The relationship between QTc changes and nutrition during weight loss after gastroplasty

Electrocardiograms, serum electrolytes, plasma concentrations of pre-albumin and retinol-binding globulin, and dietary intakes were analyzed in 22 women during weight loss after gastroplasty surgery for morbid obesity. QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) was prolonged (greater than 0.44 sec) in 32% (95% confidence limits 14-55%) on one or more occasions. No clinical or electrocardiographic complications were seen. Occurrence of QTc prolongation was significantly (p less than 0.05) associated with protein intake below recommendation and with low plasma pre-albumin concentrations. QTc prolongation was not associated with mineral intake and occurred in spite of normal serum levels of calcium (uncorrected and albumin-corrected), magnesium, potassium and sodium. Because QTc prolongation may precede fatal arrhythmias, adequate protein intake is mandatory during weight reduction.     

Relationships between maternal hormones and weight of newborn sheep

Intact and ovariectomized mixed-breed sheep were studied in chronic experiments during the last weeks of pregnancy. Measurements were made of the rate of uterine blood flow (ml/min and ml X min-1 X kg-1, combined weight of fetus, uterus, and placenta) and of arterial and uterine venous concentrations of progestagens, estrone, and estradiol. The birth weight of the lamb was directly related to mean maternal concentrations of estrone and estradiol and to the rate of progestagen release by the uterus and its contents (ng X ml-1 X kg-1), calculated by taking the product of the rate of blood flow and the arteriovenous progestagen difference. Ovariectomy altered the relationship between birth weight and progestagen release. Data suggest that rates of progestagen release both by the fetoplacental unit and by the ovary are proportional to the birth weight of the lamb.     

The relationship between body weight and estradiol-induced activity

Estradiol-induced activity was found to be of equal magnitude in ovariectomized rats allowed to achieve supranormal body weight and in ovariectomized animals restricted to preoperative weight. The results suggest that estradiol-induced activity is not weight regulatory.     

Effect of increased growth rate during the suckling period on subsequent body weight and muscle weight to body weight ratio

The effect of increased growth rate during the suckling period on subsequent body growth rate and muscle weight to body weight (MW/BW) ratio was examined in inbred and outbred male and female mice. Growth rate during the suckling period was increased by reducing litter size to 4 pups within six hours of birth. Body weight, MW/BW ratio, and dry weight to wet weight (DW/WW) ratio for the soleus, tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, biceps brachii, and heart muscles were measured at 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks of age. The results indicate that increasing growth rate during the suckling period results in an increased body weight at 24 weeks of age in outbred male and female mice; whereas, in inbred male and female mice body weight is greater at 4 weeks of age but by 8 weeks of age the mice raised in normal litters have "caught up" with those raised in small litters. MW/BW ratio is increased in several muscles during the suckling period but returns to normal during the post weaning period.     

The relationship between changing body height and growth related changes in maximal aerobic power

Summary In order to analyse the relationship between maximal aerobic power and height, body mass and lean body mass a multi-longitudinal survey was conducted on three different age groups of randomly selected children from a small Czech community. Beginning at the initial ages of 8, 12 and 16 years subjects were subsequently retested three times at 2-year intervals. At overlapping ages there were no differences in the various age groups between height and . By utilizing mean values for the various parameters at specific calendar ages a growth curve was constructed for each sex for the age range 8–20 years. The values were compared with longitudinal studies in various countries and no substantial differences were found. When was then compared to height, body mass and lean body mass it was apparent that the almost linear relationship with height was the most precise. In addition the children remained, generally speaking, in their same rank order for for the three different age groupings.     

The effects of pregnancy and maternal nutrition on the maternal renin-angiotensin system in sheep

Physiological changes occurring in the mother during pregnancy can determine the outcome of pregnancy in terms of birthweight and neonatal viability. Maternal adaptations include plasma volume expansion linked to enhanced activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The present study was designed to determine whether these changes occur very early in gestation, and the extent to which maternal nutrient restriction may compromise the maternal RAS. Using sheep, we have investigated the effects of pregnancy per se, maternal nutrient restriction and later restoration of maternal diet on maternal body weight, plasma volume and plasma renin concentration (PRC), and angiotensinogen (Aogen) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration. During the period of placental growth (i.e. 28-80 days gestation) ewes were fed either a nutrient-restricted (NR) diet or were well fed (WF). NR ewes consumed between 3.2 and 3.8 MJ day(-1) of metabolisable energy (ME) which is close to 60 % of requirements taking into account the ME required for both ewe maintenance and growth of the conceptus in order to produce a 4.5 kg lamb at term. WF ewes consumed 150 % of ME requirements. Restoration of maternal diet between 80 and 140 days gestation (i.e. fed to satiety and consuming between 8 and 10.9 MJ day(-1), which is close to 150 % of ME requirements) followed previous nutrient restriction. Between pre-conception and 28 days gestation, plasma volume increased in conjunction with a decline in PRC and Aogen concentration. During the period of nutrient restriction ewe body weight did not increase and plasma volume was lower in NR than WF ewes. During this time there was no effect of maternal nutrition on PRC; however, Aogen concentration was lower in the NR group. From 80 days gestation following the rise in food intake for previously NR ewes, greater increases in ewe body weight, plasma volume and PRC occurred up to term compared with ewes that were well fed throughout gestation. Plasma AVP concentration was not significantly affected by either maternal nutrition or gestational age. In conclusion, the stimulus of moderately severe maternal nutrient restriction evoked smaller rises in maternal weight, plasma volume and Aogen concentration than occurred in ewes that were well fed throughout gestation. Following the restoration of maternal diet after 80 days gestation, PRC gradually rose to peak at term. These adaptations in the maternal RAS during the critical period of placental growth may have long-term effects on fetal development.     

Regression analysis of relationship between liver weight and body weight after partial hepatectomy in rats

A method for evaluation of the initial weight of the liver is developed for calculating the regeneration coefficient after partial hepatectomy on the basis of linear regression analysis. Experiments on rats showed that the model reflecting the relationship between liver weight and body weight for calculation of regeneration coefficient after partial resection of the liver expressed by the equation P ₀=0.033×M can be used for screening of potential hepatoprotectors for quantitative evaluation of the regeneration processes. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 141, No. 2, pp. 234–236, February, 2006     

Secular growth changes in body height and weight in children and adolescents in Shandong, China between 1939 and 2000

BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence of a positive secular trend in physical growth in most of the world during the last century. However, no studies on this trend have been reported in Shandong Province, China. AIM: The study assessed the secular trend in body height and weight in Shandong Province during the past few decades and the association of socio-economic status with the intensity of the trend. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The results of height and weight in 7-18-year-old boys and girls obtained in nine subsequent surveys (1939, 1956, 1962, 1972, 1979, 1985, 1991, 1995, and 2000) were included in this analysis. The differences of mean values between surveys and the increments per decade were compared. Socio-economic indicators were collected and analysed. RESULTS: In 18-year-old groups, mean height increased from 164.9 to 172.6 cm for boys and from 155.9 to 160.6 cm for girls, corresponding to 1.75 and 1.07 cm per decade, respectively, and the increments of weight were 7.5 kg for boys and 0.3 kg for girls, corresponding to 1.70 and 0.07 kg per decade, respectively, between 1956 and 2000. The biggest changes of physical growth were in 13-year-old boys and 11-year-old girls. CONCLUSION: Positive secular trends occurred in 7-18-year-old children and adolescents in Shandong Province, China during 1939-2000, which may reflect the secular changes in socio-economic status.     

Secular growth changes in body height and weight in children and adolescents in Shandong,China between 1939 and 2000

Background:?There is strong evidence of a positive secular trend in physical growth in most of the world during the last century. However, no studies on this trend have been reported in Shandong Province, China.

Aim:?The study assessed the secular trend in body height and weight in Shandong Province during the past few decades and the association of socio-economic status with the intensity of the trend.

Subjects and methods:?The results of height and weight in 7–18-year-old boys and girls obtained in nine subsequent surveys (1939, 1956, 1962, 1972, 1979, 1985, 1991, 1995, and 2000) were included in this analysis. The differences of mean values between surveys and the increments per decade were compared. Socio-economic indicators were collected and analysed.

Results:?In 18-year-old groups, mean height increased from 164.9?to 172.6?cm for boys and from 155.9 to 160.6?cm for girls, corresponding to 1.75 and 1.07?cm per decade, respectively, and the increments of weight were 7.5?kg for boys and 0.3?kg for girls, corresponding to 1.70 and 0.07?kg per decade, respectively, between 1956 and 2000. The biggest changes of physical growth were in 13-year-old boys and 11-year-old girls.

Conclusion:?Positive secular trends occurred in 7–18-year-old children and adolescents in Shandong Province, China during 1939–2000, which may reflect the secular changes in socio-economic status.

Résumé. Arrière plan: Il existe une forte évidence de l’existence d’une tendance séculaire de la croissance physique dans la plupart des régions du monde au cours du dernier siècle, cependant aucune étude n’a été effectuée sur la province chinoise du Shantoung.

But: L’étude rend compte de la tendance de la croissance en stature et poids pendant les dernières décennies dans la Province du Shantoung et associe l’intensité de la tendance avec le statut socioéconomique.

Sujets et méthodes: Cette analyse inclut les résultats de stature et de poids de garçons et filles de 7 à 18 ans, obtenus lors de neuf différentes enquêtes (1939, 1956, 1962, 1972, 1979, 1985, 1991, 1995 et 2000). Les différences des valeurs moyennes entre enquêtes et les augmentations par décennie ont été comparées. Des indicateurs socioéconomiques ont été collectés et analysés.

Résultats: Chez les groupes de 18 ans, la stature moyenne s’est accrue de 164, 9 à 172,6?cm pour les garçons et de 155,9 à 160,6?cm pour les filles, ce qui correspond respectivement à 1,75 et 1,07?cm par décennie. Les accroissements de poids ont été de 7,5?kg pour les garçons et de 0,3?kg pour les filles, correspondant à des accroissements respectifs de 1,70?kg et 0,07?kg par décennie, entre 1956 et 2000. Les changements les plus importants de la croissance s’observent chez les garçons de 13 ans et chez les filles de 11 ans.

Conclusion: Des tendances séculaires positives se sont produites chez les enfants et adolescents de 7 à 18 ans de la Province du Shantoung en Chine, de 1939 à 2000, ce qui peut refléter des changements séculaires du statut socioéconomique.

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Es gibt starke Beweise für einen positiven säkularen Trend im Wachstum in den meisten Teilen der Welt im letzten Jahrhundert. Allerdings sind keine Studien betreffend diesen Trend in der Chinesischen Provinz Shandong publiziert.

Ziel: Die Studie ermittelte den säkularen Trend an Körperhöhe und Gewicht in der Provinz Shandong über die letzten Jahrzehnte und die Beziehung zwischen sozio-ökonomischem Status und der Intensität dieses Trends.

Probanden und Methoden: Es wurden Ergebnisse betreffend Körperhöhe und Gewicht von 7- bis 18-jährigen Knaben und Mädchen aus neun aufeinander folgenden Studien (1939, 1956, 1962, 1972, 1979, 1985, 1991, 1995, und 2000) in die vorliegende Analyse einbezogen. Mittelwertdifferenzen zwischen den Studien und die Zunahmen pro Jahrzehnt wurden miteinander verglichen. Sozio-ökonomische Indikatoren wurden gesammelt und analysiert.

Ergebnisse: Zwischen 1956 und 2000 stieg die mittlere Körperhöhe in der Gruppe der 18-jährigen von 164,9 auf 172,6?cm bei Knaben und von 155,9 auf 160,6?cm bei Mädchen, entsprechend 1,75, bzw. 1,07?cm pro Jahrzehnt; das Gewicht stieg in derselben Zeit um 7,5?kg bei Knaben und um 0,3?kg bei Mädchen, entsprechend 1,70, bzw. 0,07?kg pro Jahrzehnt. Die größten Veränderungen im Wachstum traten bei 13-jährigen Knaben und bei 11-jährigen Mädchen auf.

Zusammenfassung: Von 1939 bis 2000 traten positive säkulare Trends bei 7- bis 18-jährigen Kindern und Jugendlichen in der Chinesischen Provinz Shandong auf, die die säkularen Veränderungen im sozio-ökonomischen Status widerspiegeln könnten.

Resumen. Antecedentes: Existen evidencias de una evolución secular positiva en el crecimiento físico de la mayor parte de las poblaciones del mundo durante el último siglo. Sin embargo, no se han publicado estudios sobre esta tendencia en la provincia de Shandong, China.

Objetivo: El estudio estimó la evolución secular de la estatura y el peso en la provincia de Shandong durante las últimas décadas y la asociación del nivel socioeconómico con la intensidad de la tendencia.

Sujetos y métodos: En este análisis se incluyeron los resultados de la estatura y el peso de niños y niñas de 7 a 18 años de edad, obtenidos a partir de 9 encuestas sucesivas (1939, 1956, 1962, 1972, 1979, 1985, 1991, 1995 y 2000). Se compararon las diferencias en los valores medios entre encuestas y los incrementos por década. Se recogieron y analizaron indicadores socioeconómicos.

Resultados: En los grupos de 18 años de edad, la estatura media aumentó de 164,9 a 172,6?cm en chicos y de 155,9 a 160,6?cm en chicas, lo que supone un incremento de 1,75 y 1,07?cm por década, respectivamente. Los aumentos de peso fueron de 7,5?kg en chicos y 0,3?kg en chicas, lo que supone 1,70 y 0,07?kg por década, respectivamente, entre 1956 y 2000. Los mayores cambios del crecimiento físico se observaron en los niños de 13 años de edad y en las niñas de 11 años.

Conclusión: Se han producido cambios seculares positivos en los niños y adolescentes de 7 a 18 años de edad, de la provincia de Shandong, China, durante el periodo 1939–2000, lo que puede ser reflejo de los cambios seculares en el nivel socioeconómico.     

Seasonal variation of growth in body weight of Japanese children and its relationship to physique

The present study examined the pattern and amplitude of seasonality of growth in body weight of Japanese children living in Tokyo, and analyzed the relationship between physique and seasonal variation. The body weights of 125 school children were measured monthly for 6 years (excluding August). The data were analyzed by time-series analysis. Significant seasonal variations were observed in about 80% of the children. Although individual seasonal patterns and amplitudes varied among children, minimum seasonal factors generally appeared in the Summer. Seasonal variations of group means of body weight were significant in both sexes. The seasonal pattern in boys was low in the Summer and high in the Fall and Winter. Deceleration of weight growth in the Summer was observed in both sexes, even though there were no major stresses in the Summer. The amplitudes of seasonal variation were 1.2% for body weight in boys and 0.7% in girls. In addition, children who were high on the BMI or Rohrer's index had larger amplitudes of seasonal variation, even when body weight of each child was taken into consideration. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The feto-placental unit stimulates the pregnancy-associated increase in maternal bone metabolism

The aim of the study was to investigate role of the feto-placental unit in the pregnancy-induced increase in maternal bone metabolism. To achieve this, circulating concentrations of carboxy terminal pro-peptide of type I pro-collagen (PICP, a marker of bone formation) and cross-linked carboxy terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP, a marker of bone resorption) were measured in three groups of pregnant women. Group 1 comprised 12 women with singleton pregnancies; group 2, nine women with twin pregnancies; and group 3, 19 women with multifetal pregnancies (> or =3 fetuses) before and after selective fetal reduction to twin pregnancies. Blood samples were obtained at 10-12 weeks gestation (groups 1-3, pre-fetal reduction in group 3) and 4 weeks and 8 weeks later (groups 2 and 3). Before fetal reduction there was a significant correlation between the number of fetuses and the concentrations of both PICP and ICTP (r = 0.503 and P = 0.001 and r = 0.573 and P < 0.001 respectively). The circulating concentrations of PICP and ICTP were significantly higher in the pre-reduction multifetal pregnancies than in the twin pregnancies (P < 0.001 and P = 0.0013 respectively). The circulating concentrations of ICTP in multifetal pregnancies fell by 4 weeks after fetal reduction to those observed in control twins. Concentrations of PICP were unaltered after fetal reduction. Higher order multiple pregnancies had the greatest decline in ICTP concentrations. These data suggest that the increased bone turnover observed in the multifetal pregnancies is due to a factor derived from the feto-placental unit and that this factor acts primarily to stimulate bone resorption.     

The relationship of organ weight,body weight and age in mice

A method is described which permits the examination of the influences of increasing age and body weight on organ weights. Polynomial multivariate analysis is performed by computer, and the predicted organ weight values permit the construction of three dimensional graphs which show the influence on organ weight of all combinations of age and body weight. The application of the method will allow the physical biology of organisms to be determined with considerable precision over their life span.     

Effects of maternal nutrition on the initiation of secondary wool follicles in foetal sheep

The initiation of secondary (S) wool follicles usually takes place between about 95 and 135 days of gestation. Severe underfeeding during the first half of this period did not significantly inhibit the initiation of S follicles, but severe underfeeding during the latter half of this period resulted in a significantly lower number of S follicles and this number was not increased by refeeding ewes to a high level between 132 days and term. A similar reduction in S follicle initiation was effected when ewes were moderately underfed throughout most of pregnancy, but when the ewes were refed between 120 days of gestation and term the numbers of S follicles initiated were not significantly different from those of a group of well-fed animals. It is concluded that S follicle initiation is most affected by maternal undernutrition between about 115 and 135 days of gestation.     

Relationship between changes in mitotic activity of the corneal epithelium and body weight of fasting animals

Summary Fasting for 24 hours did not change the number of dividing cells of the corneal epithelium in rats with the average weight of 55–60 g, whereas 48-hour fasting was accompanied by its intensification; mitotic activity was found to be considerably reduced after 72 hr of the experiment. After an initial rise, observed for up to 72 hr of fasting, the mitotic activity was found to decrease on the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th days in rats with an average weight of 157 g. The maximal reduction of mitotic activity (34%) and of the body weight (35%) was revealed on the 7th experimental day.In rats with average weight of 332 g the mitotic activity increased by 13% on the average (as compared with controls) during fasting from 2 to 7 days. Reduction in the number of dividing cells in this weight group was noted after 9 days of fasting. The most rapid reduction of the weight and mitotic activity occurred in rats with the least weight. In medium-weight and high-weight rats such changes took place later. Intensification of metabolism in the fasting animals, connected with the increased energy expenditure for replenishment of thermal requirements (with the animals kept at 16°C) produced maximal reduction of mitotic activity and the greatest loss of weight in the smallest rats.(Presented by Active Member AMN SSSR, V. N. Orekhovich) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 50, No. 12, pp. 86–90, December, 1960Deceased.     

Thymus weight changes during the early post-natal period in mice

Multiple regression analysis of the relationships of thymus weight to age and body weight, suggests that thymic growth patterns are widely variable and possibly are strain characteristics.     

Inconsistent relationship between body weight/body mass index prior to total knee arthroplasty and the 12-year survival

BackgroundThe primary hypothesis was that body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) significantly impact the long-term survival rate after implantation of a mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsA national, multicentric, retrospective study was performed in France. A total of 1604 TKAs were included. The 10-year follow-up was documented, and the influence of BW and BMI on the survival rate was assessed.ResultsThere was a significant influence of the BW on the 12-year survival rate for any reason and for infection; but this influence was not proportional to the BW or BMI. There was no significant influence of the BMI on the 12-year survival rate for any reason, for any mechanical reason or for infection.ConclusionOur results suggest that a higher BMI should not be considered as a risk factor for revision for mechanical purpose if a mobile bearing TKA with confirming design is implanted.     

On the possible relationship between AIDS and nutrition

It is noted that host resistance or susceptibility factors are important in determining the probability of contracting many diseases. Though AIDS has been studied primarily in terms of exposure to disease agents, it is proposed that factors affecting susceptibility or resistance be considered. Because of its effect on cellular immunity, nutritional stress is proposed as a plausible determinant of increased risk. Specific mechanisms are discussed and a connection between diverse risk groups is proposed.     

Premenstrual mood changes and maternal mental health in pregnancy and the postpartum period

To investigate the relationship between premenstrual mood changes and maternal mental health in the perinatal period, a prospective questionnaire survey of 1,329 women was carried out. Women with a premenstrual mood changes (irritability) before pregnancy showed significantly higher Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores than those without it, throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period (6 time points: early, middle, and late pregnancy, 5 days, 1 month, and 6 months after childbirth). In addition, women with premenstrual irritability had greater anxiety about pregnancy and delivery, were more reluctant to accept mother roles, and felt their babies (fetuses or neonates) were more vulnerable. These findings suggest that premenstrual mood change is correlated with unstable mental health throughout the perinatal period. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.