Fat Thickness Research Articles

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Demonstrates Differences in Brow and Upper Eyelid Fat and Muscle Layers Between East Asians and Caucasians

Purpose: To objectively quantify, in East Asians and Caucasians, the width and distribution of the retro-orbicularis oculi and frontalis fat (ROOF) pad, subcutaneous fat, and orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) at the superior orbital rim margin as well as 5 mm superior and inferior to this point. Methods: Thirty adults were studied by high-resolution, surface coil MRI. In the quasi-sagittal image through the globe center, the ROOF, subcutaneous fat, and OOM thickness were measured anterior to the orbital septum, at 3 points: at the superior orbital rim, and 5 mm superior, and 5 mm inferior to the rim. Results: Seventeen subjects were of East Asian descent and 13 were Caucasian. Mean age (±standard deviation) was 49 (±16, range 18–72 years) and 53 (±17, range 29–80 years), respectively. Subcutaneous fat, OOM, and ROOF individual and total anteroposterior layer thickness at the superior orbital rim was similar between East Asians and Caucasians, with average ROOF 63% to 66% (4.5 ± 1.0, 4.7 ± 1.5 mm) of the width at the rim, and 33% to 34% (1.7 ± 0.7–1.8 ± 1.0 mm) 5 mm superiorly. In Caucasians, 12 of 13 patients (92%) had no measurable ROOF 5 mm inferior to the orbital rim. Values for Caucasians were significantly smaller than for East Asians 5 mm under the rim, where the East Asian eyelid layers anterior to the orbital septum averaged: subcutaneous fat 0.9 ± 0.4 mm, OOM 1.2 ± 0.3 mm, ROOF 1.8 ± 1.2 mm, and preaponeurotic fat 1.1 ± 0.9 mm. At the same level, the Caucasian eyelid measured: subcutaneous fat 0.6 ± 0.5 mm and OOM 1.4 ± 0.3 mm. Conclusions: Retro-orbicularis oculi and frontalis fat is the major contributor to the anteroposterior thickness of the eyelid at the level of the superior orbital rim in both East Asians and Caucasians. In East Asians, the ROOF comprises much of the total width inferior to the superior rim, whereas the Caucasian eyelid is mostly muscular. In Caucasians, ROOF is centered around the rim and extends intra-orbitally onto the roof as opposed to East Asians in which it continues inferiorly, into the upper eyelid. These anatomic variations explain some of the differences in surface anatomy between ethnic groups.

The application of full-thickness advancement flap of upper abdominal wall in breast-conserving surgery for lower quadrant breast cancer

Objective: To explore the application of full-thickness advancement flap of upper abdominal wall in breast-conserving surgery for lower quadrant breast cancer. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. The clinic data of 25 lower quadrant breast cancer patients who underwent a breast-conserving surgery with advancement flap of full-thickness of upper abdominal wall at the Breast Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, from June 2022 to September 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were female, aged (47.6±5.8) years (range: 38 to 57 years). Tumor staging included stageⅠ in 8 cases, stageⅡA in 13 cases, stageⅡB in 4 cases. The subcutaneous fat thickness of the upper abdominal walls and the volume of wide local excision of the tumor were measured and recorded. The operation time of repairing the breast, the duration of retention of postoperative drainage tubes, postoperative complications, and cosmetic results were recorded. Results: The subcutaneous fat thickness in the upper abdominal walls was (1.7±0.2) cm (range: 1.3 to 2.2 cm), the excision volume of breast-conserving surgery was (70.8±13.6) mm3 (range: 49 to 97 mm3), the operation time of repairing the breast was (55.4±5.1) minutes (range: 45 to 65 minutes) and the retention time of the drainage tube was (7.4±0.8) days (range: 6 to 9 days). Cosmetic results: excellent in 12 cases (48.0%), good in 9 cases (36.0%) and fair in 4 cases (16.0%). There was 1 case of postoperative seroma in the donor area, which healed after repositioning the negative pressure drain. Conclusion: In breast-conserving surgery for lower quadrant breast cancer, using a full-thickness abdominal wall advancement flap to repair breast defects is a simple and effective tumor reconstructive technique, yielding good results in achieving postoperative symmetry of the lower quadrant of the breast.

Periaortic fat thickness and cardiovascular risk factors in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia are considered to be at an elevated risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between periaortic fat thickness and the cardiometabolic profile in children diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A total of 20 children and adolescents with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and 20 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. We investigated metabolic and anthropometric parameters, comparing these values to those of the control group. Periaortic fat thickness was assessed using an echocardiographic method that has not previously been applied to paediatric patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The subjects in the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group were significantly shorter than the control subjects (p = 0.021) and exhibited a higher body mass index (p = 0.044) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.046). No significant differences were observed between the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group and control subjects concerning age, weight, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Additionally, dyslipidemia was identified in 5% (N = 1) of the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group. The mean fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and fasting glucose-to-fasting insulin ratio were similar between the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group and the control subjects. However, 15% (n = 3) of the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group had insulin resistance. Two children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (10%) were diagnosed with hypertension.Periaortic fat thickness was significantly greater in the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group compared to the control group (p = 0.000), with measurements of 0.2039 ± 0.045 mm in the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group and 0.1304 ± 0.022 mm in the control group. In children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, periaortic fat thickness exhibited a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.549, p = 0.034) and a positive correlation with the dose of hydrocortisone (r = 0.688, p = 0.001). Our results provide further evidence of subclinical cardiovascular disease in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It is crucial to regularly assess cardiometabolic risk in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The measurement of periaortic fat thickness in this population may serve as a valuable tool for identifying individuals at high risk for developing early atherosclerosis.

Fulvic acid inhibits the differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes by activating the Ca2+/CaMKⅡ/AMPK pathway.

Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of developing obesity. Although fulvic acid alleviates back fat thickness in pigs, the mechanism underlying its anti-obesity effect remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the anti-obesity mechanism of fulvic acid using 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We examined the effects of fulvic acid on adipocyte differentiation, cell viability, and lipid accumulation using molecular techniques. Fulvic acid treatment significantly decreased intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells during the differentiation compared with that in the control group. Western blotting revealed fulvic acid-induced downregulated expression of the adipocyte differentiation-related markers peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1. The fulvic acid treatment decreased the expression of the lipid uptake-related markers fatty acid-binding protein 4 and the cluster of differentiation 36 in 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, fulvic acid significantly increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentration via Ca2+ sequestration from the endoplasmic reticulum, enhanced Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity, and upregulated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thereby reducing adipocyte differentiation. Conclusively, fulvic acid attenuates adipocyte differentiation by activating the Ca2+/CaMKⅡ/AMPK pathway, suggesting its anti-obesity potential.

Allometric Growth of Non-Carcass Components, Carcass Cuts and Hind Limb Tissues in Kivircik Lambs Finished Under Concentrate- and Pasture-Based Systems.

Obtaining information about the growth rates of animals' organs and tissues can help understand their meat production potential and determine the ideal slaughter weight (SW). This study aimed to determine the effects of production system and SW on the allometric growth of the non-carcass components, carcass cuts, and hind limb tissues of Kivircik lambs. A total of 54 single-born male lambs were randomly allocated into production systems (concentrate- and pasture-based) and SW groups: 25-26kg (LOW), 30-31kg (MEDIUM), and 35-36kg (HIGH). The data for weights of non-carcass components, carcass cuts and hind limb tissues were analysed using General Linear Model (GLM). The allometric growth of non-carcass components, carcass cuts and hind limb tissues was estimated using the nonlinear allometric equation (Y=aXb). The mean of carcass components increased linearly with SW (p<0.05). Similar omental-mesenteric fat, kidney knob and channel fat (KKCF), back fat thickness, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat and total fat levels were observed in the different SW groups in a pasture-based system (p>0.05). Carcass cuts and hind limb fat tissues show late development (b>1) in the concentrated system. Development of subcutaneous fat and total fat was late maturing (b>1) in the pasture-based system. Allometric growth of KKCF, subcutaneous fat and total fat was rapid. If more carcass weight is desired from Kivircik lambs in the concentrated production system, they should be slaughtered at higher weights than the HIGH group. Continuing to fatten pasture-based lambs after 30-31kg may result in fatty carcasses.

A PROGNOSTIC MODEL FOR SURGICAL SITE INFECTION

The aim of the study is to determine the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI), risk factors for its development and to evolve a prognostic model for stratifying patients according to its level. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted at Ulyanovsk Regional Clinical Hospital and Ulyanovsk Regional Clinical Oncology Center. A total of 1,500 planned laparotomies were performed (database registration certificate No. 2024623300) including 190 gastrectomies with D2 lymph node dissection, 882 colon resections, and 428 total hysterectomies. A retrospective analysis of the results was carried out during the postoperative period according to a single protocol. StatTech v. 4.5.0 (Stattech, Russia) and SPSS 26 for Mac (IBM Corp.), R Statistics 3.6.1 were used for statistical analysis of the study results. Results. The incidence of SSI was 4.93 % (74/1500). There were 12 fatal outcomes (16.2 %) in the group with SSI and 15 ones (1.1 %) in the group without SSI. The most significant factors influencing the development of postoperative infectious complications in the surgical site are age (p=0.007), diabetes mellitus (p&lt;0.001), subcutaneous fat thickness (p&lt;0.001), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p&lt;0.001), body mass index (p&lt;0.001), and surgery duration (p&lt;0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that only the following parameters influence the SSI development after laparotomy: colon surgery (OR 8.66 (95 % CI 3.74–21.7); diabetes mellitus (OR 9.36 (95 % CI 4.22–21.65); BMI (OR 1.55 (95 % CI 1.42–1.71) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (OR 0.07 (95 % CI 0.03–0.13). A prognostic model for the risk of SSI development was created and programmed as an HTML application using the JavaScript programming language. Conclusion. The incidence of postoperative infectious complications in the surgical site after standard midline laparotomy for elective surgery was 4.93 % (74/1500). The authors created a prediction model to stratify patients according to the risk of SSI development.

Differences in severity of reticulo-rumen pH drop in primiparous Holstein cows fed the same diet during transition and early lactation: effects on performance, energy balance, blood metabolites, and reproduction

Abstract We recently reported factors leading to different severity of ruminal pH drop in primiparous cows fed the same diet during transition and early lactation. The present study evaluates the effects of those severities on performance and several blood and balance parameters in the same 24 primiparous cows from 3 wk before calving until wk 10 in lactation. Dietary concentrate was increased for all cows from 32 before calving to 60% (DM basis) over the first wk in lactation, resulting in a diet with 40% non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), and 14.4% physically effective fiber (peNDF&amp;gt;8). Ruminal pH was monitored with indwelling systems in all cows during the study; then several indices of duration and magnitude of pH change were used as indicators of the severity of ruminal pH drop. Accordingly, as reported in the companion paper, the cows were classified as either higher pH drop (HIGH; n = 9), moderate (MOD; n = 9) and lower (LOW; n = 6) severity of pH drop. In the present report, body weight, body condition score, and back fat thickness decreased but rumen mucosa thickness increased after calving in all cows (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Post-partum daily energy intake in HIGH was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than the other categories. In addition, there were 5.6 kg extra of energy-corrected milk in HIGH (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Independent of severity of pH drop, blood glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, bilirubin and cortisol were higher, whereas triglycerides, total protein, globulin, albumin, urea nitrogen, cholesterol, calcium and phosphorous were lower at calving (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Blood cholesterol was greater in HIGH than the other pH categories (P &amp;lt; 0.05); insulin and reproductive variables were not affected by severity of pH drop. Overall, primiparous cows fed the same diet showed different severity of ruminal pH drop, but the individual variation in ruminal pH depression was not related to a negative impact on milk yield, energy balance or blood metabolites during the study. This indicates that the impact of low ruminal pH on the animals may depend not only on severity of the pH drop (average of 403 min/d of pH&amp;lt;5.8 over 13 wk) but also on diet characteristics. Specifically, drops of ruminal pH can be tolerated by primiparous cows during the first 10 wk in milk consuming a diet containing 40% NFC and 14.4% peNDF&amp;gt;8. It would be worth studying the severity of ruminal pH drop in a larger sample size during the entire lactation and if the severity is sustained on the next lactation.

A study of body fat distribution-in childhood obesity and its associated metabolic risk factors

Background: The Objective of the present study was to find out fat distribution pattern in obese children between 6 to 12 years of age as compared to non-obese children of same age. Methods: A case control study was done between 1st July 2023 to 1st July 2024 on 138 children between 6 to 12 years of age group in Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana state. Ultra-sonographic measurement of fat thickness including maximum and minimum preperitoneal fat thickness, maximum and minimum abdominal subcutaneous fat, thickness at triceps and subscapular regions were determined in all participants. Fasting blood glucose was measured using enzymatic assay. Total cholesterol was measured by enzymatic assays. Results: Total 138 children were enrolled in the study. Out of 138 children included in study, the study population included 69 obese (35 females and 34 males) and 69 non-obese children (33 females and 36 males). When both groups were compared, weight, Body mass Index (BMI) and ultra-sonographic measurement of body fat thickness differed significantly. Conclusions: Obese children have high serum cholesterol, high serum triglyceride and high serum LDL levels as compared to non-obese children. In obese children, higher the fasting serum insulin level, more is the preperitoneal fat layer 5cm above the umbilicus with p-value of &lt;0.05 which is significant.

Ultrasonographic Measurement of Muscle and Subcutaneous Fat Thickness for the Objective Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Alpacas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic measurement of the subcutaneous fat and muscle layers at two different body locations as an objective tool with which to determine the nutritional status of alpacas. The results of ultrasonographic measurement were related to body weight, determined by scale, and body condition score (BCS), determined by a scoring system. Differences between gender (female/male) and different reproductive statuses (castrated/intact males, pregnant, and early or non-pregnant females) were evaluated. In total, 160 alpacas were examined. Ultrasonography was performed first at the lumbar region, positioning a linear probe (8 MHz) between the second and third lumbar vertebrae perpendicular to the spinal column, and in the gluteal region, measuring the distance between skin, the subcutaneous fat layer, and the muscle layer. The results showed that the gender and pregnancy status of females had a significant influence on the ultrasonographic measurements at both localizations. Significant associations were found between body weight and the BCS. The BCS and ultrasonographic-measured soft-tissue thicknesses at both localizations were significantly associated for males and early or non-pregnant females. According to these results, ultrasonography can be recommended as an objective method with which to determine the nutritional status of alpacas.

Increased epicardial adipose tissue is associated with left ventricular reverse remodeling in dilated cardiomyopathy

BackgroundEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been suggested to play paradoxical roles in patients with heart failure. The role of EAT in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients remains unclear. We aimed to assess the associations between the dynamic changes EAT and left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in DCM patients based on baseline and follow-up CMR.MethodsIn this prospective study, we consecutive enrolled DCM patients with baseline and follow-up cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examinations. All participating patients underwent 1–2 years of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) at follow-up. The EAT was measured as pericardial and epicardial fat thickness, and paracardial fat volume, while the abdominal adiposity was measured in terms of subcutaneous and visceral fat thickness. The univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of changes in abdominal and epicardial adiposities with the presence of LVRR.ResultsA total of 232 patients (mean age, 45.7 ± 15.1 years, 157 male) at baseline were enrolled. After a period of GDMT with a median duration of 15.5 months (interquartile range, 12.5–19.1 months) all participants underwent follow-up CMR with the same standardized protocol. Patients who reached LVRR showed a significant increment in EAT parameters compared to those who did not. After adjusting for age, sex, and delta changes of body mass index (BMI), the increment of pericardial fat thickness (odds ratio [OR]: 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27 to 1.83; p < 0.001), epicardial fat thickness (OR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.68 to 2.63; p < 0.001), and paracardial fat volume (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.02; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with LVRR.ConclusionsIn DCM patients, the CMR-derived EAT parameters increased after 1–2 years of GDMT and significantly correlated with improved ventricular structure and function, independent of changes in BMI and abdominal adiposity, which may indicate the potential protective role of EAT in DCM patients.Trial registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800017058.Graphical abstract

Reducing Dietary Protein Levels with Amino Acid Supplementation in Duroc Sire Line Finishing Pigs: Growth Performances, Carcass and Meat Traits and Nitrogen Balance in Males and Females.

Crude protein (CP) reduction and amino acid (AAs) supplementation is an interesting cost-reducing strategy for environmental compliance. The objective of this work is to study productive performances of heavy Duroc X (Landrace X Large white) male and female pigs during the finishing stage under a 2% CP reduction with crystalline AA supplementation. A total of 60 entire male and 60 female pigs (means ± standard deviations: 109 ± 4.9 days of age; 67.9 ± 7.18 kg of body weight) were distributed in split-sex pens (6 pigs/pen) and fed ad libitum. Two isoenergetic diets were provided (145 and 125 g CP/kg with AA supplementation, control and low-CP) during the final 42 days of finishing period. Growth performance, carcass and meat traits were evaluated. The fixed effects of dietary treatment, sex and their interaction were considered and simple least squares models used. Males were 7.25% heavier (p < 0.001) and had 16% higher average daily gains (p < 0.0001) than females in both treatments with no differences in feed intake or feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). Nitrogen efficiency was 35% higher in low-CP males. Little difference was found for most carcass and meat traits between treatments. Males had 7-8% higher loin subcutaneous fat thickness in both dietary treatments (p = 0.011). Males and females of the low-CP diet showed higher fat and saturated fat contents than controls (p = 0.020). A 20 g/kg CP reduction with AA supplementation is an efficient strategy during the finishing phase without productivity losses in heavy Duroc sire line genotypes of both sexes.

Electroacupuncture for abdominal obesity: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

IntroductionThe prevalence of obesity is rising, significantly impacting health and quality of life. Effective treatment is crucial, particularly for abdominal obesity (AO). Electroacupuncture (EA), which combines acupuncture and moxibustion with...

Age at first gestation in bovine influences female progeny post-weaning growth and reproductive development

This study investigated the impact of the age at which heifers conceive for the first time on the growth and reproductive development of their female offspring. A total of seven heifers pregnant at 15 months of age (15M), nine heifers pregnant at 27 months of age (27M) and seven multiparous pregnant cows (Adult) were used in the present trial. All dams were pregnant by AI from a single sire and managed in a single group during gestation, lactation and rearing stages. After weaning heifer calves were stocked on natural pastures. Progeny of heifers that gestated for the first time at different ages did not present differences in growth; however, progeny of 15 and 27M dams had reduced BW, longissimus muscle area and 12th fat thickness compared to progeny of adult dams (P < 0.05). Diameter of the largest follicle was greater in progeny born to Adult compared to progeny born to 15 and 27M (P = 0.04). Reproductive tract score (RTS) in heifers born to Adult at 399 days of age was greater compared to heifers born to 27M, and this category presented greater development than heifers born to 15M (P = 0.02). At 435 days of age, the heifers born to Adult had a greater percentage defined as pubertal compared to the progeny of 15 and 27M (P = 0.04). At 495 days of age, the weight of uterus, ovaries and corpora lutea were not affected by the age of dams at calving (P > 0.25). These data indicated that the age at which heifers received their first service affects female offspring growth RTS at early ages, but it does not have any impact in organ development after diet with a high energy level.

Changes in Gut Microbiota in Peruvian Cattle Genetic Nucleus by Breed and Correlations with Beef Quality.

This study evaluated the gut microbiota and meat quality traits in 11 healthy female cattle from the Huaral region of Peru, including 5 Angus, 3 Braunvieh, and 3 F1 Simmental × Braunvieh. All cattle were 18 months old and maintained on a consistent lifelong diet. Meat quality traits, including loin area, fat thickness, muscle depth, and marbling, were assessed in vivo using ultrasonography. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis, and DNA was extracted for 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing to characterize bacterial, fungal, and protist communities. Significant correlations were observed between microbial genera and meat traits: Christensenellaceae R-7 and Alistipes were positively associated with marbling and muscle area, while Rikenellaceae RC9 showed a negative correlation with fat thickness. Among fungi, Candida positively correlated with marbling, while Trichosporon was negatively associated with muscle depth. For protists, Entodinium negatively correlated with fat thickness and marbling. Alpha diversity varied by breed, with Angus showing greater bacterial diversity, and beta diversity analyses indicated a strong breed influence on microbial composition. These findings suggest that microbial composition, shaped by breed and dietary consistency, could serve as an indicator of meat quality, offering insights into gut microbiota's role in optimizing cattle production.

Quantitative assessment of the thickness of the buccal subcutaneous fat using computed tomography to detect diabetes mellitus

AbstractAimDiabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a variety of complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease. However, detecting DM based on head and neck imaging findings remains challenging. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to quantitatively evaluate the thickness of the buccal subcutaneous fat using computed tomography (CT) for the purpose of detecting DM.MethodsThis retrospective study included 240 patients (91 males, 149 females; mean age, 59.5±12.6 years; range, 17–86 years). DM was defined based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Diabetes Association, with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥ 6.0%. Patients with type 1 DM, those with tumor‐related lesions in the head and neck fat pads, and those with CT images showing metal artifacts were excluded from this study. Buccal subcutaneous fat was measured manually at the point closest to the masseter muscle in the axial slice with the thicker buccal subcutaneous fat. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlation between buccal subcutaneous fat thickness and HbA1c levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the cut‐off value for detecting DM.ResultsA positive correlation was observed between the buccal subcutaneous fat thickness and HbA1c levels. ROC analysis revealed that a buccal subcutaneous fat thickness of ≥ 10.875 mm indicated DM, demonstrating high sensitivity (82.2%).ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the relationship between the buccal subcutaneous fat thickness and HbA1c levels. Thus, DM can be detected based on the buccal subcutaneous fat thickness on CT images.

Relationship of female pelvic floor muscle function and body composition: cross-sectional study.

Investigate the relationship between female pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and body composition. Cross-sectional study-participants answered sociodemographic and urogynecological questions. The amount of fat mass was measured by dual-emission X-ray densitometry (DXA), and subcutaneous fat thickness was assessed by abdominal ultrasound. PFM assessment was performed using the Modified Oxford Scale and vaginal manometry. Descriptive analysis, independent t test, spearman correlation, and univariate regression were performed. Ninety-nine women were included. All body composition variables evaluated, except subcutaneous fat thickness, indicated that women with a higher concentration of fat in the pelvic, android, and visceral region have lower maximum voluntary PFM contraction strength assessed by Modified Oxford Scale and manometry. The univariate model pointed out that the fat concentration increases the chances of reduced PFM strength in the entire body (0.6%), android (5.4%), visceral region (25.3%), and pelvic (89.9%). There was a correlation between the concentration of total, pelvic, and android fat with MVC/average peak. The accumulation of "total", "pelvic", "android", and "visceral" fat mass is correlated with reduction in PFM strength, and there is an association between MVC and the variables of total and segmented fat. However, pelvic fat concentration is predictive in 89.9% of cases.

Residual Feed Intake in Hereford Steers: Is It Associated with Carcass and Meat Quality Characteristics?

Carcass and meat quality traits were evaluated on 136 Hereford steers categorized according to their residual feed intake (RFI): high RFI (HRFI), medium RFI (MRFI), and low RFI (LRFI). Steers from the 3 groups of RFI did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.05) on final live weight, hot carcass weight, carcass yield, marbling scores, ribeye area, and subcutaneous fat thickness. No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) were observed in the weights of tenderloin, strip loin, bottom round, knuckle, and tri-tip among RFI groups; however, steers from LRFI and MRFI had heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.05) top sirloins than HRFI animals and inside rounds from more efficient animals (LRFI) were heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than HRFI steers. Steers from HRFI showed a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) proportion of intramuscular fat (IMF) than LRFI animals. Longissimus muscles from HRFI steers presented greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrations of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than those from MRFI and LRFI animals. The PUFA/SFA ratio of IMF did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between LRFI and HRFI steers and neither between LRFI and MRFI. In addition, the omega 6:omega 3 fatty acids ratio did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.05) among the 3 RFI groups. Consumer's panel acceptability scores for tenderness, flavor, and overall liking were not significantly different (P &amp;gt; 0.05) among meat samples from LRFI, MRFI, and HRFI steers. Our findings indicated that RFI would not be associated with carcass traits and meat quality of Hereford steers, except for the IMF content and fatty acids concentrations. Therefore, end-product quality would be only marginally affected when RFI characteristic is included in a Hereford breeding program.

Hidden blood loss of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion of lumbar degenerative diseases in patients with osteoporosis: a retrospective study.

To compare hidden blood loss (HBL) of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Mis-TLIF) of lumbar degenerative diseases in patients with or without osteoporosis (OP) and identify the risk factors for HBL with OP. The data from 156 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases, who underwent Mis-TLIF between January 2018 and December 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the Osteoporosis and Non-osteoporosis groups. We recorded demographic characteristics and blood-related parameters in each group. Blood loss was measured by quantifying visible blood loss and calculating HBL using preoperative hematocrit (Hctpre) and postoperative hematocrit (Hctpost). Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the association between OP patient's characteristics and HBL. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to confirm independent risk factors of HBL in patients with OP. The mean HBL of the Osteoporosis and Non-osteoporosis groups was 608.27 ± 175.23 and 173.04 ± 67.55ml, respectively. There were significant differences in age, BMI, subcutaneous fat thickness, muscle thickness, Hctpost, average hematocrit of preoperative and postoperative (Hctave), visible blood loss, HBL and volume of allogeneic blood transfusions between the two groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that Hctpost, T-score, use of tranexamic acid (TXA) and preoperative regular anti-osteoporosis treatment were independent risk factors for HBL in patients with OP. There was significant perioperative HBL in patients with OP. Hctpost, T-score, use of TXA and preoperative regular anti-osteoporosis treatment were independent risk factors for HBL in patients with OP. More attention should be paid to the perioperative period to ensure the safety of patients with OP.

Assessing Fat Grafting in Breast Surgery: A Narrative Review of Evaluation Techniques.

Fat grafting has gained prominence in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, necessitating accurate assessment methods for evaluating graft volume retention. This paper reviews various techniques for assessing fat and fat grafts, including their benefits and limitations. Three-dimensional (3D) scanning offers highly accurate, non-invasive volumetric assessments with minimal interference from breathing patterns. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recognized as the gold standard, providing precise volumetric evaluations and sensitivity to complications like oil cysts and necrosis. Computed tomography (CT) is useful for fat volume assessment but may overestimate retention rates. Ultrasonography presents a reliable, non-invasive method for measuring subcutaneous fat thickness. Other methods, such as digital imaging, histological analysis, and weight estimation, contribute to fat graft quantification. The integration of these methodologies is essential for advancing fat graft assessment, promoting standardized practices, and improving patient outcomes in clinical settings.

The effects of alpha-lipoic acid transdermal patch for local subcutaneous fat reduction: A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in overweight volunteers

BackgroundCombating obesity is challenging, as anti-obesity compounds lose effectiveness or cause severe side effects when delivered via conventional routes. Thus, there is a need for new, effective treatment routes that are home-based and safe for long-term use. This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of a biocellulose transdermal patch containing α-lipoic acid (ALA), an anti-obesity compound, in reducing subcutaneous fat accumulation. MethodsOne hundred and sixteen overweight participants (average age 37.96 ± 7.80 years) were recruited for the study. They were randomly assigned to apply either the calcium citrate nanoparticle-encapsulated ALA transdermal patch or a placebo on their arm. The participants’ body weight, height, blood lipid profile (cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein), arm circumference, triceps skin fold, and subcutaneous fat thickness were recorded at baseline and at the 2-week follow-up. ResultsThe mean arm circumference did not show any significant difference from baseline, whereas the triceps skinfold and subcutaneous fat thickness showed a significant reduction. The 2-week treatment did not significantly alter the plasma LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels of the participants, but it significantly reduced the total cholesterol level. ConclusionThis study reports the successful reduction of subcutaneous fat of the calcium citrate nanoparticle-encapsulated ALA transdermal patches. The transdermal patches could be used as a safe and effective home-based solution for combating obesity.