Healthy Body Mass Research Articles

Assessment of workhour feeding practices, healthy behaviour score and body mass index of physicians in Northern Nigeria: a cross-sectional multi-centre study.

The increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight among health workers calls for an appraisal of their lifestyle. This study assessed medical practitioners' workhour feeding and lifestyle practices and explored the relationship between these practices and their body mass index (BMI). The survey involved 321 medical practitioners selected from 9 northern Nigeria hospitals in 2021. Data collected included biodata, medication history, workhour feeding characteristics, lifestyle behaviours, blood pressure, height, and weight measurements. Data were analyzed using Epi info software (version 7). Most respondents were male (70.7%). Their mean age was 38 ± 7.4 years. During their last workhours, 84.1% had lunch, and 46.4% took sugary drinks. Usually, 41.7% source their lunch from the hospital canteen, and 18.7% patronize their canteen at least weekly. Most reported healthy behaviour towards alcohol consumption (99.7%), fruit and vegetable consumption (54.8%) and smoking (98.4%). However, only 22.4% were physically active. Their mean healthy behaviour score and BMI were 2.8 ± 0.7 and 26.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2, respectively. The obesity and overweight rates were 18.4% and 37.7%, respectively. Their source of lunch during workhours, age, sex, years of practice, employment duration, marital status, job category, systolic blood pressure, anti-hypertensive, and antidiabetic medication use were significantly associated with mean BMI. However, only antihypertensive medication use, being married, inadequate fruit/vegetable consumption and workhour sugary drinks consumption predicted obesity. The predictors of overweight/obese were years of practice (< 10 y) and use of antihypertensive medications. Obesity and overweight rates were high. Most were physically inactive. Workhour sugary drink consumption predicted obesity. Effective workplace and community interventions to improve practitioners' lifestyle behaviour and curtail obesity and overweight are needed.

Cystic fibrosis and fat malabsorption: Pathophysiology of the cystic fibrosis gastrointestinal tract and the impact of highly effective CFTR modulator therapy.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive, genetic, multi-organ disease affecting the respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems. CF can affect any aspect of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, liver, and gall bladder. GI pathophysiology associated with CF results from CF membrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction. The majority of people with CF (pwCF) experience exocrine pancreatic insufficiency resulting in malabsorption of nutrients and malnutrition. Additionally, other factors can cause or worsen fat malabsorption, including the potential for short gut syndrome with a history of meconium ileus, hepatobiliary diseases, and disrupted intraluminal factors, such as inadequate bile salts, abnormal pH, intestinal microbiome changes, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Signs and symptoms associated with fat malabsorption, such as abdominal pain, bloating, malodorous flatus, gastroesophageal reflux, nausea, anorexia, steatorrhea, constipation, and distal intestinal obstruction syndrome, are seen in pwCF despite the use of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Given the association of poor nutrition status with lung function decline and increased mortality, aggressive nutrition support is essential in CF care to optimize growth in children and to achieve and maintain a healthy body mass index in adults. The introduction of highly effective CFTR modulator therapy and other advances in CF care have profoundly changed the course of CF management. However, GI symptoms in some pwCF may persist. The use of current knowledge of the pathophysiology of the CF GI tract as well as appropriate, individualized management of GI symptoms continue to be integral components of care for pwCF.

Carotid wave analysis in young adults with a history of adolescent anorexia nervosa: a case control study

BackgroundAnorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with abnormalities that may increase the risk of future cardiovascular disease. This study assessed the cardiovascular health of individuals who recovered from AN during adolescence by conducting wave power analysis.MethodsFormer AN patients discharged from the Royal Children’s and Monash Children’s Hospitals (N = 17) in Melbourne, Australia underwent ultrasound imaging of the right carotid artery. Wave power analysis was conducted to assess biomechanical interactions of the cardiovascular system. Patient measures were compared to healthy controls (N = 51).ResultsEighty-eight percent of the former AN patients and controls were female, aged approximately 25 years, with a healthy body mass index. Mean carotid flow and pulsatility index were not different between groups. Carotid arterial strain and distensibility were lower, and the wave speed and beta stiffness index higher in the former AN patients. Characteristic impedance was not different nor were the forward and backward wave amplitudes. However, wave reflection indices (ratios of backward-to-forward compression wave area, and wave-related effect on pressure and hydraulic power) were 12–18% lower in the former AN patients (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIncreased carotid artery stiffness and reduced wave reflection are evident in young adults who recovered from adolescent AN. This may relate to an adaptive process that helps to maintain or restore flow and characteristic impedance despite increased vessel stiffness, with this warranting future investigation.

Characteristics of Normal Weight Insulin-Resistant Adults with Unfavorable Health Outcomes.

Background: Insulin resistance can be present in otherwise healthy, normal weight adults. Whether there are phenotype/sex-differences between normal weight insulin-resistant (NWIR) and normal weight insulin-sensitive (NWIS) Caucasians and whether there are differences in adverse health outcomes are unknown. Our goal was to define phenotypes and intermediate-term health outcomes of NWIR versus NWIS Caucasian adults. Methods: We analyzed data from 227 healthy volunteers body mass index 18 to <25.0 kg/m2 who underwent insulin clamp studies between January 1987 and January 2017 at Mayo Clinic to identify those in the top (NWIS, n = 56) and bottom (NWIR, n = 56) quartiles of insulin action. We compared the phenotypical characteristics and were able to collect medical records data for 80% of NWIS and 88% of NWIR to identify time to onset of hypertension, hyperglycemia, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and all cause death; the follow-up averaged 11 (4, 20) years. Results: Body fat was significantly greater and peak VO2 was significantly less in both NWIS than NWIR males and females. Only in females was abdominal subcutaneous fat by computed tomography significantly greater in NWIR than NWIS. In NWIR males high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and fat free mass were significantly less, and fasting insulin was greater than NWIS males. For the entire NWIS population, Kaplan-Meier disease-free survival analysis showed longer times free of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and some cardiovascular diseases than for NWIR. Conclusions: There are sex-specific phenotypes of NWIR in Caucasian adults. NWIR may be associated with accelerated onset of some adverse medical outcomes.

Dietary practices for older adults in institutional and non-institutional gerontological care

The aging process dictates the daily energy needs of the elderly (aged 65 years and older) and their food intake, which depends on basic physiological needs, physical activity, individual needs of the elderly and many other factors, where monitoring of gerontological public health indicators is extremely important for health protection. This is precisely why this work is focused on reviewing the role and compliance of positive health behavior related to healthy diet of the elderly, geronto-tropometric characteristics of nutritional assessment, assessment of nutritional status via the NRS 2002 web service, assessment of energy needs of the elderly in relation to age, physical activity, morbidity, ratio of intake of macronutrients and micronutrients and the importance of the eight dietary rules for the elderly population. The main causes of mortality in the population aged 65 and over were singled out, and the main dietary norms from the manual “Nutritional-gerontological norms/menus in homes for the elderly and gerontological centers of institutional and non-institutional gerontological care” were singled out. The results state the adequacy of the quality of the menus (according the health status), as well as the importance of compliance with the energy and nutritional needs of the elderly, which will result in a healthy body mass (normal body mass index). Such achievements require an interdisciplinary approach that mainly contributes to the preservation of functional ability, disease prevention and improvement of health and quality of life in old age.

Magnitude of flat foot and its associated factors among school-aged children in Southern Ethiopia: an institution-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundFlat foot, also known as pes planus, is a common condition among primary school children and is a leading cause of all clinical visits related to foot problems worldwide. It can cause skeletal problems and joint misalignment. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of flat foot and its associated factors among public primary school children.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1072 school children aged 11 to 18 years. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and the footprints were used to calculate the plantar arch index. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.6, and analyzed by STATA version 15. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regressions were conducted. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Statistical significance was declared at a P-value < 0.05.ResultOut of 1022 participants, 105(10.27%) 95%CI: 8.5–12) had a flat foot. Being male (AOR = 2; 95%CI:1.22-3.30), living in highland altitude (AOR = 8.83; 95% CI: 4.64-16.79), living in midland altitude (AOR = 3.32;95% CI:1.75-6.29), living in an urban area (AOR = 2.42;95% CI:1.15-5.09), insufficient physical activity (AOR = 8.78;95% CI: 4.42-12.3), wearing closed-toe shoes (AOR = 2.33;95%CI:1.27-4.28), obesity (AOR = 6.30;95% CI:3.31-11.9), and foot pain (AOR = 3.52;95%CI:2.08-6.27) had a higher likelihood of flat foot as compared to their counterparts.ConclusionOne in every ten children had a flat foot. Altitude, residence, sex, physical activity, foot pain, body mass index, and type of footwear were found to be factors statistically associated with flat foot. Integrated interventions for children to have sufficient physical activity, wearing sandals, maintaining a healthy body mass index, and flatfoot screening and monitoring are recommended.

The application of carbohydrate-reduction in general practice: A medical audit

Background: Carbohydrate-reduction has been used successfully in the management of conditions arising from insulin resistance.Aim: In this audit, the authors report on metabolic outcomes from 72 patients in primary care who have undergone counselling using a low-carbohydrate dietary approach.Setting: This audit took place in a family medical practice located in a relatively affluent suburb in East Auckland, New Zealand.Methods: Patients adopted a carbohydrate reduction diet with regular follow-up and monitoring of health parameters.Results: The mean duration of observation was 21.5 (± 10.4) months. On average, patients lost 11 (± 8.4) kg, with 17% attaining a healthy body mass index (BMI). Four out of five patients reversed prediabetes over 20.8 (± 13.4) months. Twenty-five per cent (28/113) of the practice population with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) participated, of which 64% reversed and 11% remitted T2DM over 20.7 (± 11.8) months. Two patients stopped insulin and 10 reduced or stopped other diabetes medications. Nearly 35% (25/72) of participants were initially hypertensive. Thirty-six per cent (9/25) normalised systolic blood pressure (SBP), 28% (7/25) normalised diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and 16% (4/25) normalised both SBP DBP. Sixty-four per cent reduced or stopped some or all antihypertensive medication. There was a mean reduction in SBP of 10.3 (± 17.7) mmHg and DBP of 4.8 (± 12.3) mmHg over 23.8 (± 9.0) months. Lipid changes were generally favourable, with 52% normalising triglycerides, 61% increasing high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) to greater than 1.0 mmol/L, and 39% reducing low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).Discussion: This real-world audit aligns with published data on the benefits of carbohydrate reduction.Conclusion: Effective management of prediabetes using CR might represent the biggest ‘bang for buck’ with a potential reduction in weight and prevention of diseases related to IR.Contribution: A low-carbohydrate dietary approach in primary care may serve as a realistic option for improving multiple health outcomes.

Influence of body mass index on health complains and life satisfaction

PurposeThis research work investigates the influence of children’s weight status on well-being and school context in a sample of Spanish adolescences.MethodsThe Spanish records from the 2013–14 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Survey are used, which gathers 9,565 adolescences aged 11, 13 and 15. Studies do not usually address the endogeneity of body mass index when analysing their effect on life satisfaction and health complaints, thus resulting in biased estimates. Considering the endogeneity of body mass index, we use the frequency of alcohol consumption as an instrumental variable in order to obtain consistent estimates of its influence.ResultsThe two-stage least squares estimation shows that children’s body mass index has a significant negative influence on health complaints and it conditions the way children relate to each other at school. Likewise, results report significant influence on children’s subjective well-being and their self-assessment of general health.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide compelling evidence that BMI plays a crucial role in shaping adolescents’ well-being and their interactions with peers at school. These findings underscore the importance of addressing childhood overweight and promoting healthy body mass index levels. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions to combat the social stigma associated with being overweight, fostering a more inclusive and supportive school environment for all students.

Nutritional Status and Dietary Profile of College Students - A Cross Sectional Study from South India

Background: Undernutrition is most critical health challenges facing society today, not just in terms of health, but also health care expense. Several studies have revealed that college students often have bad eating habits. Students typically consume less fruits and vegetables per day and report a high intake of high-fat, high-calorie items. Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess nutritional status and dietary habits of students studying in university. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a sample of post graduate students with the sample size of 57. A well-structured interview schedule was used for data collection regarding socio demographic data, nutritional status and dietary profile. Results and Discussion: Outcome of the results indicated that majority of them were belonged to the age category of 21-25 years, stayed in hostel, had one sibling and were middle class families. Around 50.6 % of college students were within the healthy Body Mass Index range. Most students showed ‘satisfactory’ dietary habits. Almost more than half of the students reported consuming good amounts of fruits, vegetables, milk and nuts daily. Only 8.8 % of students were eating non-vegetarian daily. Conclusion: Around 50% of college students, particularly females, were within the range of good nutritional status. Students’ dietary habits were satisfactory. However, students’ knowledge of good diet habits, and nutritional knowledge needs to be improvement. This study offers new insight for formulating policies and intervention programs among college students in the future.

Combined associations of a healthy lifestyle and body mass index with colorectal cancer recurrence and survival: a cohort study

PurposeColorectal cancer (CRC) risk is associated with modifiable lifestyle factors including smoking, physical inactivity, Western diet, and excess body weight. The impact of lifestyle factors on survival is less known. A cohort study was conducted to investigate the combined effects of a healthy lifestyle and body mass index on prognosis following CRC diagnosis.MethodsTreatment and follow-up data were collected from the patient files of 1098 participants from the Colorectal cancer low-risk study cohort including stage I-III CRC patients. A healthy lifestyle and BMI (HL) score was computed using self-reported data on smoking status, physical activity, adherence to a Mediterranean diet pattern, and BMI, and divided into four categories ranging from least to most healthy. Survival analyses were performed to assess recurrence-free survival and overall survival across categories of exposure, using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, and educational level.ResultsAmong 1098 participants with stage I-III CRC, 233 (21.2%) had an HL score of 0–1 (least healthy), 354 (32.2%) HL score of 2, 357 (32.5%) HL score of 3 and 154 (14.0) HL score 4 (most healthy). Patients with the healthiest lifestyle (HL score 4) compared to the least healthy (HL score 0–1) had an improved recurrence-free survival (HL 4 vs HL 0–1, HRadj 0.51 (95% CI 0.31–0.83) and overall survival (HL 4 vs HL 0–1, HRadj 0.52 (95% CI 0.38–0.70).ConclusionAdherence to a healthy lifestyle may increase the recurrence-free and overall survival of patients with stage I–III CRC.

A qualitative analysis of Black men's attitudes toward obesity and bariatric surgery.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a safe and highly effective treatment for morbid obesity and related co-morbidities. While MBS access and insurance coverage have greatly improved, sex and racial disparities remain in utilization of MBS. To identify novel intrinsic factors that may explain Black underutilization of surgical treatments for weight management. This study was conducted in metropolitan communities of Western New York. We conducted semistructured face-to-face interviews with 27 adult Black men with a history of obesity and at least 2 obesity-related conditions (diabetes, hypertension, and/or chronic kidneydisease [CKD]), about their attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and habits related to obesity and obesity management. Interview transcripts were reviewed using thematic analysis for patterns and themes. Most participants did not perceive obesity as a serious health condition and those who had weight-loss goals did not aim for a healthy body mass index (BMI). Trust and respectful communication with physician were very important in making healthcare decisions. MBS was perceived as extreme and dangerous option for weight loss, and only participants with severe symptoms such as chronic pain were open to discussing MBS with their providers. Participants acknowledged lack of role models of similar background who had successfully undergone MBS for obesity. This study identified misinformation about risks and benefits of MBS and lack of community role models as important factors contributing to Black men's unwillingness to consider MBS. Further research is needed to facilitate patient-provider communication about weight and improve provider's ability and motivation for weight management in primary care settings.

EFFECT OF PRELABOUR BMI ON THE MODE OF DELIVERY

Aim:To analyze the effect of Body Mass Index on the Mode of Delivery Design : Cross sectional study Methodology : Sample Size : 100 Patients Inclusion Criteria: Antenatal patients in Active phase of Labour proceeding for delivery Procedure: After ethical comittee approval and written consents from the patients, this comparative cross sectional study was conducted at a Tertiary hospital at CHRI and performed on a total of 100 antental patients who attended the pre labour unit. Their basic information such as age, height, weight, gestational age, and cervical dilatation were noted. Maternal Body Mass Index was noted from pre pregnancy weight from the pregnancy health card.This study is completely a non invasive study Study Duration : 4 months Results : The study population included 100 participants admitted in pre labour unit in a tertiary care hospital. The results obtained showed healthy Body mass Index group had the favourable outcome, whereas the antenatal patients with increased Prepregnancy Body Mass Index had the worst outcome like Cesarean delivery, increased duration of first stage labour, increased duration of second stage labour, APGAR 1to 5, NICU admission, postpartum hemorrhage. Conclusion : This study concludes that Antenatal patients with Increased Body Mass Index have poorer outcomes when compared to Antenatal Patients with normal values of Body Mass Index. This study can be useful in assessing and reducing the poorer materno-fetal outcomes.

Health behaviours associated with healthy body composition among Aboriginal adolescents in Australia in the ‘Next Generation: Youth Well-being study’

This study described the distribution of healthy body composition among Aboriginal adolescents in Australia aged 10–24 years and examined associations with health behaviours and self-rated health. Data were cross-sectional from the ‘Next Generation: Youth Well-being study’ baseline (N = 1294). We used robust Poisson regression to quantify associations of self-reported health behaviours (physical activity, screen time, sleep, consumption of vegetables, fruit, soft drinks and fast food, and tobacco smoking and alcohol) and self-rated health to healthy body mass index (BMI) and waist/height ratio (WHtR). Overall, 48% of participants had healthy BMI and 64% healthy WHtR, with healthy body composition more common among younger adolescents. Higher physical activity was associated with healthy body composition (5–7 days last week vs none; adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) healthy BMI 1.31 [95% CI 1.05–1.64], and healthy WHtR 1.30 [1.10–1.54]), as was recommended sleep duration (vs not; aPR healthy BMI 1.56 [1.19–2.05], and healthy WHtR 1.37 [1.13–1.67]). There was a trend for higher proportion of healthy body composition with more frequent fast food consumption. Healthy body composition was also associated with higher self-rated health (‘very good/excellent’ vs ‘poor/fair’; aPR healthy BMI 1.87 [1.45–2.42], and healthy WHtR 1.71 [1.40–2.10]). Culturally appropriate community health interventions with a focus on physical activity and sleep may hold promise for improving body composition among Aboriginal adolescents.

FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PLANTAR FASCIITIS TREATED BY LOCAL INJECTION OF AUTOLOGOUS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA

Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows: To assess functional outcome of patients with chronic plantar fasciitis (PF) treated by autologous injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). (1) To know the side effects, if any, in these patients. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in the Department of orthopedics of a tertiary care medical college. Forty patients having chronic PF were included in this study on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Autologous PRP was injected in plantar fascia at the point of maximum tenderness. Patients were followed up for 3 months. Intensity of pain and functional outcome was assessed using the visual analog score (VAS) score and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) score. For statistical purposes, p&lt;0.05 was taken as significant. Results: There were 14 (35.00%) males and 26 (65.00%) females with a M: F ratio of 1:1.85. The mean age of male and female patients was found to be 43.82±9.98 years and 41.68±10.12 years, respectively. Majority of the patients (65%) were overweight whereas 6 (15%) patients were obese and 8 (20%) patients were having a normal healthy body mass index. The mean duration of symptoms was found to be 10.67±3.89 months. The mean VAS score at the time of final follow-up was significantly less (0.96±0.46) as compared to pre-injection VAS score (7.20±1.38) whereas the AOFAS score at the time of final follow-up (91.9±6.68) significantly improved as compared to pre-injection AOFAS score (38.96±8.78). There were no major side effects in any of the studied cases. Conclusion: Local injection of autologous PRP appears to be an effective treatment for chronic PF in terms of reduction of pain and functional improvement with no significant side effects.

Reference equations for quadriceps strength, endurance and power: a multicentre study.

The lack of reference values of lower-limb muscle function hinders the clinical recommendations of its measurement in patients with COPD. Therefore, this study aimed to develop reference equations to predict reference values for quadriceps strength, endurance and power and evaluate their construct validity in patients with COPD. Quadriceps strength, endurance and power were assessed in 158 healthy individuals and 87 patients with COPD. In addition, patients with COPD performed a 6-min walk test (6MWT) and a 1-min sit-to-stand test (1STS). Multiple linear regressions were performed to develop reference equations. The proportion of patients with COPD with reduced quadriceps function was determined, and correlations between quadriceps strength, endurance and power expressed in percentage of predicted values and 6MWT and 1STS performance were used to document the construct validity of the reference equation. Except for quadriceps isometric endurance, the proposed reference equations explained 50-70% of the variance of the quadriceps properties in healthy individuals. All quadriceps properties were systematically reduced in a large proportion of patients with COPD compared to healthy individuals. Correlation coefficients between quadriceps properties expressed in percentage of predicted values and 6MWT and 1STS performance ranged between 0.28 and 0.49 (all p<0.05). In healthy individuals, age, sex, height and body mass index explained 50-70% of the variance of quadriceps strength, endurance and power. When expressed in percentage of predicted values, these quadriceps properties correlated with 6MWT and 1STS performance, suggesting construct validity of the reference values in patients with COPD.

A comparative study of the gut microbiome in Indian children with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) occurs in genetically susceptible individuals due to certain environmental triggers causing destruction of insulin secreting beta cells. One of the environmental triggers studied recently in the pathogenesis and progression of T1DM is the role of gut microbiome. (1) To compare the gut microbiome profile of T1DM children with healthy age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) matched controls. (2) To assess the relationship of abundance of genera with glycemic control in children with T1DM. Cross-sectional, case-control study. Sixty-eight children with T1DM and 61 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched healthy controls were enrolled. QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini kit protocol and reagents were used for DNA isolation and Miseq sequencing platform for targeted gene sequencing. Alpha and beta diversity analysis showed no significant differences in the abundance of microbes between the groups. At phylum level, Firmicutes was the dominant phylum followed by Actinobacteria and Bacteroidota in both groups. Analysis of microbiome at the genera level showed that percentage abundance for Parasutterella was higher in children with T1DM as compared to the healthy group (p < .05). A linear regression analysis showed that increase in abundance of Haemophilus (adjusted R2 = -1.481 p < .007) was associated with a significant decrease in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations (p < .05). Our comparative study of gut microbiome profile showed significant differences in the taxonomial composition between Indian children with T1DM and healthy controls. Short chain fatty acid producers may play an important role in glycemic control.

Plasma pentraxin 3 in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a possible new biomarker of disease activity.

Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a component of humoral innate immunity with essential functions both in promotion and resolution of inflammation. We aimed to study the PTX3 in the plasma and in the muscle of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and whether PTX3 may correlate with disease activity. Plasma PTX3 levels were assessed in 20 patients with IIMs, 10 dermatomyositis (DM), and 10 polymyositis (PM), compared to 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 10 healthy donors (HDs) aged, sex, and body mass index matched. Disease activity in IIMs was assessed by Myositis Disease Activity Assessment Visual Analog Scale (MYOACT), while disease activity score on 28 joints (DAS28) was used for RA patients. Muscle histopathology and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were also performed. Mean plasma PTX3 levels were significantly higher in IIM patients than HDs (518 ± 260 pg/ml vs. 275 ± 114 pg/ml, P = 0.009). Linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and disease duration showed a direct correlation between PTX3 and CPK levels (β: 0.590), MYOACT (β: 0.759), and physician global assessment of disease activity (β: 0.832) in IIMs. No association between PTX3 levels and DAS28 was found in RA. Global PTX3 pixel fraction was higher in IIM than HDs muscle, but a lower PTX3 expression was found in perifascicular areas of DM and in myofibers with sarcolemmal staining for membrane attack complement. PTX3 plasma levels were increased in IIMs and correlated with disease activity suggesting a possible role as biomarker of disease activity. PTX3 showed a different distribution in DM or PM muscle.

Combined associations of a healthy lifestyle and body mass index on colorectal cancer recurrence and survival: A cohort study.

3609 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) risk is associated with modifiable lifestyle factors including smoking, physical inactivity, Western diet, and excess body weight. The impact of lifestyle factors on survival is less known. A cohort study was conducted to investigate the combined effects of a pre-diagnostic healthy lifestyle and body mass index (BMI) on prognosis following CRC diagnosis. Methods: Treatment and follow-up data were collected from the patient files of 1098 participants from the Swedish Colorectal cancer low-risk study cohort including stage I-III CRC patients. A healthy lifestyle and BMI (HL) score was computed using self-reported data on smoking status, physical activity, adherence to a Mediterranean diet pattern, and BMI five years before diagnosis, and divided into four categories ranging from least to most healthy. Survival analyses were performed to assess recurrence-free survival and overall survival across categories of exposure, using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model, the latter adjusted for age, sex, and educational level. Results: Among 1098 participants with stage I-III CRC, 233 (21.2%) had an HL score of 0-1 (least healthy), 354 (32.2%) HL score of 2, 357 (32.5%) HL score of 3 and 154 (14.0) HL score of 4 (most healthy). Participants missing follow-up data (n = 29) or relapsing ≤ 6 months (n = 29) were excluded from the recurrence-free survival analysis. 221 events of cancer recurrence were observed among 1040 participants during a median follow-up time of 4.3 years, and 542 deaths among 1098 participants during a median follow-up time of 6.3 years. Patients with the healthiest lifestyle had an improved recurrence-free survival (HL 4 vs HL0-1, HRadj 0.51 (95% CI 0.31-0.83) and overall survival (HL 4 vs HL 0-1, HRadj 0.52 (95% CI 0.38-0.70)). Stratifying these results for cancer stage (I-III) and tumor site (colon/rectum) did not alter estimated HR:s or 95% CI:s. Avoidance of smoking and being physically active were independently associated with improved recurrence-free survival and overall survival: non-smoking vs smoking HRadj 0.62 (95% CI 0.43-0.90), high vs low levels of physical activity HRadj 0.71 (95% CI 0.54-0-94)). Conclusions: Our study indicates that pre-diagnostic adherence to a healthy lifestyle may increase the recurrence-free and overall survival of patients with stage I-III CRC. Avoidance of smoking and being physically active were the strongest risk-reducing factors for these outcomes. [Table: see text]

A Mathematical Model of the Disruption of Glucose Homeostasis in Cancer Patients.

In this paper, we investigate the disruption of the glucose homeostasis at the whole-body level by the presence of cancer disease. Of particular interest are the potentially different responses of patients with or without hyperglycemia (including diabetes mellitus) to the cancer challenge, and how tumor growth, in turn, responds to hyperglycemia and its medical management. We propose a mathematical model that describes the competition between cancer cells and glucose-dependent healthy cells for a shared glucose resource. We also include the metabolic reprogramming of healthy cells by cancer-cell-initiated mechanism to reflect the interplay between the two cell populations. We parametrize this model and carry out numerical simulations of various scenarios, with growth of tumor mass and loss of healthy body mass as endpoints. We report sets of cancer characteristics that show plausible disease histories. We investigate parameters that change cancer cells' aggressiveness, and we exhibit differing responses in diabetic and non-diabetic, in the absence or presence of glycemic control. Our model predictions are in line with observations of weight loss in cancer patients and the increased growth (or earlier onset) of tumor in diabetic individuals. The model will also aid future studies on countermeasures such as the reduction of circulating glucose in cancer patients.

Obesity increased the risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity in children.

To determine the effects of obesity in childhood on SARS-CoV-2 infection. A population-based, cross-sectional study combining the Israeli Growth Survey and COVID-19 data for children with at least one SARS-CoV-2 test from 16 February 2020 to 20 December 2021. Overweight and obesity status were based on body mass index and the Center for Disease Control criteria. Multivariate logistics regression was performed to validate reliability for weight categories at the age of approximately 6 years compared with weights at approximately 12 years. A total of 444 868 records for children with an overall positivity rate of 22% were studied. The mean age was 9.5 years. The odds ratios of children with obesity or overweight after controlling for sex at 6 years to test positive were 1.07-1.12 and 1.06-1.08 (depending on the model), respectively, compared to those with healthy range body mass index. Excess weight appears to increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This finding should be considered for public health planning. For example, children with overweight and obesity should be prioritised for vaccination. Excess weight in childhood can be harmful at a young age and not only for long-term health.