OW Group Research Articles

Attention to food stimuli in binge eating disorder: Electrophysiological evidence

Attentional biases towards food play an important role in the pathology of binge eating disorder (BED). Later stage electrophysiological potentials (P300, late positive potential) present promising markers of motivated attention with high temporal, albeit low spatial resolution. Complementing this, the N2pc is an earlier-latency component providing the possibility of more directly analyzing visuospatial attention. Therefore, we tested a group with BED (N = 60), as well as an overweight (OW; N = 28) and normal weight (NW; N = 30) group without BED in a Go/No-Go paradigm using food and nonfood distractor images. Only the OW group in exclusively the Go trials displayed a stronger spatial attention allocation towards nonfood distractors as evidenced by an increased N2pc amplitude. In the P300's time window, the OW group displayed no attentional bias towards food and the NW group only did so in the absence of a target. Solely the BED group allocated more motivated attention towards food distractors both in Go and No-Go trials. In the following late positive potential (LPP), the OW group exhibited a general attentional bias towards food distractors, while the BED group only did so in the absence of a target. These results are discussed in light of the incentive sensitization theory and a potential early attentional suppression of potent distractors.

Maternal immune cell gene expression associates with maternal gut microbiome, milk composition and infant gut microbiome

Background– Pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity promote deleterious health impacts on both mothers during pregnancy and the offspring. Significant changes in the maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) gene expression due to obesity are well-known. However, the impact of pre-pregnancy overweight on immune cell gene expression during pregnancy and its association with maternal and infant outcomes is not well explored. Methods– Blood samples were collected from healthy normal weight (NW, pre-pregnancy BMI 18.5-24.9) or overweight (OW, pre-pregnancy BMI 25-29.9) 2nd parity pregnant women at 12, 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. PBMCs were isolated from the blood and subjected to mRNA sequencing. Maternal and infant microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Integrative multi-omics data analysis was performed to evaluate the association of gene expression with maternal diet, gut microbiota, milk composition, and infant gut microbiota. ResultsGene expression analysis revealed that 453 genes were differentially expressed in the OW women compared to NW women at 12 weeks of pregnancy, out of which 354 were upregulated and 99 were downregulated. Several up-regulated genes in the OW group were enriched in inflammatory, chemokine-mediated signaling and regulation of interleukin-8 production-related pathways. At 36 weeks of pregnancy healthy eating index score was positively associated with several genes that include, DTD1, ELOC, GALNT8, ITGA6-AS1, KRT17P2, NPW, POT1-AS1 and RPL26. In addition, at 36 weeks of pregnancy, genes involved in adipocyte functions, such as NG2 and SMTNL1, were negatively correlated to human milk 2’FL and total fucosylated oligosaccharides content collected at 1 month postnatally. Furthermore, infant Akkermansia was positively associated with maternal PBMC anti-inflammatory genes that include CPS1 and RAB7B, at 12 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Conclusions– These findings suggest that prepregnancy overweight impacts the immune cell gene expression profile, particularly at 12 weeks of pregnancy. Furthermore, deciphering the complex association of PBMC’s gene expression levels with maternal gut microbiome and milk composition and infant gut microbiome may aid in developing strategies to mitigate obesity-mediated effects.

Procedural and outcome impact of body mass index on pulsed field ablation of atrial fibrillation: insights from the EU-PORIA Registry

Abstract Introduction Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a "single-shot" non thermal ablation modality for atrial fibrillation (AF). In general, obesity is associated with increased risk of AF recurrence after catheter ablation with thermal energy sources. Purpose We aimed to assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on procedural characteristics, safety, acute efficacy and long-term outcomes of PFA for symptomatic AF. Methods Of 1233 subjects enrolled in the EU-PORIA registry, in our subanalysis we included 1055 patients undergoing de novo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)-only ablation procedure for symptomatic AF using the pentaspline PFA catheter from March 2021 until May 2022 at seven high-volume European centers. Patients were divided into two groups based on BMI: normal weight (nW, < 25 kg/m2) and overweight (oW, ≥ 25 kg/m2). Overweight patients were further categorized into three subgroups: pre-obesity (pOb, 25-29.9 kg/m2), obesity (Ob, 30-34.9 kg/m2) and severe obesity (sOb, ≥ 35 kg/m2). Clinical and procedural characteristics, complications and follow up data were collected. Results A total of 1055 patients (39% female, mean age 65,7±10,9 years, 65% paroxysmal AF) were enrolled. 32% of patients were normal weight (nW) and 68% overweight (oW). Among oW group, 438 subjects (41%) were assigned to pOb group, 204 (19%) to Ob, and 71 (7%) to sOb. Acute PVI was achieved in 100% of cases. The median skin-to-skin procedure and the median fluoroscopy time were similar between nW and oW and in all investigational subgroups, but radiation exposure increased in line with BMI (p<0.001). Periprocedural complications were 5% in nW, 1.6% in pOb, 3.9% in Ob, and 2.8% in sOb (p=0.06). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of arrhythmia-free survival was 80.2% in nW and 71.9% in oW (p=0.017). Each unit increment in BMI was associated with 4.2% increase in risk of AF/AT recurrence. Severe obese patients presented the highest 1-year AT/AF recurrence rate (37.2%). In the sOb group the rate of recurrence was not influenced by the type of AF (PAF 65.7% vs. pers AF 59.4%; p=0.484). Conclusion Overweight patients seem to experience more AF recurrences even after PFA PVI, mainly driven by a higher recurrence rate for BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. Weight reduction programs remain crucial, nevertheless, reduced procedural times, good safety profile and acceptable 1-year observed AF/AT freedom make PFA a feasible strategy for AF rhythm control in patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2.Freedom from AF/AT recurrence

Less risk of patellofemoral degeneration without significant clinical and survivorship difference for distal tibial tuberosity high tibial osteotomy compared to biplanar high tibial osteotomy over a mid-term follow-up.

This study aims to compare the mid-term radiographic, clinical results and survivorship between distal tibial tuberosity high tibial osteotomy (DTT-HTO) and conventional biplanar medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (cOW-HTO). The weight-bearing line ratio (WBL%) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were evaluated using a standing anteroposterior view of lower extremity. The posterior tibial slope (PTS), Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), tilting angle (TT) and lateral shift ratio (LSR) were evaluated using the lateral views and Merchant views. The Knee Society (KS) knee and function score, Lysholm score, and Anterior Knee Pain Scale (Kujala score) were were used to evaluate the functional outcomes. All parameters were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The postoperative complications and survivorship for both groups were also evaluated during the follow-up period. The WBL% and MPTA exhibited no significant differences between the two groups preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The postoperative CDI and TT in the cOW group decreased significantly compared with the DTT group (p = .037 and .041, respectively). The PF grade showed a significant increase after DTT-HTO and cOW-HTO (p = .036 and <0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the postoperative PF grade of cOW group was significantly higher than that of DTT group (p = .039). The KS knee and function score, Lysholm score, and Kujala score for both groups improved similarly at the final follow-up. The survivorship free of revision was 92.7 % in the DTT group and 94.2% in the OW group. Despite observing a lower risk of PF joint progression in DTT-HTO compared to cOW-HTO, the clinical outcomes and survivorship after DTT-HTO and cOWHTO were comparable over a mid-term follow-up.

Assessing potential impact of gut microbiome disruptions on the environmental stress resilience of indoor-reared Bombus terrestris.

Bumblebees are crucial for both natural ecosystems and agriculture, but their decline in distribution and abundance over the past decade is alarming. The global importance of bumblebees in natural ecosystems and agricultural food production cannot be overstated. However, the reported decline over the past decade has led to a surge of interest in understanding and addressing bumblebee population decline. Hence, we aimed to detect disruptions in the gut microbiome of male and worker bumblebees reared indoor and outdoor to assess potential resilience to environmental stress. Using the Illumina MiSeq platform for 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing, we analyzed the gut microbiome of male and worker bees that were raised indoors (designated as the IM and IW group) and those that were raised outdoors (also designated as the OM and OW group). Our results show presence of core bacteria Neisseriaceae, Orbaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae from indoor reared worker bees. However, a higher abundance of Bifidobacterium and absence of Fructobacillus from indoor reared worker bees was also observed. Indoor-reared male bees had lower diversity and fewer observed OTUs compared to outdoor-reared male bees. Additionally, the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Firmicutes was significantly lower in indoor-reared males, while Proteobacteria was significantly increased. Despite this, we did not observe any dysbiosis in the gut microbiota of indoor-reared bumblebees when comparing the role of the gut symbionts among the groups. These results suggest that indoor-reared Bombus terrestris may be resilient to environmental stress when used as outdoor pollinators.

Separate and combined effects of elevated pCO2 and temperature on the branching reef corals Acropora digitifera and Montipora digitata

Ocean acidification (OA) and warming (OW) are major global threats to coral reef ecosystems; however, studies on their combined effects (OA + OW) are scarce. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of OA, OW, and OA + OW in the branching reef corals Acropora digitifera and Montipora digitata, which have been found to respond differently to environmental changes. Our results indicate that OW has a greater impact on A. digitifera and M. digitata than OA and that the former species is more vulnerable to OW than the latter. OW was the main stressor for increased mortality and decreased calcification in the OA + OW group, and the effect of OA + OW was additive in both species. Our findings suggest that the relative abundance and cover of M. digitata are expected to increase whereas those of A. digitifera may decrease in the near future in Okinawa.

Correlation study on serum miR-222-3p and glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

ObjectivemicroRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine and metabolic disorder that commonly occurs in women of childbearing age. This paper aimed to measure miR-222-3p expression in sera of PCOS patients and to explore its clinical value on PCOS diagnosis and prediction of diabetic and cardiovascular complications.MethodsTotally 111 PCOS patients and 94 healthy people were recruited and assigned to the overweight (ow) group and non-overweight (non-ow) group, followed by determination of serum miR-222-3p expression. The diagnostic efficiency of miR-222-3p on PCOS ow and non-ow patients was analyzed. Correlations between miR-222-3p and glycolipid metabolic indicators and diabetic and cardiovascular complications in PCOS were analyzed. The downstream target of miR-222-3p was predicted and their binding relationship was verified. The correlation between PGC-1α and miR-222-3p was analyzed.ResultsmiR-222-3p was highly-expressed in PCOS patients (p < 0.001), in especially PCOS ow patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of miR-222-3p diagnosing PCOS non-ow patients was 0.9474 and cut-off value was 1.290 (89.06% sensitivity, 98.11% specificity), indicating that non-ow people with serum miR-222-3p > 1.290 could basically be diagnosed with PCOS. AUC of miR-222-3p diagnosing PCOS ow patients was 0.9647 and cut-off value was 2.425 (85.11% sensitivity, 100% specificity), suggesting that ow people with serum miR-222-3p > 2.425 could basically be diagnosed with PCOS. miR-222-3p was positively-correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and negatively-correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). miR-222-3p was independently-correlated with diabetic and cardiovascular complications in PCOS (p < 0.05). High expression of miR-222-3p predicted high risks of diabetic and cardiovascular complications in PCOS. miR-222-3p targeted PGC-1α and was negatively-correlated with PGC-1α (r = − 0.2851, p = 0.0224; r = − 0.3151, p = 0.0310).ConclusionHigh expression of miR-222-3p assisted PCOS diagnosis and predicted increased risks of diabetic and cardiovascular complications. miR-222-3p targeted PGC-1α and was negatively-correlated with PGC-1α.

Association of Prepregnancy Obesity and Remodeled Maternal-Fetal Plasma Fatty Acid Profiles.

BackgroundFatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), are found abundantly in the brain and are fundamental for a fetus's growth. The fatty acid profiles of mothers and fetuses may be affected by maternal prepregnancy body mass index (pre-BMI), thus affecting fetal growth and development.MethodsA total of 103 mother-fetus pairs were divided into overweight/obese (OW, n = 26), normal weight (NW, n = 60), and underweight (UW, n = 17) groups according to pre-BMI. Fatty acid profiles in maternal and umbilical cord plasma were analyzed by gas chromatography.ResultsThe infant birth BMI z-score of the OW group was higher than that of the NW and UW groups (p < 0.05). The OW mothers had significantly higher plasma n-6 PUFA and n-6/n-3, but lower docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and n-3 PUFA (p < 0.05). In cord plasma, the proportions of DHA and n-3 PUFA were lower in the OW group (p < 0.05), whereas the n-6/n-3 ratio was higher in the OW group (p < 0.05). The pre-BMI was negatively correlated with cord plasma DHA in all subjects (r = −0.303, p = 0.002), and the same negative correlation can be observed in the OW group (r = −0.561, p = 0.004), but not in the NW and UW groups (p > 0.05). The pre-BMI was positively correlated with cord plasma n-6/n-3 in all subjects (r = 0.325, p = 0.001), and the same positive correlation can be found in the OW group (r = 0.558, p = 0.004), but not in NW and UW groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsMaternal pre-BMI was associated with the maternal-fetal plasma fatty acid profiles, whereas the adverse fatty acid profiles are more noticeable in the prepregnancy OW mothers.

Negative emotion‐related eating behaviours in young women with underweight status, overweight status, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa in Korea

This study aimed at investigating the negative emotion-related eating behaviours of young women with extreme weights or eating disorders (EDs). A total of 808 young women participated including 144 with underweight (UW), 364 with normal-weight (NW) and 137 with overweight (OW; including 27 with obesity) from universities, and 63 patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), and 100 patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) from a hospital. Participants were interviewed and completed questionnaires on eating behaviours related to negative emotions. While both OW and BN groups ate more in response to negative emotions, UW and AN groups ate less compared to NW group. Negative feelings after overeating were prominent in OW group and patients with ED. In negative emotions, patients with EDs preferred sweet tastes, but BN group preferred spicy tastes less. Patients with EDs had increased external eating, and BN group also showed increased restrained eating. Neuroticism had indirect impacts on OW status via emotional eating unlike BN. The results suggest that UW and OW status were on the spectrum of emotional eating, and AN and BN were on the extremes of external eating, which may be integrated into the development of interventions targeting each status.

Autonomic function and its relationship with central obesity and hemodynamic variables in obese and overweight adults.

Introduction: central obesity is associated with an autonomic dysfunction characterized by an increase in sympathetic activity and a reduction in vagal tone, leading to a decrease in heart rate variability. Objective: we aimed to analyze the relationship between the time and frequency domains of heart rate variability with central obesity, and its hemodynamic variables in normal-weight, overweight and obese adults. Methods: a total of 65 adults were evaluated (25.4 ± 3.2 years old) and distributed in 3 groups: normal weight group (NW group), overweight group (OW group) and obese group (OB group). Heart rate variability parameters at rest and both anthropometric and hemodynamic variables were recorded. Results: the results showed a positive correlation between waist circunference and LF/HF ratio in the OW (p = 0.0008; r = 0.6607; r2 = 0.4365) and OB (p = 0.0001; r = 0.8286; r2 = 0.6866) groups. The waist-to-height ratio showed significant differences with HF in the NW, OW, and OB groups. The variables related to the parasympathetic system (SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, HF) in the OB and OW groups showed a decrease in values when compared to the NW group. Likewise, the variable related to the sympathetic system (LF) in the OB and OW groups increased its values when compared with the NW group. The LF/HF ratio increased from the NW group to the OW and OB groups (1.6 ± 0.7; 2.5 ± 1.8 and 3.3 ± 0.7). Conclusion: overweight and obese adults present a modulation of sympathetic activity predominance at rest. This increased activity is represented by the time and frequency domains of heart rate variability, having an important correlation with waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio.

Assessment of the prognostic role of body mass index on breast cancer survivors: A Moroccan center experience

Positive association between elevated body mass index (BMI) and reduced survival in breast cancer (BC) women was demonstrated in previous meta-analyses of published data. Meanwhile, recent studies have reported that low BMI was associated with BC recurrence and overall mortality, which is paradoxical. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of BMI on mortality risk in a population of BC survivors. This retrospective study included 2284 female BC survivors recruited from the registry of the cardio-oncology unit of Casablanca between 2014 and 2021. BMI defined by the WHO criteria as follow: underweight (UW; BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 ), normal weight (NW; BMI = 18.5–24.9 kg/m 2 ) and overweight or obese (OW; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 ). We performed to evaluate the association between low BMI and clinical outcome in BC patients. The clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients after BC diagnosis were analyzed. In our study, 9.2% patients were UW and 23.9% were OW. OW group was associated with older age, larger size tumors, and higher cardiotoxicity ( P = 0.032, 0.025, P < 0.001, respectively). The overall survival (OS) decreased in OW patients ( P = 0.014), and both OW and obesity were independent predictors for increased risks of BC relapse and death ( P = 0.028). On the other hand, UW was more prominent in young women ( P = 0.018) and no significant association was found between BC recurrence rate and the UW group ( P = 0.082 and 0.056, respectively). However, multivariate regression analysis found that low BMI was an independent OS prognostic factor in young patients [HR: 1.72 (95% CI: 1.18–2.32), P = 0.029]. Our results demonstrate the prognostic role of BMI on BC survivors that might depend on patients’ age and clinical stage. Both overweight and underweight might be independently associated with poorer prognosis in BC patients. Efforts should be made to maintain BC patients in normal weight in order to improve survival.

Discrepancy in the Distribution Patterns of Subchondral Bone Density Across the Ankle Joint After Medial Opening-Wedge and Lateral Closing-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

Background: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) changes the alignment and dynamics of the ankle joint; however, differences in the stress distribution of the ankle joint after opening-wedge HTO (OWHTO) and closing-wedge HTO (CWHTO) are not understood. It is believed that subchondral bone density of the articular surface reflects the pattern of cumulative stress distribution across the joint surface. Purpose: To clarify the effects of OWHTO and CWHTO on the distribution patterns of subchondral bone density across the ankle joint using computed tomography (CT)–osteoabsorptiometry. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Radiographic and CT data of 18 cases who underwent OWHTO (OW group), 12 cases who underwent CWHTO (CW group), and 11 cases with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury serving as controls were retrospectively reviewed. The subchondral bone density of the distal tibia was assessed in the 3 groups using CT-osteoabsorptiometry. The distal tibial surface of the ankle joint was divided into 4 parts in the coronal direction, and the percentage of the high-density area (%HDA) to each subregion was compared before and after HTO. Results: Preoperatively, comparing %HDA among the 3 groups, there were no significant differences in any regions. In the OW group, postoperative %HDA in the most medial region was significantly increased compared with preoperative %HDA (49.3% to 53.0%; P = .011), and postoperative %HDA in the most lateral region was significantly decreased (21.4% to 17.2%; P = .003). On the other hand, in the CW group, postoperative %HDA in the most medial region was significantly decreased (55.7% to 35.7%; P = .001), and %HDA in the second lateral region was significantly increased (23.6% to 29.2%; P = .002). Conclusion: The ankle distribution pattern of subchondral bone density shifted significantly medially after OWHTO without fibular osteotomy, whereas the distribution pattern shifted laterally after CWHTO with fibular osteotomy. When the OWHTO is performed for patients with medial ankle osteoarthritis, surgeons should pay attention to potential postoperative progression of ankle osteoarthritis due to medial shift of the stress distribution in the ankle joint.

An optimal window of platelet reactivity by LTA assay for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

ObjectiveThis study was aimed to determine how platelet reactivity (PR) on dual antiplatelet therapy predicts ischemic and bleeding events in patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).DesignA total of 2768 patients who had received coronary stent implantation and had taken aspirin 100 mg in combination with clopidogrel 75 mg daily for > 5 days were consecutively screened and 1885 were enrolled. The recruited patients were followed-up for 12 months. The primary end-point was the net adverse clinical events (NACE) of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR), stent thrombosis (ST) and any bleeding.Result1709 patients completed the clinical follow-up. By using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal cut-off values were found to be 37.5 and 25.5% respectively in predicting ischemic and bleeding events. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to PR: inside the window group (IW) [adenosine diphosphate (ADP) induced platelet aggregation (PLADP) 25.5–37.4%)] and outside the window group (OW) (PLADP < 25.5% or ≥ 37.5%). The incidence of NACE was 16.8 and 23.1% respectively in the IW and OW group. The hazard ratio of NACE in IW group was significantly lower [0.69 (95% CI, 0.54–0.89, P = 0.004)] than that in the OW group during 12-month follow-up.ConclusionAn optimal therapeutic window of 25.5–37.4% for PLADP predicts the lowest risk of NACE, which could be referred for tailored antiplatelet treatment while using LTA assay.Trial registrationTrial registration number: ClinicalTrials.govNCT01968499. Registered 18 October 2013 - Retrospectively registered.

Metabolic flexibility during normal pregnancy allows appropriate adaptation during gestation independently of BMI.

Overweight and obesity in reproductive-age women hasten the development of insulin resistance and increase risk for deterioration of pregnancy metabolism. These pregnancy-associated metabolic changes are similar to those of the metabolic syndrome. Thus, some metabolic flexibility must allow appropriate adaptation to the metabolic load that pregnancy imposes. We evaluated metabolic flexibility during uncomplicated pregnancy in women with pre-gestational normal weight or overweight. In 20 women with singleton pregnancies, pre-pregnancy BMI was categorized as normal-weight (Nw) or overweight (Ow). The women were seen quarterly, and fasting and postprandial blood samples were collected at each visit. Indirect fasting and/postprandial calorimetry was performed to evaluate metabolic flexibility (Δrespiratory quotient (RQ)=RQpostprandial - RQfasting). In the first trimester, metabolic flexibility was lower in the Ow group compared to the Nw group (0.031±0.0131 vs 0.077±0.018, respectively) without a statistically significant difference (p=0.053). In the second trimester, the Ow group was significantly more flexible than the Nw group (0.190±0.016 vs 0.077±0.015, respectively (p=0.004)). For the third trimester, the Ow and Nw groups did not differ in metabolic flexibility (0.074±0.013 vs 0.087±0.021, respectively) (p=0.40). The most influential variables for metabolic flexibility during pregnancy were lactate, leptin, β-hydroxybutyrate, glycerol, aromatic amino acids, medium and long chain acylcarnitine's. Our findings indicate that metabolic flexibility changes throughout pregnancy, independently of pre-pregnancy BMI. These changes maintain metabolic homeostasis between the mother and foetus, allowing for appropriate adjustments during pregnancy.

Differences in adolescent cerebral perfusion as a function of obesity: Results from the FLEX‐Brain study

Children and adolescents have greater resting cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during periods of rapid brain growth. Overweight and obesity have a global impact on brain cerebrovascular health in adults, but whether these effects are discernable in adolescents with overweight and obesity remains unknown. This study examined differences in rCBF between adolescents with a healthy weight (HW) and adolescents with overweight or obesity (OW). The current study focused on analyzing data from 58 participants (mean age = 15.43 [SD 1.37] years). Participants were classified into OW (n = 38) and HW groups (n = 20) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for children. Voxelwise t tests between the HW and OW groups were conducted to test for regional group differences in rCBF, controlling for age and sex. Mean rCBF was extracted from a gray matter mask to compare global rCBF between the HW and OW groups. The HW group had greater rCBF compared with the OW group in five clusters, with peaks in the cerebellum, precentral gyrus, and supplementary motor area. No clusters survived correction for the OW > HW contrast. Global rCBF did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.09). These results suggest that overweight and obesity in adolescence are associated with discernable reductions in blood flow to specific brain regions rather than having a global impact on rCBF.

Overweight and obesity in adults with cystic fibrosis: An Italian multicenter cohort study

BackgroundOver the last decades aggressive interventions have been successful to improve nutritional outcomes in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). As a result, with improvement of life expectancy and new CFTR modulators, overweight and obesity are progressively becoming a source of concern for adult population and in developed countries. MethodsThis was a multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study of 321 adults with CF at three large CF centers in Italy. Patients were divided into three groups according to BMI classes, overweight and obesity (OW) group including patients with BMI ≥25 kg/m2, normal weight (NW) group with BMI 18.6–24.9 kg/m2 and underweight (UW) group with BMI ≤18.5 kg/m2. ResultsWe demonstrated that prevalence of OW in adults with CF in Italy is 22%. OW status is independently associated with male sex (OR 3.520, P = 0.001), pancreatic sufficiency (OR 2.873, P = 0.014) and older age at diagnosis (1.015, P = 0.042). BMI correlated with ppFEV1 (r = 0.337; P<0.0001) with median ppFEV1 significantly higher in patients with OW than comparisons. We also reported preliminary data on unfavorable cardiovascular risk factors in a subgroup of patients, where median blood levels [IQR] of cholesterol and systemic hypertension [%] were significantly higher in the OW group than in the NW and UW. ConclusionsPeople with CF and OW is a relevant patient group that might deserve better definition and proper clinical management.

Implications of SCFAs on the Parameters of the Lipid and Hepatic Profile in Pregnant Women.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the product of the anaerobic intestinal bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber and resistant starch. An abnormal intestinal microbiota may cause a reduction in the production of SCFAs, which stimulate the development of intestinal epithelial cells, nourish enterocytes, influence their maturation and proper differentiation, reduce the pH, and are an additional source of energy for the host. There have been reports of the special role of SCFAs in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism during pregnancy. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the correlation of SCFAs with lipid and hepatic metabolism during pregnancy in relation to the body weight of pregnant women. Material and methods: This study was conducted in pregnant women divided into two groups: Obese (OW—overweight and obese women; n = 48) and lean (CG—control group; n = 48) individuals. The biochemical plasma parameters of lipid metabolism (TG, CH, LDL, HDL), inflammation (CRP), and liver function (ALT, AST, GGT) were determined in all of the subjects. SCFA analysis was performed in the stool samples to measure acetic acid (C 2:0), propionic acid (C 3:0), isobutyric acid (C 4:0 i), butyric acid (C 4:0 n), isovaleric acid (C 5:0 i) valeric acid (C 5:0 n), isocaproic acid (C 6:0 i), caproic acid (C 6:0 n), and heptanoic acid (C 7:0). Results: Statistically significant differences in the concentrations of C 3:0 and C 6:0 n were found between women in the OW group compared to the CG group. The other SCFAs tested did not differ significantly depending on BMI. The C 2:0, C 3:0, and C 4:0 n ratios showed differences in both OW and CG groups. In the OW group, no relationship was observed between the concentrations of the SCFAs tested and CRP, ALT, AST. A surprising positive relationship between C 5:0 n and all fractions of the tested lipids and branched C 5:0 with CHL, HDL, and LDL was demonstrated. In the OW group, HDL showed a positive correlation with C 3:0. However, lower GGT concentrations were accompanied by higher C 4:0 and C 5:0 values, and this tendency was statistically significant. Conclusions: The results of our research show that some SCFAs are associated with hepatic lipid metabolism and CRP concentrations, which may vary with gestational weight. Obesity in pregnancy reduces the amount of SCFAs in the stool, and a decrease in the level of butyrate reduces liver function.

Primary Transverse Closure Compared to Open Wound Treatment for Primary Pilonidal Sinus Disease in Children.

We aimed to compare the outcome of two different operative methods to correct pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) in children, i.e., excision and open wound care (OW) versus excision and primary transverse closure (PC) of the wound. In this retrospective, observational study, we extracted data from the medical records of 56 patients who underwent surgery for PSD at our institution between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2016. To test whether the primary variable, i.e., rate of PSD recurrence, differed between the two surgical groups, a logistic regression model was fitted. Secondary explanatory variables were total length of stay (LOS) at the hospital, complications, sex and age of patients, seniority of the surgeon in charge, and volume of excised specimen. Overall, 32 (57%) children and young adults underwent OW, while 24 (43%) patients were treated by PC. Mean age at operation was 15.5 years in either group. PSD recurred in 12 of 32 (37.5%) children in the OW group and in 3 of 24 (12.5%) children in the PC group (ratio: 0.19, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.03–1.07). Thus, treatment of primary PSD by PC proved superior with respect to PSD recurrence. Moreover, our study did not bring to light any high-grade complications in the PC group, and postoperative pain was minimal. Less invasive treatment approaches for chronic PSD are typically performed in an outpatient setting and offer reduced morbidity, low rates of PSD recurrence, and shortened periods of time to return to work or social activities. More radical operations of PSD should be reserved for recurrent PSD where less invasive approaches have failed several times.

The Effects of Cognitive Task and Change of Height on Postural Stability and Cardiovascular Stress in Workers Working at Height.

The purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of cognitive task and change of height on the postural stability and cardiovascular stress of at-height workers. The study included 32 healthy men aged 25–47. Due to the type of work performed, two groups were identified: at‒height workers, HW (n = 16), and office workers (mainly work at desk with a computer) OW (n = 16). The objective measures of postural stability (posturography) and cardiovascular stress (heart rate monitor) were evaluated for both groups at two different platform heights (ground level and 1 m above the ground) with or without cognitive task (backward counting). The increased height and the cognitive task were found to significantly affect measures of postural stability and cardiovascular stress. It was observed that in inexperienced OW employees, higher platform height and performing a cognitive task meant that posture stability significantly decreased, while cardiovascular stress and difficulties in maintaining balance increased. In HW group postural stability is less affected by distress conditions than in OW group.

Abstract 1130: Cultural and socioeconomic factors affecting breast cancer screening in an Argentine city

Abstract In Argentina, there are no studies evaluating cultural and socioeconomic factors affecting breast cancer screening. Argentina presents social and economic disparities, and there is a mixture of features of both developed and developing societies. The goal of this research was to analyze cultural and social factors in advantaged and disadvantaged women of a metropolitan area in order to improve breast cancer screening by increasing the understanding of the complex society. A cross-sectional study was performed; a total of 739 women was included, being 379 of low economic power (ow group, LG) and 360 of middle economic power (MG); women were personally interviewed within three months. A structured previously validated questionnaire was employed considering socially shared values, beliefs, expectations, motivations, and emotions relevant to health behaviors, interactions with the health care system, educational level, occupation, and information about breast cancer and mammographic screening. Previous research in this area suggested that theoretical models and multivariate methods were needed in order to account for the complexity of relations among psychological, social structural, and cultural determinants of health behaviors. In this sense, an exhaustive statistical analysis was performed by multivariate analysis and logistic regression model. A Principal Component Analysis was performed employing previously selected variables; 3 factors were extracted which accounted for 35.8% of the total variance. Factor 1 was associated with fatalistic responses in association to attitudes to life and/or mammography screening while Factor 2 was related to concerns about cancer and exposition to radiation. These two factors and the covariates age, social group, education, health system, and primary doctor were use in a logistic regression model to assess mammographic adherence. Low score Factor 2 (p=0.003), MG (p=0.024) and the availability of a primary doctor (p=0.000) were associated with high mammographic adherence. Conclusions: This study highlights that mammographic screening is highly influenced by socioeconomic power, health system, and access to primary doctor. It appears that, some psychological factors related to concerns about cancer and exposition to radiation are also important. These data would be important to plan specific prevention and early diagnosis programs to be implemented by governmental entities. Citation Format: Maria Virginia Croce, Luciano Cermignani, Martin E. Rabassa. Cultural and socioeconomic factors affecting breast cancer screening in an Argentine city [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1130.