Relative Change In Body Weight Research Articles

Prevention of Postoperative Malnutrition with Oral Nutritional Supplements in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) offer support for the nutritional needs of surgical patients. However, their efficacy is contingent upon the nutrient composition, absorption efficiency, and postingestion tolerance. Our study included a cohort of 84 patients who underwent elective open surgery involving at least one intestine anastomosis. To mitigate the risk of malnutrition, 2 groups of 28 patients each received either a high-protein low-osmotic ONS (Group I) or a high-calorie high-osmotic ONS (Group II). A standard diet was used in the control group (Group III). The metabolic effects were evaluated by measuring body weight and relative change in body weight (Δkg) from 24 h (-1 day) presurgery to 28 days postprocedure. Subjective tolerance following ONS consumption on the second postoperative day was also assessed. Our findings showed that, across all groups, the average body weight decreased during the initial 2 weeks postsurgery, subsequently stabilizing or returning to baseline levels by the third and fourth week of observation. Patients receiving ONS demonstrated greater weight gain between days 14 and 28, with Group I exhibiting the highest rate of gain. Low-osmotic ONS displayed superior tolerance and elicited fewer patient complaints postconsumption. Postoperative hospitalization duration did not differ significantly among the nutritional strategies. In conclusion, early administration of ONS supplies essential nutrients and facilitates refeeding, thereby reducing the risk of malnutrition. Low-osmotic preparations are better tolerated and contribute more effectively to the restoration of preoperative body weight, despite their lower caloric content.

Does Aerobic Exercise Increase Skeletal Muscle Mass in Female and Male Adults?

It is uncertain whether aerobic exercise in the form of walking contributes to the preservation or increase in total or regional skeletal muscle mass (SMM). This study aimed to determine the effects of aerobic exercise on total and regional (upper body verses leg SMM) in male ( n = 105) and female ( n = 133) adults with overweight and obesity. A retrospective analysis of data from four randomized controlled trials. Participants included those who completed the given trial (control, n = 63; intervention, n = 175) and with complete magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measured adipose tissue and SMM pre- and postintervention. Macronutrient intake was assessed for a subsample of participants. Supervised exercise was performed by walking on a treadmill for durations ranging from 12 to 24 wk at intensities between 50% and 75% of V̇O 2peak . All MRI-measured adipose tissue depots were reduced, and cardiorespiratory fitness was increased by aerobic exercise compared with controls ( P < 0.001). Independent of baseline SMM, aerobic exercise was associated with a small reduction (estimated mean difference ± standard error) in whole-body SMM (-0.310 ± 0.150 kg, P = 0.039) and upper body SMM (-0.273 ± 0.121 kg, P = 0.025) compared with control. No between-group difference was observed for change in leg SMM ( P > 0.10). A negative association was observed between the relative change in body weight and change in total ( R2 = 0.37, P < 0.001), upper body ( R2 = 0.21, P < 0.001), and leg SMM ( R2 = 0.09, P = 0.701). The SMM-to-adipose tissue ratio increased in response to aerobic exercise and was positively associated with weight loss ( P < 0.001). Change in SMM was not associated with dietary protein intake ( P > 0.10). Aerobic exercise performed while walking preserves, but does not increase, SMM in exercising muscle of adults. SMM not directly targeted by aerobic exercise may not be maintained.

Abstract 15741: Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Individuals With Obesity or Overweight but Without Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated that semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, results in clinically important weight loss among individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, its effect on sustained weight loss among those without diabetes is unclear. Objective: To examine the long-term efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide use for weight loss among individuals with obesity or overweight but without diabetes. Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Libraries to identify RCTs that randomized participants with obesity or overweight but without diabetes to a once-weekly 2.4 mg subcutaneous dose of semaglutide versus placebo. Inclusion was restricted to RCTs that reported change in body weight at a follow-up duration of ≥ 68 weeks. The primary outcome was relative change in body weight from baseline to 68 weeks. Random-effects models with inverse variance weighting estimated weighted mean differences (WMDs) and relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Three RCTs (n=2,783, 6.0% overweight [BMI 27 to 29.9 kg/m 2 ] and 94.0% obese [BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ]) were included. Compared to placebo, once-weekly semaglutide was associated with decreased relative (WMD: -12.0%; 95% CI -13.9%, -10.2%; Table 1) and absolute body weight (WMD: -12.2; 95% CI -13.8, -10.6 kg) at 68 weeks. A total of 86.5% of participants randomized to semaglutide achieved ≥5% weight loss compared to 34.8% with placebo (RR: 2.41; 95% CI 1.26, 4.64). The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events was higher with semaglutide (RR: 1.45; 95% CI 1.14, 1.84); however, the majority of these events were transient, mild-to-moderate in severity, and did not require treatment discontinuation. A low incidence of serious adverse events was reported (9.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Among individuals with obesity or overweight but without diabetes, semaglutide is efficacious for sustained weight loss.

A Human Model of the Effects of an Instant Sheer Weight Loss on Cardiopulmonary Parameters during a Treadmill Run.

Exercise tolerance is limited in obesity and improves after weight reduction; therefore, we mutually compared the relative changes in exercise capacity variables during cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) in a 12 kg sheer weight reduction model. Twenty healthy male runners underwent two CPETs: CPET1 with the actual body weight, which determined the anaerobic threshold (AT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP); and CPET2 during which the participants wore a +12 kg vest and ran at the AT speed set during the CPET1. Running after body weight reduction shifted the CPET parameters from the high-mixed aerobic-anaerobic (RCP) to the aerobic zone (AT), but these relative changes were not mutually similar. The most beneficial changes were found for breathing mechanics parameters (range 12-28%), followed by cardiovascular function (6-7%), gas exchange (5-6%), and the smallest for the respiratory exchange ratio (5%) representing the energy metabolism during exercise. There was no correlation between the extent of the relative body weight change (median value ~15%) and the changes in CPET parameters. Weight reduction improves exercise capacity and tolerance. However, the observed relative changes are not related to the magnitude of the body change nor comparable between various parameters characterizing the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems and energy metabolism.

Association between weight change and risk of metabolic abnormalities in non-overweight/obese and overweight/obese population: A retrospective cohort study among Chinese adults.

To explore the effects of weight change on the risk of metabolic abnormalities in the Chinese population. A total of 1895 metabolically healthy adults aged 21-78 years completed anthropometric and biological measurements at baseline (2012) and at an eight year follow-up (2020). Based on absolute weight change and relative weight change, the participants were split into five classes. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the risk of metabolic abnormalities using stable weight as the reference group. Stratified analysis was used to explore this relationship in participants with different baseline body mass index (BMI) levels. During the follow-up period, 35.41% of the participants retained a stable weight, and 10.71% had metabolic abnormalities. After covariate adjustment, for every kilogram gained over eight years, the risk of developing metabolic abnormalities increased by 22% (RR: 1.094; 95% CI: 1.063-1.127). Compared with stable weight participants, weight gain of 2-4 Kg and weight gain ≥ 4 Kg exhibited significantly higher risks of metabolic abnormalities, with RR of 1.700 (95% CI 1.150-2.513) and 1.981 (95% CI 1.372-2.859), respectively. A weight gain of ≥ 4 Kg had an opposite effect on the overweight/obesity and non-overweight/obesity groups, with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities only in the non-overweight/obesity group (RR, 2.291; 95% CI, 1.331-3.942). Moreover, weight loss ≥ 4 Kg significantly reduced the risk of metabolic abnormalities only among overweight/obese adults (RR 0.373; 95% CI 0.154-0.906). Similar results were observed in relative body weight change analyses. Long-term excessive body weight gain is positively associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities among adults with non-overweight/obesity, whereas long-term body weight loss is a protective factor for metabolic health among adults with overweight/obesity.

Effects of a diuretic regimen on body weight and echocardiographic parameters of the tricuspid valve in patients scheduled for transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty

Abstract Background Echocardiographic severity of tricuspid regurgitation is known to be highly variable and strongly related to the volume status of the individual patient. Interventional therapies for tricuspid valve repair or replacement are dependent on reliable measurements in order to select the appropriate device size. Purpose In patients scheduled for transcatheter tricuspid valve annuloplasty, we sought to evaluate the effects of a diuretic regimen started at the screening visit on body weight and tricuspid valve dimensions at the time point of transcatheter intervention. Methods After successful screening for transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty, an individualized intensified diuretic regimen was initiated in 15 patients. At baseline and at the timepoint of the intervention, body weight and 3D echocardiographic dimensions of the tricuspid valve were documented and compared. Results The cohort comprised 6 males and 9 females (mean age 77±7 years) with severe or higher degree functional tricuspid regurgitation. In all patients not more than mild pulmonary artery hypertension was present (PaP mean 29±5 mmHg). The interval between the screening visit and the timepoint of the procedure was 64±50 days. At baseline mean body weight was 72±12 kg. In 11 patients a reduction of the body weight could be achieved, with a median weight reduction of 2.2 kg (min/max 1.2/6.4 kg). Overall, the average relative reduction of the tricuspid annulur perimeter was 13% (p&amp;lt;0,001), of the tricuspid valve area 2.7% (n.s.), the anterseptal diameter 3.3% (n.s.), while the bicommissural diameter remained almost unchanged (0.4%; n.s.). The average predicted required band length changed by only 1.5% (n.s.). The strongest correlations were found between the absolute change in body weight and the change of the tricuspid valve area (r=0.48), relative change in body weight and relative change of tricuspid valve area (r=0.52), absolute change in body weight and absolute change in predicted band length (r=0.48), and relative changes of the respective variables (r=0.52). More importantly, in 13 out of 15 patients the band size which would have been selected was identical between the screening and the annuloplasty procedure. Only in two patients a smaller device was implanted than predicted at the screening visit. Conclusion Instituting a diuretic therapy in candidates for transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty prior to the procedure helps to keep tricuspid valve dimensions in a stable range. Changes in body weight in patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation are correlated to changes of tricuspid valve dimensions. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Effects of Consuming a High Protein Diet With or Without Soy Protein on Transformative Weight Loss and Maintenance; a Non‐Inferiority, Randomized Clinical Efficacy Trial

High‐protein diets are frequently used for weight management due to their ability to enhance energy expenditure and promote lean mass retention. Compared to their animal‐based counterparts the plant‐based protein, soy, demonstrates equivalence for appetite and satiety, however, limited data exist regarding their comparative effects on volitional weight loss and maintenance. This 12‐month randomized, non‐inferiority clinical trial sought to compare the relative efficacy of consuming supplemental soy vs. other types of protein as part of a high‐protein diet and the State of Slim transformative weight management program. The primary outcome was relative change in body weight after 4‐months of interventional weight loss. Exploratory outcomes were weight change at 12 months, blood pressure, lipids, C‐reactive protein, body composition and personal wellness. Using a non‐blinded, two‐arm design with a non‐inferiority margin of Δ ≤ 3% for relative change in weight at 4 months, 58 women and 13 men aged 42 ± 9.4y with a baseline BMI of 32.9 ± 3.6 kg/m2 (mean ± SD), were asked to consume 3 servings of pre‐made soy or non‐soy protein foods (~20g protein/serving via powder, bar or patty) per day for 12 months. Body composition was assessed via dual x‐ray absorptiometry and personal wellness via validated questionnaires. All assessments were made within ± 10 days of each endpoint. Intention to treat (ITT) and completer (C) analyses demonstrated both diets were comparable for relative weight change at month 4 [ITT (N=71): soy, n=36, −6.98 ± 5.22%; non‐soy, n=35, −7.15 ±5.72%, Δ= 0.16% (90% CI: −2.0,2.33); C (N=57): soy, n=29, −8.67 ± 4.35%; non‐soy, n=28, −8.93 ± 4.9%, Δ= 0.26% (90% CI: −1.8, 2.33)]. These results indicate that the regular consumption of soy protein is comparably efficacious to other protein for volitional weight loss fostered through the State of Slim weight management program.Support or Funding InformationSupport: DuPont Nutrition &amp; Health, St. Louis, MO

Analysis of daily body weight of dairy cows in early lactation and associations withproductive and reproductive performance

The objective of this study was to describe daily body weight (BW) changes in the first 100 days of lactation in confined dairy cows and to associate BW loss with productive and reproductive performance. Data included 26,344 daily BW measurements of 372 Holsteins calving between June 2011 and June 2012 in a commercial herd in the South of Brazil. Cows were automatically weighed and were assigned according to parity. Individual measurements were smoothed using cubic splines, generating nadir BW, days to nadir BW and the BW loss (absolute and relative values). This approach used days in milk (DIM) as a single smoothing variable. Body weight at calving differed across parities: 570.5, 653.5, and 699.9 kg, for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd and subsequent parities, respectively. Body weight at nadir also differed across parities: 521.5, 608.8, and 647.3 kg, respectively. Mean days from calving BW to nadir BW and mean loss of BW (kg) from calving to nadir BW did not differ across parities, but relative BW change (kg/100 kg) was larger in animals in first parity (-8.4 kg/100 kg) than second parity (-6.6 kg/100 kg). However, cows in first parity had more chances for good reproduction than cows in third and subsequent parities (44.0% vs. 30.7%, respectively). There was no difference in the probability of adequate reproduction (pregnant until 180 DIM) among cows with low, medium, or high milk yield. Furthermore, cows with low and medium BW loss (below 60 kg of BW change) showed more likelihood to adequate reproduction than cows with high BW loss (above 60 kg of BW): 45.5 and 45.8% vs. 24.4%, respectively. Improvements in fertility of dairy cows should be achieved by minimizing body weight loss in early lactation.

A variant within the AQP1 3ʹ-untranslated region is associated with running performance, but not weight changes, during an Ironman Triathlon

The objective of this study was to test the association of the rs1049305 (G > C) variant within the 3ʹ-untranslated region of the aquaporin 1 gene, AQP1, with changes in body weight, post-race serum sodium concentration and performance in Ironman triathletes. Five hundred and four male Ironman triathletes were genotyped for the rs1049305 variant within the AQP1 gene. Change in pre- and post-race body weight was calculated for 470 triathletes and used as a proxy for changes in body fluid during the race, as well as to divide triathletes into biologically relevant weight-loss groups (0–3%, 3–5% and >5%). There were no rs1049305 genotype effects on post-race serum sodium concentrations (P = 0.647), pre-race weight (P = 0.610) nor relative weight change during the Ironman Triathlons (P = 0.705). In addition, there were no significant differences in genotype (P = 0.640) nor allele (P = 0.643) distributions between the weight loss groups. However, triathletes who carry a C-allele were found to complete the 42.2-km run stage faster (mean 286, s = 49 min) than triathletes with a GG genotype (mean 296, s = 47 min; P = 0.032). The AQP1 rs1049305 variant is associated with running performance, but not relative body weight change, during the 2000, 2001 and 2006 South African Ironman Triathlons.

Abstract 4926: Molecular imaging of colorectal cancer in the setting of colitis

Abstract Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is defined by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. In the colon, persistent colitis is a major risk factor in IBD-associated colorectal cancer (CRC). While primary and metastatic CRC can often be visualized using radiotracers such as 18F-FDG for PET imaging, the sensitivity for detection of primary CRC is decreased in the setting of IBD due to increased glucose metabolism at sites of inflammation. EGFR overexpression is reported in up to 97% of CRCs. The lower expression in inflammatory cells makes it a valuable imaging target to identify CRC in the setting of colitis. Objective: The goal of this effort is to develop and test in murine models an EGFR targeted PET imaging probe for the detection of CRC, with the ability to differentiate neoplasia from colonic inflammation. Methods: The F(ab')2 fragment of cetuximab was generated by enzymatic digestion. After the integrity and purity of the F(ab')2 was evaluated with SDS-PAGE and FPLC, the F(ab')2 fragment was conjugated with the p-SCN-Bn-DOTA chelate, and then radiolabeled with 64Cu. The receptor binding affinity and specificity of the 64Cu-DOTA-F(ab')2 was evaluated using EGFR expressing CT26 murine colon cancer cells. Tumor to bowel ratio of the EGFR PET imaging probe was compared with 18F-FDG using DSS-treated CT26 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice at 24 h. The in vivo behavior of the probe was demonstrated with PET-CT in two different mouse models of CRC (ApcCKOp53flox/flox and ApcLoxP/ LoxPMsh2null/LoxP). Histochemical examination were also performed. Results: F(ab')2 fragments of cetuximab can be generated efficiently and with high purity. The radioligand binding assay revealed that 64Cu labeled EGFR-DOTA-F(ab')2 conjugate bound specifically to EGFR on CT26 xenografts, with KD and Bmax values in vitro of 6.6 0.7 nM and 3.3 0.1 x 106 receptors/cell respectively. DSS-induced colitis was confirmed with relative change in body weight, 18F-FDG PET imaging, and histological examination. 64Cu-DOTA-F(ab')2 showed a significantly higher (p &amp;lt; 0.001) tumor to bowel ratio (TBR = 3.8 0.10) in comparison with 18F-FDG (TBR =1.5 0.05) during inflammation in the colon. Colon tumors in GEMM were successfully visualized and showed high correlation with ex-vivo PET imaging results and IHC examination. Conclusions: The developed EGFR targeted PET imaging probe demonstrated high target specificity for colonic tumors in the setting of colitis as compared to 18F-FDG. Future clinical translation of this paradigm is promising for the detection of CRC in IBD. Citation Format: N. Selcan Turker, Umar Mahmood, Melani H. Kucherlapati, Raju Kucherlapati. Molecular imaging of colorectal cancer in the setting of colitis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4926. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4926

Modest increases in serum calcidiol may improve T2DM‐related health outcomes in non‐white, ethnically diverse, postmenopausal women (LB327)

Mounting evidence suggests a crucial role for vitamin D status in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), since vitamin D promotes the survival and function of pancreatic β‐cells. Our objectives were to examine the correlation between serum calcidiol and diabetes‐related health outcomes, and to determine whether vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation would attenuate the severity of T2DM. In this pilot study, 11 non‐white, ethnically diverse (Caribbean, Black, South Asian), post‐menopausal women with T2DM (age, 61 ± 11 y) were supplemented for 3 y with either placebo or 1800 IU of vitamin D3 + 720 mg of calcium (CaD)/day. Spearman’s rank coefficient was used to examine the correlations between serum calcidiol and the different outcome measures. Per‐protocol and retrospective analyses were adopted to determine the effect of CaD on the outcome measures. Significance was established at P 蠄 0.10. The relative change over 3 y in serum calcidiol significantly correlated with the relative change in body weight (r = ‐0.736, P = 0.005), BMI (r = ‐0.736, P = 0.005), body fat (%) (r = ‐0.445, P = 0.085), hip circumference (r = ‐0.664, P = 0.013), serum TC/HDL‐C (r = ‐0.427, P = 0.095), serum PTH (r = ‐0.655, P = 0.014), and serum calcium (r = 0.500, P = 0.059). Retrospective analysis showed differences between the CaD vs. placebo in serum calcidiol (+41.7% vs. ‐30.3%, respectively, P = 0.004), hip circumference (‐3.25% vs. +0.32%, respectively, P = 0.052), systolic blood pressure (‐1.5% vs. +12.0%, respectively, P = 0.126), and serum PTH (‐30.8% vs. ‐3.1 %, respectively, P = 0.003). We conclude that modest increases in serum calcidiol may improve T2DM‐related health outcomes in non‐white, ethnically diverse, postmenopausal women.

Comparisons of the effects of 12‐week administration of miglitol and voglibose on the responses of plasma incretins after a mixed meal in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients

To compare the effects of miglitol [an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (AGI) absorbed in the intestine] and voglibose (an AGI not absorbed) on plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) levels, 26 and 24 Japanese type 2 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to receive miglitol or voglibose, respectively. After 12-week administration of both drugs, during 2-h meal tolerance test, plasma glucose, serum insulin and total GIP were significantly decreased and active GLP-1 was significantly increased. Miglitol group showed a significantly lower total GIP level than voglibose group. Miglitol, but not voglibose, significantly reduced body weight (BW). In all participants, the relative change in BW was positively correlated with that of insulin significantly and of GIP with a weak tendency, but not of GLP-1. In conclusion, both drugs can enhance postprandial GLP-1 responses and reduce GIP responses. The significant BW reduction by miglitol might be attributable to its strong GIP-reducing efficacy.

Abstract LB-291: Translational studies of the dual mTOR-PI3K inhibitor SF1126

Abstract LB-291: Translational studies of the dual mTOR-PI3K inhibitor SF1126

Effects of dietary fumonisin on organ characteristics and some serum biochemical parameters of bucks

The effects of dietary fumonisin on weight change; organ weights and serum biochemistry of male rabbits were investigated in a 5-week feeding trial. Thirty individually-caged crossbred male rabbits of about 25 weeks of age, and an average initial weight of 1.53kg, were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments comprising a control (containing 0.35mg fumonisin / kg) and two test diets (containing 12.30 and 24.60mg fumonisin / kg) constituting diets 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Each dietary treatment had 10 replicates of 1 buck each. Results showed that the dry matter intake (DMI) and the relative change in body weight were significantly ( p < 0.05) influenced with DMI of the bucks fed diet 3 being significantly (P>0.05) lower than those fed diets 1 and 2, while the relative bodyweight change for animals on diet 3 being 25.90 and 27.12% of those on diets 1 and 2, respectively. The epididymal and perirenal fat (adipose capsule) weights as well as their relative values were also significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the dietary fumonisin levels, with the relative weights of the epididymides and the perirenal fat of the animals on diet 3 were 76.83 and 41.80% of those placed on diet 1, respectively, compared with 95.12 and 90.98% recorded by animals on diet 2 for the respective parameters. The serum sodium, potassium, chloride and cholesterol however, tend to increase with increased dietary fumonisin. The study demonstrated that bucks exposed to dietary fumonisin concentration of about 12.30mg/kg diet would suffer depressed weight gain and decreased epididymal and perirenal fat weights and increased cholesterol concentration while dietary fumonisin above 12.30mg/kg would result in reduced DMI. Keywords: Buck; fumonisin; serum biochemistry; epididymal; perirenal fat weightsMoor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 7 (1&2) 2006 pp. 28-34

Athletic Performance and Serial Weight Changes During 12- and 24-Hour Ultra-Marathons

The principal objective of this study was to evaluate serial weight changes in athletes during 12- and 24-hour ultra-marathons and to correlate these changes with athletic performance, namely the distance covered. This was a prospective study. The 2003 Soochow University international ultra-marathon. Fifty-two race participants. 12- or 24-hour ultra-marathon. Body weight changes were measured before, at 4-hour intervals during, and immediately after the 12- and 24-hour races. Significant overall decreases in body weight were apparent at the conclusion of both races. The mean relative body weight change after the 12-hour race was -2.89 +/- 1.56%, ranging from 0 to 6.5%. The mean relative body weight change after the 24-hour race was -5.05 +/- 2.28%, ranging from -0.77% to -11.40%. Of runners in the 24-hour race, 26% lost greater than 7% of baseline body weight during the race. During both the 12- and 24-hour races, the greatest weight change (decrease) occurred during the first 4 hours. Weight remained relatively stable after 8 hours, although a further decrease was apparent between 16 and 20 hours in the 24-hour participants. Weight change had no bearing on performance in the 12-hour race, whereas weight loss was positively associated with performance in the 24-hour race. Our findings demonstrate that the majority of weight decrease/dehydration in both the 12- and 24-hour races occurred during the first 8 hours. Hence, to maintain body weight, fluid intake should be optimized in the first 8 hours for both 12- and 24-hour runners and in 16 to 20 hours for 24-hour marathon runners.

Plasma lyso-phosphatidylcholine concentration is decreased in cancer patients with weight loss and activated inflammatory status

BackgroundIt has been observed that ras-transformed cell lines in culture have a higher phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis rate as well as higher PC-degradation rate (increased PC-turnover) than normal cells. In correspondence to these findings, the concentrations of the PC-degradation product lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) in cancer patients were found to be decreased. Our objective was the systematic investigation of the relationship between LPC and inflammatory and nutritional parameters in cancer patients. Therefore, plasma LPC concentrations were assessed in 59 cancer patients and related to nutritional and inflammatory parameters. To determine LPC in blood plasma we developed and validated a HPTLC method.ResultsAverage plasma LPC concentration was 207 ± 59 μM which corresponds to the lower limit of the reported range in healthy subjects. No correlation between LPC and age, performance status, body mass index (BMI) or fat mass could be seen. However, LPC correlated inversely with plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and whole blood hydrogen peroxides (HPO). Further, a negative correlation could be observed between LPC and whole body extra cellular fluid volume (ECF) as well as with relative change in body weight since cancer diagnosis.ConclusionIn conclusion, LPC concentrations were decreased in cancer patients. LPC plasma concentrations correlated with weight loss and inflammatory parameters and, therefore, might be a general indicator of severity of malignant disease.

Preen gland function in layer fowls: factors affecting morphology and feather lipid levels

The effects of age and external factors on preen gland morphology and feather lipid concentrations in layer fowl ( Gallus domesticus) have not previously been described. This work examines how floor substrate, whether a bird is feather pecked or not, and age influence both gross and histological morphology. Furthermore, the effects of age, beak trimming and floor substrate on feather lipid concentration (mg lipid per g feathers) are investigated. Neither absolute nor relative preen gland weight were reliably affected by floor substrate or feather pecked status. However, these parameters were strongly affected by changes in bird age and related body weight changes. The microstructures of the gland also increased consistently with age. Feather lipid concentration generally increased with age. Feather lipid was strongly influenced by the presence or absence of a dustbathing substrate. Of all the parameters tested here, the age and growth of the bird had the greatest effects on preen gland development. Feather lipid concentration is also influenced by age, and by the presence or absence of a dustbathing substrate.

Genotype by Dietary Lysine Interaction for Growth and Response to Sheep Red Blood Cells and Escherichia coli Inoculation in Commercial Broiler Chicks

An experiment was conducted to assess the interaction between genotypes and dietary lysine content in commercial broiler chicks by measuring growth, and response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Escherichia coli (E.coli) inoculation. Female chicks from four genotypes (A=Anak 2000; B=Hubbard; C=Cobb and D=Synthetic broiler) were fed four levels of lysine in diet from d old till the end of experiment. The lysine content of the diet was 9.61, 10.51, 11.41 and 12.31 g/kg. Body weights at 0, 14, 28 and 42 d of age and pen-wise feed intake till 14, 28 and 42 d of age were recorded. Production of antibody against SRBC and resistance to E.coli were measured at 5 d of post inoculation (PI) at 43 d of age. Also, response to phytohemaglutinin-P (PHA-P) was measured at 12 and 24 h of PI at 48 d of age. Genotype by dietary lysine interaction was significant for body weights at 14 and 28 d of age, but not at 42 d of age. Genotype by dietary lysine interaction was not significant for feed efficiency, for antibody titers against SRBC, and for air sac lesion score, relative bodyweight change, and relative weights of bursa and spleen in response to E.coli inoculation. However, a significant interaction was observed between the levels of lysine and dosage of SRBC for antibody titers. There was significant genotype by dietary lysine interaction for cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity (CBH) response to PHA-P at 12 and 24 h of PI. It may be concluded that to obtain optimum body weight and immunity in commercial broilers the dietary lysine requirement may be recommended specific to the genotype. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 8 : 1170-1177)

Hyponatremia in ultradistance triathletes.

Hyponatremia ([plasma sodium] <135 mmol x L(-1)) is a potentially serious complication of ultraendurance sports. However, the etiology of this condition is still uncertain. This observational cohort study aimed to determine prospectively the incidence and etiology of hyponatremia in an ultradistance triathlon. The subjects consisted of 605 of the 660 athletes entered in the New Zealand Ironman triathlon (3.8-km swim, 180-km cycle, and 42.2-km run). Subjects were weighed before and after the race. A blood sample was drawn for measurement of plasma sodium concentration after the race. Complete data on pre- and postrace weights and plasma sodium concentrations were available in 330 race finishers. Postrace plasma sodium concentrations were inversely related to changes in body weight (P = 0.0001). Women (N = 38) had significantly lower plasma sodium concentrations (133.7 vs 137.4 mmol x L(-1); P = 0.0001) than men (N = 292) and lost significantly less relative weight (-2.7 vs -4.3%; P = 0.0002). Fifty-eight of 330 race finishers (18%) were hyponatremic; of these only 18 (31%) sought medical care for the symptoms of hyponatremia (symptomatic). Eleven of the 58 hyponatremic athletes had severe hyponatremia ([plasma sodium] < 130 mmol x L(-1)); seven of these 11 severely hyponatremic athletes were symptomatic. The relative body weight change of the 11 severely hyponatremic athletes ranged from 2.4% to +5%; eight (73%) of these athletes either maintained or gained weight during the race. In contrast, relative body weight changes in the 47 athletes with mild hyponatremia ([plasma sodium] 130-134 mmol x L(1)) were more variable, ranging from -9.25% to +2.2%. Hyponatremia is a common biochemical finding in ultradistance triathletes but is usually asymptomatic. Although mild hyponatremia was associated with variable body weight changes, fluid overload was the cause of most (73%) cases of severe, symptomatic hyponatremia.

Interactive effects of denervation and malnutrition on diaphragm structure and function.

The purpose of this study was to examine the interactive effects of unilateral denervation (DN) and prolonged malnutrition (MN) on the structure and function of the diaphragm muscle (Dia). Four groups of rats were studied: control (Con), MN, DN, and DN-MN. MN began 2 wk after DN and lasted 4 wk. In both the DN and DN-MN groups, the relative loss in Dia weight exceeded the relative change in body weight. Compared with the Con group, Dia specific force was reduced by approximately 40% in both the DN and DN-MN groups but was unaffected in the MN group. Dia fatigue resistance improved in all experimental groups but to a greater extent in the DN and DN-MN groups. In both the DN and DN-MN groups, approximately 50% of Dia fibers were classified as type IIc, whereas fiber type proportions did not change in the MN group. In the DN group, only type IIb/x fibers atrophied, whereas all fiber types atrophied in the MN and DN-MN groups. We conclude that in the DN-MN group the reduction in specific force combined with the reduction in total cross-sectional area of the muscle significantly curtails Dia force-generating capacity.