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Summary: Peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans of the distal and midshaft radius were performed in 514 European men aged 40-79 years at baseline and a median of 4.3 years later. Age-related changes in volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone geometry were greater in men with higher biochemical markers of bone turnover at baseline. Introduction: This study aimed to determine prospective change in bone density and geometry at the radius in men and examine the influence of bone turnover markers and sex hormones on that change. Methods: Men aged 40-79 years were recruited from population registers in Manchester (UK) and Leuven (Belgium). At baseline, markers of bone formation (P1NP and osteocalcin) and resorption (β-cTX and ICTP) were assessed. Total and bioavailable testosterone and oestradiol were also measured. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) was used to scan the radius at distal and midshaft sites at the baseline assessment and a median of 4.3 years later. Results: Five hundred fourteen men, mean (SD) age of 59.6 (10.5) years, contributed to the data. At the midshaft site, there was a significant decrease in mean cortical vBMD (−0.04 %/year), bone mineral content (BMC) (−0.1 %/year) and cortical thickness (−0.4 %/year), while total and medullary area increased (+0.5 and +2.4 %/year respectively). At the distal radius, total vBMD declined (−0.5 %/year) and radial area increased (+0.6 %/year). Greater plasma concentrations of bone resorption and formation markers were associated with greater decline in BMC and cortical area at the midshaft and total vBMD at the distal site. Increased bone resorption was linked with an increase in total and medullary area and decrease in cortical thickness at the midshaft. Sex hormone levels were unrelated to change in pQCT parameters. Conclusions: Age-related changes in vBMD and bone geometry are greater in men with higher biochemical markers of bone turnover at baseline. Sex hormones have little influence on change in pQCT parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate how localisation ability develops over time for sequentially implanted paediatric recipients. The trajectory of localisation was assessed by modelling localisation scores over time and identifying factors that influence general ability and the rate at which it improves. The intended application of the model was to use it in clinical practice to inform families on an individual recipients' progress against expectations. Longitudinal data was collected at routine clinic appointments for a period of up to 10 years after sequential implantation. Five loudspeakers in a semi-circular arc were used to assess localisation. The angle of error was calculated for each response and the mean absolute error (MAE) in degrees was recorded along with time since second implant. All sequentially implanted recipients in Nottingham were eligible for inclusion within the study. Data were available for 138 of 166 recipients. Analysis of the data showed that localisation ability improves over time following sequential implantation, with an average reduction in MAE of 4.1 degrees per year. Overall localisation performance was influenced by inter implant interval (III), with MAE increasing on average by 1 degree for each additional year between first and second implant, and by age at first implant (AAI), with MAE increasing on average by 2.3 degrees with each additional year before first implantation. Neither factor influenced the rate at which localisation improved over time. The data show that the development of localisation ability is a complex process in sequentially implanted recipients, affected by several factors. The model can generate predictions to determine whether an individual's localisation ability is developing as would be expected based on their III and AAI. This tool can be used to inform clinical practice and give realistic expectations both pre and post --implant depending on the recipient's AAI and III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between reduced muscle mass (sarcopenia) and areal bone mineral density (BMD(a)) in middle-aged and elderly community-dwelling European men. Men with sarcopenia had significantly lower BMD(a) and were more likely to have osteoporosis compared with men without sarcopenia., Introduction: In men, the relationship between reduced muscle mass (sarcopenia) and BMD(a) is unclear. This study aimed to determine this relationship in middle-aged and elderly community-dwelling men., Methods: Men aged 40-79 years from the Manchester (UK) and Leuven (Belgium) cohorts of the European Male Ageing Study were invited to attend for assessment including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, from which appendicular lean mass (aLM), fat mass (FM) and whole-body, spine and hip BMD(a) were determined. Relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass (RASM) was calculated as aLM/height². Muscle strength was assessed in subjects from Leuven. Sarcopenia was defined by RASM at <7.26 kg/m² and by the recent definition of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (RASM at <7.26 kg/m(2) plus low muscle function). Linear regression was used to determine the associations between aLM, FM, muscle strength and BMD(a) and logistic regression to determine the association between sarcopenia and osteoporosis., Results: Six hundred seventy-nine men with a mean age of 59.6 (SD = 10.7), contributed data to the analysis; 11.9 % were sarcopenic by the conventional definition. After adjustment for age and centre, aLM, RASM and FM were positively associated with BMD(a). Men with RASM at <7.26 kg/m² had significantly lower BMD(a) compared with those with RASM at ≥7.26 kg/m(2). In a multivariable model, aLM was most consistently associated with BMD(a). Men with sarcopenia were more likely to have osteoporosis compared with those with normal RASM (odds ratio = 3.0; 95 % CI = 1.6-5.8)., Conclusions: Sarcopenia is associated with low BMD(a) and osteoporosis in middle-aged and elderly men. Further studies are necessary to assess whether maintaining muscle mass contributes to prevent osteoporosis.