Objectives In this article, we test theoretical pathways leading to and resulting from periodontal disease to better understand how periodontal disease, which is measurable in both past and present populations, integrates biocultural context and affects whole‐body physiology. Methods We use data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003‐2004 and logistic and linear regressions to test pathways linking psychosocial stress to periodontal disease, and periodontal disease to serum vitamin C levels. We then use causal mediation analysis to test the role of mediating variables in these pathways (n = 1853 individuals). Results Food insecurity was positively associated with periodontal disease and negatively associated with serum counts of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophils. Neither CRP nor neutrophils significantly mediated the relationship between food insecurity and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease was negatively associated with serum vitamin C levels and positively associated with neutrophil counts. Neutrophils may mediate the relationship between periodontal disease and vitamin C. Conclusions We identify two main findings: (a) periodontal disease contributes to and may result from immune dysregulation, particularly of neutrophils, and (b) an immune response to chronic infection such as periodontal disease is metabolically expensive for the body to maintain and likely depletes serum micronutrient levels. Both micronutrient status and serum neutrophil counts affect multiple skeletal and physiological phenotypes and thus position periodontal disease in whole‐body context.
BackgroundCommercial salmon fishing in Alaska is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Between 1992 and 2008, the average annual industry mortality rate was 128 deaths per 100,000 workers, and despite an increase in industry regulations, there has not been a significant decrease in mortality rate since 2000. Unpredictable fishing openings and fierce competition for limited resources result in periods of intense sleep deprivation and physical strain during the short commercial salmon season in Alaska.ObjectiveWe hypothesize that the combined effect of sleep deprivation, intense physical workload, and significant short-term chronic stress may be deleterious to health in both the short- and long-term among commercial salmon drift gillnet fishermen in Alaska. The objective of this protocol is to determine the feasibility of the study design to test this hypothesis.MethodsThe study design uses mixed methods and includes biometric monitoring consisting of heart rate variability, respiration, and movement data collected via a personal, wearable biometric device. Additional methods include observational data on activity, including duration and quality of sleep, weather, catch, and financial gain, as well as the collection of salivary cortisol. As such, the study will provide a holistic assessment of individual stress on multiple simultaneous timescales: immediately and continuously through the personal wearable biometric device, on the minute-hour level through the multiple daily collections of salivary cortisol, and by the hour-day through the use of participant and environment observational data.ResultsData collection was initiated in July 2017 and will extend through August 2019. Initial data collection has indicated that the methods outlined in this protocol are feasible and allow for effective collection of qualitative and quantitative data related to the psychological and physiological impact of Alaska commercial salmon fishing.ConclusionsWe anticipate that the use of a biometric device will be crucial in establishing measures of stress and physical activity within a population and environment uniquely challenged by physical isolation, strong weather patterns, and the potential for significant financial gain by fishermen. The potential exists for individuals engaged long-term in the fishing industry, through repeated and extended exposure to periods of intense sleep deprivation and chronic stress, to be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/10215
Objectives Age, sedentary activity, central adiposity, and inflammation have all been independently associated with bone mineral density (BMD). We assessed how the effects of sedentary activity and central adiposity on BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck change across early to late adulthood and whether these relationships are mediated by inflammation. Methods We analyzed data from 7135 women and men 20 years of age and older from NHANES 2007 to 2010. Anthropometrics, sedentary activity (min/day), serum CRP (mg/dl), and BMD (gm/cm2 measured by DXA scans) at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. Data were compared by age and sex groups and through causal mediation analysis. Results The effect of waist circumference on BMD was significantly mediated by serum CRP at both skeletal sites in men and at the femoral neck in women. Sedentary activity did not have a direct relationship to BMD but was mediated by waist circumference in men. Least square means differed significantly by sex and age groups with a general age‐related decline in BMD at both skeletal sites. Conclusions We found that central adiposity, independent of overall body size and composition as measured through BMI, has an inverse relationship with BMD that is mediated by serum CRP. In addition, the negative impact of increased sedentism acted through changes in central adiposity (waist circumference) but only in men. Although low bone density and osteoporosis are often considered degenerative diseases that primarily impact postmenopausal women, our findings show that sedentary activity and central adiposity impact bone density beginning in early adulthood in both women and men.
IntroductionCommercial salmon fishing in Alaska is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Between 1992 and 2008, the average annual industry mortality rate was 128 deaths per 100,000 workers [1], and despite an increase in industry regulations, there has not been a significant decrease in mortality rate since 2000 [2]. The majority of recorded injuries and mortality result from on-deck injuries, particularly those involving machinery, and falls overboard [2]. The industry is calling for injury prevention efforts such as increased use of personal flotation devices, but efforts to date have proven minimally successful.Studies have demonstrated a significant, positive relationship between sleep deprivation and response time and vigilant attention [3]. Sleep deprivation has also been shown to decrease resilience to stress and to have a detrimental impact on complex reasoning and decision making [4]. Unpredictable fishing openings and fierce competition for limited resources result in periods of intense sleep deprivation and physical strain during the short commercial salmon seasons in Alaska. Work is often highly physically demanding, requiring regular lifting and pulling of heavy items as well as repetitive movements associated with picking fish from nets, which is performed at high speeds and often for hours at a time. While the industry is currently focused on reducing acute morbidity and mortality, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and the maintenance of high levels of physical exertion may also contribute to morbidity later in life through increased cardiometabolic risk [5]. We hypothesize that the combined effect of sleep deprivation, intense physical workload and significant short-term chronic stress may be deleterious to health in both the short and long-term among commercial salmon drift gillnet fisherman in Alaska.In order to identify the physical and physiological impacts of commercial fishing on individuals, we intend to complete a mixed methods study designed to elucidate the ways in which sleep deprivation and chronic stress impact the short and long-term health of industry participants. Advancements in biometrics of activity, movement, and physiology in combination with biomarkers of acute and chronic psychosocial stress can provide insight into how the lifestyle and occupational factors associated with commercial fishing may negatively impact both the physical and psychological health of fishermen, while observational data can provide context into the daily activities and environmental pressures inherent to the industry.Biometric devices provide an objective method for quantifying physical activity. Measuring physical activity and sleep deprivation has proven historically challenging, and traditionally has been performed using self-report via physical activity questionnaires. While cheap and relatively easy to administer [6,7], physical activity questionnaires are incapable of objectively quantifying physical activity and, due to self-report, are inherently unreliable. One study...
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