Body Mass Index Values Research Articles

The effect of information, motivation and behavioural skills model-based Diabetes Education and Motivational Interview Program on health outcomes in middle-aged adults with type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled study.

Many models and theories are used to increase the self-management of individuals with type 2 diabetes. This study aims to examine the effect of information, motivation, behavioural skills (IMB) model-based diabetes education and motivational interviewing program on health belief, self-efficacy, self-management, and metabolic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The study is a single-blind, randomised controlled trial. The study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 with intervention (n = 30) and control groups (n = 30). The intervention group applied the diabetes education and motivational interviews program for 12 weeks that was created based on the IMB model. The study data were collected with a socio-demographic questionnaire, Diabetes Knowledge Scale, Health Belief Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, and Self-Management Scale. In the post-test and follow-up measurements, the mean scores of the intervention group on the knowledge, health belief, self-efficacy, and self-management scale were significantly higher than those of the control group, while the HbA1c% and body mass index (BMI) values of the intervention group showed a significant decrease over time. However, there was no difference between the groups in the post-test BMI and HbA1c% values. The nurse-led intervention was found to be effective in increasing information, health belief, self-efficacy, self-management, and decreasing HbA1c%, BMI in adults with type 2 diabetes. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials NCT05030844.

A Close Relationship Between Ultra-Processed Foods and Adiposity in Adults in Southern Italy

Background/Objectives: One of the main culprits of the obesity epidemic is the obesogenic food environment, which promotes the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) that are highly palatable, have low nutritional quality and a high caloric impact and are economical and ready to use. This monocentric retrospective study explored the association between UPFs, obesity and adiposity measurements among adults living with obesity in Southern Italy. Methods: According to their Body Mass Index (BMI) values, 175 participants (63M) were recruited and stratified into three groups. To evaluate their usual eating habits, PREDIMED and the Nova Food Frequency Questionnaire (NFFQ) were administered to investigate Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence and UPF consumption. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements, body composition, as well as visceral obesity indices were collected. Results: The data showed an increase in UPF consumption as the BMI increased, with a concomitant decrease in MD adherence. Soft drinks were the most representative UPF in all groups, and we observed a significant increase in such consumption as the BMI increased. In addition, in the highest tertile of UPF consumption, there was an increase in adiposity indices. Conclusions: Our data suggest that high UPF consumption correlates with an increased BMI and visceral adiposity, and it is a predictive risk factor for the occurrence of non-communicable diseases.

Clinical Validation of a Custom Wearable Patch for Accurate and Comfortable Vital Sign Monitoring in Pediatric Patients

Background/Purpose: Measuring vital signs in pediatric patients requires special consideration and adaptation due to varying anatomy and wide age range. In addition, children's anxiety, uncooperativeness, and high activity levels further complicate measurements, necessitating devices and algorithms designed to minimize the inaccuracies and discomfort. In this work, the performance of a custom wearable patch mounted on the mid-sternum was validated in uncontrolled settings on a cohort including 84 pediatric patients. Methods: Three-minute-long electrocardiogram (ECG), seismocardiogram (SCG) and photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals were acquired using the custom patch. First, pre-processing and signal smoothing algorithms were employed to suppress the out-of-band and motion noise. Two different tasks were then studied: (i) Heart rate (HR) and respiration rate were derived from the ECG, PPG and SCG signals individually. During HR derivation from the SCG, a novel Teager-energy-based HR estimation algorithm was proposed. (ii) Clinical relevance of the SCG signals was shown through mapping the SCG characteristics to body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure values. Results: While the best HR estimation was achieved through the PPG-infrared signal with an absolute error of 2.22.1 bpm, the best respiration estimation was achieved with PPG-Red signal with an error of 2.62.2 breaths/min. On the other hand, regression models resulted in a minimum of 85% confidence interval, revealing that the SCG characteristics indeed have salient correlation with the BMI and blood pressure values. Conclusion: Overall, such a system can potentially be leveraged in clinical practices to achieve more comfortable and accurate measurements.

Risk Factors for Early Subsidence of 3D-Printed Artificial Vertebral After Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion

ObjectiveThe subsidence of vertebral body replacement may occur after anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) , which may lead to cervical kyphosis, spinal cord compression and neurological dysfunction. The authors aim to investigate the risk factors for early subsidence of 3D printed artificial vertebral (3D-PAVB) after ACCF surgery and to provide guidance for clinical practice. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of consecutive patients with cervical spondylosis who underwent ACCF surgery at Bethune Hospital of Shanxi from 2017 to 2020. The statistical data included age, gender, disease type, body mass index (BMI), surgical segment, vertebral height, Cobb Angle, and Hounsfeld Units (HU) values of the vertebral body and endplate. The clinical efficacy of the surgery was evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Follow-up data, such as VAS, JOA, NDI, and Cobb Angle, were obtained using a repeated-measures ANOVA analysis. Univariate analysis was conducted to identify the factors contributing to the early subsidence of the3D-PAVB, and independent risk factors were determined using logistic regression. The HU value was analyzed using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the Area Under Curve (AUC) to predict the subsidence of the 3D-PAVB. ResultsA total of 66 patients were included in the study, out of which 19 patients experienced subsidence of 3D-PAVB,resulting in an incidence rate of 28.8%. The postoperative JOA, VAS, and NDI scores showed significant improvement in both the subsidence and non-subsidence groups. Upon conducting univariate analysis, significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, diabetes, smoking, and lower vertebral Computed Tomography (CT) values. The average HU value of the subsidence group (251.39±52.615, n=19) was significantly lower than that of the non-subsidence group (317.06±73.587, n=47, p＜0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking and HU of the lower vertebra were independent risk factors for 3D-PAVB subsidence, with an AUC of 0.772 and an optimal threshold of 272 for HU (sensitivity 78.9%, specificity 74.5%). ConclusionThe occurrence of early subsidence of 3D-PAVB post ACCF surgery is influenced by two independent risk factors - smoking and low HU. To predict the likelihood of this outcome, it is advisable to consider smoking history and measure CT HU value prior to surgery. A lower CT HU value is indicative of a greater risk of subsidence.

Epidemiology and Trends of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery in Korea.

The prevalence of obesity in Korea has steadily increased over the past decade, reaching 38.4% in 2021. Notably, the rate of class II- III obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher, exceeded 7% in the same year. Since January 2019, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) has provided coverage for bariatric surgery (BS) for eligible patients. Coverage is available for individuals with a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher, or those with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher who also have obesity-related comorbidities. Additionally, partial reimbursement is offered for BS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have BMI values between 27.5 and 30 kg/m2. From 2019 to 2022, the NHIS recorded 9,080 BS procedures, with sleeve gastrectomy being the most commonly performed. The average percentage of weight loss 198±99.7 days post-surgery was 17.9%, with 80.0% of patients losing more than 10% of their body weight. This article presents the trends in obesity and BS in Korea.

The Influence of Abdominal Circumference and Body Mass Index On Hypertension

The Body Mass Index (BMI) value is used to determine the body composition value, calculated using a formula involving height and weight. Increasing body weight will affect the size of the stomach circumference. One indicator of BMI that can identify the risk of morbidity due to increased body weight is the measurement of the size of the abdominal circumference. If there is an increase in BMI, the risk of developing hypertension and other heart diseases also increases. Hypertension is when a person's blood pressure exceeds normal (120/80mmHg). This research was conducted to analyze the influence of BMI and abdominal circumference on hypertension symptoms using analytical observation. Random sampling was taken from the USU Faculty of Medicine student population with the criteria of having a history of heart disease, a history of metabolic disease, taking heart medication, and being an athlete. Respondents had their height and weight measured, their BMI values were calculated, then their abdominal circumference, and their blood pressure. The results showed that there was an influence between BMI and abdominal circumference on symptoms of hypertension. There was a significant correlation between BMI and systole (p=0.000) and diastole (p=0.014) as well as a moderate correlation coefficient for systole (r=0.466) and diastole (r=0.340). There is a correlation between abdominal circumference and systole (p=0.000) and diastole (p=0.038) and a moderate level correlation coefficient with systole (r=0.480) and diastole (r=0.289). It can be concluded that there was an influence of BMI and LP on hypertension.

Temporal muscle thickness is not a prognostic predictor in patients with high-grade glioma, an experience at two centers in China.

Temporal muscle thickness (TMT) serves as an indicator of sarcopenia and holds predictive value for various cancers. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of TMT for high-grade glioma patients. A retrospective review of 172 high-grade glioma patients from January 2015 to December 2022 was conducted. TMT value was measured based on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance images before surgery. Pearson analysis was used to evaluate potential correlations. Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate overall survival for high-grade glioma patients. In our study, the cutoff value of TMT was determined as 7.4 mm. TMT value was not a significant prognostic predictor for high-grade glioma patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.151, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9299-1.424, p = 0.196). World Health Organization (WHO) VI and high body mass index (BMI) value were significantly associated with poorer survival outcomes (HR: 2.6689, 95% CI: 1.5729-4.528, p < 0.001; HR: 1.120, 95% CI: 1.0356-1.211, p = 0.005). TMT did not show a significant association with other factors (p > 0.05). Notably, age demonstrated a significant difference between the thicker and thinner groups (p = 0.019). Our study revealed that WHO grade and BMI demonstrated significant prognostic value for survival outcomes. Consequently, TMT does not appear to be a significant or applicable predictor in patients with high WHO grades.

Mediating role of self-esteem on university students’ physical activity attitude and frequency

Background and Study Aim. The health benefits of physical activity are well-known. Despite this, there is an ongoing decline in total physical activity (PA), especially among adolescents and young women. This decline points to the need to find more effective solutions. This study aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity and attitudes toward physical activity, and also between self-esteem body image (as subjective variables) and body mass index (as an objective variable). Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study measured and investigated 152 female students from various faculties in their first and second years of study at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. The research utilized direct anthropometrical measurements and several self-reported instruments. These included questionnaires on self-esteem body image, physical activity attitude, and a report on the frequency of physical activity. Self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Body dissatisfaction was evaluated using the Contour Drawing Rating Scale. Results. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) value of 20.89 kg/m² indicates a healthy, normal BMI. The mean self-esteem score (31.48) falls within the normal range, but 60% of respondents could not match their actual body shape with their ideal or desired body image. 54% of respondents reported engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity, three times a week, outside the university program. As a result, the mean value of the attitude towards physical activity is slightly positive. 33% of young women's self-esteem is related to physical factors such as body image, frequency of physical activity, and attitude towards physical activity. Conclusions. The study indicates that targeted physical education programs and consistent, independent physical activity can mitigate the challenges associated with the investigated variables. Moreover, self-esteem significantly mediates the relationship between body image and physical activity frequency, as well as students’ attitudes toward physical activity.

Validity and reliability of the physical fitness test instrument for retired martial art athletes

Background and Study Aim. Developing exercise programs to maintain the fitness and health of retired athletes is crucial as a preventive measure against common health problems in this population. Equally important is the creation of an exercise evaluation tool to assess the effectiveness of these programs. This study aims to test the validity and reliability of a physical fitness test instrument for retired martial arts athletes. Material and Methods. This study used an evaluation approach with data collected through tests and measurements. A total of 147 subjects participated. For validity testing, there were 35 retired male martial arts athletes and 37 retired female athletes. For reliability testing, there were 36 retired male and 39 retired female martial arts athletes. The instruments used included body mass index (BMI) measurements with digital scales, flexibility measurements with the sit-and-reach test, muscle strength measurements with a leg and back dynamometer, and cardiovascular endurance measurements with the Cooper test. Validity was assessed using a concurrent validity approach. Reliability was tested using the test-retest method. The Pearson product-moment correlation was used for validity analysis, while Cronbach's alpha was used to assess reliability. The JASP software was used for the analysis. Results. For male athletes, the r-values for each test item exceeded the r-table value of 0.275, confirming the validity of the body mass index (BMI), sit-and-reach test, leg and back dynamometers, and the Cooper test. Similarly, female athletes demonstrated r-values above the r-table value of 0.267, confirming the validity of all test items. The reliability of each item was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha values, which were above the 0.7 threshold for both male and female athletes. The Cronbach's alpha value for BMI was 0.998 for both male and female athletes, indicating excellent reliability. Other test items, such as flexibility and muscle strength, also showed strong reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.742 to 0.985. Conclusions. The study highlights the importance of developing valid and reliable instruments to assess the physical fitness of retired martial arts athletes. Such instruments are essential for monitoring the effectiveness of training programs aimed at maintaining the health and fitness of retired athletes. The findings of this research confirm the value of structured fitness tests. These tests effectively evaluate key physical components such as body composition, flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular endurance.

Evaluation of the Impact of Body Mass Index on the Outcomes of Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on the outcomes of supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a tertiary care center. Understanding surgical outcomes in obese patients, given their rising prevalence and urolithiasis risk, is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included data from 256 patients aged 18 and older who underwent PCNL in the Galdakao-Valdivia position between July 2021 and July 2024 at a tertiary care hospital. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their body mass index (BMI): normal weight (BMI: 18-24.9 kg/m²), overweight (BMI: 25-29.9 kg/m²), and obese (BMI: 30-34.9 kg/m²). Demographic data, stone characteristics, operative time, fluoroscopy time, hospital stay, nephrostomy duration, stone-free rates (SFR), and complications were analyzed and compared across the three groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding age, sex, stone laterality, location, or size (p&gt;0.05). Median BMI values were significantly different between the groups (p&lt;0.001). The stone-free rates were 79.2%, 77%, and 75% for the normal, overweight, and obese groups, respectively (p&gt;0.05). No significant differences were found in operative time, fluoroscopy time, hospital stay, or nephrostomy time among the groups (p&gt;0.05). Minor and major complication rates were similar across all groups (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Obesity does not appear to significantly impact the outcomes of supine PCNL, including operative time, stone-free rates, or complication rates. These findings suggest that with experienced surgeons, supine PCNL is a safe and effective treatment option for obese patients, though further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Parallel improvement of arterial stiffness with weight loss following intensification of antidiabetic treatment

Abstract Background Arterial stiffness is a marker that can flag increased cardiovascular disease risk in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), while weight management plays a crucial role for the management of glycemic control and prevention of complications in these patients. Purpose To investigate the effects of novel antidiabetic agents on arterial stiffness in T2DM patients as well as potential associations with their weight status before and after treatment. Patients and Methods We enrolled 118 consecutive patients under stable antidiabetic therapy. According to their physician they start treatment with an additional antidiabetic agent; either dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i, n=19), or glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA, n=50) or sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i, n=49). Body Mass Index (BMI) along with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a biomarker of arterial stiffness were measured at baseline and 3 months after treatment intensification. Results There were no differences between the study groups regarding their sex, age and other traditional risk factors or the values of PWV and BMI at baselined (p=NS for all). All groups achieved better glycemic control in terms of HbA1c values between baseline and follow-up; from 7.4±1.2% to 7.4±1.2% in the DPP4i group (p&amp;lt;0.001 for all), from 8.6±0.7% to 6.7±0.8% in the GLP-1RA group (p=0.07) and from 7.7±1.1% to 6.7±0.7% in the SGLT-2i group (p&amp;lt;0.001). PWV showed a decrease from 10.6±2.7 to 9.0±1.6 m/sec (p=0.001) in the DPP4-i group, from 11.2±2.5 to 9.3±2.2 m/sec (p&amp;lt;0.001) in the GLP-1RA group and from 10.7±2.4 to 8.9±2.0 m/sec (p=0.001) in the SGLT-2i group as presented in Figure 1. Regarding BMI, a reduction in the values between groups from baseline to follow-up was also observed; from 27.4±5.3 to 26.1±5.0 kg/m2 for the DPP-4i group, from 33.6±4.9 to 31.5±4.6 kg/m2 for the GLP-1RA group, from 31.8±5.5 to 30.5±5.6 kg/m2 for the SGLT-2i group (p&amp;lt;0.001 for all). Moreover, in the entire study population there was significant correlation between PWV and BMI improvement following treatment initiation (rho=0.247, p=0.007) (Figure 2). Conclusion Diabetes mellitus treatment intensification with GLP1-RA or SGLT-2i or DPP4i, ameliorated arteriosclerosis, improved PWV and BMI while there is significant association between BMI and PWV improvement.Changes in PWV values among the groupsCorrelation between deltaBMI &amp; deltaPWV

Effects of SGLT-2i and GLP-1RA in vascular function parameters: the impact of the weight loss

Abstract Background Arterial stiffness and endothelial function markers flag increased cardiovascular disease risk in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), while weight management plays a crucial role for the management of glycemic control and prevention of complications in these patients. Purpose To investigate the effects of novel antidiabetic agents on arterial stiffness and endothelial function as well as the metabolic parameters of HbA1c and Weight in T2DM patients. Patients and Methods: We enrolled 99 consecutive patients under stable antidiabetic therapy who did not reach therapeutic targets. Subjects were assessed to receive an additional antidiabetic agent to optimize glucose control; glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA, n=50) or sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i, n=49). Glycosylated hemoglobin (Hba1c) and weight expressed through Body Mass Index (BMI) along with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), as biomarkers of arterial stiffness and endothelial function accordingly, were measured at baseline and 3 months after treatment intensification. Results There were no differences between the study groups in traditional risk factors of age and sex or baseline HbA1c, BMI, PWV, and FMD levels (ps=NS for all). In both groups PWV values displayed a statistically significant improvement from 11.2±2.5 to 9.3±2.2 m/sec (p&amp;lt;0.001) in the GLP-1RA group and from 10.7±2.4 to 8.9±2.0 m/sec (p=0.001) in the SGLT-2i group, as presented in Figure 1 through the differences in the values of PWV. FMD values were also significantly improve in both groups from baseline to follow-up; from 6.04±1.22 to 6.50±1.26% (p&amp;lt;0,001) for the GLP-1RA group and from 6.38±1.21 to 6.81±1.29% (p&amp;lt;0.001) for the SGLT-2i group. Moreover, both groups achieved better weight management goals in terms of BMI values between baseline and follow-up; from 33.6±4.9 to 31.5±4.6 kg/m2 for the GLP-1RA group (p&amp;lt;0.001) and from 31.8±5.5 to 30.5±5.6 kg/m2 for the SGLT-2i group (p&amp;lt;0.001), in addition to achieving better glycemic control in terms of HbA1c values, as seen in their paired differences: for GLP-1RA: 1.3±0.7% and for SGLT-2i: 0.8±0.5%. Interestingly, in the SGLT-2i group the magnitude of the PWV improvement was correlated with the weight loss (r=0.368, p=0.007). Conclusion These data provide evidence that the newer antidiabetic drugs, both GLP1-RA and SGLT-2i, have actions that benefit both vascular function, endothelium as well as metabolic parameters. Interestingly, in the patients receiving SGLT-2i the magnitude of the PWV improvement was correlated with the weight loss.delta PWV for SGLT-2i &amp; GLP-1RA groupsCorrelation of deltaWeight &amp; deltaPWV

Body mass index and clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes and stable coronary artery disease in THEMIS

Abstract Background Physiologic changes due to extremes of body weight may affect the efficacy and tolerability of antiplatelet treatment. However, it remains unclear whether the risks and benefits of intensified antiplatelet therapy among patients with diabetes and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) are affected by body mass index (BMI). Purpose To assess the relationship between baseline BMI and major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, and to determine if the effects of ticagrelor vs. placebo varied across the BMI spectrum, in patients with diabetes and stable CAD. Methods THEMIS was a randomized, controlled trial of 19,220 individuals aged ≥50 years with type 2 diabetes and stable CAD, randomly allocated to ticagrelor or placebo on top of aspirin. Patients with a prior myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke, or already on dual antiplatelet therapy, were excluded. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of CV death, MI, or stroke. The primary safety outcome was TIMI major bleeding. We examined prognostic implications of BMI using 1) restricted cubic splines for the overall trends with outcomes; 2) Cox regression models with predefined BMI intervals (&amp;lt;25 kg/m2, 25-29.9 kg/m2, and ≥30 kg/m2) adjusted for demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables; and 3) Cox regression models for the effects of ticagrelor vs. placebo on outcomes across the spectrum of BMI values (test for interaction). A two-sided P-value &amp;lt;0.01 was considered statistically significant to control the overall chance of type I errors. Results BMI was available in 19,202 (99.9%) participants, with a median of 29 kg/m2 (interquartile range: 26-33). A total of 3352 (17.5%) individuals had a BMI &amp;lt;25 kg/m2, 7644 (39.8%) had a BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2, and 8206 (42.7%) had a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Median follow-up was 39.9 months (range 0-57), with 1554 primary efficacy events and 306 primary safety events occurring over the course of the study. BMI was not associated with the primary efficacy or safety outcome, or with their individual components. However, BMI was significantly associated with hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) (BMI &amp;lt;25 kg/m2: reference; hazard ratio [HR] for BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82 to 1.40; HR for BMI ≥30 kg/m2: 1.41, 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.84) and with the composite of HHF or CV death (comparable estimates) after multivariable adjustment (Figure). BMI was also significantly, positively associated with serious adverse events (BMI &amp;lt;25 kg/m2: reference; HR for BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2: 0.99, 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.06; HR for BMI ≥30 kg/m2: 1.20, 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.29). BMI did not modify the risks and benefits of ticagrelor vs. placebo. Conclusions BMI was independently associated with the risk of HHF and the composite of HHF or CV death, but not with other efficacy or safety outcomes, in patients with stable CAD and type 2 diabetes. Ticagrelor was of similar benefit on the primary efficacy outcome vs. placebo across the full range of BMI.

Cardio-metabolic disorders in a patient with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and normal body weight

The relationship between the formation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese individuals has been proven, which increases the patient’s cardio-metabolic risk. A number of studies have demonstrated that patients with normal body weight (NBW) have comparable risks of developing cardiovascular disease and progression to NAFLD compared to obese patients. Purpose of the study: To assess the incidence of cardio-metabolic disorders in patients with NAFLD and NBW. Materials and methods: 225 patients of both sexes (18–65 years old) with confirmed NAFLD were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to body mass index (BMI) values. Results: In patients of group 1, an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), arterial hypertension (AH), type 2 diabetes mellitus and progression of liver fibrosis was revealed with an increase in the level of the triglyceride index. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the need for early identification of NAFLD in NBW individuals and assessment of existing cardiometabolic risk factors.

Assessing the Impact of Wheat Flour and Baker's Yeast Restricted Diet vs. Calorie Restriction in NAFLD Patients

IntroductionNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent and nonalcoholic progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic disturbance. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of wheat flour or baker's yeast-restricted diet with traditional calorie restriction in NAFLD patients.Material and methodsAnalyzed data was obtained from 243 individuals with NAFLD who completed the study. Of these patients, 54 belonged to Group (1) (Standard Diet, SD); 104 belonged to Group (2) (Wheat Flour-Free Diet, WFFD); and 85 belonged to Group (3) (Yeast-Free Diet, YFD). The intervention period lasted 6 months, during which participants' dietary compliance was closely monitored.ResultsAt the end of the six-month trial, both the WFFD and HFD groups exhibited a noteworthy reduction in body mass index (BMI) and triglyceride (TG) levels when compared to a standard diet that only involved calorie restriction. Furthermore, a notable reduction in the severity of liver steatosis was seen in these groups (p&lt;0.05). The SD group did not exhibit any significant changes in these metrics. The WFFD group experienced a notable reduction in HSI values (p&lt;0.05). Cluster analysis revealed that the obese group had higher HSI, weight, and BMI values throughout the study period, indicating a more advanced stage of NAFLD.ConclusionsTo summarize, this study highlights the significance of food constituents and dietary strategies in the treatment of NAFLD. It suggests that limiting the intake of wheat flour and baker's yeast specifically could have positive effects on liver well-being.

Comparison of Serum Nesfatin-1 and Visfatin Levels Between Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Healthy Controls

Even though elevated nesfatin-1 levels were reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) previously, the possible role of body mass index (BMI) was not excluded. The aim of the present study was to compare serum nesfatin-1 and visfatin levels between patients with RA and healthy controls who have normal BMI values (18.50.05). It seems that nesfatin-1 levels are significantly higher in RA patients compared to healthy peers. However, nesfatin-1 levels were not found related to disease activity.

Maternal weight status at conception predicts offspring body fat at age 11 years: population data from the Japan Kids Body Composition Study using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

BackgroundMaternal preconception overweight status has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of overweight offspring. However, there are no published population-based studies on the association between maternal preconception weight and offspring body fat measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The present population-based retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the association between maternal weight at conception and offspring body fat measured by DXA.MethodsThe source population consisted of 5th-grade students (1244 students aged 11 years) registered at 8 municipal elementary schools in Kitakata, Fukuroi, Hamamatsu, and Himeji in Japan. The present analyses included 964 participants who provided complete information. Maternal body mass index (BMI) at conception was calculated using records in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (MCHH). Offspring body fat at age 11 years was measured with the same QDR-4500A DXA instrument in a mobile test room that was brought to each school. With regard to the prediction of excess fat in offspring, the area under the curve (AUC) calculated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of maternal BMI at conception.ResultsAdjusted odds ratios for excess body fat in offspring of the overweight mother group (odds ratios, 4.93 to 15.32) were significantly higher than those in the non-overweight mother group. For the prediction of excess offspring fat, AUCs and 95% confidence intervals for maternal BMI at conception were greater than 0.5.ConclusionMaternal overweight status at conception might be a risk factor for excess body fat in offspring. Maternal BMI values calculated using MCHH data have the potential to distinguish between the presence and absence of excess fat in the next generation.

Diagnostic performance of single-lead electrocardiograms for arterial hypertension diagnosis: a machine learning approach.

Awareness and early identification of hypertension is crucial in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Artificial intelligence-based analysis of 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) can already detect arrhythmias and hypertension. We performed an observational two-center study in order to develop a machine learning algorithm to proactively detect arterial hypertension from single-lead ECGs. This could serve as proof of concept with an eye towards todays wearables that record single-lead ECGs. In a prospective observational study, we enrolled 1254 consecutive subjects (539 male, aged 60.22 ± 12.46 years), with and without essential hypertension, and no indications of CVD. A 12-lead ECG of 10 seconds duration in resting position was performed on each subject using a digital electrocardiograph and lead I was isolated for analysis using a calibrated Random Forest (RF). Our RF model classified hypertensive from normotensive subjects on a hold-out test set, with 75% accuracy, ROC/AUC 0.831 (95%CI: 0.781-0.871), sensitivity 72%, and specificity 82% (sensitivity and specificity calculated using a threshold of 0.675). Increasing age, larger values of body mass index, the area under the T wave divided by the QRS complex area, and the area under QRS segment adjusted for BMI, were the four most important features that drove the classification decisions of our model. This study demonstrates the potential to opportunistically detect an undiagnosed hypertension, using a single-lead ECG. While studies with data from wearables are required to translate our findings to actual smartwatch settings, our results could pave the way to innovative technologies for hypertension awareness.

The Influence of High Body Mass Index (BMI > 35 kg/m2) on Apixaban Plasma Concentration in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Apixaban, a direct oral anticoagulant is administered for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients. Dosing adjustment is guided by renal function, age, and body weight. However, no data exist on its pharmacokinetics in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2. The aim was to investigate the effects of BMI ≥35 kg/m2 on trough plasma concentrations of apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation. This prospective study compared steady-state trough concentrations of apixaban in patients with a BMI ≥35 kg/m2 and patients with a BMI <35 kg/m2. Sixty patients were included. In patients receiving 5 mg apixaban twice daily, the median trough plasma concentration was 29% lower in patients with a BMI ≥35 kg/m2 than in those with a BMI <35 kg/m2 (148.9 ng/ml, interquartile range [IQR] 94.5-205.6, compared to 209.1 ng/ml, IQR 167-266.8 ng/ml, respectively; P = 0.044). However, median trough concentrations fell within the manufacturer's predicted range for effective steady-state apixaban exposure. A similar trend was observed with 2.5 mg apixaban twice daily, although statistical significance was not reached. Multivariate analysis revealed no correlation between BMI values and trough concentrations. BMI ≥35 kg/m2 patients exhibited lower apixaban trough concentrations, while remaining within the manufacturer's established range for effective steady-state apixaban, suggesting that dose adjustment is unnecessary for this specific patient group.

Association of Age at Menarche with General and Abdominal Obesity in Young Women.

Background and Objectives: Age at menarche is related to various biological and socioeconomic factors in childhood. The aim of the study was to examine the association of age at menarche with general and abdominal obesity in young women. Materials and Methods: A transversal anthropometric survey was conducted with 102 females from 21 to 25 years of age. The surveyed traits included height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC). General obesity was assessed using the body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity by WC, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). A retrospective method was used for collecting age at menarche data. Results: The average age at menarche is 12.80 years. Early menarcheal age (<12 years) is detected in 25.5% of young females, while late onset of menarche (>14 years) is recorded for 20.6% of subjects. Early menarche age subjects exhibit significantly higher BMI, WC and WHtR in comparison with their late menarche age peers. There is a significant negative correlation between BMI, WC and WHtR values and menarcheal age. Late age at menarche is associated with higher probability of underweight status (BMI < 18.5 and/or WHtR < 0.4). Conclusions: Age at menarche has a negative correlation with general and abdominal obesity. Young women with early age at menarche show statistically higher values of BMI, WC and WHtR, while those with late menarcheal age show greater susceptibility to becoming underweight.