Body Composition Research Articles

Maternal Glycemic Status and Longitudinal Fetal Body Composition and Organ Volumes Based on Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risk of fetal overgrowth as measured by two-dimensional ultrasonography. Whether fetal three-dimensional (3D) soft tissue and organ volumes provide additional insight into fetal overgrowth is unknown. We prospectively evaluated longitudinal 3D fetal body composition and organ volumes in a diverse US singleton pregnancy cohort (2015-2019). Women were diagnosed with GDM, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Up to five 3D ultrasound scans measured fetal body composition and organ volumes; trajectories were modeled using linear mixed models. Overall and weekly mean differences in fetal 3D trajectories were tested across glycemic status, adjusted for covariates. In this sample (n = 2,427), 5.2% of women had GDM, and 3.0% had IGT. Fetuses of women who developed GDM compared with NGT had larger fractional arm and fractional fat arm volumes from 26 to 35 weeks, smaller fractional lean arm volume from 17 to 22 weeks, and larger abdominal area from 24 to 40 weeks. Fetuses of women with IGT had similar growth patterns, which manifested later in gestation and with larger magnitudes, and had larger fractional lean arm volume. No overall differences were observed among thigh or organ volumes across glycemic status. Body composition differed in fetuses of GDM-complicated pregnancies, including larger arm and abdominal measures across the second and third trimesters. Patterns were similar in IGT-complicated pregnancies except that they occurred later in gestation and with larger magnitudes. Future research should explore how lifestyle and medication may alter fetal fat accumulation trajectories among hyperglycemic pregnancies.

Advanced resistance exercise combined with aerobic rehabilitation training on cardiopulmonary function

Chronic diseases are the number one killer in the world today, and the most common cause of chronic diseases is lack of exercise. Research on the application of artificial intelligence technology in the medical field can shorten the distance between clinical best practice and practical application, and promote the standardized management of clinicians according to specifications. In this paper, three different exercise methods, continuous aerobic, anaerobic, and control, were used to conduct a 12-week study. This paper discussed the effects of three different forms of exercise on the body shape, body composition, and metabolism of patients with chronic diseases, and discussed the intervention effects of the same exercise mode in different periods (0–6 weeks, 6–12 weeks), to provide a theoretical basis for more effective and targeted choice of exercise intervention programs. Through training load, training frequency, training sequence, training interval, and other factors, a training plan can be designed. To avoid mistakes, experts often try to do some items that are prone to mistakes, especially lung function measurement. The scores of self-care, extraction, standing, occupation/housework, social activities, and total scores were significantly lower than those before intervention (P < 0.01). Advanced resistance kinetic energy can significantly improve the exercise and cardiopulmonary function of patients with various types of chronic diseases. Advanced resistance kinetic energy can significantly promote the strength and explosive force of the shoulder, waist, and back muscles in chronic patients, and can significantly promote the muscle adaptability of the shoulder, waist, and back muscles in chronic patients.

Association of handgrip strength and risk of cardiovascular disease: a population-based cohort study

BackgroundHandgrip strength (HGS) is a simple and non-invasive measure of muscle strength, which has been proposed as a potential predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, the association between HGS and CVD risk in the Chinese population remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the relationship between handgrip strength and the risk of cardiovascular disease using data from the 2015–2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).MethodsWe included 9369 participants aged 45 years and older from the CHARLS dataset. HGS was measured using a dynamometer, and the average of three measurements for each hand was recorded. Participants were categorized into quartile based on their HGS levels. The primary outcome was the incidence of CVD, including heart diseases, and stroke, obtained through self-reports and verified by medical records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the association between HGS and CVD risk, and using restricted cubic spline to construct a linear relationship, adjusting for potential covariates including demographic factors, lifestyle factors, body composition, and health status. The robustness of the results was determined by stratified analysis.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 3 years, 1198 CVD events were reported, including 851 heart diseases and 427 strokes. After multivariate adjustment, the HR and 95% CI corresponding to CVD risk for participants in the HGS 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles compared with those in the lowest quartile were 0.824 (95% CI: 0.692–0.981), 0.756 (95% CI: 0.614–0.929), 0.625 (95% CI: 0.484–0.807) (Pfor trend: <0.001), respectively. All subgroups analyzed found similar results. For CVD components, HGS was similarly linearly associated with heart disease, and had an inverted U-shape relationship with the risk of stroke, with a potential threshold of 23.16 kg.ConclusionsHigher HGS was significantly associated with decreased risk of CVD, including heart disease and stroke, in middle-aged and older adults, suggesting that HGS may be a promising measurable predictor of CVD in this population.

Features of the microbiome of burial soils

Introduction. On the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as worldwide, a large amount of space is allocated for burials. The soils found in the burial areas have their own characteristics. In the scientific literature there is a few works devoted to the problem of hygienic assessment of cemeteries from the point of view of their impact on the environment, as well as on the population living next to necrosols or working on them. Depending on the chemical and biological effects, the microbial composition of the soil changes. This process is influenced by many factors, including humidity, the initial content of organic and mineral substances, level of acidity, structure of the soil and peculiarities of the course of intra-soil gas-phase reactions. The key participants in the decomposition of organic material are bacteria and fungi, the diversity and dynamics of which directly depend on the degree of soil contamination with pollutants. The purpose of this study was to analyze the microbiota of cemetery soil in its various layers. Materials and methods. The cemeteries of Moscow (NikoloKhovanskoye, Nikolo-Arkhangelskoye, Perepechenskoye), Moscow (Mytishchenskoye, Domodedovo), Tula (Municipal Cemetery No. 1 of the Municipal State Enterprise of the Municipal Formation of the City of Tula Combine of Specialized Services), Kursk (old city cemetery Kurchatov), Krasnoyarsk (Zheleznogorsk) regions and Altai (Yarovoye) Krais were selected as research objects for assessing the microbiome of soils. Results. The most common bacterial pathogens were found to be Enterococcus spp. (81%), Bacillus spp. (75%) and E. coli (45.1%). Mushrooms of Penicillium spp.. were isolated from 61% of the samples. The revealed microbiota profiles of the samples of the studied cemetery soils reflect the microbial composition of humans, which allows substantiating the main methods and algorithm for identifying decomposition processes depending on the time frame of burials. Limitations. The limitation of the study is due to the risk of contact with cemetery soil was not assessed, since not all genera of isolated microorganisms could be identified by their biochemical properties. Conclusion. Studies conducted in cemetery areas have shown how diverse the soil microbiome is in burial sites and varies depending on the depth of sampling. The microbiota profiles of cemetery soil samples identified during the study reflect the lifetime microbial composition of the human body, which makes it possible to substantiate approaches to identifying decomposition processes depending on the time frame of burials.

Multiparametric Approach to the Colorectal Cancer Phenotypes Integrating Morphofunctional Assessment and Computer Tomography.

(1) Background: Accurate body composition assessment in CCR patients is crucial due to the high prevalence of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and cachexia affecting survival. This study evaluates the correlation between body composition assessed by CT imaging as a reference technique, BIVA, nutritional ultrasound, and handgrip strength in CCR patients. (2) Methods: This retrospective study included CCR patients assessed by the Endocrinology and Nutrition Services of Virgen de la Victoria in Malaga and Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona from October 2018 to July 2023. Assessments included anthropometry, BIVA, NU, HGS, and AI-assisted CT analysis at the L3 level for body composition. Pearson's analysis determined the correlation of CT-derived variables with BIVA, NU, and HGS. (3) Results: A total of 267 CCR patients (mean age 68.2 ± 10.9 years, 61.8% men) were studied. Significant gender differences were found in body composition and strength. CT-SMI showed strong correlations with body cell mass (r = 0.65), rectus femoris cross-sectional area (r = 0.56), and handgrip strength (r = 0.55), with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.789. CT-based adipose tissue measurements showed significant correlations with fat mass (r = 0.56), BMI (r = 0.78), A-SAT (r = 0.49), and L-SAT (r = 0.66). Regression analysis indicated a high predictive power for CT-SMI, explaining approximately 80% of its variance (R2 = 0.796). (4) Conclusions: Comprehensive screening of colorectal cancer patients through BIVA, NU, HGS, and CT optimizes the results of the evaluation. These methods complement each other in assessing muscle mass, fat distribution, and nutritional status in CCR. When CT is unavailable or bedside assessment is needed, HGS, BIVA, and NU provide an accurate assessment of body composition.

DYNAMICS OF ANTHROPOMETRIC AND PHYSICAL MARKERS OF SARCOPENIC OBESITY IN ELDERLY PERSONS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE HIP IN THE PROCESS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Purpose: to determine the effect of a physical therapy program on anthropometric and physical indicators of elderly people with osteoarthritis of the hip, which occurs against the background of sarcopenic obesity. Material. 68 elderly people with osteoarthritis of the hip and sarcopenic obesity and 36 of their healthy peers (control group) were examined. Representatives of the comparison group (33 persons) corrected the signs of osteoarthritis according to the clinical guideline "Osteoarthrosis". Representatives of the main group (35 persons) were engaged in a physical therapy program for six months. Its goal was: reduction of pain and discomfort in the hip; improvement of the amplitude of movements in the hip, joints of the lower limbs, spine; optimization of general mobility and motor stereotype; decrease of body weight; facilitating activities of daily living; improvement of geriatric status. The physical therapy was implemented in rehabilitation center and in the form of telerehabilitation. It included kinesitherapy, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation of the lower limbs and lower back; massage, kinesiological taping of the hip, thigh and lower back muscles; a course of shock wave therapy of the hip, nutritional correction, education of patients and their family members. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by the dynamics of anthropometry (mass, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences and their ratio), body composition (fat content, muscle tissue, visceral fat), sarcopenia markers (hand dynamometry, Short Physical Performance Battery). Results. Application of the physical therapy program led to a decrease in body weight in patients of the main group: in men by 5.4 kg, in women by 4.51 kg, p&lt;0.05. Corresponding changes occurred in body mass index, and the women of the main group reached the level of overweight. The dynamics of the abdominal nature of obesity also changed: the decrease in waist circumference in men was 8.3 cm, in women - 5.9 cm, which had a favorable effect on the ratio of waist and hip circumferences. A decrease in the severity of the signs of sarcopenia in main group persons was confirmed by the results of a statistically significant increase in the content of muscle tissue both in men (from 22.17±1.30% to 28.12±1.09%) and in women (from 19, 01±1.20% to 23.44±1.15%). The content of visceral fat in the subjects of the main group decreased by almost 25%. The content of adipose tissue in the whole body decreased in men from 42.29±1.73% to 34.50±1.22%, in women – from 46.53±1.19% to 40.57±1.57%. The increase in hand dynamometry results in women was from 13.48±1.14 kg to 17.22±0.56 kg, in men - from 19.80±1.07 kg to 26.15±1.01 kg. The complex nature of the physical therapy program contributed to the improvement of performance of all Short Physical Performance Battery subtests in the main group, and the improvement of its total score was 35.5% (from 6.49±0.53 points to 10.07±0.44 points, p&lt;0, 05). Patients of the comparison group, who underwent rehabilitation according to the standard program for the correction of osteoarthritis, did not show improvement in the studied indicators of anthropometry and markers of sarcopenia (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions. Elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and sarcopenic obesity require the development of physical therapy programs taking into account and correcting the specifics of each condition, which will increase the overall effectiveness of rehabilitation measures.

8주간 유산소운동이 여고생의 신체구성과 정신건강에 미치는 영향

Objectives This study aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week aerobic exercise program on the body composition and mental health of high school girls. Methods To achieve the purpose of the study, a total of 35 high school girls participated, with 17 assigned to the exercise group and 18 to the control group through random allocation. The exercise group performed aerobic exercise three times a week for 60 minutes each session over an 8-week period, while the control group maintained their usual daily activities during the same period. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted using the SPSS 23 statistical program to examine the differences between the groups, and the significance level was set at .05. Results The exercise group showed a statistically significant decrease in body fat percentage (p=.001) and a statistically significant improvement in mental health (p=.016). Conclusions Aerobic exercise positively impacts the body composition and mental health of high school girls, enhancing their overall well-being. It not only brings about physical changes but also helps to improve emotional stability. Therefore, in order to improve the health and quality of life of high school girls, various aerobic exercise programs are developed, and customized designs are needed considering interest and persistence. Such programs comprehensively support the physical and mental health of adolescents and contribute to building a healthier society in the long term.

The Effect of Exercises with Blood Flow Restriction in the Limbs on the Development of Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy: A Pilot Study

Weight training with regulated blood flow in the limbs is characterized by low load intensity ranging from 30-50% of the one repetition maximum. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of weight training with regulated blood flow in the limbs on changes in muscle strength and hypertrophy. The research sample consisted of 5 participants aged 26.40±7.16 years who performed 10-week intervention program. The weekly microcycle consisted of three training sessions, which intensity was regulated by inflatable cuffs placed on proximal parts of upper and lower limbs. Body composition was assessed with InBody 720. Muscle strength of knee and elbow flexors and extensors was assessed with Cybex HUMAC NORM isokinetic dynamometer at four speeds ranging from 60-240°·s-1, supplemented by front squat and bench press with emphasis on speed during the concentric phase of the movement. The results showed an increase in knee flexor muscle strength that was not statistically significant. The present pilot-study points to the need for further verification of methods how to use regulated blood flow in training related to muscle strength and hypertrophy.

Comparing the effects of time-restricted eating on glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes with standard dietetic practice: A randomised controlled trial

AimsTo test the efficacy of time-restricted eating (TRE) in comparison to dietitian-led individualised dietary guidance to improve HbA1c in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. MethodsIn a parallel groups design, 51 adults (35–65 y) with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and overweight/obesity (HbA1c ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol), BMI ≥25-≤40 kg/m2) commenced a six-month intervention. Following baseline, participants were randomised to TRE (1000–1900 h) or DIET (individualised dietetic guidance) with four consultations over four months. Changes in HbA1c (primary), body composition, and self-reported adherence (secondary) were analysed using linear mixed models. A non-inferiority margin of 0.3% (4 mmol/mol) HbA1c was set a priori. ResultsForty-three participants (56 ± 8 y, BMI: 33 ± 5 kg/m2, HbA1c: 7.6 ± 0.8%) completed the intervention. HbA1c was reduced (P=0.002; TRE: −0.4% (−5 mmol/mol), DIET: −0.3% (−4 mmol/mol)) with no group or interaction effects; TRE was non-inferior to DIET (−0.11%, 95%CI: −0.50% to 0.28%). Body mass reduced in both groups (TRE: −1.7 kg; DIET: −1.2 kg) via ∼900 kJ/d spontaneous energy reduction (P<0.001). Self-reported adherence was higher in TRE versus DIET (P<0.001). ConclusionsWhen individualised dietary guidance is not available, effective, and/or suitable, TRE may be an alternative dietary strategy to improve glycaemic control in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Effect of Supplementation Plans and Frequency on Performance and Metabolic Responses of Grazing Pregnant Beef Heifers

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of protein supplementation frequency and supplementation plans during gestation on productive performance and metabolic responses of grazing super-precocious Nellore heifers. Thirty-five pregnant Nellore heifers were used in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with an additional control group. The factors were the following: 1. Frequency of supplementation: (a) Daily (seven times per week), (b) Infrequent (three times per week); 2. Supplementation plans: (a) Constant, (b) Increasing. A control group with no supplementation was included. Two digestibility trials were carried out on the 40th and 130th experimental days. Productive performance and body composition were evaluated in the prepartum and postpartum periods. Blood samples were collected at −114, −113, −15, −14, +15, +30, and +45 days relative to calving for measuring metabolic status. Supplementation (daily and infrequent) increased the intake of total dry matter (DM) (p ≤ 0.004), average daily gain (p &lt; 0.001), and body weight at calving (p = 0.008) at prepartum. However, frequency or supplementation plan did not alter (p &gt; 0.17) the intake of total DM and forage DM. There was an effect (p ≤ 0.02) of the supplementation plan on subcutaneous thickness fat in the prepartum period and albumin and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations (p &lt; 0.004) in the postpartum period. Nonetheless, frequency and supplementation plans did not affect (p ≥ 0.10) heifers’ productive performance during the postpartum period. In conclusion, protein supplementation frequency and supplementation plan during beef heifers’ gestation do not negatively impact their productive performance or metabolic responses.

Beta cell-specific PAK1 enrichment ameliorates diet-induced glucose intolerance in mice by promoting insulin biogenesis and minimising beta cell apoptosis.

p21 (CDC42/RAC1) activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is depleted in type 2 diabetic human islets compared with non-diabetic human islets, and acute PAK1 restoration in the islets can restore insulin secretory function ex vivo. We hypothesised that beta cell-specific PAK1 enrichment in vivo can mitigate high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced glucose intolerance by increasing the functional beta cell mass. Human islets expressing exogenous PAK1 specifically in beta cells were used for bulk RNA-seq. Human EndoC-βH1 cells overexpressing myc-tagged PAK1 were used for chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and ChIP-sequencing (ChIP-seq). Novel doxycycline-inducible beta cell-specific PAK1-expressing (iβPAK1-Tg) mice were fed a 45% HFD pre-induction for 3 weeks and for a further 3 weeks with or without doxycycline induction. These HFD-fed mice were evaluated for GTT, ITT, 6 h fasting plasma insulin and blood glucose, body composition, islet insulin content and apoptosis. Beta cell-specific PAK1 enrichment in type 2 diabetes human islets resulted in decreased beta cell apoptosis and increased insulin content. RNA-seq showed an upregulation of INS gene transcription by PAK1. Using clonal human beta cells, we found that PAK1 protein was localised in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. ChIP studies revealed that nuclear PAK1 enhanced pancreatic and duodenal homeobox1 (PDX1) and neuronal differentiation 1 (NEUROD1) binding to the INS promoter in a glucose-responsive manner. Importantly, the iβPAK1-Tg mice, when challenged with HFD and doxycycline induction displayed enhanced glucose tolerance, increased islet insulin content and reduced beta cell apoptosis when compared with iβPAK1-Tg mice without doxycycline induction. PAK1 plays an unforeseen and beneficial role in beta cells by promoting insulin biogenesis via enhancing the expression of PDX1, NEUROD1 and INS, along with anti-apoptotic effects, that culminate in increased insulin content and beta cell mass in vivo and ameliorate diet-induced glucose intolerance. The raw and processed RNA-seq data and ChIP-seq data, which has been made publicly available at Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/ , can be accessed in GSE239382.

Modulators of Energy Expenditure Accuracy in Adults with Overweight or Obesity: E-MECHANIC Secondary Analyses.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) metabolic equations are used to estimate energy expenditure (EE) of physical activity and prescribe aerobic exercise to meet EE requirements. Limited evidence supports their accuracy in sedentary adults with overweight or obesity during controlled exercise interventions. The purpose of this study was to compare EE estimated by the ACSM walking equation versus EE measured by indirect calorimetry during a 24-week aerobic exercise intervention, and identify potential modulators for their accuracy. Data from the exercising groups (8 or 20 kcal·kg body weight-1·week-1) of the E-MECHANIC study were utilized in this ancillary analysis (N = 103). Every 2 weeks for the initial 8 weeks and monthly thereafter, EE was measured via indirect calorimetry during absolute (2 mph, 0% grade) and relative (65-85% VO2peak) workload exercise. Resting metabolic rate, VO2peak, and body composition were assessed at baseline and follow-up. An EE offset factor (EOF) was calculated to express measured EE as a percentage of the estimated EE at each workload (EOF < 100% represents an overestimation of ACSM estimated EE). The accuracy of the equation decreased with increasing exercise workload (0.44%, 9.2%, and 20.3% overestimation at absolute, relative, and maximal workloads, respectively, at baseline) and overestimation of EE was greater after the exercise intervention. Furthermore, race, sex, age, fat mass, and VO2peak were identified as modulators for equation accuracy. Greater overestimation of EE was observed in Black compared to white females, particularly at lower exercise workloads. These findings support future efforts to improve the accuracy of metabolic equations, especially in diverse populations. Researchers should account for exercise efficiency adaptations when using metabolic equations to prescribe exercise precisely.

Is severe carbohydrate restriction necessary for appetite suppression? The ASKED randomized controlled trial.

This trial aimed to compare three low-energy diets (LEDs) with different amounts of carbohydrates (CHO) on ketosis and changes in hunger feelings in adults with obesity. A total of 101 adults (51 female) with obesity (BMI, mean [SEM], 34.7 [0.4] kg/m2) were randomized to follow three isocaloric LEDs (1000 kcal/day) for 8 weeks, containing either low, medium, or high CHO (70, 100, and 130 g/day, respectively), and 4 weeks of refeeding and weight stabilization. Body weight (BW) and composition, hunger and other appetite ratings, concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), and appetite-related hormones were measured at baseline and at the end of weeks 8 and 12. At week 8, weight loss and βHB concentrations were significantly different among groups: Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (BW: 2.32 [0.95] kg, 95% CI: 0.44 to 4.21, p = 0.016; βHB: -0.40 [0.09] mM, 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.09, p < 0.001); Low CHO group versus High CHO group (BW: 2.29 [0.96] kg, 95% CI: 0.39 to 4.19, p = 0.016; βHB: -0.644 [0.10] mM, 95% CI: -0.84 to -0.44, p < 0.001); and Medium CHO group versus High CHO group (BW: -0.03 [0.94] kg, 95% CI: -1.89 to 1.84, p = 0.977; βHB: -0.15 [0.08] mM, 95% CI: -0.30 to 0.002, p = 0.054). No significant differences in hunger were found among groups: Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (-10.87 [5.92] mm, 95% CI: -0.82 to 22.57, p = 0.068); Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (7.74 [7.36] mm, 95% CI: -6.77 to 22.26, p = 0.294); and Medium CHO group versus High CHO group (-3.13 [7.48] mm, 95% CI: -17.89 to 11.63, p = 0.676). Although the findings of this trial are not definitive, changes in hunger ratings with weight loss did not differ among groups. Additional studies with CHO intake of up to 130 g in 1000-kcal/day LEDs are warranted to replicate these findings.

Prospective associations of genetic susceptibility to high blood pressure and muscle strength with incident cardiovascular disease outcomes.

This study explored the prospective associations of genetic susceptibility to high blood pressure (BP) and muscle strength with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and incident stroke. This study included 349 085 white British individuals from the UK Biobank study. Genetic risk of high BP was estimated using a weighted polygenic risk score that incorporated 136 and 135 nonoverlapping single-nucleotide polymorphisms for systolic BP and diastolic BP, respectively. Muscle strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer and expressed relative to fat-free mass. Sex- and age-specific tertiles were used to classify muscle strength into three categories. Cox regressions with age as the underlying timescale were fit for CVD mortality (n = 8275), incident CHD (n = 14 503), and stroke (n = 7518). Compared with the lowest genetic risk of high BP (bottom 20%), the highest (top 20%) had greater hazards of each outcome. Low muscle strength was associated with higher hazards of CVD mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-1.59], incident CHD (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.11-1.21), and stroke (HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.14-1.27), independently of confounders and genetic predisposition to high BP, compared with high muscle strength. Joint analyses revealed that the estimated 10-year absolute risks of each outcome were lower for high muscle strength combined with high genetic risk, compared with low muscle strength combined with low or medium genetic risk. Individuals who are genetically predisposed to high BP but have high muscle strength could have lower risk of major CVD events, compared with those who have low or medium genetic risk but low muscle strength.

CT-based body composition analysis and pulmonary fat attenuation volume as biomarkers to predict overall survival in patients with non-specific interstitial pneumonia

BackgroundNon-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) is an interstitial lung disease that can result in end-stage fibrosis. We investigated the influence of body composition and pulmonary fat attenuation volume (CTpfav) on overall survival (OS) in NSIP patients.MethodsIn this retrospective single-center study, 71 NSIP patients with a median age of 65 years (interquartile range 21.5), 39 females (55%), who had a computed tomography from August 2009 to February 2018, were included, of whom 38 (54%) died during follow-up. Body composition analysis was performed using an open-source nnU-Net-based framework. Features were combined into: Sarcopenia (muscle/bone); Fat (total adipose tissue/bone); Myosteatosis (inter-/intra-muscular adipose tissue/total adipose tissue); Mediastinal (mediastinal adipose tissue/bone); and Pulmonary fat index (CTpfav/lung volume). Kaplan–Meier analysis with a log-rank test and multivariate Cox regression were used for survival analyses.ResultsPatients with a higher (> median) Sarcopenia and lower (< median) Mediastinal Fat index had a significantly better survival probability (2-year survival rate: 83% versus 71% for high versus low Sarcopenia index, p = 0.023; 83% versus 72% for low versus high Mediastinal fat index, p = 0.006). In univariate analysis, individuals with a higher Pulmonary fat index exhibited significantly worse survival probability (2-year survival rate: 61% versus 94% for high versus low, p = 0.003). Additionally, it was an independent risk predictor for death (hazard ratio 2.37, 95% confidence interval 1.03–5.48, p = 0.043).ConclusionFully automated body composition analysis offers interesting perspectives in patients with NSIP. Pulmonary fat index was an independent predictor of OS.Relevance statementThe Pulmonary fat index is an independent predictor of OS in patients with NSIP and demonstrates the potential of fully automated, deep-learning-driven body composition analysis as a biomarker for prognosis estimation.Key PointsThis is the first study assessing the potential of CT-based body composition analysis in patients with non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP).A single-center analysis of 71 patients with board-certified diagnosis of NSIP is presentedIndices related to muscle, mediastinal fat, and pulmonary fat attenuation volume were significantly associated with survival at univariate analysis.CT pulmonary fat attenuation volume, normalized by lung volume, resulted as an independent predictor for death.Graphical

Toxicological consequences of polystyrene microplastics on Cirrhinus mrigala: effects on growth, body composition, nutrient digestibility, haematology and histopathology

Context Microplastics (MPs), whether originating from primary or secondary means, have emerged as a significant global issue nowadays. Aims The current research was designed to assess the toxicological consequences of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) on the growth, digestibility, body composition, haematology and histopathology of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings. Methods In this study, six test diets with different MP concentrations were used, including a control group (0% MPs) and groups with 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5% MPs in sunflower meal-based diets. For a 90-day duration, 270 fingerlings (6.54 ± 0.02 g fish−1) were placed in triplicate groups in tanks, with each tank consisting of 15 fingerlings, feeding at a rate equivalent to 5% of their live wet bodyweight. Key results The findings revealed a negative correlation between MP concentration and fingerlings performance, encompassing growth, digestibility, body composition, histopathology and hematology. Conclusions The results indicate that 2.5% MPs inclusion in C. mrigala adversely affects growth, digestibility, body composition, histopathology and hematology. Implications This research highlights the harmful effects of PS-MPs on C. mrigala fingerlings, emphasising urgent global action to address and mitigate aquatic ecosystem threats.

Positive Effects of Aerobic-Resistance Exercise and an Ad Libitum High-Protein, Low-Glycemic Index Diet on Irisin, Omentin, and Dyslipidemia in Men with Abdominal Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this research was to evaluate changes in body composition, adipokine levels, and dyslipidemia parameters in males with abdominal obesity following two distinct interventions: exercise alone and exercise combined with an ad libitum diet. This study included 44 males with abdominal obesity (mean age 34.7 ± 5.5 years, waist circumference [WC] 110.3 ± 8.5, BMI 32.0 ± 3.9), who were randomly assigned to three groups: an experimental group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise (II, n = 16), an experimental group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise combined with an ad libitum high-protein, low-glycemic index carbohydrate diet (III, n = 16), both interventions lasting 6 weeks, and a control group without interventions (I, n = 12). Body composition metrics (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], body fat [BF], abdominal fat [ABD]) and fat-free mass [FFM], along with biochemical blood analyses (irisin [IR], omentin [OMEN], glucose [GLU], insulin [INS], LDL- and HDL-cholesterol), were measured at baseline and after the 6-week intervention. The effects of the interventions on the analyzed variables across groups were assessed using mixed ANOVA tests with post-hoc comparisons. Effect size (ES) was also calculated using partial eta squared (ηp2). The intervention in group III resulted in a significant decrease in IR (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.03) by 41% and LDL-C (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.02) by 14%. These effects were associated with a reduction in BF (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.02) by 14%, ABD (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.03) by 31%, and WC (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.01) by 3%. In group II, decreases after 6 weeks of intervention were noted only in WC (p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.01) by 1% and in INS (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.04) by 47%. No differences were found between groups. The use of low-glycemic index carbohydrates (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.06) and increased protein intake (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.30) led to changes in the fiber-to-energy value of the diet ratio (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.18) and a reduction in dietary energy value (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.13) by 23%, resulting in a greater energy deficit than in the II group. These findings highlight the effect of combining dietary and exercise interventions to achieve significant changes in body composition and metabolic parameters, even over a short period of intervention.

Body composition as a potential imaging biomarker for predicting the progression risk of chronic kidney disease

PurposeTo investigate whether the body composition parameters can be employed as potential biomarkers for predicting the progression risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).Materials and methodsFour hundred sixteen patients diagnosed with CKD were included in this retrospective study. Patients with a greater than 50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate or progression to end-stage kidney disease were in the high-risk group, otherwise, they were in a low-risk group. Body composition area, the index, and radiodensities in the Hounsfield unit (HU), which reflect the degree of X-ray absorption, were measured on abdominal CT images. Risk factors in body composition and clinical parameters of CKD were identified by Cox regression and utilized to construct the nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed using time receiver operating characteristics curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.ResultsThere were 254 patients in low-risk group and 162 in high-risk group (268 males, 148 females, mean age: 55.89 years). Urea, diabetes, 24 h-urinary protein, mean arterial pressure, and subcutaneous adipose tissue radiodensity (SATd) were valuable indicators for predicting the high-risk group. The area under curve values for the nomogram of training/validation set at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 0.805/0.753, 0.784/0.783, and 0.846/0.754, respectively. For diabetic CKD patients, extra attention needs to be paid to visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio and renal sinus fat radiodensity.ConclusionSATd was the most valuable noninvasive indicator of all body composition parameters for predicting high-risk populations with CKD. The nomogram we constructed has generalization with easily obtainable indicators, good performance, differentiation, and clinical practicability.Critical relevance statementRadiodensity rather than an area of adipose tissue can be used as a new biomarker of prognosis for CKD patients, providing new insights into risk assessment, stratified management, and treatment for CKD patients.Key PointsObesity is an independent risk factor for the development and prognosis of CKD.Adipose tissue radiodensity is more valuable than fat area in prognosticating for kidney disease.Parameters that prognosticate in diabetic CKD patients are different from those in other CKD patients.Graphical

Obesity-related renal dysfunction: gender-specific influence of visceral adiposity and early impact of metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Renal dysfunction is a recognized complication of obesity with an incompletely characterized pathophysiology. Improvement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has been reported across all classes of renal function. Inter-gender differences with regard to correlates of renal function have been described, but the influence of body composition is an understudied area. We aimed to explore determinants of renal function in obesity and to assess its variations after MBS, with a focus on body composition parameters in males and females, respectively. We conducted a retrospective study on 196 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, evaluated preoperatively and 6 months after the intervention. Recorded data included clinical and biochemical assessment, as well as body composition estimation via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum creatinine-based formulas were used for the estimation of GFR. We included a total of 196 patients (80 males and 116 females), with a mean age of 41.43 ± 10.79. Median baseline body mass index was 42.6 (6.61) kg/m2 and 6 months excess weight loss (EWL) reached 71.43 ± 17.18%, in females, estimated GFR correlated negatively with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass (rho=-.368) and this correlation was stronger in females with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, women in the third VAT mass tertile were 5 times more likely to have reduced GFR compared to the first tertile. Renal function improved after MBS across all classes of filtration. In males, this improvement correlated with EWL (rho=.358) and lean mass variation (rho=-.412), while in females it correlated with VAT mass variation (rho=-.266). Our results are consistent with previous findings on the positive impact of MBS on renal function and suggest a more prominent impact of visceral adiposity on GFR in females.

Plant-Based Dietary Protein Is Associated with Lower Metabolic Syndrome Risk in Division III Female Athletes: A Pilot Study

Background: College athletes are often overlooked for metabolic syndrome (MetS), as their increased physical activity is assumed to reduce their disease risk. However, energy or macronutrient imbalance has been shown to increase risk independent of activity. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the current dietary habits of Division III female athletes and determine their associations with body composition and MetS. Secondly, we sought to determine whether dietary intake and dietary protein source (i.e., animal- and plant-based, ABP and PBP) and quality were associated with MetS, as estimated by the Simple Method for Quantifying Metabolic Syndrome (siMS) score and the siMS risk score, and whether protein pacing was associated with body composition in Division III female athletes. Methods: Stepwise linear regression determined whether age (years), body mass (kg), body mass index (BMI; kg/m2), ABP (g/d), PBP (g/d), ABP:PBP, ratio of high-quality to low-quality ABP (ABP QR), relative energy intake (kcal/kg/d), and relative protein, carbohydrate, and fat intake (g/kg/d) were predictors of siMS score and siMS risk score. Results: Twenty-five athletes (19.6 ± 1.3 years; 65.9 ± 7.0 kg; 23.5 ± 2.0 kg/m2; ABP 71.7 ± 28.2 g/d; PBP 30.0 ± 12.2 g/d) were included in the analyses. An inverse relationship was observed between PBP and the siMS score (F1, 22 = 5.498, p = 0.028) and siMS risk score (F1, 22 = 7.614, p = 0.011). The models explained 20% and 26% of the variance in siMS score and siMS risk score, respectively. Conclusions: PBP was associated with lower MetS risk in Division III female athletes, while ABP, regardless of quality, was unrelated. These associations were independent of physical activity in this cohort of Division III female athletes.