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Markers for the relationships between structural and microvasculature measures given by optical coherence tomography angiography are necessary to increase the diagnostic and prognostic value of this technique. The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between structural and microvasculature measures around the fovea in healthy eyes of healthy children.Observational cross-sectional study involving children aged 8-17 years, born at full-term, with no eye disease. The better of two 3 × 3 mm macular scans obtained with a Cirrus 5000HD-OCT was analysed. Images were corrected for lateral magnification errors. Vessel density and perfusion were measured with ImageJ/Fiji software for the superficial capillary plexus. Structural measures including foveal and macular thicknesses were performed manually.The sample included 86 participants, 51 (59%) females. Mean age was 12.4 years (SD = 2.5); mean best-corrected acuity was -0.10 logMAR (SD = 0.09); mean refractive error was +0.59 D (SD = 1.3) and mean axial length was 23.1 mm (SD = 0.86). Mean area of the foveal avascular zone (AFAZ) was 0.20 mmIn this study, foveal thickness, FMTR and foveal microvasculature measurements were correlated. Clinicians need to be aware that shallow foveal pits and persistent foveal microvasculature are likely to occur in optical coherence tomography angiography images. In healthy eyes from healthy children, an atypical high FMTR and a small AFAZ may be associated with incomplete foveal development. The mechanism and functional implications of this remain unknown.

Background: Long outdoor stay may cause hazardous exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun even at high latitudes as in Sweden (Spring to Autumn). On the other hand, long outdoor stay is a strong predictor of primary school children´s free mobility involving moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). UV-protective outdoor environments enable long outdoor stay. We investigated the concurrent impact of different school outdoor play settings upon pupils´ sun exposure and levels of physical activity across different ages, genders, and seasons. Method: During 1 week each in September, March, and May, UVR exposure and MVPA were measured in pupils aged 7-11 years. Erythemally effective UVR exposure was measured by polysulphone film dosimeters and MVPA by accelerometers. Schoolyard play was recorded on maps, and used areas defined as four play settings (fixed play equipment, paved surfaces, sport fields, and green settings), categorized by season and gender. Results: During the academic year, sport fields yielded the highest UVR exposures and generated most time in MVPA. In March, time outdoors and minutes in MVPA dropped and UVR exposures were suberythemal at all play settings. In May, green settings and fixed play equipment close to greenery promoted MVPA and protected from solar overexposure during long outdoor stays. Conclusion: More outdoor activities in early spring are recommended. In May, greenery attractive for play could protect against overexposure to UVR and stimulate both girls and boys to vigorous play. (Less)

The aim of this study was to measure the percentage of sedentary light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (%MVPA) provided by physical education (PE) lessons for Swedish second, fifth and eighth grade students, aged eight, 11 and 14.We observed 39 PE lessons and divided them into seven lesson categories: ball play, ball games, dance, fitness, playing games, orienteering and gymnastics. Physical activity (PA) during PE was estimated using accelerometers and the height and weight of the children were measured.We studied 149 children: 63 in the second grade, 66 in the fifth grade and 19 in the eighth grade. On average, 25% of the PE lessons were spent in MVPA and the mean %MVPA varied with the lesson content, with fitness, orienteering and playing games being the most intense. The highest %MVPA was in the fitness category, providing 33% (8-62%) for girls and 37% (7-72%) for boys. With the exception of the second grade, no significant gender differences in %MVPA were seen.The content of Swedish PE lessons affected the %MVPA in all age groups. In some content, individuals reached two-thirds of their daily PA recommendations, highlighting the potential that PE contributes to public health goals.

Potentials and limitations of sky view fish-eye photography and calculation of the percentage of free sky (sky view factor, SVF) as a proxy to estimate solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure in shade settings are investigated using controlled situations. SVF and measured solar UVR exposure correlated at high mid-latitude (56.65°N) near autumnal equinox in September. The correlation was enhanced by splitting the sky view images into a south- and a north-half and weighting the south-half higher to account for the direct sun. Sky view images from eight different settings with SVF-values 98.3% - 14.9% were compared to exposure measurements by polysulphone film dosimeter badges in the horizontal zenith-, vertical-south-, east-, west- and north-directions and their combinations. The sky view images were un-split and un-weighted or split and the semi-skies given south/north weights (3.0/1.0) or a higher weight ratio (3.5/0.5). Of all tested combinations split sky view SVFs weighted 3.0/1.0 and compared to horizontal (zenith-oriented) dosimeters yielded the highest correlation (R2 = 0.96). The weight ratio (3.5/0.5) yielded the 2nd highest correlation (R2 = 0.90) both compared to measured horizontal exposure and compared to the horizontal exposure averaged with the vertical-south-oriented exposure. SVF from sky view fish-eye photography may estimate solar UVR exposure in shade settings.

Regulated school days entail less free-living physical activity (PA) and outdoor stay, which may jeopardize the opportunities for cohesive moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and, by extension, children’s health. The role of outdoor stay during school time for pupils’ free-living PA vs. physical education (PE) and indoor stay was studied during one academic year in 196 pupils aged 7–14 years at four schools in mid-southern Sweden during five consecutive days each in September, March, and May. Actigraph GT3X+ Activity monitors were used. Predictors for PA during school stay were expressed as mean daily accelerometer counts and were measured per season, day, grade, gender, weather, and time outdoors. Overall, free-living PA outdoors generated the highest mean accelerometer counts for moderate and vigorous PA. Outdoor PA and PE, representing 23.7% of the total school time contributed to 50.4% of total mean accelerometer counts, and were the greatest contributors to moderate and vigorous PA. Age and weather impacted PA, with less PA in inclement weather and among older pupils. More time outdoors, at all seasons, would favorably increase school children’s chances of reaching recommended levels of PA.

Preschool outdoor play environment may combine promotion of childrens physical activity and sun protection. Further evidence from Southern Sweden and North Carolina : Les aires de jeux exterieures en ecole maternelle peuvent associer promotion de l´activite physique et protection solaire. Noveaux arguments de Suede du Sud et de Caroline Nord

Comparison of pedometer and accelerometer measures on physical activity in preschool children 3-5 years of age

Introduction: Being outdoors is both beneficial and detrimental due to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Overexposure of UVB radiation causes mutagenic changes which may cause skin cancer, the most comm...

More scheduled outdoor stay is increasingly advocated for school children. This study measured 2(nd) , 5(th) and 8(th) graders' erythemal UV-exposure in September, March and May at four Swedish schools. We related those exposures, as fractions of total available ambient radiation, to the schools outdoor environments differing in amount of shade, vegetation, and peripheral city-scape quantified as percentage of free sky view calculated from fish-eye photographs. Exposures correlated to the sky views (with exceptions in May) and were suberythemal. The exposures were also below the threshold limit of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for hazard evaluation of UVR but were potentially enough for adequate vitamin D formation according to a cited model calculation - as illustrated in the results and discussed. The school environments, typical in southern and middle Sweden, offer enough shade to protect children from overexposure during seasons with potentially harmful solar UV radiation. Pupils' outdoor stay may be extended during September and March. In May extended outdoor stay of the youngest pupils requires a more UVR-protective environment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This study explored physical activity, body mass index (BMI) and overweight and obesity from 2000 to 2013 using a convenience sample of second- and fifth-grade Swedish schoolchildren aged 8-9 years and 11-12 years, respectively.We examined cross-sectional cohorts of 126 second-grade children in 2000, 84 in 2006 and 44 in 2013 and 105 fifth-grade children in 2000 and 38 in 2013. No fifth graders were available in 2006. Physical activity data were collected based on pedometer readings over four consecutive weekdays, and height and weight were measured. Identical instruments and procedures were used in all three years.There was an increase in physical activity in second-grade girls from 2000 to 2006 (p0.01), which then stabilised between 2006 and 2013, but second-grade boys and fifth-grade girls were stable throughout the study period. Fifth-grade boys decreased significantly (24%) from 16 670 to 12 704 steps per day (p0.01) from 2000 to 2013. Mean BMI scores remained stable over time.Time trends in physical activity differed between boys and girls. Second-grade boys and fifth-grade girls were stable throughout, whereas second-grade girls increased from 2000 to 2006 before stabilising. Fifth-grade boys showed a significant 24% reduction from 2000 to 2013. Changes in recess and leisure time habits, such as smartphone use, may have influenced the result.

Background:Health organizations suggest that adults ought to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity daily physical activity. This study investigated the effects of a 30-minute single daily bout of brisk walking upon risk factors for coronary heart disease with blood lipid profile in particular.Methods:Thirty-three (25–45 y) adults, were randomly assigned into an exercise group (EG; n = 16, 9w) and a control group (CG; n = 17, 6w). The EG walked briskly 30 minutes daily during the 3-week test period. Compliance/adherence was maximal throughout the 3-week intervention due to stringent daily monitoring.Results:The EG showed a significant decrease in concentrations of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) during the intervention period. A significant inverse correlation between Δ energy expenditure/day and Δ LDL-C (r = –0.39, P < .05) and an improvement in weight and BMI in the EG was found. Average steps during 30 minutes brisk walking bout was 3669 steps/bout generating a mean energy expenditure of 191 kcal/ bout.Conclusions:The most unique findings were that daily single bouts of moderate-intensity physical activity for 30 minutes, during 3 weeks, induced favorable effects upon body weight, BMI, and blood concentration of LDL-C and TC in healthy adults.

To compare pedometer steps with accelerometer counts and to analyse minutes of engagement in light, moderate and vigorous physical activity in 3- to 5-year-old children during preschool time.Physical activity was recorded during preschool time for five consecutive days in 55 three- to five-year-old children. The children wore a Yamax SW200 pedometer and an Actigraph GTIM Monitor.The average time spent at preschool was 7.22 h/day with an average step of 7313 (±3042). Steps during preschool time increased with increasing age. The overall correlation between mean step counts and mean accelerometer counts (r = 0.67, p0.001), as well as time in light to vigorous activity (r = 0.76, p0.001), were moderately high. Step counts and moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes were poorly correlated in 3 years old (r = 0.19, p0.191) and moderately correlated (r = 0.50, p0.001) for children 4 to 5 years old.Correlation between the preschool children's pedometer-determined step counts and total engagement in physical activity during preschool time was moderately high. Children's step counts at preschool were low, and the time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity at preschool was very short.

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) provides a substantial health benefit for children. Monitoring physical activity would help in developing policies and guidelines to increase activity levels. Evaluation and comparison of physical activity across time have several underlying assumptions. Thus, it is fundamental to compare matching populations, and to use the same measurement technique, instrument and test protocol during similar test conditions. In a study of secular trends of pedometer determined physical activity in 7–9 year old Swedish children, physical activity increased during 2000–2006 and in another study of children aged 13–14 years reported no significant decrease in PA during 2000–2008. Could this positive finding hold true even over a longer time span in Sweden? To our knowledge, longer time spans of pedometer-determined PA trends have never been published. Purpose: To explore secular trends of pedometerdetermined physical activity (PA), body mass index (BMI), the percentage to meet recommendations of daily PA and the percentage of overweight/obese from 2000 to 2006 and 2013 in second graders from the very same two schools and from 2000 to 2013 in fifth graders. Methods: Trends between three cross sectional cohorts from five schools in 2000, and from two schools in 2006 and 2013 were analysed. Participating 2nd graders were n 2000 126 (57 girls), in 2006 84 (42 girls) and in 2013 (44 (23 girls), and 5th graders in 2000 105 (53 girls) and in 2013 38 (18 girls). During four consecutive weekdays, physical activity data were collected, height and weight measured, and BMI computed. Identical instruments and procedures were used on all three occasions. One-way ANOVA Post hoc Scheffe was applied for analysis. Results: In 2nd grade girls a significant increase of PA from 2000 to 2006 was observed (p< 0.01), and followed by a stable level between 2006 and 2013. No significant differences between the boy’s cohorts were seen. In 5th grade boys a significant decrease was observed between 2000 and 2013 with a drop in average daily PA from 16670 to 12704 (p< 0.01) In girls level of PAwas stable between 2000 and 2013. The percentage fulfilling upper endpoint for both boys (15,000 steps) and girls (12000 steps) to achieve the 60minutes of MVPA recommendation was higher in 2013 compared to 2000 for both genders in second grade, for fifth graders it dropped from 71% to 61% and from 76% to 20% between 2000 and 2013 in girls and boys respectively. Conclusion(s): Secular trends of PA differ between boys and girls. 2nd graders and 5th grade girls were largely stable whereas PA in 5th grade boys dropped by 24% between 2000 and 2013. Changing recess and leisure time habits such as smartphone use could be one of the causes. Implications: This study, point out the possible magnitude of unlimited smartphone use during recess or leisure time on children’s physical activity and the need to further study this phenomena.

The synthesis of bile acid oligodeoxynucleotide conjugates via the 3-OH group of the bile acids is described. When used in vivo in rats, covalent conjugation of an oligodeoxynucleotide via a linker to cholic acid resulted in an increased biliary excretion of bile acid-oligodeoxynucleotide conjugates compared to unconjugated oligodeoxynucleotides.

Background School children are confined to and exposed to outdoor environment that happens to be at their disposal during compulsory school time. The health-promoting potential of outdoor environment, and the use of it, is therefore important. We have studied the impact of school outdoor environment in terms of playground features, space, topography and vegetation upon the patterns of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) across ages and seasons in Swedish pupils at compulsory school. Methods Four schools in the Middle and Southern parts of Sweden, with outdoor environments differing in playground features, space, topography and vegetation were analyzed during one school year. A sample of 196 children was drawn from eligible pupils in grades 2, 5 and 8, aged 7–14 years. PA was monitored with time-stamped Actigraph accelerometers GT3X+, measuring different intensity levels during outdoor time. Maps were used to mark places where the children stayed and what they did during outdoor time. Results Mean MVPA during outdoor stay was 39 minutes for the entire school year, time in MVPA correlated positively with outdoor time, as did MVPA with used outdoor play area (p

Background:It is important to understand the correlates of physical activity (PA) to influence policy and create environments that promote PA among preschool children. We compared preschoolers’ PA in Swedish and in US settings and objectively examined differences boys’ and girls’ indoor and outdoor PA regarding different intensity levels and sedentary behavior.Methods:Accelerometer determined PA in 50 children with mean age 52 months, (range 40–67) was recorded during preschool time for 5 consecutive weekdays at 4 sites. The children wore an Actigraph GTIM Monitor.Results:Raleigh preschool children, opposite to Malmö preschoolers spent significantly more time indoors than outdoors (P < .001). Significantly more moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was observed outdoors (P < .001) in both settings. Malmö children accumulated significantly more counts/min indoors (P < .001). The percent of MVPA during outdoor time did not differ between children at Raleigh and Malmö.Conclusion:Physical activity counts/minutes was significantly higher outdoors vs. indoors in both Malmö and Raleigh. Malmö preschoolers spent 47% of attendance time outdoors compared with 18% for Raleigh preschoolers which could have influenced the difference in preschool activity between the 2 countries. Time spent in MVPA at preschool was very limited and predominantly adopted outdoors.