A regression model applied to gender-specific ethanol elimination rates from blood and breath measurements in non-alcoholics

As elimination rates for alcohol are suggested to be gender specific, a novel regression model has been applied to estimate these rates for both men and women using experimentally measured data from 81 female and 96 male volunteers described in previous papers. Breath alcohol measurements were done with the Alcotest 7110 Evidential device and were coupled with concomitant sampling of venous blood. Statistical analyses involved use of a mixed linear model for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), respectively. The model takes regression lines for each test subject into account with an individual starting value (2 h after the end of drinking) and with an individual alcohol elimination rate per hour (coincidental effects). Further, the data was modeled so that an average alcohol elimination rate per hour could be estimated separately for both genders (constant effects). This enables us to methodically correctly estimate the back calculation. The elimination rates β ₆₀, which can be used for minimum and maximum back calculations for the BAC, were 0.115 g/kg/h and 0.260 g/kg/h, respectively, for women and 0.096 g/kg/h and 0.241 g/kg/h, respectively, for men. These figures widely deviate from gender-unspecific values commonly used in Germany (0.1 and 0.2 g/kg/h, respectively). The corresponding values for the BrAC were 0.061 mg/l/h and 0.124 mg/l/h for women and 0.049 mg/l/h and 0.112 mg/l/h for men. The probability of an over- or underestimation of the abovementioned extreme values is 0.3% in each case.     

Effect of hand-arm exercise on venous blood constituents during leg exercise

To test the hypothesis that ancillary arm and hand exercise would change the values of antecubital blood constituents during leg exercise, seven healthy men (19-27 yrs) performed static (10% of a maximal voluntary contraction) or dynamic (60 finger flexions/min) hand-arm exercise with one hand during submaximal leg exercise (50% V2 max) in the supine position. Venous blood was analyzed for serum Na+, K+, osmolality, albumin, total Ca2+, and glucose; blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, and lactic acid; and change in plasma volume. During leg exercise there were no significant differences in these blood constituents between right and left arms at rest. Only glucose and lactate were affected by additional arm exercise. Compared with resting arm values during leg exercise, glucose decreased from 4.7 to 4.5 mmol/l (delta = 4%, P less than 0.05) and lactate increased from 2.0 to 2.4 mmol/l (delta = 20%, P less than 0.05) during static arm exercise. With dynamic arm exercise, glucose decreased from a resting level of 4.8 to 4.7 mmol/l (delta = 2%, P less than 0.05). We conclude that additional static or dynamic hand-forearm exercise accompanying leg exercise could introduce significant errors in glucose (2%-4%) and lactic acid (6%-20%) concentrations measured in venous blood.     

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism during distance running in healthy, regularly exercising men and women

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of long distance running on bone metabolism, using the biochemical markers ICTP (the carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen), PICP (the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen), osteocalcin and bALP (bone specific alkaline phosphatase) as well as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium. Twenty healthy, regularly exercising individuals, 10 women and 10 men, participated in a running competition. The mean age was 38 (range 22–55) and 39 (range 22–53) years respectively, the performed distance 15 (range 5–30) and 28 (range 15–30) km respectively, with a speed of 5:30, 5:02 per kilometer respectively. Fasting blood samples were drawn in the morning the day before the race, and also the day after and two days after. A decrease of PICP concentrations among women was evident the day after the competition (from 170±17 μ/l to 158±17 μg/l) which returned to pre-exercise levels two days after the race (167±19 μg/l). Furthermore, a decrease of osteocalcin could be seen in the men one day after the exercise (from 12.1± 1.1 μg/l to 10.3±1.1 μg/l). In the men, there was also an increase of ICTP concentrations two days after (3.98±0.35 μg/l) this long-term and demanding exercise, when compared with pre-exercise levels (3.67±0.28). One single bout of longterm, exhaustive running exercise in well-trained men and women seems to induce a temporary inhibition of bone formation as well as a stimulation of bone resorption.     

Hemoglobin levels and athletic performance in elite speed skaters during the olympic season 2006.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that the hemoglobin (Hb) distribution curve in elite male and female long track speed skaters is not normally distributed and that there is a positive relationship between competitive success and Hb concentration. DESIGN: A venous blood sample was taken before the events from all skaters. The Hb concentration distribution curves of all ranked from 1 to 30 were tested for normality. In addition, individual Hb concentrations were plotted against ranking in the matching events. SETTING: 2006 major championships and Olympic winter games. PARTICIPANTS: All elite male and female speed skaters (217 men and 200 women) competing in major international championships in 2006 and in the Olympic winter games 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Hb concentration and individual ranking in the matching event. RESULTS: The mean Hb levels in men and women were 15.7 +/- 0.8 g/dL and 14.0 +/- 0.7 g/dL, respectively. The distribution curve in men would meet the criteria for normal distribution when 4 values from 2 skaters with naturally high Hb levels were neglected. In the women, the distribution curve did not meet the criteria for normality because of low frequency in the right side of the distribution curve and a high frequency at the left side. The curve failed to have a steep drop off at the right side. When plotting Hb concentration against ranking, there is no correlation and relationship between Hb concentration and competitive success. CONCLUSIONS: The Hb concentrations are within the normal range for endurance athletes, and there is no indication that the values are titrated toward the upper allowed limit. In addition, there is no relationship between Hb concentration and competitive success in elite speed skaters.     

Changing trends in dental restorative treatment needs of naval recruits 1987-89--disease or diagnosis?

The restorative treatment needs of 9960 young men and women who entered the Naval Service at HMS Raleigh between January 1987 and April 1989 are summarised. A marked increase in the numbers of fillings required and a decrease in the proportion considered to be dentally fit occurred in May 1988 and has continued as a trend thereafter. Weighted non-orthogonal analysis of variances have been conducted to assess the significance of clinical and period variables upon the changes.     

Frequency and characteristics of metabolic disorders in patients on haemodialysis

BACKGROUND/AIM:. Metabolic syndrome and malnutrition represent metabolic abnormalities which significantly characterize patients on haemodialysis. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and find characteristics of metabolic disbalance in patients on haemodialysis. METHODS: The study involved 124 patients on chronic haemodialysis at the Clinical Centre Kragujevac. There were analyzed demographic and anthropometric characteristics of the examined patients. Of clinical characteristics, there were determined smoking habit, time on dialysis, arterial pressure; of comorbid states there were recorded heart diseases and diabetes mellitus. Routine biochemical analyses were carried out by a standard laboratory procedure. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was found in 29.8% of the examined patients. The patients with metabolic syndrome were older as compared to the patients without metabolic syndrome (58.45 +/- 12.91 vs 52.25 +/- 11.63 years). The values of systolic pressure (143.88 +/- 19.75 vs 133.01 +/- 22.93 mmHg; p = 0.014), body mass index (21.2 +/- 3.71 vs 19.4 +/- 2.88 kg/m2;p = 0.001), fat body mass (19.57 +/- 8.47 vs 16.45 +/- 5.82%; p = 0.0002) and waist scope (89 +/- 12.54 vs 96 +/- 12.34 cm; p = 0.0001) were significantly higher in the patients with metabolic syndrome as compared to those without metabolic syndrome. The values of erythrocytes (3.4 +/- 0.45 vs 19 +/- 0.53 x 10(12); p = 0.04) and hemoglobin (107 +/- 15.76 vs 101 +/- 13.87 g/l; p = 0.009), glycaemia (9.5 +/- 8.15 vs 5.6 +/- 1.4 mmol/l; p = 0.04) triglycerides (2.44 +/- 1.8 vs 1.41 +/- 0.64 mmol/l; p = 0.007), HDL cholesterol (1.11 +/- 0.19 vs 0.82 +/- 0.25 mmol/l; p = 0.005) and albumins (32.5 +/- 5.6 vs 29.5 +/- 3.7 g/l; p = 0.007) were statistically higher in the patients with metabolic syndrome than in patients without disturbance. Diabetes mellitus was a significant etiological factor of renal insufficiency in the patients with metabolic syndrome (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: In our study approximately 30% of patients on haemodialysis had pronounced metabolic syndrome. The older, more obese men with increased levels of triglycerides and glucose in the serum dominated among them. Diabetes mellitus was a leading etiological factor of renal insufficiency in these patients.     

Bone mineral density reference values in the normal female and male population of Izmir,Turkey

In this study we aimed to establish the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) reference values of healthy Turkish women and men residing in Izmir, western Turkey. We examined 347 women and 119 men (age range 20-80 years) who did not have any known risk factor that might affect bone mass. The BMD measurements were performed by Hologic QDR 4500 W Elite DXA instrument from the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and non-dominant hip. In women the mean BMD (g/cm(2))+/-standard deviation (SD) of the normal reference group between 20 and 39 years of age was 0.963+/-0.121 g/cm(2) in the lumbar spine and 0.891+/-0.119 g/cm(2) in total femoral region. The percentages of annual and total BMD losses in women between 30 and 80 years of age were 0.74 and 29% at spinal level and 0.65 and 26% in femoral region, respectively. The average BMD of the normal men's group between 20 and 39 years of age was 0.996+/-0.111 g/cm(2) in the lumbar spine and 1.025+/-0.110 g/cm(2) in femoral region. The percentages of annual and total BMD losses were 0.33 and 13% at spinal level and 0.50 and 20% in femoral region, respectively. In conclusion, like the values reported from mid-Anatolian region of Turkey, the BMD values of Turkish women and men residing in Izmir, western Anatolia, are also lower than in most European countries with regard to US and preinstalled Hologic values.     

Change in levels of the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen, the carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen and osteocalcin in response to exercise in well-trained men and women

Physical exercise preserves bone mass. Measurements of bone biomarkers may reflect the events in bone during exercise. Fifteen healthy, well-trained individuals (7 men and 8 women) performed a running test for 21 min until exhaustion. Venous blood samples were drawn before and 30 min after the exercise to measure the levels of osteocalcin, the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and the carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP). After exercise, the women had a marked increase in serum osteocalcin concentrations (from 7.5±5.0 μg/1 to 11.5±3.0 μg/1), whereas the level was unaffected in the men (from 14.5±3.0 μg/1 to 13.5±4.6 μg/l). In the men there was a marked increase in PICP (from 240±47 μg/1 to 268±56 μg/1) that was not seen in the women (from 244±70 μg/1 to 253±60 μg/1). In neither group did ICTP levels change. In conclusion, significant responses were seen in PICP and osteocalcin during exercise, indicating that such measurements may be valuable for the further delineation of the effects of physical activity on bone. Furthermore, the different responses in men and women point to interesting areas for future studies.     

Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine by dual photon absorptiometry: age-related regression in normal Japanese subjects and fracture threshold in osteoporotics

The bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine was determined by DPA in 280 normal Japanese volunteers and 11 osteoporotic women with compression fractures. In women, bone loss started from the mid thirties and accelerated after the age of 50 years at the rate of 0.75% (0.0074 g/cm2) per year. In men, bone loss started from the mid twenties and occurred linearly at the rate of 0.30% (0.0032 g/cm2). The overall diminutions in vertebral BMD throughout life in men and women were 13.0% and 24.3%, respectively. The mean vertebral BMD of the osteoporotic women with recent compression fractures was 37.5% lower than that of age-matched controls. The 90th percentile for vertebral BMD in this group was 0.584 g/cm2. By the age of 80 years, approximately one-fifth of normal Japanese women have BMD values less than this.     

Substantial influence of level of endurance capacity on the association of perceived exertion with blood lactate accumulation

Capillary blood lactate assessment is increasingly used by well-trained runners to monitor the intensity of endurance exercise. In order to examine the known association of exercise intensity with blood lactate accumulation also in less trained subjects, we analysed data from a standardized incremental maximal test on the treadmill of 319 men (age 22.9 +/- 5.5 years, [means +/- S.D.]) and 145 women (22.7 +/- 4.5 years) characterized by a wide variation in endurance capacity. Results showed that the running velocity eliciting a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l did not correspond to the same exercise intensity in well endurance-trained vs poorly endurance-trained subjects. At 4 mmol/l blood lactate, the slowest decile of men (i.e. 32 out of 319) ran at 71 +/- 4.7% (corresponding to 2.9 +/- 0.3 m/s) of their maximal treadmill velocity attained during the test (4.1 +/- 0.4 m/s), indicating a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 12.3 +/- 1.8 points (Borg scale, range 6-20 points), while the fastest decile of men (n = 32) ran at 91 +/- 3.1% (corresponding to 5.4 +/- 0.2 m/s) of their maximal treadmill speed (5.9 +/- 0.2 m/s), indicating a RPE of 16.6 +/- 1.1 points. Very similar results were observed in women. There was a highly significant, positive correlation between running speed eliciting a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l and RPE when running at this speed, with r = 0.64 in men and r = 0.55 in women. At the same proportional level of maximal running velocity, poorly endurance-trained athletes showed a 2-3 mmol/l higher capillary lactate concentration than well endurance-trained athletes, with both groups indicating the same RPE. These results suggest that fixed blood lactate concentrations not at all mean the same exercise intensity for well vs poorly endurance-trained subjects; this systemic trend should be considered when using blood lactate assessment for individual exercise counselling.     

Endurance exercise and the production of growth hormone and haematopoietic factors in patients with anaemia

Objective: To evaluate the effect of moderate exercise on the production of haematopoietically active factors.

Methods: Ten patients (four men and six women, mean (SD) age 51 (10) years) with a haemoglobin concentration under 130 g/l (men) or 120 g/l (women) carried out five three minute exercise bouts at an intensity of 80% of the maximal heart rate, corresponding to a lactate concentration of 3 (0.5) mmol/l. Patients rested for three minutes between bouts. The concentrations of interleukin 6, stem cell factor, granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, erythropoietin, and growth hormone (GH) were evaluated before and in the eight hours after exercise.

Results: GH had risen significantly 15 minutes after exercise (1.1 (1.3) v 2.7 (2.8) ng/ml; p<0.05). No change in the concentration of the other cytokines and growth factors was observed in the eight hours after exercise.

Conclusions: In patients with anaemia, submaximal exercise does not affect the concentration of haematopoietically active cytokines. However, it leads to an increased concentration of GH. This may be responsible for the improved haematopoiesis observed after an exercise programme in patients with chronic diseases.

     

Radiation dose in defecography

The effective dose equivalent, as an expression of total patient risk for exposure to limited areas of the body, and gonadal doses associated with hereditary effects were estimated in 67 consecutive subjects (43 women and 24 men) who underwent defecography. With use of measured entrance exposure values and data from Monte Carlo simulations, the mean effective dose equivalent was estimated at 4.9 mSv +/- 1.6 (490 mrem +/- 160) for women and 0.6 mSv +/- 0.2 (60 mrem +/- 20) for men. The ovarian dose was 15 mSv +/- 5 (1.5 rem +/- 0.5). The testes are not within the primary beam and therefore are exposed to scattered radiation only, hence the low received dose of 0.14 mSv or less (14 mrem or less). These data indicate that defecography is among the radiologic procedures associated with a considerable, but not extreme, radiation dose.     

Bone mineral density reference values in the normal female and male population of İzmir, Turkey

In this study we aimed to establish the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) reference values of healthy Turkish women and men residing in İzmir, western Turkey. We examined 347 women and 119 men (age range 20–80 years) who did not have any known risk factor that might affect bone mass. The BMD measurements were performed by Hologic QDR 4500 W Elite DXA instrument from the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and non-dominant hip. In women the mean BMD (g/cm²)±standard deviation (SD) of the normal reference group between 20 and 39 years of age was 0.963±0.121 g/cm² in the lumbar spine and 0.891±0.119 g/cm² in total femoral region. The percentages of annual and total BMD losses in women between 30 and 80 years of age were 0.74 and 29% at spinal level and 0.65 and 26% in femoral region, respectively. The average BMD of the normal men's group between 20 and 39 years of age was 0.996±0.111 g/cm² in the lumbar spine and 1.025±0.110 g/cm² in femoral region. The percentages of annual and total BMD losses were 0.33 and 13% at spinal level and 0.50 and 20% in femoral region, respectively. In conclusion, like the values reported from mid-Anatolian region of Turkey, the BMD values of Turkish women and men residing in İzmir, western Anatolia, are also lower than in most European countries with regard to US and preinstalled Hologic values. Electronic Publication     

Hematological parameters in high altitude residents living at 4,355, 4,660, and 5,500 meters above sea level

There have been a number of reports describing the hematological indicators of Andean residents living at altitudes above 4,000 m, but several confounding factors have made the published results difficult to interpret. To clear up the effect of hypoxia on hemoglobin concentration (Hb, g/dL), hematocrit (Hct, %) and red blood cell concentration (RBC, cells/microL), this publication describes and analyzes these variables in children, men, and women from three large and homogeneous populations living at 4,355 m (n = 151), 4,660 m (n = 400), and 5,500 m (n = 273) in the Southern Peruvian Andes. Hb, Hct, and RBC increase with age in men (p < 0.001), as well as in women (p < 0.001) at the three altitudes of the study. In children (boys and girls) living at 5,500, Hb increases 11% when compared with children living at 4,355 m, and in adults, Hb increases 9.6% when comparing the same altitudes. The maximum percentage increase in Hb with age was 5.6% at 5,500 m, in men and 3.2% at 4,355 m, in women. The average percentage of difference for the Hb concentration between adult men and women is 6.6% at 4,355 m, 9.8% at 4,660 m, and 11.6% at 5,500 m. The differences in Hb concentration between men and women can only be seen after puberty. Finally, Hb is higher in older than younger women, which confirms the role of menopause in the development of erythremia. The result of this analysis reinforces the notion that Hb and Hct seem to be stable and useful parameters for acclimatization only at moderate altitudes; with aging or with increasing altitude, they may become excessive and lose their efficiency to protect the venous oxygen pressure.     

The Assessment of Anemia From Attenuation Values of Cranial Venous Drainage on Unenhanced Computed Tomography of the Head

Objective

To determine if prediction of anemia is possible from quantitative analyses of unenhanced cranial computed tomography (CT) images.

Methods

A retrospective chart review revealed 101 patients who had hemoglobin and hematocrit levels obtained within 24 hours of an unenhanced cranial CT. Regions of interest were the place on the torcular Herophili (confluence of sinuses) and the left and right transverse sinuses. Attenuation values were correlated with hemoglobin and hematocrit to investigate any possible relationship.

Results

Hemoglobin levels were correlated with torcular and transverse sinus attenuation levels. For every 10 Hounsfield unit (HU) increase in torcular attenuation, hemoglobin levels increased by 16.3 g/L (P < .001). When subgroup analysis was performed, by sex, for every 10 HU increase in torcular attenuation, hemoglobin levels increased by 22.6 g/L (P < .001) in men and 8.96 g/L (P < .05) in women.

Conclusion

The attenuation values for venous drainage on unenhanced cranial CT constitute a practical adjunct in the assessment of anemia. Given the number of individuals undergoing CT without blood work, this rapid assessment technique for anemia is a convenient means for narrowing possible diagnoses.     

Cardiopulmonary function in high altitude residents of Ladakh

We studied residents of high altitude in Ladakh, India, to determine the effects of altitude, age, gender, and ethnicity on gas exchange and pulmonary function. Physical examinations, including pulse oximetry, hemoglobin concentration, end-tidal PCO2, and pulmonary function, were conducted on resting Ladakhi and Tibetan subjects at altitudes of 3300, 4200, and 4500 m. A total of 574 men and women, ranging in age from 17 to 82, were studied. At 3300 m, Ladakhis had higher heart rates than Tibetans in both genders and higher PETCO2 in women. Above 4000 m, 21 of the 141 men studied (15%) had Hb concentrations higher than 20 g/dL, with one confirmed case of Monge's disease. There was no gender difference in SaO2 at any altitude except for pregnant women. At 4600 m, Tibetans had significantly higher peak flows and lower PETCO2 than Ladakhis. Ladakhi men had higher diastolic BP than women (91 vs. 81), with no difference in systolic BP. There was no gender difference in BP for Tibetans. An important spirometry finding for both groups was high air flows, with mid-maximal expiratory flow (MMEF) at 130% to 150% of predicted values, compared with 85% for sojourner controls, and FEV1/FVC at 115%, compared with sojourner controls at 98%. Improved lung mechanics may be an important adaptation to the lifelong sustained increase in resting ventilation as well as to indoor biomass smoke and outdoor dust exposure of these populations at high altitude.     

Impact of Hemoglobin Levels on Tumor Oxygenation: the Higher, the Better?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Tumor hypoxia has been linked to tumor progression, the development of treatment resistance, and thus poor prognosis. Since anemia is a major factor causing tumor hypoxia, the association between blood hemoglobin concentration (cHb) and tumor oxygenation status has been examined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Published data on the relationship between pretreatment cHb values and tumor oxygenation (in terms of median pO(2) values, hypoxic fractions) have been summarized. Pretreatment O(2) tension measurements were performed in histologically proven experimental tumors, human breast cancers, squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, and cancers of the uterine cervix and of the vulva. In order to allow for a comparison between solid tumors and normal tissues, pO(2) measurements were also performed in healthy tissue in anemic and nonanemic patients. cHb was determined at the time of the pO(2) measurements. RESULTS: Based on current information from experimental and clinical studies there is increasing evidence that anemia is associated with a detrimental tumor oxygenation status. Increasing cHb values are correlated with significantly higher pO(2) values and lower hypoxic fractions. Maximum tumor oxygenation in squamous cell carcinomas is observed at normal (gender-specific) cHb values (approximately 14 g/dl in women and approximately 15 g/dl in men). Above this "optimal" Hb range, the oxygenation status tends to worsen again. In anemic patients, tumor oxygenation is compromised due to a decreased O(2) transport capacity of the blood. At the upper edge of the Hb scale, a substantial increase in the blood's viscous resistance to flow in "chaotic" tumor microvessels is thought to be mainly responsible for the observed restriction of O(2) supply. CONCLUSION: Review of relevant clinical data suggests that a maximum oxygenation status in solid tumors is to be expected in the range 12 g/dl < cHb < 14 g/dl for women and 13 g/dl < cHb < 15 g/dl for men. Considering the "optimal" cHb range with regard to tumor oxygenation, the concept of "the higher, the better" is therefore no longer valid. This finding has potentially far-reaching implications in the clinical setting (e. g., inappropriate erythropoietin treatment of nonanemic tumor patients).     

Big Report Has Little on Sportsmedicine

This study of the nutritional intake and hematological parameters in 52 middle-distance and distance runners at Simon Fraser University showed that the mean energy intake was 3,020 kcal a day for men and 2,026 kcal a day for women. The women's mean iron intake was 12.5 mg a day, which is below the recommended daily intake of 14 mg a day. The men's intake was adequate at 18.5 mg a day. Although mean hemoglobin levels were 14.8 gm/100 ml for men and 13.3 gm/100 ml for women, 29% of the men and 82% of the women had plasma ferritin concentrations at risk for iron deficiency.     

Fitness, performance and anthropometric characteristics of 19,185 Canadian Forces personnel classified according to body mass index

The Canadian Forces (CF), concerned with the possible adverse effects of obesity on military performance and image, recently adopted the body mass index (BMI) to monitor excess weight among its personnel. Subsequently, the records of 17,098 CF men (32.0 +/- 8 years) and 2,087 CF women (26.2 +/- 5 years) were examined. Approximately 50% of the men and 25% of the women had a BMI greater than 25 kg/m2, while 26% of the men and 12% of the women had a BMI greater than 27 kg/m2. Except for grip strength, both men and women in higher BMI zones typically demonstrated significantly lower fitness and performance scores than those in lower BMI zones. For men and women, increasing BMI was associated with progressive and significant increases in body weight, chest girth, waist girth, gluteal girth, thigh girth, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio, and decreases in difference between chest-minus-waist girths. Waist girth increased proportionately more than other circumferences with increasing BMI, thus indicating a greater relative deposition of body fat in the abdominal region. In view of the relationship between high BMI and compromised fitness, appearance, and health observed in this population, the CF would benefit from continued educational and clinical efforts to reduce the prevalence of obesity. The BMI would serve as a useful epidemiologic standard to help monitor progress in these areas.     

Anemia in swimmers: fact or fiction? Study of hematologic and iron status in male and female top-level swimmers

The aim of the project was to examine the hematologic and iron status of a group of top-level male and female swimmers compared with a control group composed of fit, physically active subjects. The following parameters were examined: red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), serum iron (S I), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (Sat), and serum ferritin concentration (S F). The male swimmers had higher values than the control men for RBC (5364 vs. 5163, P less than .01), Hb (15.4 vs 14.8, P less than .01), Hct (49 vs 46.6, P less than .01), TIBC (341 vs 297, P less than .001), and S I (107 vs 86.3, P less than .01). The female swimmers had higher values than the control women for MCV (91.2 vs 88.5, P less than .01), Hb (14 vs 12.8, P less than .01), Hct (44.2 vs 40.4, P less than .001), S F (58.65 vs 42.17, P less than .01), S I (106 vs 75.6, P less than .01), and TIBC (336 vs 278, P less than .001). The differences between men and women were smaller between the men and women of the swimmers group with respect to the men and women of the control group, for Hb: 15.4 vs 14 (P less than .01) and 14.8 vs 12.8 (P less than .001) and S F: 97.24 vs 58.65 (P less than .001) and 99.89 vs 42.17 (P less than .001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)