Proportion Of Weight Research Articles

Evaluation of Performance of Cotton Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

This experimental study explored the impact of varying weight proportions (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of cotton fiber reinforcement in epoxy composites on compressive strength, Charpy impact strength, and water absorption characteristics. Concurrently, the interfacial properties were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The inclusion of 15 wt.% cotton fiber notably enhanced compressive strength, displaying consistent improvement as cotton content increased until reaching 15 wt.%. Beyond this point, further increases yielded diminishing enhancements in compressive properties. EC20 demonstrated superior impact strength and energy absorption. Increased cotton concentrations improved impact properties due to the fibrous nature of cotton, enhancing energy dissipation and crack resistance within the epoxy matrix. Higher cotton content correlated with increased water absorption, aligning with cotton’s hydrophilic properties. The EC20 composite exhibited heightened water uptake and permeability, indicating the influence of elevated cotton concentrations. SEM analysis of fracture surfaces identified crucial features such as fiber pull-out, matrix cracking, interfacial debonding, and surface irregularities. These findings contribute significantly to understanding the inherent failure mechanisms in these composite materials.

Grey-Taguchi approach to optimize the tribological performance of hybrid composites

Modern manufacturing technology is evolving, necessitating the creation of materials with higher wear resistance. This research endeavors to forecast the dry sliding wear performance of AL6061-B4C-RM hybrid composites by employing Taguchi and grey relational analysis approaches. Present study applies the L16 Taguchi approach to optimize the process parameters specific wear, and coefficient of friction (COF) at four different levels. Using multiple responses for optimization for both responses, a single process parameter setting is obtained via grey relational analysis. In AL6061 composites, varying weight proportions of Boron Carbide particles (B4C) were added as reinforcements while keeping the red mud (RM) content constant at 2 %. To recognize the dominant factor, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was implemented, and the outcomes of the assessment showed speed plays a crucial role, followed by the weight percent of reinforcement and the load in determining the specific wear rate and COF. A research trial was completed to confirm the outcomes obtained from the combination of optimal parameters.

Investigations on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of HAp Nanocomposites reinforced with ZrO2 and TiO2

In the contemporary context, approximately 15 million individuals in India grapple with bone-related issues stemming from accidents, fractures, bone mass depletion, and the natural aging process. To address this challenge, a diverse array of biomaterials has been innovated to rectify or enhance bone deficiencies within the human body. Nevertheless, over the past decade, calcium phosphate-based bioceramic materials have gained significant prominence as synthetic alternatives for bone and dental applications in the fields of orthopaedics and dentistry. One such bioactive ceramic, Hydroxyapatite (HAp), boasts exceptional versatility and can find utility in both dental and orthopaedic contexts. In the current research, exhaustive research was conducted to explore the impact of HAp/(ZrO2+TiO2) hybrid nano-composites synthesized through a mechanical synthesis process employing high-energy ball milling (HEBM), incorporating varying weight proportions. The resulting “HAp/(ZrO2+TiO2) nano-composites” were subjected to characterization through scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the study assessed the influence of these nano-composites regarding the HAp nano-composites’ mechanical characteristics.

Baking quality of wheat variety mixtures: Describing the mechanisms for mixture effects

The use of intra-crop diversity (e.g.: variety mixtures) in bread wheat cropping is getting popular in Europe, mostly for agronomic purposes. However, much less is known about the implications on baking quality.In this paper, we formalized and tested a framework based on two hypothetical mechanisms for mixture effects as a result of plant interactions within mixtures: (i) proportion shifts, relating to changes in grain weight proportion of the varieties at harvest and (ii) component alteration, relating to changes in the baking quality of the component varieties. To test this framework, we measured several baking quality indicators on twelve variety mixtures and their component varieties in pure stands. By recording varietal proportions at harvest, we could measure the relative importance of both mechanisms in explaining observed mixture effects.Our results showed that proportion shifts explained a large share of mixture effects on protein baking quality (Zélény sedimentation index and W baking strength) but failed to explain mixture effects on protein content in one year and Hagberg's falling number in both years. Our results also suggest component alteration on protein content resulting from altered nitrogen uptake in mixtures, and possibly on Hagberg's falling number resulting from lodging reduction in mixtures.

Mechanical (static and dynamic) characterization and thermal stability of hybrid green composites for engineering applications

The development of sustainability in industry has made it imperative to utilize waste and accessible natural resources properly. Our goal is to transform the naturally occurring resources, tamarind seed powder (TSP), eelgrass (EG), and adamant creeper (AC), into goods that are beneficial to society. In this study, different weight proportions of alkali-treated AC, EG, and TSP were combined to make hybrid natural fiber (NF) composite materials using the hand layup process. The material strength of the alkali treated (15% AC, 20% EG, and 15% TSP) composite sample was attained 211 MPa, 278 MPa, 21.7 J/m2, and 84.6 for tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness in that sequence. The storage modulus, loss modulus, and mechanical loss factor were measured and plotted against temperature in a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) experiment. All composites had higher storage and loss moduli and a lower mechanical loss factor, indicating more elastic properties. The findings demonstrated that adding fiber-filled TSP fillers tended to make the epoxy matrix more viscoelastic stiffness. As the weight percentage of fibers in the composite increases, discernible changes in the structural damping capacity have also been noticed. The thermal characteristics of composites were inspected by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the TGA outcomes substantiated that the thermal constancy of a 20% EG-reinforced composite was good. The mechanical, dynamic, and thermal qualities of this composite material will yield significant benefits for the industrial sector.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a 12-month automated text message intervention for weight management in postpartum women with overweight or obesity: protocol for the Supporting MumS (SMS) multisite, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial

IntroductionThe reproductive years can increase women’s weight-related risk. Evidence for effective postpartum weight management interventions is lacking and engaging women during this life stage is challenging. Following a promising pilot...

Trends in Arthritis Prevalence and Associated Chronic Health Indicators Among Adults: Insights From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Database.

Background Arthritis is a prevalent, chronic condition with significant implications for morbidity and healthcare utilization. Understanding trends in arthritis prevalence and associated chronic health indicators is vital for informing public health interventions and healthcare policies. Objective This retrospective study aimed to analyze trends in arthritis prevalence and associated chronic health indicators among adults using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) database. Methods This retrospective study utilized data from the BRFSS database covering 2019 to 2022. Participants included United States adults aged 18 years and older who completed BRFSS surveys during the specified period. Primary variables included arthritis prevalence and its correlation with chronic health indicators and demographics. Data collection involved standardized telephone questionnaires administered annually, with rigorous attention to data quality and consistency. Prevalence estimates were calculated using weighted proportions, and statistical analysis utilized analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results The study revealed relatively stable arthritis prevalence over the study period, with notable demographic variations. Arthritis prevalence remained stable (2019: 43.3%, 2021: 42.5%). Females consistently had higher rates than males (2019: 45%, 2021: 44.9%). Activity limitation, joint pain, and work limitation were more prevalent in arthritis patients. White, non-Hispanic individuals had higher rates than other groups. Physical inactivity increased from 2019 (29.4%) to 2022 (72.4%), particularly in males. Counseling for physical activity was lower in males. Targeted interventions are needed to address these disparities and improve arthritis management. Conclusion This study provides insights into trends in arthritis prevalence and associated chronic health indicators among United States adults. The findings underscore the importance of considering demographic factors in arthritis prevention and management strategies. Targeted interventions promoting physical activity counseling, particularly among high-risk populations, are warranted to address the rising trend of physical inactivity among individuals with arthritis.

Long-Term effects of physical activity on weight loss, metabolic parameters and blood pressure in subjects undergoing bariatric surgery: A 5-year follow-up study

Backgroundbariatric surgery stands as an effective intervention for weight loss and improved metabolic control in obesity, although over time there is a proportion of weight regain and type-2-diabetes (T2D) relapse. Aims: to explore the role of physical activity (PA) after surgery and its impact on metabolic parameters during a 5-year follow-up. Methods148 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery completed scheduled examinations over 5-years. Physical assessments and laboratory tests were conducted pre-surgery and annually thereafter. PA levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Resultsparticipants were split into the PA group, who engaged in regular physical activity, and No-PA group, who remained sedentary throughout. In T2D individuals before surgery, PA group showed significant reductions in blood pressure and a lower T2D recurrence (6.7 ​% vs 36 ​%) compared to No-PA group. In normoglycemic individuals, the PA group led to sustained BMI reduction and improved blood pressure control (p ​< ​0.001) compared to No-PA group, for the entire duration of follow-up. Conclusionsregular PA demonstrated cardio-metabolic benefits post-bariatric surgery. Integrating PA into post-bariatric care could enhance long-term outcomes.

Examining the Backpack Weight Relative to Students' Body Weight Among Urban and Rural Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Schoolbags or backpacks have been an essential part of the education system for a long time. However, a hefty backpack causes the child to arch the back excessively or bend their head and trunk forward to withstand the weight of the schoolbag. If the student carries the backpack on one shoulder, he/she bends to the opposite side to compensate for the extra weight, which may damage the shoulders and spine. Considering these factors, the main aim of this study was to investigate the percentage of backpack weight in proportion to the student's body weight regarding the new guidelines among urban and rural schoolchildren aged 12 to 15 years in Bangalore, Karnataka. Methodology In southern India, over a year, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 500 students who voluntarily participated after providing written consent. They completed a questionnaire, underwent vital and anthropometric measurements, and had their weights measured, including the weights of their backpacks. Sample bags were inspected to determine contributing weight factors and evaluate adherence to timetables. Results The average weight carried by children of all ages was 6.53 kg, averaging 13.53% of their body weight. Among males, the percentage carrying backpacks weighing over 10% of their body weight was 80.9%, while among females, it was 85.7%. Of all the males carrying bags weighing more than 10% of their body weight, 67.7% attended government schools, while 32.3% attended private schools. Among females studying in government schools, 63.6% carried backpacks weighing more than 10% of their body weight, while among those in private schools, 36.4% carried bags exceeding that weight. Conclusions The study concluded that despite regulations being implemented on backpack weight for children, a significant number still carry bags exceeding 10% of their body weight among both urban and rural school children. This could elevate pressure on neck and back muscles, leading to excessive fatigue and potential damage to the skeletal system, ultimately contributing to spinal deformities.

Numerical and experimental investigation on vibration characteristics of bio-inspired architected gyroid core in composite sandwich beams

The present study examines the vibration characteristics of GFRP sandwich beams incorporated with cellular co-continuous architected periodic gyroidal bio-inspired cores. Using the higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT), free vibration analysis was performed analytically on the designed sandwich beam. Four distinct configurations of bio-inspired cores are considered and 3D printed using Poly-lactic Acid (PLA) material. Subsequently, alternative dynamic approach (ADA) and ASTM E1876 is used to determine the properties of core and laminate. Amongst various bio-inspired beam configurations, GM02 yield better stiffness and prominent shear modulus for its structural weight proportions and parametric studies were performed for all the core models.

Comparison of soil improvement techniques on the development of efficient consolidation response

A comprehensive experimental program including two distinct series of consolidation tests was performed on clay specimens prepared at different dry weight proportions including 0%, 1%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% polypropylene fiber or lime by weight mixed with clayey soil. Fiber inclusion into clay resulted in enhancement of compressive strength characteristics, improvement of hydraulic properties that is an advantage for modification of stability and durability properties of clayey soil under loads. Similarly, the higher hydraulic conductivity of clay resulted that will shorthen duration of consolidation settlement, hence, eventually influence completion of plastic consolidation deformation favorably for soft clays. Lime-treatment on clay specimens showed that the compressibility properties are improved such that the strength of clay against loading enhances, exhibits less consolidation deformation under load owing to increase in lime content. On the other hand, clay becomes highly impermeable, displays substantially larger water-resistant properties because of increased lime mass proportion (i.e. time-extension) in clayey soil that results in prolongation of expulsion of excess porewater pressure from clay due to load application, relevant induced stresses. Fiber-inclusion resulted in exhibiting logarithmic decrement with a mild rate of decline while lime-treatment led to exponential reduction with a sharp rate of drop for compression index (Cc), compressibility coefficient (αv), volume compressibility coefficient (mv). Further, fiber-inclusion stimulated exponential and quadratical increment whereas lime-treatment induced exponential decrement for coefficient of consolidation (cv), hydraulic conductivity (k), respectively. As a result, the Cc, αv, mv enhanced on the order of within 10 at average of 80% to 90% with a minimum of 70% by value for both fiber-reinforcement and lime-stabilization soil-stabilization techniques. The cv, k improved on the order of within 10 at average of 75% to 85% by value for fiber-reinforcement whereas dis-improved on the order of within 10 at average of 70% to 80% by value for lime-stabilization.

Incorporating physical constraints in a deep learning framework for short-term daily prediction of sea ice concentration

Grasping the rapidly changing sea ice patterns has become the key to Arctic navigation. Starting from meteorology and oceanography, this study combines the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis with convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) model to realize short-term sea ice prediction. To further improve the effectiveness and predictability of the ConvLSTM model, we adopt the EOF analysis to incorporate the spatial and temporal patterns of sea ice changes into the ConvLSTM model in three ways, namely, model input factors, model internal network structure, and model loss function. Through the mean absolute error (MAE), anomaly correlation coefficient (ACC), and anomaly metrics, we find that embedding the EOF physical constraints into the model's internal structure fully employs the spatial pattern and time series information, affording an optimal prediction effect. Additionally, the impact of the weight proportion between the physical constraint and the base loss and the effect of combining the three ways are discussed. The experimental results reveal that tuning the weight proportion in the loss function can improve the model's training effect. However, multiple combinations of the same physical law make it difficult to introduce new effective information.

Effect of oesophagectomy on lipid profiles in patients with oesophageal cancer combined with hyperlipidaemia: a retrospective study

BackgroundSurgery is widely regarded as a pivotal therapeutic approach for treating oesophageal cancer, and clinical observations have revealed that many oesophageal cancer patients also present with concomitant hyperlipidaemia. It is surprising that few studies have been performed to determine how blood lipid levels are affected by oesophageal cancer resection. This research was designed to assess the influence of oesophageal cancer resection on lipid profiles among individuals diagnosed with both oesophageal cancer and hyperlipidaemia.MethodsA retrospective analysis was carried out on 110 patients with hyperlipidaemia and oesophageal cancer who had undergone oesophagectomy at the 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Preoperative and postoperative serological data were collected at seven-, thirty-, sixty-day-, and one-year-long intervals. Changes in lipid levels were compared, the remission of various types of hyperlipidaemia was statistically assessed, and Pearson correlation was used to analyse the association between lipid changes and preoperative body weight. The research sought to assess the reduction in body weight and the proportion of body weight lost one year following surgery.ResultsNoteworthy decreases were observed in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, with TC decreasing from 6.20 mmol/L to 5.20 mmol/L, TG decreasing from 1.40 mmol/L to 1.20 mmol/L, and LDL decreasing from 4.50 mmol/L to 3.30 mmol/L. Conversely, there was a notable increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which increased from 1.20 mmol/L to 1.40 mmol/L (P < 0.05) compared to the preoperative levels. Notably, the remission rates for mixed hyperlipidaemia (60.9%) and high cholesterol (60.0%) were considerably greater than those for high triglycerides (16.2%). Alterations in TC at one year postoperatively correlated with preoperative weight and weight loss (r = 0.315, -0.216); changes in TG correlated with preoperative weight, percentage of total weight loss (TWL%), and weight reduction (r = -0.295, -0.246, 0.320); and changes in LDL correlated with preoperative weight, TWL%, and weight loss (r = 0.251, 0.186, and -0.207). Changes in non-high-density lipoprotein(non-HDL) were linked to preoperative weight (r = 0.300), and changes in TG/HDL were correlated with preoperative weight and TWL% (r = -0.424, -0.251).ConclusionsOesophagectomy significantly improved lipid profiles in oesophageal cancer patients, potentially leading to a reduction in overall cardiovascular risk.

Summarizing quantile estimates of weight at length to compare condition: Geographic and temporal variation in Arctic Grayling

AbstractObjectiveWe developed a novel, simple approach to summarize variation in quantile regression estimates of weight at length across multiple levels of grouping factors (locations or years) and demonstrate its utility for comparing fish condition using Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus data. We compared condition among 28 geographic locations of Arctic Grayling populations and among 12 and 25 years for two populations.MethodsWe summarized variation among locations and among years within locations using percentiles (maximum, 75th, 50th, 25th, and minimum) of predicted quantiles of weight at length, allowing us to simplify the distributions of predicted quantiles of weight into highest to lowest fourths (quartiles) across locations or years. One part of this summary information, 75th percentiles of median (0.50 quantile) predicted weights at length across populations, is identical to summary statistics used to develop standard weight equations for computing relative weights. However, our approach avoids biases inherent in fitting a single standard weight equation and can accommodate among‐fish variation in weight at length via multiple quantiles when developing reference standards for comparative or diagnostic purposes. A selected new weight at length can be compared with the distribution of quantile predictions among locations in terms of weights or as proportionate weights similar to relative weight.ResultArctic Grayling in 28 geographic locations, from the southern limit of their distribution in Montana and Wyoming north through Canada and Alaska to the Arctic coast, had considerable variation in allometric exponents in weight–length relationships and in predicted weights at length. Predicted weights of Arctic Grayling for heavier fish (0.90 quantiles) in populations with less (lower quartiles) to greater (upper quartiles) weights were 127–194 g and 336–510 g at total lengths = 250 and 350 mm, respectively. Lighter fish (0.10 quantiles) in populations with less to greater weights were 100–133 g and 259–364 g, at the same total lengths, respectively. We provide statistical code and tabled values that can be used as reference standards as a replacement for standard weight equations for comparing new samples of fishes. We also quantified annual variation in condition within two intensively sampled populations, the Kuparuk River in Alaska (25 years, 1985–2012) and Red Rock Creek, Montana (12 years, 1994–2016). Annual distributions of weights at length were greater for Arctic Grayling in Red Rock Creek than those in the Kuparuk River. Variation in predicted distributions of weights at length among years was also greater for Red Rock Creek, although fish from both locations exhibited substantial among‐year variation that exceeded half the variation estimated among geographic locations.ConclusionOur estimates indicated that there was substantial spatial and temporal variation in condition of Arctic Grayling that might be investigated further to help understand constraints on populations to aid conservation and management of the species. Our summary approach can be easily extended to other investigations of fish weight at length relationships where multiple quantile estimates are made across many levels of grouping factors.

Study of the properties of a composite material Fe78Si9B13 / GNP in an epoxy matrix

This study investigates the properties of a composite material obtained by mixing Fe78Si9B13 metallic powders (at %) with graphene nanoplates (GNP) in an epoxy matrix. Four composite types were created with GNP weight proportions of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%. The composites were embedded in transparent epoxy with weight proportions of 10%, 15%, and 20%, and then filled into 7 x 20 mm cylindrical probes. Twelve samples were prepared, and another 12 samples were subjected to a longitudinal magnetic field of 1 kG. All samples were tested with a Universal Testing Machine (Model WDW 10E) up to a maximum force of 20 kN. The experiment recorded deformation (ΔH) vs. charge force. Most samples showed a maximum compression resistance of 390 MPa, except for a few that did not exceed 100 MPa. The magnetically oriented samples showed a greater elastic limit in the range of 200 to 270 MPa. Optical microscopy was used to observe the ordering of the particles after the application of the magnetic field. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the structure of the composite components. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was used to characterize the magnetic behavior of the metallic powders in the composite.

The role of TGF-β signaling in muscle atrophy, sarcopenia and cancer cachexia

Skeletal muscle, comprising a significant proportion (40 to 50 percent) of total body weight in humans, plays a critical role in maintaining normal physiological conditions. Muscle atrophy occurs when the rate of protein degradation exceeds protein synthesis. Sarcopenia refers to age-related muscle atrophy, while cachexia represents a more complex form of muscle wasting associated with various diseases such as cancer, heart failure, and AIDS. Recent research has highlighted the involvement of signaling pathways, including IGF1-Akt-mTOR, MuRF1-MAFbx, and FOXO, in regulating the delicate balance between muscle protein synthesis and breakdown. Myostatin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, negatively regulates muscle growth and promotes muscle atrophy by activating Smad2 and Smad3. It also interacts with other signaling pathways in cachexia and sarcopenia. Inhibition of myostatin has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for sarcopenia and cachexia. Additionally, other TGF-β family members, such as TGF-β1, activin A, and GDF11, have been implicated in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass. Furthermore, myostatin cooperates with these family members to impair muscle differentiation and contribute to muscle loss. This review provides an overview of the significance of myostatin and other TGF-β signaling pathway members in muscular dystrophy, sarcopenia, and cachexia. It also discusses potential novel therapeutic strategies targeting myostatin and TGF-β signaling for the treatment of muscle atrophy.

Formulation and characterization of ibuprofen solid dispersions using native and modified starches

Background: Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory analgesic drug that is weakly water-soluble with a poor bioavailability.Objectives: The aim of this study is to formulate ibuprofen solid dispersions by solvent evaporation method using natural polymers (native cassava and genetically modified cassava (GMS), Cassava nanocrystal and corn starches) as possible hydrophilic carriers at varying weight proportions to optimize ibuprofen solubility and dissolution.Material and Methods: Solvent evaporation method was used to formulate the ibuprofen solid dispersions at different drug polymer ratios. The pure drug and solid dispersions were characterized using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), particle size, and in vitro drug release.Results: Solid dispersions formulated with starch nanocrystals showed the highest solubility. All solid dispersions prepared with drug:polymer ratio 1:2 generally showed highest solubility. According to the FTIR, the chemical structure of ibuprofen remained intact in the amorphous solid dispersion, but the structure changed from crystalline to amorphous, according to the XRD and the DSC also confirmed this. The scanning electron microscopy showed the solid dispersions were more porous than the pure drug. Higher dissolution rate was observed with nanocrystal solid dispersions with T50 (time required for 50% of the medication to be released) between 1.8 and 4.1 minutes.Conclusion: This study has shown that using these natural polymers increased the solubility and dissolution rate of ibuprofen.

Contribution of epicardial adipose tissue to atrial fibrillation development in patients with arterial hypertension: a pilot study

Aim. To evaluate the value of body mass index (BMI), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) depots in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF).Material and methods. The study included 24 people with isolated hypertension (HTN) and 28 people with HTN in combination with AF. The median age of patients was 61,5 [53,8;69,0] years. The observational study assessed height, weight, BMI, proportion of VAT, EAT thickness, and cardiac chamber sizes. Height was measured using a metal height meter Rm-1 "Diakoms"; the results were expressed in centimeters. Weight, BMI, and VAT proportion were measured using an Omron BF-508 body composition monitor (Omron, Japan). EAT thickness and cardiac chamber sizes were assessed using two-dimensional echocardiography. Univariate logistic regression models were used to assess the independent contribution of the identified factors associated with the disease presence.Results. Hypertensive patients with and without AF were comparable in terms of BMI and VAT content. At the same time, the EAT content was significantly higher in the group of patients with HTN and AF and amounted to 7,0 [5,0;8,2] mm and 6,0 [4,5;7,0] mm (p=0,027) in the group HTN with and without AF, respectively.Left atrial (LA) volume was 70 [55,2;83,0] ml and 52 [45,5;59,0] ml (p=0,003) in the hypertensive group with and without AF, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed the greatest significance of EAT and LA volume in terms of AF prediction. Logistic regression models did not reveal significant effect of VAT.Conclusion. In hypertensive patients with and without AF at comparable levels of BMI and VAT, differences in EAT thickness and LA volume were identified. Univariate analysis showed that these factors have an advantage in the development of AF. However, even despite the limited sample, the EAT depot was found to be more significant than the VAT depot and BMI in predicting the AF risk.The data that EAT depot and LA volume have the same effect on the arrhythmia risk indicates that patients with AF should be treated not only for hypertension, but also hidden obesity, which we can judge by EAT thickness.

Selecting a birth weight standard for an indigenous population in a LMIC: A prospective comparative study.

The aim of the present study was to compare birth weight (BW) distribution and proportion of BWs below or above specified percentiles in low-risk singleton pregnancies in healthy South African (SA) women of mixed ancestry with expected values according to four BW references and to determine the physiological factors affecting BW. This was an ancillary study of a prospective multinational cohort study, involving 7060 women recruited between August 2007 and January 2015 in two townships of Cape Town, characterized by low socioeconomic status, and high levels of drinking and smoking. Detailed information about maternal and pregnancy characteristics, including harmful exposures, was gathered prospectively, allowing us to select healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies without any known harmful exposures. In this cohort we compared the median BW and the proportion of BWs <P3, 5 and 10 or >P90, 95 and 97 according to four reference standards (INTERGROWTH-21st, customized according to the method described by Mickolajczyk, Fetal Medicine Foundation and revised Fenton reference) with expected values. Appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests were used, and sensitivity analysis was performed for infant sex, first trimester bookings and women of normal body mass index (BMI). Multiple regression was used to explore effects of confounders. Written consent and ethics approval was obtained. The cohort included 739 infants. The INTERGROWTH-21st standard was closest for the actual BW-distribution and categories. Below-expected BW was associated with boys, younger, shorter, leaner women, lower parity and gravidity. Actual BW was significantly influenced by maternal weight, BMI, parity and gestational age. Of the four references assessed in this study, the INTERGROWTH-21st standard was closest for the actual BW distribution. Maternal variables significantly influence BW.

Effect of growth promotors on morphogenesis, photosynthetic apparatus, productivity and residual substances content in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruits

The use of plant growth promoting substances in order to optimize crop performance is one of the leading tasks of modern plant physiology. The effect of 0.005% 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (1-NAA), 0.005% gibberellic acid (GA3), 0.005% 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) foliar treatment on morphogenesis, leaf parameters, photosynthetic pigments content, photosynthetic apparatus activity indices, and residual amounts of the used substances in the sweet pepper Capsicum annuum L. variety Antey fruits was investigated. The field experiment was laid on plots of 32 m2. The treatment of plants was carried out at the budding stage. Morphometric indices were determined at the flowering and fruit formation stages. The mesostructure of the middle tier leaves was studied at the fruit formation stage. The content of the chlorophylls was determined in the fresh leaf tissue by the spectrophotometric method. Indices of photosystem II (PSII) activity were determined by registration of chlorophyll fluorescence induction, using a portable single-beam fluorimeter. The assay of the residual content growth of promotors in the fruits was carried out on a Shimadzu GC gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometric detector – GCMS-QP2020 EI. It was revealed that treatment with GA3 increased plant height. All substances increased the number of leaves on the plant, their fresh and dry weight, the leaf area, and the canopy leaf area index. All growth promoting substances thickened leaf laminas due to the growth of chlorenchyma. GA3 and 6-BAP increased the volume of columnar parenchyma cells, and 1-NAA and GA3 increased the size of leaf spongy parenchyma cells. 6-BAP increased the total chlorophyll (a + b) content in the leaves, and under the GA3 treatment this index tended to decrease. 6-BAP increased the chlorophyll index of plants at the fruit formation stage, and GA3 decreased it at the flowering stage. The net photosynthetic rate increased under the influence of 1-NAA and 6-BAP, and decreased under GA3 treatment. GA3 reduced photorespiration and transpiration in leaves, 6-BAP increased transpiration, and 1-NAA decreased it. All substances increased dark respiration. Treatment with GA3 and 6-BAP reliably increased the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemical reactions. 1-NAA and 6-BAP increased the actual quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry. The coefficient of chlorophyll fluorescence photochemical quenching significantly increased at flowering under the application of 1-NAA, and tended to increase at the stage of fruit formation under the treatment of 1-NAA and 6-BAP. When GA3 was applied, the rate of chlorophyll fluorescence photochemical quenching was significantly reduced. The index of PSII reaction centers fraction that do not reduce the QB acceptor did not change with the use of 1-NAA and GA3 and tended to decrease after the use of 6-BAP. All growth promotors increased the whole plant dry weight. They reduced the net photosynthetic efficiency at the flowering stage, and at the stage of fruit formation it significantly increased under the treatment with 6-BAP. The 6-BAP caused the redistribution of plastic substances into the fruits due to the decrease in the dry weight of vegetative organs. Treatment with 1-NAA increased the proportion of root dry weight. 1-NAA, GA3 and 6-BAP increased the yield of fruits from one plant by 17%, 22% and 20% respectively due to the increase in the number of fruits per plant. The residual amounts of 1-NAA and 6-BAP in ripe sweet pepper fruits did not exceed the maximum permissible sanitary standards.