The results imply that non-comparative measures are more appropriate in longitudinal studies and that measures without specified response options might be less suitable for an older study group. The overall impression is, however, that the different measures represents parallel assessments of subjective health.

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BackgroundLow total testosterone (TT) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations have been associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in men, but the reported strength of association varies considerably.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate whether associations differ across specific subgroups (according to age and body mass index (BMI)) and individual MetS components.Data sourcesTwo previously published meta-analyses including an updated systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE.Study Eligibility CriteriaCross-sectional or prospective observational studies with data on TT and/or SHBG concentrations in combination with MetS in men.MethodsWe conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis of 20 observational studies. Mixed effects models were used to assess cross-sectional and prospective associations of TT, SHBG and free testosterone (FT) with MetS and its individual components. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated and effect modification by age and BMI was studied.ResultsMen with low concentrations of TT, SHBG or FT were more likely to have prevalent MetS (ORs per quartile decrease were 1.69 (95% CI 1.60-1.77), 1.73 (95% CI 1.62-1.85) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.36-1.57) for TT, SHBG and FT, respectively) and incident MetS (HRs per quartile decrease were 1.25 (95% CI 1.16-1.36), 1.44 (95% 1.30-1.60) and 1.14 (95% 1.01-1.28) for TT, SHBG and FT, respectively). Overall, the magnitude of associations was largest in non-overweight men and varied across individual components: stronger associations were observed with hypertriglyceridemia, abdominal obesity and hyperglycaemia and associations were weakest for hypertension.ConclusionsAssociations of testosterone and SHBG with MetS vary according to BMI and individual MetS components. These findings provide further insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms linking low testosterone and SHBG concentrations to cardiometabolic risk.

Recent molecular and morphological systematic investigations revealed that the cacti are most closely related to Anacampseroteae, Portulaca and Talinum of the family Portulacaceae (ACPT clade of suborder Portulacineae). A combined analysis of ndhF, matK, and nad1 sequence data from the chloroplast and the mitochondrial genomes indicates that the tribe Anacampseroteae is the sister group of the family Cactaceae. This clade, together with Portulaca, is well characterized by the presence of axillary hairs or scales. Relationships within Anacampseroteae are characterized by a grade of five species of Grahamia s.l. from North and South America, and Grahamia australiana is found to be sister to the genera Anacampseros and Avonia. A comparison of vegetative characteristics indicates an evolutionary transition from woody subshrubs to dwarf perennial and highly succulent herbs during the diversification of Anacampseroteae. Available evidence from the present investigation as well as from previously published studies suggests that a revised classification of Portulacineae on the basis of inferred phylogenetic relationships might consist of a superfamily that includes Cactaceae and the three genera Anacampseros s.l.(including Avonia and Grahamia s.l.), Portulaca, and Talinum (including Talinella), either referred to three monogeneric families or to a paraphyletic family Portulacaceae*.

The present findings suggest that an individual's health perception may be coupled to circulating cytokines. Because epidemiological research established that self-rated health predicts morbidity and mortality, the biological correlates and mechanisms of self-rated health need to be understood.

Background: Skipping meals is a common practice in our current society; however, it is not clear whether eating meals regularly is associated with the metabolic syndrome. Objective: Our aim was to assess the association of eating meals regularly with parameters of the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in a representative population-based cohort of 60-year-old men and women. Methods and Procedures: A population-based cross-sectional study of 3,607 individuals (1,686 men and 1,921 women), aged 60 years, was conducted in Stockholm County, Sweden. Medical history, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle data were collected by a questionnaire and a medical examination, which included laboratory tests. Results: Of the subjects who were regular eaters, 20% fulfilled the criteria for the metabolic syndrome vs. 27% of subjects who were irregular eaters (P < 0.0001). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for having the greatest number of components of the metabolic syndrome in subjects who were regular eaters was 0.27 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.13-0.54) using subjects who did not fulfill any criteria for the metabolic syndrome as a reference group. Eating meals regularly was also inversely related to insulin resistance (OR, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.48-0.97)) and to γ-glutamyl transferase (OR, 0.52 (95% CI, 0.33-83)) after full adjustment. Discussion: Eating meals regularly is inversely associated to the metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and (high) serum concentrations of γ-glutamyl transferase. These findings suggest that eating meals irregularly may be part of several potential environmental risk factors that are associated with the metabolic syndrome and may have future implications in giving dietary advice to prevent and/or treat the syndrome.

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ADOLFSSON, BIRGITTA, STIG ELOFSSON, STEPHAN RÖ SSNER, AND ANNA-LENA UNDÉ N. Are sexual dissatisfaction and sexual abuse associated with obesity? A population-based study. Obes Res. 2004;12:1702-1709. Objective: To investigate whether there is any association between obesity and sexual satisfaction and sexual abuse in a normal population. Research Methods and Procedures:A representative sample of 2810 subjects from a population study was interviewed about sexual satisfaction, sexual abuse, and life satisfaction. The answers from normal weight, overweight, and obese participants were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Data were presented separately for two age groups, 18 to 49 and 50 to 74 years, and gender. The older group of obese men reported a greater decrease of sexual desire compared with 5 years prior than normal weight men [odds ratios (OR), 2.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4 to 4.3]. The older group of overweight men reported involuntary participation in sexual activities more often than normal weight men (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.8). Although older overweight and obese women were diagnosed with a lingering disease (defined as Ͼ1 month) more often than normal weight women (overweight: OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.4; obese: OR, 4.45; 95% CI, 1.7 to 11.5), there was no difference between BMI groups in satisfaction with physical health. Discussion: Overweight and obese groups seem to be heterogeneous with respect to sexual satisfaction and experiences of sexual abuse. No significant differences were detected between BMI groups, which does not exclude the possibility of significant differences between BMI groups among patients seeking medical attention.