28 research outputs found
The association between chronic stress and body fat distribution considering the mediating role of lifestyle factors within an EPIC-Potsdam substudy
No full textHintergrund: Anhaltender Stress ist mit einer Reihe weltweit verbreiteter chronischer Erkrankungen assoziiert, wobei insbesondere die Körperfettverteilung als mögliche Verbindung diskutiert wird. Auf welche Art verschiedene Marker von Stress und Körperfett zusammenhängen und welche Rolle der Lebensstil dabei spielt, ist bisher noch nicht vollkommen geklärt.
Methoden: Im Rahmen einer Querschnittsuntersuchung wurden an 816 Probanden der EPIC-Potsdam-Studie (51–82 Jahre alt) umfangreiche Messungen der Körperfettverteilung mittels Magnetresonanztomographie (viszerales und Gesamtkörperfett), des Lebensstils (Energieaufnahme, objektive körperliche Aktivität, Alkohol- und Tabakkonsum) sowie soziodemographischer und gesundheitsbezogener Parameter durchgeführt. Die Schätzung der Stressexposition erfolgte sowohl subjektiv anhand der Selbsteinschätzung der mentalen und körperlichen Gesundheit (SF-12) sowie des chronischen Stresses (TICS-SSCS) - als auch physiologisch anhand von Cortisol in den Haaren und im Speichel bzw. Alpha-Amylase im Speichel. Zusammenhänge zwischen Stress, Lebensstil und Körperfettverteilung wurden mittels geschlechtsstratifizierter partieller Korrelations-, multipler linearer Regressions-, Mediator- und Strukturgleichungsmodellanalysen geprüft.
Ergebnisse: Stressparameter basierend auf subjektiven Einschätzungen bzw. unterschiedlichen physiologischen Stressmarkern korrelierten kaum miteinander. Ein erhöhter Körperfettanteil bei Männern war mit geringeren Amylase-Werten im Speichel und bei beiden Geschlechtern mit einer schlechteren subjektiven Beurteilung der körperlichen Gesundheit verbunden. In der gemeinsamen Betrachtung von Männern und Frauen, stieg die Menge an Gesamtkörperfett mit höheren Konzentrationen an Haarcortisol. Die Menge an viszeralem Fett war bei Frauen mit subjektivem Stress und bei beiden Geschlechtern gemeinsam mit einer flacheren Cortisolkurve im Speichel assoziiert. Diese Beziehungen zum Körperfett beruhten nur zu einem geringen Teil auf dem Lebensstil.
Schlussfolgerung: Subjektive sowie physiologische Parameter zur Beurteilung der Stressbelastung hingen unabhängig vom Alter, Lebensstil und gesundheitsbezogenen Faktoren mit der Menge an viszeralem und gesamtem Körperfett zusammen. Diese jeweiligen Assoziationen waren nicht nur geschlechts- und fettgewebsspezifisch, sondern variierten auch zwischen den verschiedenen Stressparametern, womit eine generalisierbare Aussage über die Beziehung zwischen Stress und Körperfettverteilung schwer möglich ist. In der Gesamtbetrachtung der Ergebnisse, scheint vermehrter Stress jedoch tendenziell mit einer Erhöhung des Körperfettanteils assoziiert zu sein, wobei der Lebensstil eine eher kleine Rolle spielt.Background: Long-term stress exposure is related to a number of common chronic diseases, in which body fat distribution is discussed as potential link. However, the association between different markers of stress and body fat distribution is inconsistent and the mediating role of lifestyle still unclear.
Methods: Within a cross-sectional examination in 816 participants of the EPIC-Potsdam study (aged between 51 and 82), detailed information on body fat distribution obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (visceral and total fat mass), lifestyle (energy intake, objectively measured physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking) as well as socio-demographic and health-related parameters were collected. Stress exposure was measured subjectively by physical and mental health (SF-12) and perceived chronic stress (TICS-SSCS) as well as physiologically by hair cortisol, salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase concentrations. Associations of the different stress parameters with lifestyle and body fat distribution were investigated using partial correlations, multiple linear regressions, mediator analysis and structural equation modeling.
Results: The correlations between subjectively measured stress and stress parameters based on the various physiologic markers were very low. Elevated fat mass was related to lower concentrations of salivary amylase in men and poorer reported physical health in men and women. Within the combined analysis of men and women, total fat increased with hair cortisol concentrations. Visceral fat was positively associated with perceived chronic stress in women and a flatter curve of salivary cortisol in both sexes combined. Overall, the mediating role of lifestyle was quite low.
Conclusion: Subjectively as well as physiologically measured stress was related to visceral and total fat mass—independent of age, lifestyle and health-related factors. The respective associations were found to differ between sexes as well as across different fat tissues and varied across stress measures which complicates a generalized statement on the association of stress with body fat distribution. However, in the overall view of the results, stress tends to be linked to increased body fat in which the mediation by lifestyle plays a minor role
Life satisfaction and risk of chronic diseases in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC)-Germany study.
No full textOBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the prospective association between life satisfaction and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, stroke, and cancer. Previous studies suggested that psychosocial factors may affect the development of chronic diseases but the impact of positive attitudes, in particular life satisfaction, is yet to be determined. METHODS: The analysis included 50,358 participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Germany study in Potsdam and Heidelberg. Life satisfaction was assessed in a baseline interview and incident cases of chronic diseases were identified and verified during follow-up. Hazard ratios were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression models that were systematically multivariable-adjusted for established risk factors and prevalent diseases. RESULTS: During an average of 8 years of follow-up 2,293 cases of cancer, 1,840 cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 440 cases of stroke, and 562 cases of myocardial infarction were observed. Women who were unsatisfied with life at baseline showed in all models a significantly increased risk of cancer (HR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.18-1.78) and stroke (HR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.05-2.73) as well as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus by trend across categories (p-trend=0.04) compared to women very satisfied with life. In men, a relationship between life satisfaction and stroke was found but did not persist after consideration of lifestyle factors and prevalent diseases. No significant association was observed between life satisfaction and risk of myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that reduced life satisfaction is related to the development of chronic diseases--particularly in women and partly mediated by established risk factors
Evaluierung der ethischen und sozialen Implikationen von KI im öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunk
No full textDiese Arbeit untersucht die ethischen und sozialen Implikationen von künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) im öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunk und beschreibt eine Teilstudie der diesjährigen Public-Value-Studie (2024). Ziel dieser Untersuchung ist es, auf der Grundlage ausgewählter europäischer Best-Practice-Modelle der digitalen Transformation und deren wissenschaftlicher Evaluierung Perspektiven für die Weiterentwicklung des Grundmodells eines Public Network Value zu entwickeln. Damit soll ein adaptiver Analyserahmen für die digitale Weiterentwicklung öffentlich-rechtlicher Anbieter entworfen und perspektivisch europäische Kooperationsprojekte aufgezeigt werden. Die hier skizzierte Teilstudie befasst sich mit der Evaluierung eines KI-Tools namens AiDitor, ein mit vielfältigen Funktionen ausgestattetes Support-Tool für die Redaktionsarbeit. Ziel der Teilstudie ist es, Chancen und Herausforderungen zu bewerten, die durch den Einsatz dieses KI-Tools im redaktionellen Bereich entstehen. Dabei sollen die Anforderungen sowie die professionellen und berufsethischen Standards eines öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunks berücksichtigt werden. Anhand einer Fallstudie mit qualitativen Interviews wurden unterschiedliche Perspektiven auf die Rolle von KI im öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunk erhoben. Darüber hinaus wird der Z-Inspection Prozess, ein IEEE-Standard, auf die Domäne des öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunks angewendet, einschließlich der Verwendung des von der Europäischen Union entwickelten sozio-technologischen Analyserahmens für vertrauenswürdige KI. Die Ergebnisse zeigen erhebliche Spannungen zwischen den Möglichkeiten von KI sowie sozialen und ethischen Erwägungen, was den Bedarf an robusten Governance-Rahmenwerken und Leitlinien unterstreicht. Auf der Grundlage einer Evaluierung der Studienergebnisse durch Experten werden Empfehlungen skizziert und verschiedene Handlungsfelder identifiziert, die den vertrauenswürdigen Einsatz von KI anleiten sollen.This thesis examines the ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in public broadcasting and describes a sub-study of this year’s Public Value Study (2024). The Public Value Study aims to develop perspectives for further development of the basic model of the Public Network Value based on selected European best practice models of digital transformation and their scientific evaluation. This is intended to design an adaptive analytical framework for the digital advancement of public service providers and to prospectively highlight European cooperation projects. The sub-study outlined here deals with the evaluation of an AI tool called AiDitor, a support tool for editorial work. The sub-study aims to assess the opportunities and challenges that arise from the use of this AI tool in the editorial field. The requirements of such an AI support tool as well as the professional and ethical standards of a public broadcaster will be considered. A case study approach, including qualitative interviews, was employed to gather diverse perspectives on AI's role in public broadcasting. In addition, the Z-Inspection process published by IEEE is tailored to the domain of broadcasting, including the usage of a socio-technological analysis framework such as the framework for trustworthy AI developed by the European Union. The findings reveal significant tensions between technological advancements as well as social and ethical considerations, emphasizing the need for robust governance frameworks and guidelines. Based on a peer assessment conducted by the study author and experts in the field of AI, recommendations are outlined and different fields of action are identified aiming to guide trustworthy employment
Sex-specific and multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95%-confidence intervals (CI) of myocardial infarction incidence according to life satisfaction within EPIC Germany.
No full text<p><b>Model 1</b>: Cox proportional hazards regression stratified by age and study center</p><p><b>Model 2</b>: model 1 with additional adjustment for smoking (never, former, current), alcohol intake (≤10 g/day, >10-40 g/day, >40 g/day), physical activity (active, moderately active, moderately inactive, inactive), education (none, primary school, technical school, secondary school, higher education/university), WHR, consumption of fruits & vegetables (g/day), red meat (g/day), and whole-grain bread (g/day)</p><p><b>Model 3</b>: model 2 with additional adjustment for prevalent hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus</p
Validation of anthropometric indices of adiposity against whole-body magnetic resonance imaging--a study within the German European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohorts.
No full textIn epidemiological studies, measures of body fat generally are obtained through anthropometric indices such as the body mass index (BMI), waist (WC), and hip circumferences (HC). Such indices, however, can only provide estimates of a person's true body fat content, overall or by adipose compartment, and may have limited accuracy, especially for the visceral adipose compartment (VAT).To determine the extent to which different body adipose tissue compartments are adequately predicted by anthropometry, and to identify anthropometric measures alone, or in combination to predict overall adiposity and specific adipose tissue compartments, independently of age and body size (height).In a sub-study of 1,192 participants of the German EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) cohorts, whole-body MRI was performed to determine adipose and muscle tissue compartments. Additional anthropometric measurements of BMI, WC and HC were taken.After adjusting for age and height, BMI, WC and HC were better predictors of total body volume (TBV), total adipose tissue (TAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) than for VAT, coronary adipose tissue (CAT) and skeletal muscle tissue (SMT). In both sexes, BMI was the best predictor for TBV (men: r = 0.72 [0.68-0.76], women: r = 0.80 [0.77-0.83]) and SMT (men: r = 0.52 [0.45-0.57], women: r = 0.48 [0.41-0.54]). WC was the best predictor variable for TAT (r = 0.48 [0.41-0.54]), VAT (r = 0.44 [0.37-0.50]) and CAT (r = 0.34 [0.26-0.41]) (men), and for VAT (r = 0.42 [0.35-0.49]) and CAT (r = 0.29 [0.22-0.37]) (women). BMI was the best predictor for TAT (r = 0.49 [0.43-0.55]) (women). HC was the best predictor for SAT (men (r = 0.39 [0.32-0.45]) and women (r = 0.52 [0.46-0.58])).Especially the volumes of internal body fat compartments are poorly predicted by anthropometry. A possible implication may be that associations of chronic disease risks with the sizes of internal body fat as measured by BMI, WC and HC may be strongly underestimated
Validity of Electronically Administered Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (RPAQ) in Ten European Countries
No full textObjective: To examine the validity of the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (RPAQ) which assesses physical activity (PA) in 4 domains (leisure, work, commuting, home) during past month. Methods: 580 men and 1343 women from 10 European countries attended 2 visits at which PA energy expenditure (PAEE), time at moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and sedentary time were measured using individually-calibrated combined heart-rate and movement sensing. At the second visit, RPAQ was administered electronically. Validity was assessed using agreement analysis. Results: RPAQ significantly underestimated PAEE in women [median(IQR) 34.1 (22.1, 52.2) vs. 40.6 (32.4, 50.9) kJ/kg/day, 95%LoA: -44.4, 63.4 kJ/kg/day) and in men (43.7 (29.0, 69.0) vs. 45.5 (34.1, 57.6) kJ/kg/day, 95%LoA: -47.2, 101.3 kJ/kg/day]. Using individualised definition of 1MET, RPAQ significantly underestimated MVPA in women [median(IQR): 62.1 (29.4, 124.3) vs. 73.6 (47.8, 107.2) min/day, 95%LoA: -130.5, 305.3 min/day] and men [82.7 (38.8, 185.6) vs. 83.3 (55.1, 125.0) min/day, 95%LoA: -136.4, 400.1 min/day]. Correlations (95%CI) between subjective and objective estimates were statistically significant [PAEE: women, rho = 0.20 (0.15-0.26); men, rho = 0.37 (0.30-0.44); MVPA: women, rho = 0.18 (0.13-0.23); men, rho = 0.31 (0.24-0.39)]. When using non-individualised definition of 1MET (3.5 mlO(2)/kg/min), MVPA was substantially overestimated (similar to 30 min/day). Revisiting occupational intensity assumptions in questionnaire estimation algorithms with occupational group-level empirical distributions reduced median PAEE-bias in manual (25.1 kJ/kg/day vs. 29.0 kJ/kg/day, p<0.001) and heavy manual workers (64.1 vs. -4.6 kJ/kg/day, p<0.001) in an independent hold-out sample. Conclusion: Relative validity of RPAQ-derived PAEE and MVPA is comparable to previous studies but underestimation of PAEE is smaller. Electronic RPAQ may be used in large-scale epidemiological studies including surveys, providing information on all domains of PA
Time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity (min/day) as assessed by the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire and combined movement sensor and heart rate monitor, N = 1923.
No full text<p>IQR- interquartile range; SD- standard deviation; LoA- 95% limits of agreement; range of bias includes the values between 2.5<sup>th</sup> and 97.5<sup>th</sup> percentile;</p><p>Acc+HR- combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor.</p><p>*p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001 for bias.</p
Domain-specific energy expenditure from the RPAQ and partial correlation with objectively assessed physical activity energy expenditure adjusted for all other domains (580 men and 1343 women).
No full text<p>Abbreviations: PAEE- physical activity energy expenditure; MVPA- moderate to vigorous physical activity; IQR- interquartile range; r- partial correlation coefficients (r) between domain-specific PA assessed by the RPAQ and objectively measured total PA adjusted for all other domains; PAEE for work was calculated only for participants who reported being employed; p-value for the difference across countries (Kruskal-Wallis test).</p
Participant characteristics at baseline, the RPAQ validation study cohort (N = 1923).
No full text<p>Values are mean (SD), except employment status which is n (%).</p><p>Abbreviations: BMI- body mass index; WHR- waist-hip ratio;</p><p>p<0.001 for difference in all variables across the countries (Kruskal-Wallis test).</p
Anthropometric variables and body compartments as assessed by MRI by sex and age groups<sup>1</sup>, all values are presented as mean (min, max).
No full text<p>TBV = total body volume, TAT = total adipose tissue, VAT = visceral adipose tissue, SAT = subcutaneous adipose tissue, CAT = coronary adipose tissue, SMT = skeletal muscle tissue.</p>1<p>Sub-study participants were sampled by baseline age groups (35–44 y, 45–54 y, 55–64 y). Due to the 4-year baseline period (1994–1998), age groups at time of sub-study (2010–2012) may overlap.</p
