Search Results (543)

Obesity is closely associated with appetite dysregulation, influenced by behavioral, hormonal, and neurological factors. The Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ) is a validated tool, translated into Arabic, but its application in weight-loss interventions remains underexplored. This secondary cross-sectional analysis evaluated whether the Arabic CNAQ can differentiate appetite levels after a 6-month telenutrition weight-loss intervention supported by telemonitoring and health coaching, and whether appetite is associated with weight-loss outcomes. A total of 36 participants were assessed: the intervention group (n = 21), who completed the program, and the control group (n = 15), who received no continuous support. Appetite was measured using the CNAQ after 6 months. Independent-samples t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were applied to compare appetite scores, while Chi-square tests were used for appetite categories. Results showed mean CNAQ scores of 27.87 (SD = 2.64) for the control group and 26.86 (SD = 4.46) for the intervention group (p = 0.402). Most participants reported moderate appetite (93.3% control; 76.2% intervention), with no significant between-group differences (p = 0.367). Although differences were not statistically significant, the findings demonstrate the feasibility of using the Arabic CNAQ in telehealth weight management. Larger studies with repeated measures are needed to confirm its utility in clinical and dietetic practice. Full article

Background/Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease. Physical therapists are essential in managing OA, improving patient outcomes, and slowing disease progression, making it vital to understand their beliefs about optimal knee OA treatment. The objective is to explore physical therapists’ beliefs and attitudes toward knee OA treatment in Saudi Arabia and their alignment with guidelines. Methods: This cross-sectional study includes physical therapists working in Saudi Arabia who had managed at least two knee OA patients in the past six months. The survey questionnaire included questions about attitude statements, clinical management, a case study of an elderly patient with knee OA, and measurements of the level of illness perceptions and treatment choices. Results: This study includes 373 physical therapists (average age: 31.25 (SD 7.17); male (52.4%)). The most commonly used interventions for knee OA were strengthening exercises (19.0%) and flexibility or range of movement exercises (14.7%). About 30.4% of therapists supervised exercises in the clinic, and 89.9% provided educational advice, often focusing on weight loss, analgesia, knee support, and the use of ice or heat. Most therapists opted for treatment programs involving four to seven sessions (45.7%), with 82.2% offering follow-up care through an open appointment after discharge. Conclusions: The results indicate good alignment between clinical practice guidelines and physical therapists’ attitudes toward knee OA management in Saudi Arabia, though some differences exist. Therapists frequently combined exercise with educational advice on weight loss and analgesia, monitored exercise adherence, and offered follow-up care. Full article

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial clinical condition characterized by the co-occurrence of abdominal obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. Non-pharmacological strategies, such as hypocaloric diets (HD) and structured physical training (PT), have shown promise in improving metabolic and functional outcomes in this population. The aim of this prospective interventional study was to evaluate the effects of a 16-week program combining HD with PT on ventilatory efficiency and cardiometabolic risk markers in women with MetS. Forty-one sedentary women (aged 45–55 years) with clinically diagnosed MetS underwent anthropometric, metabolic, nutritional, and cardiopulmonary assessments before and after the intervention. Participants engaged in 60 min exercise sessions three times per week and followed a personalized hypocaloric diet targeting 5–10% weight loss. Post-intervention analyses revealed significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in body weight (from 86.6 kg ± 3.3 kg to 78.2 kg ± 3.3 kg), body fat percentage (40.1% ± 0.6% to 33.4% ± 1.6%), and waist circumference (105.1 cm ± 1.2 cm to 95.7 cm ± 1.9 cm). Improvements were also observed in fasting glucose (from 117.1 mg/dL to 95.1 mg/dL) and triglycerides (158.8 mg/dL ± 9.1 mg/dL to 111.8 mg/dL ± 9.1 mg/dL), and in lean mass percentage (59.9% ± 6.5% to 66.6% ± 1.7%). Cardiopulmonary variables showed enhanced ventilatory function, with increased VO₂peak (1.59 L/min ± 0.1 L/min to 1.74 ± 0.1 L/min), improved oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), and a steeper VO₂/workload relationship. Resting heart rate and blood pressure declined significantly (69.9 bpm ± 2.0 bpm to 64.9 ± 1.8 bpm; 145.4 mmHg ± 3.9/80.2 ± 3.0 mmHg to 140.1 mmHg ± 2.7/75.2 ± 1.6 mmHg). In conclusion, the 16-week intervention combining HD with PT proved effective for reducing cardiometabolic risk factors and enhancing ventilatory efficiency, suggesting improved integration of oxygen uptake, transport, and utilization in the women with MetS assessed. Full article

Estimated population growth and increased demand for food production bring with them the evident need for more efficient and sustainable production systems. Because of this, computer vision plays a fundamental role in the development and application of solutions that help producers with the issues that limit livestock production in Brazil and the world. In addition to being stressful for the producer and the animal, the conventional pig weighing system causes productive losses and can compromise meat quality, being considered a practice that does not value animal welfare. The objective was to develop a computational procedure to predict the live weight of pigs in the growth and finishing phases, through the volume of the animals extracted through the processing of 3D images, as well as to analyze the real and estimated biometric measurements to define the relationships of these with live weight and volume obtained. The study was conducted at Roçadinho farm, in the municipality of Capoeiras, located in the Agreste region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The variables weight and 3D images were obtained using a Kinect^®—V2 camera and biometric measurements of 20 animals in the growth phase and 24 animals in the finishing phase, males and females, from the crossing of Pietrain and Large White, totaling 44 animals. To analyze the images, a program developed in Python (PyCharm Community Edition 2020.1.4) was used, to relate the variables, principal component analyses and regression analyzes were performed. The coefficient of linear determination between weight and volume was 73.3, 74.1, and 97.3% for pigs in the growing, finishing, and global phases, showing that this relationship is positive and satisfactorily expressed the weight of the animals. The relationship between the real and estimated biometric variables had a more expressive coefficient of determination in the global phase, having presented values between 77 and 94%. Full article

A new approach to the multi-criteria optimization of L-PBF process parameters in the face of high variability is proposed, based on the application of the reward function (RF), which is essentially the inverse of the Taguchi quality loss function (QLF). The RF is defined as the logarithm of the ratio of the design parameter value to the minimum target parameter value. For values below 1, the RF becomes sharply negative. Logarithmic additivity enables the optimization of the target function to be defined as a sum of reward functions for the optimization criteria, each with a corresponding weight coefficient. This makes it possible to formulate the optimization problem in terms of linear programming. This approach was tested in the optimization of the L-PBF technological modes of AISI 321 powder, leading to a 6.7% increase in productivity. The mechanical properties of the samples obtained were not inferior to those of the alloyed samples using the previously recommended process parameters in terms of ultimate strength, and they exceeded the latter by 5% in terms of conditional yield strength. Process variability significantly decreased; the RMS of ultimate strength decreased nine-fold, conditional yield strength decreased ten-fold, and relative elongation decreased two-fold. Full article

Background: Elevated BMI in women is linked to metabolic and endocrine imbalances that impair fertility and increase pregnancy risks. While >10% weight loss before an Assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment may improve outcomes, sustained results through conventional diets are challenging. A very-low calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) promotes rapid fat loss while preserving lean mass and may offer long-term benefits. This study evaluated the efficacy (≥10% weight loss without lean mass reduction), adherence, metabolic effects, and pregnancy outcomes of a meal replacement VLCKD in women with overweight or obesity scheduled for ART. Methods: This monocentric, prospective case-series was conducted at the Obesity and Work Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan (September 2019–September 2023). Eligible women underwent a three-phase dietary program: a 3-month VLCKD (<800 kcal/day), a 6-month transition with gradual carbohydrate reintroduction, and a Mediterranean-style maintenance diet. Participants were monitored for safety, body composition, adherence, and biochemical changes. Results: Of 52 women enrolled, 40 initiated the VLCKD; 27 (68%) achieved ≥10% weight loss while preserving lean mass. Eleven conceived naturally during or after the diet; 22 underwent ART, with 12 additional pregnancies. This corresponds to a 58% pregnancy rate among those who began the VLCKD. Significant improvements were observed in body mass index (BMI), fat mass, waist circumference, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and liver function. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: A meal replacement VLCKD protocol is feasible, well-tolerated, and associated with significant improvements in weight, especially in body composition, metabolic health, and potentially outcomes in women with overweight or obesity awaiting ART. Full article

CIFA-GI Scampi^® is a genetically improved, fast-growing strain of giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) developed by ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture. Each year, selected broodstock are reared family-wise in nylon hapas for 3–4 months before use as parents for the next generation. However, this group rearing phase (GR) results in loss of quality broodstock due to aggression and cannibalism. This study evaluated individual rearing (IR) as an alternative to group rearing (GR). GR involved rearing of males or females in separate hapas, while IR placed males and females in separate hard plastic mesh boxes in ponds (18 boxes each). Results showed significantly higher average daily weight gain in GR, but IR achieved 100% survival for both sexes, compared to 50% (males) and 77.8% (females) in GR. No significant differences were observed in female maturity or male morphotypes (small male and no claw morphotypes). Given the markedly higher survival in IR, it is a viable alternative for post-selection rearing to minimize loss of valuable broodstock in the selective breeding program. Full article

Background: Health promotion programs based on physical activity have gained increasing attention due to their potential to enhance employees’ physical and mental well-being, particularly in university settings, where academic and administrative staff are vulnerable to chronic stress, sedentary lifestyles, and work-related disorders. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the “University on the Move” program, an exercise-based workplace health promotion intervention implemented at the University of L’Aquila, Italy. Methods: An intervention study was conducted on 29 university employees participating in a supervised physical exercise program. Their anthropometric parameters, biochemical markers, cardiovascular risk factors, blood pressure, and work ability index were assessed at baseline (t0), three months (t1), and six months (t2), with a one-sample pre–post-test quasi-experimental design. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in the female subgroup, e.g., the total cholesterol decreased by 20.8 mg/dL (p < 0.01), the LDL cholesterol decreased by 16.1 mg/dL (p < 0.01), and the fasting glucose decreased by 7.4 mg/dL (p < 0.01). Although the body mass index values remained stable, these metabolic improvements indicate beneficial effects independent of weight changes. The work ability index remained stable. The participation rates varied, with lower adherence to the training sessions. Conclusions: The study has some limitations (small sample size, no controlled design), all related to the primary aim of the preventive project targeted at the University employees who freely engaged in the protocol. Despite the low adherence (only about 30%), the metabolic improvements still suggest that structured workplace physical activity programs can positively impact employees’ health, even without significant weight loss, thus supporting the effectiveness of workplace health promotion and primary prevention interventions for an improved quality of life. Further research should explore long-term adherence and the organisational factors influencing participation. Full article

The integration of renewable energy into distribution networks has led to voltage violations and increased network losses. Traditional control devices, with slow response, struggle to precisely control power flow in active distribution networks (ADNs). Optimizing from both supply and demand sides, an ADN power flow optimization method is proposed for accurate and dynamic power flow regulation to address these issues. On the demand side, the peak, valley, and flat periods are divided by the fuzzy transitive closure method. Balancing user satisfaction maximization and load fluctuation minimization, time-of-use (TOU) prices are solved by the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II). On the supply side, operating cost and voltage deviation minimization are objectives, with a proposed optimization method coordinating precise continuous regulation devices and low-cost discrete ones. After second-order cone programming and linearization, the multi-objective model is solved via the normalized normal constraint (NNC) algorithm to get a solution set, from which the optimal solution is selected using Entropy Weight and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (EW-TOPSIS). The results indicate that, in comparison with the proposed method, ADN not implementing demand-side TOU pricing strategies exhibits an increase in operating costs by 13.83% and a rise in voltage deviation by 4.14%. Meanwhile, ADN utilizing only traditional discrete control devices demonstrates more significant increments, with operating costs increasing by 182.40% and voltage deviation rising by 113.02%. Full article

Background: Spinal metastases can cause significant impairment of neurological function and quality of life. Hence, personalized clinical decision-making based on prognosis and likely outcome is desirable. The effectiveness of AI in predicting complications and treatment outcomes for patients with spinal metastases is assessed. Methods: A thorough search was carried out through the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases up until 27 January 2025. Included were studies that used AI-based models to predict outcomes for adult patients with spinal metastases. Three reviewers independently extracted the data, and screening was conducted in accordance with PRISMA principles. AUC results were pooled using a random-effects model, and the PROBAST program was used to evaluate the study’s quality. Results: Included were 47 articles totaling 25,790 patients. For training, internal validation, and external validation, the weighted average AUCs were 0.762, 0.876, and 0.810, respectively. The Skeletal Oncology Research Group machine learning algorithms (SORG-MLAs) were the ones externally validated the most, continuously producing AUCs > 0.84 for 90-day and 1-year mortality. Models based on radiomics showed promise in preoperative planning, especially for outcomes of radiation and concealed blood loss. Most research concentrated on breast, lung, and prostate malignancies, which limited its applicability to less common tumors. Conclusions: AI models have shown reasonable accuracy in predicting mortality, ambulatory status, blood loss, and surgical complications in patients with spinal metastases. Wider implementation necessitates additional validation, data standardization, and ethical and regulatory framework evaluation. Future work should concentrate on creating multimodal, hybrid models and assessing their practical applications. Full article

Aims: Individual weight loss results achieved with Glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) vary significantly. Our aim was to describe the characteristics of patients with obesity who achieved ≥ 20% total weight loss (TWL) on liraglutide and appraise those findings through the prism of an evolving spectrum of GLP-1RA. Methods: This longitudinal prospective cohort study included 21 patients (90.5% females, age 50 (IQR 17) years, class II/III obesity (Body Mass Index ≥ 35 kg/m²) followed at the Edmonton Adult Bariatric Clinic for 65.1 (IQR 15.5) weeks. All patients received treatment with liraglutide 3.0 mg subcutaneously daily along with involvement in an integrated lifestyle modification program. Results: Liraglutide was well-tolerated, with its benefits experienced by >90% of patients. The vast majority were consistently tracking calories (95.2%, n = 20) and protein intake (90.5%, n = 19), achieving a calorie deficit of 651 (IQR 323) kcal/day, and had their mental health conditions and psychological issues successfully managed. At 16, 26, and 52 weeks, TWL was 14.3% (IQR 3.7), 18.7% (IQR 8.8), and 25.9% (IQR 9.6), respectively (p < 0.001). Over 20% TWL was achieved by 72.2% of patients by week 52. Conclusions: A select number of patients with obesity will attain weight loss that rivals bariatric surgery using liraglutide monotherapy. Despite liraglutide being less effective compared to newer agents on the market, some individuals will respond strongly and should be considered when other therapies are inaccessible. Given the societal burden and numerous challenges faced by people with obesity, GLP-1RA should be pursued in clinical practice to assist in achieving weight loss goals while being convenient and safe. Full article

The Shagya Arabian horse breed was created to address the need of Imperial Hussars (Hungarian light horsemen) for a horse with the intelligence, essential characteristics, and endurance of the Arabian breed, but also of a bigger size and having a better weight-carrying capacity and jumping ability. The present study aimed to explore the genetic variability and population structure of the uninvestigated Shagya Arabian horse population in Bulgaria based on genotyping at 15 equine microsatellite markers. A total of 140 horses belonging to six genealogical lines (Dahoman, Gazal, Ibrahim, Kuhailan Zaid, O’Bajan, and Shagya) were included in the survey. Genetic distances, analysis of molecular variance, principal coordinates analysis, and a Bayesian method were applied. The mean number of alleles in the individual subpopulations ranged from 3.67 in the Shagya to 5.13 in the Ibrahim sire line. The F_IS index was negative or close to 0 for the entire population and was −0.202. The overall F_ST was 0.014, indicating a low level of genetic differentiation between the subpopulations. The results of the principal components and the STRUCTURE analysis showed some level of admixture among the subpopulations in almost all genealogical lines. However, structural analysis also indicated a genetic similarity between the Ibrahim, Kuhailan Zaid, and Shagya lineages, while it showed a completely different genetic profile regarding the other three sire lines. Due to the higher admixture and the discovery of more distinct genetic clusters, it can be assumed that there is a higher gene flow from one lineage to another in the Shagya Arabian horse population in Bulgaria and that there is sufficient genetic variability and diversity to suggest adequate measures for preserving this rare breed. In addition, this study may highlight the risk of the loss of gene diversity in this population and help to implement suitable breeding programs to preserve genetic diversity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Loss and fragmentation of habitat from agricultural conversion led to the near extirpation of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis Merriam, 1891) population in the Columbia Basin (CB) of Washington, USA. Recovery efforts began in 2002 and included captive breeding, translocations from other regions for genetic rescue, and reintroduction into native habitat in three sites: Sagebrush Flat (SBF), Beezley Hills (BH), and Chester Butte (CHB). Methods: We used noninvasive and invasive genetic sampling to evaluate demographic and population genetic parameters on three translocated populations of pygmy rabbits over eight years (2011–2020). For each population, our goal was to use fecal DNA sampling and 19 microsatellite loci to monitor spatial distribution, apparent survival rates, genetic diversity, reproduction, effective population size, and the persistence of CB ancestry. Over the course of this study, 1978 rabbits were reintroduced as part of a cooperative conservation effort between state and federal agencies. Results: Through winter and summer monitoring surveys, we detected 168 released rabbits and 420 wild-born rabbits in SBF, 13 released rabbits and 2 wild-born in BH, and 16 released rabbits in CHB. Observed heterozygosity (H_o) values ranged from 0.62–0.84 (SBF), 0.59–0.80 (BH), and 0.73–0.77 (CHB). Allelic richness (AR) ranged from 4.67–5.35 (SBF), 3.71–5.41 (BH), and 3.69–4.65 (CHB). Effective population (N_e) within SBF varied from 12.3 (2012) to 44.3 (2017). CB ancestry persisted in all three wild populations, ranging from 15 to 27%. CB ancestry persisted in 99% of wild-born juveniles identified in SBF. Apparent survival of juvenile rabbits differed across years (1–39%) and was positively associated with release date, release weight, and genetic diversity. Survival of adults (0–43%) was positively influenced by release day, with some evidence that genetic diversity also positively influenced adult apparent survival. Conclusions: Noninvasive genetic sampling has proven to be an effective and efficient tool in monitoring this reintroduced population, assessing both demographic and genetic factors. This data has helped managers address the goals of the Columbia Basin recovery program of establishing multiple sustainable wild populations within the sagebrush steppe habitat of Washington. Full article

Our four-year interdisciplinary behavioral weight loss program is fully covered by public health insurance for patients with a body mass index of ≥35 kg/m². We evaluated the real-world outcomes of anthropometric, metabolic and psychologic parameters collected prior to the start (t₀, n = 381, 71% women) and after each segment of the program (t_1–4, n = 243, 126, 94, and 77). It is a prospective evaluation of clinical real-world data including all patients who started the first segment of behavioral treatment until they quit/finished the program. The mean dropout rates per treatment segment were 23%. Body weight after one year decreased from 127.3 kg to 122.2 (p < 0.001). Average hemoglobin A1c value decreased from 5.8% to 5.6% in all patients (p < 0.001) and from 6.6% to 6.2% in patients with type 2 diabetes (p < 0.001). Further metabolic and psychological parameters improved significantly as well. The average weight nadir was reached after two segments, co-occurring with the most beneficial changes in laboratory parameters. Afterwards, mean weight slightly increased accompanied by a discrete loss of benefits in laboratory parameters. Our real-world data with significant health improvements adds important value to discussions about the funding of obesity therapy and thus has the chance to improve therapy availability for obesity patients worldwide. Full article

Despite recent advances in the treatment of obesity, lifestyle medicine remains foundational to the treatment of individuals with obesity, regardless of the modality chosen by the patient with the guidance of the clinician they are working with, including in conjunction with, as appropriate, anti-obesity medications and metabolic surgery. Lifestyle medicine involves the use of diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and other lifestyle modalities in the treatment of disease. Clinicians and health systems should, after a patient-centered discussion with the patient, do their best to ensure access to lifestyle treatments. Gold standard guidelines recommend intensive, multicomponent lifestyle change programs for obesity treatments with evidence-based diet and exercise counseling and established, theoretically driven behavior change components. Clinicians treating obesity should be aware of their own biases, make efforts to reduce stigmatizing experiences in their practice, and address weight stigma in their treatment plans as needed. A variety of dietary patterns can be used to support patients with obesity, and clinicians should make evidence-based but patient-centered recommendations that aim to maximize adherence. Diet and exercise can play an important role in reducing the side effects of treatment and optimizing outcomes in weight loss, attenuating the effects of metabolic adaptation, and weight maintenance. Exercise should be increased gradually to reduce injury with a goal of 200–300 min (approximately 3.3–5 h) of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise per week to maximize weight maintenance effects with exercise prescriptions customized to patients risks. A variety of practice models can be leveraged along with the use of an interdisciplinary team to provide lifestyle medicine care for those with obesity. Full article