Higher Weight Increase Research Articles

Growth increase and gonadal dysfunction of the lined seahorse triggered by zinc exposure

Seahorses are characterized by unique characteristics such as a male pregnancy reproductive strategy and grasping preferences, which make these species vulnerable to various environmental risks. Zinc (Zn) is one of the most frequently occurring toxic elements in coastal waters; however, little is known about the effect of Zn exposure on seahorses. In the present study, line seahorses (Hippocampus erectus) were exposed to waterborne Zn (0.2 and 1.0 mg/L) and the impact on growth and gonadal development was investigated. Zn exposure induced growth improvement, but also led to gonadal dysfunction in the lined seahorse. Female seahorses exhibited high testosterone levels, immature follicles, and weight increase after Zn exposure, which is the typical characteristics of a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-like phenotype. Transcriptomic data suggested that the Zn-induced growth promotion resulted from the dysregulated expression of fat accumulation genes. Further investigation of gene expression profiles in the brain, ovaries, and testes indicated that Zn affected the expression of genes involved in growth, immunity, tissue remodeling, and gonadal development by regulating serum steroid hormone levels and androgen receptor expression. This study not only clarifies the complex impact of Zn on seahorses using physiological, histological, and molecular evidence but can also provide new insights into the mechanism underlying PCOS in reproductive-aged women. Moreover, this work demonstrates the risk of the common practice of Zn supplementation in the aquaculture industry as the consequent growth yield may not represent a healthy condition.

Aromatase Enzyme Activity and Liver Receptor Homolog-1 Levels in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the prediabetes conditions in which high blood sugar levels and body weight increase during pregnancy. The underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms of GDM are poorly defined. Introduction: Aromatase enzyme activity is responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens and has a share in the regulation of body fat distribution and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1), which plays a critical role in cholesterol transport, acid homeostasis, and steroidogenesis in GDM patients. This study aims to determine the levels of aromatase enzyme and LRH-1 in GDM patients and to investigate the relationship between the levels of aromatase enzyme and LRH-1 and the levels of insulin, HbA 1c and total cholesterol. Method: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over eleven months (September 2020 to July 2021). The study population was selected at Harran University Teaching and Research Hospital. The study included 32 GDM patients and 32 healthy pregnants. The automated assay measured serum fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels (AVIDA 1800 Chemistry System; Siemens). Aromatase enzyme activity and LRH-1 levels were determined by using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Result: Aromatase activity decreased in GDM patients while LRH1 increased. Significant differences in means levels of fasting blood glucose (p=0.11), insulin (p= 0.001) and HbA1c (p= 0.001) between the patients and control groups. There was a significant negative correlation between the levels of aromatase and insulin (r=-370, p =0.037). In addition, a positive significant correlation coefficient (r=0.645, p=0.001) was found between HbA1c and total cholesterol among the patients' group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that there is a negative relationship between aromatase activity and insulin levels. Aromatase and LRH 1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of GDM, and the use of LRH-1 agonists in treating the disease may be considered an alternative treatment in the future. However, additional studies are required to reveal the possible functions of these two proteins in GDM with their mechanisms.

Risk factors of unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 84 cohort studies.

To review and update the incidence and risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema based on cohort studies. The study was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, SinoMed, and Wan Fang Database were searched from inception to November 15, 2021. Cohort studies reported adjusted risk factors were selected. PRISMA guideline was followed. Study quality were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Random-effects models were adopted. The robustness of pooled estimates was validated by meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Lymphedema incidence and adjusted risk factors in the multivariable analyses with hazard / odds ratios and 95% CIs were recorded. Eighty-four cohort studies involving 58,358 breast cancer patients were included. The pooled incidence of lymphedema was 21.9% (95% CI, 19.8-24.0%). Fourteen factors were identified including ethnicity (black vs. white), higher body mass index, higher weight increase, hypertension, higher cancer stage (III vs. I-II), larger tumor size, mastectomy (vs. breast conservation surgery), axillary lymph nodes dissection, more lymph nodes dissected, higher level of lymph nodes dissection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery complications, and higher relative volume increase postoperatively. Additionally, breast reconstruction surgery, and adequate finance were found to play a protective role. However, other variables such as age, number of positive lymph nodes, and exercise were not correlated with risk of lymphedema. Treatment-related factors still leading the development of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Other factors such as postoperative weight increase and finance status also play a part. Our findings suggest the need to shift the focus from treatment-related factors to modifiable psycho-social-behavioral factors.

Association between olanzapine concentration and metabolic dysfunction in drug-naive and chronic patients: similarities and differences

Second-generation antipsychotics are widely used to treat schizophrenia but their use could induce metabolic dysfunction. To balance efficacy and side effects, various guidelines recommend the use of therapeutic drug monitoring. Given the controversial relationship between olanzapine serum concentration and metabolic dysfunction, its use in clinical practice is still debated. To address this issue, we conducted a prospective cohort study to explore the associations in patients with schizophrenia. Specifically, first-episode drug-naive patients and patients with chronic schizophrenia were recruited. All participants received olanzapine monotherapy for 8 weeks. Anthropometric parameters and metabolic indices were tested at baseline and at week 8, and olanzapine serum concentration was tested at week 4. After 8 weeks of observation, body weight and BMI increased significantly in drug-naive patients. Moreover, triglycerides and LDL increased significantly in both drug-naive and chronic patients. Among chronic patients, those who have never used olanzapine/clozapine before had a significantly higher increase in weight and BMI than those who have previously used olanzapine/clozapine. Furthermore, olanzapine concentration was associated with changes in weight, BMI, and LDL levels in the drug-naive group and glucose, triglyceride and LDL levels in chronic patients who have not used olanzapine/clozapine previously. In conclusion, the metabolic dysfunction induced by olanzapine is more severe and dose-dependent in drug-naive patients but independent in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Future studies with a longer period of observation and a larger sample are warranted.

The Effect of Neonates' Exposure to Their Mother's Scent on Weight Gain: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of newborns' exposure to their mother's scent in the intensive care unit on their weight gain. Materials and Methods: This is an experimental randomized controlled study. One hundred and four neonates were included in the study. Two groups were observed in the research: the first group consisting of those exposed to their mother's scent (n = 52) and a second control group (n = 52). Data were collected with a data collection form and an infant body weight monitoring form. Significance for the study was accepted as p < 0.05. Results: Among the neonates, 61.5% were males, the gestational week of the infants was 38.49 ± 1.24, their mean weight was 3,213.32 ± 468.67 grams (g); the two groups were similar in terms of these characteristics (p > 0.05). The neonates exposed to their mother's scent at the beginning of the study were weighed, averaging 3,105.38 ± 487.69 g; at the end of Day 1 and Day 2, their mean weight was 3,150.77 ± 493.07 and 3,197.50 ± 489.06 g, respectively. It was seen that there were significant differences in the weight of the group of neonates exposed to their mother's scent before the experiment, on Day 1 and on Day 2 (p < 0.05). The neonates in the control group were weighed at the beginning of the experiment, exhibiting a mean of 3,119.42 ± 452.85 g. Their mean weight was 3,107.12 ± 463.30 g at the end of Day 1 and 3,116.63 ± 471.09 g at the end of Day 2. These differences, however, were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We found that the newborns exposed to their mother's scent in the intensive care unit registered a higher increase in weight. Our recommendation is that a mother's scent be routinely factored into neonatal care in intensive care units.

Molecular Exploration of Zinc Finger BED-Type Containing 6 Gene for Growth Trait in Beetal Goat

Zinc finger, BED-type containing 6 (ZBED6) is a newly discovered transcription factor. It functions as a repressor of IGF2 transcription in skeletal muscle myogenesis and development. It plays a role in organism development, signaling, cell-cell contact, hepatic fibrosis, clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and tight junction signaling cascades. Using C2C12 cells, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing revealed roughly 2,500 ZBED6 binding sites in the genome, with the inferred consensus motif matching the known binding site in Igf2. Igf2 expression, cell proliferation, wound healing, and myotube formation is all affected when Zbed6 is silenced in myoblast cells. Certain Gene Ontology categories, such as development and transcriptional control, were significantly enriched in genes related to ZBED6 binding sites. Objective: To explore the molecular expression of the ZBED6 gene that affect the growth trait in Beetal goat Methods: The BED6 gene's functional and signaling experiments revealed that it controls growth characteristics in goats. A total of 50 blood samples were taken. DNA was extracted using an inorganic technique. Primer3 software was used to build primers for PCR amplification. On the ABI 3130XL Genet Analyzer, PCR results were sequenced bi-directionally. Results: The CHROMAS program was used to examine the sequencing findings. SNPs were discovered using sequence alignment tools such as blast 2. The bovine ZBED6 gene was found on chromosome 16, has only one exon, and encodes 980 amino acids. The genomic DNA of both cow breeds was effectively amplified in this investigation by utilizing primer pairs for the ZBED6 gene. These animals had three SNPs, including one non-coding mutation in the promoter (SNP1: 826G &gt; A) and two missense mutations in the CDS (SNP2: 680C &gt; G and SNP3: 1043A &gt; G). The missense mutations p. Ala 227 Gly and p. His 3" are found in SNP2 and 3. Conclusions: Novel variations have been discovered that might be used in the selection of superior goats with higher weight increase tendencies.

Cardiac remodeling in a fetal growth restriction cohort – a follow-up study from preadolescence into adolescence

Abstract Background and aim The persistence of cardiovascular changes in fetal growth restriction (FGR) has been demonstrated from prenatal to preadolescent age, supporting the hypothesis of primary cardiac programming in FGR and the association between low birth weight and cardiovascular risk in adulthood. The aim was to follow-up the FGR cohort and explore the cardiac function and shape in adolescence. Methods FGR was defined by estimated fetal weight and birth weight below the 10th centile, while the control group consisted of normally grown fetuses with birth weight above the 10thcentile. The patients were followed from preadolescence (8–12 years of age) to adolescence (12–17 years of age) with 2-D echocardiography and deformation imaging. The adolescent participants underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test, where echocardiography was performed at peak exercise. Sphericity index was calculated as the ratio of the LV apex-to-base length and LV basal diameter, measured in 4-chambre view. Results The cohort included 56 participants: individuals with FGR (n=22) and controls (n=34). The mean follow-up was 4.4±0.5 years. The preadolescent FGR cohort was younger (10 vs. 11 years, p=0.004), of shorter height, and lower body weight. In FGR, the trend in smaller LV end-diastolic volumes (LVEDV) was paired with a shorter apex-to-base length (63 vs. 68 mm, p=0.006), and a significantly more spherical LV (1.9 vs 2.0, p=0.004). While the LV ejection fraction was preserved, the LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) was reduced (21.21 vs 22.45%, p=0.001) and the relaxation time impaired. In the follow-up adolescent cohort, there were no differences in height, weight, LV dimensions, LV sphericity, LV GLS or relaxation time. During the follow-up period, the FGR cohort had a significantly higher increase in weight (40 vs. 31%, p=0.016) and BMI (18 vs. 11%, p=0.008). The same was seen in cardiac dimensions, showing a higher increase in LVEDV (35 vs. 27%, p=0.049) and the LV base-to-apex length (24 vs. 17%, p&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure 1); but equal increase of the LV basal diameter (p=0.770), resulting in a difference in the change of LV sphericity (0 vs. −13%, p=0.007) between subgroups. The rise in LVGLS was also higher in the FGR cohort (6 vs. 1%, p=0.049). During the exercise test there was no difference in maximal workload (112.5 vs. 125 Watts, p=0.981) or oxygen consumption (28.8 vs. 29.1 mL/min/kg, p=0.076). At peak exercise no differences were seen in cardiac dimensions, LV diastolic or systolic function. Conclusion The results suggest changes in cardiac shape and function, described in individuals with FGR in prenatal and preadolescent age, seem to be ameliorated in adolescence related to compensatory growth as compared to healthy controls. These findings offer novel information in the research of elevated cardiovascular risk in adults with FGR. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Effect of Protein and Calcium Microparticle feeding with Lactobacillus acidophilus or Citric Acid on Meat Quality

This research aims to determine the effect of administering a combination feed of calcium microparticle protein with Lactobacillus acidophilus or citric acid on fat digestibility and the meat of broiler chicken. The cattle used in this research are 15 days old broiler chickens, amounted in 160 chickens. The study uses complete random design (RAL) with 5 treatments and 4 repeat treatmens (8 chickens each). The treatment applied were as follows: T0 (non-microbial feed (protein 21%)), T1 (non-microparticle feed (18% protein + Lactobacillus acidophilus 1.2 ml (108 CFU/ml)), T2 (non-microparticle feed (18% protein + Citric acid 1.2%), T3 (Microparticle feed (18%) + Lactobacillus acidophilus 1.2 ml (108 CFU/ml)), T4 (microparticle feed (18% protein + Citric acid 1.2%). The observed parameters are the digestibility of fat, fat mass of meat, the percentage of abdominal fat and the increase in body weight. The analyzed data results were variegated and continued using Duncan's multiple range test at a 5% probability. Treatment was given from the age of 15 days to 42 days. The results of the study show that the digestibility of fats that had the treatment of feeding protein and calcium microparticles with the addition of real effect Lactobacillus acidophilus is lower than the T0 and T2 but not unlike the T1 and T4 (P&lt;0.05). The fat mass of meat and abdominal fats in the T4 treatment has a real difference (P&lt;0.05) and at the lowest of the T0, T1 and T2 but different from T3. Higher weight increase in T3 treatment is compared to T1, T2 and T4 but not different from T0. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that feeding microparticles of protein and calcium with Lactobacillus acidophilus 1.2 ml can decrease fat digestibility and increase weight gain but not in the fat mass of meat and abdominal fat percentage. Keywords : broiler, citric acid, Lactobacillus acidophilus, microparticle.

Influence of the type of alkali on the processing of black ripe olives

The darkening process of black ripe olives produces a high volume of wastewater that is phytotoxic due to its high sodium content. The substitution of NaOH by KOH to produce ripe olives was investigated at pilot plant scale with olives of the Hojiblanca, Manzanilla and Cacereña cultivars. No significant differences were observed in this step due to the type of alkali used, although a higher weight increase was found when using KOH instead of NaOH. Furthermore, the final canned product had a similar superficial color, firmness, content of bioactive substances and flavor regardless of the alkali used; the difference with the traditional product was a slightly lower content in Na and six times more K content. Moreover, the concentration of potassium ranged from 6200 to 7500 mg/L in the overall wastewater discharged during the oxidation process with KOH, therefore these solutions could be used as biofertilizer for agriculture purposes.

Comparison of Commercial Gluten Containing and Gluten Free Pastas: Cooking Quality Parameters

Aims: Gluten-free food (GFF) consumers reportedly have problems with the lower cooking quality of gluten-free pastas (GFPs) compared to gluten-containing pastas (GCPs). This work is designed to compare the cooking quality of commercial GFPs and GCPs population wise for contributing to the resolution of the issue in the market. &#x0D; Study Design, Materials and Methodology: Cooking quality parameters of 10 commercial GFPs (maize based and maize-rice based) and 10 commercial GCPs (semolina), namely optimum cooking time (OCT), weight increase (WI), volume increase (VI), cooking loss (CL), and their microstructures were determined.&#x0D; Results: GCPs had shorter OCT, higher WI and VI, and lower CL than GFPs (P &lt; .05), representing higher cooking quality. GCPs showed more consistent cooking quality compared to GFPs. GCPs showed more consistent cooking quality compared to GFPs. GFPs made of maize showed higher cooking quality than GFPs made of maize and rice mixture (P &lt; .05). When considering the microstructure, GCPs has a smooth outer surface where the gluten network provides a framework that holds embedded starch granules. On the other hand, GFPs has a protruding surface where gelatinized starch provides a framework that holds embedded protein patches, which results poor cooking quality. &#x0D; Conclusion: GCPs shows higher cooking quality compared to GFPs. They also exhibited a narrower range for cooking quality parameters indicating their more consistent behavior than those of GFPs. GFPs made of maize showed higher cooking quality than GFPs made of maize and rice mixture. &#x0D; Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work comparing the cooking quality of populations of commercial pastas (10 GFPs versus 10 GCPs) and embodied the issue.

Perioperative Fluid Restriction in Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Perioperative fluid management is a critical component in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. However, the benefit of restricted fluid regimen remains inconclusive. This systematic review aimed to explore potential factors causing these inconsistent findings. The literature searches were performed in three databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library until August 30, 2018. Only randomized, controlled trials comparing the effect of restricted versus liberal regimen in abdominal surgery were included. The primary outcome was total postoperative complications. Subgroup analysis was performed according to between-group weight increase difference (≥ 2kg and < 2kg) and fluid intake ratio (≥ 1.8 and < 1.8). Sixteen studies were finally included in this meta-analysis. The benefit of the restricted regimen in reducing postoperative complication was only significant in the subgroup with high weight increase difference (≥ 2kg) (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.57-0.79) and the subgroup with high fluid intake ratio (≥ 1.8) (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.62-0.82). In the subgroup with low weight increase difference (< 2kg) or low fluid intake ratio (< 1.8), the effect of the restricted regimen was not significant (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.51-1.50, and RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.91-1.53, respectively). The benefit of the restricted regimen was only significant in the subgroup with high weight increase difference (≥ 2kg) or high fluid intake ratio (≥ 1.8).

Effect of cannabis on weight and metabolism in first-episode non-affective psychosis: Results from a three-year longitudinal study

Cannabis smoking is highly prevalent among patients with psychotic disorders. Its use has been found to be related to clinical characteristics and the prognosis of the disorder. Recent evidence indicates a protective effect of cannabis on weight gain and related metabolic alterations. However, there are no previous studies on the long-term longitudinal effects of cannabis on first-episode drug-naïve patients, which would thereby avoid the confounding effects of chronicity and previous treatment exposure. We aimed to explore the effect of cannabis smoking on weight and lipid/glycaemic metabolic measures in a sample of first-episode non-affective psychosis patients. Anthropometric measurements and glycaemic and lipid parameters were obtained at baseline and three years after initiation of treatment. Patients self-reported their cannabis use at both time points. To explore the longitudinal effect of cannabis, patients were divided into three groups: continuers, discontinuers and non-users. Cannabis users at baseline presented a lower weight ( F=14.85, p<0.001), body mass index ( F=13.14, p<0.001), total cholesterol ( F=4.85, p=0.028) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( F=6.26, p=0.013) compared to non-users. These differences were also observed after three years: weight ( F=8.07, p=0.005), body mass index ( F=4.66, p=0.032) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( F=3.91, p=0.049). Moreover, those patients discontinuing cannabis use presented a higher increase in weight ( F=2.98, p=0.052), body mass index ( F=2.73, p=0.067) and triglyceride-high-density lipoprotein ratio ( F=2.72, p=0.067) than the 'non-users' and 'continuers'. The study suggests that cannabis use may produce a protective effect against weight gain and related metabolic alterations in psychosis. However, these results need to be replicated in a larger sample size.

The Relationship between Body Composition and a Gluten Free Diet in Children with Celiac Disease.

The primary and proven therapy, in cases of celiac disease (CD), is a rigorous gluten-free diet (GFD). However, there are reports of its negative effects in the form of nutritional deficiencies, obesity, and adverse changes in body composition. The study aimed to assess the impact of a GFD on the body composition of children with CD. In a case-controlled study (n = 41; mean age 10.81 y; SD = 3.96) children with CD, in various stages of treatment, underwent medical assessment. The control group consisted of healthy children and adolescents, strictly matched for gender and age in a 1:1 case-control manner. More than half of the examined children (n = 26) followed a GFD. CD children had significantly higher mean values of the fat free mass (FFM% = 80.68 vs. 76.66, p = 0.015), and total body water (TBW% = 65.22 vs. 60.47, p = 0.012), and lower mean values of the fat mass (FM% = 19.32 vs. 23.34, p = 0.015). Children who were on a GFD presented slightly higher, but not statistically significant, mean values of FM and FFM, than children who did not follow dietary recommendations (FM [kg] = 7.48 vs. 5.24, p = 0.064; FM% = 20.81 vs. 16.73, p = 0.087; FFM [kg] = 28.19 vs. 22.62, p = 0.110). After minimum one year of a GFD, CD children showed significantly higher values of FFM [kg] (p = 0.001), muscle mass (MM) [kg] (p < 0.001), TBW [L] (p < 0.001) and body cell mass (BCM) [kg] (p < 0.001). Furthermore, CD children who were on a GFD presented a significantly higher increase in weight (p = 0.034) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.021). The children adhering to a GFD demonstrate a tendency towards higher indices of selected body composition components.

High Sacral Endplate Inclination Vector Forces Are Associated with Pars Fracture–Mediated Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis

Lumbar spondylolisthesis can be related to facet arthropathy and disc degeneration or to a fracture of the pars interarticularis, but the mechanistic underpinnings of spondylolisthesis remain unclear. We posit that high sacral slope and body weight increase sacral inclination vector forces, which leads to pars fractures and exacerbates risk for spondylolisthesis. To investigate this hypothesis, we measured the sacral slope, body weight, and S1 endplate vector forces for patients who underwent L5-S1 fusion for grade I spondylolisthesis. Patients were stratified based on presence of pars fractures versus facet arthropathy, and statistical analyses were performed to determine whether high sacral endplate inclination vector force is associated with pars fracture-mediated spondylolisthesis. We identified 131 patients who had L5-S1 fusion for spondylolisthesis. The mean age was 56 years, and 57% were female. The body weight of patients ranged from 45.4 to 141.9 kg with an average of 83.8 kg; 32 patients had single-level L5-S1 spondylolisthesis secondary to bilateral L5 pars interarticularis fractures, whereas 99 patients had L5-S1 spondylolisthesis due to facet arthropathy. Patients with pars fractures had steeper sacral slopes (43.2 ± 10.1°) compared with those without pars fractures (36.8 ± 8.1°) (P= 0.0007, odds ratio 2.71). Despite having no significant differences in weight (82.7 ± 17.2 vs. 87.3 ± 17.2 kg, P=0.189), patients with pars fractures had 49% greater sacral inclination vector forces compared with those without pars fractures (586 ± 158 N vs. 394 ± 90 N, P < 0.0001). These data suggest that high sacral endplate inclination vector force is a risk factor for developing pars fracture-mediated spondylolisthesis.

Influence of maternal and sociodemographic characteristics on the accumulation of organohalogen compounds in Argentinian women. The EMASAR study

The occurrence of organohalogen compounds in venous serum from post-partum mothers from two Argentinian cities, Salta and Ushuaia, has been investigated (n = 698). 4,4′-DDE was the most abundant compound in these cities, with geometric means of 33 and 67ng/g lipid weight, respectively. City of residence, age and parity were the main determinants of the accumulation of these compounds. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was the second most abundant pollutant in Ushuaia, 8.7ng/g lipid, and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) in Salta, 7.8ng/g lipid. Decabromodiphenyl ether was higher in Ushuaia than Salta, 8.2 and 4.1ng/g lipid, respectively. The predominance of β-HCH, 4,4′-DDE and 4,4′-DDT in Salta was related with higher use of pesticides for agricultural applications. The observed higher concentrations of 4,4′-DDE and 4,4′-DDT in the mothers from rural+semi-urban sites than in urban areas were consistent with this agricultural origin. In addition, the most volatile organochlorine compounds included in this study, HCB and α-HCH, were mainly found in Ushuaia. The concentrations of the studied organohalogen pollutants in Argentina were lower than those found in other similar studies which is consistent with the location of these cities in the southern hemisphere.Age, mainly for 4,4′-DDE and polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) congeners 138, 153 and 180, and parity, mainly for HCB, β-HCH, 4,4′-DDT and PCB congener 118, were the second main determinants of the concentrations of these compounds. Gestational weight gain also influenced on the maternal levels of HCB, β-HCH, 4,4′-DDT and PCB congeners 118, 138 and 153. Higher weight accumulation during pregnancy involved dilution of these persistent pollutants.Body mass index (BMI) was a statistically significant determinant for 4,4′-DDT, α-HCH and PCB congeners 153 and 180. The observed direct correspondence between higher BMI and 4,4′-DDT concentrations was in agreement with the above reported inputs related with agricultural applications. The reverse correspondence of BMI with α-HCH and the PCB congeners indicated higher dilution at higher weight increase.

In vitro mineralization of dual grafted polytetrafluoroethylene membranes.

The modification of biomaterials by radiation induced grafting is a promising method to improve their bioactivity. Successful introduction of carboxyl and amine functional groups on the surface of a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane was achieved by grafting of acrylic acid (AA) and 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride (AEMA) using simultaneous gamma irradiation grafting. Chemical characterization by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of amine and carboxylate functionalities and indicated that all protonated amines formed ion pairs with carboxyl groups, but not all carboxyl are involved in ion pairing. It was found that the irradiation doses (2, 5, or 10 kGy) affected the grafting outcome only when sulfuric acid (0.5 or 0.9 M) was added as a polymerization enhancer. The use of the inorganic acid successfully enhanced the total graft yield (GY), but the changes in the graft extent (GE) were not conclusive. Dual functional films were produced by either a one- or a two-step process. Generally, higher GY and GE values were observed for the samples produced by the two-step grafting of AA and AEMA. The in vitro mineralization in 1.5× simulated body fluid (SBF) induced the formation of carbonated hydroxyapatite as verified by FITR. All samples showed an increase in weight after mineralization with significantly larger increases observed for the samples which had the 1.5× SBF changed every third day compared to every seventh. For the dual functional samples, it was found that the sample grafted by the one-step method shows a significantly higher increase in weight despite a much lower GY compared to the sample prepared by the two-step method and this was attributed to the different architecture of grafted chains.

Microbial carbonate precipitation for the improvement of quality of recycled aggregates

High water absorption is the main drawback of recycled aggregates which greatly hinders the re-use of them in concrete production. In this study, bio-deposition treatment, based on bacterially induced CaCO3 precipitation, was applied to improve the quality of the recycled aggregates. Two representative recycled aggregates, recycled concrete aggregates (CA) and mixed aggregates (MA) were used. The bacterial CaCO3 precipitated on the surface and in the pores of the recycled aggregate worked as a barrier for the penetration of water, and hence the water absorption of the aggregates can be decreased. Firstly, the optimal treatment method was determined by screening among spraying and several immersion strategies. It was found that the two times immersion treatment was the best method. Samples subjected to this method had a high weight increase (2% for CA and 2.5% for MA) and largest extent of water absorption decrease (one percentage point drop for CA and two percentage points drop for MA). Furthermore, The biogenic CaCO3 had a good cohesion and strong bond with the aggregate surface. Very limited (<0.1%) mass loss occurred on the bio-treated samples while the mass loss of the untreated aggregates was much higher (0.2% for CA and 0.5% for MA). This indicated that the surface of the aggregates was strengthened by the biogenic CaCO3 as well. After using the bio-treated aggregates, the compressive strength was increased by 40% for CA concrete and 16% for MA; the water absorption was decreased by 27% for CA concrete and 20% for MA concrete.

EFFECT OF CHRONIC INGESTION OF WINE ON THE GLYCEMIC, LIPID AND BODY WEIGHT HOMEOSTASIS IN MICE.

ABSTRACTBackground: The health benefits associated with moderate wine consumption, as with ethanol and phenolic compounds, include different mechanisms still little understandable. Aim: Evaluate glycemic and weight variations, and the deposit of triglycerides, cholesterol and liver glycogen with red wine consumption. Methods: 60 ApoE knockout mice were divided into three groups of 20: Wine Group (WG), Ethanol Group (EG) and Water Group (WAG). They received daily: WG 50 ml of wine and 50 ml water; EG 6 ml ethanol and WAG 94 ml of water. All groups were followed for four months. The food intake was monitored daily, in the period from eight to ten hours and held every five days. The measurement of water intake was also made every five days. The weighing of the animals took place every ten days. Results: The WG had higher weight increase as compared to the other groups. The concentration of hepatic triglyceride was higher in WG (57%) and the EG group was lower (31.6%, p<0.01) than the control. The concentration of cholesterol was lower in the WG (23.6%), as well as EG (24.5%, p<0.05). The concentration of glycogen was higher in WG (16%) and fasting blood glucose was higher in EG compared to the other groups but not both demonstrated a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The WG increased triglyceride and WAG decreased cholesterol. The triglyceride may be increased due to the high caloric value of wine or some unknown property that led to significant increase in subcutaneous andretroperitoneal fat in mice.

Prevalence of severe esophagitis in Spain. Results of the PRESS study (Prevalence and Risk factors for Esophagitis in Spain: A cross-sectional study).

*N.P. and M.P. contributed equally to this study.The current prevalence of esophagitis in southern Europe is unknown. In addition, the risk factors for reflux esophagitis are not fully understood. The objective of this article is to assess the prevalence and risk factors for esophagitis in Spain. A prospective, observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study (PRESS study) was conducted among 31 gastrointestinal endoscopy units throughout Spain. A total of 1361 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled. Sociodemographic, clinical and treatment data were recorded. A total of 95% of patients were Caucasian and 52% were male (mean age: 53 ± 17 years). The most frequent symptoms prompting endoscopy were heartburn (40%), regurgitation (26%) and dysphagia (15%). Fifty-four percent of patients undergoing endoscopy were receiving proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. Esophagitis (mainly mild-moderate) was present in 154 (12.4%) patients. The severe form was recorded in only 11 (0.8%) patients. Multivariate analysis results indicated that the likelihood of esophagitis was higher in men (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.31-2.78), in patients with high GERD-Q scores (OR = 1.256, 95% CI = 1.176-1.343), weight increase (OR = 1.014, 95% CI = 1.003-1.025) and high alcohol consumption (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.16-5.36). Severe esophagitis is a rare finding in the Spanish population. Male gender, high GERD-Q score, weight increase and high alcohol consumption are main risk factors for its appearance.

Control of Body Weight by Eating Behavior in Children.

Diet, exercise, and pharmacological interventions have limited effects in counteracting the worldwide increase in pediatric body weight. Moreover, the promise that individualized drug design will work to induce weight loss appears to be exaggerated. We suggest that the reason for this limited success is that the cause of obesity has been misunderstood. Body weight is mainly under external control; our brain permits us to eat under most circumstances, and unless the financial or physical cost of food is high, eating and body weight increase by default. When energy-rich, inexpensive foods are continually available, people need external support to maintain a healthy body weight. Weight loss can thereby be achieved by continuous feedback on how much and how fast to eat on a computer screen.