Mechanical efficiency in children with different body weight: a longitudinal assessment of the quality cohort.

Net mechanical efficiency (MEnet), which reflects the body's ability to transfer energy above resting levels in external work, is similar in young children regardless of their body weights. However, it is unclear whether MEnet remains stable during growth and maturation. We sought to determine whether net mechanical efficiency (MEnet) changes over a period of 3 years in children and to identify the factors associated with possible changes. A total of 169 children participating in the QUALITY (Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth) cohort completed an incremental cycling test, resulting in the same maximal power output during both visits. For MEnet, resting energy consumption was subtracted from total energy consumption at each exercise stage. Physical activity was measured using an accelerometer worn for 7 days. Participants were measured at year one and again two years later. MEnet did not differ across the visits at the 25, 50 and 75 watt stages. However, the participants exhibited lower MEnet values at follow-up for the 100 and 125 W stages (23(3) vs. 20(1)%; 25(4) vs. 20(2)%; p<0.01). Declines in MEnet correlated positively with declines in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels (r=0.78, p<0.05). The declines in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels across the visits were identified as significant predictors of MEnet changes at 100 and 125 W over 3 years, accounting for 22% of the relationship. In children, MEnet, determined at high exercise intensity, decreases within a period of three years, and the decrement appeared to be related to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Anemia as One of Presenting Symptoms in an Adult with Cyst and Torsion of the Omentum - A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Torsion is an uncommon disorder of the omentum and cysts are one of the rarest causes of omental torsion. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of an omental cyst presenting with both omental torsion and anemia. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein present a case report of a 41 year old indian female patient who presented with anemia (hemoglobin concentration 6.5 g/dL) and intermittent abdominal pain caused by torsion of a hemorrhagic omental cyst. A computed tomography scan, showed an omental cyst with free fluid in the abdominal cavity. At abdominal exploration, 1.5 L of hemorrhagic fluid was confirmed in the abdominal cavity. The cyst and twisted omentum were removed en bloc. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on day 8. At her 2-month follow-up, she was no longer anemic (hemoglobin concentration 10.7 g/dL). CONCLUSION: Cases of anemia associated with omental torsion have been reported in children; however, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of such a presentation in an adult. In such patients, surgical removal is the treatment of choice. Persons with recurrent abdominal pain and anemia must be assessed carefully and their differential diagnosis should include omental torsion. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment help avoid complications.

Obesity and catecholamine responses to maximal exercise in adolescent girls.

The aim of this study was to investigate plasma catecholamine [adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA)] concentrations at rest and in response to maximal exercise in three different groups of adolescent girls. According to their body mass index, 34 adolescent girls aged 15-16 years were divided into three groups: a normal weight group (NO) (n = 11), an overweight group (OW) (n = 11) and an obese group (OB) (n = 12). Plasma A and NA concentrations were measured at rest during fasting conditions (A(0) and NA(0)), after a standardized breakfast (A(rest) and NA(rest)) and immediately after an incremental exhaustive exercise (A(EX) and NA(EX)). A (0) and NA(0) were not significantly different among the three groups. However, the A(0)/NA(0) was statistically lower in OB compared to OW and NO. A(EX) and NA(EX) were significantly higher than resting values in the three groups. However, in response to exercise, no significant differences were reported between OB (A(EX) = 2.20 +/- 0.13 nmol/l, NA(EX) = 12.28 +/- 0.64 nmol/l), OW (A(EX) = 2.39 +/- 0.23 nmol/l, NA(EX) = 12.94 +/- 0.93 nmol/l) and NO (A(EX) = 2.52 +/- 0.24 nmol/l, NA(EX) = 12.60 +/- 0.63 nmol/l). In conclusion, our results showed that at rest, in adolescent girls, the responsiveness of the adrenal medulla to the sympathetic nervous activity is lower in OB subjects compared to OW and NO ones. However, in response to maximal exercise, plasma catecholamines are not affected by obesity.

[Endoscopy and histology in the diagnosis of inflammatory intestinal diseases]. / Apports de l'endoscopie et de l'histologie dans le diagnostic des maladies inflammatoires intestinales (M.I.I.).

Colonoscopy is now a routine examination in the diagnosis and the follow-up of I.B.D. The most typical aspects of endoscopic and histological lesions are described. Colonoscopy and histological study of endoscopic biopsies permit a differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in 90% of the cases. Certain cases remain indeterminate even after colectomy.