Body Weight Distribution Research Articles

Surface Electromyographic Responses During Rest on Mattresses with Different Firmness Levels in Adults with Normal BMI

Mattress firmness is a critical factor influencing sleep quality. This study investigates the effects of time, mattress firmness, and anthropometric parameters on surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity during supine rest. Eleven participants were analyzed, and the RMS values for lower back sEMG on three mattresses were measured as 8.37 ± 0.85 μV, 8.43 ± 1.06 μV, and 7.77 ± 1.15 μV during the final five minutes of testing, showing no statistical significance. Similarly, no significant differences in electromyographic activity were observed across different time periods. Anthropometric parameters such as BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) significantly influenced sEMG activity on firm mattresses. Higher BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio were negatively correlated with RMS and iEMG values on firm mattresses, suggesting that firmer mattresses are better suited for individuals with higher BMI, larger waist circumference, and a more balanced distribution of body weight between the upper and lower body. The medium-firm mattress had the lowest discomfort scores, indicating its broader adaptability. These findings provide a foundation for designing ergonomically optimized, personalized mattresses to improve sleep quality across diverse populations.

Evaluating the cost-utility of ferric derisomaltose versus ferric carboxymaltose in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and iron deficiency anaemia in Norway

AIMS Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is among the most common extraintestinal sequelae of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Intravenous iron is often the preferred treatment in patients with active inflammation with or without active bleeding, iron malabsorption, or intolerance to oral iron. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cost-utility of ferric derisomaltose (FDI) versus ferric carboyxymaltose (FCM) in patients with IBD and IDA in Norway. MATERIALS AND METHODS A published patient-level simulation model was used to evaluate the cost-utility of FDI versus FCM in patients with IBD and IDA from a Norwegian national payer perspective. Iron need was modelled based on bivariate distributions of hemoglobin and bodyweight combined with simplified tables of iron need from the FDI and FCM summaries of product characteristics. Patient characteristics and disease-related quality of life data were obtained from the PHOSPHARE-IBD trial. Cost-utility was evaluated in Norwegian Kroner (NOK) over a five-year time horizon. RESULTS Patients required 1.64 fewer infusions of FDI than FCM over five years (5.62 versus 7.26), corresponding to 0.41 fewer infusions per treatment course. The reduction in the number of infusions resulted in cost savings of NOK 7,720 (NOK 35,830 with FDI versus NOK 43,550 with FCM). The need for phosphate testing in patients treated with FCM resulted in further cost savings with FDI (no costs with FDI versus NOK 4,470 with FCM). Total cost savings with FDI were therefore NOK 12,190. FDI also increased quality-adjusted life expectancy by 0.071 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) driven by reduced incidence of hypophosphatemia and fewer interactions with the healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS FDI resulted in cost savings and improved quality-adjusted life expectancy versus FCM in patients with IDA and IBD in Norway. FDI therefore represents the economically preferable iron formulation in Norwegian patients with IBD and IDA in whom it is indicated.

Predicting Body Weight from Birth to Old Age in Giant Pandas Using Machine Learning.

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the animals with the largest body weight differences between its birth and adult stages, where the newborn cub is 0.1% the size of its mother. The rapid growth of panda cubs has been reported previously, but little is known about the growth pattern of their entire lifetime. In this study, we analyzed body weight records from 206 captive giant pandas collected between 2000 and 2022. The dataset comprised 26,340 measurements, including 12,314 records from 98 males and 14,026 from 108 females, with the oldest male and female being 32 and 37 years old, respectively. Utilizing machine learning, we predicted daily body weights throughout the pandas' lifespan, allowing us to establish detailed daily normative body weight ranges from birth to advanced age. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of lifetime body weight distribution in giant pandas, enhancing our understanding of their developmental biology and informing improved body weight management strategies for captive populations.

Body weight and body surface area of adult patients with selected cancers: An Italian multicenter study.

Although body weight (BW) and body surface area (BSA) are utilized to establish the appropriate dosage of anticancer drugs, their distribution in cancer patients is poorly studied, making it challenging to predict the amount of drug use and related costs of BW or BAS-dosed regimens. This study investigates the distribution of BW and BSA in adults with selected cancers who initiated systemic anticancer treatment in the eastern Emilia-Romagna region hospitals between 2011 and 2021. BW and BSA were collected at the first cycle of each new treatment line, with multiple measurements for patients receiving various treatments or treating for other primary malignancies. Results were grouped by sex, tumor site and treatment setting, and the normal distribution hypothesis was tested for each group. Both linear regression model and quantile regression at the 50th, 25th and 75th percentiles were run to explore the factors influencing BSA. The analysis included 20,634 treatment lines and the corresponding BW and BSA measures from a sample of 13,036 patients. The average BW was 68.05kg (64.20kg for females and 75.07kg for males) and the average BSA was 1.76m2 (1.66m2 for females and 1.87m2 for males). In women, the highest BW was in breast and colon groups, while in men, it was associated with prostate and rectum cancers. The model indicated significant association between BSA, age, sex and tumor localization. Notably, stomach and lung cancers were linked to lower BSA for both sexes (for females -0.081 and -0.041m2 respectively compared to those with breast cancer). Advanced settings were related to lower BSA than neoadjuvant treatment, especially for stomach cancer patients, who experienced a weight loss of 3 to 6kg as therapy progressed. The regression models for predicting BSA can assist regulatory bodies in determining reimbursement for new chemotherapy drugs and help hospitals forecast drug utilization and expenditure more accurately.

Postural Changes and Pain Levels in Patients with Unilateral Knee Injury

Introduction: Postural control is essential for balance and fall prevention but can be compromised by injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and knee osteoarthritis (OA). ACL rupture affects proprioception and joint stability, while OA causes pain and stiffness, impacting mobility and muscle strength. The base of support, defined by the contact points of the body with the ground, is a crucial parameter in evaluating postural control. Objective: To assess changes in the base of support during bipedal postural control in young adults with complete ACL rupture and elderly individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis. Methodology: An observational and comparative study with 40 adults divided into two groups: G1 (elderly with unilateral knee osteoarthritis) and G2 (young adults with complete ACL rupture). The BaroScan® plantar pressure platform was used to collect data on the center of pressure (COP) and weight distribution. Pain perception was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: There was a significant difference in pain perception (VAS) between the groups (p = 0.04), with higher pain in G1. The mediolateral displacement of the COP (COPML) was also greater in G1 (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in body weight distribution and anteroposterior displacement of the COP between the groups. Conclusion: Individuals with OA exhibit higher pain perception and greater mediolateral sway during postural control. Chronic pain and muscle strength loss may contribute to impaired postural control in the elderly with OA. In contrast, young individuals with ACL injuries may compensate for the injury with greater neuromuscular adaptation. Individual variability in response to pain and injury highlights the importance of personalized approaches in treatment and rehabilitation.

Characteristics of body height, body weight and body mass index distributions in children aged 3-17 years in China

Objective: To investigate the distribution characteristics of body height, body weight and body mass index (BMI) in children aged 3-17 years in China. Methods: Data were obtained from the National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey in 0-18 years old children in China. The study selected 70 853 children aged 3-17 years from 28 urban and rural survey sites in 14 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in 7 regions of China with multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling. M (Q1, Q3) was used to describe the region, age and gender specific body height, body weight and BMI in the children aged 3-17 years. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the body height, body weight, and BMI between boys and girls in same age group. Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test was used to compare the body height, body weight and BMI among boys in different age groups and among girls in different age groups, as well as among boys in same age group and among girls in same age group from different regions, and DSCF method was used for further pairwise comparisons. Results: In this study, the median body height and body weight were 172.0 cm and 62.9 kg in 17-year-old boys and 160.0 cm and 53.7 kg in 17-year-old girls. The median for children's body height, body weight, and BMI in most age groups were higher in northeastern and northern China than in southern China, and the differences could be observed until age 17 years. The differences in body weight and BMI in children in northeastern and northern China were greater in Q3 than in Q1 compared with southern China. Conclusions: The body height of children aged 3-17 years continues to increase in China. Northeastern and northern China have more children with higher bodyweight, showing an obvious body weight increase trend, to which close attention needs to be paid.

Radiation induced liver injury (RILI) evaluation using longitudinal computed tomography (CT) in image‐guided precision murine radiotherapy

AbstractPurposeWe aim to perform image‐guided, dose‐escalated, well‐controlled liver‐irradiated animal studies and subsequently evaluate radiation induced liver injury (RILI) using longitudinal CT.MethodsEighteen 6–8 weeks mice were divided into three groups: control, 15Gy and 30Gy irradiated groups. The animal protocol was approved by the animal care ethics committee of our institution. Precision radiotherapy started with CT simulation, followed by treatment planning using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), image guidance with cone beam CT (CBCT) and radiation delivery on a medical linear accelerator. Weekly CT was conducted on the same CT simulator using same scanning parameters. At the end of fifth week, all mice were sacrificed, and histological staining was performed. Body weight, liver volume, HU values and histogram distributions were analyzed.ResultsBody weight of irradiation groups was significantly reduced compared to that of the control group (p<0.05). Liver volume in irradiated groups was reduced too. The average liver HU was significantly reduced in irradiated groups (HU mean = 62±3, 48±6, and 36±8 for the control, 15Gy and 30Gy respectively; p control vs. 15Gy < 0.05, p control vs. 30Gy < 0.05). A linear relationship between liver HU and radiation dose was found. Furthermore, HU histogram changes with time and dose showed not only density but also structure might be affected by radiation. HE and Masson Trichrome staining confirmed histological change and increased collagen deposition in irradiated liver.ConclusionLongitudinal unenhanced CT is a useful imaging tool to evaluate the severity and progression of radiation induced liver injury.

Posture and vision: How different distances of viewing target affect postural stability and plantar pressure parameters in healthy population

BackgroundPostural stability is maintained by the Postural Control System (PCS), consisting of anatomical structures of Central Nervous System and peripheral receptors, interacting with each other, in order to keep whole-body balance by modulating the myofascial chains against gravity. The vision is one of the most important peripheral receptors for postural control. Previous studies analyzed the changes of body sway during viewing nearby (VNT) and distant (VDT) targets in healthy population without considering the feet adaptations related to the body weight distribution. Aim of this study was to investigate how different distances of viewing target affect the variability of postural stability and plantar pressure parameters in healthy subjects. Methods31 stabilometric and plantar pressure parameters were acquired in 20 young healthy subjects by baropodometry performed in bipedal standing during VNT and VDT (0.70 m and 3 m from the heels, respectively). Variability and statistical differences between VDT and VNT were implemented. ResultsResults showed the highest repeatability for plantar pressure parameters, a slightly high for CP speed and a lowest for CoPsa and Length Surface Function during both VNT and VDT. Moreover, a significant increase of load percentage on left-foot and right-Forefoot, of mean and maximum pressures on left-Forefoot, of CoPsa and CPspeed and a decrease of LSF were found during VDT. DiscussionThis study revealed how a greater distance of viewing target affects body-weight distribution and increases body oscillations. These findings highlighted the importance of visual target distance for the correct interpretation of postural stability and plantar pressure parameters, and the need to standardize target distance during stabilometric exam.

Characterization of spatiotemporal and kinetic gait variables in dogs with hindlimb ataxia and bilateral hindlimb lameness

BackgroundDiscriminating the underlying cause of gait abnormalities can be challenging in a clinical setting, especially in the presence of bilateral disease. Pressure-sensitive walkways (PSWs) have been utilized to characterize the gait of dogs with various neurologic or orthopaedic conditions. The potential use of the PSW includes the discrimination of conditions that can be similar in clinical presentation, such as bilateral hindlimb lameness and hindlimb ataxia. The primary aim of this study was to describe the spatial, temporal, and kinetic gait parameters of dogs with hindlimb ataxia or bilateral hindlimb lameness and compare them to those of normal dogs. Forty-six dogs were prospectively recruited. The normal group included 20 dogs with normal neurologic and orthopaedic exams. The orthopaedic group included 15 dogs with bilateral hindlimb orthopaedic diseases with weight-bearing hindlimb lameness and normal neurologic exams. The neurologic group included 11 dogs with ambulatory paraparesis and normal orthopaedic exams. Each dog was walked across the PSW, and at least 3 valid trials were collected. The stride time, stance time, swing time, stride length, gait velocity, peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse (VI), and limb symmetry were recorded. The mean values of all parameters from the valid trials were calculated and used for data analysis. The outcomes were compared among all groups.ResultsCompared with the normal group, the orthopaedic group had a significantly greater percent body weight distribution (%BWD) and vertical impulse distribution (VID) in the forelimbs. When comparing the spatiotemporal parameters, the neurologic group showed an increase in forelimb stance time compared to that of the normal group. Compared with that in the normal group, the stride velocity in the forelimbs in the orthopaedic group was greater. There were no significant differences in the kinetic parameters between the neurologic group and the normal group, nor in stride time or stride length among the groups.ConclusionThe gait parameters obtained by PSW demonstrated that the orthopaedic and neurologic groups may have different compensatory mechanisms for their gait deficiencies. These parameters can potentially be used to construct a predictive model to evaluate PSW as a diagnostic tool in future studies.

Asymmetry and rehabilitation of the subjective visual vertical in unilateral vestibular hypofunction patients.

Patients with acute unilateral peripheral vestibular hypofunction (AUVP) show postural, ocular motor, and perceptive signs on the diseased side. The subjective visual vertical (SVV) test measures the perceived bias in earth-vertical orientation with a laser line in darkness. This study was aimed at (1) examining whether SVV bias could depend on preset line orientation and angles, and (2) investigating whether vestibular rehabilitation (VR) can improve SVV normalization. To our knowledge, SVV symmetry/asymmetry and impact of VR on SVV normalization have never been documented in the literature. We investigated the SVV bias in a retrospective study (Study 1: n = 42 AUVP patients) comparing the data recorded for line orientation to the ipsilateral and contralateral sides at preset angles of 15° and 30°. We investigated the effects of VR on SVV normalization in a prospective study (Study 2: n = 20 AUPV patients) in which patients were tilted in the roll plane using a support tilted to the hypofunction side with the same amplitude as the SVV bias. This VR protocol was performed twice a week for 4 weeks. Supplementary data on body weight distribution and medio-lateral position of the center of foot pressure (CoP) were obtained using posturography recordings. Study 1 showed asymmetrical values of the SVV bias. On average, the SVV errors were significantly higher for ipsilateral compared to contralateral line orientation (6.98° ± 3.7° vs. 4.95° ± 3.6°; p < 0.0001), and for 30° compared to 15° preset angle (6.76° ± 4.2° vs. 5.66° ± 3.3°; p < 0.0001). Study 2 showed a fast SVV normalization with VR. Non-pathological SVV bias (below ±2°) was found after only 3 to 5 VR sessions while pathological SVV values were still observed at the same time after symptoms onset in patients without VR (1.25° ± 1.46° vs. 4.32° ± 2.81°, respectively; p < 0.0001). A close temporal correlation was observed in the time course of body weight distribution, mediolateral CoP position, and SVV bias over time, suggesting beneficial effects of the VR protocol at both the perceptive and postural levels. We recommend routine assessment of the ipsilateral and contralateral SVV bias separately for a better evaluation of otolith organs imbalance that can trigger chronic instability and dizziness. The SVV bias and the postural impairment caused by the imbalanced otolith inputs after unilateral vestibular loss can be rapidly normalized by tilting the patients in the roll plane, an additional means in the physiotherapist's toolbox. The protocol likely reweights the visual and somatosensory cues involved in the perception of verticality.

Postural Stability in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Background: A lack of postural control is one of the key problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The goals of the present study were to assess static postural stability in children with mild CP using a force platform compared to that of typically developing peers and to identify differences in static stability between children with hemiplegic and diplegic CP. Methods: This study included 45 children with hemiplegic CP and 45 children with well-functioning diplegic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System; GMFCS scores between I and II) who were patients of local paediatric rehabilitation centres. The testing procedure included two interrelated parts: (1) the analysis of the body weight distribution and (2) the posturometric test (the centre of pressure; CoP measurements) using the force platform. Results: The results of the present study show that children with CP, compared to their TD peers, demonstrated significantly higher values for all of the analysed indexes of postural stability. The obtained results indicate differences in disorders of static postural stability between children with hemiplegic and diplegic CP. Compared to their TD peers, children with hemiplegic CP showed greater body weight asymmetry between the affected and unaffected sides of the body and greater CoP sway in the medial-lateral direction. In contrast, children with diplegic CP exhibited greater CoP displacements in the anterior-posterior direction. Conclusions: The findings of the present study show that (1) children with CP have increased static postural instability compared to their TD peers and (2) children with diplegic CP exhibit weaker mediolateral stability in standing, whereas children with hemiplegic CP show reduced anterior-posterior stability.

Effects of Sulfonylureas and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors on Percentage Body Fat Change in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients on Metformin at 4 and 12 Weeks.

Introduction Anti-diabetic drugs used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a unique effect on the body weight and fat distribution of a patient. This study aimed to find out the change inpercentage body fat and body composition with the addition of sulfonylureas or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors to metformin monotherapy. Methods An observational 12-week follow-up study was conducted with a sample size of 52 patients. All patients enrolled in the study were evaluated forbaseline percentage body fat and body composition parameters including total body weight, total body water, and skeletal muscle mass using the ACCUNIQ BC300, added on to either sulfonylureas or DPP-4 inhibitors over a stable dose of metformin; repeat assessment performed at 4 weeks and 12 weeks, and change in values was noted. Results Of the 52 patients, 28 patients were on sulfonylureas and 24 were on DPP-4 inhibitors. In the sulfonylurea group, there was an increase in percentage body fat from 31.97 ± 8.77% at baseline to 32.65 ± 8.94% at 12 weeks (p = 0.041), while in the DPP-4 inhibitor group, there was a decrease in percentage body fat from 31.87 ± 7.41% at baseline to 31.24 ± 8.5% at 12 weeks (p = 0.102). In the sulfonylurea group, there was a decrease in body weight from 67.25 ± 14.79 kilograms (kg) at baseline to 66.97 ± 14.62 kg at 12 weeks (p = 0.429). In the DPP-4 inhibitor group, there was a decrease in body weight from 66.56 ± 10.82 kg at baseline to 65.76 ± 12.56 kg at 12 weeks (p = 0.079). In the sulfonylureagroup, total body water decreased from32.54 ±6.65 L at baseline to 32.06 ±6.51 L at 12 weeks (p = 0.084), while in the DPP-4 inhibitor group, the total body water decreased from 32.46 ±5.39 L at baseline to 32.18 ±5.48 L at 12 weeks (p = 0.741).Skeletal muscle mass decreased from 24.78 ±5.12 kgto 24.4 ±5.04 kg (p = 0.041) in the sulfonylurea group and from 24.74 ±4.2 kgto 24.53 ±4.25 kg(p = 0.666) in the DPP-4 inhibitor group. Conclusion Our study shows that sulfonylureas are associated with an increase in percentage body fat, while there were no significant changes associated with DPP-4 inhibitors when given in addition to metformin. There are no significant changes in body weight associated with sulfonylureas or DPP-4 inhibitors in addition to metformin. Also, sulfonylureas are associated with a decrease in skeletal muscle mass after 12 weeks.

54659 Body weight distribution among prurigo nodularis patients in two large cohort studies.

54659 Body weight distribution among prurigo nodularis patients in two large cohort studies.

Effects of ACLY Inhibition on Body Weight Distribution: A Drug Target Mendelian Randomization Study.

Background: Adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACLY) inhibition has proven clinically efficacious for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) lowering and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction. Clinical and genetic evidence suggests that some LDL-c lowering strategies, such as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) inhibition with statin therapy increase body weight and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, whether ACLY inhibition affects metabolic risk factors is currently unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects of ACLY inhibition on glycaemic and anthropometric traits using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: As genetic instruments for ACLY inhibition, we selected weakly correlated single-nucleotide polymorphisms at the ACLY gene associated with lower ACLY gene expression in the eQTLGen study (N = 31,684) and lower LDL-c levels in the Global Lipid Genetic Consortium study (N = 1.65 million). Two-sample Mendelian randomization was employed to investigate the effects of ACLY inhibition on T2DM risk, and glycaemic and anthropometric traits using summary data from large consortia, with sample sizes ranging from 151,013 to 806,834 individuals. Findings for genetically predicted ACLY inhibition were compared to those obtained for genetically predicted HMGCR inhibition using the same instrument selection strategy and outcome data. Results: Primary MR analyses showed that genetically predicted ACLY inhibition was associated with lower waist-to-hip ratio (β per 1 standard deviation lower LDL-c: -1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.61 to -0.73; p < 0.001) but not with risk of T2DM (odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation lower LDL-c: 0.74, 95% CI = 0.25 to 2.19, p = 0.59). In contrast, genetically predicted HMGCR inhibition was associated with higher waist-to-hip ratio (β = 0.15; 95%CI = 0.04 to 0.26; p = 0.008) and T2DM risk (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.27 to 2.36, p < 0.001). The MR analyses considering secondary outcomes showed that genetically predicted ACLY inhibition was associated with a lower waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (BMI) (β = -1.41; 95%CI = -1.81 to -1.02; p < 0.001). In contrast, genetically predicted HMGCR inhibition was associated with higher HbA1c (β = 0.19; 95%CI = 0.23 to 0.49; p < 0.001) and BMI (β = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.23 to 0.49; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Human genetic evidence supports the metabolically favourable effects of ACLY inhibition on body weight distribution, in contrast to HMGCR inhibition. These findings should be used to guide and prioritize ongoing clinical development efforts.

Improving bee feed recipes to safeguard honeybee colonies during times of food scarcity.

In beekeeping, when natural nectar or pollen sources become limited, it is crucial to provide supplemental bee feed to maintain the viability of the bee colony. This study was conducted during the autumn food shortage season, during which bees were fed with different proportions of modified bee feed. We identified an optimal bee diet by evaluating honeybee longevity, food consumption, body weight, and gut microbe distribution, with natural pollen serving as a control diet. The results indicated that bees preferred a mixture of 65% defatted soy flour, 20% corn protein powder, 13% wheat germ flour, 2% yeast powder, and a 50% sucrose solution. This bee food recipe significantly increased the longevity, feed consumption, and body weight of bees. The group fed the natural pollen diet exhibited a greater abundance of essential intestinal bacteria. The bee diets used in this study contained higher protein levels and lower concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins than did the diets stored within the colonies. Therefore, we propose that incorporating both bee feed and natural pollen in beekeeping practices will achieve more balanced nutritional intake.

Prediction of carcass weight using the morphometry of ankle bones in hair goats.

Morphologic measurements such as body lenght, wither height, heart girth, chest width, body leght, cannon-bone circumference is used to predict carcass weight. For this purpose, estimating carcass weight with measurements of key bones such as ankle bones, which play a significant role in the balance distribution of body weight, seems possible. The aim of this study is to create new regression models for effective carcass weight estimation by using the morphometric data of the talus and calcaneus bones of hair goats. Study materials consisted of talus and calcaneus bones obtained from abattoir products of hair goat kids (12-18 months old, 20 female and 20 male) and adult hair goats (36-48 months old, 20 female and 20 male). Morphometric measurements of the talus and calcaneus of each animal were taken by a digital caliper. Using the morphometric measurements, an index and a factor were calculated for each bone. Regression analysis and correlations were examined in IBM SPSS 21 programme. As a result, statistical analysis of GLc, GLt, Bd, Calfactor and Talfactor were statistically significant on predicting carcass weight. Specific anatomical structures, such as certain bone measurements, such as talus and calnaneus could serve as indicators of growth performance and also carcass weight performance. In addition new anatomical factors and indices may be produced and new regression methods may be applied with these new parameters to predict carcass weight.

Model-Informed Development of a Cost-Saving Dosing Regimen for Sacituzumab Govitecan.

The antibody-drug conjugate sacituzumab govitecan is approved for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and has shown promising results in various other types of cancer. Its costs may limit patient access to this novel effective treatment modality. The purpose of this study was to develop an evidence-based rational dosing regimen that results in targeted drug exposure within the therapeutic range while minimizing financial toxicity, to improve treatment access. Exposure equivalent dosing strategies were developed based on pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation by using the published pharmacokinetic model developed by the license holder. The alternative dose was based on the principle of using complete vials to prevent spillage and on the established non-linear relationship between body weight and systemic exposure. Equivalent exposure compared to the approved dosing regimen of 10 mg/kg was aimed for. Equivalent exposure was conservatively defined as calculated geometric mean ratios within the 0.9-1.11 boundaries for area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), trough concentration (Ctrough) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of the alternative dosing regimen compared to the approved dosing regimen. Since different vial sizes are available for the European Union (EU) and United States (US) market, because body weight distributions differ between these populations, we performed our analysis for both scenarios. Dosing regimens of sacituzumab govitecan for the EU (<50 kg: 400 mg, 50-80 kg: 600 mg, and >80 kg: 800 mg) and US population (<40 kg: 360 mg, 40-65 kg: 540 mg, 65-90 kg: 720 mg, and >90 kg: 900 mg) were developed, based on weight bands. The geometric mean ratios for all pharmacokinetic outcomes were within the predefined equivalence boundaries, while the quantity of drug used was 21.5% and 19.0% lower for the EU and US scenarios, respectively. With the alternative dosing proposal, an approximately 20% reduction in drug expenses for sacituzumab govitecan can be realized while maintaining an equivalent and more evenly distributed exposure throughout the body weight range, without notable increases in pharmacokinetic variability.

Implications of Stabilometric Assessment in Determining Functional Deficits in Patients with Severe Knee Osteoarthritis: Observational Study.

Background: Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent joint disorders in the world. The specialists in the field strongly support the role of physical exercise as a key component in the holistic management of arthrosis. The aim of the current study was to identify and assess the functional deficit of these patients and to identify means to alleviate it through pre-surgery physiotherapy programs. Methods: The study was conducted on two samples of patients: a witness sample, encompassing 126 subjects without pathologies at the level of their lower limbs, and a study sample, formed of 116 subjects diagnosed with severe gonarthrosis with total knee arthroplasty indication. The assessment protocol was accomplished with the GPS 400 stabilometric platform. Results: The barycenter differences within the support polygon, recorded for the two samples within sagittal deviation, emphasize that the barycenter shifting mainly towards the healthy lower limb will demand, from the individual, more intense rebalancing postural reactions that will place the center-of-gravity projection in the sagittal plane, closer to the central area of the support polygon. Conclusions: In the case of gonarthrosis and other joint disorders, the use of functional testing to assess body weight distribution and center-of-gravity imbalances represents a promising direction in the research on and management of these disorders, providing essential information for functional diagnosing and thus enabling the elaboration and monitoring of individualized functional rehabilitation plans.

Impaired Perception of Body-Weight Distribution Marks Functional Mobility Problems in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Hip osteoarthritis and total hip arthroplasty imply damaged articular and periarticular structures responsible for proprioception, and this damage may impair the accurate perception of body-weight distribution. In this study, we investigated proprioceptive abilities and accuracy perceiving body-weight distribution in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty, and we assessed the associations between these abilities and body perception accuracy with functional mobility testing in 20 patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty and 20 age-matched healthy participants. We assessed (a) absolute error in hip joint position sense (AE-JPS), (b) absolute error in body-weight distribution (AE-BWD) during standing and sit-to-stand tasks with open and closed eyes, and (c) functional mobility with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). We assessed patients undergoing hip arthroplasty before (T0) and five days after their surgery (T1), while control participants underwent a single evaluation. Relative to controls, participants undergoing surgery showed higher AE-JPS at 15° of hip flexion at T0 (p = .003) and at T1 (p = .007), greater AE-BWD during sit-to-stand with open eyes at T1 (p = .014) and with closed eyes at both T0 (p = .014) and at T1 (p < .001), and worse TUG at both T0 (p = .009) and T1 (p < .001). AE-BWD during sit-to-stand with closed eyes positively correlated with TUG at T0 (r = 0.55, p = .011) and at T1 (r = 0.51, p = .027). These findings suggested that impairments in body-weight distribution perception were evident both before and immediately after total hip arthroplasty, suggesting that these impairments may regularly mark these patients' functional mobility problems.

A shift to a standard diet after exposure to a high-fat, high-sucrose diet from gestation to weaning restores brain metabolism and behavioral flexibility in adult rats

Prolonged consumption of diets high in saturated fat and sugar has been related to obesity and overweight, which in turn are linked to cognitive impairment in both humans and rodents. This has become a current issue, especially in children and adolescents, because these stages are crucial to neurodevelopmental processes and programming of adult behavior. To evaluate the effects of gestational and early exposure to an obesogenic diet, three groups with different dietary patterns were established: high-fat and high-sucrose diet (HFS), standard diet (SD), and a dietary shift from a high-fat, high-sucrose diet to a standard diet after weaning (R). Spatial learning and behavioral flexibility in adult male and female Wistar rats were evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) at PND 60. Furthermore, regional brain oxidative metabolism was assessed in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. Contrary to our hypothesis, the HFS diet groups showed similar performance on the spatial learning task as the other groups, although they showed impaired cognitive flexibility. The HFS group had increased brain metabolic capacity compared to that of animals fed the standard diet. Shifting from the HFS diet to the SD diet after weaning restored the brain metabolic capacity in both sexes to levels similar to those observed in animals fed the SD diet. In addition, animals in the R group performed similarly to those fed the SD diet in the Morris water maze in both tasks. However, dietary shift from HFS diet to standard diet after weaning had only moderate sex-dependent effects on body weight and fat distribution. In conclusion, switching from an HFS diet to a balanced diet after weaning would have beneficial effects on behavioral flexibility and brain metabolism, without significant sex differences.