Can longer lifespan be associated with gut microbiota involvement in lipid metabolism?

Biological aging is linked to altered body composition and reduced neuroactive steroid hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), which can stimulate the GABA signaling pathway via gut microbiota. Our study examined the association of gut microbiota with lifespan in mice through comprehensive analysis of its composition and functional involvement in cholesterol sulfate, a precursor of DHEAS, metabolism. We used 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing, followed by metabolic pathway prediction and TLC and MALDI-TOF cholesterol sulfate identification. Significant increases in bacteria such as Bacteroides, typical for long-lived and Odoribacter and Colidextribacter, specific for short-lived mice were detected. Furthermore, for males (Rikenella, Alloprevotella) and females (Lactobacillus, Bacteroides), specific bacterial groups emerged as predictors (AUC=1), highlighting sex-specific patterns. Long-lived mice showed a strong correlation of Bacteroides (0.918) with lipid and steroid hormone metabolism, while a negative correlation of GABAergic synapse with body weight (-0.589). We found that several Bacteroides species harboring the sulfotransferase gene and gene cluster for sulfonate donor synthesis are involved in converting cholesterol to cholesterol sulfate, significantly higher in the feces of long-lived individuals. Overall, we suggest that increased involvement of gut bacteria, mainly Bacteroides spp., in cholesterol sulfate synthesis could ameliorate aging through lipid metabolism.

Treatment with brivaracetam has no apparent long-term effects on body weight in pediatric patients with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate possible long-term effects of treatment with brivaracetam (BRV) on body weight in children with epilepsy. METHOD: Post hoc analysis of data from patients (aged 1 month to <17 years) with ≥6 months of BRV treatment in a long-term, open-label trial (N01266 [NCT01364597]). Outcomes included body weight and body mass index (BMI) over time (z-score growth curves), and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Previous/ongoing medical conditions that may affect body weight (gastrointestinal and metabolic/nutritional disorders); concomitant antiseizure medications (ASMs) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Two hundred nine patients (mean [standard deviation] age 7.9 [4.6] years) were analyzed. Most (154 [73.7%]) had focal-onset seizures. At study initiation, median (range) BRV dose was 1.0 (0.4-7.5) mg/kg/day. Overall, 189 (90.4%) patients had a previous or ongoing medical condition (gastrointestinal disorders: 43 [20.6%]; metabolism/nutritional disorders: 26 [12.4%]). Most patients followed z-score curves for body weight and BMI during BRV treatment, although there were outliers in both directions. Incidences of appetite/weight-change TEAEs were low. Twenty-three (11.0%) patients had a TEAE of decreased appetite and 14 (6.7%) had a TEAE of weight decreased. SIGNIFICANCE: Long-term adjunctive BRV was well tolerated in growing children with no indication of detrimental effects on body weight. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Brivaracetam is an antiseizure medication (ASM) used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. Some ASMs can lead to changes in people's appetite and weight. Knowing the effect a drug has on appetite and weight is particularly important in children. We looked at 209 children with epilepsy taking brivaracetam and studied changes in their body weight and body mass index over time. The number of reported side effects related to appetite or weight change was low. There was no apparent long-term effect on their body weight, even when taking their medical history and use of other ASMs into account.

A study to determine a practical method for weight estimation of deceased persons.

BACKGROUND: Body weight is an important parameter for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) at a crime scene. However, a challenge arises at crime scenes when a weight scale for measuring the total body weight is unavailable. Anthropometry-based models to estimate body weight have been developed in previous studies. This study aims to determine the accuracy of body weight estimations by practitioners, test the anthropometry-based models for applicability to deceased individuals, and examine a potential new method based on applying heel weight. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at the Isala Hospital in the Netherlands. During the study period, deceased people that were admitted to the hospital mortuary were included consecutively. The body weight of deceased persons estimated by practitioners was compared to the actual body weight. Anthropometric measurements were taken and used to perform eight sex dependant anthropometry-based models, with accuracy for the actual body weight calculated using RMSE values. A Pearson's correlation test was used to determine the correlation between heel weight and total body weight. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 100 cases, 56 males and 44 females, were included. Overall, only 33.3 % of practitioners' estimations were within 5 % of the actual measured weight. The model based on abdominal and thigh circumference performed best for weight estimation in males and the models based on mid-arm circumference, abdominal circumference, calf circumference and, in one model, subscapular skinfold performed best in females. A Pearson's correlation test revealed a weak positive correlation between weight of the heel and total body weight (Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.214). DISCUSSION: Estimations of underweight or obese patients posed a challenge for weight estimation. Especially in these cases, study results showed that anthropometry-based models have potential for daily practice. However, additional research is required to assess the reliability of the best performing models before implementation in forensic casework. The correlation between the weight of the heel and body weight was low, therefore implementation of the current method is not recommended, and further research is required.

The effect of pre-partum shearing of Corriedale ewes on placental and lamb development and neonatal behaviour.

AIMS: To evaluate the effects of early and late pre-partum shearing of Corriedale ewes carrying single fetuses on placental and lamb development and neonatal lamb behaviour. METHODS: At 70 days of gestation, 37 multiparous Corriedale ewes with known gestation dates were randomly allocated into three groups: S70 (n = 12) and S110 (n = 12), shorn at Day 70 and 110 of gestation, and US (n = 13), that were not shorn pre-partum. Gestation length, lambing duration, placental expulsion time, placental weight, number and weight of cotyledons, and placental efficiency (lamb weight/placental weight) were determined. At birth, body temperature, weight, morphometric measurements, ponderal index (lamb weight/lamb crown-rump length) and behaviour were recorded, with weight remeasured 72 hours later. Four male lambs per group were slaughtered immediately after parturition, and organ weight and perirenal brown fat weight and energy content recorded. RESULTS: Pre-partum shearing, regardless of timing, increased total dried placental weight per ewe. Pre-partum shearing at Day 70 of gestation increased the number and mean weight of the > 2 to ≤ 3-cm cotyledons, while pre-partum shearing at Day 110 of gestation increased only the weight of these cotyledons. At birth and at 72 hours, lambs from ewes shorn either at 70 days of gestation (birth: 5.5 (95% CI = 4.6-6.4) kg, p = 0.001; 72 hours: 6.4 (95% CI = 6.1-6.8) kg, p = 0.002) or at 110 days of gestation (birth: 5.4 (95% CI = 4.4-6.4) kg, p = 0.001; 72 hours: 6.5 (95% CI = 5.9-7.1) kg, p = 0.001) were heavier than lambs from unshorn ewes (birth: 4.0 (95% CI = 3.3-4.8) kg; 72 hours: 4.8 (95% CI = 3.5-6.1) kg). Lambs born to S70 and S110 ewes suckled sooner (31.5 (95% CI = 14.5-48.5) minutes, p = 0.001; and 39.3 (95% CI = 23.7-55.0) minutes, p = 0.001 respectively), than lambs born to the US group (70.3 (95% CI = 38.6-102.1) minutes). There was no evidence for an effect of pre-partum shearing on gestation length, parturition length, time of placental expulsion, placental efficiency, weight and energy of perirenal brown fat, and lamb temperature at birth. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Shearing ewes pre-partum may lead to placental changes affecting lamb development and behaviour and associated with higher survival. The findings suggest pre-partum shearing may improve lamb survival, farm profitability and sustainability.

Adaptation mechanism of Phan Rang sheep to salinity in drinking water under tropical conditions.

The aims of this study were to determine adaptation mechanism of sheep to salinity in drinking water. A group of 10 male sheep were used in a 6-week of experiment, with 1 week for pre-treatment period (Week 1), 4 weeks for during treatment period (Week 2 to Week 5), and 1 week for posttreatment period (Week 6). During the pre- and posttreatment periods, sheep consumed with fresh water. However, during treatment period, they were given with diluted seawater (DSW) at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2% for Weeks 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Animal was offered 300 g concentrate and corn stover silage for ab libitum. Dry matter intake decreased as DSW increased, whereas sheep drinking DSW showed an increase in water intake and urine volume (p < 0.05). Body weight change decreased in 2% DSW. Sheep consuming 2% DSW exhibited higher plasma electrolyte levels compared to other groups. But plasma levels of AST, ALT, and creatinine were unaffected by DSW (p > 0.05). The elevated levels and excretions of urinary electrolytes were found in DSW groups (p < 0.05). Water balance was unaffected by DSW, except during the recovery period. It concluded that adapted sheep can consume DSW up to 1.5% without harmful effects.

Real-world efficacy and safety of naltrexone-bupropion therapy in Chinese patients with obesity: A single-centre experience.

PURPOSE: Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®) has shown efficacy and safety in large randomised controlled trials, predominantly comprising Caucasians. Data are limited in Asian populations. We carried out a retrospective matched cohort study of Chinese patients with obesity to evaluate the efficacy and safety of naltrexone-bupropion in real-world clinical practice. METHODS: We performed a retrospective matched cohort study of Chinese patients with obesity managed in the Obesity Clinic of Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020. Electronic health records of patients treated with naltrexone-bupropion were retrieved for body weight and height, obesity-related metabolic parameters, and adverse events over a 12-month period. Age- and sex-matched controls from the Obesity Clinic who were only on self-directed lifestyle management were identified for comparison of weight changes. General linear models were used to analyse the change in body weight over 12 months. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients treated with naltrexone-bupropion were included (mean age 42.2 ± 8.4 years, 54.1% men, baseline body mass index 37.3 ± 4.6 kg/m2), and 37 age- and sex-matched controls were included. Among the 37 naltrexone-bupropion-treated patients, the mean weight loss was 9.2 ± 5.2% at 6 months and 9.7 ± 8.1% at 12 months, which were significantly more than in controls (p < 0.001). Improvements in the obesity-related parameters were observed in association with weight loss over 12 months. Ten patients (27.0%) discontinued naltrexone-bupropion due to side effects, mainly neurological and gastrointestinal manifestations, within the first 12 months. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated real-world efficacy and safety of naltrexone-bupropion among Chinese patients with obesity.

Weight loss rather than weight gain has a detrimental effect on successful aging in older adults: A 4-year longitudinal study in China.

This study explored the effect of weight change on successful aging in older adults. A total of 1865 adults (≥65 years) were divided into the weight gain group (weight gain ≥5 %), the weight loss group (weight loss ≥5 %), and the weight stable group (weight change <5 %) according to weight changes over 4 years. Results showed that compared to the stable weight, the weight loss is associated with a lower rate of successful aging (OR=0.64, 95 % CI: 0.49-0.83), and the association was found greater in women (OR=0.61, 95 % CI: 0.43-0.86) and young-old adults (OR=0.66, 95 % CI: 0.41-0.88) than their counterparts. However, no significant association was found between weight gain and successful aging. The findings suggest that weight loss rather than weight gain in older adults has a detrimental impact on successful aging, and this detrimental impact is greater in women and young-old adults.

Dietary eggs, egg nutrients, polygenic score for body mass index, "Western pattern" diet, and weight change, a prospective analysis in the Women's health initiative.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Eggs contain nutrients which could help enrich the diets of postmenopausal women. Egg consumption and elevated body weight have been associated with elevated risk of serious chronic disease. It is possible that elevated body weight mediates between egg consumption and serious chronic disease. However, few studies exist on the link between egg consumption and body weight in post-menopausal women, and none of them accounted for genetic weight gain predispositions. Our objective was to examine associations between egg consumption, body weight, and genetic predisposition for an elevated Body Mass Index (BMI), in postmenopausal women. METHODS: We analyzed data from 4439 healthy Women's Health Initiative participants of European descent during a 6-year follow up using multivariable generalized linear mixed models to prospectively evaluate egg and egg-nutrient intake (measured by a food frequency questionnaire) against body weight and a BMI polygenic score (PGS-BMI) derived from GWAS meta-analysis effect-allele frequencies. RESULTS: We found a positive prospective association between change in egg intake and body weight during the 6-year follow up. For instance, at year 3, women whose intake had increased by 2.0 eggs/week had gained 0.70 kg (95%CI: 0.34, 1.07, p = 0.0002) more than women whose intake had decreased by 2.4 eggs/week, p-linear <0.0001. Cholesterol-intake and choline-intake, but not betaine-intake, showed similar significant associations. Exploratory analysis revealed that: 1) women only demonstrated these significant associations if they exhibited higher intakes of "Western-pattern" foods including processed and red meats, French fries, sweets and deserts, sugar-sweetened beverages, fried foods, and dietary fat, and dietary energy; and 2) there was a significant positive prospective association between PGS-BMI and body-weight change, but only in the top quintile of egg-intake change. CONCLUSIONS: We found significant positive prospective associations between weight change and changes in egg intake, cholesterol intake, and choline intake among healthy postmenopausal women of European ancestry in the Women's Health Initiative. Exploratory analyses revealed that: 1) these significant associations only obtained among women who ate large amounts of "Western-pattern" foods; and 2) women with a higher genetic susceptibility for an elevated BMI gained more weight only if they increased their egg intake considerably. Our results require confirmation.

Role of Whey Protein in the Treatment Outcome of Maxillofacial Trauma Patients: An Interventional Study.

Introduction: Maxillofacial fracture severely affects the diet of the patients leading to reduction of body weight. Facial trauma affects the muscles of mastication and the bones of face leading to reduction in bite force. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of whey protein supplement in the postoperative period of maxillofacial trauma patients with respect to body weight, bite force and callus formation. Methodology: Patients were divided into control group and study group having 20 patients each. The control group received usual modified diet for maxillofacial fracture and study group received same diet along with whey protein for 6 weeks. Results: There was mean weight loss of 3.15 kg in control group whereas there was no weight loss of in the study group. There was statistically significant increase in bite force in the study group compared to the control group with p value < 0.05. Early callus formation was seen in study group compared to control group. Conclusion: Our results showed that patients who were supplemented with whey protein had no loss of body weight, better masticatory efficiency, better healing of the fracture sites and overall early recovery.

Effects of Berberis asiatica, Withania somnifera, and Their Combination on Body Weight in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Wistar Rats.

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, and beta cell dysfunction, often leading to chronic hyperglycemia and associated complications. Berberis asiatica (BA) and Withania somnifera (WS) are ancient medicinal plants with a reputation for having potential therapeutic effects in diabetes management. The purpose of this study was to look into how body weight (BW) was affected in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NIC) induced T2DM in Wistar rats by BA, WS, and their polyherbal combination (PHC). Materials and methods Seventy-eight Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into 13 groups, with six rats in each group, including normal and diabetic controls, and treated with varying doses of BA, WS, and PHC. The rats were under observation over the course of 35 days for any change in BW. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) rules and guidelines were followed in the conduct of acute toxicity tests. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests, was used for statistical analysis. Results The findings indicated that the highest dose of BA (1000 mg/kg) significantly improved BW in diabetic rats, approaching that of the normal control group. The combination of BA and WS also demonstrated significant improvements in BW, suggesting a synergistic effect. The standard antidiabetic drugs, metformin and glimepiride, were effective in increasing BW in diabetic rats. Conclusion The study concludes that BA, WS, and their combination have a positive impact on BW management in T2DM rats, with the combination therapy showing enhanced effects. These findings support the potential utilization of these herbs in managing BW and other T2DM-associated metabolic disturbances and abnormalities.

Evaluation of Conflicts of Financial Interest in Publications on the Consumption of High-Intensity Sweeteners and Body-Weight Changes: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Diseases related to excessive sugar consumption have become a public health concern. However, there may be a direct association between the consumption of artificial sweeteners and changes in body weight. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate potential industry financial conflicts of interest in publications on the relationship between high-intensity sweetener consumption and changes in body weight in observational and intervention studies. DATA SOURCES: The systematic review used the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and the VHL (Virtual Health Library) Regional Portal, including the LILACS databases. The PICOS strategy were used in the search strategy for intervention studies and for observational studies used the exposure factor as the criterion. DATA EXTRACTION: Inclusion criteria were observational and intervention studies in adults, without population or health status restrictions, without restriction on the year of publication, but restricted to full articles in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Exclusion criteria were humans younger than 18 years, cross-sectional studies, and animal and in vitro studies. DATA ANALYSIS: There were extracted effect estimates, odds ratios, and linear associations, quantifying the effects per unit of intake of high-intensity sweeteners. The risk of bias in the intervention studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool (RoB). The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used for observational studies (case-control and cohort). CONCLUSION: Most clinical trials favor using artificial sweeteners and receive contributions from the food industry. Observational studies, for the most part, show that the use of artificial sweeteners is unfavorable. In these studies, there was no sponsorship from the food industry, only from regulatory bodies. This result suggests that studies that had the support of the food industry had their influence on their outcomes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no: CRD42016036204.

The Effect of Chia Seed on Blood Pressure, Body Composition, and Glycemic Control: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

CONTEXT: Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects on metabolic factors of consuming chia seeds. However, the results of clinical trials have been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials to explore the effects of chia seed consumption on body weight (BW), body composition, blood pressure, and glycemic control. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search was conducted on the Scopus, PubMed, Medline via Ovid, ISI Web of Science, and Scholar Google databases up to August 2023. DATA EXTRACTION: The outcomes of interest included systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), BW, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). DATA ANALYSIS: Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CIs were used to determine the effect size. RESULTS: A total of 8 eligible studies were included in the analysis. The findings revealed a significant reduction in SBP (WMD: -7.19 mmHg; 95% CI, -10.63 to -3.73; P < .001) and DBP (WMD: -6.04 mmHg, 95% CI, -9.58 to -2.49; P = .001). However, no significant effects were observed on BW, body fat percentage, WC, BMI, FBG, and HbA1c. Subgroup analysis indicated that the effect of chia seed on SBP was significant in participants with a baseline SBP of less than 140 mmHg, but the effect was not dependent on the administered dose. CONCLUSION: Chia seed consumption has positive effects on SBP and DBP but does not significantly impact BW, body composition, or glycemic parameters. However, the limited amount of data from included studies should be considered as a limitation while interpreting these findings. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023462575.

Effects of body weight support training on balance and walking function in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate the impact of body weight support training (BWST) on balance and gait function in stroke patients based on an evidence-based basis and to identify the most effective intervention strategies. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and Chinese SinoMed Database were searched until November 25, 2023. Quality assessment and meta-analysis were performed using RevMan 5.2 and Stata 14.0 software. Results: A total of 31 randomized controlled trials involving 1,918 patients were included in the study. The meta-analysis demonstrated that body weight support training (BWST) significantly improved Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores (MD = 3.60; 95% CI: 1.23 to 5.98; p = 0.003), gait speed (SMD = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.15; p < 0.0001), and step length (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.72; p = 0.0008) in stroke patients compared to conventional rehabilitation. For enhancing balance function, the most effective interventions were identified as a disease duration of 3-6 months (MD = 5.16; 95% CI: 0.76 to 9.57; p = 0.02), intervention time of 4-8 weeks (MD = 5.70; 95% CI: 2.90 to 8.50; p < 0.0001), a maximum body weight support level above 30% (MD = 3.80; 95% CI: 1.48 to 6.13; p = 0.001), and a maximum training walking speed of 0.2 m/s or more (MD = 4.66; 95% CI: 0.37 to 9.70; p = 0.03). For improving walking function, the optimal interventions were also a disease duration of 3-6 months (gait speed: SMD = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.15 to 1.03; p = 0.008; step length: SMD = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.56; p = 0.04), intervention time of 4-8 weeks (gait speed: SMD = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.44 to 1.59; p = 0.0006; step length: SMD = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.12; p < 0.00001), a maximum body weight support level above 30% (gait speed: SMD = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.22; p = 0.0003; step length: SMD = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.47 to 1.11; p < 0.00001), and a maximum training walking speed of 0.2 m/s or more (gait speed: SMD = 1.26; 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.90; p = 0.0001; step length: SMD = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.31; p = 0.0003). Conclusion: Compared with conventional rehabilitation training, BWST demonstrates superior efficacy in enhancing balance and walking function in stroke patients, with a consistent optimal intervention strategy. The most effective program includes a disease duration of 3-6 months, an intervention period of 4-8 weeks, a maximum body weight support of 30% or more, and a maximum training walking speed of 0.2 m/s or greater. Systematic review registration: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022358963.

The Academic Basis of Lifestyle Medicine.

There is no longer any serious doubt that daily habits and actions profoundly impact on both short- and long-term health and quality of life. An overwhelming body of scientific and medical literature supports this contention. Thousands of studies support the concept that regular physical activity, healthy nutrition and maintaining a healthy body weight, not smoking cigarettes, obtaining healthy sleep, reducing stress and maintaining positive connections with other individuals all profoundly impact on health. The scientific literature the supports the health impact of these daily habits and actions is underscored by its incorporation into virtually every evidence-based clinical guideline in the area of metabolic diseases. Thus, the scientific basis for lifestyle medicine rests on an enormous body of evidence-based literature. The key issue in lifestyle medicine is to provide an overall framework where these studies, which are often spread over scientific literature in multiple disciplines, can be made accessible to the medical community and to the public at large. This is the essence of the field of lifestyle medicine. The academic basis of lifestyle medicine is robust and needs to be emphasized by all practitioners of lifestyle medicine. This is the key to moving this field forward into the future.

Changes in performance, cecal microflora counts and intestinal histology of Japanese quails fed diets containing different fibre sources.

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate how various fiber sources impact the performance, microbial population, and intestinal histology of Japanese quail that was performed in a completely randomized design for 42 days. The dietary treatments involved a fiber-free corn-soybean meal-based diet (control, CTL), and CTL with added levels of sunflower hulls (SFH) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) (20 and 40 g kg-1). Body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were recorded weekly. Carcass characteristics, cecal microbial population, blood variables and intestinal histology were measured on the 42 day of age. Adding 40 g kg-1 of SBP led to a significant decrease in body weight gain and an increase in the feed conversion ratio of birds from 1 to 21 days (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the gastrointestinal tract and gizzard increased significantly in birds that consumed SFH. Blood triglyceride concentration decreased with the inclusion of fiber in the diet. However, there was a notable increase in blood cholesterol concentration in the birds that were fed SBP (20 and 40 g kg-1) in comparison to those fed SFH (P < 0.05). The population of E. Coli in the cecum increased significantly in the birds that were fed 4 g kg-1 of SBP as opposed to those fed 20 and 40 g kg-1 of SFH (P < 0.05). The villus height of the jejunum in birds that were fed 20 g kg-1 and 40 g kg-1 of SFH demonstrated a significant increase in comparison to the other treatments (P < 0.05). In general, the findings of this research indicated that the inclusion of 40 g kg-1 of SBP in the diet had a negative impact on performance and other physiological parameters. However, the use of SFH and 20 g kg-1 of SBP yielded similar results to birds in the CTL, and in some cases, even better outcomes.

Topiramate added to metformin for obesity control in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often linked with obesity, and weight management can improve endocrine and cardiometabolic features. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of adding topiramate (TPM) to metformin (MTF) on weight control, hormonal and metabolic outcomes in women with PCOS. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants with PCOS and body mass index ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia followed a 20 kcal/kg diet in addition to 850 mg of MTF or a previous MTF regimen. They were randomized to receive either TPM or placebo (P) alongside MTF. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, modified Ferriman-Gallwey score (mFGS), and adverse events were assessed every 4 weeks for 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was the percent change in body weight from baseline in both groups. Secondary endpoints included changes in clinical, cardiometabolic, and hormonal parameters and psychosocial features. RESULTS: Thirty-one participants were in the MTF+P group and 30 in the MTF+TPM group. The MTF+TPM group showed greater mean weight loss at 3 months (-3.4% vs. -1.6%, p=0.03) and 6 months (-4.5% vs. -1.4%, p=0.03). Both groups improved androgens, lipids, and psychosocial scores. Participants with ≥3% weight loss at 6 months improved mFGS (8.4 to 6.5, p=0.026). Paresthesia was more common in the MTF+TPM group (23.3% vs. 3.2%, p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Combining TPM with MTF and a low-calorie diet may be an effective, low-cost, easy-to-use, and safe strategy for weight management in women with PCOS, with mild adverse effects.

Effects of Melatonin on Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress in Adults with Obesity Undergoing a Multidisciplinary Body Weight Reduction Program.

Background: Obesity is characterized by increased oxidative stress, which, in a vicious circle, promotes chronic low-grade inflammation. Melatonin, a well-documented antioxidant, might be useful as a supplement to enhance the cardiometabolic benefits of any body weight reduction program (BWRP). Objectives/Methods: The present study aimed to evaluate the post-exercise oxidative stress and inflammation in a group of subjects with obesity treated with melatonin (2 mg/die) or placebo, undergoing a 2-week BWRP, with the administration of a single bout of acute exercise at the start and the end of the protocol (G1-G15). Results: Eighteen adults with obesity were enrolled and distributed to the two arms of the study: the melatonin group (F/M: 7/2; age: 27.8 ± 5.6 years; body mass index [BMI]: 43.0 ± 4.9 kg/m2) and the placebo group (F/M: 6/3; age: 28.8 ± 5.0 years; BMI: 42.8 ± 4.0 kg/m2). BWRP induced a decrease in BMI and waist circumference (WC) in both groups; plasma glucose, blood glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were reduced only in the placebo group. Importantly, plasma biological antioxidant potential (BAP) increased throughout BWRP. Paradoxically, melatonin enhanced post-exercise production of plasma derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and erythrocytic glutathionyl-Hb (HbSSG) (at G1 and G15). Finally, differently from the placebo group, melatonin-treated subjects did not exhibit the BWRP-induced decrease in plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), before and after exercise, at the end of two weeks (G15). Conclusions: Melatonin is presumably an antioxidant with "conditional" prooxidant actions. The use of melatonin as a supplement in subjects with obesity might be deleterious due to the abolishment of BWRP-induced cardiometabolic benefits.

Postural Stability in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Background: A lack of postural control is one of the key problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The goals of the present study were to assess static postural stability in children with mild CP using a force platform compared to that of typically developing peers and to identify differences in static stability between children with hemiplegic and diplegic CP. Methods: This study included 45 children with hemiplegic CP and 45 children with well-functioning diplegic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System; GMFCS scores between I and II) who were patients of local paediatric rehabilitation centres. The testing procedure included two interrelated parts: (1) the analysis of the body weight distribution and (2) the posturometric test (the centre of pressure; CoP measurements) using the force platform. Results: The results of the present study show that children with CP, compared to their TD peers, demonstrated significantly higher values for all of the analysed indexes of postural stability. The obtained results indicate differences in disorders of static postural stability between children with hemiplegic and diplegic CP. Compared to their TD peers, children with hemiplegic CP showed greater body weight asymmetry between the affected and unaffected sides of the body and greater CoP sway in the medial-lateral direction. In contrast, children with diplegic CP exhibited greater CoP displacements in the anterior-posterior direction. Conclusions: The findings of the present study show that (1) children with CP have increased static postural instability compared to their TD peers and (2) children with diplegic CP exhibit weaker mediolateral stability in standing, whereas children with hemiplegic CP show reduced anterior-posterior stability.

Effect of Body Weight on Glycaemic Indices in People with Type 1 Diabetes Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring.

Background/Objectives: Obesity and overweight have become increasingly prevalent in different populations of people with type 1 diabetes (PwT1D). This study aimed to assess the effect of body weight on glycaemic indices in PwT1D. Methods: Adult PwT1D using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and followed up at a regional academic diabetes centre were included. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and standard CGM glycaemic indices were recorded. Glycaemic indices were compared according to BMI, and correlation and linear regression analysis were performed to estimate the association between measures of adiposity and glycaemic indices. Results: A total of 73 PwT1D were included (48% normal weight, 33% overweight, and 19% obese). HbA1c was 7.2% (5.6-10), glucose management indicator (GMI) 6.9% (5.7-8.9), coefficient of variation (CV) for glucose 39.5% ± 6.4, mean glucose 148 (101-235) mg/dL, TIR (time in range, glucose 70-180 mg/dL) 66% (25-94), TBR70 (time below range, 54-69 mg/dL) 4% (0-16), TBR54 (<54 mg/dL) 1% (0-11), TAR180 (time above range, 181-250 mg/dL) 20% ± 7, and TAR250 (>250 mg/dL) 6% (0-40). Glycaemic indices and achievement (%) of optimal glycaemic targets were similar between normal weight, overweight, and obese patients. BMI was associated negatively with GMI, mean glucose, TAR180, and TAR250 and positively with TIR; waist circumference was negatively associated with TAR250. Conclusions: CGM-derived glycaemic indices were similar in overweight/obese and normal weight PwT1D. Body weight and BMI were positively associated with better glycaemic control. PwT1D should receive appropriate ongoing support to achieve optimal glycaemic targets whilst maintaining a healthy body weight.