A prospective study of mental health status in morbidly obese patients.

Aim: To determine if co-morbidities have an effect on mood in a cohort of morbidly obese patients

A prospective study of mental health status in morbidly obese patients.

Aim: To determine if co-morbidities have an effect on mood in a cohort of morbidly obese patients

A Nutrition and Conditioning Intervention for Natural Bodybuilding Contest Preparation: Case Study.

Bodybuilding competitions are becoming increasingly popular. Competitors are judged on their aesthetic appearance and usually exhibit a high level of muscularity and symmetry and low levels of body fat. Commonly used techniques to improve physique during the preparation phase before competitions include dehydration, periods of prolonged fasting, severe caloric restriction, excessive cardiovascular exercise and inappropriate use of diuretics and anabolic steroids. In contrast, this case study documents a structured nutrition and conditioning intervention followed by a 21 year-old amateur bodybuilding competitor to improve body composition, resting and exercise fat oxidation, and muscular strength that does not involve use of any of the above mentioned methods. Over a 14-week period, the Athlete was provided with a scientifically designed nutrition and conditioning plan that encouraged him to (i) consume a variety of foods; (ii) not neglect any macronutrient groups; (iii) exercise regularly but not excessively and; (iv) incorporate rest days into his conditioning regime. This strategy resulted in a body mass loss of 11.7 kg’s, corresponding to a 6.7 kg reduction in fat mass and a 5.0 kg reduction in fat-free mass. Resting metabolic rate decreased from 1993 kcal/d to 1814 kcal/d, whereas resting fat oxidation increased from 0.04 g/min to 0.06 g/min. His capacity to oxidize fat during exercise increased more than two-fold from 0.24 g/min to 0.59 g/min, while there was a near 3-fold increase in the corresponding exercise intensity that elicited the maximal rate of fat oxidation; 21% V̇ O2max to 60% V̇ O2max. Hamstring concentric peak torque decreased (1.7 to 1.5 Nm/kg), whereas hamstring eccentric (2.0 Nm/kg to 2.9 Nm/kg), quadriceps concentric (3.4 Nm/kg to 3.7 Nm/kg) and quadriceps eccentric (4.9 Nm/kg to 5.7 Nm/kg) peak torque all increased. Psychological mood-state (BRUMS scale) was not negatively influenced by the intervention and all values relating to the Athlete’s mood-state remained below average over the course of study. This intervention shows that a structured and scientifically supported nutrition strategy can be implemented to improve parameters relevant to bodybuilding competition and importantly the health of competitors, therefore questioning the conventional practices of bodybuilding preparation

Controlling for Prior Attainment Reduces the Positive Influence that Single-Gender Classroom Initiatives Exert on High School Students’ Scholastic Achievements.

Research points to the positive impact that gender-segregated schooling and classroom initiatives exert on academic attainment. An evaluation of these studies which reveal positive effects highlights, however, that students are typically selectively assigned to single- or mixed-gender instructional settings, presenting a methodological confound. The current study controls for students’ prior attainment to appraise the efficacy of a single-gender classroom initiative implemented in a co-educational high school in the United Kingdom. Secondary data analysis (using archived data) was performed on 266 middle-ability, 11–12 year-old students’ standardized test scores in Languages (English, foreign language), STEM-related (Mathematics, Science, Information and Communication Technology), and Non-STEM subjects (art, music, drama). Ninety-eight students (54, 55% female) were taught in single-gender and 168 (69, 41% female) in mixed-gender classrooms. Students undertook identical tests irrespective of classroom type, which were graded in accordance with U.K national curriculum guidelines. Controlling for students’ prior attainment, findings indicate that students do not appear to benefit from being taught in single-gender relative to mixed-gender classrooms in Language and STEM-related subjects. Young women benefitted from being taught in mixed-gender relative to single-gender classes for Non-STEM subjects. However, when prior ability is not controlled for, the intervention appears to be effective for all school subjects, highlighting the confounding influence of selective admissions. These findings suggest that gender-segregated classroom initiatives may not bolster students’ grades. It is argued that studies that do not control for selection effects may tell us little about the effectiveness of such interventions on scholastic achievement

A gap analysis on modelling of sea lice infection pressure from salmonid farms. II. Identifying and ranking knowledge gaps: output of an international workshop

Sea lice are a major health hazard for farmed Atlantic salmon in Europe, and their impact is felt globally. Given the breadth of ongoing research in sea lice dispersal and population modelling, and focus on research-led adaptive management, we brought experts together to discuss research knowledge gaps. Gaps for salmon lice infection pressure from fish farms were identified and scored by experts in sea lice-aquaculture-environment interactions, at an international workshop in 2021. The contributors included experts based in Scotland, Norway, Ireland, Iceland, Canada, the Faroe Islands, England and Australia, employed by governments, industry, universities and non-government organisations. The workshop focused on knowledge gaps underpinning 5 key stages in salmon lice infection pressure from fish farms: larval production; larval transport and survival; exposure and infestation of new hosts; development and survival of the attached stages; and impact on host populations. A total of 47 research gaps were identified; 5 broad themes emerged with 13 priority research gaps highlighted as important across multiple sectors. The highest-ranking gap called for higher quality and frequency of on-farm lice count data, along with better sharing of information across sectors. We highlight the need for synergistic international collaboration to maximise transferable knowledge. Round table discussions through collaborative workshops provide an important forum for experts to discuss and agree research priorities

A gap analysis on modelling of sea lice infection pressure from salmonid farms. I. A structured knowledge review

Sustainability of aquaculture, an important component of the blue economy, relies in part on ensuring assessment of environmental impact and interactions relating to sea lice dispersing from open pen salmon and trout farms. We review research underpinning the key stages in the sea lice infection process to support modelling of lice on wild salmon in relation to those on farms. The review is split into 5 stages: larval production; larval transport and survival; exposure and infestation of new hosts; development and survival of the attached stages; and impact on host populations. This modular structure allows the existing published data to be reviewed and assessed to identify data gaps in modelling sea lice impacts in a systematic way. Model parameterisation and parameter variation is discussed for each stage, providing an overview of knowledge strength and gaps. We conclude that a combination of literature review, empirical data collection and modelling studies are required on an iterative basis to ensure best practice is applied for sustainable aquaculture. The knowledge gained can then be optimised and applied at regional scales, with the most suitable modelling frameworks applied for the system, given regional limitations

Clinical care and other categories posters: psychological health

Aim: To determine if co-morbidities have an effect on mood in a cohort of morbidly obese patients. Methods: Sequential linear regression analysis conducted on health and demographic data, using two validated anxiety/depression scales combined [Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)] as the primary outcome. Results: Complete outcome data was recorded on 410 patients. 211 (51.4%) had 1 or 2 reported co-morbidities; of which hypertension and anxiety/depression were the most common. One hundred and seven patients (26.4%) were recorded as having diabetes. The outcome measures of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were found to be strongly and significantly correlated (r=0.822; p<0.001); hence analysis was conducted on a combined outcome. Occurrence of arthritis and anxiety/depression were both statistically significant at the 5% significance level (p=0.049 for arthritis; p<0.001 for anxiety/depression), with the presence of both conditions being associated with lower functionality. Age appeared to show some substantive association with the outcome (p=0.069); with increasing age being associated with slightly improved functionality. BMI, gender and the presence of other co-morbidities, including diabetes, did not exhibit any substantive relationship with the outcome measure. Summary: There is insufficient evidence to conclude that either BMI, gender or diabetes affect scores measured on the combined PHQ-9/GAD-7 outcome. Of the various co-morbidities reported by patients, arthritis and, particularly, reported anxiety/depression have the greatest effect on combined scale scores

Feasibility of mild hard turning of stainless steel using coated carbide tool

Hard turning has been explored as an alternative to the traditional processing technique used to manufacture parts made of hardened steels. However, advanced cutting tool materials for hard turning applications are relatively expensive. The continuous developments in carbide tool material and its coating technology have offered inexpensive cutting tool alternatives for a mild range of hard turning operations. Commercially available TiAlN-coated carbide tool is utilized in this study to perform hard turning of stainless steel within the mild range (47-48 HRC) at various cutting parameters, i.e., cutting speed and feed. Empirical models to measure its performance by quantifying the effect of the cutting parameters to the tool's service lifetime and the machined workpiece's surface roughness are developed. The coated carbide tool performed hard turning with fair tool life and fine surface finish, especially at low cutting parameters as shown by the models' solutions for the optimized input selection

Feasibility and Compliance of Automated Measurement of Quality of Life in Oncology Practice

Purpose: Systematic quality-of-life (QOL) assessment may have value in oncology practice by increasing awareness of a wide range of issues, possibly increasing detection of psychologic morbidity, social problems, and changes in physical status, and improving care and its outcomes. However,logistic problems are substantial. Automated systems solve many of these problems. We field-tested the feasibility and compliance that can be achieved using a computer touchscreen system in two consecutive studies. Patients and Methods: In study 1, a prospective cohort of 272 patients was offered QOL assessment at each clinic appointment for 6 months. In study 2, all patients (N 1,291) were offered QOL assessment as part of clinic routine during a 12-week period. Results: In study 1, 82% of patients agreed to take part, but over time, compliance was poor (median, 40%; mean, 43%) and deteriorated with longer follow-up. In study 2, the overall compliance was greatly increased (median, 100%; mean, 70%), and compliance was retained over multiple visits. In study 1, compliance was better in younger patients,males, and socially advantaged patients, but was not affected by the presence of depression or anxiety, or QOL. In the second study, building on experience in the first study, data collection and storage in the computer system was excellent, achieving 98% of collected data stored in one center. In general, patients were comfortable with the computers and the approach. Data collection on the wards was more difficult and less complete than in clinics, especially for patients undergoing acute admissions. Conclusion: Feasibility with higher compliance was demonstrated in study 2, in which the data collection was integrated into routine care, and can be improved with further technical initiatives and education of staff.NO DIVISION21pub460pub