training intervention on motivational and volitional characteristics related to exercise, and whether the absolute level and/or intervention‐induced change in these characteristics predict self‐directed continuation of resistance training 1 year after the intervention. Community dwelling older adults aged 65‐75, who did not fulfill physical activity recommendations, were randomized into resistance training intervention groups: training once‐ (n = 26), twice‐ (n = 27), three‐times‐a‐week (n = 28) or non‐training control group (n = 25). Training groups participated in supervised resistance training for 9 months: during months 1‐3 all groups trained twice‐a‐week and then with allocated frequencies during months 4‐9. Exercise‐related motivation, self‐efficacy, and planning were measured with questionnaires at baseline, month‐3 and month‐9. The continuance of resistance training was determined by interviews 6 and 12 months after the end of the intervention. The intervention improved action and coping planning as well as intrinsic motivation (group × time P < .05). During 1‐year follow‐up, 54% of participants did not continue self‐directed regular resistance training, 22% continued regular resistance training once‐a‐week, and 24% twice‐a‐week. Increases in exercise self‐efficacy and intrinsic motivation related to training during the intervention predicted continuation of resistance training twice‐a‐week. Resistance training improved exercise‐related motivational and volitional characteristics in older adults. These improvements were linked to continuing resistance training 1 year after the supervised intervention. The role of these characteristics should be taken into account when promoting long‐term resistance training participation among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell immobilization is a promising approach to create efficient photosynthetic cell factories for sustainable chemical production. Here, we demonstrate a novel photosynthetic solid-state cell factory design for sustainable biocatalytic ethylene production. We entrapped cyanobacteria within never-dried hydrogel films of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TCNF) cross-linked with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to create a self-standing matrix architecture. The matrix is operational in the challenging submerged conditions and outperforms existing alginate-based solutions in terms of wet strength, long-term cell fitness, and stability. Based on rheological investigations, the critical strength of wet TCNF matrices is three times higher than in the existing immobilization matrices of alginate cross-linked with Ca2+. This is due to the rigid nature of the colloidal nanofiber network and the strong cross-linking with PVA, as opposed to polymeric alginate with reversible ionic Ca2+ bonds. The porous and hygroscopic nanofiber network also shields the cyanobacterial cells from environmental stress, maintaining photosynthetic activity during partial drying of films, and when submerged in the nutrient medium for long-term cultivation. Finally, TCNF matrices allow the ethylene-producing Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 cells to operate in submerged conditions under high inorganic carbon loads (200 mM NaHCO3), where Ca2+-alginate matrices fail. The latter show severe cell leakage due to matrix disintegration already within 20 min of NaHCO3 supplementation. In contrast, TCNF-based matrices prevent cell leakage to the medium and restrict culture growth, leading to improved ethylene production yields. Furthermore, the operational capacity of the self-standing TNCF cell factory can be maintained long-term by periodically refreshing the nutrient medium. All in all, the results showcase the versatility and potential of cell immobilization with the never-dried colloidal TCNF matrix, paving the way towards novel biotechnological pathways using solid-state cell factories designed for efficient and sustainable production of e.g., monomers and fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health behaviors in youth can predict the same behaviors later in life, but the role of sport participation in predicting healthy lifestyle habits is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between participation in organized youth sport and adult healthy lifestyle habits. Data from the longitudinal Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study (YFS) with a 28‐year follow‐up were used. The participation in sport‐club training sessions was self‐reported by 9‐18‐year‐olds in 1983 and 1986 (n = 1285). During 2011, participants (aged 37‐43‐year old) reported their smoking status, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity. Odd ratios (OR) were calculated using logistic regression, to examine how participation in organized youth sport was associated with having three or four versus fewer (0‐2) healthy habits in adulthood. Participants who were active in youth sport in both 1983 and 1986 had almost two times greater odds of having three or four healthy habits in adulthood than those who were not active at both time points (OR: 1.75, 95%CI: 1.11‐2.76). When the analyses were stratified by sex, the findings were statistically significant among women (OR: 2.13, 95%Cl: 1.13‐3.99) but not men (OR: 1.27, 95%CI: 0.63‐2.58). The results suggest that participation in organized youth sport could promote healthy lifestyle choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining lifelong physical activity (PA) trajectories and their determinants is essential to promote a physically active lifestyle throughout the life‐course. We aimed to identify PA trajectories from childhood to midlife and their determinants in a longitudinal population‐based cohort. This study is a part of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. From 1980, a population‐based cohort (N = 3596; 1764 boys/1832 girls, age 3‐18 years) has been followed up for 31 years. PA indices were formed based on self‐reported data (between age 9‐49 years) on frequency, duration, and intensity of leisure (during childhood) or high‐intensity (at later age) PA and on sports club participation/competitions. PA trajectories were analyzed using group‐based trajectory modeling. Childhood (age 12 years), young adulthood (age 24 years), and early midlife (age 37 years) determinants were analyzed. Five PA trajectories were identified: persistently active (6.6%), decreasingly active (13.9%), increasingly active (13.5%), persistently low active (51.4%, reference group), persistently inactive (14.6%). In childhood, rural residential area (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21‐0.96) and high academic performance (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.58‐3.00) associated with persistently active group. In early midlife, smoking (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.07‐2.58) associated with persistently inactive group, regular alcohol drinking (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.12‐7.55) with persistently active group and having children (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.27‐3.38) with decreasingly active group. High adulthood education associated with both decreasingly (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.05‐3.35) and increasingly (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.19‐3.68) active groups. We identified five PA trajectories from childhood into midlife. Most prominent determinants were academic achievement, education, having children and health habits (i.e. smoking/alcohol use). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate (i) how monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs who are discordant for body mass index (BMI) differ for objectively and subjectively measured physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and (ii) associations of PA and VO2max with adiposity and measures of metabolic health, in individual twins and independent of genetic and shared environmental effects within twin pairs. We examined 27 BMI‐discordant and 14 BMI‐concordant MZ twin pairs. Fat and fat‐free mass (ffm) were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and VO2max by spiroergometry. PA was measured objectively by accelerometers using ActiGraph GT1M for daytime activity and Actiwatch AW7 for 24 h/d. Self‐reported PA was obtained through the Baecke and IPAQ long‐form questionnaires. Objectively measured moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA, min/d), steps/d, and VO2max/kg were significantly lower, by 30%, 21%, and 14%, respectively, in the heavier compared with the leaner co‐twins of the BMI‐discordant twin pairs. There were no significant differences in self‐reported PA or VO2max/ffm. As expected, PA and VO2max/ffm were similar in the BMI‐concordant co‐twins. Furthermore, the 24‐h recording of activity suggested that the heavier co‐twins had more restless sleep during the night, whereas the leaner co‐twins were more active during the day. Within all twin pairs, higher MVPA and steps per day were associated with lower fat percentage and improved metabolic health measures. Objectively, but not subjectively measured PA is associated with lower fat percentage and better metabolic health, independent of genetic and shared environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between different sport activities and lumbar intervertebral disk degeneration ( DD) is largely unknown. We evaluated whether adolescent participation in different sports is associated with lumbar DD in a population-based birth cohort of young adults. A total of 558 young adults (325 females and 233 males) underwent magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI, 1.5-T scanner). A DD sum score, based on the Pfirrmann grading, was calculated for all lumbar levels. The sum score was categorized into no DD, 1, 2, or at least 3. Participation in different sport activities was self-reported by postal surveys at 16, 18, and 19 years, and three groups were formed based on participation frequency in 11 sports: (a) highly active (at least twice a week), (b) moderately active (2-4 times a month), and (c) inactive (maximum once a month). Cumulative odds ratios ( COR) and their 95% confidence intervals ( CI) were obtained for each sport by ordinal logistic regression, adjusting for gender, body mass index, age, socioeconomic status, smoking, and other sports. Highly active participation in jogging/running and swimming was associated with a higher DD sum score ( COR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.4-6.3 and 5.0; 1.7-15.2, respectively) compared to inactive participation, whereas highly active participation in skating showed low COR. In conclusion, running and swimming at least twice a week in early adulthood are potentially associated with lumbar DD. Follow-up studies with MRI are needed to show whether frequent exposure to running or swimming has further effect on the integrity of lumbar intervertebral disks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Would it not be nice to have an organic solvent nanofiltration membrane made from renewable resources that can be manufactured as simply as producing paper? Here the production of nanofiltration membranes made from nanocellulose by applying a papermaking process is demonstrated. Manufacture of the nanopapers was enabled by inducing flocculation of nanofibrils upon addition of trivalent ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the relationships between objectively measured physical activity and fundamental motor skills in 4-year-old children. Physical activity was monitored in 20 girls and 17 boys over 5 consecutive days (3 days at preschool and 2 days at home) and their fundamental motor skills measured. Multiple linear regressions controlled for sex, age, and body mass index indicated that the total skill score was significantly associated with physical activity, explaining 13%, 16%, and 16% of the variance in total, moderate-to-vigorous, and light-to- vigorous physical activity, respectively. Sliding and galloping were significantly associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and throwing and catching combination was significantly associated with total, moderate-to-vigorous, and light-to-vigorous physical activity. The findings warrant future investigations with larger samples to examine the relationship between locomotor, manipulative skills, and physical activity behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemias co-occur frequently with schizophrenia. It is not known how common they are in adolescents with a familial risk for psychosis. Method: The Northern Finland 1986 Birth Cohort consists of 9432 children born alive in the two Northernmost provinces in Finland. At the age of 15/16 they participated in clinical examination including measurements of glucose, lipids and IR, and a questionnaire including items about their diet and physical activity. The Finnish Hospital Discharge Register was used to find out non-organic psychoses in parents during 1972–2000. This familial risk was found out in 54 boys and 68 girls. Their results were compared with other cohort members. Results: No differences were observed in the cardiometabolic risk factors between the study groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that familial risk for psychosis is not directly associated with disturbances of glucose and lipid metabolism among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The benefits of physical activity (PA) on children's health and wellbeing are well established. However, the benefits of PA on academic performance and particularly on mathematics performance warrant systematic analysis. Mathematics is one of the core subjects in school education globally. Methods: We systematically searched, analysed and synthesized the literature on the effects of school-based PA interventions on mathematics performance in children aged 4–16. A total of 29 studies consisting of randomised trials and other interventions with control groups were identified through a systematic search, and 11 of them provided sufficient data and appropriate design for a meta-analysis. Results: Of the 29 studies involving 11,264 participants, positive overall effects of a PA intervention on mathematics performance were found in 13 studies (45%) and neutral overall effects in 15 studies (52%). Only one study reported a significant negative result for a subgroup of children in the first half of the intervention. In a risk-of-bias assessment, 12 studies had low, 17 moderate, and none had a high risk of bias. The meta-analysis of 11 studies suggested an overall small positive effect (ES = 0.23) of the interventions. Only one study in the meta-analysis indicated a negative effect in one of the intervention groups. Conclusions: Adding PA to the school day may enhance children's mathematics performance or has no negative effects on performance. Several types of PA interventions can be recommended to be added to the school day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]