Weight Range Research Articles

Effect of concentration of polyphosphoric acid on the high and low temperature performance of asphalt

The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of PPA modified asphalt and to investigate the effect of PPA concentration on the high and low temperature performance of the asphalt. Four different concentration levels of PPA modified asphalt were prepared. The zero-shear viscosity (ZSV) at 60 ℃ was measured using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) to evaluate its high temperature performance. The creep parameters were measured using a bending beam rheometer (BBR), and the creep compliance derivative (J′(t)) was calculated based on the Burgers model to evaluate its low temperature performance. The statistical analysis method was used to discuss the significant difference in the effect of PPA concentration on the high and low temperature performances of asphalt. The modification mechanism of asphalt by PPA concentration was revealed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that there is a significant difference in the effect of PPA concentration on viscosity. As the concentration increases, the viscosity also increases, leading to a more obvious improvement in high temperature performance. PPA can slightly improve the low temperature performance of asphalt, but the effect of PPA concentration on low temperature performance is not significant. PPA narrows the distribution range of asphalt molecular weight, and a large proportion of small molecular size is converted to medium molecular size, which increases the average molecular weight. There is a good linear relationship between the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of PPA modified asphalt at different concentrations and the corresponding viscosity value. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PPA modified asphalt is slightly lower than that of the original asphalt. However, there is no notable difference in Tg among the PPA modified asphalts at different concentrations. These findings provide valuable guidance for the selection of raw materials for PPA modified asphalt.

Change in chemical composition and enhancement of intestinal microflora of acid hydrolyzed polysaccharides from Zizyphus jujube and Sterculia lychnophora

The homology between food and medicine has been a successful and well-accepted concept in traditional medicine, where people believe that beneficial naturally available substances can be replenished via diet to promote health. In this study, the polysaccharides in jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) and dried boat-fruited Sterculia seeds (Sterculia lychnophora) were extracted using different methods (water, acid, and alkaline extraction), and their physicochemical properties and compositions were investigated. Additionally, the effects of polysaccharides on the growth of known intestinal bacteria were investigated using in vitro incubation. The results showed that the acid and alkaline extraction methods resulted in the highest yields of polysaccharides with a high uronic acid content and satisfactory antioxidant activity. The water-extracted polysaccharides exhibited a suitable viscosity. Moreover, the water-extracted polysaccharides were acid-hydrolyzed for 2–6 h, followed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to obtain acidic hydrolyzed polysaccharides with a wide range of molecular weights and high carbohydrate contents. Subsequently, five known strains of intestinal bacteria cultured with the acidic hydrolyzed polysaccharides from jujube fruits and pandahai (10 mg/mL) were found to proliferate in Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, and Propionibacterium freudenreichir in 0–48 h cultures. However, further evidence is required to validate these results, either in gastrointestinal simulations or animal models.

Evaluation of Nitric Oxide Activity of Torilis Leptophyllain Indomethacin Induced Gastric Ulcer in Mice

Objective: To evaluate the Nitric Oxide activity of Torilis leptophylla in Indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in mice. Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacology Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore Pakistan, from Jan to Dec2016. Methodology: Thirty-six adult healthy male BALB/C mice with a weight range of 25-35 g were equally divided into six groups and designated as Group-I (Control), Group-II (Positive Control), Groups III to V (Torilis leptophylla extract trial Groups) and Group-VI (Omeprazole). Gastric ulceration was induced by a single dose of Indomethacin (20mg/kg) in Groups II–VI. The plant extract was administered in Groups III-V (100, 200, 300 mg/kg) whereas Omeprazole (3mg/kg) in Group-VI by gavage daily for three days as treatment of gastric ulceration. Nitric Oxide content was measured in gastric juice and serum of all groups by Nitric Oxide assay kit. Results: The positive Control-Group showed little Nitric Oxide in gastric juice and serum. Torilis leptophylla treated Groups (100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) showed significantly raised Nitric Oxide content in both gastric juice and serum than the Control Group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study has determined that Torilis leptophylla possesses antiulcer and mucosal protective effects owing to the antioxidant activity of nitric oxide. This supports the use of the plant for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Identifying risk factors for becoming obese: a record linkage longitudinal study in metropolitan Sydney using the 45 and Up Study

Background: Obesity is the fourth leading cause of mortality globally. Australia has one of the world’s highest rates of adult obesity, with 31% being obese in 2017/2018, and increasing. If this trend continues, the Australian Bureau of Statistics predicts 18 million Australians will be obese or overweight by 2030. We aimed to identify risk factors for becoming obese among people aged 45 years and older.
 Methods: A record linkage longitudinal study of people from metropolitan Sydney was undertaken using data from the: 45 and Up Study at baseline (2005-2009) and first follow-up (2012-2015); Medicare Benefits Schedule; Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; and deaths registry. We examined risk factors for becoming obese (Body Mass Index [BMI]:30-40) at follow up (5-7 years after baseline), separately for people within the: healthy weight range (BMI:18.5- < 25), and overweight range (BMI: 25- <30) at baseline. We considered demographics, modifiable behaviours, health status, primary care usage, and medication use as covariates. Crude and adjusted relative risks (RR) were measured using Poisson regression model.
 Results: At follow up, in the healthy weight range cohort, 1.1%(180 of 16,205) people became obese, and in the overweight range cohort, 12.7%(1,939 of 15,266) people became obese. In both cohorts, the following were associated with an increased risk of becoming obese: current smokers, physical functioning limitations, allied health services use through team care planning and use of psychiatric medications, while alcohol consumption and adequate physical activity were found to be protective. In the healthy weight cohort, high psychological distress was associated with an increased risk of becoming obese. In the overweight cohort, being female and full-time work were associated with increased risk, while older age was found to be protective. 
 Conclusions: These findings should assist primary care clinicians to identify patients with characteristics that place them at risk of becoming obese for intervention.

Characterization of different samples of the gypsum mineral from the Araripe gypsum Pole: from macro to micro with Rietveld refinement

The gypsum mineral is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate and has as its main application the production of gypsum plaster. In the deposits of the Araripe gypsum pole there are, in natura, different varieties, identified by the names: "Johnson", alabaster, "estrelinha", "cocadinha", "rapadura" and "boró". The characterization of the varieties of gypsum in fracture was performed by SEM and the characterization of the powder was performed by FRX and DRX. By FRX, the presence of CaO was detected with a weight range of 42.5% to 47.1%, and SO3 with a weight range of 48.1% to 53.2%. By XRD analysis, the majority gypsum phase was identified, with the presence of the crystalline planes characteristic of the mineral. From the refinement by the Rietveld method a X2 result between 0.86 and 1.11 was obtained, and it was possible to obtain information about the microstructure of the gypsum varieties and their unit cell.

Length-Weight Relationships and Growth Patterns of Eight Indigenous Fish Species from Lancang River, Southwest China

The Lancang-Mekong River watershed has extremely high fish biodiversity. With the rapid population growth and economic development in the river basin, fish diversity and fishery resources of this river are experiencing serious threats. Basic biological information on most fish species in the Lancang River, required to improve conservation in this area, is limited. This study aimed to provide new estimates of length-weight relationships (LWRs) by using the linear regression of W = aLb for eight indigenous fish species from the Lancang River, Southwest China. From 2018 to 2021, 534 specimens belonging to 3 families and 8 genera were collected using various types of fishing techniques. Standard length (SL) and body weight (BW) of each specimen were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.1 g, respectively. This study presents the first public records of LWR parameters of Schizothorax lissolabiatus, Poropuntius huangchuchieni, Tor sinensis, Scaphiodonichthys acanthopterus, Mystacoleucus lepturus, Hemiculterella macrolepis, Glyptothorax lampris, and Schistura porthos. The range of b values for the LWRs was 2.5378–3.1732, and the r2 values for all LWRs estimates ranged from 0.9102 to 0.9952. Intraspecific difference of b values across population and/or season was observed in S. lissolabiatus, T. sinensis, P. huangchuchieni, S. acanthopterus, and M. lepturus. The range of mean condition factor (K) and mean relative weight (Wr) was 0.97–2.39 and 100.29–108.18, respectively. This study updated information for FishBase and provided new record of maximum standard length for five species, namely, S. lissolabiatus, P. huangchuchieni, T. sinensis, S. acanthopterus, and M. lepturus. The findings of this study are essential for the management and conservation of locally indigenous fish and fisheries.

Parent/caregiver's role in nutrition, physical activity, and food access among children diagnosed with spina bifida.

This pilot study aimed to determine the parent/caregiver's role in nutrition/eating habits, physical activity behaviors, and food access among children diagnosed with spina bifida (SB). Parents/caregivers of children with SB were asked to participate at a single, outpatient SB clinic. Demographic, biomedical data, parent/caregiver nutrition knowledge, family nutrition and physical activity (FNPA), and food security survey scores were compared. Descriptive, regression, and correlational statistics were conducted for analysis via SPSS 29. Of the 117 parents/caregivers surveyed, completed data suggested most were overweight/obese (average body mass index [BMI] of 30.63 kg/m2±8.40; n = 99) with an average nutrition knowledge score of 71% (17.83±3.33). As FNPA scores decreased, the patient/child's maximum BMI z scores increased (β= -0.043; confidence interval -0.079, -0.007; p = 0.020), suggesting the less active and/or less healthy eating habits, the higher body mass was noted for the child. Forty four percent of children (n = 99) were in the overweight/obese weight range based on maximum BMI z score. These findings suggest there is a need for parental/caregiver nutrition education to assist children with SB with meal and activity planning to achieve optimal health.

Fetal size vs growth: comparative analysis of 3 models of growth velocity based on third trimester estimated fetal weights for identifying stillbirth risk

Fetal growth velocity is being recognized as an important parameter by which to monitor fetal wellbeing, in addition to assessment of fetal size. However, there are different models and standards in use by which velocity is being assessed. We wanted to investigate 3 clinically applied methods of assessing growth velocity and their ability to identify stillbirth risk, in addition to that associated with small for gestational age. Retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded routine-care data of pregnancies with 2 or more third trimester scans in New Zealand. Results of the last 2 scans were used for the analysis. The models investigated to define slow growth were (1) 50+ centile drop between measurements, (2) 30+ centile drop, and (3) estimated fetal weight below a projected optimal weight range, based on predefined, scan interval specific cut-offs to define normal growth. Each method's ability to identify stillbirth risk was assessed against that associated with small-for-gestational age at last scan. The study cohort consisted of 71,576 pregnancies. The last 2 scans in each pregnancy were performed at an average of 32+1 and 35+6 weeks of gestation. The 3 models defined "slow growth" at the following differing rates: (1) 50-centile drop 0.9%, (2) 30-centile drop 5.1%, and (3) below projected optimal weight range 10.8%. Neither of the centile-based models identified at-risk cases that were not also small for gestational age at last scan. The projected weight range method identified an additional 79% of non-small-for-gestational-age cases as slow growth, and these were associated with a significantly increased stillbirth risk (relative risk, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4). Centile-based methods fail to reflect adequacy of fetal weight gain at the extremes of the distribution. Guidelines endorsing such models might hinder the potential benefits of antenatal assessment of fetal growth velocity. A new, measurement-interval-specific projection model of expected fetal weight gain can identify fetuses that are not small for gestational age, yet at risk of stillbirth because of slow growth. The velocity between scans can be calculated using a freely available growth rate calculator (www.perinatal.org.uk/growthrate).

Papaya Leaf Ethanol Extract Lowers Malondialdehyde Levels, Increases Superoxide Dismutase Levels, and Increases Leydig Cell Count in Male Rats Given High-Intensity Swimming Exercise

Physical activity is any body movement that occurs due to skeletal muscle contractions that require energy expenditure. Overtraining can trigger oxidative stress due to chronic systemic hypoxia, cause an increase in systemic inflammatory response and multiorgan damage, and accelerate the aging process. The aging process is influenced by many factors, one of which is high-intensity swimming exercise which triggers the emergence of free radicals and leads to systemic oxidative stress. High-intensity swimming exercise is associated with an increase in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The Papaya plant is famous for its therapeutic and nutritional properties. Papaya leaves contain secondary metabolites from papaya leaf extract including tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids. Papaya leaf extract has strong medicinal properties as an antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, and antioxidant. This research is an experimental study with a post-test-only control group design. The sample in this study were male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) with an age range of 3-4 months with an average body weight range of 180-200 grams. As many as 36 rats were divided into 2 treatment groups. Treatment group 1 (P1) rats were given high-intensity swimming exercise treatment and aquabidest. Treatment group 2 (P2) rats were given high-intensity swimming exercise treatment and papaya leaf extract 60mg / 200g BB orally. Each treatment was carried out for 21 days. The data obtained will be analyzed using an independent sample T-test. The results of this study obtained: (1) the average MDA levels showed that the P1 group (1.02±0.064) was higher than the P2 group (0.86±0.44) with a value of p<0.001; (2) the average SOD level in the P2 group (2.72±0.437) was higher than P1 (1.46±0.288) with p<0.001; (3) the average number of Leydig cells in the P1 group (13.0±5.05) was lower than in the P2 group (30.0±5.05) with p<0.001. This study concluded that papaya leaf ethanol extract in rats was able to reduce MDA levels, increase SOD levels and increase the number of Leydig cells in male rats given high-intensity swimming exercise.

Deep Learning Models to Predict Finishing Pig Weight Using Point Clouds.

The selection of animals to be marketed is largely completed by their visual assessment, solely relying on the skill level of the animal caretaker. Real-time monitoring of the weight of farm animals would provide important information for not only marketing, but also for the assessment of health and well-being issues. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a method based on 3D Convolutional Neural Network to predict weight from point clouds. Intel Real Sense D435 stereo depth camera placed at 2.7 m height was used to capture the 3D videos of a single finishing pig freely walking in a holding pen ranging in weight between 20-120 kg. The animal weight and 3D videos were collected from 249 Landrace × Large White pigs in farm facilities of the FZEA-USP (Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo) between 5 August and 9 November 2021. Point clouds were manually extracted from the recorded 3D video and applied for modeling. A total of 1186 point clouds were used for model training and validating using PointNet framework in Python with a 9:1 split and 112 randomly selected point clouds were reserved for testing. The volume between the body surface points and a constant plane resembling the ground was calculated and correlated with weight to make a comparison with results from the PointNet method. The coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.94) was achieved with PointNet regression model on test point clouds compared to the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.76) achieved from the volume of the same animal. The validation RMSE of the model was 6.79 kg with a test RMSE of 6.88 kg. Further, to analyze model performance based on weight range the pigs were divided into three different weight ranges: below 55 kg, between 55 and 90 kg, and above 90 kg. For different weight groups, pigs weighing below 55 kg were best predicted with the model. The results clearly showed that 3D deep learning on point sets has a good potential for accurate weight prediction even with a limited training dataset. Therefore, this study confirms the usability of 3D deep learning on point sets for farm animals' weight prediction, while a larger data set needs to be used to ensure the most accurate predictions.

Molecular Characterisation of Gut Bacteria in Wista Rat After Green Tea Consumption

Green tea can influence the gut bacteria by either stimulating or hindering the growth of specific species. This experimental study was carried out in Rivers State, Nigeria to molecularly characterize gut bacteria in Wista rats after green tea consumption. Twenty-five (25) rats divided into five groups were used; each group had five (5) rats having an average weight range of 70g – 130g. After acclimatization of 2 weeks, groups (2, 3, 4 & 5) were feed with green tea extract based on standard method using oral gavage with rat feed pellet and water for seven (7) days and fourteen (14) days respectively based on their body weights and group 1 (control) was fed with rat feed pellet and water only for same duration and their weights recorded. Stool samples were collected aseptically by pulling from each group into sterile stool sample bottles and sent to the laboratory for immediate analysis. Conventional microbiological methods of culturing and molecular methods were utilized for identification of isolates, total heterotrophic plate count and antibiotic susceptibility were also done. The data from this study were analysed using SPSS version 23, to survey difference in gut bacterial count of wista rats after fed with green tea, rat weight across the study groups, and the values were expressed as mean ± SD at a 5% alpha level. The study reported a statistical difference in bacterial plate count at (P≤0.05) in Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 after 14 Days of Acclimatization, after 7 days of Treatment and after further 14 Days of Treatment. Group 1 showed no statistical significance at P=0.212. Furthermore, there was significant difference in weight comparison at (P≤0.05) in rats contained in all groups after 7 days and after further 14 days of treatment, rats in group 1 showed weight gain. There was weight loss in all the treatment groups (2 ,3, 4, and 5). Antibiotic-resistant assay pattern of the isolates showed multiple drugs resistance to all the antibiotics used with Bacillus and Enterobacter being the most resistant isolates. The molecular characterization and identification of the isolates revealed close relatedness to Staphylococcus arlettae, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter cancerogenus, Acinetobacter nosocomialis, Comamonas testosterone, Klebsiella veriicola, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus cereus, it showed that the molecular technique proved to be more specific and accurate than the convectional technique in the identification and characterization of the isolates. Also, the gut bacterial count of the rats that were treated with the tea were significantly raised indicating that the tea has the potential to influence the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria. As seen in this study, molecular characterisation of gut bacteria identifies bacteria upto their specie level and they are influenced by diet.

Effect of Molecular Weight on the Structural and Emulsifying Characteristics of Bovine Bone Protein Hydrolysate.

The emulsifying capacity of bovine bone protein extracted using high-pressure hot water (HBBP) has been determined to be good. Nevertheless, given that HBBP is a blend of peptides with a broad range of molecular weights, the distinction in emulsifying capacity between polypeptide components with high and low molecular weights is unclear. Therefore, in this study, HBBP was separated into three molecular weight components of 10-30 kDa (HBBP 1), 5-10 kDa (HBBP 2), and <5 kDa (HBBP 3) via ultrafiltration, and the differences in their structures and emulsifying properties were investigated. The polypeptide with the highest molecular weight displayed the lowest endogenous fluorescence intensity, the least solubility in an aqueous solution, and the highest surface hydrophobicity index. Analysis using laser confocal Raman spectroscopy showed that with an increase in polypeptide molecular weight, the α-helix and β-sheet contents in the secondary structure of the polypeptide molecule increased significantly. Particle size, rheological characteristics, and laser confocal microscopy were used to characterize the emulsion made from peptides of various molecular weights. High-molecular-weight peptides were able to provide a more robust spatial repulsion and thicker interfacial coating in the emulsion, which would make the emulsion more stable. The above results showed that the high-molecular-weight polypeptide in HBBP effectively improved the emulsion stability when forming an emulsion. This study increased the rate at which bovine bone was utilized and provided a theoretical foundation for the use of bovine bone protein as an emulsifier in the food sector.

Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Siluriformes Fish Species, Endangered Eutropiichthys vacha, Hamilton (1922) and Endemic Deccan Catfish Rita kuturnee (Sykes, 1839) of Godavari River Andhra Pradesh, South India

Background: The present study of the length-weight relationship and condition factors of two Eutropiichthys vacha and Rita kuturnee, from Godavari River Andhra Pradesh, from the year August 2021 to July 2023 at fortnightly intervals. Methods: The log transformation formula was employed to establish length-weight relationships (LWRs) [3]. The length-weight equation used was W = aLb, in the usual notations. Linear regression of the log-transformed equation, log(W) = log(a) + b log(L), was utilized to calculate the parameters ‘a’ (intercept) and ‘b’ (slope) of the relationship. Result: A total of 1453 specimens of E. vacha and 1273 specimens of R. kuturnee were collected by using gill nets. The collected specimens exhibited a total length range of 10 to 27 cm for E. vacha and 7 to 18.5 cm for R. kuturnee. Correspondingly, the body weight range was recorded as 12 to 140 gm for E. vacha and 8 to 50 gm for R. kuturnee. Statistical analysis revealed a negative allometric growth trend for both males and females of E. vacha and R. kuturnee, with b values ranging from 2.569 to 2.711 for E. vacha and 2.53 to 2.61 for R. kuturnee. The fluctuation in the relative condition factor ranged from 1.06 to 1.09 for E. vacha and 1.001 to 1.12 for R. kuturnee. Furthermore, the overall health conditions of these two species were determined to be favorable.

An evaluation of CT radiation doses within the Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial.

To evaluate radiation doses for all low-dose CT scans performed during the first year of a lung screening trial. For all lung screening scans that were performed using a CT protocol that delivered image quality meeting the RSNA QIBA criteria, radiation dose metrics, participant height, weight, gender, and age were recorded. Values of volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) were evaluated as a function of weight in order to assess the performance of the scan protocol across the participant cohort. Calculated effective doses were used to establish the additional lifetime attributable cancer risks arising from trial scans. Median values of CTDIvol, DLP, and effective dose (IQR) from the 3521 scans were 1.1mGy (0.70), 42.4mGycm (24.9), and 1.15mSv (0.67), whilst for 60-80kg participants the values were 1.0mGy (0.30), 35.8mGycm (11.4), and 0.97mSv (0.31). A statistically significant correlation between CTDIvol and weight was identified for males (r = 0.9123, P < .001) and females (r = 0.9052, P < .001), however, the effect of gender on CTDIvol was not statistically significant (P = .2328) despite notable differences existing at the extremes of the weight range. The additional lifetime attributable cancer risks from a single scan were in the range 0.001%-0.006%. Low radiation doses can be achieved across a typical lung screening cohort using scan protocols that have been shown to deliver high levels of image quality. The observed dose levels may be considered as typical values for lung screening scans on similar types of scanners for an equivalent participant cohort. Presentation of typical radiation dose levels for CT lung screening examinations in a large UK trial. Effective radiation doses can be of the order of 1mSv for standard sized participants. Lifetime attributable cancer risks resulting from a single low-dose CT scan did not exceed 0.006%.

Obesity, bone marrow adiposity, and leukemia: Time to act.

Obesity has taken the face of a pandemic with less direct concern among the general population and scientific community. However, obesity is considered a low-grade systemic inflammation that impacts multiple organs. Chronic inflammation is also associated with different solid and blood cancers. In addition, emerging evidence demonstrates that individuals with obesity are at higher risk of developing blood cancers and have poorer clinical outcomes than individuals in a normal weight range. The bone marrow is critical for hematopoiesis, lymphopoiesis, and myelopoiesis. Therefore, it is vital to understand the mechanisms by which obesity-associated changes in BM adiposity impact leukemia development. BM adipocytes are critical to maintain homeostasis via different means, including immune regulation. However, obesity increases BM adiposity and creates a pro-inflammatory environment to upregulate clonal hematopoiesis and a leukemia-supportive environment. Obesity further alters lymphopoiesis and myelopoiesis via different mechanisms, which dysregulate myeloid and lymphoid immune cell functions mentioned in the text under different sequentially discussed sections. The altered immune cell function during obesity alters hematological malignancies and leukemia susceptibility. Therefore, obesity-induced altered BM adiposity, immune cell generation, and function impact an individual's predisposition and severity of leukemia, which should be considered a critical factor in leukemia patients.

Moving beyond Weight: A Narrative Review of the Dietary and Lifestyle Management for Reducing Cardiometabolic Risk in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder experienced by women. PCOS is a lifelong condition associated with reproductive, metabolic, and psychological presentations. PCOS is also linked with increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors. While an association between body weight and PCOS has been noted, cardiometabolic risk factors are prevalent in individuals with PCOS across body weights. Currently, no consensus exists as to the most appropriate lifestyle strategy for mitigating cardiometabolic risk in PCOS. A large proportion of the literature is focused on weight loss for individuals with PCOS who are overweight or experience obesity, despite PCOS being prevalent across body sizes. The aim of this narrative review is to assess dietary and lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing cardiometabolic risk in individuals with PCOS across body sizes. A total of 51 articles are included in this review. Overall, randomized controlled trials are limited and most studies focus on weight loss, excluding individuals classified within a healthy body weight range. Studies that modified the dietary pattern without an energy deficit saw improvements in cardiometabolic risk. Thus, less restrictive dietary approaches may be effective at reducing cardiometabolic risk in this population. This review also highlights the need for more sustainable lifestyle interventions that meet the needs of individuals with PCOS of varying body weights.

Effect of Short-Term Extra Maltodextrin during a Diet Break on the Resistance Training Performance of Rattus norvegicus

Highlights: 1. The ongoing advancement of dietary research has significant importance in the exploration of strategies to optimize the impact of nutrition on performance during resistance training.2. This study provides a prompt for future research to explore the effectiveness of incorporating an additional dietary strategy that may enhance resistance training performance. Abstract: The problem of dieting down to a certain body weight or body fat can impair muscle protein synthesis, resulting in muscle loss and poor performance in physical training, particularly resistance training. This study aimed to determine the short-term effect of extra carbohydrate, specifically in the form of maltodextrin, during a diet break on the resistance training performance of rats. This study was an experimental laboratory study with a randomized posttest-only control group design. Twenty-seven male rats, aged 3 months with a weight range of 140–165 g, were randomly and equally assigned into three groups: KN (standard diet), KP (75% calorie intake), and K1 (65% calorie intake with a diet break and extra maltodextrin every week). These diets were administered for four weeks, during which the rats had ad libitum feeding. Additionally, the rats underwent ladder-climbing training three times a week. The bodyweight was measured pre- and post-treatment, while the performance in resistance training was evaluated post-intervention using a ladder climbing platform. There was no significant difference in the weight before and after treatment, with p&gt;0.05 for the increments (∆) among KN (14.00±9.89 g), KP (13±9.5 g), and K1 (20.89±14.77 g). During the posttest assessment, only 17 out of 27 rats succeeded in the maximum weightlifting test. This study showed that a short-term high-carbohydrate diet break does not improve the resistance training performance of rats. Further research is necessary to ascertain the outcomes of the treatment implemented over an extended period of time.

Outcomes of Unplanned Extubations in a Large Children's Hospital.

Unplanned extubation (UE) is defined as unintentional dislodgement of an endotracheal tube (ETT) from the trachea. UEs can lead to instability, cardiac arrest, and may require emergent tracheal re-intubation. As part of our hospital-wide quality improvement (QI) work, a multidisciplinary committee reviewed all UEs to determine contributing factors and evaluation of clinical outcomes to develop QI interventions aimed to minimize UEs. The objective was to investigate occurrence, contributing factors, and clinical outcomes of UEs in the pediatric ICU (PICU), cardiac ICU (CICU), and neonatal ICU (NICU) in a large academic children's hospital. We hypothesized that these would be substantially different across 3 ICUs. A single-center retrospective review of UEs in the PICU, CICU, and NICU was recorded in a prospective database for the last 5 y. Consensus-based standardized operational definitions were developed to capture contributing factors and adverse events associated with UEs. Data were extracted through electronic medical records by 3 respiratory therapists and local Virtual Pediatric Systems (VPS) database. Consistency of data extraction and classification were evaluated. From January 2016-December 2021, 408 UEs in 339 subjects were reported: PICU 52 (13%), CICU 31 (7%), and NICU 325 (80%). The median (interquartile range) of age and weight was 2.0 (0-4.0) months and 5.3 (3.0-8.0) kg. Many UE events were not witnessed (54%). Common contributing factors were routine nursing care (no. = 70, 18%), ETT retaping (no. = 62, 16%), and being held (no. = 15, 3.9%). The most common adverse events with UE were desaturation < 80% (33%) and bradycardia (22.8%). Cardiac arrest occurred in 12%. Sixty-seven percent of UEs resulted in re-intubation within 72 h. The proportion of re-intubation across 3 units was significantly different: PICU 62%, CICU 35%, NICU 71%, P < .001. UEs occurred commonly in a large academic children's hospital. Whereas UE was associated with adverse events, re-intubation rates within 72 h were < 70% and variable across the units.

Combination of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine and Midazolam for Sedation in Pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Intranasal dexmedetomidine associated with midazolam has been used for pediatric magnetic resonance imaging studies because immobility is a fundamental requirement for correct execution. Many studies have shown dexmedetomidine to be a good option for non-operating room sedation. However, identifying the optimal dose remains a key challenge, especially for pediatric patients. All medical records of 139 pediatric patients who underwent sedation for magnetic resonance imaging studies between September 2021 and November 2022 at the University Hospital of Salerno, Italy, were retrospectively reviewed about success rate and adverse events. Our protocol required dosing 30 minutes before the procedure. Patients weighing up to 40 kg received intranasal dexmedetomidine (3 μg/kg) with intranasal midazolam (0.2 mg/kg). Those weighing more than 40 kg received intranasal dexmedetomidine (2 μg/kg) with midazolam orally (0.3 mg/kg; maximum dose, 15 mg). A total of 139 pediatric patients, with age range between 2 months and 16 years, median (95% confidence interval) of 3 (3-5) years, and weight range between 4 and 70 kg, median (95% confidence interval) of 19 (15-24) kg, were reviewed.The procedure was satisfactorily completed in 93.5% (130 patients) ( P < 0.01). Only 9 (6.5%) patients completed the procedure with general anesthesia; there are hot adverse events. Our experience with association of intranasal dexmedetomidine and midazolam has a high success rate, with high effectiveness and safety.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopy in pediatric surgical oncology: a narrative review.

Robotic surgical oncology in children calls for experienced surgeons in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and a solid oncological background. The aim of this review was to analyze the current state of robotic-assisted laparoscopy in pediatric tumor resection, assess the necessary framework of minimally invasive surgical oncology and describe future developments of the robotic technology. A literature search of the MEDLINE/PubMed database was conducted, using the terms "robotic surgery", "pediatric" or "children" and "oncology" or "tumor". All relevant English-language studies published between 2008 and 2022 were reviewed. Although concerns have been raised regarding the use of MIS in surgical oncology, current literature reports similar oncological outcome if surgeons comply with the oncologic principles. The benefits of MIS have been established for robotic surgery in adult studies, including a shorter time to adjuvant chemotherapy. Surgical feasibility should be assessed based on tumor characteristics, preoperative imaging focusing on vascular involvement and surgeon's experience until clear guidelines are issued. The difficulties in establishing eligibility criteria for robotic resection of pediatric tumors lie in the great variability of indications, heterogeneity in tumor histology with their own surgical specificities, and wide range of age and weight, as shown by the literature review we performed. Between 2008 and 2022, 31 studies reported 171 cases with three studies including at least ten patients. The most reported procedure was adrenalectomy (41 cases). Current research in pediatric surgical oncology focuses on intraoperative locoregional treatment, improved vision with fluorescence and dyed-loaded specific probes and the many possibilities of enhancement software using the robotic console. The robotic technology allows the surgeon to push the boundaries of conventional laparoscopy. Specific surgical guidelines are necessary.