Composite Index Research Articles

Assessing climate change vulnerability in coastal communities: a composite vulnerability index approach in Kuala Gula, Malaysia

Assessing climate change vulnerability in coastal communities: a composite vulnerability index approach in Kuala Gula, Malaysia

Efficacy of a WeChat-Based, Multidisciplinary, Full-Course Nutritional Management Program on the Nutritional Status of Patients With Ovarian Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: Randomized Controlled Trial.

As the most malignant type of cancer in the female reproductive system, ovarian cancer (OC) has become the second leading cause of death among Chinese women. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for patients with OC, and its numerous adverse effects can easily lead to malnutrition. It is difficult to centrally manage patients with OC in the intervals between chemotherapy. The use of WeChat, an effective mobile tool, in chronic disease management has been highlighted. This study aimed to implement a continuous follow-up strategy and health monitoring based on the WeChat platform for patients with OC undergoing chemotherapy to ensure that each phase of chemotherapy was delivered on schedule and to improve the survival rate of patients with OC. Participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either the WeChat-based nutrition intervention group or the usual care group. A self-administered general information questionnaire was used at enrollment to obtain basic information about the patients. The Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) Scale was used to investigate the nutritional status of the patients at 3 time points (T0=before the first admission to the hospital for chemotherapy, T1=2 weeks after the first chemotherapy, and T6=2 weeks after the sixth chemotherapy). The blood indices of patients were investigated through the inhospital health care system at 3 times（T0=before the first admission to the hospital for chemotherapy, T1=2 weeks after the first chemotherapy, and T6=2 weeks after the sixth chemotherapy). Patients in the intervention group were introduced to the nutrition applet, invited to join the nutrition management group chat, and allowed to consult on nutritional issues in private chats with nutrition management team members. Linear mixed models were used to analyze changes in each nutritional indicator in the 2 groups, with their baseline measurements as covariates; with group, time, and group-time interactions considered as fixed effects; and with patients considered as random effects. A total of 96 patients with OC undergoing chemotherapy were recruited into the study. Distribution was based on a 1:1 ratio, with 48 patients each in the nutrition intervention group and the usual care group. The attrition rate after the first chemotherapy session was 18.75%. The mixed linear model revealed that the group-based effect and the group-time interaction effect on PG-SGA scores were significant (F38,38=4.763, P=.03; F37,37=6.368, P=.01), whereas the time-based effect on PG-SGA scores was not (F38,38=0.377; P=.54). The findings indicated that the group-based effect, the time-based effect, and the group-time interaction effect on nutrition-inflammation composite indices were significant (F38,38=7.653, P=.006; F38,38=13.309, P<.001; F37,37=92.304, P<.001; F37,38=110.675, P<.001; F38,38=10.379, P=.002; and F37,37=5.289, P=.02). This study provided evidence that a WeChat-based, multidisciplinary, full-course nutritional management program can significantly improve the nutritional status of patients with OC during chemotherapy.

Metabolic Periparturient Diseases in Small Ruminants: An Update

Metabolic diseases are significant diseases that affect the welfare, health, and production of small ruminant flocks raised for dairy and meat purposes. In breeding females, they mainly occur from six to eight weeks before and after parturition, respectively. Pregnancy toxemia and lactational ketosis are manifestations of hyperketonemia, primarily due to energetic deficit. Hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia are related to the metabolic unavailability of calcium and magnesium, respectively. This review aimed to identify and discuss the current and most relevant aspects related to individual and herd health management of these interrelated metabolic diseases with impact on the sheep and goats’ farm sustainability. These diseases are primarily due to nutritional deficits, but homeostatic and homeorhetic disruptions are responsible for clinical signs and forms. Currently, their clinical diagnosis and monitoring are mainly assessed by biochemistry of body fluids and feed bromatological evaluation. Epidemiological studies and measuring risk factors also contribute to their prevention. Nevertheless, research on specific biomarkers and composite indices related to these diseases, in the context of herd health management and precision medicine, are new pathways driven to suitable and efficient animal production.

Why summing up bibliometric indicators does not justify a composite indicator

AbstractVarious bibliometric indicators have been used to assess the researchers’ impact, but composites of such indicators, namely a metric that combines various individual indicators to describe a complex construct, have received a strong critique thus far. We employ concepts from psychometrics to revisit a composite proposed by Ioannidis et al. (2020) that aimed to represent researcher impact. Based on a selected sample of highly cited researchers, our proof-of-concept study presents a psychometrically principled composite formation. Specifically, by relying on the congeneric measurement model (and related models) rooted in classical test theory, we found that one of the proposed indicators clearly violated the congeneric model’s fundamental assumption of unidimensionality, and two other indicators were excluded for redundancy. The resulting composite based on only three bibliometric indicators was found to display excellent reliability. Importantly, the reliability approached that of the composite based on five indicators, and it was clearly better than the original six-indicator composite. Further, we found rather homogeneous effective weights (i.e., relative contributions of each indicator to composite variance) for simple sum scores, and these weights were close to those calculated using an algorithm for equally effective weights. While the congeneric measurement model also showed strong measurement invariance across sexes, this model’s loadings and intercepts were not measurement invariant across scientific fields and academic age groups. Notably, we found that various derived composites correlate positively with academic age, hinting at a lack of fairness of the composites.

The Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Body Composition Indices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials

Background: Beta-alanine is an important oral supplement for improving athletes’ performance, followed by probable effects on body composition. Current meta-analysis was performed to investigate the role of beta-alanine supplementation on body weight, fat mass, free fat mass, and body fat percentage in adults. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library databases, and EMBASE were searched between January 1990 and May 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing beta-alanine supplementation with a placebo assessing anthropometric indices were included. Meta‐analysis was performed using the random‐effects model. Publication bias was evaluated using standard methods, and subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were carried out. Results: A total of 875 articles were identified through database searching, of which 12 RCTs with 15 datasets were included in the study. This study showed that beta-alanine supplementation did not have any significant effect on body weight [SMD, 0.08; 95% CI (−0.17, 0.33); P=0.517], fat percentage [SMD, 0.09; 95% CI (−0.18, 0.37); P=0.504], fat mass [SMD, 0.10; 95% CI (−0.29, 0.50); P=0.612], and fat free mass [SMD, 0.16; 95% CI (−0.18, 0.49); P=0.517]. Conclusions: Results showed that beta-alanine supplementation does not change body composition significantly.

The effect of Baduanjin on body mass and body composition of college students: A randomized controlled trial.

Previous studies have also found that Baduanjin training can improve health-related physical fitness in young adults. However, it is unclear whether Baduanjin training can improve body mass and body composition in young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Baduanjin training on body mass and body composition in college students. This was a single-center, randomized controlled trial comparing 12 weeks of Baduanjin exercise training group (BEG) at a frequency of 60 minutes per day, 4 days per week with no special exercise control group (CG) on the health-related physical fitness in college students. Body mass and body composition were assessed using the body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and Inbody 720 devices. A total of 93 college students (56 in the BEG and 37 in the CG) completed 2 body composition assessments and were included in the analysis. A mixed linear model was used to analyze the effect of the Baduanjin exercise intervention. After 12 weeks of intervention, the body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio in the BEG were significantly lower than that in the CG (P =.007 and P =.028) with a moderate effect size (Cohen d = 0.584 and 0.474) and a significant interaction effect of group by time (P =.007 and.028). The fat mass indicators of body composition including percent body fat, body fat mass, and body fat mass of both arms, both legs and trunk in the BEG were significantly lower than those in the CG (all P <.05), with a moderate effect size (Cohen d from 0.452 to 0.624) and a significant interaction effect of group by time (all P <.05); no significant differences were found in the total body composition indicators and the fat-free mass indicators of body composition between the 2 groups. Regular Baduanjin exercise training may be beneficial for improving body composition in young adults.

Investor attention and anomalies: Evidence from the Chinese stock market

This paper investigates how investor attention influences anomalies in the Chinese stock market. Utilizing data from 2011 to 2022, we propose investor attention composite indices using the partial least squares method, combining information from 11 attention proxies. By analyzing the newly proposed index, we explore the impact of investor attention on stock market anomalies. Our results demonstrate that investor attention has a positive effect on concurrent market anomalies, a relationship that remains robust even when considering factors such as the Fama-French three factors and investor sentiment. Further examination utilizing a composite index of investor attention derived from scaled principal component analysis yields similar results. Notably, our research indicates that investor attention significantly impacts anomaly returns in the subsequent month, suggesting potential forecasting capabilities.

Analysis of NSSO data sets for a spatial evaluation of water and housing inequality in India

Achieving all Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 to meet basic needs and improve quality of life has become ever more significant. This study examines the accessibility and factors affecting safe drinking water and housing across India's socioeconomic strata to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 06 and 11. The study also assesses government programs that provide affordable housing and safe water. This study analyses key aspects of the 76th National Social Survey on Housing and Sanitation (NSSO WASH) data on housing conditions and drinking water to determine how each component affects people's standard of living. Descriptive analysis, probit, and multinomial logistic regressions were used to tabulate socioeconomic factors such household size, location, gender, income, education, occupation type, social group, and scheme recipient. Our study found that there was 20% more likely that households in the lowest quintile income bracket have access to clean drinking water; thanks to government schemes like the National Rural Drinking Water Programme and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. Due to socioeconomic inequities, some social groups are more likely to lack safe water services, according to the study. Gender and education, especially female family members, affect access to basic needs. Rural households get 26% less safe drinking water than urban households. Vulnerable groups face lack of access to clean water and safe housing/shelter due to these gaps. Further, a new composite index has been devised to assess housing and clean water inequalities across Indian states. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, research recommends increased government initiatives and investments, as well as appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, for WASH conditions, boosting women's education and awareness in suboptimal states.

CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy in patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis: a case series

CD19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown remarkable outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The effects of CD19-targeting CAR T cells on organ manifestations in patients with systemic sclerosis have yet to be characterised. B cells have a central role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. We present a detailed analysis of the effects of CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy in patients with systemic sclerosis. Six patients with severe diffuse systemic sclerosis with an insufficient response to at least two treatments were consecutively recruited at the Department of Internal Medicine 3, University Hospital Erlangen (Erlangen, Germany) to receive CD19-targeting CAR T-cell treatment (1 × 106 CAR T cells per kg bodyweight). Events were predefined by progression of interstitial lung disease, onset of congestive heart failure, onset of renal failure, onset of arterial hypertension, or initiation of new immunosuppressive or antifibrotic therapy. Event-free time or treatment intensification after study entry was the primary outcome. Key secondary outcomes included changes in the modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), imaging (a component of the assessment of lung fibrosis), laboratory assessments, patient-reported outcomes, and a modified version of the American College of Rheumatology Composite Response Index in Systemic Sclerosis (ACR-CRISS), assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. Between April 20, 2022, and Nov 8, 2023, six patients with severe diffuse systemic sclerosis (median age 42 years [IQR 36-53]; four men and two women; all White European) were recruited and received CD19-targeted CAR T-cell therapy. The median follow-up time was 487 days (IQR 342-585). No events occurred within the observational period. Probability of improvement in the ACR-CRISS score increased to a median of 100% (IQR 100-100) at 6 months. Median mRSS decreased by 31% (IQR 29-38), corresponding to a median of 8 points (IQR 7-13) within 100 days. The extent of disease on CT scan decreased by a median of 4% (IQR 3-4) due to reduction of ground-glass opacities while the reticular pattern remained stable. Forced vital capacity improved by a median of 195 mL (IQR 18-275) at the latest observational timepoint. We provide the first evidence that CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy might intercept with the progression of fibrotic organ manifestations in patients with systemic sclerosis. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Deutsche Krebshilfe, ELAN-Foundation Erlangen, IZKF Erlangen, and Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung.

Association Between Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index and Endometriosis from NHANES 2001-2006: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To evaluate the association between Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and the risk of endometriosis in American women. The study adopted a cross-sectional design, incorporating 3862 women aged over 20 years, selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset from 2001 to 2006. Six dietary antioxidants were taken into account in calculating CDAI. Endometriosis was determined based on self-report. To evaluate the association between CDAI and the risk of endometriosis, we employed models with multivariable logistic variables. For subgroup assessment in relation to CDAI, a stratified multivariate logistic regression model was utilized. Among all participants, 273 participants (7.1%) were found to exhibit endometriosis. The preliminary analysis showed a reverse association between CDAI and the likelihood of endometriosis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92~0.98). Upon full adjustment within the multivariable logistic regression, the ORs (95% CI) for endometriosis prevalence per unit increase in CDAI were estimated to be 0.96 (0.93~1). When the CDAI levels were divided into quartiles, it was found that the ORs for endometriosis with CDAI levels in Q2 (-2.131-0.023), Q3 (0.023-2.650), and Q4 (2.650-42.854) were 0.74 (0.52, 1.05), 0.76 (0.53, 1.1), and 0.53 (0.36, 0.79), respectively, compared to those with CDAI levels in Q1 (-7.151--2.131). We evaluated the association between CDAI and endometriosis using subgroups stratified by age, race/ethnicity, education level, body mass index (BMI), oral contraceptive, and menopausal status, revealing a substantial negative relationship. In this cross-sectional study, increasing CDAI was proportionally associated with a reduced risk of endometriosis among American women, suggesting a diet high in antioxidants may play an important role in reducing the risk of endometriosis. The findings of NHANES data spanning 2001 to 2006 suggest that promoting antioxidant-rich diets could be an important prevention strategy for endometriosis.

Correlations between blood vessel distribution, lung function and structural change in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Correlations between the image analysis of CT scan, lung function and quality of life in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of pulmonary blood-vessel distribution and the extent of fibrosis on the lung function and quality of life of patients with IPF. Patients were enrolled in an IPF registry and had completed pulmonary function tests, chest HRCT, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and echocardiography. Pulmonary blood-vessel distribution, specific image-derived airway volume (siVaw) and fibrosis extent (siVfib) were quantitatively calculated by functional respiratory imaging on HRCT. The study subjects were categorized into DLco <40% pred. (n = 40) and DLco ≥40% pred. (n = 19) groups. Patients with DLco <40% pred. had significantly higher scores of SGRQ, composite physiologic index (CPI), exercise oxygen desaturation (∆SpO2), siVaw, lower FVC% pred. and 6-minute walking distance% pred. The proportion of small blood vessels in the upper lobes (BV5PR-UL) was significantly correlated with CPI, DLco % Pred., FVC% pred., SGRQ and ∆SpO2. Only BV5PR-UL had a significant impact on all indices but not BV5PR in the lower lobes (BV5PR-LL). siVfib was significantly negatively correlated with BV5PR-UL, DLco% pred. and FVC% pred., as well as positively correlated with CPI, ∆SpO2 and siVaw. BV5PR-UL and siVfib had significant correlations with lung function and may become important indicators to assess the severity of IPF and the impact on quality of life.

Relationship of Body Composition and PMS Symptoms: A Systematic Review

Aims: Recent studies show that body composition is one of the most important factors in the menstrual cycle. The purpose of this study is to investigate more comprehensively the effect of body composition and anthropometric indicators on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Materials and Methods: This study is a secondary study that is considered a systematic review according to the implementation method. The statistical population is all the studies that have dealt with the issue of the effect of anthropometric indicators on PMS from different aspects. Results: The final synthesis was performed on 7 articles after screening the studies. The synthesis of articles related to the relationship between anthropometric indicators on PMS showed that 47.8% of women in the world have PMS, with the highest prevalence being reported in Iran at 98%. Studies have shown that the incidence of PMS, increased appetite, and weight gain in women with a BMI greater than 25 kg / m2 is more common. Weight gain causes endocrine disorders that lead secretion of more sex hormones in obese or overweight women, which in turn leads to the symptoms of PMS. Studies have shown a direct and significant relationship between PMS symptoms waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WTHR), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), which according to the results, more central fat mass in women causes more severe symptoms of this syndrome. Also, studies showed that the risk of depression and anxiety in women with PMS with a higher BMI and body fat mass is higher. Conclusion: Weight control and improvement of eating habits, can be effective in reducing the incidence of PMS symptoms. Furthermore, the high prevalence of PMS in studies requires further investigation and principled interventions with regard to physical and mental factors in this period.

A Composite Index for Distinguishing Benign and Malignant Obstructive Jaundice.

To explore a more effective and practical comprehensive index for differentiating benign from malignant obstructive jaundice by analyzing the clinical data of patients with benign obstructive jaundice (BJ) group and malignant obstructive jaundice (MJ) group. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 339 patients with obstructive jaundice. The cases were divided into two data sets: training cohort and validation cohort. The cases were divided into two groups: malignant and benign obstructive jaundice group. Logistic regression analysis was used to build a prediction model for judging the nature of obstructive jaundice, and the prediction model was verified using the validation cohort. Multivariate analysis revealed that CEA, TBIL, and NLR were independent factors in malignant obstructive jaundice. A comprehensive index for differentiating benign from malignant obstructive jaundice was established based on these indicators. The sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic curve of this model for differentiating benign from malignant obstructive jaundice were 79.57%, 93.26%, and 0.920, respectively. The prediction model based on the comprehensive index of CEA, TBIL, and NLR has a higher accuracy in differentiating malignant obstructive jaundice.

Measurement Matters: A Metrological Approach to Renal Preimplantation Biopsy Evaluation to Address Uncertainty in Organ Selection.

Preimplantation biopsy combines measurements of injury into a composite index to inform organ acceptance. The uncertainty in these measurements remains poorly characterized, raising concerns variability may contribute to inappropriate clinical decisions. We adopted a metrological approach to evaluate biopsy score reliability. Variability was assessed by performing repeat biopsies (n = 293) on discarded allografts (n = 16) using 3 methods (core, punch, and wedge). Uncertainty was quantified using a bootstrapping analysis. Observer effects were controlled by semi-blinded scoring, and the findings were validated by comparison with standard glass evaluation. The surgical method strongly determined the size (core biopsy area 9.04 mm2, wedge 37.9 mm2) and, therefore, yield (glomerular yield r = 0.94, arterial r = 0.62) of each biopsy. Core biopsies yielded inadequate slides most frequently. Repeat biopsy of the same kidney led to marked variation in biopsy scores. In 10 of 16 cases, scores were contradictory, crossing at least 1 decision boundary (ie, to transplant or to discard). Bootstrapping demonstrated significant uncertainty associated with single-slide assessment; however, scores were similar for paired kidneys from the same donor. Our investigation highlights the risks of relying on single-slide assessment to quantify organ injury. Biopsy evaluation is subject to uncertainty, meaning each slide is better conceptualized as providing an estimate of the kidney's condition rather than a definitive result. Pooling multiple assessments could improve the reliability of biopsy analysis, enhancing confidence. Where histological quantification is necessary, clinicians should seek to develop new protocols using more tissue and consider automated methods to assist pathologists in delivering analysis within clinical time frames.

Insulin Resistance-Nutritional Index: A Simple Index and Potential Predictor of Mortality Risk in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Type 2 Diabetes.

Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are prone to insulin resistance and malnutrition, both of which are significant prognostic factors for CHF. However, the combined effect of the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on the mortality risk in patients with CHF and type 2 DM has not yet been studied. We enrolled 3,315 patients with CHF and type 2 DM. We used a multivariate Cox regression model to assess hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality risk based on TyG index and PNI levels. Furthermore, we constructed a novel index, the insulin resistance-nutritional index (IRNI), defined as TyG index/Ln (PNI), and evaluated its prognostic significance. During follow-up, 1,214 deaths occurred. Participants with a high TyG index and non-high PNI had a significantly higher mortality risk compared to those with a non-high TyG index and high PNI, with an adjusted HR of 1.91 (95% CI, 1.57-2.32). The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed HRs for all-cause and cardiovascular deaths of 1.93 (95% CI, 1.66-2.26; P < 0.001) and 2.50 (95% CI, 2.05-3.06; P < 0.001), respectively, when comparing the highest and lowest IRNI tertiles. IRNI's predictive power was stronger in groups with higher adapted Diabetes Complications Severity Index scores (P for interaction < 0.05). Additionally, adding IRNI to the baseline risk model significantly improved predictive performance, showing a greater effect compared to the TyG index or PNI. IRNI, a novel and composite index reflecting insulin resistance and nutritional status, emerges as a potentially valuable prognostic marker for patients with CHF and type 2 DM.

Development of a framework for assessing climate risk in water supply and its computation for the Districts of Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT The paper discusses the development of a composite index for assessing the risks faced by rural communities because of disruptions in water supply caused by natural hazards such as droughts, floods, and landslides. The various parameters considered for developing the three dimensions of the risk index, namely, hazard, exposure, and vulnerability, the rationale for choosing those parameters, and the manner in which these parameters influence them are discussed. The index uses 29 variables: 5 for hazard, 15 for exposure, and the remaining 9 for vulnerability. The variables are natural, physical, socioeconomic, and institutional or policy-related. The quantitative criteria for assigning values for various parameters and the analytical procedure for computing the sub-indices and the final risk index are also discussed. The paper also presents the results of a mapping of climate-induced risk to water supply in 35 districts of the state of Maharashtra in western India, done using district level data on the various parameters concerned, and identifying the district where water supply systems are highly prone to climate-induced risks.

Chemical and Rheological Evaluation of the Ageing Behaviour of High-Content Crumb Rubber Asphalt Binder.

High-Content Crumb Rubber Asphalt (HCRA) binder improves road performance and address waste tyre pollution, yet its ageing behaviour is not fully understood. In this study, 70# neat asphalt binder and HCRA with rubber contents of 35% and 50% were selected and aged through the Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT) and Pressure Ageing Vessel (PAV) tests. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and DSR (Dynamic Shear Rheometer) were employed to investigate their chemical composition and rheological properties. The FTIR results show that HCRA's chemical test results are similar to those of 70#, but HCRA is more susceptible to ageing. I(C=C) strength decreases with age. The DSR results show that HCRA outperforms 70# neat asphalt binder in terms of viscoelasticity, high temperature performance and fatigue resistance, and exhibits greater resistance to ageing. The ageing index (AI) was obtained through a calculation using the formula, and overall, 70# neat asphalt binder is more sensitive to ageing behaviour and less resistant to ageing, and HCRA is particularly outstanding for fatigue resistance. A strong correlation is observed between chemical composition and some rheological property indicators. Therefore, we are able to predict the rheological properties using chemical composition indicators. This study provides insight into the ageing behaviour of a neat asphalt binder and an HCRA binder and demonstrates that the HCRA binder outperforms conventional asphalt in several performance areas. It also provides theoretical support for the consumption of waste tyres to prepare high content crumb rubber asphalt.

THE EFFECTS OF 12 WEEKS BASIC GYMNASTICS EXERCISES ON BODY COMPOSITION AND LIPID PROFILES IN OBESE CHILDREN

Obesity is a major health concern in the world because it is associated with many diseases. It has been shown that basic gymnastics exercises effectively prevent and treat this problem. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of 12 weeks of basic gymnastics exercises on body composition and lipid profile in obese girls. In this quasi-experimental study, with a design pre-test-post-test and a control group, 30 obese girls with Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile and the average age of 9.4 years, were selected purposefully and were divided into 2 groups (Basic gymnastics training, and control) randomly. The training protocol was implemented for 12 weeks, three times a week, and 45 minutes for each session incrementally. Body composition and lipid profile indices were measured in two stages: pre-test and post-test. In order to analyze the data, multivariate covariance tests were used. The results of the study showed that the exercise intervention significantly reduced the fat percentage and BMI index in obese children (p≤0.001). In addition, a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) and a significant increase in High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) were observed (p≤0.002). These findings indicate the beneficial effects of basic gymnastics training on body composition and lipid profile in obese children. Therefore, the use of basic gymnastics training is recommended to improve these factors.

Assessment of disability and disease burden in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in the CIRCLES Cohort

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) comprise autoimmune diseases imposing substantial disability. We compared an NMOSD-targeted disability assessment of mobility, vision, and self-care domains (individually and composite) with the multiple sclerosis-targeted Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to assess NMOSD disease burden. An overall cohort (n = 505) and a subset of these patients with an enriched dataset (n = 198) were analyzed from the CIRCLES longitudinal, observational database of patients with AQP4-IgG–seropositive or –seronegative NMOSD in North America. Multinomial modeling was used to identify temporal correlates of disability improvement, stability, and worsening. Prior on-study relapse correlated with worsening mobility (OR, 3.08; 95% CI: 1.61–5.90), vision (OR, 3.99; 95% CI: 2.03–7.86), self-care disability (OR, 1.90; 95% CI: 1.07–3.38), and mean composite index disability (OR, 4.20; 95% CI: 1.71–10.34). Higher vision disability was associated with Black race, shorter time on-study, and AQP4-IgG–seropositive status in patients ≥ 18 years (p < 0.05). Disease onset phenotype and sex correlated with pain interference (p < 0.05). These correlates of NMOSD disability were undetected by EDSS. The CIRCLES real-world experience supports the need for NMOSD-specific disability assessment to improve recognition of disease burden, facilitate proactive clinical management, offer insights into resilience, and inform clinical trial design.

Big data-based reference centiles for body composition in Korean children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe changes in body composition during puberty not only contribute to the differences in body composition between adult males and females but also have associations with growth problems and metabolic disorders, including obesity. Therefore, understanding the changes in body composition during the pubertal period and analyzing reference values based on race and gender are essential research resources. The objective of this study was to generate reference centiles for body composition on a monthly basis using an extensive dataset of body composition information from Korean children and adolescents.MethodsA total of 88,069 measurements from 22,515 children (11,062 boys and 11,453 girls) aged 7–16 years using a bioelectrical impedance analysis were included in the study after performing a Z-score-based data management procedure. Height, weight, body fat mass (BFM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured and used to derive body fat percentage (BF%), body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI). Sex- and age-specific centiles were estimated using generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape with the Box-Cox Cole and Green distribution (i.e., lambda-mu-sigma method).ResultsThe sex- and age-related disparities in body composition were most pronounced when weight was partitioned into BFM and FFM. In boys, the FFM increased markedly during pubertal growth spurts, whereas BFM remained relatively stable. In girls, the BFM increased steadily, whereas the rate of FFM increased slowly. The BMI increased steadily with age in both sexes. However, when BMI was parsed into FMI and FFMI, it became clear that the FFMI increased substantially during pubertal growth in boys, whereas the FMI peaked around age 11 and then declined. Conversely, the FMI increased steadily in girls, albeit with a slowing rate in the increase of the FFMI beginning around age 12.ConclusionsThis study produced age- and sex-specific reference percentiles for body composition indices in Korean children and adolescents using extensive biometric data.