In vivo antimalarial effect of 1-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxyxanthone isolated from Mammea siamensis T. Anders. flowers: pharmacokinetic and acute toxicity studies

BACKGROUND

The potent antiplasmodial activity of 1-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxyxanthone (HTX), isolated from Mammea siamensis T. Anders. flowers, has previously been demonstrated in vitro. However, its in vivo activity has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antimalarial activity and acute toxicity of HTX in a mouse model and to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of HTX following a single intraperitoneal administration.

METHODS

The in vivo antimalarial activity of HTX was evaluated using a 4-day suppressive test. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain and given HTX daily for 4 days. To detect acute toxicity, mice received a single dose of HTX and were observed for 14 days. Additionally, the biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney functions as well as the histopathology of liver and kidney tissues were examined. HTX pharmacokinetics after intraperitoneal administration was also investigated in a mouse model. Liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was used to quantify plasma HTX and calculate pharmacokinetic parameters with the PKSolver software.

RESULTS

HTX at 10 mg/kg body weight significantly suppressed parasitemia in malaria-infected mice by 74.26%. Mice treated with 3 mg/kg HTX showed 46.88% suppression, whereas mice treated with 1 mg/kg displayed 34.56% suppression. Additionally, no symptoms of acute toxicity were observed in the HTX-treated groups. There were no significant alterations in the biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney functions and no histological changes in liver or kidney tissues. Following intraperitoneal HTX administration, the pharmacokinetic profile exhibited a maximum concentration (Cmax) of 94.02 ng/mL, time to attain Cmax (Tmax) of 0.5 h, mean resident time of 14.80 h, and elimination half-life of 13.88 h.

CONCLUSIONS

HTX has in vivo antimalarial properties against P. berghei infection. Acute toxicity studies of HTX did not show behavioral changes or mortality. The median lethal dose was greater than 50 mg/kg body weight. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that HTX has a long elimination half-life; hence, shortening the duration of malaria treatment may be required to minimize toxicity.

Effects of Soluble Dextrin Fiber from Potato Starch on Body Weight and Associated Gut Dysbiosis Are Evident in Western Diet-Fed Mice but Not in Overweight/Obese Children

BACKGROUND

The study investigated the impact of starch degradation products (SDexF) as prebiotics on obesity management in mice and overweight/obese children.

METHODS

A total of 48 mice on a normal diet (ND) and 48 on a Western diet (WD) were divided into subgroups with or without 5% SDexF supplementation for 28 weeks. In a human study, 100 overweight/obese children were randomly assigned to prebiotic and control groups, consuming fruit and vegetable mousse with or without 10 g of SDexF for 24 weeks. Stool samples were analyzed for microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and amino acids (AA) were assessed.

RESULTS

Results showed SDexF slowed weight gain in female mice on both diets but only temporarily in males. It altered bacterial diversity and specific taxa abundances in mouse feces. In humans, SDexF did not influence weight loss or gut microbiota composition, showing minimal changes in individual taxa. The anti-obesity effect observed in mice with WD-induced obesity was not replicated in children undergoing a weight-loss program.

CONCLUSIONS

SDexF exhibited sex-specific effects in mice but did not impact weight loss or microbiota composition in overweight/obese children.

Regional variation in body size and estimated secular change among adult Indian males born in the 1890s-1950s

Regional variation in the body size of Indian men 18-84 years of age (birth years 1891-1957) was considered. Heights, weights, and BMIs of Indian males from four regions of the country - North, East-Northeast, Central, and West were compared. Heights of men 35+ years of age were adjusted for estimated height loss with age; the estimate was added to observed height to provide an estimate of maximum height. Linear regressions of measured height and estimated maximum height on year of birth were used to evaluate secular change by region. Differences in measured and estimated maximum heights and weight among regions were significant in all age groups, while differences in the BMI were significant in all age groups except 55+ years. Men from the North region were tallest and those from the East-Northeast region were shortest, while body weight and the BMI varied among regions. Regression analyses of year of birth on measured and estimated maximum heights indicated small differences in estimates of secular change among regions but suggested a decline in estimated maximum heights with age among men in the four regions born in 1891 through the 1930s, and small but variable estimates of secular change in heights among men born in the 1930s through 1957. The variation likely reflected socio-economic disparities and ecological differences among regions, and by inference nutritional status though data are limited.

Eye morphometry, body size, and flexibility parameters in myopic adolescents

The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomical and physiological ocular parameters in adolescents with myopia and to examine the relations between refractive error (SER), ocular biometry, body size and flexibility parameters in myopic adolescents. A cross-sectional study of 184 myopic adolescents, aged 15 to 19 years was conducted. Refractive error and corneal curvature measures of the eye were evaluated using an autorefractometer under cycloplegia. Central corneal thickness was determined by contact pachymetry. The ocular axial length, anterior and vitreous chamber depth, and lens thickness were measured using A-scan biometry ultrasonography. Height and body weight were measured according to a standardized protocol. Body mass index (BMI) was subsequently calculated. Beighton scale was used to measure joint flexibility. Body stature was positively correlated with ocular axial length (r = 0.39, p < 0.001) and vitreous chamber depth (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between height and SER (r = - 0.46; p < 0.001). Beighton score and body weight had weak positive correlations with axial length and vitreous chamber depth, and a weak negative correlation with SER. A significantly more negative SER was observed in the increased joint mobility group (p < 0.05; U = 5065.5) as compared to normal joint mobility group: mean - 4.37 ± 1.85 D (median - 4.25; IQR - 6.25 to - 3.25 D) and mean - 3.72 ± 1.66 D (median - 3.50; IQR - 4.75 to - 2.25 D) respectively. There was a strong association between height and axial length, as well as SER. Higher degree of myopia significantly correlated with greater Beighton score (increased joint mobility).

Liraglutide improved the reproductive function of obese mice by upregulating the testicular AC3/cAMP/PKA pathway

BACKGROUND

The incidence of male reproductive dysfunction is increasing annually, and many studies have shown that obesity can cause severe harm to male reproductive function. The mechanism of male reproductive dysfunction caused by obesity is unclear, and there is no ideal treatment. Identification of effective therapeutic drugs and elucidation of the molecular mechanism involved in male reproductive health are meaningful. In this study, we investigated the effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide on sex hormones, semen quality, and testicular AC3/cAMP/PKA levels in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice.

METHODS

Obese mice and their lean littermates were treated with liraglutide or saline for 12 weeks. Body weight was measured weekly. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured using a blood glucose test strip. The serum levels of insulin (INS), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), free testosterone (F-TESTO), estradiol (E2), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were detected using ELISA. The sperm morphology and sperm count were observed after Pap staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels of testicular GLP-1R and AC3 were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Testicular cAMP levels and PKA activity were detected using ELISA.

RESULTS

Liraglutide treatment can decrease body weight, FBG, INS, HOMA-IR, E2 and SHBG levels; increase LH, FSH, T, and F-TESTO levels; increase sperm count; decrease the sperm abnormality rate; and increase GLP-1R and AC3 expression levels and cAMP levels and PKA activity in testicular tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Liraglutide can improve the sex hormone levels and semen quality of obese male mice. In addition to its weight loss effect, liraglutide can improve the reproductive function of obese male mice, which may also be related to the upregulation of AC3/cAMP/PKA pathway in the testis. This work lays the groundwork for future clinical studies.

Association between cardiovascular risk and maternal perception of BMI in Peruvian schoolchildren

Introduction

In the modern era, the maternal perception of children's nutritional status has emerged as a critical area of study, given its potential influence on nutritional interventions and long-term child health. The relationship between this perception and children's Body Mass Index (BMI) by age is particularly intriguing, as it may reveal discrepancies between perception and reality.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate Peruvian mothers' perception of their children's Body Mass Index (BMI) in relation to age and to determine how this perception associates with the children's cardiovascular risk. The study also analyzed sociodemographic factors that might influence this perception.

Methods

The study included 130 mothers of schoolchildren aged 5 to 11 from a school in Lima. Mothers' perceptions of their children's weight were assessed using pictograms, and sociodemographic characteristics were collected through a questionnaire. Weight and height measurements were taken to calculate BMI, and waist circumference was measured to classify cardiovascular risk.

Results

A total of 57.4% of the schoolchildren presented with excess malnutrition, and 51.5% of the mothers incorrectly classified the actual BMI/Age of their children (kappa 0.11; p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, it was found that the schoolchild's age is associated with the mother's failure to accurately perceive her child's weight (OR 1.59). Lastly, there was a significant association between maternal perception and cardiovascular risk (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

There is a significant discrepancy between maternal perception and the actual nutritional status of children, which can increase cardiovascular risk. It is necessary to implement intervention and education strategies targeted at parents to enhance the recognition and management of childhood overweight and obesity.

Folic Acid Rescues Dopaminergic Neurons in MPTP-Induced Mice by Inhibiting the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Ameliorating Mitochondrial Impairment

Parkinson's disease (PD) is marked by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra (SN), with neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction being key contributors. The neuroprotective potential of folic acid (FA) in the dopaminergic system of PD was assessed in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model. MPTP (20 mg/kg of body weight) was administered to C57BL/6J mice to simulate PD symptoms followed by FA treatment (5 mg/kg of body weight). Behavioral tests, pole, rotarod, and open-field tests, evaluated motor function, while immunohistochemistry, ELISA, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting quantified neuroinflammation, oxidative stress markers, and mitochondrial function. FA supplementation considerably improved motor performance, reduced homocysteine levels and mitigated oxidative damage in the SN. The FA-attenuated activation of the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome lessened glial cell activity and reduced neuroinflammation. At the molecular level, FA reduced DNA damage, downregulated phosphorylated p53, and induced the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), enhancing mitochondrial function. Therefore, FA exerts neuroprotection in MPTP-induced PD by inhibiting neuroinflammation via NLRP3 inflammasome suppression and promoting mitochondrial integrity through the p53-PGC-1α pathway. Notable limitations of our study include its reliance on a single animal model and the incompletely elucidated mechanisms underlying the impact of FA on mitochondrial dynamics. Future investigations will explore the clinical utility of FA and its molecular mechanisms, further advancing it as a potential therapeutic for managing and delaying the progression of PD.

[Weight loss: when the body image does not keep up]

The body image, defined as an individual's 'inner vision' of himself, stems from the combination of multiple factors. The body dissatisfaction, which represents its negative version, is associated with eating disorders, a sedentary lifestyle and weight gain. Several patients suffering from obesity consider weight loss as a strategy to work on their body image. Multiples studies confirm a positive association between weight loss and improved body images. Nevertheless, few elements seem to predispose to body dissatisfaction persistence, such as a history of strict diets, eating disorders or other psychopathologies. To treat body dissatisfaction, we need to focus our attention on self-esteem, a balanced lifestyle, and media education.

Phoenixin 20 ameliorates pulmonary arterial hypertension via inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe pathophysiological syndrome resulting in heart failure, which is found to be induced by pulmonary vascular remodeling mediated by oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. Phoenixin-20 (PNX-20) is a reproductive peptide first discovered in mice with potential suppressive properties against OS and inflammatory response. Our study will explore the possible therapeutic functions of PHN-20 against PAH for future clinical application. Rats were treated with normal saline, PHN-20 (100 ng/g body weight daily), hypoxia, hypoxia+PHN-20 (100 ng/g body weight daily), respectively. A signally elevated RVSP, mPAP, RV/LV + S, and W%, increased secretion of cytokines, enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) level, repressed superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and activated NLRP3 signaling were observed in hypoxia-stimulated rats, which were notably reversed by PHN-20 administration. Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMECs) were treated with hypoxia with or without PHN-20 (10 and 20 nM). Marked elevation of inflammatory cytokine secretion, increased MDA level, repressed SOD activity, and activated NLRP3 signaling were observed in hypoxia-stimulated PMECs, accompanied by a downregulation of SIRT1. Furthermore, the repressive effect of PHN-20 on the domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway in hypoxia-stimulated PMECs was abrogated by sirtuin1 (SIRT1) knockdown. Collectively, PHN-20 alleviated PAH via inhibiting OS and inflammation by mediating the transcriptional function of SIRT1.

Feasibility and utility of in-home body weight support harness system use in young children treated for spinal muscular atrophy: A single-arm prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

This single-arm prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and utility of in-home body weight support harness system (BWSS) use in children treated for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

METHODS

Individuals with 2 or 3 copies of SMN2 who received pharmacotherapeutic treatment, had head control, and weight <50lbs were enrolled. Families were provided a BWSS and documented use. Motor outcome assessments were completed at baseline, month 3 and month 6. Families provided feedback in an end of study survey.

RESULTS

All 32 participants (2.9 (SD 1.9) yrs), improved or remained stable on all outcomes. Average reported frequency of use was 4.1(2.3) hrs/week. Controlling for other covariates, frequency of use explained over 70% of the variability in change scores. Family feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

CONCLUSION

Use of in-home BWSS is a safe, feasible and useful option to increase exercise dosage after treatment in SMA and may help optimize motor abilities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Study registered with: Clinicaltrials.gov Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05715749.

Efficacy and Safety of Non-Vitamin-K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin Across the Spectrum of Body Mass Index and Body Weight: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of 4 Randomized Clinical Trials of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of non-vitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) across the spectrum of body mass index (BMI) and body weight (BW) remain uncertain.

METHODS

We analyzed data from COMBINE AF (A Collaboration Between Multiple Institutions to Better Investigate Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant Use in Atrial Fibrillation), which pooled patient-level data from the 4 pivotal randomized trials of NOAC versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were stroke or systemic embolic events (stroke/SEE) and major bleeding, respectively; secondary outcomes were ischemic stroke/SEE, intracranial hemorrhage, death, and the net clinical outcome (stroke/SEE, major bleeding, or death). Each outcome was examined across BMI and BW. Because few patients had a BMI <18.5 kg/m2 (n=598), the primary analyses were restricted to those with a BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2.

RESULTS

Among 58 464 patients, the median BMI was 28.3 (interquartile range, 25.2-32.2) kg/m2, and the median BW was 81.0 (interquartile range, 70.0-94.3) kg. The event probability of stroke/SEE was lower at a higher BMI irrespective of treatment, whereas the probability of major bleeding was lower at a higher BMI with warfarin but relatively unchanged across BMI with NOACs. NOACs reduced stroke/SEE overall (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj], 0.80 [95% CI, 0.73-0.88]; P<0.001), with a generally consistent effect across BMI (Ptrend across HRs, 0.48). NOACs also reduced major bleeding overall (HRadj, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.82-0.94]; P<0.001), but with attenuation of the benefit at a higher BMI (trend test across BMI [Ptrend], 0.003). The overall treatment effects of NOACs versus warfarin for secondary outcomes were consistent across BMI, with the exception of the net clinical outcome and death. While these outcomes were overall reduced with NOACs (net clinical outcome, HRadj, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.87-0.95]; P<0.001; death, HRadj, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.86-0.97]; P=0.003), these benefits were attenuated at higher BMI (Ptrend, 0.001 and 0.08, respectively). All findings were qualitatively similar when analyzed across BW.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment effect of NOACs versus warfarin in atrial fibrillation is generally consistent for stroke/SEE across the spectrum of BMI and BW, whereas the reduction in major bleeding is attenuated in those with higher BMI or BW. Death and the net clinical outcome are overall reduced with NOACs over warfarin, although there remain uncertainties for these outcomes at a very high BMI and BW.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Anti-Obesity Medications in Real-World Practice

Purpose

Anti-obesity medications (AOMs), along with lifestyle interventions, are effective means of inducing and maintaining weight loss in patients with obesity. Although the efficacy of AOMs has been reported, there have been no direct comparisons of these drugs. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of all the AOMs available in Korea in a real-world setting.

Patients and Methods

The body weight and composition of 205 adults treated with phentermine, phentermine/topiramate, liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, lorcaserin, or orlistat for at least 6 months were analyzed at 2 month intervals. The prevalence of the achievement of a ≥5% weight loss and the changes in body composition were compared between participants using each AOM at each visit.

Results

A total of 132 (64.4%) participants achieved ≥5% weight loss within 6 months (prevalence of ≥5% weight loss after 6 months: phentermine, 87.2%; phentermine/topiramate, 67.7%; liraglutide, 58.1%; naltrexone/bupropion, 35.3%; lorcaserin, 75%; orlistat, 50%). At each visit, after adjustment for age, sex, and baseline body weight, phentermine use was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of ≥5% weight loss than the use of the other AOMs, except for liraglutide. There were significant differences in the body weight, body mass index and body fat mass among the AOM groups by visit (P for interaction <0.05), but not in their waist circumference, skeletal muscle mass, percentage body fat, or visceral fat area.

Conclusion

All the AOMs were effective at inducing and maintaining weight loss, in the absence of significant changes in muscle mass, over a 6 month period, and the short-term use of phentermine and the long-term use of phentermine/topiramate or liraglutide would be practical choices for the treatment of obesity. However, further, large-scale studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Camel milk or silymarin could improve the negative effects that experimentally produced by aflatoxin B1 on rat's male reproductive system

BACKGROUND

Camel milk and silymarin have many different beneficial effects on several animal species. Meanwhile, Aflatoxins are mycotoxins with extraordinary potency that pose major health risks to several animal species. Additionally, it has been documented that aflatoxins harm the reproductive systems of a variety of domestic animals. The present design aimed to investigate the impact of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on rat body weight and reproductive organs and the ameliorative effects of camel milk and silymarin through measured serum testosterone, testes pathology, and gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the testes. A total of sixty mature male Wister white rats, each weighing an average of 83.67 ± 0.21 g, were used. There were six groups created from the rats. Each division had ten rats. The groups were the control (without any treatment), CM (1 ml of camel milk/kg body weight orally), S (20 mg silymarin/kg b. wt. suspension, orally), A (1.4 mg aflatoxin/kg diet), ACM (aflatoxin plus camel milk), and AS (aflatoxin plus silymarin).

RESULTS

The results indicated the positive effects of camel milk and silymarin on growth, reproductive organs, and gene expression of TNF-α, LHR, and StAR with normal testicular architecture. Also, the negative effect of AFB1 on the rat's body weight and reproductive organs, as indicated by low body weight and testosterone concentration, was confirmed by the results of histopathology and gene expression. However, these negative effects were ameliorated by the ingestion of camel milk and silymarin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, camel milk and silymarin could mitigate the negative effect of AFB1 on rat body weight and reproductive organs.

Aerobic training with moderate or high doses of vitamin D improve liver enzymes, LXRα and PGC-1α levels in rats with T2DM

Dysregulation of key transcription factors involved in hepatic energy metabolism, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) and liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), has been observed in T2DM. The present study aims to investigate the effects of aerobic training and vitamin D supplementation on liver enzyme levels and the levels of PGC-1α and LXRα proteins in hepatocytes, in a rat model of T2DM. The study involved 56 male Wistar rats, divided into two groups: one was non-diabetic and acted as a control group (n = 8), and the other had induced diabetes (n = 48). The diabetic rats were then split into six subgroups: two groups received high or moderate doses of vitamin D and aerobic training (D + AT + HD and D + AT + MD); two groups received high or moderate doses of vitamin D alone (D + HD and D + MD); one group underwent aerobic training with vehicle (sesame oil; D + AT + oil), and one group was a diabetic control receiving only sesame oil (oil-receiving). The D + AT + HD and D + HD groups received 10,000 IU of vitamin D, while the D + AT + MD and D + MD groups received 5000 IU of vitamin D once a week by injection. The D + AT + oil group and the sham group received sesame oil. After eight weeks of treatment, body weight, BMI, food intake, serum insulin, glucose, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, ALT, AST, and visceral fat were measured. The levels of PGC-1α and LXRα proteins in the liver was assessed by western blotting. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Tukey post hoc test at a significance level of P < 0.05. Body weight, food intake, and BMI decreased significantly in the D + AT + HD, D + AT + MD, D + AT + oil, D + HD, and D + MD groups with the highest reduction being observed in body weight and BMI in the D + AT + HD group. The D + AT + HD group exhibited the lowest levels of insulin, glucose, and HOMA-IR while the D + C group exhibited the highest levels among the diabetic groups. The D + AT + HD and D + AT + MD groups had lower levels of ALT and AST enzymes compared to the other groups with no significant difference between D + AT + HD and D + AT + MD. D + AT + HD (p = 0.001), D + AT + MD (p = 0.001), D + HD (p = 0.023), D + MD (p = 0.029), and D + AT + oil (p = 0.011) upregulated LXRα compared to D + C. Among these groups, D + AT + HD exhibited a more profound upregulation of LXRα than D + AT + MD, D + AT + oil, D + HD, and D + MD (p = 0.005; p = 0.002, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Similarly, D + AT + HD showed a more notable upregulation of PGC-1α compared to D + AT + oil, D + HD, and D + MD (p = 0.002; p = 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Pearson correlation tests showed significant and negative correlations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin levels and both visceral fat (r = - 0.365; p = 0.005) and HOMA-IR (r = - 0.118; p = 0.009); while positive and significant correlations between the liver-to-bodyweight ratio with both ALT and AST enzymes and also between QUICKI levels with LXRα (r = 0.578; p = 0.001) and PGC-1α (r = 0.628; p = 0.001). Combined administration of aerobic training and vitamin D supplementation potentially improves liver enzymes in type-2 diabetic rats that were simultaneous with upregulating the levels of PGC-1α and LXRα proteins in hepatocytes. These improvements were more significant when combining exercise with high-dose vitamin D supplementation. This study highlights the potential of this combination therapy as a new diabetes treatment strategy.

Effects of maternal mild hyperglycemia associated with snack intake on offspring metabolism and behavior across the lifespan

The increasing prevalence of diabetes is of particular concern in women of childbearing age because of the short and long-term consequences of maternal diabetes for the health of the offspring, such as a greater risk of developing metabolic impairments and cognitive deficits. In addition, maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation might contribute to preventing or ameliorating adverse offspring outcomes. Recently, we described that access to snacks exacerbates glucose intolerance in mildly hyperglycemic pregnant dams. Therefore, we hypothesized that these offspring would show greater impairment in metabolic and behavioral outcomes across the lifespan. Neonatal STZ treatment was employed to induce maternal mild hyperglycemia in females. After mating, normo- and hyperglycemic dams were given access either to standard chow or standard show plus snacks. Male and female offspring were evaluated on postnatal days (PND) 30, 90, and 360. Offspring behavior was assessed in the marble burying task, the open-field test, the elevated-plus maze, and sucrose preference. Glucose tolerance and morphometric analyses were also carried out. Maternal hyperglycemia increased body weight and fat deposition only on PND 30, while retroperitoneal fat deposition was reduced in the offspring of snack-fed dams. However, maternal snack intake reduced offspring body weight and length on PND 90. Fasting glucose was increased in females born to hyperglycemic, snack-fed dams on PND 90. Glucose clearance was altered by both maternal conditions in male offspring on PND 30, however, this sex difference was reversed on PND 90, with maternal hyperglycemia impairing glucose clearance only in females. In addition, maternal hyperglycemia reduced anxiety-like behavior in female offspring on PND 30, especially in the offspring of snack-fed dams, while maternal snack intake reduced sucrose preference in both males and females in adulthood. These results suggest that the effects of maternal hyperglycemia during pregnancy and lactation on offspring outcomes were not exacerbated by snack intake. Although additive effects of the two maternal conditions were hypothesized, the absence of such effects could be related to the mild maternal hyperglycemia induced by STZ treatment even when combined with snack intake. While maternal hyperglycemia alone impaired some offspring outcomes, its association with snack intake did not aggravate those impairments but rather resulted in outcomes more similar to those of offspring born to normoglycemic dams. Finally, females were found to be more susceptible to both the effects of maternal hyperglycemia and snack intake on metabolism and behavior.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of physical activity interventions to increase elementary children's motor competence: a comprehensive school physical activity program perspective

BACKGROUND

Regular participation in physical activity (PA) benefits children's health and well-being and protects against the development of unhealthy body weight. A key factor in children's PA participation is their motor competence (MC). The comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) framework offers a way to classify existing PA interventions that have included children's MC development and understand the potential avenues for supporting children's MC. However, there have been no systematic reviews or meta-analyses of PA interventions and their effects on the MC of elementary school children (aged 5-12 years) from a CSPAP perspective.

METHODS

This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. We searched seven electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, ERIC, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) for articles on 29 November 2021. The CSPAP framework was used to categorize the different intervention approaches. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020179866).

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies were included in the review, and twenty-six studies were included in the meta-analysis. A wide range of PA intervention approaches (e.g., single component or multicomponent) within the context of the CSPAP framework appear to be promising pathways in enhancing children's MC. The results of the aggregate meta-analysis presented that effect sizes for the development of MC from pre-and post- intervention ranged from moderate to large (Hedges' g = 0.41-0.79). The analysis revealed that the predicted moderators, including study length, delivery agent, and study design, did not result in statistically significant moderate variations in MC outcomes. There was, however, considerable heterogeneity in study design, instruments, and study context, and studies were implemented in over 11 countries across diverse settings.

CONCLUSIONS

This study uniquely contributes to the literature through its primary focus on the effectiveness of PA interventions on elementary children's MC. This review emphasizes the importance of customizing CSPAP to fit the specific characteristics of each school setting, including its environmental, demographic, and resource attributes. The effectiveness of CSPAP, particularly its physical education (PE) component, is significantly enhanced when these programs are adapted to address the unique needs of each school. This adaptation can be effectively achieved through targeted professional teacher training, ensuring that PE programs are not only contextually relevant but also optimized for maximum impact in diverse educational environments. Researchers and practitioners should pursue how to effectively translate the evidence into practice to better conceptualize CSPAPs designed for children's MC development.

Probiotic-fermented tomato alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice: Insights from microbiome and metabolomics

Probiotic-fermented plant-based foods are associated with weight loss. Here, we hypothesized probiotic-fermented tomato (FT) as a functional food with potential to alleviate obesity, thus the obesity-alleviating effects and mechanisms of FT on high-fat diet-induced obese mice were explored via biochemical, gut microbiome, and serum metabolomics analysis. The results showed that FT performed better than unfermented tomato in reducing body weight gain and fat accumulation, improving dyslipidemia and glucose homeostasis, and relieving inflammation and adipocytokine dysregulation. Particularly, live probiotic-fermented tomato (LFT) was associated with improved diversity, composition, and structure of gut microbiota, suppressed obesity-related genera growth (e.g., Clostridium, Olsenella, and Mucispirillum), and promoted beneficial genera growth (e.g., Roseburia, Coprococcus, and Oscillospira), which were associated negatively with body weight, TC, TG, and TNF-α levels. Additionally, LFT was associated with positive changes in glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, unsaturated fatty acids, and amino acids levels. Collectively, as a functional food, LFT possessed potential for obesity alleviation.

Including microbiome information in a multi-trait genomic evaluation: a case study on longitudinal growth performance in beef cattle

BACKGROUND

Growth rate is an important component of feed conversion efficiency in cattle and varies across the different stages of the finishing period. The metabolic effect of the rumen microbiome is essential for cattle growth, and investigating the genomic and microbial factors that underlie this temporal variation can help maximize feed conversion efficiency at each growth stage.

RESULTS

By analysing longitudinal body weights during the finishing period and genomic and metagenomic data from 359 beef cattle, our study demonstrates that the influence of the host genome on the functional rumen microbiome contributes to the temporal variation in average daily gain (ADG) in different months (ADG1, ADG2, ADG3, ADG4). Five hundred and thirty-three additive log-ratio transformed microbial genes (alr-MG) had non-zero genomic correlations (rg) with at least one ADG-trait (ranging from |0.21| to |0.42|). Only a few alr-MG correlated with more than one ADG-trait, which suggests that a differential host-microbiome determinism underlies ADG at different stages. These alr-MG were involved in ribosomal biosynthesis, energy processes, sulphur and aminoacid metabolism and transport, or lipopolysaccharide signalling, among others. We selected two alternative subsets of 32 alr-MG that had a non-uniform or a uniform rg sign with all the ADG-traits, regardless of the rg magnitude, and used them to develop a microbiome-driven breeding strategy based on alr-MG only, or combined with ADG-traits, which was aimed at shaping the rumen microbiome towards increased ADG at all finishing stages. Combining alr-MG information with ADG records increased prediction accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) by 11 to 22% relative to the direct breeding strategy (using ADG-traits only), whereas using microbiome information, only, achieved lower accuracies (from 7 to 41%). Predicted selection responses varied consistently with accuracies. Restricting alr-MG based on their rg sign (uniform subset) did not yield a gain in the predicted response compared to the non-uniform subset, which is explained by the absence of alr-MG showing non-zero rg at least with more than one of the ADG-traits.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work sheds light on the role of the microbial metabolism in the growth trajectory of beef cattle at the genomic level and provides insights into the potential benefits of using microbiome information in future genomic breeding programs to accurately estimate GEBV and increase ADG at each finishing stage in beef cattle.

The Effects of Olive Oil Consumption on Biochemical Parameters and Body Mass Index of People with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disorder, is closely associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndromes. A body of research has proposed that olive oil, a basic component of the Mediterranean diet with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may alleviate metabolic disturbances and retard the progression of NAFLD. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of olive oil intake in people with NAFLD. We systematically searched the major electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), as well as grey literature sources, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of olive oil consumption on biochemical and anthropometric parameters of individuals with NAFLD. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the risk-of-bias tool 2.0 (RoB 2). The mean difference (MD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed-effects and random-effects models. Seven RCTs involving 515 subjects were included in the analysis. In the random-effects model, no statistically significant differences were identified with respect to alanine transaminase (MD = -1.83 IU/L, 95% CI: -5.85, 2.19 IU/L, p = 0.37, I2 = 69%) and aspartate transaminase (MD = -1.65 IU/L, 95% CI: -4.48, 1.17 IU/L, p = 0.25, I2 = 72%) levels or waist circumference values (MD = -0.23 cm, 95% CI: -1.23, 0.76 cm, p = 0.65, I2 = 0%). However, a significant effect on body mass index was observed (MD = -0.57 kg/m2, 95% CI: -1.08, -0.06 kg/m2, p = 0.03, I2 = 51%) for subjects who received olive oil compared to those who received an alternative diet or placebo. The findings of the present meta-analysis suggest a modestly positive impact of olive oil intake on body weight in people with NAFLD.

The beneficial effect of Allium Cepa bulb extract on reproduction of rats; A two-generation study on fecundity and sex hormones

Allium Cepa Linn. (Onions) has extensively been used in traditional medicine, is one of the important Allium species regularly used in our daily diet, and has been the source of robust phenolic compounds. The current study is intended to evaluate the fecundity-enhancing effect of A. Cepa on the reproductive performance of two successive generations of rats; F0 and F1. A. Cepa extract was initially tested for in vitro antioxidant assay via DPPH and ROS, followed by in vivo toxicity testing. In the fecundity assessment, eighteen pairs of male and female rats (n = 36, 1:1, F0 generation) were divided into three groups and dosed with 75mg/kg and 150 mg/kg daily of A. Cepa extract and saline respectively, up to pre-cohabitation, cohabitation, gestation and lactation period. The reproductive performance, including body weight, live birth index, fertility index, and litter size, was assessed. Various parameters like Hematological, Hormonal (FSH, LH, Testosterone, estradiol), antioxidant markers (SOD, Glutathione peroxidase) and lipid profile of F0 and F1 generations were assessed with evaluation of histopathology of male and female organs. Ethanolic extract of A. Cepa showed the greatest antioxidant potential in DPPH and ROS methods. The continued exposure of the F0 and F1 generations to A. Cepa extract did not affect body weight, fertility index, litter size, and survival index. However, semen pH, sperm motility, sperm count, sperm viability, and semen volume were significantly improved in both generations. We have found pronounced fecundity outcomes in both genders of F0 and F1 generations with A. Cepa 150mg/kg/day extract as compared to control. Results showed that A. Cepa significantly increased (P < 0.05) hemoglobin, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), plasma testosterone and glutathione peroxidase activities, while total lipid, LDL, and cholesterol were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in both generations. Histology of both generations of animals reveals enhanced spermatogenesis and enhanced folliculogenesis with improved architecture. Altogether, the present results suggest that A. Cepa extract improved fecundity in both male and female rats by improving hormonal activities and oxidative stress.

Reproductive system morphometry and productive parameters of beef heifers according to morphological classification

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of visual morphological classification based on body structure, maturity, and musculosity on the morphometry of the reproduction system and productive parameters of beef heifers. The study was conducted for 84 days, during winter season in Brazil. Thirty non-pregnant Nellore heifers, with an average body weight 338 kg and average age 18 months, were used for the study. The heifers were housed in collective pens and fed corn silage (70%) and concentrate (30%) twice a day. All heifers were weighed weekly without prior fasting. Morphological evaluation of body structure, maturity, and musculosity was conducted in the third-middle of the experimental period by a trained evaluator, adopting a comparative methodology of visual evaluation on a scale from 1 to 6, and the heifers were classified according to the visual assessment. The effects of visual classification, time, and interactions were analyzed, considering significant effects was detected (p < 0.05). The significant (p < 0.05) results obtained were compared using Tukey test. Morphological classification did not influence the morphometry of the reproductive system or implied on time interactions. Body structure, maturity, and musculosity had no effect on dry matter intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, and carcass dressing. However, body weight and feed efficiency were influenced by the experimental time. For both variables, significant variations were detected after 63 days of finishing in the feedlot (p < 0.001), indicating that maximum productive efficiency of feedlot-finished Nellore beef heifers was achieved at a mean body weight of 424 kg.

[The application of setting tube voltage and iodine delivery rate in weight-grouped for reducing the radiation and contrast medium dose in coronary CT angiography]

Objective: To evaluate the application value of reducing tube voltage and iodine delivery rate according to body weight in coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study. A total of 297 subjects, 172 males and 125 females, aged [M (Q1, Q3)]60.0 (50.0, 68.0) years, who underwent CCTA examination in Peking University Third Hospital due to clinically suspected coronary heart disease from May to December 2022 were included. According to the odd or even visit dates, the subjects were randomly divided into test group (n=156) and control group (n=141). The subjects in both groups were divided into four sub-groups according to body weight: 50-59 group, 60-69 kg group, 70-79 kg group and 80-89 kg group, respectively. The CCTA images were reconstructed with hybrid iterative algorithm(KARL 3D) with levels of 6 and 8, respectively. 100 kVp and iodine flow rate 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 gI/s recommended by the domestic CCTA application guidelines were used in the control group, while the tube voltage and iodine flow rate were reduced in the test group based on the guidelines and body weight:70 kVp and 0.8 g I/s in 50~59 kg group, 80 kVp and 1.0 gI/s in 60~69 kg group, 80 kVp and 1.1 gI/s in70~79 kg group, and 100 kVp and 1.5 gI/s in 80~89 kg group, respectively. The CT values and standard deviation (SD) of aortic root, proximal left anterior descending branch (LAD) and distal right coronary artery (RCA) luminal CCTA, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of coronary artery CT images, subjective coronary scores and effective radiation dose (ED) were compared between the both groups. One-way ANOVA or Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the differences of above indicators between the groups to evaluate the application value of low voltage and low iodine flow rate based on weight in coronary CCTA. Results: CT values of aortic root, LAD proximal CT values and SD values of aortic root [411.4 (377.2, 439.8) HU, (366.3±42.9) HU, 26.5±2.3] in the test group were all higher than those in the control group [379.00 (335.2, 415.9) HU, (355.0±46.9) HU and 24.8±2.3]. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05), and the other parameters were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The total subjective image quality score in test group were superior to those in the control group (all P<0.05). The total ED and contrast agent dosage [2.07 (1.52, 3.28) mSv and (38.28±9.68) ml] in CCTA examination in the test group were lower than those in the control group [3.30(2.32, 4.44) mSv and (45.31±5.63) ml], and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The dosage of ED and contrast agent in the test group was decreased by 37.3% and 15.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Combined with KARL 3D,it is feasible to reduce contrast medium and ED by setting the tube voltage and iodine flow rate of CCTA according to the weight of the subject, which can further reduce the radiation dose and contrast agent dosage of CCTA.

POMC-specific knockdown of MeCP2 leads to adverse phenotypes in mice chronically exposed to high fat diet

Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is an epigenetic factor associated with the neurodevelopmental disorders Rett Syndrome and MECP2 duplication syndrome. Previous studies have demonstrated that knocking out MeCP2 globally in the central nervous system leads to an obese phenotype and hyperphagia, however it is not clear if the hyperphagia is the result of an increased preference for food reward or due to an increase in motivation to obtain food reward. We show that mice deficient in MeCP2 specifically in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons have an increased preference for high fat diet as measured by conditioned place preference but do not have a greater motivation to obtain food reward using a progressive ratio task, relative to wildtype littermate controls. We also demonstrate that POMC-Cre MeCP2 knockout (KO) mice have increased body weight after long-term high fat diet exposure as well as elevated plasma leptin and corticosterone levels compared to wildtype mice. Taken together, these results are the first to show that POMC-specific loss-of-function Mecp2 mutations leads to dissociable effects on the rewarding/motivational properties of food as well as changes to hormones associated with body weight homeostasis and stress.

Maternal exercise during pregnancy modulates genotoxicity caused by high fructose consumption in mice offspring

Pregnancy is a period that is characterized by several metabolic and physiological changes and requires special attention, especially with regard to the relationship between feeding and foetal development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether the practice of voluntary physical exercise (VPE) in combination with chronic consumption of fructose (FRU) from the beginning of life and/or until the gestational period causes genotoxic changes in pregnant females and in their offspring. Seventy Swiss female mice received FRU in the hydration bottle and/or practiced VPE for 8 weeks (prepregnancy/pregnancy). After the lactation period, the offspring groups were separated by sex. It was observed that the consumption of FRU affected the food consumption, serum concentration of FRU, and glycemic profile in the mothers and that the VPE decreases these parameters. In addition, FRU was genotoxic in the mothers' peripheral tissues and VPE had a preventive effect on these parameters. The offspring showed changes in food consumption, serum FRU concentration, and body weight, in addition to an increase in the adiposity index in male offspring in the FRU (FRU) group and a decrease in the FRU + VPE group. FRU leads to hepatic steatosis in the offspring and VPE was able to decrease the area of steatosis. In addition, FRU led to genotoxicity in the offspring and VPE was able to modulate this effect, reducing damages. In conclusion, we observed that all interventions with VPE had nutritional, genetic, and biochemical benefits of the mother and her offspring.

Effects of low-quality forage and starter protein content in starter diet of young calves on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and urinary purine derivatives

Feeding low-quality forage (LQF) has been evaluated in mature ruminants and results show that it has been improved nitrogen utilization efficiency. The present study evaluated the interaction effect of feeding wheat straw as LQF (0 and 7.5%, DM basis) and starter protein level (20 vs. 24%, DM basis) on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis in Holstein dairy calves raised under moderate heat stress condition. Forty-eight 3-day old dairy calves (averaging 40.6 kg) were assigned in four experimental treatments as follow; 1) no LQF with 20% CP (NLQF-20CP), 2) no LQF with 24% CP (NLQF-24CP), 3) 7.5% LQF with 20% CP (LQF-20CP) and 4) 7.5% LQF and 24% CP (LQF-24CP). The calves were weaned on d 53 of age but the experiment extended until d 73 of age. Feeding LQF increased starter intake, average daily gain (tendency), ruminal acetate concentration, and improved fecal score of calves. The average daily gains before and after weaning were positively influenced with greater starter protein content. Hence, weaning and final BWs were improved when calves received greater CP content. In addition, greater starter CP content increased total ruminal volatile fatty acid concentration. With respect to the interaction effect between LQF feeding and starter protein content, the lower nitrogen excretion through urine was obtained for LQF-20CP diet among experimental treatments. The results of the current study showed that feeding LQF improved ruminal fermentation pattern and improved growth performance through increased starter intake. In addition, greater starter protein content is advisable during pre-weaning period for calves raised under mild heat stress condition. In conclusion, based on the results found in the current study, it can be suggested that feeding LQF for calves under heat stress condition can improve nitrogen utilization when dietary protein content is low. This can be opportunity to formulate starter diets with greater nitrogen utilization efficiency which is critical for accelerated growth programs at early stages of growth for young calves while calves raised under hot season condition.

Regional differences in the biological variability of plantar pressure as a basis for refining diagnostic gait analysis

The variability of movement plays a crucial role in shaping individual's gait pattern and could, therefore, potentially serve diagnostic purposes. Nevertheless, existing concepts for the use of variability in diagnosing gait present a challenge due to the lack of adequate benchmarks and methods for comparison. We assessed the individuality of contribution of foot parts that directly mediate the transmission of forces between the foot and the ground in body weight shifting during walking based on 200 pedobarometric measurements corresponding to the analysed foot parts for each of 19 individuals in a homogeneous study group. Our results show a degree of individualisation of the contribution of particular foot parts in the weight-shift high enough to justify the need to consider it in the diagnostic analysis. Furthermore they reveal noticeable, functionally driven differences between plantar areas most apparent between the lowest individuality for the first foot ray and the highest for second one and metatarsus. The diagnostic reference standard in pedobarometry should describe the contribution in the shift of body weight during walking for each area of the foot separately and include information on the intra-individual variation and individualisation of descriptors of the contribution. Such a comprehensive standard has the potential to increase the diagnostic value of pedobarometry through enrichment of the assessment description.

Sirtuin 1 serum concentration in healthy children - dependence on sex, age, stage of puberty, body weight and diet

Introduction

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is known to be involved in sensing cellular energy levels and regulating energy metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate fasting serum SIRT1 levels in healthy children, and to analyse the influence of age, sex, puberty, body weight, height, and diet on its concentration.

Methods

47 healthy children aged 4-14 with weight and height within normal range and no chronic disease were included into the study. Fasting serum SIRT1 concentrations were estimated by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results

Results showed that serum SIRT1 concentrations in healthy children did not differ with respect to sex, age, height, weight and puberty. Whereas, it appeared that a higher frequency of fruits, vegetables and dairy products consumption was associated with an increase in serum SIRT1 levels.

Discussion

Studying SIRT1 in the context of children's health may have implications for a broader understanding of growth processes, pubertal development, metabolic disorders and nutrition.

Mannose enhances intestinal immune barrier function and dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced colitis in mice by regulating intestinal microbiota

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) greatly affects human quality of life. Mannose has been reported to be used to treat IBD, but the mechanism is currently unknown.

Methods

C57/BL mice were used as research subjects, and the mouse acute colitis model was induced using dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS). After oral administration of mannose, the body weights and disease activity index (DAI) scores of the mice were observed. The colon lengths, histopathological sections, fecal content microbial sequencing, colon epithelial inflammatory genes, and tight junction protein Occludin-1 expression levels were measured. We further used the feces of mice that had been orally administered mannose to perform fecal bacterial transplantation on the mice with DSS-induced colitis and detected the colitis-related indicators.

Results

Oral administration of mannose increased body weights and colon lengths and reduced DAI scores in mice with DSS-induced colitis. In addition, it reduced the expression of colon inflammatory genes and the levels of serum inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), further enhancing the expression level of the colonic Occludin-1 protein and alleviating the toxic response of DSS to the intestinal epithelium of the mice. In addition, gut microbial sequencing revealed that mannose increased the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora. Additionally, after using the feces of the mannose-treated mice to perform fecal bacterial transplantation on the mice with DSS-induced colitis, they showed the same phenotype as the mannose-treated mice, and both of them alleviated the intestinal toxic reaction induced by the DSS. It also reduced the expression of intestinal inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and enhanced the expression level of the colonic Occludin-1 protein.

Conclusion

Mannose can treat DSS-induced colitis in mice, possibly by regulating intestinal microorganisms to enhance the intestinal immune barrier function and reduce the intestinal inflammatory response.

Effect of apigenin on dynamin-related protein 1 in type 1 diabetic rats with cardiovascular complications

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular complications cause increased mortality rates among diabetics. The molecular mechanisms of aberrant mitochondrial dynamics in diabetes mellitus (DM) are not fully understood. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is thought to be a major regulator of mitochondrial fission. There is lack of studies that examined the relationship between apigenin and Drp1 expression in DM. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the expression of Drp1 in diabetic rats with cardiovascular complications, as well as to appraise the role of apigenin in modulating this expression.

METHODS

Twenty-eight adult male albino Wister rats were randomly and equally allocated into four groups: naive, streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic control and two apigenin-injected diabetic groups (early and late). Body weight, heart weight, blood pressure and ECG were recorded. Evaluation of blood glucose level, lipid profile and cardiac functions were measured. Determination of Drp1 mRNA expression, and histological examination of cardiac tissues from the four groups were performed.

RESULTS

Diabetic control rats developed decrease of body weight, increase of blood pressure, deterioration of the normal ECG pattern and upregulation of Drp1 mRNA expression in cardiac tissues. There was a significant correlation between the relative expression of Drp1 and all examined parameters. Apigenin-injection improved fasting blood glucose, lipid profile and cardiac function indicators (i.e., ECG parameters, CK-MB and troponin) as well as the cardiac histological structure. The decrease of Drp1 expression was more evident with early than with late apigenin-injection, however, without statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased level of Drp1 expression in diabetic rats may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiovascular complications. The changes that occurred in response to apigenin injection highlight its potential ameliorative effect on the diabetic cardiovascular complications and pave the route for further investigations.

Growth in height and its association with overweight and obesity in Mexican children: an evaluation based on a nationally representative sample (ENSANUT 2018)

The present study aimed to estimate the height growth curve for Mexican boys and girls based on their body mass index (BMI) status (normal and overweight/obese) and to develop a height Lambda, Mu, and Sigma (LMS) growth reference for Mexican children aged 2 to 18 years.

Methods

Chronological age and height records (7,097 boys and 6,167 girls) were obtained from the Mexican National Survey of Health and Nutrition database. Height growth curves were fitted using the Preece-Baines 1 (PB1) model and the LMS method.

Results

Age at peak height velocity (APHV) was 12.4 and 12.7 years for overweight-obese and normal-weight boys, respectively, and was 9.6 and 10.4 years for overweight-obese and normal-weight girls, respectively. Growth velocity was higher at the age of take-off (TO) in overweight-obese children than in normal-weight children (5.2 cm/year vs. 5 cm/year in boys and 6.1 cm/year vs. 5.6 cm/year in girls); nevertheless, the growth velocity at APHV was higher for normal-weight children than for overweight-obese children (7.4 cm/year vs. 6.6 cm/year in boys and 6.8 cm/year vs. 6.6 cm/year in girls, respectively). Distance curves developed in the present study and by the World Health Organization (WHO) using LMS showed similar values for L and S parameters and a higher M value compared with the WHO reference values.

Conclusion

This study concluded that overweight-obese children had earlier APHV and lower PHV than normal-weight children. Furthermore, Mexican children and adolescents were shorter than the WHO growth reference by age and sex.

Application of the extended parallel process model and risk perception attitude framework to obesity knowledge and obesity prevention behaviors among Korean adults

BACKGROUND

Perceiving oneself as obese has been associated with weight loss attempts. However, such a perception may not sufficiently drive significant weight reduction in many individuals. Hence, relying solely on the traditionally emphasized perceived risk of behavioral changes in obesity is challenging. This study used an extended parallel process model and a risk perception attitude framework to explore the influence of perceived risk and perceived efficacy on individual obesity knowledge and obesity prevention behaviors.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 1,100 Korean adults aged 40-69 years through an online survey conducted in October 2022. Multinomial logistic regression and analysis of variance were employed to assess the relationships among perceived risk, perceived efficacy, obesity knowledge, and obesity prevention behaviors.

RESULTS

Sex was associated with being underweight, overweight, and obese. Moreover, perceived severity was associated with obesity, whereas perceived susceptibility was associated with overweight and obese. Response efficacy was related to being overweight alone, whereas self-efficacy was associated with being underweight, overweight, and obese. The main effects of sex and perceived risk, and their interaction effect were statistically significant for obesity knowledge. Additionally, the main effects of sex, perceived risk, and perceived efficacy on obesity prevention behaviors were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The extended parallel process model and risk perception attitude framework proved effective in classifying obesity based on body mass index, obesity knowledge, and obesity prevention behaviors.

Silhouette showcards confirm altered obesity-associated body image perception in international cohort study of African-origin populations

OBJECTIVES

Given the increasing prevalence of obesity and need for effective interventions, there is a growing interest in understanding how an individual's body image can inform obesity prevention and management. This study's objective was to examine the use of silhouette showcards to measure body size perception compared with measured body mass index, and assess body size dissatisfaction, in three different African-origin populations spanning the epidemiological transition. An ancillary objective was to investigate associations between body size perception and dissatisfaction with diabetes and hypertension.

SETTING

Research visits were completed in local research clinics in respective countries.

PARTICIPANTS

Seven hundred and fifty-one African-origin participants from the USA and the Republic of Seychelles (both high-income countries), and Ghana (low/middle-income country).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Silhouette showcards were used to measure perceived body size and body size dissatisfaction. Objectively measured body size was measured using a scale and stadiometer. Diabetes was defined as fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL and hypertension was defined as ≥130 mm Hg/80 mm Hg.

RESULTS

Most women and men from the USA and Seychelles had 'Perceived minus Actual weight status Discrepancy' scores less than 0, meaning they underestimated their actual body size. Similarly, most overweight or obese men and women also underestimated their body size, while normal weight men and women were accurately able to estimate their body size. Finally, participants with diabetes were able to accurately estimate their body size and similarly desired a smaller body size.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights that overweight and obese women and men from countries spanning the epidemiological transition were unable to accurately perceive their actual body size. Understanding people's perception of their body size is critical to implementing successful obesity prevention programmes across the epidemiological transition.

Effectiveness and safety of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes: evidence from a retrospective real-world study

Introduction

Global phase III clinical trials have shown superior hypoglycemic efficacy to insulin and other oral hypoglycemic agents. However, there is a scarcity of real-world data comparing different glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) directly. This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of various GLP-1RA in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a real-world clinical setting and identify predictive factors for favorable treatment outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center, real-world study. The changes in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and the percentage of participants who achieved HbA1c of <7%, 7%-8%, and ≥ 8% after GLP-1RA treatment was analyzed. The clinical factors that affect the effectiveness of GLP-1RA were analyzed.

Results

At baseline, the 249 participants had a mean baseline HbA1c of 8.7 ± 1.1%. After at least three months of follow-up, the change in HbA1c was -0.89 ± 1.3% from baseline. Dulaglutide exerted a more significant hypoglycemic effect than immediate-release exenatide. The percentage of participants who achieved HbA1c<7% was substantial, from 6.0% at baseline to 28.9%. Average body weight decreased by 2.02 ± 3.8 kg compared to baseline. After GLP-1RA treatment, the reduction in SBP was 2.4 ± 7.1 mmHg from baseline. A shorter duration of diabetes and a higher baseline HbA1c level were more likely to achieve a good response in blood glucose reduction.

Conclusions

This study provided real-world evidence showing that GLP-1RA significantly improved HbA1c, body weight, and SBP. The results can inform the decision-making about GLP-1RA treatment in daily clinical practice.

Immunogenicity and safety in rabbits of a Clostridioides difficile vaccine combining novel toxoids and a novel adjuvant

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a serious healthcare-associated disease, causing symptoms such as diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. The major virulence factors responsible for the disease symptoms are two secreted cytotoxic proteins, TcdA and TcdB. A parenteral vaccine based on formaldehyde-inactivated TcdA and TcdB supplemented with alum adjuvant, has previously been investigated in humans but resulted in an insufficient immune response. In search for an improved response, we investigated a novel toxin inactivation method and a novel, potent adjuvant. Inactivation of toxins by metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO) was previously shown to preserve neutralizing epitopes and to annihilate reversion to toxicity. The immunogenicity and safety of TcdA and TcdB inactivated by MCO and combined with a novel carbohydrate fatty acid monosulphate ester-based (CMS) adjuvant were investigated in rabbits. Two or three intramuscular immunizations generated high serum IgG and neutralizing antibody titers against both toxins. The CMS adjuvant increased antibody responses to both toxins while an alum adjuvant control was effective only against TcdA. Systemic safety was evaluated by monitoring body weight, body temperature, and analysis of red and white blood cell counts shortly after immunization. Local safety was assessed by histopathologic examination of the injection site at the end of the study. Body weight gain was constant in all groups. Body temperature increased up to 1 ˚C one day after the first immunization but less after the second or third immunization. White blood cell counts, and percentage of neutrophils increased one day after immunization with CMS-adjuvanted vaccines, but not with alum. Histopathology of the injection sites 42 days after the last injection did not reveal any abnormal tissue reactions. From this study, we conclude that TcdA and TcdB inactivated by MCO and combined with CMS adjuvant demonstrated promising immunogenicity and safety in rabbits and could be a candidate for a vaccine against CDI.

A comparative study on the age, growth, and mortality of Gobio huanghensis (Luo, Le & Chen, 1977) in the Gansu and Ningxia sections of the upper Yellow River, China

BALKGROUND

Gobio huanghensis is a small economic fish endemic to the Yellow River at the junction of the Tibetan Plateau and the Huangtu Plateau in China. To understand the impact of environmental changes and human activities on the ecological structure of the G. huanghensis population, a comparative study was conducted on the age composition, growth characteristics, mortality rate, and exploitation rate of the G. huanghensis populations in the Gansu and Ningxia sections of the upper Yellow River.

RESULTS

During the investigation, a total of 1147 individuals were collected, with 427 individuals collected from the Gansu section and 720 individuals from the Ningxia section. The results showed that G. huanghensis in the Gansu section exhibited a total length ranging from 5.00 to 22.80 cm, with an average of 12.68 ± 4.03 cm. In the Ningxia section, the total length of G. huanghensis ranged from 2.15 to 20.65 cm, with an average of 9.48 ± 3.56 cm. The age composition of G. huanghensis in the Gansu section ranged from 1 to 7 years, where female fish were observed between 1 and 7 years old, and male fish between 1 and 6 years old. In the Ningxia section, both female and male fish ranged from 1 to 5 years old. The relationships between total length and body weight were (Gansu section, R2 = 0.9738) and (Ningxia section, R2 = 0.9686), indicating that fish in the Gansu section exhibit positive allometric growth, while fish in the Ningxia section exhibit negative allometric growth. The von Bertalanffy growth equation revealed that G. huanghensis in the Gansu section exhibited an asymptotic total length L∞ of 27.426 cm with a growth coefficient K of 0.225 yr-1, while in the Ningxia section, the asymptotic total length L∞ was 26.945 cm with a growth coefficient K of 0.263 yr-1. The total mortality rate (Z) values of G. huanghensis were 0.7592 yr and 1.1529 yr in the Gansu section and Ningxia section, respectively. The average natural mortality rate (M), estimated by three different methods, in the Gansu section was 0.4432 yr, while it was 0.5366 yr in the Ningxia section. The exploitation rate (E) of G. huanghensis was 0.4163 in the Gansu section and 0.5345 in the Ningxia section, indicating that the population in the Ningxia section may have been overexploited.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged fishing pressures and environmental changes may have led to variations in the ecological parameters of the G. huanghensis population between the Gansu and Ningxia sections.

Population pharmacokinetics and humanized dosage regimens matching the peak, area, trough, and range of amikacin plasma concentrations in immune-competent murine bloodstream and lung infection models

Amikacin is an FDA-approved aminoglycoside antibiotic that is commonly used. However, validated dosage regimens that achieve clinically relevant exposure profiles in mice are lacking. We aimed to design and validate humanized dosage regimens for amikacin in immune-competent murine bloodstream and lung infection models of Acinetobacter baumannii. Plasma and lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF) concentrations after single subcutaneous doses of 1.37, 13.7, and 137 mg/kg of body weight were simultaneously modeled via population pharmacokinetics. Then, humanized amikacin dosage regimens in mice were designed and prospectively validated to match the peak, area, trough, and range of plasma concentration profiles in critically ill patients (clinical dose: 25-30 mg/kg of body weight). The pharmacokinetics of amikacin were linear, with a clearance of 9.93 mL/h in both infection models after a single dose. However, the volume of distribution differed between models, resulting in an elimination half-life of 48 min for the bloodstream and 36 min for the lung model. The drug exposure in ELF was 72.7% compared to that in plasma. After multiple q6h dosing, clearance decreased by ~80% from the first (7.35 mL/h) to the last two dosing intervals (~1.50 mL/h) in the bloodstream model. Likewise, clearance decreased by 41% from 7.44 to 4.39 mL/h in the lung model. The humanized dosage regimens were 117 mg/kg of body weight/day in mice [administered in four fractions 6 h apart (q6h): 61.9%, 18.6%, 11.3%, and 8.21% of total dose] for the bloodstream and 96.7 mg/kg of body weight/day (given q6h as 65.1%, 16.9%, 10.5%, and 7.41%) for the lung model. These validated humanized dosage regimens and population pharmacokinetic models support translational studies with clinically relevant amikacin exposure profiles.

Differential effect of chronic mild stress on anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in three strains of male and female laboratory mice

Major depressive disorder is the most common psychiatric disorder worldwide. To understand mechanisms and search for new approaches to treating depression, animal models are crucial. Chronic mild stress (CMS) is the most used animal model of depression. Although CMS is considered a robust model of depression, conflicting results have been reported for emotion-related behaviors, which the intrinsic characteristics of each rodent strain could explain. To further shed light on the impact of genetic background on the relevant parameters commonly addressed in depression, we examined the effect of 4-weeks CMS on anxiety and depression-related behaviors and body weight gain in three strain mice (BALB/c, C57BL/6, and CD1) of both sexes. CMS reduced body weight gain in C57BL/6NCrl and CD1 male mice. C57BL/6 animals exhibited a more pronounced anxious-like behavior than CD1 and BALB/c mice in the light-dark box (LDB) and the elevated plus maze (EPM) tests, whereas BALB/c animals exhibited the more robust depressive-like phenotype in the splash test (ST), tail suspension test (TST) and forced-swimming test (FST). Under CMS, exposure did not affect anxiety-related behaviors in any strain but induced depression-like behaviors strain-dependently. CMS C57BL/6 and CD1 mice of both sexes showed depression-like behaviors, and CMS BALB/c male mice exhibited reduced depressive behaviors in the FST. These results suggest a differential effect of stress, with the C57BL/6 strain being more vulnerable to stress than the CD1 and BALB/c strain mice. Furthermore, our findings emphasize the need for researchers to consider mouse strains and behavioral tests in their CMS experimental designs.

Evaluation of the supply of Duddingtonia flagrans for the control of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep

Parasitic resistance imposes alternative control methods, like nematophagous fungi. In this study, two experiments were conducted supplying Duddingtonia flagrans aiming to evaluate the biological control of parasites in sheep. In the first, 24 sheep naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematodes were allocated, in randomized blocks, following the treatments: control or treated group, 0.5g/animal product containing D. flagrans, chlamydospores. Weight, body score, Famacha©, egg count per gram of feces (EPG), and larval percentage were evaluated. In the second experiment, D. flagrans (0.25 and 0.5g product) was infested with manure, plus or not protein concentrate, in a completely randomized design. In both experiments the dose was intentionally lower than recommended. Recovery and larval identification were performed. The SAS analyzed the variables by the MIXED procedure, repeated measures in time. Weight, body score, hematocrit, and Famacha© did not show differences between treatments (p>0.05); however, EPG (p<0.001) and the percentage of larvae identified in coproculture were different. In the second experiment, the inclusion of the fungus did not influence the recovery of larvae (p>0.05). In both experiments, colonization and advancement of the fungus were visualized. Under the experimental conditions, the fungus D. flagrans was not effective in the biological control of parasitic infection in sheep.

Safety evaluation of a proprietary ayruveda-based polyherbal preparation (arthralgex) used for arthritis

Arthralgex is a proprietary polyherbal preparation used in clinics to treat rheumatoid arthritis for decades. Its safety evaluation has not been reported. The study is aimed at evaluating the safety of arthralgex using Wistar rats, as per OECD guidelines. According to OECD 407, rats of either gender were separated into six groups (n= 6 each). The dose of arthralgex was decided based on an acute toxicity study. Under the treatment group, separate set of rats received arthralgex in three dose levels like - low, medium, and high (200, 400 & 800 mg/kg/day; p.o for 28 days). Satellite groups received high dose (800 mg/kg/day, p.o for 28 days), and control group received equal volume of vehicle. On day 28, blood samples were collected to estimate hematology and biochemistry parameters. Subsequently, rats were euthanized to collect organs for weighing and histopathology. Satellite groups were maintained for an additional 14 days post-treatment to assess toxicity reversibility and euthanized on day 43. Arthralgex did not show any signs of toxicity or major change in body weight in the acute toxicity study. Arthralgex has no significant adverse effect on general health status as confirmed by body weight, feed intake, hematology, biochemistry, urine analysis, internal organs, relative organ weight, and histopathological evaluation after 28 day treatment. Arthralgex could be considered safe for short-term treatment. Present findings may help researchers in dose fixing for sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies, which is essential for safety evaluation for long-term use.

Parent-Adolescent Weight Communication: Parental Psychosocial Correlates Among a Diverse National Sample

Parental communication about body weight with their children is common across diverse families. The current study investigates how parents' feelings about their own bodies, beliefs about body weight, history of weight stigma, and weight-related characteristics contribute to the degree to which they talk about weight - both negatively and positively - with their adolescent children. The study sample was comprised of U.S. parents (N = 1936) from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds with children aged 10-17 years old. Parents completed an online survey with measures assessing their frequency of engaging in negative and positive weight communication with their children, along with several relevant psychosocial factors (i.e. body satisfaction, experienced weight stigma, associative stigma, body appreciation, beliefs about weight controllability, weight bias internalization). Study findings paint a complex picture, including some psychosocial factors (e.g. weight bias internalization) that are related to both more frequent negative and positive weight communication. Notably, higher levels of associative stigma were related to more frequent negative parental weight comments, and less frequent positive weight socialization. Findings can inform healthcare professionals in raising parents' awareness about how their personal beliefs and feelings about their own weight and their child's weight can contribute to how they engage in communication about weight with their children.

What could be the reasons for not losing weight even after following a weight loss program?

INTRODUCTION

Approximately four million people worldwide die annually because of obesity. Weight loss is commonly recommended as a first-line therapy in overweight and obese patients. Although many individuals attempt to lose weight, not everyone achieves optimal success. Few studies point out that weight loss eventually slows down, stagnates or reverses in 85% of the cases.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What could be the reasons for not losing weight even after following a weight loss program?

METHODS

A scoping review of the literature was performed using weight loss-related search terms such as 'Obesity,' 'Overweight,' 'Lifestyle,' 'weight loss,' 'Basal Metabolism,' 'physical activity,' 'adherence,' 'energy balance,' 'Sleep' and 'adaptations. The search involved reference tracking and database and web searches (PUBMED, Science Direct, Elsevier, Web of Science and Google Scholar). Original articles and review papers on weight loss involving human participants and adults aged > 18 years were selected. Approximately 231 articles were reviewed, and 185 were included based on the inclusion criteria.

DESIGN

Scoping review.

RESULTS

In this review, the factors associated with not losing weight have broadly been divided into five categories. Studies highlighting each subfactor were critically reviewed and discussed. A wide degree of interindividual variability in weight loss is common in studies even after controlling for variables such as adherence, sex, physical activity and baseline weight. In addition to these variables, variations in factors such as previous weight loss attempts, sleep habits, meal timings and medications can play a crucial role in upregulating or downregulating the association between energy deficit and weight loss results.

CONCLUSION

This review identifies and clarifies the role of several factors that may hinder weight loss after the exploration of existing evidence. Judging the effectiveness of respective lifestyle interventions by simply observing the 'general behavior of the groups' is not always applicable in clinical practice. Each individual must be monitored and advised as per their requirements and challenges.

Hexachlorobenzene and omega-3 fatty acid intake from traditional foods in the northern Yukon: A risk and benefit analysis

A human biomonitoring study was conducted in the community of Old Crow, Yukon, in 2019, finding that levels of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in plasma were elevated in the community relative to the general Canadian population. The aim of this study was to estimate dietary intake of both hexachlorobenzene, and the nutrient omega-3 fatty acids from locally harvested traditional foods in Old Crow, with the aim of identifying possible regional sources of exposure. A stochastic model was constructed to estimate intake of both hexachlorobenzene and the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Average predicted hexachlorobenzene exposure levels from traditional food consumption in Old Crow were below the tolerable daily intake of 1600-1700 ng/kg body weight/day in both average (18 ng/kg body weight/day) and short-term maximum (27 ng/kg body weight/day) exposure models. The primary contributors to average hexachlorobenzene intake were caribou fat, bone marrow, ribs, and kidneys, and Chinook salmon muscle. Average estimated dietary EPA + DHA intake levels from traditional foods were below the recommendation of 2.1 to 3.2 g of EPA + DHA per week in the average (1.6 g/week) exposure model, but above this recommendation in the short-term maximum model (3.3 g/week). The primary contributors to average EPA + DHA intake were the meat of Chinook, coho, and, chum salmon muscle, and whitefish muscle and eggs. The results of this study support the message that traditional foods continue to be an important source of nutrients and other health benefits and that the health benefits of traditional foods generally outweigh contaminant risks.

Effect of Selenium and Zinc Supplementation on Reproductive Organs Following Postnatal Protein Malnutrition

Protein diets are required for the normal development of the reproductive system and their inadequacy or deficiency might have hazardous functional complications during maturational and developmental stages. The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) supplementation on the male and female reproductive organs of rats with postnatal protein malnutrition. Male and female weanling rats were randomly assigned to six groups respectively. The adequate protein diet rats were fed with 16% casein diet while the protein malnourished diet (PMD) rats were fed with 5% casein diet. After the 8th week of feeding, Se (sodium selenite; Na2SeO3) and Zn (zinc sulfate; ZnSO4·7H2O) were supplemented for 3 weeks. The growth curve of body weights, lipid profile, testosterone and progesterone level, Na+-K+-ATPase activity, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status were evaluated. The results showed that PMD reduced the body weights of male and female rats. It also reduced the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the testes, but reductions in superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities, glutathione, vitamins C and E, testosterone, and progesterone levels were observed in both the testes and ovaries. Furthermore, PMD increased the nitric oxide level in both organs and altered the plasma lipid profiles in both sexes. Se and Zn supplementation, however, restored almost all the alterations observed in all the parameters analyzed. In conclusion, Se and Zn supplementation protects the male and female reproductive organs of rats against postnatal protein malnutrition.

Screening of liothyronine network pharmacology role in the treatment of ischemic stroke and molecular mechanism

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to elucidate mechanisms of liothyronine on the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS).

METHODS

Differential analysis based on R limma package was used to identify differentially expressed genes, which were then mapped into the connectivity map database for identification of liothyronine associated with IS. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway was verified through pathway enrichment analysis via Enrichr online. Ischemia stroke mouse model was built up for further analysis. Infarct area and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were measured by 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride and laser Doppler flowmetry, respectively. Light microscope was used for the evaluation of body weight and dark neurons. Serum TXB2 , 6-Keto-PGF1a , TNF-α, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in mice were measured using enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay. In addition, relative protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nestin, and Sox2 were detected by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Liothyronine with a negative connectivity was identified as one promising treatment for IS through TNF signaling pathway. The experimental results showed that liothyronine treatment significantly meliorated infarct area and the number of dark neurons in IS mice. Liothyronine greatly ameliorated the expression levels of TXB2 and 6-Keto-PGF1a . Besides, rCBF and body weight change of IS mice were increased gradually with increase of drug concentration. Based on pathway enrichment analysis, anti-inflammatory response (TNF-α and IL-6) relevant to TNF signaling pathway was identified, which was further validated in vitro. Furthermore, proteins as neural stem cell markers made a difference with liothyronine treatment.

CONCLUSION

Liothyronine may be a novel therapeutic component to exploit an effective medicine for the treatment of IS.

Prolonged FGF21 treatment increases energy expenditure and induces weight loss in obese mice independently of UCP1 and adrenergic signaling

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) reduces body weight, which was attributed to induced energy expenditure (EE). Conflicting data have been published on the role of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in this effect. Therefore, we aimed to revisit the thermoregulatory effects of FGF21 and their implications for body weight regulation. We found that an 8-day treatment with FGF21 lowers body weight to similar extent in both wildtype (WT) and UCP1-deficient (KO) mice fed high-fat diet. In WT mice, this effect is solely due to increased EE, associated with a strong activation of UCP1 and with excess heat dissipated through the tail. This thermogenesis takes place in the interscapular region and can be attenuated by a β-adrenergic inhibitor propranolol. In KO mice, FGF21-induced weight loss correlates with a modest increase in EE, which is independent of adrenergic signaling, and with a reduced energy intake. Interestingly, the gene expression profile of interscapular brown adipose tissue (but not subcutaneous white adipose tissue) of KO mice is massively affected by FGF21, as shown by increased expression of genes encoding triacylglycerol/free fatty acid cycle enzymes. Thus, FGF21 elicits central thermogenic and pyretic effects followed by a concomitant increase in EE and body temperature, respectively. The associated weight loss is strongly dependent on UCP1-based thermogenesis. However, in the absence of UCP1, alternative mechanisms of energy dissipation may contribute, possibly based on futile triacylglycerol/free fatty acid cycling in brown adipose tissue and reduced food intake.

The impact of varying trolley case usage modes and weights on body posture

OBJECTIVE

To study the body posture characteristics when walking with trolley case, and to explore the effects of different usage methods and weights of trolley case on body posture characteristics.

METHODS

Fifteen subjects pushed and pulled(Condition 1 and 2) the case with three load weights of 10 %, 20 % and 30 % of their own body weight with 0 % no load as baseline for both conditions. The basic gait parameters, kinematic and kinetic data were collected using the VICON infrared motion capture system and a 3D force platform. Two repeated measures factor (condition×weight) analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis of the gait temporal and spatial parameters, as well as trunk angle, kinetic ground reaction force, shoulder joint force, and trunk moment.

RESULTS

Significant condition*weight interactions were detected in DLST (Double Limb Stance Time) (F=5.341，P = 0.006), GRF (Ground Reaction Force) in frontal plane (F=10.507, p < 0.001) and vertical plane (F=3.751, p = 0.021), shoulder joint force in sagittal plane (F=21.129, p < 0.001), and flexion-extension angle of the trunk in the sagittal plane (F=4.888, p < 0.010). Significant main effects were detected in walking speed (F=35.842, p < 0.001), right support time (F=12.156, p < 0.001), left swing time (F=8.506, p < 0.001), left support time (F=1.122, p < 0.001), right step length (F=33.900, p < 0.001), and left step length (F=14.960, p < 0.001) under different weights. A significant main effect was detected in sagittal GRF (F=11.77, p < 0.001), trunk rotation angle (F=4.124, p = 0.016), amplitude of COM (F=2.993, p = 0.046), under different weights.

CONCLUSION

When the weight of the case exceeds 20 % of the body weight, from the perspective of energy efficiency, the push method is more advantageous than the pull method. When walking with luggage, people tend to maintain the stability of their trunk posture by adjusting the force on their arms more often.

The Relationship of Food Literacy and Sustainable Consumption Behaviors with Anthropometric Measurements during the Covid-19 Pandemic Period: A Sample from Turkey

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of food literacy and sustainable consumption behaviors on nutritional status during the pandemic in Turkey.

METHODS

The study was conducted between May and July 2021 with a questionnaire delivered in a digital environment (social media, Twitter/Facebook/Instagram) to 200 volunteer adults aged 20-65. With this questionnaire form, sociodemographic characteristics, general information, and consumer behaviors of the individuals were obtained. Anthropometric measurements (height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, and waist/height ratio) of the individuals were recorded online as self-report. The Self Perceived Food Literacy (SPFL) Scale was administered to measure nutritional literacy levels. To measure the sustainable consumption behaviors of the individuals, the Sustainable Consumption Behavior (SCB) Scale was administered.

RESULTS

We found that 87.2% of women and 40% of men had heard of sustainable nutrition before (p < 0.001). The mean total score of SCB was statistically significantly higher in women than in men (3.1 ± 0.48 in women, 2.9 ± 0.69 in men, p < 0.05). The mean score of SPFL was 3.31 ± 0.275 in women, while it was 3.05 ± 0.395 in men. There was a statistically significant relationship between SPFL mean scores and gender (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was a statistically significant negative relationship between SPFL score and BMI, body weight, and waist/hip ratio. There was a statistically significant negative relationship between the SCB and waist/hip ratio. Food literacy and sustainable consumption behaviors are associated with anthropometric measurements. Sustainable nutrition, sustainable consumption behaviors, and food literacy should be considered as a whole. Trainings should be increased to raise awareness of individuals about food literacy.

Effect of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

In recent years, cardiovascular diseases in adolescents have become more serious. High intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) have been shown to improve cardiovascular diseases in adolescents. Meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effects of HIIT and MICT on cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents.

METHODS

Randomised controlled trials of HIIT and MICT for cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents up to January 2023 were searched using authoritative databases such as CNKI, Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCO. Data analysis was performed using Review Manage 5.4 and Stata 14.0.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies involving 468 participants, mean age 15.19±4.35, were included in the study. The findings showed that compared with MICT, HIIT reduced adolescents' body weight (SMD=-0.18, 95 %CI=-0.58, 0.21) and increased maximal oxygen uptake (SMD=0.56, 95 %CI=0.20, 0.93) and high-density lipoprotein (SMD=-0.47, 95 % CI=-1.11, 0.17), and improved systolic blood pressure (SMD=-0.35, 95 %CI=-0.78, 0.09), glucose (SMD=-1.53, 95 %CI=-2.93, -0.13), and insulin (SMD=-0.66, 95 % CI=-1.73, 0.41), p<0.05. HIIT and MICT improved BMI, fat mass, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL, with no significant difference between these training types.

CONCLUSION

HIIT was better than MICT for improving cardiovascular health in adolescents, with better effects on body weight, BMI, fat mass, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, maximal oxygen uptake, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, glucose, and insulin levels.

Body Uneasiness, Body Figure Perception, and Body Weight: Factor Structure and Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of a Set of Attitudinal and Perceptual Body Image Assessment Tools in Adolescents

Body image is a multifaceted construct that includes attitudinal and perceptual components, but its attention has mainly been focused on the facet of body dissatisfaction. The present longitudinal study extended the validation of a multifacet attitudinal questionnaire, the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), against perceptions of body shape and weight. A convenient sample of adolescents took part in a 2-year unbalanced panel study (5 waves). The participants completed the BUT questionnaire and selected their perceived actual, ideal, and reflected body figures along the Contour Drawing Rating Scale; ideal/actual and ideal/normative body mass index discrepancies were also included. After replicating the expected five-factor structure of the BUT items, results from confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the five BUT scales loaded on an attitudinal dimension, whereas the perceived body figures and the discrepancy indices were on a perceptive domain. Such a two-domain structure of body image measures showed gender and seasonal (1-year) measurement invariance, whereas longitudinal 6-month and 18-month invariance partially failed. Overall, the present findings support the validity of the Body Uneasiness Test in adolescence, further demonstrating a preliminary multidimensional structure of body image onto which attitudinal and perceptual body image-related measures were projected.