Free Mass Research Articles

Perception of caregivers on ITNs utilisation and its effectiveness among children under 5years of age in Chikwawa district, Malawi.

In 2020, Malawi had 6.9 million malaria cases and 2551 deaths, mainly in children under five years of age. The 2017-2022 Malawi malaria control strategic plan promoted the consistent use of insecticide-treated nets through free distribution and mass campaigns. Despite widespread availability of the control strategy plan, Chikwawa District continues to suffer from high malaria burden especially among under five children, due to inconsistent insecticide-treated (ITN) net usage. For this reason, this study aimed at exploring caregivers' perceptions on insecticide-treated net utilisation and also find out about its effectiveness among those who consistently use them. This study used a sequential exploratory mixed methods design. The data used for quantitative analysis was drawn from the population of under-five children's caregivers within the catchment area of Chikwawa district hospital. The sample size was 96 participants, as determined by Cochran's formula. The data collection lasted from December 2023 to April 2024 and included four in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions to address the objectives qualitatively. The study revealed that 91.67% of households used ITNs, with 87.50% using them daily. The significant factors influencing ITN utilisation included the number of nets, user satisfaction, perceived impact, user habits, acquisition method, and usage frequency (all p values < 0.001). Under-five malaria cases were also significant (p = 0.025). The odds of the perceived net impact influencing utilisation were 4.956 times greater. Non-usage was due to heat, quality concerns, limited access, breathing difficulties, health conditions such as asthma, and misconceptions about net treatment. The study revealed a strong belief in insecticide-treated net efficacy. However, some challenges such as access, durability, and misinformation of insecticide-treated nets were discovered. These challenges affected utilisation of insecticide-treated nets in agreement with some literature reviewed. The insights found in this study will help policymakers in addressing health interventions for the reduction of malaria cases in Malawi.

Abstract 4135993: Body Composition and Mortality Throughout the Reproductive Cycle: Findings from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Introduction: Changes in body composition throughout the reproductive cycle accelerate during the 2 years following the final menstrual period (FMP), known as the menopausal transition (MT). During MT, an increase in fat mass (FM) and a decrease in fat free mass (FFM) are usually seen, but the relationship between these changes and cardiovascular events is not well understood. We aim to explore how FM and FFM are associated with cardiovascular events and total mortality across the reproductive cycle in participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Methods: This study included 3439 women from exam 1 of MESA. Outcomes of interest were either MACE (heart failure, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, cardiac arrest, or stroke) or all-cause mortality. Equations to determine FM and FFM at exam 1 were validated with the NHANES 2003 population and derived from regression models based on bioelectrical impedance analysis results at exam 5 and anthropometric and demographic measures. Women were divided into 3 groups based on time since FMP: reproductive phase (before FMP), MT phase (&lt;2 years after FMP), and late menopause phase (&gt;2 years after FMP). Adjusted Cox multivariate models assessed the association between FM, FFM and MACE or all-cause mortality. Results: Median follow-up time was 14.1 years. FM was associated with MACE in the late menopause group, whereas FFM was not associated with MACE (Table). With respect to all-cause mortality, FM had a positive association (HR=1.19, P=0.03) while FFM had a negative association (HR=0.68, P=0.04) in the MT phase. The late menopause group showed similar relationships between FM, FFM, and all-cause mortality. The reproductive group showed no significant associations (Table). Conclusion: In this cohort, FM is associated with a higher risk of mortality whereas FFM is associated with a lower risk. We observed these associations to be more pronounced during the MT, a time of accelerated body composition change. Our results suggest and will need further investigation to confirm that the MT may be a critical time in the female lifespan to initiate interventions which positively impact muscle mass with a view to improving survival.

Important features of bench press performance in non-disabled and Para athletes: A scoping review.

Understanding important features for performance in non-disabled bench press and Paralympic powerlifting may inform talent identification and transfer models. The aim of this scoping review was to describe features associated with bench press performance. We conducted a systematic search of three electronic databases (PubMed, SportDiscus and EMBASE) to identify studies involving non-disabled and Para athlete populations that investigated features related to bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM), across six domains (anthropometric, body composition, demographic, technical, disability and neuromuscular). Search terms included "resistance training", "para powerlifting' and "one repetition max". No date restrictions were include in searches. Studies using adult participants, with at least six-months of bench press experience, who were able to bench press their body mass were included. Thirty-two studies met our inclusion criteria. Twenty-four studies involved non-disabled athletes (total n = 2,686; 21.9% female) and eight involved Para athletes (total n = 2,364; 39.4% female). Anthropometric (17 studies) and body composition (12 studies) features were most studied; half of the 32 studies investigated features from a single domain. Of anthropometric variables, upper arm circumference shared the strongest association with bench press 1RM in non-disabled (r = 0.87) and para-athletes (r = 0.65). Upper limb fat free mass (r = 0.91) and body mass index (r = 0.46) were the body composition variables sharing the strongest association with bench press 1RM in non-disabled and para-athletes. Few studies considering the uncertainty of their results. Practices of open and transparent science, such as pre-registration and data sharing, were absent. The development of bench press talent identification and sport transfer models will require future studies to investigate both non-training and training modifiable features, across multiple domains. Large longitudinal studies using information from athlete monitoring databases and multivariable model approaches are needed to understand the interacting features associated with bench press performance, and for the development of talent identification models.

Social isolation during the covid-19 pandemic impaired vitamin d concentrations, motor performance and physical fitness in adolescents

This study aims to verify the effect of social isolation arising from the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) on vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, motor performance, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adolescents. This research method is Case-control study, which included 34 boys, aged 12-16 years. In the pre-pandemic period, 17 schoolchildren were evaluated in December 2019, classified according to body mass index Z-score (BMI-z) as: eutrophic (n=8) and overweight (n=9). The post-pandemic group was composed of 17 boys, evaluated in March 2022, matched with the same BMI-z characteristics. Stature, body mass, fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), flexibility (FLEX), 25(OH)D, absolute CRF (CRFabs) and relative (CRFrel) were assessed. The Supine-to-Stand test (STSTIME) execution time was used to assess motor performance and motor competence by the motor patterns used in execution (STSMC). considering p&lt;0.05 significant. The results showed that, post-pandemic, there were impairment on 25(OH)D, FLEX, STSTIME e CRF (p&lt;0.05). Both eutrophic and overweight groups reduced 25(OH)D concentrations (p&lt;0.001) and increased STSTIME (p=0.02) but did not modify STSMC. Regarding CRF, eutrophic individuals showed lower CRFabs and CRFrel values (p≤ 0.005), however no changes in the overweight group. We conclude that social isolation impaired the 25(OH)D concentrations and motor performance of adolescents. However, it stands out that the eutrophic were the most impacted with social isolation, as they showed unfavorable effect also on CRF.

Dysphagia and Body Composition in Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

Background/Objectives: Limited research had investigated nutritional status in patients with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) (OMIM 122470, 300590, 300882, 610759, 620568 and 614701). Body composition assessed via bioelectric impedance (BIA) is a particularly under-explored issue. In this cross-sectional study, we hypothesize that body composition imbalance is frequent in CdLS and may be associated with dysphagia. We aimed to determine dysphagia prevalence in CdLS. Dysphagia may be a sign or a complication of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which is the most frequent gastroenterological disorder in CdLS patients; Methods: Fourteen Polish patients with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of CdLS were included in the study. We performed body composition analysis via bioelectric impedance taking into account the phase angle (PhA) and Body Cell Mass (BCM) in patients who cooperated and were able to sit still. The patients’ caregivers completed the pediatric version of the Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI-EAT-10). Based on the questionnaire scoring, we divided the patients into dysphagic and non-dysphagic groups. Body compartments of those two groups were compared. Statistical correlations between PhA and the PEDI-EAT-10 score were calculated; Results: Eleven of the fourteen CdLS patients had abnormalities in the BIA analysis in terms of fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Six patients had excessive FM and four patients were deficient in FM. Two had deficiency in FFM and two had excessive FFM. We noted prevalence of dysphagia at 28.57%, with four patients having an PEDI-EAT-10 score higher or equal to 3, categorized as dysphagic. The dysphagic and non-dysphagic groups were not significantly different in terms of the proportion of patients with FM, FFM, SMM and BCM in the small cohort presented here. A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between the PhA and PEDI-EAT-10 score (rho = −0.72; p = 0.003); Conclusions: CdLS patients require investigation for dysphagia and nutritional status imbalance, as they are both frequent in this syndrome. The most prevalent are abnormalities in FM, both excess and deficit. PhA deviations observed in the bioimpedance study deepen with the severity of dysphagia. These findings require further investigation in a larger cohort.

An Online Training Program Was Effective on Improving Physical Performance and Body Composition in U20 Soccer Players During the COVID-19 Quarantine

Abstract It is recommended for athletes keep training to reduce the negative effects of detraining. This study aimed to verify the effects of a 15-week online training intervention during a pandemic quarantine in body composition and physical capacity of highly trained soccer players. Sixteen male under-20 soccer players were assessed after the first period of COVID-19 quarantine (March 2020 to September 2020; 170 days), and after the second period of COVID-19 quarantine (November 2020 to February 2021, 107 days). Body composition, vertical jump height, hamstring maximum strength and aerobic capacity were assessed. The online training program was performed during the second lockdown. In comparison with first pre assessments, results showed that fat mass (−0.95 ± 1.27), free fat mass (1.22 ± 1.19), squat jump height (5.36 ± 1.99) and counter movement jump (3.19 ± 3.77) were significantly improved (P &lt; 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in total body mass, hamstring eccentric strength, and Yo-Yo IR1 after online training (P &gt; 0.05). In summary, the findings of this study highlight the importance of carrying out a training program during a period of absence from traditional soccer training, in order to maintain the level of physical capacities of youth soccer players.

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.

Structure-guided design and photochemical synthesis of new carbamo(dithioperoxo)thioates with improved potencies to SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has triggered a protracted global pandemic from 2019 to 2022, and posed a significant threat to human health. One of the non-structural proteins 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2 is considered as a validated target for the development of inhibitors against the virus. Disulfiram has been reported as a covalent inhibitor of 3CLpro; however, its structure lacks bonding site with active pockets of 3CLpro and its highly symmetric structure doesn’t match well with the irregular cavity of the active center, limiting its therapeutic applications. To enhance their affinity for the 3CLpro target, in this study, two kinds of disulfiram derivatives, designed based on the reevaluation and optimization of disulfiram, have been synthesized through photoredox chemistry, and the novel carbamo(dithioperoxo)thioates 4g-m were found to display 5–17 folds potency against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro compared to the parent disulfiram, with resulting half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 0.14–0.47 μM. Carbamo(dithioperoxo)thioates 4i containing a 4-hydroxy piperidine and a 4-trifluoromethyl phenyl ring, was identified as the most potent inhibitor (IC50 = 0.14 μM). Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations, binding free energy analysis and mass analysis were performed and provided insights on the stability, conformational behavior, and interactions of 4g with 3CLpro. The green synthetic methodology, the privileged carbamo(dithioperoxo)thioate scaffold, and the molecular mechanisms presented might serve as a useful system for the further discovery of highly potent inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro.

Long Duration Load Carriage Performance Is Associated With Army Combat Fitness Test Scores and Fat-Free Mass.

Sax van der Weyden, M, Merrigan, JJ, and Martin, J. Long duration load carriage performance is associated with Army Combat Fitness Test scores and fat free mass. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1959-1966, 2024-A common occupational task for the military is carrying heavy loads for long periods of time. The US Army has set a time standard of 3 hours to complete a 19.31-km march with a 15.9-kg ruck sack for combat arms training and specialty schools. The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics associated with 19.31-km foot march completion rates in Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets. Demographics, anthropometrics/body composition, Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) scores, and vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) data were collected on 65 ROTC cadets who conducted a 19.31-km foot march. Independent t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests compared variables between those who did and did not finish the foot march in less than 3 hours. Logistic regressions were used to calculate the odds of completing the foot march using military experience, fat-free mass, ACFT, and CMJ outcomes. Cadets who met the 3 hours standard had lower body fat percent, greater fat-free mass, higher ACFT scores, and higher CMJs than those who did not. In addition, for every one point increase in ACFT score and 1-kg increase in fat-free mass, a cadet's chances of finishing the foot march increased by 6.1 and 24%, respectively. When analyzing ACFT events separately, 2-mile run was the only significant variable, and for every 1 point increase in 2-mile run score, a cadet's chances of finishing the foot march increased by 9%. Thus, aspiring and current soldiers should train to improve aerobic fitness and build muscle mass in preparation for load carriage requirements.

Exploring The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Body Fat Percentage Across Age and Gender: A Cross – Sectional Study

Background: In today’s fast-paced world, the prevalence of non- communicable diseases (NCDs) is rising due to work, academic and personal pressures. Obesity, a preventable disease, is often underestimated in clinical settings. The ‘obesity paradox’ where NCDs occur in individuals with normal body mass index (BMI), complicates health assessments. This study evaluates the relationship between BMI and body fat percentage (BFP) by age and gender and assesses if BMI alone is a good predictor of body adiposity. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 385 normal healthy subjects aged 18-67 years, attending an annual temple festival in Kerala during 2016. Subjects were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, after obtaining the ethical clearance. Using an Omron Body fat analyser, we measured BFP. Statistical analysis was done using Independent T test, ANOVA and Chi square test on SPSS version 20. Results: A significant increase in BMI and BFP with age in both genders, with BFP changes starting at a younger age. Females showed higher increases in both BMI and BFP. Among participants, 34% had normal BMI. 29% had normal BFP and only 20% had both normal. We also found many ‘invisible’ obese individuals within the normal BMI group and some ‘muscle obese’ individuals in the overweight BMI group. Conclusions: To conclude, as BMI and BFP increase with age, the quality of fat free mass likely deteriorates. BFP is a better predictor of adiposity compared to BMI. For early NCD detection, both BMI and BFP should be included in routine clinical screenings.

Improving the nutritional evaluation in head neck cancer patients using bioelectrical impedance analysis: Not only the phase angle matters.

Malnutrition and sarcopenia are highly prevalent in patients with head neck cancer (HNC). An accurate early diagnosis is necessary for starting nutritional support, as both are clearly associated with clinical outcomes and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the applicability and accuracy of body composition analysis using electrical bioimpedance vectorial analysis (BIVA) for diagnosing malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with HNC cancer undergoing systemic treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Cross-sectional, observational study that included 509 HNC patients. A comprehensive nutritional evaluation that included BIVA was performed. The prevalence of malnutrition was higher in patients that received treatment with chemotherapy (59.2% vs. 40.8%, P<0.001); increased mortality was observed in malnourished patients (33.3% vs. 20.1%; P<0.001); ECOG status (1-4) was also worse in malnourished patients (59.2% vs. 22.8% P<0.001). Body cell mass (BCM) and fat mass were the most significantly associated parameters with malnutrition [OR 0.88 (0.84-0.93) and 0.98 (0.95-1.01), respectively]; BCM and fat free mass index (FFMI) were associated with several aspects including (1) the patient-generated subjective global assessment [OR 0.93 (0.84-0.98) and 0.86 (0.76-0.97), respectively], (2) the presence of sarcopenia [OR 0.81 (0.76-0.87) and 0.78 (0.66-0.92), respectively]. A BCM index (BCMI)<7.8 in combination with other parameters including FFMI and BCM accurately predicted patients with malnutrition [accuracy 95% CI: 0.803 (0.763-0.839); kappa index: 0.486; AUC: 0.618 (P<0.01)]. A BCMI cutoff of 7.6 was enough for identifying males with malnutrition (P<0.001), while it should be combined with other parameters in females. Body composition parameters determined by BIVA accurately identify patients with HNC and malnutrition. Phase angle, but other parameters including BCMI, FFMI and BCM provide significant information about nutritional status in patients with HNC.

Rationale and design of Healthy Kids Beyond the Bell: a 2x2 full factorial study evaluating the impact of summer and after-school programming on children’s body mass index and health behaviors

BackgroundThe Structured Days Hypothesis posits that structure protects children against obesogenic behaviors (e.g., physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary intake) and, ultimately, prevents the occurrence of excessive weight gain. The hours following school (i.e., 3–6 pm school days) and summer vacation are two “windows of vulnerability” when children may experience less structure. Programs that provide a healthy structured environment and may prevent BMI gain exist for both time periods (i.e., after-school programs and summer day camps). Unfortunately, these programs are cost prohibitive for children from low-income families to attend. This study will test the impact of providing vouchers to access existing, community-operated after-school and summer programs on BMI z-score, body composition, and obesogenic behaviors (i.e., physical activity, screen use, diet, and sleep) of children (5–12 years) from schools that primarily serve families with low income.MethodsThe study will employ a 2x2 factorial design. Participants (N = 480) attending 4 elementary schools in one school district will be randomly assigned to a no treatment control, after-school program voucher only, summer day camp voucher only, or after-school and summer day camp vouchers. Vouchers will cover the full cost of attending a pre-existing community-based after-school or summer camp program. The primary outcome (BMI z-score) will be measured at baseline (before end of school year, ~ May), 3-month follow-up (after summer, ~ August), and 12-month follow-up (end the following school year, ~ May). Secondary outcomes include body composition (i.e., whole-body fat mass, fat free mass, and percent body fat) and obesogenic behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sedentary time, sleep, screen-time, and diet). The study will also employ a rigorous process evaluation which will consider after-school and summer camp program attendance and content. Analyses will examine differences between the four groups in BMI z-score, body composition, and obesogenic behaviors. Incremental cost effectiveness ratios will determine the cost effectiveness of the intervention.DiscussionThe current study will provide critical information for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers seeking to combat the childhood obesity epidemic in children from families with low-income during the school year and summer.Trial registrationNCT05880901. Registered 27 May 2023.

Females have better metabolic flexibility in different metabolically challenging stimuli.

The first aim was to explore the difference in metabolic flexibility between sexes in response to changing exercise intensity under control conditions. The second aim was to evaluate metabolic flexibility between sexes in response to exercise intensity adding two different metabolically challenging stimuli (glycogen depletion and heat). Eleven males (22±3yrs, 176.2±4cm, 68.4±4.9kg and 60.2±4.1ml/kgFFM/min) and nine females (22±2yrs, 166.7±4.5cm, 61.9±2.9kg, 64.2±5.6 ml/kgFFM/min) performed a maximal incremental exercise test (30W every 3min) on a cycle ergometer under three conditions: control (24h high-carbohydrate diet followed by the incremental test), glycogen depletion (glycogen-depletion protocol followed by 24h low-carbohydrate diet and then the incremental test) and heat (24h high-carbohydrate diet followed by 30 min passive heating and then the incremental test in heat). In the last minute of each step, lactate was analysed, fat (FATox/FFM) and carbohydrate oxidation (CHox/FFM) and energy expenditure (EE/FFM) normalized to fat free mass was estimated by indirect calorimetry. Females presented a greater FATox/FFM as exercise intensity increases across conditions (control, glycogen depletion and heat) (p=0.006). In contrast, CHox/FFM was not significantly different between sexes at any specific intensity across conditions (p>0.05). Consequently, EE/FFM was higher in females throughout the different intensities across conditions (p=0.002). Finally, lactate concentration was not different between sexes at the same intensities across conditions (p=0.87). In conclusion, females present a greater metabolic flexibility, due to the higher FATox/FFM throughout the different intensities, regardless of whether the test is performed in a conditions emphasizing the oxidative pathway (glycogen depletion) or the glycolytic pathway (heat). Clinical trials:NCT05703100.

Nutrition and Physical Activity in Older Adults with CKD patients: Two Sides of the Same Coin.

Nutrition and physical activity are two major issues in the management of CKD patients who are often older, have comorbidities and are prone to malnutrition and physical inactivity, conditions that cause loss of quality of life and increase the risk of death. We performed a multidimensional assessment of nutritional status and of physical performance and activity in CKD patients on conservative therapy in order to assess the prevalence of sedentary behaviour and its relationship with body composition. 115 consecutive stable CKD patients aged 45-80 years were included in the study. They had no major skeletal, muscular or neurological disabilities. All patients underwent a multidimensional assessment of body composition, physical activity and exercise capacity. Sedentary patients, as defined by mean daily METs &lt; 1.5 were older and differed from non-sedentary patients in terms of body composition, exercise capacity and nutrient intake, even after adjusting for age. Average daily METs were positively associated with lean body mass, muscle strength, 6-MWT performance, but negatively associated with fat body mass, body mass index and waist circumference. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle may have negative effects on free fat mass, muscle strength and exercise capacity, and may increase fat body mass. Conversely, s decrease in muscle mass and/or an increase in fat mass may lead to a decrease in physical activity and exercise capacity. There is a clear association and potential interrelationship between nutritional aspects and exercise capacity in older adults with CKD: they are really the two sides of the same coin.

Online and Face-to-Face Mat Pilates Training for Long COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Health Outcomes

This study investigated the impacts of online and face-to-face Mat Pilates training in adults with persistent symptoms of long COVID on health outcomes. Forty-nine patients (52 ± 5.85 yr.) diagnosed with long COVID related to fatigue symptoms were randomly included in three groups: online Mat Pilates training (n = 16), face-to-face Mat Pilates training (n = 15), and a control group (n = 18) without training. Mat Pilates training was conducted three times a week for 12 weeks. Fatigue, functional capacity, anthropometrics, body composition, and cardiometabolic markers were assessed before and after the interventions. Two-factor Generalized Estimating Equation analyses identified significant differences with Bonferroni post hoc testing (p &lt; 0.05). After the intervention, only the face-to-face Mat Pilates training group had an improved total, physical and mental fatigue, trunk isometric strength, upper limb muscle endurance strength, and aerobic capacity (p &lt; 0.05). No changes were found in fat mass, muscle mass, free fat mass, % of fat, body mass, body mass index, or waist and hip circumferences. No significant changes were observed in blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, or blood pressure (p &gt; 0.05). Our results highlight the potential of face-to-face Mat Pilates training as an effective intervention to mitigate persistent symptoms of long COVID related to fatigue and functional capacities.

7522 Effects of Trikafta On Bone Mineral Density And Body Composition In Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract Disclosure: N. Mon: None. S.S. Krishnasamy: None. G. Bakeerathan: None. L. Healy: None. E. Favier: None. S. Foushee: None. Background: Cystic fibrosis related bone disease (CFBD) is a common complication of adult Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients due to calcium, vitamin D and K malabsorption from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, increased inflammatory cytokines, glucocorticoid therapy, delayed puberty, physical inactivity, and hypogonadism. Newer CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (Trikafta) has proven benefit in pulmonary and nutritional outcomes. There is limited data on effects of Trikafta on bone health and body composition. The aim is to examine the effects of Trikafta on bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN), and body composition in terms of fat free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) in our CF patients. Method: We conducted a cross sectional and retrospective review of 38 adults with CF (Ages 20-59, 28 males and 10 females) in our CF clinic. Body Mass Index (BMI), Body composition measured by bioelectric impedance analysis, BMD of LS and FN by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, Vitamin D level, and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 % predicted) in patients taking Trikafta were analyzed and compared with control CF group who were not on Trikafta. Results: 38 subjects on Trikafta, aged 33.29 ± 10.36 years with FEV1 % predicted 65.11± 28.14% were studied. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was 35.92 ± 18.52 ng/dL. Of the 38 study patients, 23 (60.53%) had a diagnosis of CF related diabetes (CFRD). Among the Trikafta cohort, 18 (50%) had low BMD with Z-scores ≤ -2.0 and 7 (19.44%) of them had Z score ≤ -1.0 and &amp;gt; -2.0. Compared with the control group, LS BMD 0.93 ± 0.16 g/cm2 and FN BMD 0.73± 0.13g/cm2 (p &amp;gt;0.05) were not improved significantly. BMI of study population 23.09 ± 4.21 kg/m2 (p &amp;lt;0.05) and FMI 6.11 ± 4.25 kg/m2 (p &amp;lt;0.05) increased significantly; however, there was a decrease in FFMI 9.60 ± 1.44 kg/m2 (p &amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion: Treatment with Trikafta in CF patients was associated with increases in BMI and fat mass index but decrease in fat free mass index. There was no statistically significant difference in BMD at LS and FN in our study cohort. This study has limitations in terms of gender differences within the study cohort, duration of Trikafta use in relation to bone mass, and also extent of glucocorticoid use among the study subjects. Larger prospective clinical trials are needed to study efficacy of Trikafta on CFBD. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Study of malnutrition in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background Although the interest in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) has increased in recent years due to the appearance of new therapies however the interest has focused on pulmonary involvement with little concern for systemic manifestations such as the nutritional status abnormalities. Thus, our study assessed the malnutrition prevalence in patients with IPF and the best indicators for the assessment of malnutrition among them. Patients and methods This work was conducted on 110 stable IPF patients who attended the outpatient clinic of Ain Shams University Hospitals from October 2020 to July 2021. Data about the detailed history and nutritional assessment was collected. Results 22.7% and 20.9% were malnourished according to the definition of fat-free mass index (FFMI) and body mass index (BMI), respectively. Most malnourished patients according to low FFMI were female; not using PPI was a significant independent predictors of malnutrition. There was a statistically significant relation between low FFMI and low serum albumin, hemoglobin, and oxygen saturation. Our findings also revealed that measuring BMI and being less than or equal to 22.1 kg/m2 and mid-arm circumference (MAC) less than or equal 28.5 cm is significantly related to low free fat mass index (malnutrition) and increases that risk by 31.63 folds. Conclusion Nearly one-quarter of IPF patients were malnourished and it was found that measuring BMI less than or equal to 22.1 kg/m2 together with MAC less than or equal to 28.5 cm can predict low FFMI and that can be used in our clinical approach.

Growth in fat free mass but not fat mass in preterm infants until six months is associated with cognitive outcomes at school age

Growth in fat free mass but not fat mass in preterm infants until six months is associated with cognitive outcomes at school age

Spectroscopic ellipsometry investigation of a 6H–SiC single crystal plate for potential use in graphene optoelectronic devices

At room temperature, the spectroscopic ellipsometry SE parameters Epsi (ψ) and Delta (Δ) for 6H–SiC crystal substrate were measured in the wavelength range 350–1700 nm at four different angles of incidence, 60°, 65°, 70°, and 75°. An SE model was developed to extract optical consents of 6H–SiC crystal substrate from the experimentally measured SE parameters. In the wavelength range 350–1700 nm, the refractive index of the 6H–SiC crystal substrate was extracted and fitted to two terms of the Sellmeier dispersion function. In the wide spectral range (350–1700 nm), the Wemple-DiDomenico (WDD) dispersion model shows how the real refractive index changes with wavelength. The analysis of refractive index dispersion of the 6H–SiC crystal substrate using Sellmeier dispersion function and WDD optical model allows to extract oscillator strength Nfij, average oscillator energy Eo, dispersion energy of the single oscillator Ed, lattice oscillator strength El, Abbe dispersion number, energy gap Eg, density of valence electrons nv, refractive index at infinite wavelength n∞, lattice dielectric constant εL, the ratio of free carrier density to free carrier effective mass (N/m∗), and plasma frequency ωp. For the 6H–SiC crystal substrate, in the desired spectral range (240–1700 nm), it does not have any depolarization effect on the reflected polarized light.

Proteomics identifies multiple retinitis pigmentosa associated proteins involved in retinal degeneration in a mouse model bearing a Pde6b mutation

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a progressive and degenerative retinal disease resulting in severe vision loss. RP have been extensively studied for pathogenetic mechanisms and treatments. Yet there is little information about alterations of RP associated proteins in phosphodiesterase 6 beta (Pde6b) mutated model. To explore the roles of RP causing proteins, we performed a label free quantitative mass spectrometry based proteomic analysis in rd10 mouse retinas. 3737 proteins were identified at the degenerative time points in rd10 mice. 222 and 289 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) (fold change, FC > 2, p < 0.05) were detected at 5 and 8 weeks. Based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, visual perception and phototransduction were severely affected. The downregulated DEPs were significantly enriched in cilium assembly and protein localization. 25 decreased DEPs causing autosomal recessive/dominant retinitis pigmentosa were visualized by heatmaps. Protein-protein interaction network represented 13 DEPs interacted directly with Pde6b protein. 25 DEPs causing RP were involved in phototransduction, visual perception, response to stimulus, protein localization and cilium assembly pathways. The significantly reduced expressions of DEPs were further validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blots (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). This study revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying early and late stage of RP, as well as changes of RP-causing proteins.