Weight Loss Patterns Research Articles

Early Changes in Eating Behavior Patterns and Their Relationship with Weight Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

Eating behaviors (EB) correlate with weight loss after bariatric surgery (BS). Therefore, the investigation of EB could guide interventions to prevent insufficient weight outcomes. A prospective cohort of 85 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB; 84.7% female, mean age 44.7 ± 9.3 years) was included. Six months after undergoing RYGB, EB patterns, including cognitive restraint (CR), uncontrolled (UE), and emotional eating (EE), were assessed using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire R21 (TFEQ-R21). History, physical examination, and anthropometric assessments were collected pre- and 12 months postoperative. Patients were divided based on the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL < 80% or ≥80%) and EB patterns were correlated with weight outcomes at 12 months. The %EWL ≥ 80% group demonstrated significantly higher scores in CR and EE compared to %EWL < 80% (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). UE scores were similar between groups (p = 0.41). At 12 months postoperative, the %EWL ≥ 80% group had negative correlations between CR and BMI and positive correlations between CR and EWL (rho = -0.33 and rho = 0.29; p = 0.04). Multiple logistic regression considering %EWL ≥ 80% as the aim outcome revealed that CR had a significant influence (OR = 1.037; p = 0.058), while age (OR = 0.962; p = 0.145), sex (OR = 2.984; p = 0.135), UE (OR = 0.995; p = 0.736), and EE (OR = 1.017; p = 0.296) did not. EBs influence outcomes after BS, and a model using TFEQ-R21 predicted them. CR six months post-surgery was the strongest predictor of higher EWL at 12 months. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between restrictive EB and BS outcomes, possibly identifying strategies to prevent disordered EB in patients with higher scores.

Trajectories of BMI before and after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in a real-world population.

Few studies have examined the clinical characteristics associated with changes in weight before and after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Using a large real-world cohort, we derived trajectories of BMI before and after diabetes diagnosis, and examined the clinical characteristics associated with these trajectories, including assessing the impact of pre-diagnosis weight change on post-diagnosis weight change. We performed an observational cohort study using electronic medical records from individuals in the Scottish Care Information Diabetes Collaboration database. Two trajectories were calculated, based on observed BMI measurements between 3 years and 6 months before diagnosis and between 1 and 5 years after diagnosis. In the post-diagnosis trajectory, each BMI measurement was time-dependently adjusted for the effects of diabetes medications and HbA1c change. A total of 2736 individuals were included in the study. There was a pattern of pre-diagnosis weight gain, with 1944 individuals (71%) gaining weight overall, and 875 (32%) gaining more than 0.5 kg/m2 per year. This was followed by a pattern of weight loss after diagnosis, with 1722 individuals (63%) losing weight. Younger age and greater social deprivation were associated with increased weight gain before diagnosis. Pre-diagnosis weight change was unrelated to post-diagnosis weight change, but post-diagnosis weight loss was associated with older age, female sex, higher BMI, higher HbA1c and weight gain during the peri-diagnosis period. When considering the peri-diagnostic period (defined as from 6 months before to 12 months after diagnosis), we identified 986 (36%) individuals who had a high HbA1c at diagnosis but who lost weight rapidly and were most aggressively treated at 1 year; this subgroup had the best glycaemic control at 5 years. Average weight increases before diagnosis and decreases after diagnosis; however, there were significant differences across the population in terms of weight changes. Younger individuals gained weight pre-diagnosis, but, in older individuals, type 2 diabetes is less associated with weight gain, consistent with other drivers for diabetes aetiology in older adults. We have identified a substantial group of individuals who have a rapid deterioration in glycaemic control, together with weight loss, around the time of diagnosis, and who subsequently stabilise, suggesting that a high HbA1c at diagnosis is not inevitably associated with a poor outcome and may be driven by reversible glucose toxicity.

Yoyo Dieting, Post-Obesity Weight Loss, and Their Relationship with Gut Health.

Excessive body weight is associated with many chronic metabolic diseases and weight loss, so far, remains the gold standard treatment. However, despite tremendous efforts exploring optimal treatments for obesity, many individuals find losing weight and maintaining a healthy body weight difficult. Weight loss is often not sustainable resulting in weight regain and subsequent efforts to lose weight. This cyclic pattern of weight loss and regain is termed "yoyo dieting" and predisposes individuals to obesity and metabolic comorbidities. How yoyo dieting might worsen obesity complications during the weight recurrence phase remains unclear. In particular, there is limited data on the role of the gut microbiome in yoyo dieting. Gut health distress, especially gut inflammation and microbiome perturbation, is strongly associated with metabolic dysfunction and disturbance of energy homeostasis in obesity. In this review, we summarise current evidence of the crosstalk between the gastrointestinal system and energy balance, and the effects of yoyo dieting on gut inflammation and gut microbiota reshaping. Finally, we focus on the potential effects of post-dieting weight loss in improving gut health and identify current knowledge gaps within the field, including gut-derived peptide hormones and their potential suitability as targets to combat weight regain, and how yoyo dieting and associated changes in the microbiome affect the gut barrier and the enteric nervous system, which largely remain to be determined.

Analysis of the diet, weight-loss behavior, and nutritional knowledge of athletes and coaches in weightclass sports: influence of a coach's nutritional knowledge on athletes.

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional knowledge of elite athletes undergoing weight loss and to identify differences in weight-loss strategies according to nutritional knowledge. The participants included 22 coaches and 88 elite athletes registered under the same affiliation. The survey involved translating the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ), and interviews were used to confirm the diet and weight loss patterns of the athletes. The coaches and athletes were divided into high-rank (12 coaches and 57 athletes) and low-rank (10 coaches and 31 athletes) groups based on GNKQ scores. Paired t-tests, correlation analysis, and logistic regression analysis were performed. GNKQ results showed significant differences between high-ranking and low-ranking coaches (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference in nutrition knowledge scores was also noticed between athletes with high-ranking and low-ranking coaches (p < 0.001). A strong correlation was observed between the GNKQ scores of coaches and athletes (r = 0.369; p < 0.001). The nutritional knowledge of coaches was also correlated with weight-loss strategies (weight loss attempt frequency; r = -0.235; p = 0.027; weight loss duration; r = -0.268; p = 0.012). Additionally, differences were observed in the intake of all nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fat) in the diets of athletes (p < 0.001). Our study suggests that the nutritional knowledge of coaches indirectly affects athletes. Coaches have significant influence over athletes and possess experience with diet and weight-loss patterns. This insight should be effectively utilized to enhance the training and performance of athletes and coaches.

172 Clinical Patterns of Weight Loss in Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancers

172 Clinical Patterns of Weight Loss in Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancers

Patient proximity to follow-up care after bariatric surgery: Does it matter?

One factor that may play a significant role in the follow-up care compliance and long-term weight loss of post-bariatric surgery patients is the geographical distance from the surgery center to the patient's home address. This is a retrospective review which aims to evaluate whether the distance from a patient's home address to two Gundersen Health System (GHS) facilities (La Crosse and Onalaska, Wisconsin) is predictive of follow-up appointment compliance and subsequent long-term weight loss. 1336 patients undergoing bariatric surgery at GHS between October 15, 2013 and Dec 31, 2022 were included. Patients were grouped according to the distance between their home addresses and GHS with 60 ​% of patients living less than 30 miles from GHS, 33 ​% living 30 to 60 miles from GHS, and the remaining 7.3 ​% living >60 miles away. No significant difference was observed in the distribution of patients falling short, meeting, or exceeding the recommended number of post-operative appointments with a surgery provider based on proximity (p ​= ​0.10). As distance increased, the number of nutrition and behavioral health appointments completed per year decreased [nutrition/dietary appointments (p ​= ​0.046); behavioral health appointments (p ​= ​0.040)]. The pattern of percent excess weight loss (%EWL) over time was significantly different based on distance from home (p ​< ​0.001). Specifically, we found a similar %EWL among all groups in the first year post-operatively but an 18.8 ​% higher %EWL in the >60-mile group compared to the <60-mile group at 5 years (SE ​= ​5.4, P ​= ​0.0014). The lower number of post-op nutrition and behavioral health visits among patients living farther from the surgery center was an expected result, given potentially greater inconvenience of follow-up appointments for these patients. However, there was a paradoxical finding of significantly increased %EWL among patients living >60 miles from the surgery center. Greater distance from the bariatric surgical center was therefore not found to represent a barrier to favorable weight loss outcomes.

Association between Dietary Pattern, Weight Loss, and Diabetes among Adults with a History of Bariatric Surgery: Results from the Qatar Biobank Study.

We aimed to examine the association between weight loss, dietary patterns, diabetes, and glycemic control among Qatari adults with a history of bariatric surgery (BS). Data from 1893 adults from the Qatar Biobank study were analyzed. Diabetes was defined by blood glucose, HbA1c, and medical history, with poor glycemic control defined as HbA1c ≥ 7.0%. The dietary patterns were derived from a Food Frequency Questionnaire using factor analysis. The participants' mean age was 38.8 years, with a mean weight loss of 23.4% and a 6.1% prevalence of poor glycemic control. Weight loss was inversely associated with diabetes and poor glycemic control. The traditional dietary pattern (high intake of Biryani, chicken, meat, fish dishes, zaatar fatayer, croissant, lasagna, and Arabic bread) was inversely associated with diabetes prevalence, with an OR of 0.61 (95%CI, 0.41-0.99) when comparing extreme quartiles. No significant associations were found between prudent or sweet dietary patterns and diabetes. Among the individuals with known diabetes, the prevalence of remission was 33.4%, with an OR for remission of 5.94 (95%CI, 1.89-18.69) for the extreme quartiles of weight loss. In conclusion, weight loss and traditional dietary patterns are inversely associated with diabetes and glycemic control among adults with a history of BS, with weight loss being the main determinant.

Longitudinal gut microbial signals are associated with weight loss: insights from a digital therapeutics program.

The gut microbiome's influence on weight management has gained significant interest for its potential to support better obesity therapeutics. Patient stratification leading to personalized nutritional intervention has shown benefits over one-size-fit-all diets. However, the efficacy and impact on the gut's microbiome of personalizing weight loss diets based on individual factors remains under-investigated. This study assessed the impact of Digbi Health's personalized dietary and lifestyle program on weight loss and the gut microbiome end-points in 103 individuals. Participants' weight loss patterns and gut microbiome profiles were analyzed from baseline to follow-up samples. Specific microbial genera, functional pathways, and communities associated with BMI changes and the program's effectiveness were identified. 80% of participants achieved weight loss. Analysis of the gut microbiome identified genera and functional pathways associated with a reduction in BMI, including Akkermansia, Christensenella, Oscillospiraceae, Alistipes, and Sutterella, short-chain fatty acid production, and degradation of simple sugars like arabinose, sucrose, and melibiose. Network analysis identified a microbiome community associated with BMI, which includes multiple taxa known for associations with BMI and obesity. The personalized dietary and lifestyle program positively impacted the gut microbiome and demonstrated significant associations between gut microbial changes and weight loss. These findings support the use of the gut microbiome as an endpoint in weight loss interventions, highlighting potential microbiome biomarkers for further research.

Co-pyrolysis behavior of municipal solid waste and food waste residue: A thermogravimetric study to discern synergistic effect

Effective solid waste disposal necessitates suitable combination and clean conversion technologies to maximize resource utilization. Thus, this study investigates the behavior of co-pyrolysis in municipal solid waste (MSW) and food waste (FW) via thermogravimetric analysis, aiming to discern synergistic effects and optimize waste to energy conversion. The impacts of heating rate and blending ratios were evaluated under an inert N2 atmosphere, within a temperature range of 30–900℃, during single and combined pyrolysis processes respectively. Results revealed slight variations in weight loss patterns and thermal decomposition behavior. When heating rate increased from 10 to 30℃.min−1, decomposition process delayed, resulting in higher initial (Ti), peak (TP), and final (Tf) temperatures due to inadequate heat transfer. As food waste increased, mass loss rose and favorable synergistic effect was observed at 20 % FW during medium temperatures, while other blends showed inhibitory effects. The pyrolytic index (D) rose nonlinearly from 6.29 × 10−7 to 7.72 × 10−7 with a higher FW proportion, peaking at 20 % FW, suggesting an optimal MSW and FW mixing ratio. This blend also exhibited the lowest activation energy, indicating a more efficient thermal decomposition process. Those outcomes offer crucial insights for optimizing co-pyrolysis systems and provide essential information for co-disposal of MSW and FW, potentially reducing pollutant emissions and enhancing waste to energy conversion.

Characterization of the plasma metabolome and lipidome in response to sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgeries reveals molecular patterns of surgical weight loss

ObjectivesBariatric surgery improves metabolic health, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We analyzed the effects of two types of bariatric surgery, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), on the plasma metabolome and lipidome. MethodsWe characterized the plasma metabolome (1268 metabolites) and lipidome (953 lipids) pre-operatively and at 3 and 12 months post-operatively in 104 obese adults who were previously recruited to a prospective cohort of bariatric surgery. The metabolomic and lipidomic responses to bariatric surgery over time were analyzed using multivariable linear mixed-effects models. ResultsThere were significant changes in multiple metabolites and lipids, including rapid early changes in amino acid and peptide metabolites, including decreases in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), aromatic AAs, alanine and aspartate, and increases in glycine, serine, arginine and citrulline. There were also significant decreases in many triglyceride species, with increases in phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines. There were significant changes in metabolites related to energy metabolism that were apparent only after 12 months. We observed differences by bariatric surgery type in the changes in a small number of primary and secondary bile acids, including glycohyocholate and glyco-beta-muricholate. ConclusionsOur findings highlight the comprehensive changes in metabolites and lipids that occur over the 12 months following bariatric surgery. While both SG and RYGB caused profound changes in the metabolome and lipidome, RYGB was characterized by greater increases in bile acids following surgery.

FicD regulates adaptation to the unfolded protein response in the murine liver

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a cellular stress response that is activated when misfolded proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Regulation of the UPR response must be adapted to the needs of the cell as prolonged UPR responses can result in disrupted cellular function and tissue damage. Previously, we discovered that the enzyme FicD (also known as Fic or HYPE) through its AMPylation and deAMPylation activity can modulate the UPR response via post-translational modification of BiP. FicD AMPylates BiP during homeostasis and deAMPylates BiP during stress. We hypothesized that FicD regulation of the UPR will play a role in mitigating the deleterious effects of UPR activation in tissues with frequent physiological stress. Here, we explore the role of FicD in the murine liver. As seen in our pancreatic studies, livers lacking FicD exhibit enhanced UPR signaling in response to short term physiologic fasting and feeding stress. However, in contrast to studies on the pancreas, livers, as a more regenerative tissue, remained remarkably resilient in the absence of FicD. The livers of FicD−/− did not show marked changes in UPR signaling or damage after either chronic high fat diet (HFD) feeding or acute pathological UPR induction. Intriguingly, FicD−/− mice showed changes in UPR induction and weight loss patterns following repeated pathological UPR induction. These findings indicate that FicD regulates UPR responses during mild physiological stress and in adaptation to repeated stresses, but there are tissue specific differences in the requirement for FicD regulation.

Weight Loss Trajectories and Short-Term Prediction in an Online Weight Management Program.

The extent to which early weight loss in behavioral weight control interventions predicts long-term success remains unclear. In this study, we developed an algorithm aimed at classifying weight change trajectories and examined its ability to predict long-term weight loss based on weight early change. We utilized data from 667 de-identified individuals who participated in a commercial weight loss program (Instinct Health Science), comprising 69,363 weight records. Sequential polynomial regression models were employed to classify participants into distinct weight trajectory patterns based on key model parameters. Next, we applied multinomial logistic models to evaluate if early weight loss in the first 14 days and prolonged duration of participation were significantly associated with long-term weight loss patterns. The mean percentage of weight loss was 7.9 ± 5.1% over 133 ± 69 days. Our analysis revealed four main weight loss trajectory patterns: a steady decrease over time (30.6%), a decrease to a plateau with subsequent decline (15.8%), a decrease to a plateau with subsequent increase (46.9%), and no substantial decrease (6.7%). Early weight change rate and total participating duration emerged as significant factors in differentiating long-term weight loss patterns. These findings contribute to support the provision of tailored advice in the early phase of behavioral interventions for weight loss.

Biodegradability and Water Absorption of Macadamia Nutshell Powder-Reinforced Poly(lactic Acid) Biocomposites

This study investigates the biodegradability and water absorption properties of Macadamia nutshell powder and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites using a Design of Experiments (DOE) approach. The influences of processing methods, the Macadamia nutshell powder’s weight content, and the powder’s condition are studied. A biodegradability test is performed in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D5338-11 by burying the test specimens in wet garden soil at a controlled temperature of 50 °C and 100% humidity. The specimens obtained by counter-rotating processing exhibit varying weight loss patterns with an increasing powder weight content, while the specimens obtained by co-rotating processing demonstrate consistent behaviour. This study highlights the complex nature of PLA biodegradation, which is affected by diverse factors such as test conditions and environments, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the sustainability implications. A water absorption test is carried out in accordance with ASTM D570-98. It is shown that the water absorption characteristics are predominantly determined by the hydrophilic nature of Macadamia nutshells, with an increased powder weight content leading to higher absorption. Pure PLA, due to its hydrophobic nature, exhibits minimal water absorption. By unravelling the complexities of PLA biodegradation and water absorption in Macadamia nutshell and PLA biocomposites, this study not only advances the understanding of materials’ behaviour but also underscores the potential sustainability implications of utilizing natural resources in composite materials. This research contributes valuable insights to the broader discourse on environmentally friendly materials and their role in promoting sustainable practices.

Diet and Lifestyle Intervention-Induced Pattern of Weight Loss Related to Reduction in Low-Attenuation Coronary Plaque Burden.

Despite extensive research on body weight and cardiovascular risk, the mechanistic relationship between weight loss and coronary plaque modification has not been adequately addressed. This study aimed to determine the association between body composition dynamics and low-attenuation coronary plaque (LAP) burden. Eighty-nine participants (40% women, 60 ± 7.7 years) of the Dietary Intervention to Stop Coronary Atherosclerosis in Computed Tomography (DISCO-CT) study with non-obstructive atherosclerosis with nonobstructive atherosclerosis confirmed in computed tomography angiography (CCTA), a randomized (1:1), prospective, single-center study were included into the analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to either experimental arm (intensive diet and lifestyle intervention atop optimal medical therapy, n = 45) or control arm (optimal medical therapy alone, n = 44) over 66.8 ± 13.7 weeks. Changes (∆) in body mass (BM) and body composition parameters, including total body fat (TBF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and fat-to-muscle ratio (FMR), measured with bioimpedance analyzer were compared with CCTA-measured ∆LAP. Coronary plaque analysis was performed using the 2 × 192 dual-energy scanner (Somatom Force, Siemens, Germany), while quantitative coronary plaque measurements were performed using a semi-automated plaque analysis software system (QAngioCT v3.1.3.13, Medis Medical Imaging Systems, Leiden, The Netherlands). Significant intergroup differences were found for ∆BM (-3.6 ± 4.9 kg in the experimental vs. -1.4 ± 2.9 kg in the control group, p = 0.015), ∆TBF (-3.4 ± 4.8% in the experimental vs. 1.1 ± 5.5% in the control arm, p < 0.001), ∆SMM (1.9 ± 2.8% in the experimental vs. -0.7 ± 3.2% in the control arm, p < 0.001), and FMR [-12.9 (-21.2; -4.3)% in the experimental vs. 3.1 (-5.3; 10.7)% in the control arm, p < 0.001]. ∆LAP did not differ significantly between the study arms; however, in the whole study population, ∆LAP was positively correlated with ∆BM, ∆TBF, and ∆FMR (r = 0.45, p < 0.001; r = 0.300, p = 0.004; r = 0.233, p = 0.028, respectively), and negatively with ∆SMM (r = -0.285, p = 0.007). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed the association of ∆LAP with ∆BM, ∆TBF, and ∆FMR. The study intervention resulted in BM reduction characterized by fat loss, skeletal muscle gain, and increased FMR. This weight loss pattern may lead to a reduction in high-risk coronary plaque. Compared to a simple weight control, tracking body composition changes over time can provide valuable information on adverse coronary plaque modification.

Physiological Perturbations in Combat Sports: Weight Cycling and Metabolic Function-A Narrative Review.

Combat sports athletes seeking a competitive edge often engage in weight management practices to become larger than their opponents, which ultimately includes periods of gradual weight loss, rapid weight loss, and weight regain. This pattern of weight loss and regain is known as weight cycling and often includes periods of low energy availability, making combat sports athletes susceptible to metabolic dysfunction. This narrative review represents an effort to explore the metabolic perturbations associated with weight cycling and outline the short-, medium-, and long-term effects on metabolic flexibility, function, and health. The short-term effects of rapid weight loss, such as a reduced metabolic rate and alterations to insulin and leptin levels, may prelude the more pronounced metabolic disturbances that occur during weight regain, such as insulin resistance. Although definitive support is not currently available, this cycle of weight loss and regain and associated metabolic changes may contribute to metabolic syndrome or other metabolic dysfunctions over time.

Weight loss and treatment patterns in a real-world population of adults receiving liraglutide 3.0 mg for weight management in routine clinical practice in Switzerland (ADDRESS study).

To assess weight loss associated with liraglutide 3.0 mg treatment in individuals with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2 ) or overweight (BMI > 27 to <30 kg/m2 ) in a reimbursed, real-world setting in Switzerland. ADDRESS was a non-comparative, multicentre, retrospective exposure cohort study in Switzerland, examining weight loss in individuals with obesity or overweight whose treatment was reimbursed (divided into BMI subgroups) or non-reimbursed. The primary outcomes were proportions of participants in the reimbursed cohort achieving predefined weight loss targets with liraglutide 3.0 mg at Week 16 (≥5% and ≥7% for the lower BMI [28 to <35 kg/m2 with weight-related comorbidities] and higher BMI [≥35 kg/m2 ] subgroups, respectively) and Month 10 (additional ≥5% from Week 16; per Swiss reimbursement criteria). The full analysis set comprised 258 individuals (195 reimbursed; 63 non-reimbursed). In the reimbursed cohort, 139 individuals (71.3%) achieved their weight loss targets at Week 16. Of individuals who met the Week-16 criteria, 43.2% attained an additional 5% weight loss at Month 10. In 162 individuals for whom data were recorded at Month 10, the mean (standard deviation) relative weight loss from baseline to Month 10 was -12.4% (6.4%). Although reimbursement criteria may be difficult to achieve, particularly the additional weight loss of 5% from Week 16 to Month 10, a clinically relevant overall weight loss from baseline to Month 10 was shown in most individuals with obesity or overweight who received liraglutide 3.0 mg.

Eating behavior of adolescent girls in countries with a high prevalence of stunting under five: a systematic review

BackgroundAdolescence is critical for physical and psychological growth, making healthy dietary behavior essential. Several countries face nutritional challenges due to a high prevalence of stunting in children under five, which can impact adolescent girls’ eating behavior. This systematic review aims to provide evidence on the eating behavior of adolescent girls in such countries, offering insights for stunting prevention programs.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and registered it in PROSPERO. We employed a comprehensive search strategy across multiple databases. Study selection involved three stages: deduplication, title/abstract screening, and full-text review, with inter-reviewer agreement assessment.ResultsThe search identified 15 eligible studies from various countries, primarily utilizing cross-sectional designs. The studies focused on age ranges within adolescence and varied in sample size and assessment tools. The primary objective of these studies was to assess eating behavior, with outcomes related to dietary patterns, eating disorders, body image, and nutritional knowledge. The results revealed diverse eating behaviors among adolescent girls, including restrained eating, dieting for weight loss, craving-induced eating, and unhealthy dietary patterns. Many girls exhibited low dietary diversity, contributing to micronutrient deficiencies.SuggestionsTo address these issues effectively, stunting prevention programs and policies should prioritize the following strategies: implementing comprehensive nutritional education programs to enhance adolescents’ knowledge of healthy eating habits and dietary diversity, providing resources and support for positive body image development to reduce the pressure for unhealthy dieting, improving access to affordable, nutrient-rich foods in both urban and rural areas, raising awareness about eating disorders and emphasizing early identification and intervention, engaging parents, caregivers, and communities in promoting healthy eating behaviors, and maintaining rigorous research and monitoring to adapt strategies based on evolving trends in adolescent eating behaviors.ConclusionAdolescent girls in countries with high stunting prevalence exhibit diverse eating behaviors that can impact their nutritional status and overall health. Addressing these behaviors is essential to prevent stunting and its long-term consequences, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive strategies and support for this vulnerable population.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails, identifier CRD42023389909.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor antagonist MIA-602 attenuates cardiopulmonary injury induced by BSL-2 rVSV-SARS-CoV-2 in hACE2 mice.

COVID-19 pneumonia causes acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) characterized by early pulmonary endothelial and epithelial injuries with altered pulmonary diffusing capacity and obstructive or restrictive physiology. Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R) is expressed in the lung and heart. GHRH-R antagonist, MIA-602, has been reported to modulate immune responses to bleomycin lung injury and inflammation in granulomatous sarcoidosis. We hypothesized that MIA-602 would attenuate rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-induced pulmonary dysfunction and heart injury in a BSL-2 mouse model. Male and female K18-hACE2tg mice were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2/USA-WA1/2020, BSL-2-compliant recombinant VSV-eGFP-SARS-CoV-2-Spike (rVSV-SARS-CoV-2), or PBS, and lung viral load, weight loss, histopathology, and gene expression were compared. K18-hACE2tg mice infected with rVSV-SARS-CoV-2 were treated daily with subcutaneous MIA-602 or vehicle and conscious, unrestrained plethysmography performed on days 0, 3, and 5 (n = 7 to 8). Five days after infection mice were killed, and blood and tissues collected for histopathology and protein/gene expression. Both native SARS-CoV-2 and rVSV-SARS-CoV-2 presented similar patterns of weight loss, infectivity (~60%), and histopathologic changes. Daily treatment with MIA-602 conferred weight recovery, reduced lung perivascular inflammation/pneumonia, and decreased lung/heart ICAM-1 expression compared to vehicle. MIA-602 rescued altered respiratory rate, increased expiratory parameters (Te, PEF, EEP), and normalized airflow parameters (Penh and Rpef) compared to vehicle, consistent with decreased airway inflammation. RNASeq followed by protein analysis revealed heightened levels of inflammation and end-stage necroptosis markers, including ZBP1 and pMLKL induced by rVSV-SARS-CoV-2, that were normalized by MIA-602 treatment, consistent with an anti-inflammatory and pro-survival mechanism of action in this preclinical model of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Experimental investigation on mechanical performance of PVC foam‐based E‐glass isophthalic polyester composites

AbstractThe present research paper investigates the chemical, thermal, mechanical, thermo‐mechanical properties, and fractography of sandwich composites made from E‐glass‐reinforced isophthalic polyester with Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) foam as a core by hand. These composites are commonly used in marine applications and manufactured by hand lay‐up method. A comparison is made between the properties of the PVC foam polyester sandwich composite with E‐glass layers on both sides (SC1) and the PVC foam isophthalic polyester sandwich composite with double layers of E‐glass on both sides (SC2) in relation to single‐layer E‐glass. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is employed to analyze the chemical composition of the composites. Various mechanical properties, including impact strength, flexural strength (FS), fracture toughness, and tensile strength (TS), are evaluated for the fabricated composites. Thermo‐mechanical and thermal properties are examined using dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The chemical analysis identifies the unsaturation sites of (CH2)n, carbonyl group CO of the ester group, and the stretching of CH and CH3. The mechanical properties of SC2 composites are observed to be superior to those of SC1 composites. TGA revealed that both SC1 and SC2 composites showcased comparable temperature‐dependent weight loss patterns. Nonetheless, the SC2 composite displayed elevated glass transition temperature values and superior damping properties, as indicated by its higher Tanδ values. Examination of the fractured surfaces using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph reveals a honeycomb structure, matrix cracking, and fiber pullout.Highlights Examination of the chemical, thermal, mechanical, and thermo‐mechanical attributes of sandwich composites made from E‐glass‐reinforced isophthalic polyester with PVC foam as the core. Evaluation of the impact of E‐glass layering on the thickness of the composite skin. Analysis of interfacial properties through FTIR techniques. Assessment of mechanical properties like impact strength, FS, fracture toughness, and TS. Investigation of fracture surfaces using SEM.

Abstract P2192: Growth Hormone-releasing Hormone Receptor Antagonist Attenuates Cardiopulmonary Injury Induced By A Bsl2 Rvsv-sars-cov-2-s Virus Mimic Of Sars-cov-2 Infectivity

Background: COVID-19 causes severe pulmonary injury that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R) and its splice variant are expressed in murine and human lung and heart. GHRH-R antagonist, MIA-602, has been shown to modulate cellular immune responses to bleomycin lung injury and decrease inflammation in models of sarcoid granuloma. Using the BSL2-friendly rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S of K18 hACE2tg mice to mimic native SARS-CoV-2 infection, we tested our hypothesis that MIA-602 attenuates cardiopulmonary injury in this COVID-19 model. Methods: Male and female K18 hACE2tg mice were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 Washington (WA-1) native strain, recombinant VSV-SARS-CoV-2-Spike virus (rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S), or PBS and lung viral load, weight loss and histopathology compared between groups (N=5-8). K18 h ACE2 tg mice infected with rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S were subject to daily subcutaneous injections of 10 μg MIA-602 or vehicle starting at 24h post-infection. Pulmonary function was measured via whole-body plethysmography on day 0, day 3, and day 5 (n=7). Five days after viral infection mice were sacrificed; and blood and tissues collected for histopathological analyses, H&amp;E staining and ICAM-1 immunohistochemistry. T-test or One-way ANOVA-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Native SARS-CoV-2 and rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S presented with similar patterns of weight loss, infectivity (~60%) and histopathologic changes. Daily treatment with MIA-602 ameliorated weight loss, reduced lung perivascular inflammation and pneumonia, and decreased lung/heart ICAM-1 expression compared to vehicle. MIA-602 rescued respiratory rate, increased expiratory parameters (Te, PEF, EEP) and mitigated dysregulated measures of airway obstruction (Penh and Rpef) compared to vehicle. Conclusions: rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S is an accurate and safe alternative to native SARS-CoV-2 for preclinical studies. Daily treatment with the synthetic peptide GHRH-R antagonist MIA-602 attenuates pulmonary dysfunction and heart inflammation in this new preclinical mouse model of COVID-19 pneumonia. We hypothesize that the molecular mechanism involves anti-inflammatory actions of MIA-602.