Mean Weight Research Articles

The Optimal Dosage and Duration of Metformin for Prevention and Treatment of Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Weight gain and metabolic complications are substantial adverse effects associated with second-generation antipsychotics. However, comprehensive guidelines for managing antipsychotic-induced weight gain are lacking. Methods This review included all double-blind, placebo-controlled studies investigating metformin’s effectiveness in addressing antipsychotic-related weight gain. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant studies from the inception to 2024. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Results This meta-analysis, including 20 studies with 1070 patients, revealed that metformin significantly surpassed placebo in attenuating weight gain in patients receiving antipsychotics. The mean weight change with metformin was −3.32 kg [95% confidence interval (CI): −4.57 to −2.07]. Additionally, metformin use resulted in a marked decrease in body mass index [−1.24 kg/m2 (95% CI: −1.70 to −0.77)]. Metformin could maintain the effects from 12 to 24 weeks. Conclusions This updated meta-analysis investigated the durations and dosages of metformin use in patients with schizophrenia experiencing antipsychotic-induced weight gain. The findings highlight the need for additional large-scale research to validate our findings.

Effect of Glycated Haemoglobin (HBA1c) on Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) in a Population with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measures, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2 slope and others) among the T2DM population based on glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c). Material and Methods: The present study comprised a cross-sectional design, with two groups, based on HbA1c values (≤7 and ≥7.1). Laboratory samples were taken to evaluate glycated haemoglobin and fasting blood glucose (FBS). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed to calculate various fitness-related parameters. Data analysis: An independent t-test was used to analyse the outcomes in the two groups. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Linear regression was used to examine the influence of predictor variables on dependent variables. Results: A total of 70 patients agreed to participate in the study, with 19 females and 51 males. The mean (standard deviation) BMI (body mass index) of all participants was 29.7(5.2), the mean (SD) weight was 84.4 (18.9) kg, and the mean height was 167.4 (23) cm. The average age of the individuals was 52 ± 8 years. The independent t-test revealed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of CRF measures. Conclusions: The current research identified the presence of poor glycaemic control and cardiorespiratory fitness measures among the Brazilian population with T2DM. HBA1c, duration of diabetes, age, and BMI can be employed to predict the ventilatory threshold (VT) and VO2 max.

Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract of Red Seaweed (Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis) on Growth and Haematological Parameters of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

ABSTRACTSeaweed is multicellular marine macroalgae that enhances the immunity of aquatic organisms. The study was designed to assess the ethanolic extract (EtOH) extracted from red seaweed (Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis) on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to evaluate growth, immunity and haematological parameters. The EtOH was applied with fish feed in four treatments such as T1‐control (0% EtOH), T2 (5% w/v EtOH), T3 (10% w/v EtOH) and T4 (15% w/v EtOH) each with three replicates. The initial average weight of the fish was 17.53 ± 2.1 g. Results showed that the growth increased gradually with the percentage of red seaweed extract, whereas the mean weight gain was found significantly higher in T4 (51.5 ± 4.2) than in the control. The specific growth rate (%) and survival rate (%) were found higher in T4 at the lowest FCR compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). The blood haemoglobin level of Nile tilapia was higher in T4 (11.5 g/dL) and lowest recorded in T1 (7.5 g/dL). However, the level of blood glucose interacted inversely with blood haemoglobin. The plasma protein level was also varied among the treatments (p > 0.05). The blood parameters, refractive index (RI) and spleen somatic index (SSI) were significantly different among the treatments. The RI of blood plasma and SSI were found to be better in T4 treatment. The research indicated that red seaweed extracts significantly enhanced the growth and boosted the immunity level of Nile tilapia.

Rapid viral suppression using integrase inhibitors during acute HIV-1 infection.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for all individuals with HIV infection, including those with acute HIV-1 infection (AHI). While recommendations are similar to those for chronic infection, efficacy data regarding treatment of acute HIV is limited. This was a single arm, 96-week study of a once-daily integrase inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimen using elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF) in AHI. Primary endpoint was proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL and <50 copies/mL by treatment weeks 24 and 48, respectively. We also examined time to viral suppression and weight gain after treatment initiation. Outcomes and characteristics were compared with a historical AHI cohort using a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimen with efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (EFV/FTC/TDF). Thirty-three participants with AHI were enrolled with 31 available for analyses. Most were African American (61%) and men who have sex with men (73%). Median age was 26 (IQR 22-42). Demographics were similar between the two AHI cohorts. By Week 24, 100% in the INSTI and 99% in the NNRTI cohort were <200 copies/mL; by Week 48, 100% in both cohorts were <50 copies/mL. Time to viral suppression was shorter in the INSTI cohort (median 54 versus 99 days). Mean weight change was similar with a 3.6 kg increase in the INSTI cohort and 2.4 kg in the NNRTI cohort at 96 weeks. INSTI-based ART during AHI resulted in rapid and sustained viral suppression. Over 96 weeks, weight increased in the INSTI-based cohort but was similar to weight increase in a historical NNRTI-based AHI cohort.

Pragmatic online obesity treatment in primary care: a hybrid randomized clinical trial of implementation strategies

AbstractOnline behavioral weight loss (BWL) in primary care is effective and disseminable. This trial compared two implementation approaches on program uptake, use, and weight loss via a pragmatic hybrid type 2 implementation-effectiveness design to evaluate online BWL implementation (Rx Weight Loss [RxWL]) and effectiveness. This manuscript presents the implementation results. RxWL was implemented across a state-wide network of primary care clinics using lower- and higher-intensity implementation strategies (Basic [base program] and Enhanced [base plus enhanced training and dashboard], respectively) between 2018 and 2022. Nurse care managers (NCMs; N = 23) were recruited and block-randomized to implementation condition. Adult primary care patients (body mass index [BMI] &gt; 25 kg/m2, internet-connected device access) were referred and enrolled by their NCMs. Outcomes were the proportion of eligible patients who enrolled in and completed RxWL by NCM condition, initial weight loss and regain over 12 and 24 months by NCM condition, and clinician acceptability and feasibility. NCMs (N = 12 Enhanced, N = 11 Basic) in Enhanced enrolled more patients (N = 490) than in Basic (N = 164). Although the proportion of patients who completed RxWL and mean weight loss did not differ by condition, different enrollment rates resulted in the Enhanced condition engaging more patients. NCMs rated RxWL as acceptable and feasible with no difference by condition. Findings support connecting primary care patients with technology-based health behavior change programs. Clinical trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.Gov identifier NCT03488212: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03488212. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03488212.

Variability of Soil Aggregate Disintegration During Splash Erosion Under Different Circumstances

ABSTRACTThe duration of rainfall is a significant factor in the process of splash erosion. Nevertheless, there is a lack of comprehensive documentation regarding the extent and characteristic of soil aggregate disintegration resulting from raindrop impact during splash erosion. To examine the properties of the aggregate disintegration mechanism during various of splash erosion, three soil samples (S‐1, S‐2, and S‐3 labeled as the organic matter was 19.77, 31.70, and 26.83 g kg−1) were employed to simulated splash erosion under six durations of rainfall (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 min). Aggregates ranging in size from 1 to 5 mm were utilized in the preparation of test soils for different antecedent moisture contents (3%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). The result demonstrated that the slaking effect, as observed in the fast wetting of the Le Bissonnais method, is attributed to the sudden release of air entering the water, irrespective of the water immersion duration. Upon increasing moisture content, under fast wetting conditions, the mean weight diameter (MWD) values for S‐2 and S‐3 samples increased from 1.25 and 1.31 to 1.85 and 1.61, respectively. Subsequently, at a moisture content of 10%, the MWD decreased to 1.84 and 1.49 for S‐2 and S‐3 samples, respectively. In contrast, S‐1 sample exhibited an increasing trend from 0.34 to 0.93. The sensitivity of aggregates to disintegration from slaking (RSI) decreased by 0.58, 0.43, and 0.29, while mechanical impact (RMI) decreased by 0.23, 0.11, and 0.08 with increasing moisture content, respectively. The rate of splash erosion for the S‐1 sample exhibited an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease as the duration of rainfall increased. The S‐1 sample, with the lowest organic matter content, exhibited the highest content of microaggregate content (&lt; 0.25 mm) of splashed particles (referring to soil particles transported out of the splash area by raindrops), ranging from 31.62% to 65.57%. The content of macroaggregate (&gt; 0.25 mm) in the residual soil (indicating soil particles that were left in the area affected by splashing) exhibited a gradual reduction as the duration of rainfall increased. As the soil reached saturation, the influence of physicochemical dispersion became more pronounced with the prolonged duration of rainfall. The forces of slaking and physicochemical dispersion predominantly disrupted &gt; 1 mm aggregates, while the destruction of aggregates within the 0.25–1 mm range was insufficient. This study is valuable for understanding the splash erosion process and provides a scientific foundation for the improvement of soil erosion prediction models.

Extended oxygen supplementation after thoracotomy in rats may improve welfare.

A retrospective comparison of welfare indicators in male rats undergoing thoracotomy for intrapleural dosing is presented. The initial cohort (n = 7) breathed room air after recovery from anaesthesia, while later cohorts (n = 12) had oxygen supplementation for up to 48 h post-surgery. Rats breathing room air sustained a statistically significant average body-weight loss of -1.62% (±1.7%) 2 days after surgery, compared with rats given oxygen supplementation, which maintained a mean weight gain of 0.87% (±1.75%) (p = 0.009). Oxygen-supplemented rats also had lower pain scores on the evening after surgery (median 0.075 [range 0-1.75] vs. median 1.5 [range 0.5-2]). This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.063) but may be of clinical significance. All rats displayed transient sedation after post-operative opioid administration on the day of surgery, and hypoxaemia (SpO2 <90%) was observed in rats maintained on room air. Use of an oxygen concentrator to provide post-operative extended oxygen supplementation was easy to implement and may improve animal welfare post-thoracotomy.

Inhibitory Effect of Aqueous Extract of Sacoglottis gabonensis on Weight Gain in Swiss Mice Exposed to Aspartame

Aim: To evaluate the Inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts of Sacoglottis gabonensis on weight gain in Swiss mice exposed to aspartame. Study Design: The study was a completely randomized design employing relevant statistical tools for analysis and interpretation. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University. The experiment lasted for 90 days between April and June 2022. Methodology: A total of 30 adult male Swiss mice (mean weight 23.07±0.12g) were divided into six groups of five animals each. Group A was the negative control which received neither Sacoglottis gabonensis nor Aspartame, group B was the positive control which received 50mg/kg/bw/day of Aspartame only, group C received 50mg/kg/bw/day of Aspartame with 250mg/kg/bw/day of aqueous bark extract of S. gabonensis, group D received 50mg/kg/bw/day of Aspartame with 250mg/kg/bw/day of aqueous leaf extract of S. gabonensis, while groups E and F received 50mg/kg/bw/day of Aspartame with a combination of 250mg/kg/bw/day and 500mg/kg/bw/day of extracts of S. gabonensis bark and leaf extracts respectively. The experimental animals were weighed twice weekly for 30, 60 and 90 days duration and recorded to the nearest 0.01g. Mean weight from each duration was taken and subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Analyses System SAS 9.4 Results: There was significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in weight in the 30, 60 and 90-days exposure periods in group B. The groups that received the combination of aspartame and S. gabonensis particularly at higher doses showed a significant decrease in weight across the exposure periods when compared to the group that received aspartame only and the control group. Conclusion: This result suggests that S. gabonensis reduced aspartame-induced weight gain, indicating its potential benefits for weight management. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and health implications.

Premature mortality and disparities in kidney healthcare for people with chronic kidney disease and severe mental health difficulties.

People with severe mental health difficulties, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and psychosis, have higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Little was known regarding clinical outcomes and utilisation of kidney care for people with CKD and severe mental health difficulties. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of individuals with CKD attending a tertiary renal unit in London, between 2006 and 2019. Individuals with severe mental health difficulty diagnoses were identified, and differences between those with and without severe mental health difficulties were analysed. Of the 5105 individuals with CKD, 112 (2.2%) had a recorded severe mental health difficulty diagnosis. The mean lifespan of those with severe mental health difficulties was 13.1 years shorter than those without severe mental health difficulties, t(1269) = 5.752, p < 0.001. People with severe mental health difficulties had more advanced CKD at their first nephrology appointment. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in the rates of kidney failure, age at onset of kidney failure, or time elapsed between first appointment and death/kidney failure. The number of inpatient admissions was similar between groups, but those with severe mental health difficulties had higher rates of emergency and ICU admissions. Among individuals on renal replacement therapy (RRT), those with severe mental health difficulties were less likely to receive a kidney transplant and peritoneal dialysis. For patients receiving haemodialysis, those with severe mental health difficulties had a higher proportion of shortened sessions, greater mean weight loss during sessions, and a higher proportion of serum potassium and phosphate levels outside normal ranges. Findings illustratea number of disparities in kidney healthcare betweenpeople with and without severe mental health difficulties, underscoring the need for interventions which prevent premature mortality and improve kidney care for this population.

The Effect of Aerial Part of Melissa Officinalis L. Hydro-Alcoholic Extract on Pituitary- Gonadal Axis Function in Diabetic Male Mice

Background: Melissa officinalis L. ( lemon balm) is one of the more widely cultivated medicinal and aromatic plants that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat many disorders. The present study investigates Melissa officinalis L. hydro-alcoholic extract regarding pituitary-gonadal axis in diabetic mice. Methods: 45 NMRI mice with a mean weight of 35.6±4.5 g were divided into five groups: control group (0.2 ml of physiological serum intraperitoneally injection), diabetic mice (without treatment), and three experiment groups (diabetic groups receiving 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of Melissa officinalis extract intraperitoneally injection). Melissa officinalis extract was injected intraperitoneally for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken to determine the biochemical indicators level (glucose, LH, FSH, and testosterone), and the left testicle was weighed and examined histologically. Results: The results showed that the lowest amount of glucose and the highest level of LH were observed in the treatment group at a dose of 100 mg/kg of Melissa officinalis extract. The highest level of FSH was observed at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Histological study of the testis showed a more favorable condition in the experimental group of 200 mg/kg of lemon balm extract (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the use of Melissa officinalis extract is efficient in reducing glucose, improving the levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone in diabetic mice, affecting testicular weight, and improving testicular tissue indices and reproductive function of rats.

Morphometric Evaluation of the Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebral Canal and Spinal Cord Using Computed Tomography in Healthy Korean Shorthair Cats.

This study aimed to evaluate the spinal morphometry of the thoracic and lumbar regions in normal Korean Shorthair cats using computed tomography (CT) and to investigate the relationship with variables such as sex, age and body weight. Fifteen clinically healthy Korean Shorthair cats (eight males, seven females) from Seoul National University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital were included in this retrospective study. Measurements of the height, width and area of the vertebral canal and spinal cord on CT images were taken at the cranial, middle and caudal points of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae by three observers, and the ratios of the spinal cord area to the vertebral canal area were calculated. The significance of the differences in measurements between sexes and correlations with age and body weight were analysed. The mean age of the cats was 7 years (range: 2-12 years), with a mean weight of 5.27 kg (range: 2.6-8.3 kg). The height, width and area of the vertebral canal and spinal cord were significantly greater in males than in females (p < 0.05). The ratios of the spinal cord area to the vertebral canal area showed no significant difference between sexes (p > 0.05), and no significant correlations were found between the ratios of the spinal cord area to the vertebral canal area and age or body weight. This study provides useful reference intervals for spinal morphometry in the thoracic and lumbar regions of healthy Korean Shorthair cats and investigate the relationship with variables such as sex, age and body weight. This anatomical information may assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of thoracic, lumbar vertebral and spinal cord diseases using CT.

Towards the mechanical stability of biocrusts in drylands: Insights from inorganic ions and organic compounds and their interactions

Biocrusts are an important component of dryland ecosystems as they perform crucial ecological functions like stabilizing soils, mediating the hydrological cycle, and improving nutrient availability. The high mechanical stability of biocrusts is understood to be linked to exopolymeric substances (EPS), which in turn, are responsible for the adsorption of various ions and chemical compounds. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of biocrusts and assess potential correlations between their chemical composition and mechanical stability. Samples of three types of biocrusts (cyanobacteria, cyanobacteria and moss mixed, and moss crusts) and bare soil (as control) were collected from the northern Loess Plateau of China. The inorganic ions and organic compounds present in biocrusts were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectrometry, ion chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Biocrust mechanical stability was assessed by penetration resistance (PR) and the mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates. Finally, the contribution of inorganic ions and organic compounds to the stability of the biocrusts was elucidated. The results indicated that all three types of biocrusts were more stable than bare soil, with moss crusts being the most stable. Chemical analyses revealed an enrichment of inorganic ions such as K+, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, SO42–, and halogen ions within the biocrusts, while they showed a depletion of Fe2+, Al3+, and NO3–. Ten types of organic compounds were identified in biocrusts and bare soil, with medium-chain alkanes and long-chain acids being the dominant compounds. In some cases, acids accounted for more than 40 % of the total organic compound content of the biocrusts. Redundancy analysis showed that the content of inorganic ions, such as Ca2+ and Mg2+, and organic compounds such as acids, amides, and alkenes, exhibited the closest association with the biocrust stability. Partial least squares path modeling indicated that both inorganic ions and organic compounds indirectly affected biocrust stability by influencing electric conductivity, bulk density, EPS, and fine particle (clay and silt) content. A strong association was found between the inorganic ions and PR or MWD (0.658 and 0.744, respectively), whilst the total effect of organic compounds on PR and MWD was 0.814 and 0.801, respectively. It is suggested that both the magnitude and types of chemicals associated with EPS indicate their capability to grant mechanical stability of the biocrusts, which in turn is conducive to maintaining the critical functions of biocrusts in global drylands.

Congenital Heart Disease among Neonates in a Neonatal Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: To determine the pattern of Congenital Heart Disease among neonates in a neonatal unit of a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Aug 2020 to Jan 2021. Methodology: A total of 287 participants were enrolled in the study using non-probability consecutive sampling. Echocardiogram was used as a tool to diagnose congenital heart disease. Results: Among 287 neonates, the mean weight was 2.36±0.73 kg with 49.5% being males and 50.5% females. Most of the neonates were delivered by Lower Segment Cesarean Section (227, 79.1%), while rest (60, 20.9%) were by spontaneous vaginal delivery. Neonates were mostly born at full term (159, 55.4%), followed by preterm (99, 34.5%), and early term (29, 10.1%). Only 34(11.8%) of the neonates showed any Congenital Heart Disease. Ventricular Septal Defect was the most common Congenital Heart Disease defect (15, 44.1%), followed by Patent Ductus Arteriosus (10, 29.4%) and Teratology of Fallot (4, 11.8%), while least common was Pulmonary Atresia (1, 2.9%). The relationship of Congenital Heart Disease with gender, mode of delivery, gestational age, and outcome of the neonate was found to be not significant. Conclusion: A small proportion of the neonates had Congenital Heart Disease with no significant relationship with gender, delivery mode, gestational age, and outcome of the neonate.

Straw incorporation: A more effective coastal saline land reclamation approach to boost sunflower yield than straw mulching or burial

In coastal lands, soil salinity greatly impedes crops growth and severely affects the agricultural productivity. Returning the crop straw and residual to soil was considered an important land reclamation method; however, the approach of straw return varied, including mulching (SM), burial (SB), and incorporation (SI). This study aimed to determine which approach was most effective to ameliorate coastal saline land and boost crop yield. Field experiments were conducted under different straw amelioration treatments on dry farming sunflowers (Helianthus annuus Linn.) in Bohai coastal land of Northern China. The results indicated that SM and SB changed the soil salt profile and significantly reduced the topsoil (0–0.2 m) salt content mainly by their direct effects on soil water transport, with little impacts on soil structure changes. Differently, SI significantly increased 21.8 % soil organic carbon and 52.3 % soil mean weight diameter in straw incorporated layer. The improvement on soil aggregates and porosity reduced 24.1–38.9 % of topsoil salt content, by limiting soil salt accumulation and promoting salt leaching. Furthermore, SI significantly boosted the sunflower fine root (d< 1.0 mm) growth and resulted in the highest sunflower yield (4.7 t/ha in 2020 and 4.6 t/ha in 2021) among those straw treatments. Compared to SM and SB, the net revenues of two-years sunflower cultivation under SI were improved by 40.68 % and 31.22 %, respectively. Therefore, it concluded that straw incorporation was more effective to reclaim coastal saline soil than straw mulching or burial. In addition, a back propagation artificial neural network model was developed to predict the dynamic of sunflower yield. This outcome provides an insight into the management of coastal farmland by establishing an easily desalinized and fertile topsoil profile structure.

Effects of Applying Organic Amendments on Soil Aggregate Structure and Tomato Yield in Facility Agriculture

Amendment significantly improves soil structure and promotes crop growth. To combat soil degradation and low crop yields in facility agriculture, it is crucial to study the optimal application rate of amendments. This study analyzed the effects of biochar, vermicompost, and mineral-source potassium fulvic acid on the stability of aggregate structure, soil nutrient content, and tomato yield in cambisols, providing a theoretical basis for improving the soil quality of plastic greenhouses in Southern China. A pot experiment on tomato cultivation was carried out in yellow-brown soil in plastic greenhouses. The experiment included eight treatments: 1% biochar (B1); 3% biochar (B3); 5% biochar (B5); 3% vermicompost (V3); 5% vermicompost (V5); 0.1% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid (F1); 0.2% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid (F2); and the control condition without adding soil amendments (CK). The results showed that the biochar and vermicompost treatments effectively reduced soil bulk density and increased total soil porosity. Compared to the control, treatments with soil amendments significantly increased soil pH and had different effects on soil nutrients: F2 showed the most significant improvement in the content of available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium, with an increase of 133.33%, 834.59%, and 74.34%, respectively; B3 treatment had the highest increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), while B5 treatment had the highest organic matter content. Compared to the CK, the particle size of the biochar treatment was mainly 0.053~0.25 mm, while the V3, F1, and F2 mainly occurred with a particle size &gt; 0.25 mm; and V3 has the best aggregate stability. Biochar, vermicompost, and mineral potassium fulvic acid can all promote tomato yield, with the F2 and V3 treatments having a yield increase effect of over 30%. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a highly significant positive correlation between geometric mean diameter (GMD) and mean weight diameter (MWD), water-stable macroaggregate content (R0.25), and a positive correlation between alkaline-dissolved nitrogen, available phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon content, and aggregate stability indicators. Adding 0.2% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid optimizes cambisols’ properties, enhances aggregate formation and stability, boosts tomato yield, and shows great application potential.

Predictors of ongoing attendance at an Australian publicly funded specialist obesity service.

There is a demand for publicly funded specialist obesity services in Australia. A range of factors can impact on patient attendance which can result in poorer health outcomes. To identify patient factors that predict ongoing in-person attendance following initial medical assessment at the Canberra Obesity Management Service. Data were collated from two retrospective reviews (July 2016-June 2017 and July 2018-June 2019). Predictive modeling was used to determine the likelihood of ongoing attendance. A total of 396 patients were identified. Mean age was 45.4years (SD 13.1), mean weight was 139.5kg (SD 27.8) and mean Body Mass Index was 49.87kg/m2 (SD 8.7). Demographics and anthropometrics were not predictive of ongoing attendance. Patients with a higher comorbidity burden were more likely to continue attending (p<0.001). Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were 4.9 times more likely to continue attending (p<0.001). Hypertension was more common among patients who continued attending (p=0.005); however, this relationship was no longer significant when using a multi-adjusted model. Comorbid depression and/or anxiety diagnoses were not predictive of ongoing attendance although the p-value for anxiety severity classification approached significance. Findings are consistent with existing evidence linking OSA and attendance at specialist obesity services. Hypertension was predictive of ongoing attendance and warrants further research. Determining if anxiety is a true barrier to attendance at specialist obesity services may have implications in terms of optimizing diagnosis and treatment prior to referral or in the early stages of obesity management.

Glycemic index and glycemic load of brief sugary sweets: randomized controlled trials of eight Thai desserts

BackgroundThai desserts, celebrated for their exquisite sweetness, are widely enjoyed for personal indulgence and as cherished souvenirs. However, their high sugar content raises concerns regarding health impacts. This study aimed to quantify the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) in healthy volunteers following consumption of various Thai desserts, out of 10 renowned desserts from across Thailand, identified by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, characterized by differing sugar levels.MethodEight were selected based on the absence of preservatives and microbial or chemical contaminations. Each participant consumed a 50-g serving of available carbohydrate (50avCHO) from these desserts. Ninety-six healthy volunteers, with a mean age of 31.8 ± 5.7 years, a mean body weight of 57.2 ± 7.3 kg, and 63.5% women, were randomized into eight groups, with each group comprising 12 participants. Blood samples were collected pre-and post-consumption to assess GI and GL values following established protocols.ResultsThe findings revealed that Phetchaburi’s Custard Cake exhibited the lowest GI and GL values (53.4 and 26.7, respectively), with progressively higher values observed in Saraburi’s Curry Puff (61.8 and 30.9), Nakhon Sawan’s Mochi (68.9 and 34.4), Suphan Buri’s Sponge Cake (75.9 and 38.0), Ayutthaya’s Cotton Candy (81.4 and 40.7), Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Pineapple Cheese Cake Biscuit (87.4 and 43.7), Chon Buri’s Bamboo Sticky Rice (109.3 and 54.7), and Lampang’s Crispy Rice Cracker (149.3 and 74.7), respectively.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that while Thai desserts exhibit a range of GI values, their GL values are uniformly high. It underscores the importance of disseminating GI and GL information to consumers, enabling them to make informed dietary choices and moderate their intake of these sugary delicacies.

Evaluating the effectiveness of quantitative pupillometry in assessing dynamic aerobic training intensity

Sports injuries often arise from improper scheduling of exercise loads, and timely assessment of these loads is essential for minimizing injury risk. This article investigates the validity of using changes in pupillary light reflex (PLR) during dynamic aerobic training as a novel approach to evaluating exercise load. Dynamic aerobic training was conducted on a power bicycle for 15 min. With a 3-minute interval as the demarcation line, PLR measurement was performed before training and heart rate was recorded throughout the process. The Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale invented by Borg was used for scoring before training and after training. The normal distribution of data was confirmed through the Shapiro-Wilk test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to quantify the correlation between variables. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) analysis were used to determine the indicators of exercise load. The optimal threshold of the indicators was calculated through the Youden index to evaluate sensitivity and specificity. Thirty male second-tier athletes with a mean age of 23.66 ± 2.21 years, a mean height of 175.3 ± 6.5 cm, and a mean weight of 68.99 ± 10.35 kg participated in this study. Based on the RPE scale results, it was confirmed that the 15-minute dynamic aerobic exercise successfully elicited varying levels of perceived exertion among the athletes. The findings of this study indicate significant changes in PLR and heart rate (HR) with increasing exercise duration and external load. There were strong correlations between RPE and maximum constriction velocity (MCV) (|r| = 0.8309, p < 0.001, negative correlation), maximum diameter (INIT) (r = 0.7641, p < 0.001, positive correlation), time to reach 75% recovery (T75) (|r| = 0.7289, p < 0.001, negative correlation), and HR (r = 0.8170, p < 0.001, positive correlation). Additionally, the results suggest that MCV is the most significant potential indicator for detecting internal load, exhibiting high specificity and sensitivity (AUC = 0.8509, p < 0.001). Further analysis using the Youden index identified 5.07 mm/s as the optimal cutoff value for MCV, indicating that when MCV ≤ 5.07 mm/s, the athletes’ internal load has reached an “Intense” state. PLR may be a potential indicator for assessing internal load Further investigation could involve developing a non-invasive exercise load detection system based on pupillary variable indicators, providing a valuable new approach for accurately measuring exercise load.

Paper waste and carbon emissions from oral contraceptive leaflets.

Oral contraceptives (OC) are the most used form of contraception among women in the U.S. and Europe. Like other medications, their packaging must include patient information leaflets. This study quantifies the environmental impact of paper waste generated by these leaflets. We conducted an observational analysis, measuring the weight of leaflets, pills, and packaging components across various OC brands. Significant variations in leaflet weights were observed. On average, leaflets accounted for 55% of the package weight, while pills and blister dispensers represented only 32%. The mean weight of OC leaflets was 12.3 ± 5.5 grams (4.7-21.9 grams), leading to an estimated annual paper waste of 6,118.4 tons, 5,763.5 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, and the use of approximately 146,841 trees for production. Standardizing leaflet weight to the lightest reported can reduce annual waste by 3780.5 tons of paper. This study highlights the substantial environmental cost of the waste generated from OC leaflets and proposes practical strategies to mitigate waste, including electronic leaflets and standardized packaging. Targeting these materials presents a significant opportunity to enhance sustainability, aligning with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the healthcare sector.

Multi-criteria Evaluation of Madagascar's Regions in the Context of Employment Using the CoCoFISo Method

The evaluation of regions in terms of employment provides decision-makers with a valuable tool for pursuing the development of each region. Furthermore, it facilitates the decision-making process for the working-age population, enabling them to identify locations where they wish to settle on a long-term basis to pursue employment opportunities. The objective was to evaluate Madagascar's twenty-three regions under thirteen pre-established criteria. The multi-criteria mean weight (MW) and Combined Compromise For Ideal Solution (CoCoFISo) decision-making methods were employed to calculate the criteria's relative importance and perform a comparative ranking of the regions. The weights of the criteria were equalized using the MW result. The CoCoFISo method revealed that the first seven regions are successively Atsimo Andrefana, Analanjirofo, Boeny, Vakinakaratra, Alaotra Mangoro, Diana and Analamanga. Our analysis of the results demonstrates that these regions display elevated percentages, with 54% to 69% of the criteria exhibiting above-average values. Additionally, the values of their criteria are generally stable in comparison to the others, which are dispersed.