High Weight Group Research Articles

Status of, and factors associated with, complementary feeding among infants and young children aged 6- 23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province, China

Objective: To describe the status of, and to identify the factors associated with, complementary feeding among infants and young children aged 6- 23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province, China. Methods: A total of 8 735 infants and young children aged 6- 23 months from 30 poor rural counties in the Wuling and Luoxiao Mountains in Hunan Province were selected by township-level probability-proportional-to-size sampling in August 2015. Questionnaires were used to collect information on the feeding status of the infants in the previous 24 hours, along with personal/family information. The qualified rate of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), the minimum meal frequency (MMF) and the minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were calculated according to the WHO indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices. Multi non-conditional logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with complementary feeding among infants and young children aged 6- 23 months. Results: The findings indicated that 73.9% (6 452/8 735) of infants and young children aged 6-23 months received the minimum dietary diversity, 81.6% (7 124/8 735) of infants and young children aged 6- 23 months received the minimum meal frequency and 49.0% (4 276/8 735) of infants and young children aged 6- 23 months received an acceptable diet. Compared with the boys, the OR for the MMF and MAD for the girls were 1.15 and 1.11, respectively. Compared with the 6-11 month group, the OR for the MDD for the 12-17 month and 18-23 month groups were 0.41 and 0.38, respectively; the OR for the MMF for the 12-17 month and 18-23 month groups were 1.53 and 2.46, respectively; and the OR for the MAD for the 12-17 month and 18-23 month groups were 0.60 and 0.60, respectively. Compared with the Han ethnic group, the OR for the MDD, MMF and MAD for the Miao ethnic group were 1.43, 1.72 and 1.56, respectively; for the Tujia ethnic group were 2.21, 2.02 and 2.11, respectively; and for the Dong ethnic group were 0.62, 0.61 and 0.64, respectively. When analyzing data related to the children's mothers, compared with women who gestated at the age of 25- 29, the OR for the MMF for women who gestated at less than 20 years of age was 1.59 and at greater than or equal to 35 years of age was 1.33. Compared with women with primary school education or below, the OR for the MDD, MMF and MAD for women with junior high school education were 0.77, 0.74 and 0.80, respectively; for women with senior high school education were 0.67, 0.65 and 0.68, respectively; and for women educated to university level or above were 0.66, 0.47 and 0.60, respectively. Compared with the normal birth weight group, the OR for the MMF for the low birth weight group was 0.71, and for the high birth weight group was 1.30. Compared with the caregivers who provided qualified feeding knowledge, the OR for the MDD, MMF and MAD for the caregivers who provided unqualified feeding knowledge were 1.45, 1.30 and 1.40, respectively. Compared with the breastfed group, the OR for the MDD and the MMF for the non-breastfed group were 0.53 and 0.36, respectively. All P values were <0.05. Conclusion: Most infants and young children aged 6-23 months in poor rural areas of China met the MDD and MMF requirements, but fewer met the MAD requirements. The risk factors in infants and young children for complementary feeding included being of female gender, lower in age (months), of Miao or Tujia ethnicity, being born to a mother who gestated at less than 20 or ≥35 years of age, being born to a mother of low education, having a high birth weight, having a caregiver who provided unqualified feeding knowledge and being breastfed.

EVALUASI PRODUKSI DAN KUALITAS SEMEN SAPI SIMMENTAL TERHADAP TINGKAT BOBOT BADAN BERBEDA

This study was conducted to find the rate of body weight ideal study Simental cows to produce production and the best quality fresh semen. The material used in this study were 9 males Simental cows were divided into 3 ranges of body weight as a treatment that is P1 = low body weight (822-878 kg), P2 = moderate weight (910-958 kg) and P3 = body weight high (983-1041 kg). The number of cows in each group of body weight is considered as replicates. The method used was a survey method. The research is designed to completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments and weight range 3 replications. Each stud cows housed cement 2 times per week for 12 weeks so that each cow cement accommodated as many as 24 times. Parameters observed in this study is that the volume of fresh cement production of cement per shelter and semen quality bulls include sperm motility and concentration of spermatozoa. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by Duncan test if there are significant levels of different body weights. The results showed that differences in body weight bulls simental not significant (P&gt;0.05) for fresh semen volume, sperm motility and concentration of spermatozoa. Mean semen volume is best found in the high body weight group, whereas sperm motility and concentration of spermatozoa present in body weight groups were.

The Effect of Humic Acid Substances on the Thyroid Function and Structure in Lead Poisoning

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal, which adversely affects thyroid gland function and structure. Due to its high molecular weight and abundant functional groups, humic acid substances (HAS) can form chelates with heavy metals. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic effect of HAS on thyroid hormone levels and histopathological lesions of laying hens exposed to lead (Pb) poisoning. After a week of adaptation, 192 Lohmann White laying hens (25 weeks of age) were fed one of four diets: a basal diet (BD) or the BD with HAS (0.15%), with Pb (0.3 g/kg), or with both. Experimental groups were replicated in 12 cages, with four hens each. Pb poisoning did not alter triiodothyronine (FT3; 3.22 ± 0.20 ng/dL) or thyroxine (FT4; 0.71 ± 0.08 ng/dL) concentrations, but caused a 167% increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration. HAS supplementation returned the high TSH levels of hens exposed to Pb poisoning to normal values. Degenerative changes in the epithelial cells of the thyroid gland of the hens exposed to Pb poisoning were evidenced. Connective tissue cells in the interfollicular area and total amount of colloids with partially atrophic follicles were observed. These histopathological findings were less severe when HAS was added to the diet. In conclusion, HAS alleviates the effects of Pb poisoning on thyroid gland function and structure, possibly preventing its internalization by the tissue by forming chelates and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

Vertical Distribution Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter in Groundwater and Its Cause

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) can change the species, migration and transformation of foreign pollutants in groundwater, and the investigations of its composition and distribution characteristics play a role in environment protection. The groundwater DOMs were obtained at the depths of 1.2, 1.5 and 1.8 m, and its origin, composition, concentration, distribution characteristics and influencing factors were studied using UV-Vis and fluorescence spectra combined with parallel factor analysis and principle components analysis. The results showed that, DOM in the groundwater originated from both terrigenous input and microbial activities, and was comprised of humic-like matter, heterogeneous component, and protein-like matter. Humic-like matter and heterogeneous components showed a high concentration at 1.5 m and a low one at 1.2 m, whereas the protein-like matter exhibited a low concentration at 1.5 m and a high one at 1.2 m. The groundwater DOM at 1.5 m exhibited the highest aromaticity, humification, molecular weight and polar functional group content, while that at 1.2 m depth showed the lowest aromaticity, humification, molecular weight and polar functional group content. The vertical distribution of DOM in groundwater was related to aromaticity, humification, molecular weight and polar functional group, and the DOM with high aromaticity, humification, molecular weight and polar functional group resisted to biodegradation, and could easily enter into the bottom layer groundwater.

Anthropometric Parameters of Amateur Boxers: Comparability and Sensitivity of Equations used to Calculate Body Density

IIntroduction. The comparability and validity of equations used to calculate body density and body fat in boxers is unknown. Material and methods. Twenty-one amateur boxers covering all 10 weight categories had seventeen anthropometric measurements taken. Comparison was made between four different percentage body fats based on different body density equations and five different sum of x values. Results. The results suggest that low and medium-weight boxers are similar in terms of morphological (mesomorph-ectomorph) and anthropometric characteristics, contrasting against the ‘different breed’ of the high-weight group (mesomorph-endomorph). Results from different body density equations differ by as much as 7.6%. The body density equation of Lohman is the most reliable at detecting differences between weight groups. Conclusion. Priority should be given to measuring subscapular, abdominal and thigh skin folds as they have largest variation between weight categories. Using the sum of 6a (triceps, subscapular, bicep, iliac crest, abdominal and thigh) as opposed to the total sum of 8 improves data collection speed, comparability and validity when making comparisons over time and between boxers. The use of a body fat percentage should only be use as a last resort for feedback of results in layman’s terms and its limitations made clear.

Chubby but cheerful? Investigating the compensatory judgments of high, medium, and low status weight groups in Malaysia

AbstractWe examined two strategies that people use in their social judgements—indifference and compensation. Given the average position of members of intermediate-status groups, we reasoned that an indifference strategy would characterise perceivers’ competence vs. warmth judgements of these people because they do not possess features that deviate from normality. In contrast, high- and low-status groups deviate from normality, and we reasoned that attention to the negative aspects of their competence vs. warmness should enlist a complementary desire to compensate such groups on the opposite dimension, in line with societal norms of politeness. We tested these ideas in relation to people who were underweight (intermediate-status group), overweight (low-status group) and ideal weight (high-status group). Results from Study 1 showed that compensation was used for underweight faces and ideal weight faces, while an indifference strategy was used in the judgements of overweight faces, which we reasoned may be t...

Peak Bone Mass and Quantitative Ultrasound Bone Properties in Young Adulthood: A Study in the PEAK-25 Cohort of Women

Peak bone mass is normally reached in the third decade of life. Previously, in the population-based PEAK-25 cohort (n = 1061, age 25.5 ± 0.2), we demonstrated that bone mineral density in the population-based PEAK-25 cohort is comparatively high; therefore, this study aimed to determine if the calcaneus microarchitecture mirrored this. In the process, we describe normative quantitative ultrasound (QUS) values for 25-yr-old women and the relationship between QUS values and extremes of body weight. QUS variables speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and stiffness index were measured. Young adult values were based on the manufacturer-supplied QUS reference values. Analyses were performed in the cohort as a whole, and additionally, to understand the relationship between body weight and QUS values in young women, the variables were categorized into octiles for weight or body mass index (BMI) and the lowest and highest octiles were compared. In the cohort, SOS values, reflecting bone density, were higher (108 ± 18%), whereas BUA values, reflecting bone complexity, were lower (90 ± 14%) compared to the young adult reference population. SOS did not correlate with body weight or BMI. In the cohort, overall correlations between BUA weight, and BMI were small and positive (Pearson's r coefficients 0.261 and 0.197, respectively; p < 0.001), although in the low-weight group, r coefficients were higher (r = 0.313 and 0.268; p < 0.05). In contrast, in the high-weight group, correlation with BUA values tended to be small, negative, and nonsignificant. Correlation between QUS and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-measured bone mineral density was low to moderate and significant at all skeletal sites (r = 0.37–0.52). Whereas coefficients tended to be higher in the low-weight group, the reverse was apparent for the low-BMI group. In these 25-yr-old women, a comparatively high dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-measured bone mass is offset by less complex bone structures assessed by QUS. This may have implications for later osteoporosis assessment and future fracture risk.

The effect of obesity on operating room (OR) utilization in breast surgery.

36 Background: More than one-third of adults in the United States are obese. Studies have shown that obesity-related comorbidities increase health care costs, but the effect of obesity on operating room utilization has not been completely evaluated. The purpose of our study was to examine how operative time (OPT) for common procedures in breast surgery is affected by patient weight. We expected that weight affected OPT more so for extensive procedures, such as axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and mastectomy, than for minimally invasive procedures, such as lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Methods: OPT and weight for ten breast surgeries were analyzed from the American College of Surgeons 2010 National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database. Only women were included, and those who underwent additional procedures or had incomplete data were excluded. Patients were divided into three groups based on their weight (&lt;135 lbs, 135-199 lbs, and ≥200 lbs). Using the two-sample t-test, OPT for the procedures was compared among the lowest and highest weight categories. We specifically looked at lumpectomy, lumpectomy plus SLNB, ALND, mastectomy, and modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Results: In all, 16,077 patients were included in the analysis. When the lowest and highest weight groups (&lt;135 lbs and ≥200 lbs) were compared for all procedures, a significant difference of 13 min was seen (p&lt;0.0001). For these same groups, a significant, but not relevant for scheduling, difference in OPT was noted for lumpectomy alone (37 vs. 41 min, p&lt;0.0001) and lumpectomy plus SLNB (71 vs. 80 min, p&lt;0.0001). However, weight affected ALND and mastectomy more drastically. The difference for lumpectomy plus ALND was 22 min (93 vs. 115 min, p=0.0004), while the differences for simple mastectomy and mastectomy plus SLNB were 24 min (89 vs. 113 min, p&lt;0.0001) and 23 min (102 vs. 125 min, p&lt;0.0001), respectively. In addition, the difference for MRM was 22 min (104 vs. 126 min, p&lt;0.0001). Conclusions: Patient weight does significantly affect OPT for lumpectomy and SLNB, but the difference is much greater for ALND, mastectomy, and MRM. Therefore, when scheduling more extensive procedures for obese patients, additional time should be allotted to improve OR utilization.

Individually tailored contrast enhancement in CT pulmonary angiography.

The purpose was to evaluate individually shaped contrast media (CM) delivery in CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). 100 consecutive emergency patients with clinical suspicion of PE were evaluated. High-pitch CTPA was performed on a second-generation dual-source CT using the following parameters: 100 kV, 200-250 mAsref, rotation time 0.28 s, 128 × 0.6 mm col. and image reconstruction 1.0/0.8 mm (B30f). Group 1 (n = 50) then received a fixed CM bolus (300 = mgI ml(-1), volume = 90 ml and flow rate = 6 ml s(-1)); Group 2 (n = 50) received a body weight-adapted CM bolus determined by dedicated contrast injection software. For analysis, groups were further subdivided into low-weight (40-75 kg) and high-weight (76-117 kg) groups. Technical image quality was graded using a four-point Likert scale (1 = non-diagnostic; 2 = diagnostic; 3 = good and 4 = excellent image quality) at the level of the pulmonary trunk and pulmonary arteries. Objective image quality analysis was performed by measuring contrast enhancement in Hounsfield units (HU) at the same levels. Attenuation levels > 180 HU were considered diagnostic. All examinations were graded as diagnostic at each level. The individual minimum pulmonary attenuation was 184 and 270 HU for Group 1 and 2, respectively. Mean attenuation was as follows: Group 1: 475 ± 105 HU (40-75 kg) and 402 ± 115 HU (76-117 kg), p < 0.03. Group 2: 424 ± 76 HU (40-75 kg) and 418 ± 100 HU (76-117 kg), p = 0.8. For Group 2, CM volumes were: 55 ± 5 ml (40-75 kg) and 66 ± 5 ml (76-117 kg), leading to 16-51% CM reduction. Even under emergency conditions, individualized CM protocols can provide diagnostic and robust image quality in CTPA for PE with a substantial reduction of CM volume for lower weight patients, compared with a fixed CM protocol. CM volume can substantially be reduced by using individualized CM protocols in CT angiography for PE without compromising the diagnostic image quality.

The Prevalence of Underweight, Overweight, Obesity and the Influence of Exercise and Diet on Body Weight among Medical Students

Title: A cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of various weight groups among medical students and to correlate the effects of exercise and diets on the prevalence of various weight groups. Background: Weight disorders can have an effect on the health status or general well-being of a person. Various health problems have been linked with weight disorders. Those who are underweight have an increased risk of anaemia, heart irregularities or possible disorders of malnutrition, whereas those who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of coronary heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Methods and Findings: A descriptive cross sectional design was used. The study was conducted at the Simulation lab of All Saints University School of medicine, Dominica. A total number of 100 students (subjects) from PM1 to MD5 were randomly selected to participate in the study within the age range of 15-29. Standard procedures were used to determine the height and weight and the BMI was calculated from the results of the measurements of weight (kg) and height (m) (kg/m2). Questionnaires were also distributed to get additional information about their exercise frequency and major diet content. The result of the study shows a high prevalence of normal weight individuals among the students which was followed by the overweight individuals. It also showed that a large percentage of the students more than average do not engage in any form of exercise and this can lead to high body weight prevalence. The consumption of carbohydrate diet was also high among the students contributing to the high prevalence of high body weight groups among the student. Conclusion: The effects of lack of exercise coupled with high carbohydrates diet was established as contributing to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among the student.

Joint effect of birth weight and obesity measures on abnormal glucose metabolism at adulthood

To investigate the joint effect of birth weight and each of obesity measures (body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC)) on abnormal glucose metabolism (including diabetes) at adulthood. Using the historical cohort study design and the convenience sampling method, 1 921 infants who were born in Beijing Union Medical College Hospital from June 1948 to December 1954 were selected to do the follow-up in 1995 and 2001 respectively. Through Beijing Household Registration and Management System, they were invited to participate in this study. A total of 972 subjects (627 were followed up in 1995 and 345 were followed up in 2001) with complete information on genders, age, birth weight, family history of diabetes, BMI, WC, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-hour plasma glucose (2 h PG) met the study inclusion criteria at the follow-up visits. In the data analysis, they were divided into low, normal, and high birth weight, respectively. The ANOVA and Chi-squared tests were used to compare the differences in their characteristics by birth weight group. In addition, multiple binary Logistic regression model was used to investigate the single effect of birth weight, BMI, and waist circumference on abnormal glucose metabolism at adulthood. Stratification analysis was used to investigate the joint effect of birth weight and each of obesity measures (BMI and WC) on abnormal glucose metabolism. There were 972 subjects (males: 50.7%, mean age: (46.0±2.2) years) included in the final data analysis. The 2 h PG in low birth weight group was (7.6±3.2) mmol/L , which was higher than that in normal birth weight group (6.9±2.1) mmol/L and high birth weight group (6.4±1.3) mmol/L (F=3.88, P=0.021). After adjustment for genders, age, body length, gestation age, family history of diabetes, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption, and duration of follow-up, subjects with overweight and obesity at adulthood had 2.73 (95% confidence interval (CI) =2.06- 3.62) times risk to develop abnormal glucose metabolism when compared with norm weight ones. Likewise, subjects with central obesity were more likely to develop abnormal glucose metabolism than ones with normal waist (odds ratio (OR)=3.35, 95%CI=2.49-4.50). In addition, compared to subjects with normal birth weight and normal BMI at adulthood, ones with normal birth weight and overweight (including obesity) at adulthood were more likely to have abnormal glucose metabolism (OR= 2.60, 95%CI=1.94-3.49); subjects with low birth weight and overweight (including obesity) at adulthood had the highest risk for abnormal glucose metabolism (OR=4.70, 95% CI=1.84- 11.99). The attributable proportion of interaction between low birth weight and overweight (including obesity) at adulthood was 48.5%. In addition, compared to subjects with normal birth weight and normal WC at adulthood, one with normal birth weight and central obesity at adulthood were more likely to have abnormal glucose metabolism (OR=3.18, 95% CI=2.33- 4.32); subjects with low birth weight and central obesity at adulthood had the highest risk for abnormal glucose metabolism (OR=4.78, 95% CI=2.01- 11.38); subjects with high birth weight and central at adulthood also had high risk for abnormal glucose metabolism (OR=4.35, 95%CI=1.38- 13.65). We found that the attributable proportion of interaction between low birth weight and central obesity at adulthood was 38.5% , and was 28.3% for interaction between high weight and central obesity. There was strong interaction effect between birth weight and overweight (especially central obesity) at adulthood on abnormal glucose metabolism at adulthood. Effective measures should be adopted to prevent and control adult obesity in order to offset the adverse effect of birth weight on long-term health risk.

Analysis of the effectiveness of ultrasound and clinical examination methods in fetal weight estimation for term pregnancies.

Objective:To compare the accuracy of clinical and ultrasonographic (USG) estimation of fetal weight in non-complicated, term pregnancies.Materials and Methods:Two hundred term pregnant women were included in the study. We used three formulae for the estimation of fetal weight at term; the Hadlock formula for the USG method, and two different formulas for clinical methods, maternal symphysis-fundal height and abdominal circumference at the level of umbilicus. Accuracy was determined by mean percentage error, mean absolute percentage error and proportion of estimates within 10% of actual birth weight (birth weight ±10%). Patients were divided into two groups according to actual birth weight, the normal birth weight group (2500-3999 g) and high birth weight group (≥4000 g).Results:All three methods statistically overestimated birth weight for the high and normal birth weight groups (p<0.001, p=1.000, p=0.233) (p=0.037, p<0.001, and p<0.001). For both groups, the mean absolute percentage errors of USG were smaller than for the other two clinical methods and the number of estimates were within 10% of actual birth weight for USG was greater than for the clinical methods; the differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference of accuracy was observed for all three methods for the high birth weight group (p=0.365, p=0.768, and p=0.540). However, USG systematically underestimated birth weight in this group.Conclusion:For estimation of fetal birth weight in term pregnancies, ultrasonography is better than clinical methods. In the suspicion of macrosomia, it must be remembered that no method is better than any other. In addition, if ultrasonography is used, careful management is recommended because ultrasonography overestimates in this group.

The Efficacy of Air Spray Chilling and Its Impact on Microbial Quality of Broiler Carcasses

This study was focused on the evaluation of the period necessary for chilling of poultry carcasses through recording of temperature in the breast muscles and microbial associations on the surface in relation to body weight (BW). The temperature was measured in sixty broiler carcasses divided into six equal weight categories (1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 and 1.8 kg). For the temperature measurements the module ELPRO was used. The module was placed in the body cavity and the probe was inserted into breast muscle. The mean temperature of breast muscles immediately after slaughter ranged from +38.8 to 40.30°C. The mean temperatures after chilling of carcasses with average BW<1.5 kg were lower than +4°C (1.30±1.127; 3.20±0.658; 3.30±0.524), but higher in carcasses with BW>1.5 kg (5.10±1.231; 7.90±2.356; 9.30±2.966). Average total viable count (TVC) on the surfaces before chilling was 3.99±0.19 log CFU/100 cm2 (1.2 to 1.5 kg), and 3.93±0.14 log CFU/100 cm2 (1.6 to 1.8 kg). A statistically significant increase (P<0.05) in TVC after chilling in both weight categories (n=6) was found. Average TVC after chilling was 4.28±0.11 CFU/100 cm2 (1.2 to 1.5 kg), and 4.33±0.08 (1.6 to 1.8 kg). Average Enterobacteriaceae count was reduced in the lower weight group (1.3 to 1.5 kg) from 3.11±0.35 to 2.97±2.97 during chilling, but it significantly (P<0.05) increased (3.07±0.28 to 3.13±0.14) in the higher weight group (1.6 to 1.8). Salmonella was not detected in either of the samples.

Production, characterization, and flocculation mechanism of cation independent, pH tolerant, and thermally stable bioflocculant from Enterobacter sp. ETH-2.

Synthetic high polymer flocculants, frequently utilized for flocculating efficiency and low cost, recently have been discovered as producing increased risk to human health and the environment. Development of a more efficient and environmentally sound alternative flocculant agent is investigated in this paper. Bioflocculants are produced by microorganisms and may exhibit a high rate of flocculation activity. The bioflocculant ETH-2, with high flocculating activity (2849 mg Kaolin particle/mg ETH-2), produced by strain Enterobacter sp. isolated from activated sludge, was systematically investigated with regard to its production, characterization, and flocculation mechanism. Analyses of microscopic observation, zeta potential and ETH-2 structure demonstrates the bridging mechanism, as opposed to charge neutralization, was responsible for flocculation of the ETH-2. ETH-2 retains high molecular weight (603 to 1820 kDa) and multi-functional groups (hydroxyl, amide and carboxyl) that contributed to flocculation. Polysaccharides mainly composed of mannose, glucose, and galactose, with a molar ratio of 1∶2.9∶9.8 were identified as the active constituents in bioflocculant. The structure of the long backbone with active sites of polysaccharides was determined as a primary basis for the high flocculation activity. Bioflocculant ETH-2 is cation independent, pH tolerant, and thermally stable, suggesting a potential fit for industrial application.

Combined Effect of High Intensity Intermittent Training and Weight Training on Aerobic Capacity Anaerobic Capacity and Fatigue Index of Male Handball Players

The purpose of the present study is to assess the combine effect of high intensity training and weight training on aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity and fatigue index of male handball players. Thirty six male handball players were randomly selected from Sports Authority of India, Sports Training Centre (STC), Sarurnagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. These subjects were classified into two groups, namely Group I - Combined training (12) and Group II - Control group (12). The Group I underwent high intensity intermittent training and weight training and Group II acted as control. The selected players had regular practice and took part in competitions. The selected subjects average age, height and weight were 21.55 ± 2.15 years, 170.05 ± 6.98 cm and 64.94 ± 8.50 kg respectively. In the present study we selected aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity and fatigue index as criterion variable which was assessed by multi stage fitness test and running based anaerobic sprint test. High intensity intermittent training and weight training was performed 4 session per weeks (2 session of high intensity intermittent training and 2 session weight training) for 8 weeks respectively. All the selected subjects anaerobic capacity, fatigue index and aerobic capacity was measured before and after 8 weeks of training to respective groups. ANCOVA was applied to know the changes based on training. The result of the study showed that 8 weeks of combined training significantly improved aerobic capacity (F (1,21) = 104.84, p < 0.05), anaerobic capacity (F (1,21) = 20.33,p < 0.05) and fatigue index (F (1,21) = 21.35, p < 0.05) of the handball players after adjusting the pre test. It is concluded that combined training is efficient enough to improve aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity and fatigue index of male handball players.

Weight-adjusted versus fixed dose of linezolid for Chinese healthy volunteers of higher and lower body weight: a Phase I pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study

Objectives: The objective was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a single intravenous fixed dose compared with a weight-adjusted dose of linezolid.Methods: A Phase I, comparative clinical trial was conducted involving 20 healthy male Chinese volunteers, assigned into low weight (LW) (50 kg < weight ≤ 55 kg) and high weight (HW) (≥ 80 kg) groups. All subjects were administrated single dose of linezolid (600 mg/30 min) and, after 72 h washout period, another single-dose (10 mg/kg/30 min). Plasma linezolid concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate the probability of pharmacodynamic target attainment (PTA).Results: With 600 mg dose, plasma concentrations in LW group were much higher than that in HW group. A persistent serum inhibitory activity was observed in LW group; the inhibitory activity was lower in HW group. The PTA in HW group was lower than in LW group. For 10 mg/kg dose, both HW and LW groups had similar plasma concentrations. The HW and LW groups had similar serum inhibitory effects. The PTA in HW and LW groups also showed no difference.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a weight-adjusted, 10 mg/kg regimen of linezolid may be more appropriate than fixed dosing for patients of different body weight.

Carrots, Sticks and False Carrots: How high should weight control wellness incentives be? Findings from a population-level experiment.

Employers are increasingly using wellness incentives, including penalties for unhealthy behavior. Survey data suggests that people are willing to accept the principle of penalizing those perceived to take health risks, but the equally relevant question of the magnitude of acceptable penalties is unclear. While the principle of penalizing overweight and obese people has some support, findings from a population-level experiment (n=1,000) suggest that the acceptable size of penalties is comparatively small, around $50: more than 10-fold below levels favored by advocates. Reward-based incentives are favored over penalty-based ones by a factor of 4. Of two different ways of framing penalty programs, poorer and higher weight groups appear to find the one that is more overtly penalizing less acceptable. Levels of incentives matter on effectiveness as well as on ethical grounds, as it cannot be assumed that it is equally easy for all to meet health targets to secure a benefit or avoid a penalty. Programs should be designed to engage, not to frustrate those most in need of health improvement. Employee involvement in determining incentive types and levels, and explicit justification for program design can help both employees and employers to reap benefits.

Development and validation of a method for purification of mallein for the diagnosis of glanders in equines

BackgroundThe allergic test of mallein is one of the most frequently used tests, together with the Complement Fixation Test (CFT), for the diagnosis of glanders in endemic areas. Mallein, a purified protein derivative (PPD), is produced similarly to PPD tuberculin and the end product is a primarily proteic antigen, which is only poorly purified. The immuno-allergic activity of mallein is believed to be due to a high molecular weight group of proteins present in the antigen. To improve the quality of the antigen, in terms of sensitivity and specificity, a new method of mallein production was developed, in which purification was accomplished by ultrafiltration in a Tangential Flow Filtration system (TFF).ResultsThe TFF methodology efficiently separated the high and low molecular weight protein groups of mallein. The five TFF-purified malleins, produced from Burkholderia mallei strains isolated from clinical cases of glanders in Brazil, proved to be more potent than standard mallein in the induction of an allergic reaction in sensitized animals. Regarding specificity, two of the purified malleins were equivalent to the standard and three were less specific.ConclusionSome of the TFF-purified malleins showed considerable potential to be used as an auxiliary test in the diagnosis of glanders.

Application of thiol‐ene click chemistry to preparation of functional polyethylene with high molecular weight and high polar group content: Influence of thiol structure and vinyl type on reactivity

AbstractA series of functional polyethylenes have been simply and efficiently synthesized via the combination of regioselective ethylene/5‐vinyl‐2‐norbornene (VNB) copolymerization using [PhNC(CF3)CHCO(Ph)]2TiCl2 catalyst and following ultraviolet light initiated thiol‐ene click reaction. On treatment of ethylene/VNB copolymer with different thiols including mercaptoethanol, 1‐thioglycerol, methyl mercaptoacetate, methyl mercaptopropionate, 2‐mercaptoethylamine, mercaptoacetic acid, and mercaptopropanoic acid, various polar groups have been successfully introduced into the polyethylene. Except 2‐mercaptoethylamine, the functionalizations are quite efficient with the degree of functionalization higher than 94%, which is independent of thiol structure and double bond content. The content of polar group in functional polyethylene can be tuned in a wide range of 0–30 mol %. Gel permeation chromatography profiles indicate all functional polyethylenes that have very high molecular weights (160–336 kg/mol) with homogeneous formation. Besides, systematic investigation of the influence of vinyl type and thiol structure on reactivity has been also carried out. By treatment of mercaptoethanol with different copolymers (ethylene/VNB, ethylene/5‐ethylidene‐2‐norbornene, and ethylene/dicyclopentadiene copolymer), the order of vinyl reactivity can be summarized as terminal &gt; internal &gt; cyclic double bond. For different thiols, the reactivity has the sequence of SHCH2COOH &gt; SHCH2COOCH3 &gt; SHCH2CH2COOH &gt; SHCH2CH2COOCH3 &gt; SHCH2CH(OH)CH2OH &gt; SHCH2CH2OH &gt; SHCH2CH2NH2, which is depended on the solubility and the electron‐withdrawing inductive effect of polar group. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012

Immediate hematological toxicity of linezolid in healthy volunteers with different body weight: a phase I clinical trial

Linezolid is an important therapeutic option for infections from multi-drug resistant Gram-positive pathogens. However, prolonged linezolid treatment (>14 days) is considered to increase the risk of hematological adverse events. We aimed to evaluate the hematological safety profile of an i.v. single dose of linezolid in healthy volunteers of different body weight. We conducted a phase I clinical trial involving 20 healthy male Chinese volunteers that received an i.v. single dose of linezolid (600 mg). The study participants were assigned to two groups: low-weight (LW) group: 50 kg <body weight ≤55 kg and high-weight (HW) group: ≥80 kg. A significant decrease in the hemoglobin (Hb) levels and red blood cell (RBC) count was observed at the end of administration of the study drug in both groups. White blood cell (WBC) count was simultaneously decreased in the HW group. In the LW group, Hb levels and RBC count were also significantly decreased at 5, 7 and 24 h. In the HW group, both values were significantly decreased at 5 h. At 48 h all values were normal. The observed decreases were numerically higher in the LW group compared with the HW group. Yet, no statistical significance was noted. No difference was observed in the platelet count in both the groups. Our findings suggest that linezolid-associated hematological toxicity may also occur shortly after the i.v. administration of the drug in both LW and HW healthy volunteers. Early initiated continuous monitoring of hematological values and linezolid dosage adjustment for body weight are recommended.