Weighted Mean Value Research Articles

Organometric parameters of the spleen in persons of different genders, ages and physiques: current data and research prospects

Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) and splenorrhaphy (spleen suturing) remain the leading treatments for patients with severe organ injuries. These surgeries require a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the spleen. The aim of the study was to present modern data on organometric parameters (length, width, thickness and volume) of the spleen in individuals of different sex, age and physique. Within the study we conducted a systematic search and analyses of sources in bibliographic databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI). The statistical software R (version 4.1) was used. As a result of meta-analysis, it was found that the weighted mean values of length, width and volume of the spleen are: 10.46 cm, 6.43 cm, and 205.43 cm3, respectively. The researchers observed a tendency for the its length to increase as body length increases. It is also found that spleen volume is significantly greater in males (254.20 cm3) than in females (185.11 cm3). Understanding of the actual organometric characteristics of the spleen will contribute to the improvement of methods of early diagnosis of diseases, objective assessment of treatment and prevention of its pathology and, as a consequence, to the improvement of the quality of medical care.

International comparison CCQM-P229 pilot study to measure line intensities of selected 12C16O transitions

Main textWe present primary spectroscopic measurements of line intensities in the 3-0 vibrational band of 12C16O. This international measurement campaign was organized under the auspices of the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance (CCQM) and involved six laboratories carrying out independent measurements of more than forty rotation-vibration transitions. A total of three measurement techniques on samples of pure carbon monoxide were applied in this intercomparison, including Fourier transform spectroscopy, cavity ring-down spectroscopy, and cavity mode dispersion spectroscopy. Using advanced spectroscopic line shape models and thorough characterization of instrument response to analyze the measured spectra, artifact-free measurements of line intensities were obtained by each laboratory. Average intensities were weighted by the inverse of the combined variance determined from rigorous estimates of combined systematic and statistical uncertainties. Results for all lines from five of the laboratories were scattered about the weighted mean value by nominally one part per thousand. Comparison of the weighted integrated band intensity with quantum-chemical calculations differed by nominally one part per ten thousand, thus demonstrating excellent agreement between experiment and theory. These results serve as an experimental benchmark for assessing the uncertainty in theoretical calculations, and they reveal the benefits of coordinated experiments that leverage complementary and independent primary measurements from contributing laboratories.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM.

SPECIAL EDUCATION IN THE NEW NORMAL: EMBRACING DISTANCE LEARNING

This study explores the adaptation and challenges in special education during distance learning to develop a comprehensive continuity plan. Participants included three administrators and 15 teachers from special education schools in Cabanatuan City, along with 150 parents during the 2021-2022 school year at Cabanatuan East Central School, Lazaro Francisco Integrated School, and Camp Tinio Elementary School. Using a descriptive research method, the researchers created a questionnaire as the main data collection tool, which was validated for reliability. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing frequency counts and percentages to profile respondents. Weighted mean values were applied to assess adjustments, challenges, and support in special education distance learning. The findings reveal the effective implementation of modified practices in special education, covering instructional, curricular, and administrative areas. Administrators and teachers rated the challenges of executing the special education learning continuity plan as moderately difficult, while parents found them slightly challenging, emphasizing the significant efforts of teachers and administrators in helping parents and students comply with the plan. The researchers recommends a continuity plan designed to benefit administrators, special education teachers and parents with the goal of improving the educational experience for this group. KEYWORDS: Special Education, Distance Learning, Adaptation, Challenges

A Study on Live Weight Estimation Using Body Measurements in Hair Goats

The aim of this study was to estimate the body weight of hair goats of various ages during the mating period using body measurements. Age-based regression prediction models were developed using the stepwise regression method. The study involved a total of 205 hair goats from four farms under extensive conditions. The least squares mean values for withers height, back height, rump height, chest girth, chest depth, body length, and live weight were 81.05 cm, 77.24 cm, 79.84 cm, 88.74 cm, 32.71 cm, 83.56 cm, and 58.61 kg, respectively. Given that the goats differed in age, four distinct age groups were established (2, 3, 4, and ≥5 years), and separate regression models were defined for each group. High positive phenotypic correlation coefficients of 0.917, 0.834, 0.883, 0.817, and 0.817 were observed for the 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 age groups, respectively. Among the prediction equations, the highest level of accuracy (R² = 0.87) was achieved with the second regression equation for the 2-year age group, while the lowest accuracy (R² = 0.67) was found in the regression equation designed for the 5-year age group. This study demonstrated that body weight estimation based on body measurements can be effectively conducted using regression models in hair goat farms that lack adequate infrastructure and physical conditions.

Analysis of Anthropometric Measurement during Pregnancy

ABSTRACT Anthropometric assessment during pregnancy is a widely used; low technology procedure that has not been rigorously evaluated. Our objective is to study and determine the anthropometric measurement and examining changes during pregnancy. The study was performed the total 480 pregnant women from urban and rural area of Marathwada region. The height and weight were measured by using digital scale and BMI (Body Mass Index) was Calculated. The collected data was tabulated and analysed statistically. The result of the present study regarding the selected anthropometric measurement of the selected pregnant women indicated that there was non-significant effect of different education over body height. Result also revealed that the pregnant women belonging to low, medium and high-income group were significantly affected on height, Weight & BMI. The mean value of height and body weight of pregnant women of urban areas was noticed to be significantly more than that of the pregnant women of rural areas (p<0.01). Whereas statistical analysis of the data revealed that the pregnant women from urban and rural area did not differ significantly in their body mass index values.

Correlation of Lipid Profile and BMI with Fasting Blood Glucose

The prevalence in Libya of overweight people has more than tripled from 19.5% in 1984 to 63.5% in 2009, while the rate of obesity has more than doubled over the past three decades leading to a much higher incidence of Type 2 diabetes T2DM. This makes investigation of links between BMI and lipid profiles in Libyan T2DM patients of vital importance. This study was conducted to determine the cor-relation between body mass index (BMI) and lipid profiles in patients with T2DM attending outpatient clinics in the Diabetes and Endocrinology Centre (Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital) Tripoli, Libya. The second objective was to compare BMI, FBS and lipid profiles between T2DM patients and a control group. The study was carried out during the period of June and July 2024 included 122 T2DM patients and 55 healthy subjects. The subject’s serum was analysed for total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The possible correlation of BMI with lipid values were analysed. The Pearson’s co-efficient between the BMI and the lipid parameters did not show any significant correlation in T2DM patients. Comparisons of various parameters between T2DM patients and the control group showed that the mean values of fasting glucose levels, weight, BMI, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C were significantly higher in the T2DM group than the control group. There was no correlation found between BMI and lipid profiles in T2DM patients. Type 2 diabetic patients have significantly higher mean weight, BMI, FBS, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C compared with healthy controls

Effect of body mass index on quadriceps angle and tibial torsion in school-aged children

BackgroundThe prevalence of excessive body mass (BMI) is increasing in pediatric population. Accordingly, the number of musculoskeletal problems in this population is also likely to increase. The quadriceps angle (Q-angle) is a clinical measure used to measure knee alignment in relation to the hip, femur, and tibia, as well as evaluating alignment of the patella. Tibial torsion (T.T) is an important morphological feature of human tibia. The aim of that study was to study the relationship between the Q-angle and TT in children 8 to 12 years old, the effect of BMI on Q-angle and T.T, and the difference in Q-angle and TT between dominant and non-dominant side.Results“Seventy-five children from primary schools” were enrolled in the study and allocated into 3 groups (25 subjects in each group), according to BMI: group I (normal weight = 25), group II (overweight = 25), and group III (obese = 25). The mean value of age of groups I, II, and III was 10.35 ± 1, 10.74 ± 1.2, and 10.17 ± 1.18 years respectively; the mean value of weight was 29.88 ± 3.94, 43.68 ± 6.55, and 50.06 ± 10.44 kg respectively; the mean value of height was 135.28 ± 7.63, 143.2 ± 8.85, and 140.72 ± 9.3 cm respectively; and the mean value of BMI was 16.22 ± 1, 21.18 ± 1.4, and 25.17 ± 2.67 kg/m2. The number (%) of boys in groups I, II, and III was 15 (60%), 18 (72%), and 17 (68%) respectively and of girls was 10 (40%), 7 (28%), and 8 (32%) respectively.The significant values were Q-angle and TT. Data were expressed as mean ± SD. ANOVA was used to compare between subjects’ characteristics of the groups. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for testing normality of data distribution. One-way MANOVA was used to compare parametric variables (Q-angle and TT) between the two groups. Compared with normal weight children, there was statistically significant increase in Q-angle and TT angle in overweight and obese children.ConclusionAny change in BMI would eventually lead to change in both Q-angle and TT angle. The greater the BMI values, the greater the values of Q-angle and TT angle.

Effect of renal dialysis session on novel echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricle in patients with end-stage renal disease

Abstract Introduction Chronic heart disease is among the leading causes of end-stage renal disease (ESR). On the other hand, patients with ESR undergoing dialysis demonstrate often subclinically impaired left and/or right ventricular function according to small studies, and higher prevalence of chronic heart disease. However, data regarding the effect of renal dialysis on novel echocardiographic parameters among renal dialysis patients remain limited.The purpose of our study, was to study the effect of renal dialysis on novel echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricle. Methods All 50 patients (14 females) of mean age 62.9 years undergoing renal dialysis in our kidney unit regularly were included in our study. Blood pressure, heart rate and weight measurements and heart echocardiogram with measurement of LV GLS, RV GLS, RV FWS, LA ResS, E/e’ ratio, Right Ventricular Systolic pressure (PASP) and inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, before and after renal dialysis session, were carried out. Results Mean values of body weight (79,9 vs 77,6 kg), heart rate (74,2 vs 73,5 bpm) and blood pressure (131,5/80,6 vs 123,5/76,9 mmHg) were as expected statistically significant reduced after renal dialysis (p<0,001). Values of PASP (36,1 vs 27,8 mmHg), E/e’ ratio (14 vs 12,5) and IVC diameter (1,6 vs 1,3 cm), were statistically significant reduced after renal dialysis (p<0,001). Furthermore, values of RV GLS (-19,3 vs -20,3 %), RV FWS (-21,2 vs -22,6 %) and LA ResS (29,6 vs 30,7%), were statistically significant improved after renal dialysis session (p <0,001), while LV GLS depicted a minor improvement (-17,9% vs 18,2%) not statistically significant. Conclusion In conclusion, renal dialysis session had a beneficial effect on novel echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricle (RV GLS, RV FWS, LA ResS) due to improvement of hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, PASP and IVC diameter) and intravascular volume reduction. Larger clinical studies should be organized to further investigate the effect of renal dialysis on those parameters and the underlying mechanisms in the chronic setting of hemodialysis.

Real-World Clinical Effectiveness of Liraglutide for Weight Management in Türkiye: Insights from the LIRA-TR Study

Introduction: Obesity is a complicated chronic disease associated with a series of other conditions. A weight loss of 5–10% has been shown to reduce obesity-related complications and improve quality of life. The efficacy and safety of liraglutide for reducing body weight have been demonstrated in clinical trials. This study evaluated the weight loss efficacy and adverse effects of liraglutide in those with obesity in the Turkish population. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study; the patients that were included had a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater with additional comorbidities or a BMI of 30 or greater, and the patients were prescribed liraglutide for obesity treatment from the tertiary private clinic between January 2022 and January 2024. Their metabolic and anthropometric parameters were recorded at the initial appointment, and their body weight and adverse effects were followed up on during therapy. Results: For the 568 patients, of whom 487 (85.6%) were female, the mean values for age, weight, and BMI were 42.37 ± 10.50, 98.09 ± 17.48 kg, and 35.77 ± 5.45 kg/m2, respectively. Reductions in body weight at the 4th, 8th, 12th, and 24th weeks were 6.45 ± 2.32 kg, 10.66 ± 3.41 kg, 15.38 ± 8.30 kg, and 19 ± 9.06 kg, respectively; reductions in BMI at the 4th, 8th, 12th, and 24th weeks were 2.36 ± 1.00, 3.88 ± 1.25, 5.36 ± 1.76, and 7.09 ± 2.93, respectively; and the percentages of overall body weight loss at the 4th, 8th, 12th, and 24th weeks were 6.62 ± 2.1%, 10.75 ± 2.71%, 14.97 ± 6.8%, and 18.55 ± 4.63%, respectively (all p values < 0.0001). The percentage of patients who lost more than 5% and more than 10% of their initial weight was 100% at the 24th week. The most common side effect was nausea; no pancreatitis was observed. Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that liraglutide is an efficacious and safe treatment option for obesity in the Turkish population, in accordance with the findings from previous research.

Growth performance and proximate composition of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings fed varying inclusion levels of ripe banana (Musa Sapientum) peel

The cost of fish feed is of great concern in fish farming. The growth performance and proximate composition of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed varying inclusion levels of ripe banana peels as a possibility of replacing soybean as a component of the fish feed were evaluated for a period of 12 weeks. 250 C. gariepinus fingerlings were acclimated for 2 weeks and fed to satiation morning and evening. Five isocaloric and nitrogenous diets were prepared from ripe banana peel thus: 0% (Control), 25% (T25), 50% (T50), 75% (T75) and 100% (T100) inclusion levels to replace equal weights of soybean, respectively. Some growth parameters such as standard length (SL), total length (TL) and weight were determined on weekly basis. The proximate compositions of the fish in each treatment and control were determined at the end of the experiment. The data generated were subjected to one way analysis of variance and considered significant at P≤0.05. From the results; the weight, SL and TL mean values measured in the control were significantly higher than other treatments in most of the weeks of the experiment. The highest weight in the control was 52.43±10.80g while the highest amongst other treatments was 30.67±6.69g obtained in T75 at the end of the 12 weeks. The ash content, crude fibre and fat contents were mostly significantly in T75 and T100. The highest moisture content (12.88±0.74%) was also obtained in T100. The crude protein content was significantly higher in the control than other treatments with 68.69±0.35% at the end of the 12th week. The results of this research has shown that banana peel can be included up to 75% level of inclusion as possible replacement for soybean in fish meal production and therefore, capable of reducing the cost of fish production incurred by farmer. For optimal performance, the crude protein content should be improved upon by inclusion of other cheap protein sources.

Abstract P382: The protective role of elevated oral microbial levels in adult hypertension: NHANES 2009-2012

Background and Objective: Accumulating evidence has linked periodontal disease with hypertension, yet the relationship between the diversity of oral microbiota and blood pressure remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate the association between characteristics of oral microbiome diversity and hypertension in the general population. Methods: The data were extracted from the 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), where we included participants aged 20 years or older who had indicators of hypertension. Participants with conditions such as pregnancy, periodontal disease, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and cancer were excluded from the analysis. Oral microbiome α-diversity in adults was analyzed through oral rinse samples, encompassing measures such as observed amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), Faith’s Phylogenetic Diversity, the Shannon-Wiener Index, and the Simpson Index. Differences in oral microbiome α-diversity among various hypertension groups were described using weighted mean values. The association between oral microbiome α-diversity and hypertension was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Between 2009 and 2012, among 3,228 participants (weighted mean [SE] age, 36.54 [0.64] years; 1,408 males [weighted 43.62%]), there were 601 cases of hypertension (increasing to 771 when adopting the new diagnostic criteria for hypertension). Significant differences were observed in the levels of oral microbiota α-diversity among different hypertension groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed an independent association between levels of oral microbiome α-diversity and the risk of hypertension, after controlling for confounding factors. For each one-standard deviation (SD) increase in ASVs and Faith's Phylogenetic Diversity, the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-0.95) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75-0.95), respectively. This association persisted across varying diagnostic criteria for hypertension. Conclusions: Our findings indicate diverse oral microbiomes among hypertension groups, where greater α-diversity inversely correlates with hypertension risk, independent of diagnostic criteria. This implicates oral microbiota dysbiosis, potentially from environmental factors, as an additional hypertension risk factor, emphasizing the oral microbiome's potential in hypertension development.

Autochthonous probiotic bacteria improve intestinal pathology and histomorphology, expression of immune and growth-related genes and resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer).

The study isolated two strains of intestinal autochthonous bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum1 (MH155966.1) (L1) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum2 (MH105076.1) (L2) from the Choobdeh Abadan region. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different strains of probiotic bacteria on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, histopathologic and histomorphometric characterization of the intestine, expression of immune and growth related genes, and evaluate Lates calcarifer resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus. To achieve this, for each treatment 60 L. calcarifer juveniles (75 ± 12g) were randomly distributed in three fiberglass tanks (300L) and fed for 45 days. The treatments were established as Diet 1 (control diet); L1 (diet with Lb. plantarum isolated 1); L2 (diet with Lb. plantarum isolated 2) with a bacterial concentration of 1 × 109 CFU/g. Nine fish from each treatment were sampled and examined, after euthanasia. The fish were placed 2cm from the beginning of the intestine for microscopic sampling of villi height, villi width and thickness of the epithelium, with 3 treatments: The result showed differences in the mean values of total weight were found at the end of the experiment. After 45 days of culture, the fish fed with L1 had higher (P < 0.05) growth performance than the other treatment groups. But at the end of the trial, in L2, the digestive enzyme activities were higher (P < 0.05) than the other treatment groups. The fishes fed diets supplemented with the L2 group, like the digestive enzyme activities test, presented an increase in the thickness of the epithelium of the intestine, and villus height, and villus width were greatest in L2. Fish feeding with L1 and L2 probiotics induced higher transcription levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cells (GMCFC), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) genes in the gut, which may correlate with better immune and hematological parameters in these groups. The results of the challenge test revealed that the percentage of survival was significantly higher in L1 (76.2%) and L2 (80.95%) treatments than in the control (P < 0.05). These results indicate that host-derived probiotics (Lb. plantarum) have significant potential as important probiotics to enhance nutrient utilization, Digestive enzymes, and metabolism by increasing the gut surface area of Lates calcarifer juveniles at 45 days of culture.

Hypertension-Related Status and Influencing Factors among Chinese Children and Adolescents Aged 6~17 Years: Data from China Nutrition and Health Surveillance (2015-2017).

Hypertension is currently highly prevalent worldwide and serves as one of the significant risk factors for chronic diseases and mortality. Adult hypertension can be traced back to, as well as prevented starting in, childhood and adolescence. However, due to the lack of surveillance among children and adolescents, the prevalence and influencing factors of hypertension-related conditions have not been well described. Hence, a total of 67,947 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 from China Nutrition and Health Surveillance (2015-2017) were enrolled to describe the weighted average blood pressure level and the weighted prevalence of hypertension, pre-hypertension, and their distribution and to analyze the risk factors for hypertension and pre-hypertension among Chinese children and adolescents at a nationwide level. In summary, the weighted mean values of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were 111.8 (95% CI, 111.2-112.5) mmHg and 66.5 (95% CI, 66.0-67.0) mmHg, respectively. The weighted prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was 24.9% and 17.1%, respectively. Moreover, general obesity, overweight, and central obesity served as risk factors for hypertension and pre-hypertension among Chinese children and adolescents. The current study indicated that the prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension in Chinese children and adolescents was at a high level. Moreover, blood pressure screening should be further intensified for children and adolescents at a high risk of being overweight or obese.

Components of Total Energy Expenditure in Healthy and Critically Ill Children: A Comprehensive Review.

Total energy expenditure (TEE) is the total energy expended by an individual to sustain life, activities, and growth. TEE is formed by four components: resting energy expenditure (REE), activity energy expenditure (AEE), growth-related energy expenditure (GEE), and the thermic effect of feeding (TEF). Some energy expenditure (EE) components may change throughout childhood and cannot be reliably estimated using prediction formulae. To summarize measured TEE components as reported in the literature in healthy and critically ill children. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for studies published between 1946 and 7 September 2023. The primary outcome was energy expenditure. Included studies were published in English and measured one or more of TEE, AEE, GEE, and TEF with Indirect Calorimetry or Doubly Labeled Water in participants between 1 month and 18 years of age. We excluded studies reporting only REE or using predictive equations. Following abstraction, reported values were converted into kcal/kg/day or kcal/day as possible. Weighted mean values were calculated using median or means of EE measurements. We found 138 studies, 8163 patients, and 16,636 eligible measurements. The median (IQR) study sample size was 20 (12, 35) patients. TEE was the most evaluated component. The median (IQR) TEE in infants was 73.1 (67.0, 76.5), in children 78.0 (66.0, 81.3), and in adolescents was 44.2 (41.8, 51.9) kcal/kg/day. Very few studies reported on GEE and TEF. This is one of the first studies that summarizes components of total energy expenditure in different pediatric age groups in healthy and critically ill children. Growth- and feeding-associated energy expenditure are poorly reported in healthy children, while all components of TEE (except REE) are poorly reported in critically ill children.

Weighted means and an analytic characterization of discs

Weighted means are obtained for solutions of the two-dimensional Helmholtz and modified Helmholtz equations and also for harmonic functions. The presence of a logarithmic weight reduces the coefficient in the last two mean value identities. A new theorem characterizing disks in the Euclidean plane R 2 \mathbb {R}^2 analytically is proved; it is based on the weighted mean value property of solutions to the modified Helmholtz equation.

ESTIMATION OF LIVE BODY WEIGHT FROM CHEST GIRTH MEASUREMENT AND BODY CONDITION SCORES IN SAVANNAH BROWN GOATS IN ZARIA

The study was conducted at Kongila sheep and goat market, Zaria, Nigeria in order to develop predictive equations for the determination of live body weight from chest girth and body condition scores in Savannah Brown goats. Data were collected randomly on 49 goats, aged between 1 to 3 years; 42 males and 7 females. The overall mean values (males and females) for body weight, chest girth and body condition scores were 14.86 ± 0.64 kg, 59.61 ± 0.86 cm and 2.78 ± 0.08, respectively. Body weight was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) and positively correlated with chest girth (r = 0.795) and body condition scores (r = 0.579), indicating a relationship between these variables. Live body weights were regressed on chest girth and body condition scores, which appeared to be significantly good, especially with the chest girth. The high and positive correlations between body weight and chest girth, established in this study provide information that may be useful in the early selection of Savannah Brown goats for genetic improvement schemes. In conclusion, there were direct relationships between body weight, chest girth and body condition scores in Savannah Brown goats.

EFFETS DE LA DANSE TRADITIONNELLE SERERE MBAYID SUR LES VARIABLES ANTHROPOMETRIQUES ET CARDIOVASCULAIRES DES FEMMES SENEGALAISES SEDENTAIRES AGEES DE 20 A 25 ANS

In Senegal today, the majority of women do not engage in regular physical activity, either because they are unaware of its health benefits, or because of religious, cultural or customary constraints. Moreover, Senegalese women are sensitive to the rhythmic sounds of tam-tams. Serer women, on the other hand, cant resist the attraction of the Nguel, so irresistible is the rhythm of the tam-tams and the beautiful voice of the singers. As a result, we believe that the Mbayid dance can be a source of motivation for Serer women to engage in regular physical activity. Objective: To study the effects of a traditional Serer Mbayid dance program on the cardiovascular and anthropometric parameters of sedentary young Senegalese women aged 20 to 25. Protocol: A 5-week Mbayid dance program with 5 one-hour sessions every two weeks was endured by 10 sedentary Senegalese women aged 20 to 25. Results: Mean resting values for heart rate and systolic blood pressure fell significantly after the Mbayid program. However, mean values for diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, weight and BMI did not vary significantly. Conclusion: A 5-week Mbayid dance program with 5 one-hour sessions every two weeks significantly reduced the mean values of heart rate and resting systolic blood pressure of 10 sedentary Senegalese women aged 20 to 25. However, it had no significant effect on weight, waist circumference, BMI or resting diastolic blood pressure.

A meta-analysis and experimental survey of heavy metals pollution in agricultural soils

Heavy metal (HM) pollution in agricultural soils represents a hidden danger to food security worldwide. In this paper, the spatio-temporal trends of heavy metals from eight countries and 50 soil samples from agricultural farmland were evaluated through a combination of field surveys and meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive report on heavy metal pollution. The soil samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (Perkin Elmer Nixon 300Q). The contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI), and diagnostic tests on the extracted data were calculated. The results of the CF in the soils indicate extreme contamination for Cr, suggesting ecotoxicological effects, while the PLI values range from baseline to moderate pollution for Cd, Hg, Cu, Zn, and Ni, except for Cr, which shows very high pollution, suggesting that the soils have undergone some form of deterioration. The meta-analysis results of the 50 reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2023 showed increasing trends for all the HMs. The weighted mean values of Cd, Cr, Hg, Cu, Zn, As, and Ni were in the range of 0.0-222.7, 0.08-289.2, 0.03-193, 2.94-198.1, 0.0-771.1, 0.0-231, and 1.71-99.75.6 mg/kg, respectively. The mean values of Cd, Hg, Zn and As exceeded two to three times the values of China National Environmental Monitoring Centre (CNEMC) European Union's most cited guideline (MEF), and the rock crust guideline. The results of the correlation matrix heatmap revealed a highly positive correlation between Cr and Ni (R2 = 0.66), suggesting that these elements have the same source and are likely prevalent in agricultural soils. The spatial origin of the publications reveals that 82% of the studies were from China followed by South Africa and Italy accounting for 4% respectively while Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Iran, and Turkey account for 2% each. The findings of this study have important implications for environmental regulation on agricultural food protection from heavy metal pollution. Unlike previous meta-analysis studies which often adopt a “silos” method, this study highlights a nexus approach that integrates both meta-analysis and experimental studies which could establish a more comprehensive understanding of heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils.

The Therapeutic Effect of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement on Anthropometric Parameters in Children with Malnutrition: A Pilot Clinical Trial

Background: Malnutrition presents a significant global health challenge, necessitating the creation of innovative treatment strategies. Objectives: This study explored the therapeutic impact of pancreatic enzymes on improving growth indicators in children suffering from moderate to severe malnutrition. Methods: In this clinical trial, patients aged 2 to 14 years with growth disorders (Z-score weight below -2) attending a Gastroenterology Clinic were randomly assigned to two groups: Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and control. The trial involved a pilot study with 30 subjects in each group. The PERT group underwent a 2-month treatment regimen of 1000 U/kg pancreatic enzymes taken with the main three meals, complemented by a nutritional plan. In contrast, the Control group received mineral supplements and followed a regular diet. Demographic data and anthropometric indices, including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and Z scores, were recorded before and after the intervention. Results: In this study, a statistically significant difference was observed in the mean values of weight, height, BMI, and appetite among children with growth disorders in the PERT group before and after the intervention. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the mean values in the PERT group and the control group. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the therapeutic effect of pancreatic enzymes on improving growth parameters in malnourished children was not statistically significant. Future randomized trials on a larger scale with longer treatment durations are warranted.

Peri-urban Mediterranean plant communities are shaped by chronic anthropogenic disturbances

Peri-urban plant communities perform key ecological functions. However, the integrity of peri-urban vegetation is threatened by the continuous expansion of built-up areas and anthropogenic activities, which result in low-intensity, but continuous and pervasive chronic anthropogenic disturbances (CADs). Despite the growing attention to the ecological role of peri-urban vegetation patches, the assessment of the relationship between CADs and typical Mediterranean plant communities at the local scale is still lacking. In this work, both the compositional and functional responses to typical CADs of five vegetation types were assessed in 48 plots, located around the city of Genoa (Italy). The main anthropogenic and environmental drivers of species composition were identified through a Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling, and selected variables were used to fit a partial Redundancy Analysis. Differences in the number of alien species in relation to total CAD intensity were assessed with a Kruskal-Wallis test. Regarding functional composition, the community weighted mean values (CWMs) of five functional traits were computed for each plot. Generalized linear models were then fitted to assess the relationship between the CWMs and CADs intensity. Our results showed that the specific composition of peri-urban plant communities of Genoa is shaped by interacting environmental and anthropogenic factors. Considering composition, CADs promote the increase of alien species’ number. Moreover, the increased intensity of CADs altered the functional composition, with increasing specific leaf area, leaf nitrogen content and seed bank longevity. Overall, the effect of typical Mediterranean CADs is more pronounced on the functional composition than on the taxonomic composition of peri-urban plant communities. This work highlights the relevance at the local scale of the typical CADs of the Mediterranean area in influencing the different vegetation types that characterise a peri-urban zone.