Adverse Changes Research Articles

Climate change and desertification syndrome: the interaction of drivers in the drylands of Nigeria and the possibility of reducing adverse changes

Climate change and desertification syndrome: the interaction of drivers in the drylands of Nigeria and the possibility of reducing adverse changes

Cadmium Toxicity in the Seminal Vesicles and Lipid Profile of Wistar Rats: Can Uvaria chamae Ameliorate the Effect?

This research investigated the capacity of Uvaria chamae in alleviating cadmium-induced toxicity in the seminal vesicles and lipid profile of Wistar rats, addressing a critical gap in current knowledge. Cadmium, a hazardous heavy metal, poses substantial risks to male reproductive health. Conducted with 25 Wistar rats under controlled conditions, the study involved local sourcing of Uvaria chamae, extracting its bioative ingredients through alcohol maceration. Dosages for cadmium and the extract were meticulously determined for five experimental groups including the control group, with rats acclimatized for two weeks before a 28-day experiment. Seminal vesicle underwent detailed processing, and histological analysis, including dehydration, clearing, infiltration, embedding, sectioning, staining using hematoxylin/eosin and microscopic examination. Statistical analysis employed one-way ANOVA through GraphPad Prism (version 8.0.2), ensuring a concise and accurate data interpretation approach. Histological examinations revealed cadmium-induced damage, including epithelial degeneration and altered luminal structures etc. These structural changes were mitigated by Uvaria chamae in a dose-dependent manner. The study also assessed the impact of cadmium on lipid profiles, showing adverse changes, but counteracted by Uvaria chamae, signifying its role in preserving lipid homoeostasis. The findings underscore reproductive health risks from cadmium exposure and highlight Uvaria chamae's therapeutic potential, which is attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This research offers valuable scientific insights on the plant and thereby urging further investigations into molecular mechanisms, clinical trials, public awareness, environmental regulations, and nutritional guidance for enhanced reproductive health amid cadmium exposure.

Characterization of spatio-temporal dynamics of the constrained network of the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina using a geomatics-based approach.

In their natural environment, fungi are subjected to a wide variety of environmental stresses which they must cope with by constantly adapting the architecture of their growing network. In this work, our objective was to finely characterize the thallus development of the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina subjected to different constraints that are simple to implement in vitro and that can be considered as relevant environmental stresses, such as a nutrient-poor environment or non-optimal temperatures. At the Petri dish scale, the observations showed that the fungal thallus is differentially affected (thallus diameter, mycelium aspect) according to the stresses but these observations remain qualitative. At the hyphal scale, we showed that the extraction of the usual quantities (i.e. apex, node, length) does not allow to distinguish the different thallus under stress, these quantities being globally affected by the application of a stress in comparison with a thallus having grown under optimal conditions. Thanks to an original geomatics-based approach based on the use of automatized Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, we were able to produce maps and metrics characterizing the growth dynamics of the networks and then to highlight some very different dynamics of network densification according to the applied stresses. The fungal thallus is then considered as a map and we are no longer interested in the quantity of material (hyphae) produced but in the empty spaces between the hyphae, the intra-thallus surfaces. This study contributes to a better understanding of how filamentous fungi adapt the growth and densification of their network to potentially adverse environmental changes.

Comparative evaluation of iStent versus iStent inject W combined with phacoemulsification in open angle glaucoma.

The study aimed to compare the 12-month post-operative outcomes of iStent and iStent inject W (inject W), and the factors associated with their success in open-angle glaucoma. This single-center, retrospective comparative case series evaluated the medical records of patients who underwent iStent (comprising 1 stent) or inject W (comprising 2 stents) implantation with cataract surgery for primary open-angle glaucoma and normal tension glaucoma between January 2019 and March 2022. The 12-month post-operative efficacy outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medications, and survival analysis of the probability of success. "Failure" was defined as any of the following conditions compared to baseline: 1) IOP elevation, 2) increased glaucoma medication, or 3) IOP decline not exceeding 20% when glaucoma medication scores were comparable, and 4) need for additional glaucoma surgery. The safety outcomes included intra- and post-operative adverse events and changes in the best-corrected visual acuity and visual field. The study comprised 55 eyes in the iStent and 105 in the inject W groups. At 12 months, treatment success was achieved in 66.0% of iStent and 78.4% of inject W eyes. The mean IOP was lower, and the percent reduction from baseline was equal in iStent-treated eyes (8.0% reduction, 14.8 mmHg to 13.7 mmHg, P<0.01) and inject W-treated eyes (11.9% reduction, 15.0 mmHg to 13.8 mmHg, P<0.01) (between-group comparison, P = 0.23). The mean medication burden decreased significantly from 2.5 to 1.1 for iStent (55.0% reduction, P<0.01) and 2.9 to 1.7 for iStent inject (46.8% reduction, P<0.01), with no significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.17). Both devices exhibited excellent safety. Both devices significantly reduced IOP and glaucoma medication 12 months post-operatively. The outcome measures did not differ significantly between the two groups, and lower baseline IOP was predictive of surgical failure.

Effects of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) gills and blood

ABSTRACT Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) is an important surfactant used as a cleaning agent and industrial additive to remove unwanted chemicals which have been detected in the aquatic environment. The aim of this study was to examine the toxicological potential of SDBS on the gills of adult male zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to this chemical. For the 96 hr acute exposure, fish were divided into three groups: control, 0.25 mg/L, and 0.5 mg/L of SDBS. After the experiment, morphophysiological analyses (gill histopathology and histochemistry), oxidative stress (determination of gill activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)), and hematological analyses (leukocyte differentiation) were conducted. Data demonstrated that SDBS at both tested concentrations altered the histopathological index and initiated circulatory disturbances, as well as adverse, progressive, and immunological changes in the gills. In the 0.5 mg/L group, SOD activity decreased significantly, but CAT activity was not altered. Prominent blood changes observed in this group were neutrophilia and lymphocytosis. The number of mucous and chloride cells increased significantly in both groups. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that exposure of D. rerio to SDBS, even for 96 hr, produced adverse morphological and hematological effects associated with a reduction in SOD activity. Our findings indicate that exposure of aquatic species to the anionic surfactant SDBS may lead to adverse consequences associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, this study highlights the risks that this substance may pose to aquatic ecosystems and emphasizes the need for further investigations and strict regulations on its disposal.

Circulating leptin is associated with adverse vascular changes in young adult survivors of childhood cancer.

Proteomics may help discover novel biomarkers and underlying mechanisms for cardiovascular disease. This could be useful for childhood cancer survivors as they show an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate circulating cardiovascular proteins in young adult survivors of childhood cancer and their relationship to previously reported subclinical cardiovascular disease. Ninety-two cardiovascular proteins were measured in 57 childhood cancer survivors and in 52 controls. For proteins that were significantly different between childhood cancer survivors and controls, we performed correlations between protein levels and measures of peripheral arterial stiffness (carotid distensibility and stiffness index, and augmentation index) and endothelial dysfunction (reactive hyperemia index). Leptin was significantly higher in childhood cancer survivors compared to controls (normalized protein expression units: childhood cancer survivors 6.4 (1.5) versus 5.1 (1.7), p < 0.0000001) after taking multiple tests into account. Kidney injury molecule-1, MER proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase, selectin P ligand, decorin, alpha-1-microglobulin/bikunin precursor protein, and pentraxin 3 showed a trend towards group differences (p < 0.05). Among childhood cancer survivors, leptin was associated with anthracycline treatment after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index (p < 0.0001). Higher leptin correlated with lower carotid distensibility after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and treatments with radiotherapy and anthracyclines (p = 0.005). This proteomics approach identified that leptin is higher in young asymptomatic adult survivors of childhood cancer than in healthy controls and is associated with adverse vascular changes. This could indicate a role for leptin in driving the cardiovascular disease burden in this population.

Muscle-to-fat ratio in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in predicting glycaemic control and partial clinical remission.

Advances in treatment could mitigate the expected adverse changes in the body composition of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). To examine the evolution of weight status and body composition and their association with glycaemic control and partial clinical remission in youth with T1D. Ninety-nine participants with T1D (median age 9.5 years [interquartile range 7.3, 12.9], 59.6% boys) were longitudinally followed for 3years since diagnosis. Data at seven pre-determined time points were extracted from medical files. Outcome measures included body mass index (BMI) z-scores, muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) z-scores, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, continuous glucose monitoring metrics, and insulin dose-adjusted HbA1c (IDAA1c) levels. The BMI z-scores increased significantly (p<0.001) for both sexes, with no significant change in MFR z-scores over time. The girls had higher BMI z-scores (p<0.001) and lower MFR z-scores than the boys (p=0.016). The mean HbA1c levels decreased during the first month and at 3months since diagnosis (p<0.001), then plateaued and achieved a median overall HbA1c of 7.1% for the entire cohort. At 12months, 37 participants (37.6%) were in partial clinical remission, as evidenced by IDAA1c≤9. The odds of partial clinical remission at 2years increased by 2.1-fold for each standard deviation increase in the MFR z-score (p<0.001). Higher MFR z-scores were associated with better metabolic control. Integration of body composition assessments could mitigate adverse body changes in paediatric patients with T1D.

Ciclosporin oral solution in cats: a retrospective survey of compliance with treatment and adverse effects.

The aim of the study was to assess long-term ciclosporin oral solution compliance in cats treated for feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS). A survey was sent by email to 114 owners who had administered ciclosporin oral solution to their cats for FASS. In total, 42 owners completed the survey. The population was composed of 30 domestic shorthair cats and 12 pure breeds. There were 20 males and 22 females, and the median age was 5.5 years. Ciclosporin oral solution was administered directly into the mouth in 32/42 (76%) and with food/other in 10/42 (24%) cats. The administration was considered easy in 18/42 (43%) cats, difficult in 23/42 (55%) and impossible in 1/42 (2%). Treatment was stopped in 25/42 (60%) cats. The causes were as follows: administration difficulty (nine cats, 21%); complete resolution (four cats, 10%); treatment failure (four cats, 10%); price (two cats, 4%); and other causes (two deaths, two neoplasia, one adverse effect and one lack of compliance). Adverse effects involving clinical signs were reported in 25 (60%) cats: ptyalism (8/42); dysorexia/anorexia (6/42); vomiting (4/42); diarrhoea (4/42); gingival hyperplasia (1/42); and a combination of vomiting, diarrhoea and ptyalism (2/42). In addition, altered behaviour was reported in 27/42 (64%) cats: hiding in seven cats; scared of owner in 10 cats; modification of sleeping or playing activity in six cats; inappropriate urination/defecation in two cats; aggression in one cat; and all of the above in one cat. In total, 24 (57%) cats had adverse effects involving both clinical signs and altered behaviour, and only six cats had either adverse clinical signs or behavioural changes. This survey showed that behavioural changes appear to be underestimated in the cats treated with ciclosporin oral solution and this could cause treatment failure due to lack of compliance. Larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Bronchoscopic deployment and implantation of Diffusing alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy into the lung and mediastinum for treatment of lung cancer: a pre-clinical safety and feasibility study.

Radiotherapy is a standard treatment modality in cancer therapy, particularly for lung cancer. Diffusing alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy sources (hereafter, "Alpha DaRTs") are fixed with Ra-244 (half-life =3.6 days) that releases alpha-emitting atoms into the tumor tissue to an effective range of a few millimeters. The feasibility, usability, and safety of Alpha DaRTs deployment and implantation via bronchoscopy into the lung parenchyma and mediastinum in a big animal model of healthy swine was studied in two phases: (I) inert and (II) active Alpha DaRTs deployment. The Alpha DaRTs were inserted in both individual and cluster patterns based on a predefined plan. Swine health was monitored throughout the study. The usability of bronchoscopic deployment and implantation was evaluated using a user questionnaire. The movement and migration of the Alpha DaRTs were assessed. Necropsy was performed, and lungs were evaluated via gross pathology and histopathology. A total of 158 Alpha DaRTs were inserted successfully in the lung parenchyma and mediastinum of five swine in two phases. It was possible to deliver and place the Alpha DaRTs in clusters of no more than 4 mm distance between the Alpha DaRTs. No adverse event or change in the health and general condition of animals was observed. Hematologic evaluation did not show any clinically significant abnormality related to the Alpha DaRTs. Histopathology demonstrated local mild inflammatory changes, minimal fibrosis, and dystrophic mineralization with giant cells. Minimal movement and no migration of Alpha DaRTs were observed. Bronchoscopic deployment of Alpha DaRTs in the lung parenchyma and mediastinum of the porcine animal is feasible, precise, and safe.

Noise and mental health: evidence, mechanisms, and consequences.

The recognition of noise exposure as a prominent environmental determinant of public health has grown substantially. While recent years have yielded a wealth of evidence linking environmental noise exposure primarily to cardiovascular ailments, our understanding of the detrimental effects of noise on the brain and mental health outcomes remains limited. Despite being a nascent research area, an increasing body of compelling research and conclusive findings confirms that exposure to noise, particularly from sources such as traffic, can potentially impact the central nervous system. These harms of noise increase the susceptibility to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, suicide, and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. From a mechanistic perspective, several investigations propose direct adverse phenotypic changes in brain tissue by noise (e.g. neuroinflammation, cerebral oxidative stress), in addition to feedback signaling by remote organ damage, dysregulated immune cells, and impaired circadian rhythms, which may collectively contribute to noise-dependent impairment of mental health. This concise review linking noise exposure to mental health outcomes seeks to fill research gaps by assessing current findings from studies involving both humans and animals.

DIGITALIZATION OF RISK-ORIENTED MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE BANK

The scientific results of the study are to determine the current trends of digitalization of risk-oriented management of banking activities to justify the directions of increasing the level of financial and economic security of Ukrainian banks in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war and considering the needs of economic recovery. The expediency of using indicators of financial stability, which are published by the National Bank of Ukraine under martial law, has been proven, namely: the capital of the first level to the assets weighted by risk; the ratio of the capital of the first level to assets; non-performing loans excluding provisions for capital; non-performing loans to aggregate gross loans; rate of return on assets; net open position in foreign currency to capital. It is determined that modern banks introduce innovative digital solutions aimed at risk-oriented management of financial and economic security in a continuous real-time mode. Some procedures are performed automatically, and it is possible to use artificial intelligence programs, but these innovations must be managed carefully because we are talking about the financial security of millions of bank customers and the financial and economic security of banks, as well as the financial stability of the banking system of Ukraine. It has been substantiated that prospects for further research should be developed in the areas of economic recovery in Ukraine, by strengthening the banking system and developing digitalization of risk-based management of financial and economic security of banks using best practices and international experience. For a more objective assessment of the level of financial and economic security of Ukrainian banks, it is advisable to apply economic standards, regarding banking risks, indicators of financial stability, and the financial stress index, which together reflect the bank’s propensity for force majeure in the financial system, the ability to resist and adapt to adverse changes, and various economic challenges.

Neurotoxic effects of 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate exposure on zebrafish larvae: Insight into inflammation-driven changes in early motor behavior

The extensive utilization and potential adverse impacts of the replacement flame-retardant 2-Ethylhexyl Diphenyl Phosphate (EHDPP) have raised concerns. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the developmental, neurological, and immunotoxic consequences of EHDPP exposure, as well as its potential behavioral outcomes. In this study, we undertook a comprehensive examination and characterization of the toxic effects over the EHDPP concentration range of 14–1400 nM. Our findings unveiled that EHDPP, even at an environmentally relevant concentration of 14 nM, exhibited excitatory neurotoxicity, eliciting a 13.5 % increase in the swimming speed of zebrafish larvae. This effect might be attributed to the potential influence of EHDPP on the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which, in turn, mediated anxiety-like behavior in the zebrafish larvae. Conversely, sublethal dose EHDPP (1400 nM) exposure significantly suppressed the swimming vigor of zebrafish larvae, accompanied by morphological changes, abnormal behaviors, and alterations in intracerebral molecules. Transcriptomics revealed the underlying mechanism. The utilization of pathway inhibitors reshaped the inflammatory homeostasis and alleviated the toxicity induced by EHDPP exposure, anchoring the pivotal role played by the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in EHDPP-induced adverse changes in zebrafish behavior and neurophysiology. This study observed the detrimental effects of EHDPP on fish sustainability at environmentally relevant concentrations, highlighting the practical significance for EHDPP risk management. Elucidating the toxic mechanisms of EHDPP will contribute to a deeper comprehension of how environmental pollutants can intricately influence human health.

Ultrasound evaluation of the cardiovascular system in offspring conceived through assisted reproductive technology.

With the widespread application of assisted reproductive technology, the health issues of offspring conceived through assisted reproductive technology have also received increasing attention. Animal experiments and clinical studies have found subclinical adverse changes in the cardiovascular system of assisted reproductive offspring. Assisted reproductive technology itself may be just one of the many factors contributing to this phenomenon, with epigenetics playing an important role. Ultrasound technology can be used to assess the morphological structure and function of the cardiovascular system in assisted reproductive offspring from the fetal stage, providing the possibility to study the potential cardiovascular damage in this large population. This review aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of assisted reproductive technology on the cardiovascular system of offspring and provide a review of the research progress in ultrasound technology in this area.

Human aging and perception of time in view of the Earth’s motion events

Here we consider human aging and time perception by operating with time, as a physical quantity, linked to periodic motions of the Earth. Taking into account the periodicity of Earth’s revolutions, the model of aging in a form like Fermat’s spiral has been proposed. This model demonstrates the progressive extension of the paces of aging implying accelerated accumulation of adverse changes over life, which is, as a vector, directed to the center of the spiral. In this regard, an internal clock underpinning time perception that was evolved with life under the permanent influence of the Earth’s motion events can accelerate with aging presumably due to progressive extension of the paces of aging.

Daniel Billy et al v Australia (Torres Strait Islanders Petition): Climate change inaction as a human rights violation

AbstractThis case note analyses in detail the decision of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRComm) in Daniel Billy et al v Australia. The decision concerned a communication brought by members of an indigenous peoples' group from the Torres Strait Islands in the state of Queensland, Australia. The applicants claimed that their human rights had been violated as a result of the State's failure to take mitigation and adaptation measures to combat the effects of climate change. The HRComm's finding of a violation of the applicants' human rights deserves a closer look, as it has broader implications for future climate change‐related human rights litigation. While the HRComm missed the opportunity to consider the State's human rights obligations concerning climate change mitigation, this decision represents an important milestone in climate change litigation, as it confirms a State's obligation to protect a community from adverse climate change effects and recognises the specific vulnerabilities of indigenous peoples and their cultures to its impacts.

Macleaya cordata isoquinoline alkaloids attenuate Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal epithelium injury in broiler chickens by co-regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways.

This study sought to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of dietary supplementation with isoquinoline alkaloids (IA) from Macleaya cordata to alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal epithelium injury in broilers. A total of 486 1-day-old broilers were assigned at random to a control (CON) group, LPS group, and LPS+IA group in a 21-d study. The CON and LPS groups received a basal diet, while the LPS+IA group received a basal diet supplemented with 0.6 mg/kg IA. At 17, 19, and 21 days of age, the LPS and LPS+BP groups were injected intraperitoneally with LPS, and the CON group was intraperitoneally injected equivalent amount of saline solution. The results manifested that LPS injection caused intestinal inflammation and lipid peroxidation, disrupted intestinal barrier and function, and increased the abundance of harmful microorganisms. However, dietary IA supplementation alleviated LPS-induced adverse changes in intestinal morphology, apoptosis, mucosal barrier integrity, cecum microorganisms, and homeostasis disorder by decreasing inflammatory cytokines and enhancing antioxidant-related genes expressions; inhibited LPS-induced increases in TLR4 and NF-κB expressions and decreases in Nrf2 and GPX1 genes expressions. Our findings indicated that Macleaya cordata IA addition attenuated LPS-induced intestinal epithelium injury and disorder of intestinal homeostasis by enhancing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens possibly via co-regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways.

Eating Habits Of Polish Children

Introduction: Unhealthy eating habits in childhood, usually based on a Western diet, can lead to overweight and obesity. They are also an important factor in the increased risk of developing many diet-related diseases later in life. Early identification of school aged children with poor eating habits can help reduce the risk of obesity and the development of chronic diseases in adulthood. The aim of the present study was to analyze selected dietary habits of school-aged children and adolescents.Material and Methods: The study involved data collected from 2,986 children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 attending se lected schools in Poland as part of the e-PE program. Results: In the study group, 76% of children and adolescents reported consuming 3-4 meals per day. A little over 11% restricted themselves to fewer meals, while the remainder adopted a pattern of 5 or more meals. Irregular eating patterns were reported by 40.7% of respondents. Conclusions: In view of the more frequent occurrence of nutritional abnormalities in children and adolescents, and thus a greater risk for the emergence of numerous consequences in later years of life, it is necessary to systematically monitor diet as a risk factor for the development of overweight and obesity to implement interventions to counteract weight gain at an early stage of adverse changes.

Riboflavin alleviates fluoride-induced ferroptosis by IL-17A-independent system Xc−/GPX4 pathway and iron metabolism in testicular Leydig cells

Fluoride is widely found in groundwater, soil, animal and plant organisms. Excessive fluoride exposure can cause reproductive dysfunction by activating IL-17A signaling pathway. However, the adverse effects of fluoride on male reproductive system and the mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, the wild type and IL-17A knockout C57BL/6J mouse were treated with 24 mg/kg·bw·d sodium fluoride and/or 5 mg/kg·bw·d riboflavin-5′-phosphate sodium for 91 days. Results showed that fluoride caused dental fluorosis, increased the levels of ROS in testicular Leydig cells and GSSG in testicular tissue, and did not affect the iron and serum hepcidin levels in testicular tissue. Riboflavin alleviated above adverse changes, whereas IL-17A does not participate in the oxidative stress-mediated reproductive toxicity of fluoride. Based on this, TM3 cells were used to verify the injury of fluoride on Leydig cells. Results showed that fluoride increased mRNA levels of ferroptosis marker SLC3A2, VDAC3, TFRC, and SLC40A1 and decreased Nrf2 mRNA levels in TM3 cells. The ferroptosis inhibitor Lip-1 and DFO were used to further investigate the relationship between male reproductive toxicity and ferroptosis induced by fluoride. We found that the fluoride-induced decrease in cell viability, increase in xCT, TFRC, and FTH protein expression, and decrease in GPX4 protein expression, can all be rescued by Lip-1 and DFO. Similar results were also observed in the riboflavin treatment group. Moreover, riboflavin mitigated fluoride-induced increases in ROS levels and SLC3A2 protein levels. In all, our work revealed that riboflavin inhibited ferroptosis in testicular Leydig cells and improved the declined male reproductive function caused by fluoride. This study provides new perspectives for revealing new male reproductive toxicity mechanisms and mitigating fluoride toxicity damage.

The Physiological Effects of Weight-Cycling: A Review of Current Evidence.

There is a common perception among the public that yo-yo dieting, defined as repeated cycles of weight loss followed by weight regain, results in accumulation of fat in the body and lower metabolic rate, thus hindering subsequent attempts to lose weight. We evaluated the effects of weight-cycling on body weight and body mass index (BMI), body composition including fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM), and resting metabolic rate (RMR), by systematically reviewing existing scientific literature. Twenty-three cross-sectional and cohort studies (including subjects with a history of weight-cycling compared to those without such history) and interventional studies (evaluating physiological effects during one or more cycles of weight loss and regain) were identified, conducted in generally healthy adults across various age groups, races, and both genders, who had normal weight, overweight, or obesity. Eighteen studies investigated the association between weight-cycling and body weight or BMI, and thirteen of them found no significant association. Fifteen out of twenty studies also found no increase in FM, and none of eighteen studies found a decrease in LBM. Twelve out of fourteen studies reported no adverse changes in RMR either. The overwhelming majority of evidence suggests that weight-cycling (yo-yo effect) is not associated with any adverse effects in body weight, body composition, and metabolic rate. Accordingly, healthy individuals who struggle with overweight or obesity should not be discouraged from repeated attempts to lose the excess weight.

The COVID Pandemic Worsened Physical Activity Disproportionately in Frailer Adults: A Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Frailty is associated with increased hospitalization and mortality and may be exacerbated with physical inactivity. The COVID-19 pandemic has heterogeneously impacted peoples' physical activity level, but the impact on the frail population is unclear. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that higher frailty levels were associated with worse changes in physical activity, ability to move around the home, and do housework during the pandemic. We included 23,303 Canadians (age: 69.1 ± 9.5years, 53% females) who participated in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging COVID-19 Questionnaire study. Frailty prior to the pandemic (follow-up 1: 2015-2018) was measured via 52-item frailty index and grouped into 0.00-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20, and >0.20 scores. Participants were asked whether they changed their levels of physical activity, ability to move at home, and ability to do housework during the pandemic. The average frailty level was 0.09 ± 0.06. Compared with the lowest frailty group, participants with frailty levels >0.20 reported worse physical activity (17% vs. 45%), worse ability to move at home (3% vs. 26%), and perform housework (3% vs. 27%). Covariate-adjusted logistic regression models demonstrated that higher frailty level was associated with a greater odds of reporting worse physical activity (reference: 0.00-0.05; odds ratio for frailty index >0.20:4.03, 95% confidence interval [3.33, 4.87]), worse ability to move in home (odds ratio = 11.16, 95% confidence interval [8.28, 15.03]), and worse ability doing housework (odds ratio = 12.58, 95% confidence interval [9.24, 17.13]). The adverse changes in physical activity levels and ability to move at home among frail older adults during the pandemic document the need for strategies to help vulnerable populations move more.