Differences In Circumference Research Articles

Effect of Tabata training program on body fat reduction in healthy inactive women

Background and Study Aim. Tabata training is getting more and more popular these days. Based on interval training offers metabolic booster that causes major benefits for reducing body fat storage. It is an interval training protocol which is a cardio workout for fat loss. The aim: this study was to examine the effects of a specific 16-week Tabata intervention program on body fat reduction in inactive healthy women. Material and Methods. A non-randomized controlled trial with 2x2 statistical design was provide in this study. The research was conducted on a sample of 49 women (aged 30 to 45) employed in the administrative sector, with more than 6h of sedentary tasks in their habitual working day. It included one experimental group–EG (Tabata program, n=24) and one control group–CG (without physical activities, n=25) and two moments of evaluation: (Initial) at baseline and (Final) after 16 weeks of post intervention period. The body composition parameters and body circumference in each group was recorded. All body composition parameters were measured using a Body composition analyser (Tanita BC-418MA III). Results. The results revealed that there was statistical significance difference after Tabata training program (TTP) in EG for body composition parameters (Mean±SD) for Body mass index (kg/m²) = 22.11±2.59kg/m²; p=0.04, ES=0.07); Fat tissue (%) =25.97±4.72; p=0.03, ES=0.08) and Fat tissue (kg) =17.52±5.11; p=0.02, ES=0.10). Furthermore, there were statistical significance difference in upper-arm circumference (24.95±2.31, p=0.00, ES=0.16) and waist circumference (75.93±7.18, p=0.02, ES=0.10). The control group did not achieve significant differences in the final measurement. Conclusions. Tabata training exercise program (4 months) has been shown to be beneficial for reducing body fat in healthy inactive women

Effect of yoga on anthropometry, quality of life, and lipid profile in patients with obesity and central obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of yoga on anthropometry, quality of life, and lipid profiles in patients with obesity and central obesity. MethodologyThe Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and PubMed (1985-January 2022) and trial registries for relevant randomised clinical trials were used. Relevant and published randomised clinical trials were reviewed and evaluated. The primary outcomes were anthropometry measurements, which were weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentages. The secondary outcomes were changes in quality of life, psychological impact, lipid profile measurement, presence of adverse events, and changes in blood pressure and blood glucose. We assessed the data for risk of bias, heterogeneity, sensitivity, reporting bias, and quality of evidence. Results15 studies are included, involving 1161 participants. The analysis performed is based on three comparisons. For the first comparison between yoga and control, yoga reduces the waist circumference (MD −0.84, 95% CI [−5.12 to 3.44]), while there is no difference in body weight, BMI, or body fat percentages. In the second comparison between yoga and calorie restriction, yoga reduces body weight (MD −3.47, 95% CI [−6.20 to −0.74]), while there is no difference in waist circumference, BMI, or body fat percentage. In the third comparison between yoga and exercise, yoga reduces the body weight (MD −7.58, 95% CI [−11.51 to −3.65]), while there is no difference in waist circumference or BMI. For the secondary outcomes, yoga intervention reduces total cholesterol (MD −17.12, 95% CI [−32.24 to −2.00]) and triglycerides (MD −21.75, 95% CI [−38.77 to −4.73]) compared to the control group, but there is no difference compared to the calorie restriction and exercise group. There is no difference in the rest of the outcomes, which are LDL, HDL, quality of life, psychological impact, adverse events, blood pressure, and blood glucose. However, findings are not robust due to a high risk of bias and low-quality evidence. ConclusionFrom our review, there were methodological drawbacks and very low to moderate quality of evidence across all comparisons, and hence, it is inconclusive to say that yoga can significantly improve anthropometric parameters. More well-designed trials are needed to confirm and support the beneficial effects of yoga.

Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of Achilles tendon disease.

The effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the treatment of patients with Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) and Achilles tendinopathy (AT) has been controversial. To assess PRP injections' effectiveness in treating ATR and AT. A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted utilizing multiple databases such as Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Chinese Science and Technology Journal, EMBASE, and China Biomedical CD-ROM. The present investigation integrated randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections in managing individuals with Achilles tendon rupture and tendinopathy. The eligibility criteria for the trials encompassed publications that were published within the timeframe of January 1, 1966 to December 2022. The statistical analysis was performed utilizing the Review Manager 5.4.1, the visual analogue scale (VAS), Victorian Institute Ankle Function Scale (VISA-A), and Achilles Tendon Thickness were used to assess outcomes. This meta-analysis included 13 randomized controlled trials, 8 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for AT and 5 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for ATR. PRP for AT at 6 wk [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1.92, 95%CI: -0.54 to 4.38, I2 = 34%], at 3 mo [WMD = 0.20, 95%CI: -2.65 to 3.05, I2 = 60%], and 6 mo [WMD = 2.75, 95%CI: -2.76 to 8.26, I2 = 87%) after which there was no significant difference in VISA-A scores between the PRP and control groups. There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the PRP group and the control group after 6 wk [WMD = 6.75, 95%CI: -6.12 to 19.62, I2 = 69%] and 6 mo [WMD = 10.46, 95%CI: -2.44 to 23.37, I2 = 69%] of treatment, and at mid-treatment at 3 mo [WMD = 11.30, 95%CI: 7.33 to 15.27, I2 = 0%] after mid-treatment, the PRP group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group. Post-treatment patient satisfaction [WMD = 1.07, 95%CI: 0.84 to 1.35, I2 = 0%], Achilles tendon thickness [WMD = 0.34, 95%CI: -0.04 to 0.71, I2 = 61%] and return to sport [WMD = 1.11, 95%CI: 0.87 to 1.42, I2 = 0%] were not significantly different between the PRP and control groups. The study did not find any statistically significant distinction between the groups that received PRP treatment and those that did not, regarding the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles scores at 3 mo [WMD = -1.49, 95%CI: -5.24 to 2.25, I2 = 0%], 6 mo [WMD = -0.24, 95%CI: -3.80 to 3.32, I2 = 0%], and 12 mo [WMD = -2.02, 95%CI: -5.34 to 1.29, I2 = 87%] for ATR patients. Additionally, no significant difference was observed between the PRP and the control groups in improving Heel lift height respectively at 6 mo [WMD = -3.96, 95%CI: -8.61 to 0.69, I2 = 0%] and 12 mo [WMD = -1.66, 95%CI: -11.15 to 7.83, I2 = 0%] for ATR patients. There was no significant difference in calf circumference between the PRP group and the control group after 6 mo [WMD = 1.01, 95%CI: -0.78 to 2.80, I2 = 54%] and 12 mo [WMD = -0.55, 95%CI: -2.2 to 1.09, I2 = 0%] of treatment. There was no significant difference in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups at 6 mo of treatment [WMD = -0.38, 95%CI: -2.34 to 1.58, I2 = 82%] and after 12 mo of treatment [WMD = -0.98, 95%CI: -1.41 to -0.56, I2 = 10%] there was a significant improvement in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups. There was no significant difference in the rate of return to exercise after treatment [WMD = 1.20, 95%CI: 0.77 to 1.87, I2 = 0%] and the rate of adverse events [WMD = 0.85, 95%CI: 0.50 to 1.45, I2 = 0%] between the PRP group and the control group. The use of PRP for AT improved the patient's immediate VAS scores but not VISA-A scores, changes in Achilles tendon thickness, patient satisfaction, or return to sport. Treatment of ATR with PRP injections alone improved long-term ankle mobility but had no significant effect on VISA-A scores, single heel lift height, calf circumference or return to sport. Additional research employing more extensive sampling sizes, more strict experimental methods, and standard methodologies may be necessary to yield more dependable and precise findings.

Cardio-metabolic risk in Rotterdam clinical phenotypes of PCOS

Background and aimsElevated anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characterizes the clinical severity of the 4 phenotypes; but whether it also reflects the corresponding differences in cardio-metabolic risk remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to compare metabolic profile between the 4 clinical phenotypes of PCOS and to determine the influence of AMH levels on metabolic severity. MethodsOne hundred and forty-four women with PCOS, aged between 20 and 40years, were recruited in this cross-sectional study and categorized according to the 4 phenotypes of the Rotterdam criteria. Anthropometry and blood pressure were recorded. Fasting lipid profile, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance, total testosterone and AMH were estimated. Clinical, anthropometric and metabolic profiles were compared between the 4 phenotypes. ResultsThere were significant differences in menstrual abnormalities, weight, hip circumference, clinical hyperandrogenism, ovarian volume and AMH levels between the 4 phenotypes. Cardio-metabolic risk factors and rates of metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance (IR) were comparable. ConclusionCardio-metabolic risk is similar in all phenotypes of PCOS despite differences in anthropometry and AMH levels. All women diagnosed with PCOS should undergo screening and lifelong surveillance for MS, IR and cardiovascular diseases, irrespective of clinical phenotype or AMH level. This needs further validation in prospective multi-center studies across the country, with larger sample sizes and adequate power.

Association of adipocytokines and adipocytokine ratios with cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese preadolescents.

Asians are particularly susceptible to obesity-associated disorders and rapid progression of obesity from childhood to adulthood. Data on the association between adipocytokine parameters, particularly adipocytokine ratios, and cardiovascular risk factors in childhood remain limited. Herein, we assessed the association of resistin, adiponectin, and leptin levels and leptin/adiponectin and resistin/adiponectin ratios with selected cardiovascular risk factors and the influence of unhealthy weight on such associations in children aged 9-10 years. We included 380 children aged 9-10 years from three public elementary schools in Japan. The body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in male preadolescents than in female adolescents (median 16.5 kg/m2 vs. 16.2 kg/m2, p=0.032). No differences in height, weight, waist circumference (WC), waist/height ratio (W/Hr), total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, or atherosclerosis index (AI) were observed between the sexes. Of the adipocytokine levels and ratios analyzed, only the leptin level and leptin/adiponectin ratio (L/Ar) were strongly and significantly positively correlated with the cardiovascular risk factors WC, W/Hr, and BMI (all p<0.05). The AI was not strongly correlated with any adipocytokine levels or ratios. Apart from the strong positive correlation between the L/Ar and W/Hr, no other significant associations were observed between any of the adipocytokine levels or ratios and the selected cardiovascular risk factors. Our findings confirmed the value of adipocytokine ratios in risk assessment in pediatric populations, with leptin levels and leptin/adiponectin ratios strongly correlating with risk factors in children aged 9-10 years.

Effect of sires' expected progeny difference for scrotal circumference and juvenile ADG on the puberty of crossbred beef heifers.

The early attainment of puberty in heifers is essential for the profitability of the cow-calf farm. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of juvenile average daily gain (ADG) and sire's expected progeny difference (EPD) on puberty of crossbred beef heifers. Sixty Angus × Nellore heifers early weaned (age = 102 ± 4.3 d; initial BW = 103 ± 4.7kg) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The factor 1 was the sire's EPD for scrotal circumference, in which heifers born from sires with positive EPD were considered precocious (P), and heifers born from sires with negative EPD were considered non-precocious (NP). The factor 2 was the high (HG; ADG = 0.9kg; ad libitum) and medium ADG (MG; ADG = 0.7kg) from 3rd to 7th month of age (1st phase). After 1st phase until puberty, all heifers were fed ad libitum (2nd phase). Statistical analysis was performed by SAS. There was an interaction between factors for DMI in the 1st phase (P = 0.02), which PHG heifers had higher DMI than NPHG. There was no effect on puberty rate, BW, age and BCS at puberty comparing HG vs. MG. However, favorable sires' EPD for scrotal circumference induced a higher proportion of puberty (P 87% vs. NP 59%) at 15months of age. Thus, the ADG in juvenile age did not affect puberty rate, but sires with positive EPD increased puberty rate of Angus × Nellore heifers in heifers fed a high gain diet.

The effect of anthropometric and metabolic parameters on the development of erosive reflux disease in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common health problem worldwide. Previous studies have reported that central obesity associated with visceral steatosis is an important problem in digestive system diseases, especially reflux-related diseases. This study aimed to examine the effect of body fat distribution on the development of erosive esophagitis. Methods: A total of 131 individuals, 105 patients and 26 healthy volunteers, were included in this study. The FSSG questionnaire was applied to all individuals. Patients with an FSSG questionnaire score of 10 or more underwent upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. Patients with esophagitis on endoscopy were included in the erosive esophagitis group, whereas patients without esophagitis were included in the non-erosive group. Serum biochemistry (fasting glucose, insulin, lipid panel, uric acid, TSH, AST, ALT) analyzes were performed. Waist circumference was measured. Body compositions were evaluated using the bioelectrical impedance method (Tanita). Results: Erosive esophagitis was found in 68 of 105 patients enrolled in the study, and non-erosive esophagitis in 37. There was no statistically significant difference in age, BMI, and waist circumference between the erosive, non-erosive and control groups. The visceral fat percentage was higher in the erosive esophagitis group than the other groups (p &lt;0.001). At the end of the pairwise comparison of the groups, it was found that visceral fat value was higher in the erosive group than the non-erosive and control groups, while the visceral fat value was similar in the control and non-erosive groups. Except for the control group, when comparing the erosive and non-erosive groups, it was found that most of the patients in the erosive group were male, their FFM values and muscle mass were relatively high, and visceral fat values were significantly higher. Conclusion: An increase in visceral fat is a more important risk factor for the development of erosive esophagitis than obesity, waist circumference and increased BMI.

ELABORATING A PREDICTION MODEL FOR THIGH CIRCUMFERENCE AMONG BUKOVYNA STUDENT ATHLETES BASED ON THEIR TYPE OF SPORT

The comparison of dynamic changes in the thigh circumference in the middle third was conducted on 132 students of Bukovyna (the initial measurements were carried out during September-October 2021, and the repeated measurements of these same students were performed in September-October 2022). The main group included 92 (69.7%) and the control group envolved 40 (30.30%) students aged from 16 to 18. All students in the main group, in addition to the physical activities included in their specialty program, were engaged in the following sports over the year. Students of the control group were only involved in physical education classes that were a part of their curriculum, without any additional sports training. Anthropometric measurements were conducted on all students using the modified method of P.P. Shaparenko based on the V.V. Bunak approach. The thigh circumference in the middle third was measured by placing a measuring tape around this area and closing it on the outer surface of the thigh in the medial direction. A paired t-test (paired-samples t-test) was performed to compare the respondents' indicators during the first measurement and the second one a year later. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was carried out using the licensed program RStudio. The comparison of the dynamic changes in the average difference in thigh circumference in the middle third between the subjects of the main and control groups shows that the representatives of the main group across all sports have a higher indicator than the subjects of the control group (±3.43 cm). The comparison of the dynamic changes in the thigh circumference dynamics in the middle third of the subjects in the main group reveals that the circumference of the left thigh (55.45±2.0 cm) is larger than that of the right thigh (47.26±2.0 cm). The results indicate a noticeable increase in thigh circumference in the middle third after a year, with a significant difference observed in the increase of the right thigh circumference (±4.88 cm in 2022 compared to 2021), while the increase in the left thigh circumference was minimal.

Welfare assessment of slow loris (Nycticebus spp.) at an Indonesian primate rehabilitation center: Development and validation of body condition score.

Body condition scoring (BCS) assessment can reflect animal welfare status and help the veterinarian to make a quick health management decision, including for confiscated slow loris (Nycticebus spp.). The confiscated slow loris should be rehabilitated in a rehabilitation center before being released. It is essential to monitor the welfare of slow loris to ensure that candidates are released. Assessment of animal welfare status requires representative measurable criteria and indicators. However, there is no standardized BCS for slow loris yet. This study focuses on developing and validating BCS based on body weight and circumference. In this study, 180 individuals were evaluated and scored. We measured body weight and circumferences to validate the assessment of BCS. There are no significant differences in body weight and circumferences within species and sexes. Muscle mass and fat deposits were palpated, visually viewed, and grouped in five BCS. There was a significant difference in body weight and circumference between BCS levels. According to this study, the development of BCS is valid and can be used to slow loris in prevailing circumstances and any ex-situ facilities.

Sex and body mass index impact on digit circumference for Leeds Dactylitis Index calculation.

To estimate digit circumference and the impact of sex and body mass index (BMI) for the calculation of the Leeds Dactylitis Index (LDI) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients with bilateral dactylitis. Digit circumference of the hands and the foot were measured with a dactylometer and were studied according to sex and BMI (divided in 4 weight categories) in healthy Portuguese subjects, using Student's t-test and One-way ANOVA, respectively. The effect size of sex and BMI were calculated using Cohen's d test and Eta squared, respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to calculate the effect of sex and BMI, as well as their interaction, to create a formula to predict digit circumference. Fifty-nine participants (33 women, 26 men) with a mean BMI of 24.8 were included. Men's mean digit circumferences were statistically higher than those of women (p<0.001), with a large sex effect size in most of the digits. Differences in the mean circumference between the four BMI categories were statistically significant (p<0.05) for all digits, with a large BMI effect size. Sex and BMI were independent variables to predict mean digit circumference (p<0.001). A new tool (based on regression analysis) allowing to estimate the circumference of digits for males and females of different BMIs is presented. Our data allows the calculation of digit circumference for males and females of different BMIs in the Portuguese population; and shows that BMI influences digital circumference supporting BMI inclusion in LDI references tables.

The impact of avocado intake on anthropometric measures among Hispanic/Latino children and adolescents: A cluster randomized controlled trial

While the association between avocado consumption and low metabolic risk has been shown in some studies conducted in adults, little is known about the potential effects of avocado consumption on health outcomes in children and adolescents. Thus, we investigated the impact of two levels of avocado allotment, plus a standard nutrition education, on measures of adiposity in children and adolescents (<18 years old). Children (aged 5-12, n=58) and adolescents (aged 13-17, n=32) in seventy-two families that self-identified as Hispanic, with at least 3 members over the age of 5 that resided in the same home, were free of severe chronic disease, and not on specific diets, were randomized to one of two levels of avocado allotment plus bi-weekly nutrition education sessions. Low allotment families received 3 avocados per week, while high allotment families received 14 avocados per week for 6 months. We performed an intention-to-treat analysis, using unpaired, 2-sided t-tests to test the mean changes in anthropometric measures of adiposity (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, and weight) between children and adolescents from high and low allotment families after the 6-month intervention. At six months, there were no significant differences in body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, or waist circumference to weight ratio by avocado allotment group. In children, there was a significant difference in weight (difference in means: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.09, 2.10, p-value=0.03) and waist circumference to height ratio (difference in means: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.41, p-value <0.01) between the avocado allotment groups at six months, but these did not remain significant after sensitivity analyses including per-protocol analyses. In adolescents only, there was a significant reduction in waist to hip circumference ratio in the high allotment group compared to the low allotment group after 6 months (difference in means:-0.05, 95% CI:-0.08, 0.00, p-value=0.04) that persisted after multiple sensitivity analyses. Different levels of avocado availability among children and adolescents does not appear to result in significant changes in anthropometric measures. Further study is needed to determine whether avocado consumption promotes metabolic health in this age group.

Associations of solar activity and related exposures with fetal growth

BackgroundSolar and geomagnetic activity have been shown to suppress melatonin and to degrade folate levels, important hormones for fetal development. We examined whether solar and geomagnetic activity were associated with fetal growth. MethodsWe included 9573 singleton births with 26,879 routine ultrasounds at an academic medical center in Eastern Massachusetts from 2011 through 2016. Sunspot number and Kp index were obtained from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Three exposure windows were considered, including the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, one month prior to fetal growth measurement, and conception until fetal growth measurement (cumulative). Ultrasound scans from which we extracted biparietal diameter, head circumference, femur length, and abdominal circumference measurements were categorized as anatomic (<24 weeks' gestation) or growth scans (≥24 weeks' gestation) based on clinical practice. Ultrasound parameters and birth weight were standardized, and linear mixed models adjusted for long-term trends were fitted. ResultsPrenatal exposures were positively associated with larger head parameters measured <24 weeks' gestation, negatively associated with smaller fetal parameters measured ≥24 weeks' gestation, and not associated with birth weight. The strongest associations were observed for cumulative exposure in growth scans, where an interquartile range increase in sunspot number (32.87 sunspots) was associated with a −0.17 (95 % CI: −0.26, −0.08), −0.25 (−0.36, −0.15), and −0.13 (95 % CI: −0.23, −0.03) difference in mean biparietal diameter, head circumference, and femur length z-score, respectively. An interquartile range increase in cumulative Kp index (0.49) was associated with a −0.11 (95 % CI: −0.22, −0.01) and −0.11 (95 % CI: −0.20, −0.02) difference in mean head circumference and abdominal circumference z-score, respectively, in growth scans. ConclusionsSolar and geomagnetic activity were associated with fetal growth. Future studies are needed to better understand the impact of these natural phenomena on clinical endpoints.

Reference values and growth curves of length for weight and head circumference for weight among Chinese newborns

Objective: To establish the reference values and growth curves of length for weight and head circumference for weight among Chinese newborns in order to provide a reference for the assessment of body proportionality at birth. Methods: A cross-sectional design was applied. A total of 24 375 singleton live birth newborns with gestational ages at birth of 24+0 to 42+6 weeks were recruited from June 2015 to November 2018 from 13 cities including Beijing, Harbin, Xi'an, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Kunming, Tianjin, Shenyang, Changsha, and Shenzhen, excluding those with maternal or newborn conditions that may impact the establishment of the reference values. The generalized additive model for location, scale, and shape was employed to establish reference values in terms of percentile and growth curves of length for weight and head circumference for weight for male and female newborns. The random forest machine learning method was employed to analyze the importance of variables between the established reference values in this study and the previous published weight/length, body mass index (BMI), ponderal index (PI), weight/head circumference, length/head circumference in the assessment of symmetrical and asymmetrical small for gestational age (SGA) newborns. Results: A total of 24 375 newborns with 13 197 male infants (preterm birth 7 042 infants and term birth 6 155 infants) and 11 178 female infants (preterm birth 5 222 infants and term birth 5 956 infants) were included in this study. The reference values in terms of percentile (P3, P10, P25, P50, P75, P90, P97) and growth curves of length for weight and head circumference for weight were obtained for male and female newborns with gestational ages of 24+0 to 42+6 weeks. The median birth lengths corresponding to the birth weights of 1 500, 2 500, 3 000, and 4 000 g were 40.4, 47.0, 49.3 and 52.1 cm for males and 40.4, 47.0, 49.2, and 51.8 cm for females, respectively; the median birth head circumferences were 28.4, 32.0, 33.2 and 35.2 cm for males and 28.4, 32.0, 33.1, and 35.1 cm for females, respectively. The differences of length for weight between males and females were minimum, with the difference range of -0.3 to 0.3 cm at P50; the differences of head circumference for weight between males and females were minimum, with the difference range of 0 to 0.2 cm at P50. Based on the match between birth length and birth weight for classifying symmetrical and asymmetrical SGA, length for weight and PI contributed the most, accounting for 0.32 and 0.25, respectively; based on the match between birth head circumference and birth weight, head circumference for weight and weight/head circumference contributed the most, accounting for 0.55 and 0.12, respectively; based on the match between birth length or head circumference with birth weight, head circumference for weight and length for weight contributed the most, accounting for 0.26 and 0.21, respectively. Conclusion: The establishment of the new standardized growth reference values and growth curves of length for weight and head circumference for weight among Chinese newborns are useful for clinical practice and scientific research.

WITHDRAWN: Effect of electroacupuncture on chest circumference, breast volume and Breast-Q: A randomized clinical trial

: To determine the clinical effect and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for the the breast appearance improvement so as to explore the effective approaches to the appearance improvement in female breasts and provide the reliable evidences. : Randomised, controlled clinical trial with blinded outcome assessment, and statistician. : Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, September, 2020 to the cut-off of March, 2021. : Fifty subjects who met the inclusion criteria of flat chest/small breasts were divided into an EA group and a manual acupuncture(MA) group according to the random number table, 25 cases in each one . : In the EA group, EA was the intervention measure. In the MA group, the simple acupuncture therapy was adopted. In both groups, four-breast points (bilateral) (Extrapoints), Guanyuan (CV4) and Danzhong (CV17) were selected as the basic prescription. One week before menstruation, Hegu (LI4) (bilateral) and Taichong (LR3) (bilateral) were added. The treatment discontinued during menstrual flow. On the 2nd day after menstruation, the treatment restarted and lasted about 2 weeks, with Zusanli (ST36) (bilateral) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) (bilateral) supplemented. The treatment was given three times per week, once every two days (discontinuity on Sunday). The treatment for 1 menstrual cycle was taken as one course and 2 courses of treatment were required. : Before and after treatment, chest circumference, breast volume and Breast-Q score were the indicators for the effect assessment in two groups. The main outcome was chest circumference and breast volume. Blood and urine routine tests, liver and kidney functions, as well as the adverse effects were the indicators for safety evaluation. Eventually, the clinical effect and safety of EA could be determined for the improvement of the breast appearance. : A total of 46 cases were included finally, 25 cases in the EA group and 21 cases in the MA group. The difference in the total effective rate had no statistical significance between two groups (P > 0.05), but the remarkably effective rate was different with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Before treatment, the difference in the chest circumference had no statistical significance between two groups (P > 0.05). In 8 weeks of treatment, compared with the value before treatment, the chest circumference was different with statistical significance in either group (both P < 0.05). At each time point after treatment, the differences in the chest circumference presented statistical significance between two groups (all P < 0.05). Before treatment, the difference in breast volume had no statistical significance between two groups (P > 0.05). In 8 weeks of treatment, breast volume was different with statistical significance as compared with the value before treatment in each group (both P < 0.05). At each time point after treatment, the differences in breast volume presented statistical significance between two groups (all P < 0.05). Before treatment, Breast-Q score was different, but without statistical significance between two groups (P > 0.05). At each time point after treatment, the differences presented statistical significance between two groups (all P < 0.05). After treatment, Breast-Q score in the EA group was higher than the MA group (P < 0.05). In the whole process, there were no obvious adverse reactions and adverse events in the two groups. : EA therapy may effectively improve the breast appearance and is of high safety in treatment.

The Role of Wrist Circumference (Regional Obesity Versus Local Swelling) in Conservatively Treated Distal Radius Fractures: A Single Center Experience

Aim: Regional obesity around the wrist due to local excessive fat or local swelling due to edema has not been studied as a risk factor to predict the possibility of reduction loss during conservative treatment of distal radius fractures. We aimed to investigate the impact of wrist circumference on reduction loss risk in conservatively treated distal radius fractures. Material and Methods: Patients with distal radius fractures who were conservatively in our institution between January 2021 and December 2021 are retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ demographics, wrist circumference, radiographic parameters were obtained from hospital registry notes. Wrist circumference was measured with an unstretchable tape positioned on a line passing from lister tubercle of the distal radius and distal ulna. The difference in the wrist circumferences between the injured and uninjured extremities represented local swelling. The association of these factors with reduction loss was evaluated. Results: A total of 73 consecutive patients (19 male, 54 female) with a mean age of 61.1 ± 12.9 were included. There were 18 reduction losses. There was no association with reduction loss between injured and uninjured wrist circumferences (p&amp;gt;0.05). However, local swelling, initial displacement at dorsal angulation and radial inclination, presence of dorsal comminution, and accompanying ulnar styloid fracture were associated with reduction loss (p&amp;lt;0.05). Local swelling had an odd ratio of 6.661 (1.848 – 24.006, p= 0.004). Conclusion: Excessive local swelling is found to be a risk factor to predict reduction loss in conservative treatment of distal radius fractures while regional obesity is not.

Follow-up and prognostic study of infants with positional plagiocephaly

To study the effects of infantile positional plagiocephaly on the growth and neural development. A retrospective study was conducted on the medical data of 467 children who underwent craniographic examination and were followed up to 3 years of age in Peking University Third Hospital from June 2018 to May 2022. They were divided into four groups: mild positional plagiocephaly (n=108), moderate positional plagiocephaly (n=49), severe positional plagiocephaly (n=12), and normal cranial shape (n=298). The general information of the four groups and the weight, length, head circumference, visual acuity screening results, hearing test results, and the scores of Pediatric Neuropsychological Developmental Scales/Gesell Developmental Schedules of the four groups from 6 to 36 months old were compared. The rates of adverse perinatal factors, congenital muscular torticollis, and supine fixed sleeping posture in the mild, moderate, and severe positional plagiocephaly groups were higher than the normal cranial group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in weight, length, and head circumference among the four groups at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of age (P>0.05). The incidence rate of abnormal vision in the severe positional plagiocephaly group was higher than that in the mild positional plagiocephaly, moderate positional plagiocephaly and normal cranial shape groups at 24 and 36 months of age (P<0.05). The scores of the Pediatric Neuropsychological Developmental Scales at 12 and 24 months of age and the scores of the Gesell Developmental Schedules at 36 months of age in the severe positional plagiocephaly group were lower than those in the mild positional plagiocephaly, moderate positional plagiocephaly and normal cranial shape groups, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Adverse perinatal factors, congenital muscular torticollis, and supine fixed sleeping position may be associated with infantile positional plagiocephaly. Mild or moderate positional plagiocephaly has no significant impact on the growth and neural development of children. Severe positional plagiocephaly have adverse effects on the visual acuity. However, it is not considered that severe positional plagiocephaly can affect the neurological development.

The Axillary Lateral Vessel Thoracic Junction Is Not an Organ at Risk for Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema

Breast-cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) is a treatment complication that significantly reduces patient quality of life. Regional nodal irradiation (RNI) may increase the risk of BCRL. Recently, a region of the axilla known as the axillary-lateral thoracic vessel juncture (ALTJ) was identified as a potential organ-at-risk (OAR). Here, we set to validate whether radiation dose to the ALTJ is associated with BCRL. We identified patients with stage II-III breast cancer treated with adjuvant RNI from 2013-2018, excluding those with BCRL pre-radiation. We defined BCRL as difference in arm circumference between the ipsilateral and contralateral limb >2.5 cm at any 1 encounter or ≥2 cm on ≥2 visits. All patients suspected of having BCRL at routine follow-up visits were referred to physical therapy for confirmation. The ALTJ was retrospectively contoured, and dose metrics were collected. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to test the association between clinical and dosimetric parameters with the development of BCRL. Population includes 378 patients with median age 53 years, median body mass index (BMI) 28.4 kg/m2, 71% underwent mastectomy, and median 18 axillary nodes removed. Median follow-up was 70 months (IQR, 55-89.7 months). BCRL developed in 101 patients at a median of 18.9 months (IQR, 9.9-32.4 months) with a corresponding 5-year cumulative incidence BCRL of 25.8%. On multivariate analysis, none of the ALTJ metrics were associated with BCRL risk. Only increasing age, increasing BMI, and increasing number of nodes, were associated with a higher risk of developing BCRL The 6-year LRR rate is 3.2%, axillary recurrence rate is 1.7%, and isolated axillary recurrence rate is 0%. The ALTJ is not validated as a critical OAR for reducing BCRL risk. Until such an OAR is discovered, the axillary PTV should not be modified or dose reduced in efforts to reduce BCRL.

Utilization of the GOAL questionnaire as a standardized screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the application value of the GOAL questionnaire in screening obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to compare it with the other three questionnaires in sleep clinics. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 436 patients who had undergone nocturnal polysomnography in the sleep unit of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between September 2021 and May 2022, and all patients completed the four questionnaires (GOAL questionnaire, STOP-Bang questionnaire, NoSAS score and No-Apnea score) truthfully, and the patients were divided into 3 groups: AHI ≥ 5 events/h group, AHI ≥ 15 events/h group and AHI ≥ 30 events/h group. The predictive effect of the questionnaire on different AHI cut-off values was calculated, and performance of four questionnaires was assessed by the discriminatory ability. This study ultimately included 410 patients, and there were statistically significant differences in gender, age, BMI, neck circumference, clinical symptoms, hypertension, diabetes, AHI, and minimum oxygen saturation between OSA and non-OSA groups (P < 0.05). The AUC for No-Apnea score was 0.79, the AUC for STOP-Bang questionnaire was 0.86, the AUC for NoSAS score was 0.81, and the AUC for GOAL questionnaire was 0.77. These four questionnaires were effective in screening OSA when AHI ≥ 15 events/h. Similar to No-Apnea score, STOP-Bang score and NoSAS score, GOAL questionnaire has a good predictive value for OSA, which is a questionnaire suitable for primary health-care centers and clinics.

Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease and Growth Pre- and Post-Transition to a Composite Lipid Emulsion.

Infants with intestinal failure have an increased risk of intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). Composite intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) may reduce the risk of cholestasis. The primary outcome was to compare IFALD rates in infants with intestinal failure, between those receiving a composite ILE versus soybean oil ILE. The secondary outcome compared growth between these 2 groups. At our 2 tertiary neonatal/pediatric hospitals, we identified all patients (≤1 year old) who received ≥6 weeks parenteral nutrition (PN) from 2010 to 2018. Data included liver and growth parameters. IFALD was defined as serum conjugated bilirubin (CB) >33 µmol/L (≥2 mg/dL). Nonparametric tests were used for all comparisons. Fifty infants (35 composite ILE, 15 soybean oil ILE) were included. Those on composite ILE received PN for longer (10.1 vs 7.6 weeks; P = 0.001) and had higher baseline CB (29 vs 6.5 μmol/L; P = 0.001). No differences were found by 6 weeks (14.5 vs 5 μmol/L; P = 0.54) and by PN cessation (4 vs 4 μmol/L; P = 0.33). The proportion of patients with IFALD decreased from 54% to 20% for composite ILE, while stable given soybean oil ILE (7%). There were no differences in weight, length, or head circumference z scores ( P > 0.05). In our institutions, over 8 years, chronic intestinal failure was rare. Composite ILE was the predominant lipid choice for infants who needed longer courses of PN or had developed cholestasis. Despite longer PN duration, and higher baseline CB, overall rates of IFALD decreased with composite ILE. Regardless of parenteral lipid used, there were no differences in growth.

A clinical study of liposuction followed by lymphovenous anastomosis for treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema.

In this work, we studied the clinical effect of liposuction followed by lymphovenous anastomosis (LVAs) for the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). We analyzed 158 patients with unilateral upper limb BCRL who underwent liposuction followed by LVAs 2-4 months later. Arm circumferences before and 7 days after the combined treatments were prospectively recorded. Circumferences of different upper extremities were measured before the procedure, 7 days after LVAs, and during the follow-ups. Volumes were calculated with the frustum method. During the follow-ups, the conditions of patients' treated arms, i.e., the frequency of erysipelas episodes and dependence on compression garments, were recorded. The mean circumference difference between two upper limbs decreased significantly from M (P25, P75) of 5.3 (4.1, 6.9) preoperatively to 0.5 (-0.8, 1.0) (P < 0.05) 7 days after treatments, while at follow-up 0.3 (-0.4, 1.0). The mean volume difference decreased significantly from M (P25, P75) of 838.3 (662.4, 1,129.0) preoperatively to 7.8 (-120.3, 151.4) (P < 0.05) 7 days after treatments, while at follow-up 43.7 (-59.4, 161.1). The incidence of erysipelas also significantly decreased (P < 0.05). 6.3% of patients were already independent of compression garments during the past six months or even more. Liposuction followed by LVAs is an effective method for the treatment of BCRL.