Cardiometabolic Index (CMI) and Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) Highlight a Higher Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Women with Severe Obesity

Recent evidence shows that simple and inexpensive anthropometric measurements can be used to identify, at an early stage, women with obesity at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of five different indexes of adiposity and/or body composition in identifying MetS in a group of 876 women (mean age ± SD: 52.1 ± 13.8 years; body mass index (BMI): 43.6 ± 6.1 kg m−2). The following indexes were determined for each subject: waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), body mass fat index (BMFI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and cardiometabolic index (CMI). Overall, the presence of MetS was detected in 544 patients (62%). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the relationships between body composition indexes and metabolic characteristics of the women. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the best predictor for each adiposity index among metabolic risk factors. The ROC analysis showed VAI (AUC = 0.84) and CMI (AUC = 0.86) showed the best performance in predicting MetS. Differences were found between the ROC area of CMI and VAI with all other indexes (p 0.92 for WHR, >0.76 for WtHR, >30.1 kg m−1 for BMFI, >1.94 for VAI, and >0.84 for CMI. In addition, VAI and CMI were the most sensitive and specific indexes compared with other indexes. In conclusion, VAI and CMI represent the most useful and reliable indexes to be used for detecting MetS in women suffering from obesity in clinical practice

Corrigendum: Effects of a 3-week inpatient multidisciplinary body weight reduction program on body composition and physical capabilities in adolescents and adults with obesity

A correction has been made to Funding. The correct Funding statement is: “Research funded by the Italian Ministry of Health.” The authors apologize for this error and state that this does not change the scientific conclusions of the article in any way. The original article has been updated

Effects of 12-week combined training versus high intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and fat metabolism in obese male adults

Background: /Objectives: A weekly combination of a high volume of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) with a low volume of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) provides important improvements in body composition and physical capacities in individuals with obesity. However, previous studies did not determine the weekly proportions of HIIT and MICT a priori. This study aimed to investigate changes in body composition, physical capacities and the fat oxidation rate in obese male adults by comparing a combination of MICT and HIIT, called combined training (COMB), with HIIT for a 12-week period. Methods: Thirty-four obese male adults (mean age: 39.4 ± 7.0 y; mean body mass index [BMI] 34.0 ± 4.2 kg m−2) participated in this study (n = 18 for COMB, n = 16 HIIT), attending ∼ 36 training sessions. The COMB group performed 3 repetitions of 2 min at 95% of peak oxygen uptake (V'O2 peak) (e.g., HIIT ≤20%), followed by 30 min at 60% of VO2 peak (e.g., MICT ≥80%). The HIIT group performed 5–7 repetitions of 2 min at 95% of VO2 peak. At baseline (PRE) and at the end of the training period (POST), body composition, VO2 peak, and the fat oxidation rate were measured. The two training programs were equivalent in caloric expenditure. Results: At POST, body mass (BM) and fat mass (FM) decreased by a mean of 3.09 ± 3.21 kg and 3.90 ± 2.40 kg, respectively (P < 0.05), in both groups and V'O2 peak increased in both groups by a mean of 0.47 ± 0.34 L min−1 (P < 0.05). The maximal fat oxidation rate increased similarly in both groups from 0.32 ± 0.05 to 0.36 ± 0.06 g min−1 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: COMB training represents a viable alternative to HIIT to improve anthropometric characteristics, physical capacities and fat oxidation in obese male adults

Improvement of adiponectin in relation to physical performance and body composition in young obese males subjected to twenty-four weeks of training programs

Obesity and related metabolic diseases represent a worldwide health problem. The main factor predisposing to obesity is an unhealthy lifestyle including the lack of physical activity. A pivotal role in the etio-pathogenesis of obesity is carried out by adipose tissue, an endocrine organ secreting several adipokines involved in numerous metabolic and inflammatory processes. Among these, of particular importance is adiponectin, an adipokine involved in the regulation of insulin sensibility and in anti-inflammatory processes. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of 24 weeks of two different training programs polarized (POL) and threshold training (THR) on body composition, physical capacities and adiponectin expression. Thirteen male obese subjects (BMI: 32.0 ± 3.0 kg m-2) followed 24 weeks of two different training programs, POL and THR, consisting of walking or running (or a combination of the two methods) in their normal living conditions. Before (T0) and after the end of the program (T1), the assessment of body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance and the concentration of salivary and serum adiponectin was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. Although the results obtained did not show significant differences between the two training programs, body mass and body mass index decreased by a mean of −4.46 ± 2.90 kg and 1.43 ± 0.92 kg m−2 (P < 0.05). Fat mass decreased by −4.47 ± 2.78 kg (P < 0.05). V′O2max increased by a mean of 0.20 ± 0.26 L min−1 (P < 0.05) Also, we observed an increase in saliva and in serum of adiponectin concentrations at T1 compared to T0 by 4.72 ± 3.52 μg mL−1 and 5.22 ± 4.74 ng mL−1 (P < 0.05) respectively. Finally, we found significant correlations between Δ serum adiponectin and Δ Hip (R = −0.686, P = 0.001) and between Δ salivary adiponectin and ΔWaist (R = −0.678, P = 0.011). Our results suggest that a 24 weeks training program, independently from intensity and volume, induces an amelioration of body composition and fitness performance. These improvements are associated with an increase in total and HMW adiponectin expression in both saliva and in serum

Surgical bleeding after pre-operative unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin for coronary bypass surgery

Background and Objectives Since the impairment of platelet function may cause excess peri-operative bleeding, pre-operative discontinuation of aspirin and heparin bridging are common for cardiac surgery. We evaluated the impact of pre-operative administration of enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin (UFH) on coagulation parameters and peri-operative bleeding in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery after discontinuation of aspirin. Design and Methods Forty-three patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease undergoing elective CABG surgery discontinued aspirin and were randomized to receive either UFH 180 UI/Kg × 2/day s.c. or enoxaparin 100 UI/Kg × 2/day s.c. until 12 h before surgery (median pre-operative treatment 8 days, range 6–12 days). Surgery was performed as usual with UFH. Neither UFH nor any low molecular weight heparin was given in the immediate post-operative period. The effects of UFH and enoxaparin were monitored by the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and the Enox-test (sensitive to factor Xa inhibition) using a Rapidpoint® Coagulation Analyzer. aPTT and factor Xa activity were also measured by standard methods. Peri-operative bleeding and the nadirs of hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and platelet count were monitored post-operatively. Results Patients in the two groups were similar for number of bypasses, on-pump time, total surgery time, and time from the last heparin administration. Coagulation parameters increased significantly and similarly at 30 min and 6 h with both treatments, but returned within the normal range at 12 h. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet counts significantly decreased to the same extent after CABG and re-normalized at the same time. Transfusional requirements of blood and plasma units were similar in the two groups. Interpretation and Conclusions From the kinetics of coagulation parameters and the evaluation of bleeding, enoxaparin is a safe alternative to UFH as a bridging therapy to CABG after discontinuation of aspirin

Predictive factors of responsiveness to a body weight reduction program in Prader–Willi patients at 6 years of follow-up

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), a multisystemic disorder caused by lack of expression of genes on the paternally inherited chromosome 15q11.2-q13 region, is characterized by hyperphagia and childhood-onset morbid obesity, A retrospective cohort study of 60 PWS patients, 38 females and 22 males, undergoing a 6-year rehabilitation program was analysed. Mean age at the time of first admission was 27 ± 7 years, body weight (BW) was 97 kg ± 29 kg and height was 1.53 ± 0.09 m. Twenty-four patients (40%) showed BW loss after 6 years of follow-up, seventeen (28%) remained stable and nineteen (32%) gained BW. Responsiveness in term of BW reduction was less frequent in patients with the UPD karyotype, karyotype del15 being more frequent among responsive patients. Furthermore, responsive PWS subjects had a higher BMI (47 vs. 36 kg/m2), waist (123 vs. 106 cm) and hip (136 vs. 118 cm) circumferences than non-responsive at the time of first hospitalization. Baseline body composition and metabolic parameters did not differentiate between responsive and non-responsive patients. Given the rarity of PWS and relative lack of studies, these results can be considered relevant because based on a relatively large number of PWS patients followed up for a long term period

Controlled ablation of langmuir-blodgett films made by scanning force microscopy

In this paper we present results concerning the development of a lithographic technique suitable for application to Langmuir-Blodgett films. Controlled ablations of well-defined portions of the film have been made by using a scanning force microscope (SFM). We report the values of the microscope operational parameters that have allowed us either to perform non-destructive imaging or to obtain reproducible ablations of controlled depth. In particular, our analysis has pointed out the importance of the scanning speed in giving rise to such surface modifications. \ua9 1997 by John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd

Recuperación de botellas plásticas desechadas para el diseño y conformación elementos que integran partes componentes de un sistema constructivo, con el propósito de facilitar el aislamiento térmico de viviendas vulnerables : analizado desde la ingeniería ambiental en el Bº San Francisquito

Resumen: El proyecto se basa fundamentalmente en el valor que tienen para una vida humana digna la disponibilidad de una vivienda adecuada a las necesidades de los que la habitan. El resultado es alcanzar el confort interior a los fines de una salud cotidiana positiva según la “Carta de Otawa” y es un modo de colaborar con el fin de evitar la acumulación de plásticos en el ambiente. Para ello, con alumnos integrantes del equipo se realizaron trabajos de campo para relevar información sobre posibilidades de incorporar en algunos elementos que componen partes de viviendas precarias o en asentamientos vulnerables, como material alternativo obtenido a partir del reciclado de residuos de botellas plásticas. Profundizar dicha factibilidad en una situación concreta. Responder con esta investigación- acción a la visión y misión de nuestra institución, de acercarse a los más débiles que necesitan respuestas y compromiso por parte de la comunidad universitaria. En función de ello se revisaron nuevas tecnologías constructivas usando materiales primordialmente de reciclados plásticos para resolver la construcción de viviendas en general. Verificar un nuevo ciclo para los plásticos presentes en los desechos de los RSU- Rosario y del Campus UCA Rosario, como aporte a la multidimensionalidad de la sustentabilidad. Otorgarle valor agregado a los mismos ante su re-uso y promover el trabajo colaborativo al interior de la institución e interinstitucional con el propósito de diseñar circuitos de recupero, facilitando su procesamiento y aplicación. El escenario académico en el cual se radico el proyecto fue la carrera de Ingeniería Ambiental de la Universidad como eje de generación de conocimiento y experiencias en esta problemática, con un rol activo en la articulación del conjunto de intereses que se manifiestan en el objeto de estudio. Como toda investigación-acción localizamos como ámbito de aplicación el Barrio “San Francisquito”, mediado por la articulación con la Escuela EETPI Nº 2076 del mismo nombre a través del proyecto del CEFEDER “Marginalidad Urbana y organizaciones de la sociedad civil”1 desarrollado en el barrio en periodos anteriores, con el cual expandimos alianzas a los fines de producir sinergia y consolidar esfuerzos.Abstract: The project is based fundamentally on the value that a decent human life has the availability of adequate housing to the needs of those who inhabit it. The result is to achieve interior comfort for the purposes of positive daily health according to the "Ottawa Charter" and is a way to collaborate in order to avoid the accumulation of plastics in the environment. In order to do this, students from the team carried out fieldwork to provide information on the possibilities of incorporating some elements that make up parts of precarious housing or in vulnerable settlements, as alternative material obtained from the recycling of waste plastic bottles. Deepen this feasibility in a concrete situation. Respond with this research-action to the vision and mission of our institution, to approach the weakest who need answers and commitment on the part of the university community. As a result of this, new constructive technologies were revised using primarily plastic recycled materials to solve the construction of housing in general. To verify a new cycle for the plastics present in the wastes of the RSU-Rosario and the UCA Rosario Campus, as a contribution to the multidimensionality of sustainability. To grant added value to the same to their re-use and promote the collaborative work within the institution and interinstitutional with the purpose of designing recovery circuits, facilitating their processing and application. The academic scenario in which the project was based was the Environmental Engineering course of the University as the axis of knowledge generation and experiences in this problem, with an active role in the articulation of the set of interests that are manifested in the object of study . Like all action research, we find the "San Francisquito" Neighborhood as a field of application, mediated by the articulation with the EETPI School No. 2076 of the same name through the CEFEDER project "Urban Marginality and Civil Society Organizations" developed in the neighborhood In previous periods, with which we expanded alliances in order to produce synergy and consolidate efforts

Análisis desde la ingeniería ambiental sobre la problemática de recuperar plásticos desechados los cuales son incorporados a materiales o elementos constructivos en una vivienda económica como respuesta socio-ambiental

Abstract: Depending on the status of the investigation it has been consulted UNEP Yearbook 2014 and the report on "Assessment of Plastics" both warn of pollution that threatens marine life, tourism, fisheries and businesses. The meeting in Nairobi 2014, indicates increasing concern about the danger they represent as two (2) reports which were announced at the meeting of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEA). No less important is the report on "the tendency of the flow of materials and resource productivity in Latin America," published in the field of UNEP in collaboration with CSIRO. This indicates that at present, the region extracts a greater volume of NN RR per unit of GDP compared to 1970. It is necessary to reflect on the housing needs for the type of composition of groups within society. Because there is a marked lack of social dwellings average cost for the age group of middle-class working families whose income does not cover deficit share of credit in a housing plan or who are at social risk such as fragments that comprise Reference neighborhood project. In another sense we argue that it is not to move them or dismantling them, a decision that usually does not solve the problem with new buildings where they do not melt the desire to live. Although we believe settle part of the emerging situation requires the district has regulations that establish certain uniformity of intervention techniques necessary; what must not be neglected is the complexity of local problems requesting the active intervention of all stakeholders involved. From this research have been relieved different experiences according to the brief summary made on the basis of the broad spectrum of practices examined, it is that we can apply some of these recorded experiences with the contribution of the analysis of the E.I. which work with lower pressure on minerals for construction and mitigate the waste of plastic waste that populate the settlements, facilitating its use "in situ" as the place I would have