Impact Of Weight Research Articles

PWE-151 A 'long, tight' laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is safe, effective and improves quality of life in an elderly population

Introduction Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is an increasingly popular procedure for the management of obesity. Despite good evidence to support the efficacy of LSG, there is a paucity of data in relation to outcomes in the elderly. Here we present our initial experience. Method Data from 38 patients aged 60 years or over, who underwent LSG within a single surgeon experience of 712 cases between 2007 and 2013 was analysed. A long, tight' sleeve was performed over a 29Fr bougie. A prospectively maintained database included information on patient demographics, Body Mass Index (BMI), excess body weight loss (EBWL), complications and comorbidity resolution. Quality of life was assessed using the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life Questionnaire - Lite (IWQOL-Lite) tool. Results 12 patients were male (31.6%) and 26 were female (68.4%). The mean age at the time of surgery was 64.1 +/- 1.0 years and the mean pre-operative BMI was 44.4 +/- 2.1 kg/m2 (range 34.9 – 60.7, 95% CI). Follow-up rates were 100% at 6 months, 93% at 12 months and 74% at 24 months. Mean EBWL at 6 months, 12 months and 24 months was 64%, 72% and 80%, respectively. The prevalence of comorbidity in the cohort pre-operatively was: diabetes mellitus 57.9% (n = 22), obstructive sleep apnoea 36.8% (n = 14) and hypertension 65.8% (n = 25). Diabetes resolved in 31.8% of subjects and improved in 54.5%. Sleep apnoea resolved in 50% of patients and 28.6% reported an improvement. Hypertension resolved in 48% of our cohort, with an improvement evident in 24%. At a mean of 21.2 months, all patients who had completed the IWQOL-Lite questionnaire reported an improvement in quality of life. A lower percentage score indicates a better quality of life. The mean IWQOL-Lite score was significantly lower following a long, tight' LSG, 29.6% vs. 59.1% pre-operatively (p < 0.001). There were no deaths or leaks within the elderly cohort. No patients required endoscopic dilatation post-operatively. One patient was re-operated on for hiatus hernia/reflux following LSG. The incidence of post-operative venous thromboembolism was higher in the elderly group following LSG, 5.3% (n = 2) vs. 0.5% (n = 3) in the 674 patients under the age of 60. Conclusion Our data supports the 'long, tight' LSG as an option for the surgical management of obesity and metabolic disease in the elderly. It is safe and effective in terms of weight loss and comorbidity resolution within a population over 60 years of age. Furthermore, we have demonstrated an improvement in quality of life within this patient group. Disclosure of interest None Declared. Reference 1. Willkomm CM, Fisher TL, Barnes GS, Kennedy CI, Kuhn JA. Surgical weight loss >65 years old: is it worth the risk? Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2010;6(5):491-496

Optimization of the Spacing Between the Two Plates of Passive Electromagnetic Armor

Plate spacing is an important parameter in passive electromagnetic armor systems. Its value directly influences the effect of the passive electromagnetic armor on the metal jet. The parameter optimization is important for structural design for the passive electromagnetic armor system. The action time and the complete action time of current on the metal jet and the armor plate inductance are associated with armor plate spacing. To reduce the armor plate inductance, and prolong the action time and the complete action time, armor plate spacing is taken as the optimization variable for objective function. Through LINGO solution to the objective function and the verification of MATLAB, LINGO solution results are found in line with the trend of the objective function image. Through the analysis of the impact of different weights on the objective function and optimal plate spacing, the weight coefficients of complete action time and action time should be increased, and the weight coefficient of armor plate inductance should be decreased to make the object function to get a smaller value, c 1 ≥ 0.5, 0.3 ≤ c 2 <; 0.4, and c 3 <; 0.35. When the three weight coefficients are 0.5, 0.3, and 0.2, the optimal plate spacing is about 63 mm.

Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery or Medical Management in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Recommendations for surgical, compared with lifestyle and pharmacologically based, approaches for type 2 diabetes (T2D) management remain controversial. The objective was to compare laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) to an intensive medical diabetes and weight management (IMWM) program for T2D. This was designed as a prospective, randomized clinical trial. The setting was two Harvard Medical School-affiliated academic institutions. INTERVENTIONS AND PARTICIPANTS: A 12-month randomized trial comparing LAGB (n = 23) vs IMWM (n = 22) in persons aged 21-65 years with body mass index of 30-45 kg/m(2), T2D diagnosed more than 1 year earlier, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) ≥ 6.5% on antihyperglycemic medication(s). The proportion meeting the prespecified primary glycemic endpoint, defined as HbA(1c) < 6.5% and fasting glucose < 7.0 mmol/L at 12 months, on or off medication. After randomization, five participants did not undergo the surgical intervention. Of the 40 initiating intervention (22 males/18 females; age, 51 ± 10 y; body mass index, 36.5 ± 3.7 kg/m(2); diabetes duration, 9 ± 5 y; HbA(1c), 8.2 ± 1.2%; 40% on insulin), the proportion meeting the primary glycemic endpoint was achieved in 33% of the LAGB patients and 23% of the IMWM patients (P = .457). HbA(1c) reduction was similar between groups at both 3 and 12 months (-1.2 ± 0.3 vs -1.0 ± 0.3%; P = .496). Weight loss was similar at 3 months but greater 12 months after LAGB (-13.5 ± 1.7 vs -8.5 ± 1.6 kg; P = .027). Systolic blood pressure reduction was greater after IMWM than LAGB, whereas changes in diastolic blood pressure, lipids, fitness, and cardiovascular risk scores were similar between groups. Patient-reported health status, assessed using the Short Form-36, Impact of Weight on Quality of Life, and Problem Areas in Diabetes, all improved similarly between groups. LAGB and a multidisciplinary IMWM program have similar 1-year benefits on diabetes control, cardiometabolic risk, and patient satisfaction, which should be considered in the context of other factors, such as personal preference, when selecting treatment options with obese T2D patients. Longer duration studies are important to understand emergent differences.

Prevalence and correlates of being overweight or obese in college

Recent statistics indicate that over one-third of college students are currently overweight or obese, however, the impact of weight in this population from academic and psychiatric perspectives is not fully understood. This study sought to examine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in college students and its association with stress, mental health disorders and academic achievement. A total of 1765 students completed the College Student Computer User Survey (CSCUS) online at a large Midwestern United States University. Responders were classified by weight as normal, overweight or obese based on body mass index. Data were stratified by sex, with cross-tabulation and t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and logistic regression for analysis. A total of 492 (27.9%) students were overweight (20.2%; range 25.01–29.98) or obese (7.7%; range 30.04–71.26). Overweight and obesity were associated with significantly lower overall academic achievement, more depressive symptoms, and using diet pills for weight loss. Obese males had significantly higher rates of lifetime trichotillomania while overweight and obese females reported higher rates of panic disorder. Higher educational institutions should be aware of the significant burden associated with overweight and obesity in students, and of the differing demographic and clinical associations between overweight or obesity in men and women.

Predictability of physical activity and bodyweight on health-related quality of life amongst Nigerian type 2 diabetes mellitus

Physical inactivity and adiposity had been shown to increase the risk and progression of diabetes mellitus whilst combined effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) amongst type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients has not been highlighted. This study examined the impact of physical activity (PA) and body weight on HRQoL amongst T2DM. Amongst a cross-section of 119 participants, PA was assessed using the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized as physically active or inactive. Their body weight and height were assessed whilst their HRQoL was assessed with the Short Form-36 Questionnaire. The t test, Pearson’s correlation and regression analyses were performed. About 69 % of the participants were physically active whilst 61.8 % were overweight or obese. Role limitation due to physical health (RLDPHP) and role limitation due to emotional problems (RLDEP) were the worst affected domains of HRQoL. The HRQoL decreases in all domains with increasing bodyweight. The HRQoL of physically active participants were better than for physically inactive in all domains of the HRQoL scale. The effects of PA persisted on HRQoL when adjusted for bodyweight. Though HRQoL scores were better amongst physically active participants in all domains of normal weight and overweight/obese group, PA showed significant correlation with HRQoL in all domains except in emotional well-being, RLDEP and pain domains. Regression models showed that PA remains a significant predictor of HRQoL. This study affirms that physically active participants have better HRQoL than inactive patients, regardless of their bodyweight.

Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life Among Overweight and Obese Korean Women

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) tends to be lower among individuals who are overweight and obese than those of normal weight, and women may be more vulnerable to lower HRQOL associated with obesity than men. Identifying factors associated with HRQOL may be crucial for improving HRQOL for overweight/obese women. We aimed to determine the factors associated with obesity-specific HRQOL among overweight/obese Korean women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 125 women aged 20–64 years, who comprised a baseline sample in the Community-based Heart and Weight Management Trial. The data were collected from September 2010 to November 2011. The Weight Efficacy Lifestyle, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Interpersonal Social Evaluation List, and Impact of Weight on Quality of Life (IWQOL)–Lite scales were used to measure self-efficacy for weight control, depressive symptoms, social support, and HRQOL, respectively. Increased body mass index, lower self-efficacy for weight control, and higher levels of depressive symptoms were significantly associated with greater impairment in total IWQOL in the regression models. However, social support was not significantly associated with IWQOL. Along with weight loss strategies, other strategies for improving self-efficacy and alleviating depressive symptoms may be essential for improving HRQOL among overweight and obese women.

Abstract T P298: Impact of Accurate Weight Based Dosing of IV tPA in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: Accurate weight-based dosing is essential for efficacy and safety of thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Stroke patients may be unable to communicate correct body weight (BW). Dosing may be estimated which can lead to error. Objective: To assess accuracy of weight estimation and the effect of weight and dosing discrepancy on outcome of patients with AIS Methods: 94 patients receiving IV tpa for AIS in a CSC registry between Feb, 2013 and Jul, 2014 were reviewed. All were given estimated weight based tPA- per patient input or agreement of 2 providers in ER. Accurate weights were obtained and recorded later. Actual weight was used to calculate the ideal TPA doses and compared to the weights and doses used. The cohort was separated into two groups based on weight discrepancy to those 10 kg (non forgiven) discrepancy. Rate of hemorrhage, NIHSS and hospice/mortality were assessed. Difference between categorical variables was tested using the chi-square and Fisher’ Exact Test. Differences between continuous variables were tested using Wilcoxon Rank Sum test and presented with median and IQ range. Results: 86.1% (forgiven cohort) were given the optimal tPA dose despite estimation. There was a significant difference in stroke severity based on admission NIHSS between the cohorts (33.3% in forgiven vs. 69.2% non-forgiven. P=0.04). Stroke severity based on discharge NIHSS did not reach statistical significance (mild: 71.8% vs 63.6%, moderate: 16.9% vs 9.1% and severe: 11.3% vs 27.3%, p = 0.32). 30 days modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was available for 52 pts without any significant difference (good outcome 44.4% vs 57.1%, poor outcome 35.6 % vs 28.6 %, p = 0.82). Statistically non significance toward higher rate of hemorrhagic conversion (6.4% vs 7.7%, p = 0.41), and higher mortality in non-forgiven group (7.41% vs 15.38%, p= 0.33). Conclusion: Accurate BW measurement prior tPA still remains challenging. In this study, weight estimation by 2 providers is fairly accurate. 14 % of the patients with discrepancy of &gt; 10 kg had higher rate of mortality and hemorrhage although this was not statistically significant. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to examine the safety of weight estimation in AIS patients who receive IV tpa

Wood-Like Material from Thermoplastic Polymer and Landfill Bio-Materials: Dma, Tga and Solvent Resistance Properties

The aim of this work is to explore the potential application of chemically modified olive husk residue (OHR) as naturally occurring fillers to reinforce (Nylon-12) thermoplastic to produce a cost-effective wood like material. The Nylon-12/OHR composite material was fabricated via melt mixing of the Nylon-12 followed by the addition of chemically treated OHR at 180 and 50 rev.min−1 using Brabender internal mixer. The composites were characterized with respect to their dynamic mechanical properties, namely storage and viscous moduli (E′, E”), and mechanical loss factors (tan δ) using dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The thermal stability of the samples with and without chemically treated OHR were examined using thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA). The chemical resistance of the composites was evaluated by immersing the samples in acidic and basic media and by exposing the samples to thermo-oxidative ageing (TOA) at 80C for 72h. The influence of TOA and immersion medium on the percentage weight loss, impact strength and hardness of the composites were reported. The effect of TOA and the solvent attack on the microstructure of the fractured samples was viewed by scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Recognizing disordered eating in primary care patients with obesity

ObjectiveIn clinical practice, behavioral approaches to obesity treatment focus heavily on diet and exercise recommendations. However, these approaches may not be effective for patients with disordered eating behaviors. Little is known about the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors in primary care patients with obesity or whether they affect difficulty making dietary changes. MethodsWe conducted a telephone interview of 337 primary care patients aged 18–65years with BMI≥35kg/m2 in Greater Boston, 2009–2011 (58% response rate, 69% women). We administered the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire R-18 (scores 0–100) and the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite (IWQOL-Lite) (scores 0–100). We measured difficulty making dietary changes using four questions regarding perceived difficulty changing diet (Scores 0–10). Results50% of the patients reported high emotional eating (score>50) and 28% reported high uncontrolled eating (score>50). Women were more likely to report emotional [OR=4.14 (2.90, 5.92)] and uncontrolled eating [OR=2.11 (1.44, 3.08)] than men. African-Americans were less likely than Caucasians to report emotional [OR=0.29 (95% CI: 0.19, 0.44)] and uncontrolled eating [OR=0.11 (0.07, 0.19)]. For every 10-point reduction in QOL score (IWQOL-lite), emotional and uncontrolled eating scores rose significantly by 7.82 and 5.48, respectively. Furthermore, participants who reported emotional and uncontrolled eating reported greater difficulty making dietary changes. SummaryDisordered eating behaviors are prevalent among obese primary care patients and disproportionately affect women, Caucasians, and patients with poor QOL. These eating behaviors may impair patients' ability to make clinically recommended dietary changes. Clinicians should consider screening for disordered eating behaviors and tailoring obesity treatment accordingly.

New Measured Weight for One Cup Raw Kale Reduces Nutrient Intake of Individuals Following the Wahls™ Diet

Kale is a nutrient-dense, dark-green leafy vegetable often eaten raw in salads or added to smoothies. The USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 26 reports the weight for one cup raw, chopped kale as 67 grams, among the highest for raw leafy vegetables. Objectives: Measure the weight of one cup moderately packed raw kale with stems and tough midrib parts removed and evaluate the impact of the new cup weight on nutrient intake of individuals consumingraw kale. Methods: Six staff members measured curly and lacinato kale using standard procedures and 14 study participantsconsuming 4-6 cups raw leafy vegetables/day measured one cup curly kale in their usual manner. Twenty-seven dietary recalls obtained from participants following the Wahls™ diet were entered intothe Nutrition Data System for Research and then recalculated using staff-measured curly kale cup weight. Results: Mean(SE) staff cup weight for lacinato kale was significantly higher than curly kale [21.3(1.4)g vs 16.0(1.4)g; p<0.0001]. Percent refuse was also higher for lacinato kale [mean(SD) 42.0(11.4)% vs 28.5(3.9)%; p=0.012]. Mean(SD) weight of moderately packed participant-measured cups [17.5(6.4)g]was similar to staff cup weightbutfirmly packed participant cupsweighed more [46.4(4.1)g]. Intake of vitamins K, C, A, manganese, copper, and folatewere significantly lower for diets calculated with the staff cup weight (p<0.0001). Conclusions: The new measured cup weight of raw kale is lower than previously reportedand reduces nutrient levels in diets containing raw kale. Verification of cup weights for other raw leafy vegetables may be warranted.

Severe Obesity and Comorbid Condition Impact on the Weight-Related Quality of Life of the Adolescent Patient

To assess links between comorbid health status, severe excess weight, and weight-related quality of life (WRQOL) in adolescents with severe obesity and undergoing weight-loss surgery (WLS) to inform clinical care. Baseline (preoperative) data from Teen Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery, a prospective multicenter observational study of 242 adolescents with severe obesity (MedianBMI = 50.5 kg/m(2); Meanage = 17.1; 75.6% female; 71.9% white) undergoing WLS, were used to examine the impact of demographics, body mass index (BMI), presence/absence of 16 comorbid conditions, and a cumulative comorbidity load (CLoad) index on WRQOL scores (Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Kids). WRQOL was significantly lower than reference samples of healthy weight, overweight, and obese samples. Of 16 comorbid conditions, the most prevalent were dyslipidemia (74.4%), chronic pain (58.3%), and obstructive sleep apnea (56.6%). Male subjects had a greater CLoad (P = .01) and BMI (P = .01), yet less impairment in total WRQOL (P < .01) than females. CLoad was a significant predictor of male WRQOL. For females, psychosocial (vs physical) comorbidities, BMI, and white race were significant predictors of WRQOL impairment. Less prevalent conditions (eg, stress urinary incontinence) also emerged as contributors to lower WRQOL. WRQOL impairment is substantial for adolescents with severe obesity undergoing WLS, with predictors varying by sex. These patient-data highlight targets for education, support, and adjunctive care referrals before WLS. Furthermore, they provide a comprehensive empirical base for understanding heterogeneity in adolescent WRQOL outcomes after WLS, as weight and comorbidity profiles change over time.

Journal of Diabetes News

Journal of Diabetes News

The impact of weight on self-acceptance

The impact of weight on self-acceptance

Impact of clinical and functional conditions on quality of life in old women with obesity

Obesity is associated with functional disabilities and impairments of quality of life, and many factors affect this relationship. This study aimed at characterizing and identifying the impact of clinical and functional conditions on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in obese old women. The HRQoL was assessed by the questionnaires Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Impact of Weight on Quality of Life - Lite (IWQOL - Lite), which were applied to 63 women with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. Regression models were developed for general (SF-36) and specific (IWQOL-Lite) HRQoL. The associated factors investigated were: age, number of medicines, number of diseases, depressive symptoms, body mass index, grip strength, level of physical activity, and functional performance. The old women had a low level of strength and physical activity. Their functional performance was good to moderate, but a third of the sample presented deficit of mobility. The level of physical activity and functional performance had a positive impact on the general HRQoL and number of drugs had a negative one (R2=0.44). Depressive symptoms and body mass index negatively affected the specific HRQoL (R2=0.57). The study concluded that obese old women with depressive symptoms, low levels of physical activity, and functional performance, making use of a great number of drugs, are more vulnerable to experiencing poor HRQoL. All the factors associated with the HRQoL in this study are potentially modifiable with interventions of health prevention and promotion.

Body Mass Index can be a Good Predictor of Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women in India

Risk factors for the prediction of osteoporosis are an important and cost effective method since osteoporosis is a silent disease. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the associations between weight, body mass index (BMI), the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST), and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women in India. In this cross sectional study, 90 postmenopausal women aged 45–85 years who had given consent participated and the study was conducted between April, 2012 and May, 2013. BMD was measured by ultrasound bone densitometry at calcaneal site. Linear regression multivariate models were used to examine the associations with weight, BMI, OST, and BMD. Body weight, BMI, and OST had almost similar overall performance in their ability to classify women with BMD T-score ≤−2.5. Regression results showed that the linear combination of three independent variables BMI, OST and body weight. BMI predicted 65.7% of the variance in BMD, &lt;em&gt;R&lt;/em&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = .657, &lt;em&gt;R&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;sup&gt; &lt;/sup&gt;adjusted = .609, (F=21.295, p&amp;lt;.000). The strongest predictor of low BMD was BMI. BMI showed significant association with BMD with a correlation of .846. Low weight and BMI predict osteoporosis and are associated with increased risks in postmenopausal women. The negative impact of low body weight on bone health should be more widely recognized.

Sex, race, and the adverse effects of social stigma vs. other quality of life factors among primary care patients with moderate to severe obesity.

Patients with obesity face widespread social bias, but the importance of this social stigma to patients relative to other quality of life (QOL) factors is unclear. Our aim was to examine the importance of obesity-related social stigma relative to other QOL factors on reducing patients' overall well-being. We used a cross-sectional telephone interview. The study was conducted at four diverse primary care practices in Greater Boston. Three hundred and thirty-seven primary care patients aged 18-65 years and with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m(2) or higher participated in the study. Patients' health utility (preference-based QOL measure) was determined via responses to a series of standard gamble scenarios assessing willingness to risk death to lose various amounts of weight or to achieve perfect health. We used the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-lite instrument to assess QOL domains specific to obesity (physical function, self-esteem, sexual life, public distress or social stigma, and work), and we examined variation in utility explained by these domains. Depending on patients' race/ethnicity, mean health utilities ranged from 0.92 to 0.99 among men and from 0.89 to 0.93 among women. After adjustment for race, BMI, and education, none of the QOL domains explained much of the variation in utility among men, except for work function among Hispanic men. In contrast, social stigma was the leading QOL contributor to utility for Caucasian women (explaining 6 % of the marginal variation beyond demographics and BMI). In contrast, sexual function was the most important contributor among African American women (3 % marginal variation), and work life was most important among Hispanic women (> 20 % in variation). Lower scores in one domain did not always translate into lower well-being. Moreover, QOL summary scores often explained less of the variation than some individual domains. Obesity-related social stigma had disproportionate adverse effects on Caucasian women patients' well-being, whereas weight-related impairment in work function was particularly important among Hispanic patients and impaired sexual function was important to diminished well-being among African American women although its impact appeared modest.

The effects of weight loss after bariatric surgery on health-related quality of life and depression.

Background:In severe obesity, impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and dysphoric mood are reported. This is a post-surgery analysis of the relationship between HRQoL and depressive symptoms, and weight change after four different types of bariatric procedures.Methods:A total of 105 consented patients completed the Short-Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite (IWQOL-Lite) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before and 25 months after surgery. Analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis test evaluated changes.Results:Patients with Roux-en Y gastric bypass (46 patients), decreased body mass indexes (BMIs; kg m–2) 47–31 kg m–2 (P<0.0001); biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (18 patients), decreased BMIs 57–30 kg m–2 (P<0.0001); adjustable gastric banding (18 patients), decreased BMIs 45–38 kg m–2 (P<0.0001); and sleeve gastrectomies (23 patients), decreased BMIs 58 42 kg m–2 (P<0.0001). The excess percentage BMI loss was 69, 89, 36 and 53 kg m–2, respectively (P<0.0001). Before surgery, the SF-36 differences were significant regarding bodily pain (P=0.008) and social functioning (P=0.01). After surgery, physical function (P=0.03), general health (P=0.05) and physical component (P=0.03) were different. IWQOL-Lite recorded no differences until after surgery: physical function (P=0.003), sexual life (P=0.04) and public distress (P=0.003). BDI scores were not different for the four groups at baseline. All improved with surgery, 10.6–4.4 (P=0.0001).Conclusions:HRQoL and depressive symptoms significantly improvement after surgery. These improvements do not have a differential effect over the wide range of weight change.

Multicenter investigation on the impact of newborn infants' gestational age and birth weight on the level of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone

To investigate the correlation of gestational age and birth weight with 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP) levels, and with results of adrenal hyperplasia newborn screening. Using time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay, the authors measured concentrations of heel blood 17α-OHP by newborn dried blood spots on filter paper which included 29 hospitals newborns of Wujiang, Taicang, Zhangjiagang, Kunshan, and Suzhou, where there were 118 050 infants in total who had accurate gestational age and birth weight (62 490 males, 55 560 females). According to the classification by gestational age, there were 4 693 premature infants, 113 300 term infants and 57 overdue infants. According to the classification by birth weight, there were 4 172 infants with weight < 2 500 g, and 113 878 infants weight ≥ 2 500 g. And, in all premature infants, gestational age of 189 infants was < 32 weeks, 2 277 infants less than 36 weeks but ≥ 32 weeks, and 2 227 infants less than 37 weeks but not less than 36 weeks. Neonatal heel blood concentration of 17α-OHP was measured by dissociation enhanced lanthanide fluorescence immunoassay (DELFIA), and the correlation between 17α-OHP and gestational age or birth weight was retrospectively analyzed by using Spearman test. The distribution of 17α-OHP levels was skew. The 17α-OHP levels decreased significantly from very preterm births, moderately preterm, later period preterm to term infants [19.21 (8.07, 24.00), 12.35 (6.81, 18.00), 8.58 (5.66, 13.80), 5.60 (3.57, 8.51) , 3.34 (2.58, 5.23) nmol/L; 479.42, 62.25, 36.24, 23.30, 13.73 nmol/L;P all = 0.000]. The 17α-OHP levels decreases from very low birth weight (VLBW), extremely low birth weight (ELBW), low birth weight (LBW), normal birth weight to macrosomia [5.24 (3.24, 8.96) , 11.30 (6.84, 22.95) , 8.50 (5.28, 14.90) , 5.66 (3.61, 8.62) , 5.38 (3.40, 8.11) nmol/L; 485.26, 125.18, 39.50, 23.80, 22.15 nmol/L; P = 0.000 for all comparison]. Neonatal 17α-OHP levels and gestational age, body weight was significantly negatively correlated respectively -16.40 and -10.10 (P both = 0.000) by using Spearman test. Neonatal 17α-OHP levels and gestational age, body weight were binomially distributed, and the formulae were y = 0.105 5x²-2.457 6x + 17.689, R² = 0.980 3 and y = 0.411x²-3.988x+14.75, R² = 0.983. Little preterm infants, preterm infants and term infants in low birth weight infants 17α-OHP levels were significantly higher than non-low birth weight infants [11.20 (6.01, 18.90) vs 9.05 (5.85, 14.90) nmol/L, 9.76 (4.32, 10.35) vs 5.59 (3.56, 8.48) nmol/L, P all = 0.000]. Neonatal 17α-OHP levels and gestational age, body weight was significantly negatively correlated; in order to improve the accuracy and sensitivity, cut-off value of neonatal 17α-OHP should be adjusted according to gestational age and weight.

Temperature-Dependent Tension Plastic Deformation and Fracture Behavior of Ti-6.6Al-3.3Mo-1.8Zr-0.29Si Alloy at High Strain Rates

Titanium alloys have received great interest in the engineering applications requiring light weight and high impact resistance components. It is necessary to understand the mechanical properties of titanium alloys at high strain rates and various temperatures in the structural design. In the present paper, uniaxial tension tests at strain rates of 190, 500 and 1150s-1 and temperatures of 20, 150, 300°C are carried out using a modified split hopkinson tension bar system to investigate the effects of strain rate and temperature on tension behavior of the Ti-6.6Al-3.3Mo-1.8Zr-0.29Si alloy. Experimental results indicate that the alloy has the rate and temperature sensitivity and still keeps high strengths and toughness at temperature up to 300°C under high strain rate. SEM observations reveal that ductile fracture is the major fracture mode when the alloy is deformed at high strain rates.

School children with low birth weight inserted in system of Embu's education: construction of sentences.

To characterize the construction of sentences in schoolchildren born with low weight. We selected 413 students from Embu das Artes (SP), Brazil. Application of Recreating Speech Acts of Test of Language Competence sub-test. We analyzed the number of words and the holistic score. Age group of 6-10 years old, female/male, with low birth weight (<2,500 g) in Study Group (SG; n=238), and birth weight above or equal to 2,500 g composing the Control Group (CG; n=175). Children with anomalies were excluded. The both groups' responses were considered as well as the association of the responses with variables birth weight, gender, age of child and maternal age and education, through Student's t-test, χ2test and linear regression. The SG scored less on the total number of words and had worst performance in items that involved prepositions with a sense of temporality and place, with adverb functions. There was no difference between groups regarding the holistic score. It was found positive impact of the variables birth weight (p=0.002), age of child, age of mother and maternal education on standard test scores in both groups. The SG had fewer words compared to CG. The higher the birth weight, the higher the score test pattern. It was evident the age-related changes in morpho-syntactic skills addressed in the study, and protection factors mother's schooling and age had a positive impact on language performance.