Average Weight Change Research Articles

Toxic effects of zinc and cadium on the benthic organisms in sediments of Lake Poyang and verification of quality guideline

以泥鳅（Misgurnus anguillicaudatus）、铜锈环棱螺（Bellamya aeruginosa）、河蚬（Corbicula fluminea）为受试生物，以死亡率、渗血率、体质量变化、行动迟钝率、挖洞率为测试指标，探究沉积物中Zn和Cd对底栖生物的21 d慢性毒性效应，并对鄱阳湖Zn和Cd的沉积物基准值进行了验证.结果表明，沉积物中Cd对底栖生物的毒性效应强于Zn，沉积物中Zn、Cd对泥鳅、铜锈环棱螺、河蚬的LC₅₀（半数致死浓度）分别为644和61 mg/kg、751和54 mg/kg、652和81 mg/kg，EC₅₀（半数效应浓度）值分别为526和49 mg/kg、589和35 mg/kg、474和45 mg/kg.经验证，沉积物Zn和Cd的TEL（临界效应浓度）、PEL（必然效应浓度）值比较合理，具有一定适用性，即当Zn、Cd的加标含量低于TEL值时，Q_TEL<1，不具有毒性；当加标含量高于PEL值时，Q_PEL>1，毒性明显.;The 21d chronic toxic effects of Zn and Cd in sediments on benthic organisms were investigated by using Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, Bellamya aeruginosa and Corbicula fluminea as the testing organisms, using mortality rate, bleeding rate, average body weight change, sluggishness rate and burrowing rate as the testing indexes, and verified by the sediment reference values of Zn and Cd in Lake Poyang. The results showed that the toxicity of Cd to benthic organisms in sediments was stronger than that of Zn, and the LC₅₀(50% lethal concentration) of Zn and Cd to Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, Bellamya aeruginosa and Corbicula fluminea were 644 and 61 mg/kg, 751 and 54 mg/kg, 652 and 81 mg/kg, and the EC₅₀(50% effective concentration) values were 526 and 49 mg/kg, 589 and 35 mg/kg, 474 and 45 mg/kg, respectively. It has been verified that the TEL (threshold effect level) and PEL (probable effect level) values of the sediments Zn and Cd are reasonable and have certain applicability. When the additive concentration of Zn and Cd is lower than the TEL value, Q_TEL<1 is not toxic. When the additive concentration was higher than PEL value, Q_PEL>1 showed obvious toxicity.

Weight Gain in Incarcerated Individuals Living With HIV After Switching to Integrase Strand Inhibitor-Based Therapy.

Introduction:Post-marketing data have demonstrated the potential for weight gain with integrase inhibitors (INSTI) use in antiretroviral (ART) therapy.Methods:A medical chart review evaluated virologically suppressed adult prisoners living with HIV and on a non-INSTI regimen before switching or adding an INSTI. Primary outcome assessed average weight change; Secondary outcomes evaluated change in body mass index (BMI), fasting lipid panel, and development of hypertension. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and descriptive statistics.Results:Among 103 study participants, 95% were men with a median age of 44 years. Each INSTI was associated with an average weight increase of 4.3 kg (p < 0.025). Bictegravir and dolutegravir were also associated with significant increases in BMI, +1.4kg/m2 and +2.8kg/m2, respectively (p = 0.011 and p = 0.001).Conclusion:Patients receiving HIV care in a correctional setting and on INSTI-based treatments experienced weight gain and increases in BMI. Future research should focus on the mechanism of development and interventions to prevent weight gain.

The Effect of Low-Fat and Low-Carbohydrate Diets on Weight Loss and Lipid Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The rise in obesity has emphasised a focus on lifestyle and dietary habits. We aimed to address the debate between low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets and compare their effects on body weight, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total cholesterol, and triglycerides in an adult population. Method: Medline and Web of Science were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets up to September 2019. Three independent reviewers extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. The meta-analysis was stratified by follow-up time using the random-effects models. Results: This meta-analysis of 38 studies assessed a total of 6499 adults. At 6–12 months, pooled analyses of mean differences of low-carbohydrate vs. low-fat diets favoured the low-carbohydrate diet for average weight change (mean difference −1.30 kg; 95% CI −2.02 to −0.57), HDL (0.05 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.08), and triglycerides (TG) (−0.10 mmol/L; −0.16 to −0.04), and favoured the low-fat diet for LDL (0.07 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.12) and total cholesterol (0.10 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.18). Conclusion and Relevance: This meta-analysis suggests that low-carbohydrate diets are effective at improving weight loss, HDL and TG lipid profiles. However, this must be balanced with potential consequences of raised LDL and total cholesterol in the long-term.

41 Effect of grazing cotton crop residue versus Bermudagrass on performance and economic parameters in late gestation beef cows

Abstract The residual lint, seed, and leaf remaining after cotton harvest was evaluated as a feedstuff to reduce the amount of hay fed to beef cows during early winter. A study was conducted utilizing 36 crossbred Angus cross cows (BW 491.04 kg) in late gestation. Cows were stratified by weight and randomly assigned to one of four groups, and each group was assigned to one of two treatments: Bermudagrass hay (Cynodon dactylon) (HAY), or cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) crop residue + Bermudagrass hay (COTTON). All cattle remained on their respective treatments for 30 d, and BW were recorded before and after the feeding period. Hand-grab samples were collected of cotton residue in each field to quantify residue available at the beginning of grazing. Available residue in the cotton groups were 783.17 kg/acre and 911.13 kg/acre. Core samples were collected from each bale of a single lot of hay. The same lot of hay was used for both treatments. Hay was offered ad libitum for the HAY treatment, and hay was offered to the COTTON treatment, starting on d 19. A completely randomized design was used and data were analyzed using a one way analysis of variance. The CP, NDF, and ADF values for hay and cotton residue were 12.3, 62, and 37%, and 23.5, 66, and 57%, respectively. Average daily gain (1.02 and 0.60 kg) and average weight change (34.5 and 20.4 kg) were higher (P &amp;lt; 0.003) for HAY compared to COTTON cows; however, their subsequent calving and breeding performance in the herd were not affected. Average daily hay disappearance for COTTON (5.90 kg/hd) was lower (P &amp;lt; 0.02) compared to HAY (17.19 kg/hd). Overall daily hay cost per head was lower (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for COTTON compared to HAY ($0.65 and $1.89, respectively). These data show that grazing cotton crop residue can reduce feed cost in late gestation beef cows.

Comparison of neonatal outcomes with use of a soybean oil-based injectable lipid emulsion vs a 4-oil emulsion product.

Results of a study comparing the safety and efficacy outcomes with use of a soybean oil-based injectable lipid emulsion (SO-ILE) vs a 4-oil alternative product in a neonatal population are presented. In an institutional review board-approved, multicenter retrospective review, the medical records of 328 patients who were born at a gestational age of ≤34 weeks, had a birth weight of 500 to 2,000 g, were admitted to one of 2 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) within a large health system, and received at least 7 days of a parenteral nutrition containing either lipid emulsion product were reviewed: 151 (46%) had received SO-ILE and 177 (54%) had received SMOFlipid (Fresenius Kabi). The primary outcome of the study was a composite of development of cholestasis and development of hypertriglyceridemia. Secondary outcomes included total duration of cholestasis treatment with ursodiol and change in body weight from initiation to completion of lipid emulsion treatment. The primary outcome of development of cholestasis or hypertriglyceridemia occurred in 14.6% of patients in the SO-ILE group and 18.1% of patients in the SMOFlipid group (P = 0.393). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in total days of ursodiol treatment or average body weight change during the course of lipid emulsion treatment. In preterm neonates weighing 500 to 2,000 g, use of SMOFlipid did not significantly reduce the incidence of cholestasis or hypertriglyceridemia relative to the incidence with use of SO-ILE. Further research to validate these results is needed.

S0054 Gaining an EDGE: A Single Center Experience with EUS-Directed Transgastric ERCP and EUS

INTRODUCTION: Roux-en-Y anatomy presents a unique challenge for patients needing ERCP or upper EUS. EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) is an alternative to laparoscopy- or enteroscopy-assisted ERCP for these patients. Successful diagnostic upper EUS via this approach has been reported as well. We reviewed EDGE procedures performed at our center to measure technical and clinical success, and identify factors potentially associated with stent migration. METHODS: Demographics and procedure data were collected by chart review for patients undergoing EDGE procedures from February 2018 to November 2019. Technical success was defined as access to the excluded stomach following lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS) placement. Clinical success was defined as successful performance of ERCP or EUS either at the index procedure (single stage) or after fistula maturation (two stage). Change in weight was recorded for the duration the LAMS was in place. Fisher’s Exact Test was used to compare rates of stent migration between patients undergoing EDGE with 15 mm and 20 mm LAMSs, via gastro-gastric and entero-gastric routes, and as a single or two stage procedure. RESULTS: 32 EDGE procedures were performed in 29 patients (Table 1). Technical success was seen in 31 of 32 procedures (96.9%). Clinical success was seen in 27 of 32 procedures (84.4%). 19 stents were removed after an average of 59.7 days and the average weight change from stent placement to removal was -2.4 kg. Stent migration occurred in 8/32 (25%) procedures (Table 2). There was no significant difference in rates of migration between 15 mm and 20 mm stents (35.7% vs 17.6%; P = 0.41), between gastro-gastric, and entero-gastric routes (26.1% vs 22.2%; P = 1) and between single and two session EDGE (25% vs 26.7%; P = 1). Serious adverse events attributable to EDGE occurred in 2/32 procedures (6.2%) both of which were occurrences of stent migration requiring surgery. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the previously seen high clinical success rate for EUS guided transgastric access for ERCP and EUS. With the caveat of a small sample size, we did not see a significant difference in stent migration between single and two session procedures. This may support the decision to perform ERCP in the same session as fistula creation, particularly with time sensitive indications like acute cholangitis. Larger studies are needed to identify patient and procedural factors which may contribute to stent migration and other adverse events in EDGE.Table 1.: Patient and Procedure Characteristics.Table 2.: Stent Migration Characteristics.

Handling Missing Values in Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Longitudinal Individual-Level Data.

BackgroundIn the interrupted time series (ITS) approach, it is common to average the outcome of interest at each time point and then perform a segmented regression (SR) analysis. In this study, we illustrate that such ‘aggregate-level’ analysis is biased when data are missing at random (MAR) and provide alternative analysis methods.MethodsUsing electronic health records from the UK, we evaluated weight change over time induced by the initiation of antipsychotic treatment. We contrasted estimates from aggregate-level SR analysis against estimates from mixed models with and without multiple imputation of missing covariates, using individual-level data. Then, we conducted a simulation study for insight about the different results in a controlled environment.ResultsAggregate-level SR analysis suggested a substantial weight gain after initiation of treatment (average short-term weight change: 0.799kg/week) compared to mixed models (0.412kg/week). Simulation studies confirmed that aggregate-level SR analysis was biased when data were MAR. In simulations, mixed models gave less biased estimates than SR analysis and, in combination with multilevel multiple imputation, provided unbiased estimates. Mixed models with multiple imputation can be used with other types of ITS outcomes (eg, proportions). Other standard methods applied in ITS do not help to correct this bias problem.ConclusionAggregate-level SR analysis can bias the ITS estimates when individual-level data are MAR, because taking averages of individual-level data before SR means that data at the cluster level are missing not at random. Avoiding the averaging-step and using mixed models with or without multilevel multiple imputation of covariates is recommended.

Standard Methods for the Collection of Morphometric Data for the Commercially Fished Sea Cucumber Cucumaria frondosa in Eastern Canada

Emerging sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) fisheries have recently developed off the coast of Atlantic Canada. The reproductive cycle, developmental stages, and feeding biology of this species have been described, but fishery-related metrics remain largely unknown. Measuring lengths and weights of individuals in fished populations is fundamental for stock assessment and management. These measurements are used to identify trends in individual size related to fishing pressure on the population over time. Length and weight measurements are recorded for commercially caught C. frondosa, but plasticity of their body makes precise measures difficult, resulting in varying techniques that lack consistency. Several methods of measuring and estimating size and weight of C. frondosa were tested for accuracy in a laboratory setting. Indices that accounted for the size of individuals on multiple planes proved more useful for estimating wet weight than length or width alone. Accurate wet weight estimates were possible from drop-camera images taken of individuals in situ using size indices that combined length and width, as well as area covered. Timing of measurements was a key variable. The time out of water significantly changed the wet weight measurements, with an average weight change of 31.93% (SD ± 14.92) over a 1-h period, but after the first 10 min, measures were consistent, suggesting animals expelled most of their fluid shortly after removal from the water. Although there are many sources of potential error when measuring C. frondosa, consistent timing and size metrics that incorporate overall size, as opposed to a single dimension, show promise for evaluating changes in individual size over time. Standardized methods will enable the collection of data that can be used in stock assessment to determine reference points and vital statistics for this developing fishery.

High Fat Diet Load Study in a Natural Obesity-Resistant Animal Model, Suncus murinus

Our previous study, demonstrated the obesity-resistant phenomenon in the House musk shrew, Suncus murinus (S. murinus). In order to go further to explore the mechanism of the phenomenon of natural obesity resistance in S. murinus, we focused on the effects of diet on fat accumulation and metabolism. In this study, four-week-old male S. murinus were assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups (n = 6 per group) and fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or a normal trout diet (NTD) for 24 weeks. Body weight, food ingestion, visceral fat distribution, blood biochemistry and fecal lipids were monitored and analyzed in the HFD and NTD groups. It was found no differences in the average final body weight or body fat change between the two groups. Although animals fed HFD had similar serum triglyceride concentration to animals fed NTD, they had significantly higher phospholipid and total cholesterol concentrations than the NTD group. Furthermore, fecal lipid levels in the HFD group was significantly higher than those in the NTD group, suggesting that diet composition or energy density of the diet affects blood biochemistry. Although NTD-fed S. murinus had higher food ingestion than HFD-fed S. murinus, caloric intake remained almost the same. We speculated S. murinus may suppress obesity and control fat accumulation by controlling calorie intake. These results suggest that the obesity characteristics of S. murinus are not primarily due to dietary factors but to other mechanisms of regulation. Keywords: High fat diet; Mesenteric fat; Obesity-resistant; Suncus murinus

P1036THE SHORT-TERM EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF THE APPLICATION OF SGLT2I AS A DIURETIC MEDICATION ON THE DIURETIC RESISTANCE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY ON CKD STAGE 3-4

Abstract Background and Aims At stage 3-4 of chronic renal disease, patients with diabetic-induced renal dysfunction are not sensitive to the conventional diuretic therapy based on loop diuretics and thiazide diuretics, leading to the earlier renal replacement at stage CKD 3-4. The lower sodium excretion could contribute to the development of diuretic resistance. The protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular is contributed by metabolic regulation and osmotic diuretic effect of glucose due to extra excretion of Glucose. The present study aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors on the diuretic resistance of diabetic nephropathy at CKD 3-4 stage. Method Patients with Diabetic nephropathy at CKD3-4 stage were administrated with furosemide + hydrochlorothiazide for 3 days with urine volume &amp;lt;1000ml, urine sodium excretion &amp;lt;90mmol followed by Dapagliflozin/Canagliflozin once a day for 7 days. Results 3 male and 7 female patients with diabetic nephropathy were included, aged 51-80 years, with eGFR 60-4.6ml/min, and 3 patients presented with cardiac insufficiency. Urine volume was 800±300ml/24 hours before treatment and 2000±500ml/24 hours after treatment. Sodium excretion in urine was 80±20mmol/24 hours before treatment and 150±50mmol/24 hours before treatment. The average net weight change was -3.5±2.2kg. The Scr increased by 30%±5% before and after treatment, and the renal function in 2 patients increased by &amp;gt;30% after 7 days of treatment, and returned to the level of Scr before treatment after 7 days of withdrawal of Dapagliflozin/ Canagliflozin. Electrolyte levels were comparable before and after treatment. Conclusion The diuretic regimen based on SGLT2i could significantly improve the resistance of diabetic nephropathy patients to loop diuretics, increase urinary sodium excretion, and slightly elevate renal function in the short term without affecting blood electrolyte level. The efficacy and safety of long-term use of SGLT2i in diabetic nephropathy patients at CKD3-4 stage need further investigate in larger sample size.

SAT-LB56 Undernutrition Reduces Transcript Abundance of Kisspeptin and Neurokinin B in Young Male Sheep

Proper energy balance is important to ensure reproductive success. Chronic nutrient restriction is known to suppress hypothalamic-pituitary function, but the central mechanisms whereby undernutrition inhibits GnRH/LH secretion remain largely unknown. KNDy neurons, which co-express kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin, form a unique population of cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus and play a critical role in GnRH/LH pulse generation. Based on recent evidence from our lab that chronic feed restriction reduces kisspeptin and NKB protein expression in young male sheep, we hypothesized that nutrient restriction would inhibit mRNA abundance for kisspeptin and NKB in the same animals. Fourteen wethers were placed into a fed to maintain body weight group (n=6; Fed) or a feed-restricted to lose 15-20% of pre-study body weight group (FR; n=8). Weekly blood samples (every 12 minutes for 4.5 hours) were taken via jugular venipuncture and plasma was stored at -20°C until the time of radioimmunoassay. Weekly body weights were recorded and feed amounts were adjusted to achieve desired body weights. At Week 13, animals were euthanized following blood collection, brain tissue was perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde, and tissue containing the hypothalamus was collected. Following submersion in 20% sucrose for at least four weeks, hypothalamic blocks were sectioned at 50 µm on a freezing microtome, and stored in a cryopreservative solution until processing. At Week 13, the average percent change in body weight was clearly evident (Fed, 6.79 + 3.4% vs FR, -19.82 ± 1.6%), and mean LH was significantly lower in FR wethers (13.41 + 3.7 ng/ml) compared to Fed controls (26.43 + 2.5 ng/ml). To assess changes in mRNA abundance, we used a relatively new in situ hybridization technique, RNAscope, to quantify mRNA for kisspeptin and NKB in the ARC with probes that were ovine-specific. Results showed that feed restriction reduced the number of kisspeptin mRNA-expressing cells (Fed, 231.2 + 14.4 vs FR, 100.3 + 35.9) and NKB mRNA-expressing cells (Fed, 192.7 + 18.4 vs FR, 97.3 + 21.7) per hemi-section. Furthermore, analysis of kisspeptin and NKB co-expressing cells (30 cells/animal) revealed that feed restriction significantly reduced the average mRNA integrated density for NKB, but not kisspeptin, compared to Fed controls. Together, these findings further support a role for kisspeptin and NKB in the central mechanism governing GnRH/LH secretion during undernutrition in male sheep.

Temporal behavior of weight loss in a rat model of gastric restriction

BackgroundObesity is a complex and multifactorial disorder and has become a major healthcare burden in some countries. The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity is considered a global pandemic. The current paradigm in obesity treatment has traditionally relied upon lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) and pharmacological treatments which often lead to modest results. Surgical procedures have been increasingly performed. Bariatric surgery results in superior outcomes in terms of weight loss and weight‐associated comorbidities as compared to non‐surgical interventions. Experiments with animal models have significantly helped to elucidate some of the potential mechanisms underlying bariatric surgery. There is no information about gastric restriction with phytobezoar in animal model and the weight loss.PurposeMeasure the weight loss until 20 days after surgical gastrostomy and phytobezoar insertion and compare to sham and normal groupMethodsExperimental model of gastric restriction was devised using rats. The animals were submitted to surgical gastrostomy and a cylindrical loofah was inserted into the stomach. We studied 30 adult male Wistar rats divided in three groups: the stomach reduction group (R20), the sham group (SH20), which underwent the same procedure except for the loofah insertion and the control group (C20). Animals were fed and kept in separate cages. They were weighed every 3 days until being sacrificed on day 20. The results were described by the mean value with respective standard deviation. Comparison of multiple groups was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests. All tests were applied with 5% significance level.ResultsThere was a mean difference in the behavior of weight changes over the evaluation days between the groups (p Interaction &lt;0.001), and on all evaluated days the experiment group presented a lower average weight change than the other groups (p &lt;0.001). These findings might be a result of post‐ surgical weight loss correlated to a large extent with reduced spontaneous eating. This indicates that in our animal models it seems to recapitulate remarkably well the findings in humans.

Use of Premixed Insulin, Metformin, and a Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist as a Therapeutic Approach for Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE | To explore the use of premixed insulin, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and metformin as combination therapy for type 2 diabetes. DESIGN AND METHODS | All adult patients with type 2 diabetes who had been prescribed premixed insulin and a GLP-1 receptor agonist simultaneously at our outpatient clinic were selected for retrospective review. We reviewed A1C, weight, cumulative daily insulin dose, and adverse events over 12 months. RESULTS | A total of 72 patients received premixed insulin and a GLP-1 receptor agonist, of which 32 met inclusion criteria. The average duration of type 2 diabetes for these patients was 14.2 ± 7.1 years. Mean A1C at baseline was 10.5 ± 2.1%. At 12 months, mean A1C was 8.3 ± 1.9%. The change in mean A1C after 12 months was -2.2% (95% CI -3.433 to -1.014, P <0.0001). At 12 months, the mean cumulative insulin dose was 33.3 units less than before the therapy change (95% CI -57.13 to -9.46, P = 0.0030). Average weight change at 12 months was -2.2 kg (95% CI -27.6 to 37.6, P = NS). After 12 months, 61% of included patients (19 of 31) had an A1C ≤8%. Six additional patients were not included in analysis because they stopped the regimen after <3 months because of adverse events. CONCLUSION | Despite a decreased cumulative daily dose of insulin, patients with historically uncontrolled type 2 diabetes using metformin, premixed insulin, and a GLP-1 receptor agonist in combination experienced improved glycemic control over 12 months. Prospective randomized trials are needed to better assess the potential benefit of this combination therapy.

Metal-free semi-aromatic polyester: A novel nanomaterial for potential clinical application

The objective of this study is to analyze the in vivo acute and systemic toxicity of metal-free poly(tBGE-alt-PA) copolymer nanomaterial on a pilot level. Previously, we reported that the poly(tBGE-alt-PA) copolymer is biocompatible, biodegradable, and hemocompatible nature and has been used as a novel tumor-targeting drug delivery vehicle. In the present study, we examined its acute toxicity via histopathological, hematological, and serum biochemical parameter analysis. The systemic toxicity was also analyzed by a change in the average body weight of injected mice. In results, we did not observe any significant changes during different blood and serum biochemical parameters and no adverse pathophysiological changes such as necrosis, inflammation, fibrosis etc. were seen in different tissues. Furthermore, no significant changes in average body weight were observed. Based on these results, we report for the first time that the metal-free poly(tBGE-alt-PA) copolymer nanomaterial can be used for potential clinical applications.

In Vivo Fat Quantification: Monitoring Effects of a 6-Week Non-Energy-Restricted Ketogenic Diet in Healthy Adults Using MRI, ADP and BIA.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat, and adequate-protein diet that induces many metabolic adaptations when calorie intake is not limited. Its therapeutic use in a range of diseases including cancer is currently being investigated. Our objective was to firstly assess the impact of a 6-week non-energy-restricted KD on the abdominal fat distribution and the hepatic fat composition in healthy adults. Body fat distribution and composition were measured by comparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) results with air displacement plethysmography (ADP) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurements. A total of 12 subjects from the KetoPerformance study were recruited for this ancillary study. Body mass index (BMI), total mass, total fat mass, total subcutaneous mass, and subcutaneous fat mass decreased significantly. None of the MRS parameters showed a significant change during the study. Even though the average change in body weight was >2kg, no significant changes in intrahepatic lipid (IHL) content could be observed. Total fat mass and total fat-free mass derived from MRI has a strong correlation with the corresponding values derived from BIA and ADP data. BMI and the absolute fat parameter of all three modalities decreased, but there were no or only minor changes regarding the fat-free parameter. Magnetic resonance imaging provides body composition information on abdominal fat distribution changes during a ketogenic diet. This information is complementary to anthropomorphic and laboratory measures and is more detailed than the information provided by ADP and BIA measures. It was shown that there was no significant change in internal fat distribution, but there was a decrease in subcutaneous fat.

Efficiency of application of inorganic and nanopreparations of selenium and probiotics for growing young quails

Modern industrial poultry farming occupies a leading position in the production of dietary foods, for which it is appropriate to use biologically active substances and probiotics. The study compared the effectiveness of compound feed with the addition of sodium selenite, bio-nano-selenium and L. plantarum in terms of body weight, weight gain, feed consumption and safety of experimental quail. The quails of the Pharaoh meat breed were kept in the vivarium of Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University and by the method of analogues were divided into 4 groups - control and three experimental ones. The duration of the study was 35 days. The results of the study indicate that the use in the quail’s diet of probiotics (L. plantarum) and selenium preparations (sodium selenite and bio-nano-selenium) leads to a predominance of poultry experimental groups in live weight over control analogs. It was found that the growth of bird’s live weight during the experiment differed depending on the use of the Selenium medication or probiotic, and the most intense effect on live weight of quails was the use of bio-nanоselenium in the diet of poultry (11.8% at the end of the experiment). Changes in absolute and average daily body weight gains of experimental birds have been clarified. The use of sodium selenite in the diet of quail caused a tendency for an increase in gains compared with control analogs at the beginning of the study and a downward trend during the fifth week of the study. It was found that the use of probiotics and bio-nano-selenium caused an increase in quail growth, which was more pronounced and reliable when feeding bio-nano-selenium. The obtained results show that probiotic and selenium preparations reduce feed consumption by 1 kg of weight gain, body weight increase by 3.05–11.8% and by 3.3–6.6% increase the safety of the experimental livestock with the best indicators in the group, receiving bio-nano-selenium.

Glyphosate spraying and earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. activity: Evaluating short-term impact in a glasshouse experiment simulating cereal post-harvest

A glasshouse experiment was conducted to study if glyphosate spraying has immediate short-term effects on the growth, reproduction and residue incorporation of the earthworm species Lumbricus terrestris L. The experiment simulated post-harvest conditions in no-till cereal cultivation, where L. terrestris often abound, and glyphosate is widely used. Pairs of adult, field-collected L. terrestris (median total mass 11.2 g fresh weight) were kept in fine sand-filled cylinders, with chopped wheat straw on the soil surface as feed. The treatment cylinders were sprayed with glyphosate at normal field application rate [Rodeo® XL 3.0 l ha−1, resulting in 1080 g a.i. ha−1 and “Contact” surfactant (0.5 l ha−1)]; the controls were sprayed with water (N = 12 for both). The treatment and control cylinders were maintained for two months at +15 °C, approximate 60% air humidity and 12h:12h light:dark cycle. All individuals survived the experiment. There was no difference in L. terrestris mass change over the experiment, with an average weight change of +0.96% in glyphosate treatment and −0.93% change in the control (p = 0.66). Glyphosate treatment and control did not differ in cocoon production rate (31 vs 28 cocoons cylinder−1 respectively; p = 0.30). The straw incorporation was slightly but not significantly lower in glyphosate-treated soil (decline in surface straw mass 27.5% vs. 30.5%; p = 0.07). The glyphosate treatment applied represents a commonly used practice in spring cereal cultivation, and it did not affect negatively L. terrestris. The varying study results on the effects of glyphosate on earthworms – and on L. terrestris in particular – may partly arise from notable variation in application rates and the formulation-surfactant combinations used in different experiments which needs to be considered in the ecological risk assessment of glyphosate use.

Study on aging performance of modified asphalt binders based on characteristic peaks and molecular weights

In order to improve the road performance of modified asphalt binders, the macroscopic and microscopic properties of five asphalt binder samples were compared, including matrix asphalt, styrene-butadienestyrene (SBS), styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR), stabilizer, and furfural extract oil. The five asphalt samples were mainly subjected to macroscopic experiments of penetration, softening point, ductility, viscosity and elastic recovery. Short-term aging experiments and long-term aging experiments were carried out. From this, fifteen groups of samples corresponding to before aging, short-term aging and long-term aging were obtained. All samples were subjected to infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography experiments, and experimental data were obtained for analysis. The characteristic peaks of infrared spectrum and gel permeation chromatography molecular weight in various stages, including before aging, short-term aging and long-term aging, were studied. The main characteristics of the oxidation peak and the changes in number average molecular weight, weight average molecular weight and dispersion coefficient obtained by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were analyzed. This paper found that the absorption peak of the carbonyl group appeared after both short-term aging and long-term aging while the absorption peak of the sulfoxide group was only apparent after long-term aging. Oxidation is the main reason for the decline of asphalt pavement performance and the modifier can effectively enhance anti-aging properties. Macromolecular degradation and small molecule polymerization occur simultaneously during thermal aging of modified asphalt binders. The stabilizer group and furfural extract oil group had the best anti-aging performance and the best road performance. The macro performance indicators also reached the same conclusion.

Microbial Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate (PHB) as a Feed Additive for Fishes and Piglets.

The large-scale use of petrochemical-based plastics is damaging our environment. Discarded plastics are harmful to both marine and land animals, sometimes causing death when ingested. Biodegradable plastics have gained attentions from the public and the academia to reduce environmental burdens. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), the simplest and the best-studied bioplastic member of the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family synthesized by many bacteria, has been studied as a feed additive for large yellow croaker fish and weaned piglets. The fish grow faster and gain more weight when 1% and 2% PHB is added as a feed additive, accompanied by increased survival rates. Weaned piglets are found to grow normally and showed no significant change in average daily weight gains, average daily feed intakes, feed efficiency, and organ developments when 0.5% PHB is added to the feed. It can therefore be concluded that biodegradable and biocompatible PHB is not harmful as a feed additive for marine large yellow croakers and sensitive weaned piglets. PHB therefore holds great promise as a plastic that combines biodegradability and biocompatibility with good tolerability as a feed supplement for animals.

The effects of aerobic exercise combined with resistance training on cardiovascular risk factors in obese adolescent males

Objective To explore the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise combined with resistance training on the cardiovascular risk factors of obese adolescent men. Methods Thirty-six obese male adolescents (the obese group) and 36 age-matched normal-weight adolescent men (the control group) were recruited. Those in both groups maintained their routine eating habits. The obese group participated in a 12-week combined aerobic exercise and resistance training program. Markers of inflammation, blood lipids, insulin sensitivity, vascular endothelium function and body composition were measured before and after the intervention. Results Some in the obese group lost visceral fat mass (VFM) and some gained it. Before the intervention the average levels of serum interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), tumor necrosis factor-α, leptin, insulin, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IRI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, triglycerides, adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of the obese group were all significantly higher than those of the control group. After the intervention there had been significant decreases in the average levels of IL-1Ra, IFN-γ-inducible protein 10, insulin and HOMA-IRI, but no significant change in average body weight in the obese group as a whole. The group which lost VFM, however, showed greater improvement in triglycerides and insulin resistance than those who gained. Conclusions Twelve weeks of aerobic exercise combined with resistance training can reduce the inflammatory response and insulin resistance of obese adolescent men. The participants who lost more VFM after exercise improved their lipid profile and insulin sensitivity the most. Key words: Exercise; Obesity; Adolescents; Cardiovascular risk factors; Visceral fat