ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS OF PIOGLITAZONE EFFECTIVENESS IN TREATMENT OF NAFLD PATIENTS WITH OBESITY AND PPARG RS1801282 (PRO12ALA) GENOTYPE

The aim: To study the association between the effectiveness of treatment with pioglitazone non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with obesity and PPARG rs1801282 (Pro12Ala)-polymorphism in Ukrainians. Materials and methods: 123 patients with NAFLD in combination with obesity 1, 2, 3 classes were included in comprehensive weight loss program (5 visits, 12-weeks). The case group was treated with pioglitazone 15 mg / day, while the control group received only program. Ultrasound (US) steatometry and genetic testing rs1801282 polymorphism in PPARG gene were performed. Results: Pioglitazone, PPARG rs1801282 genotype, CAP before treatment, previous weight loss attempts, and duration of obesity were associated with the change in controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) during treatment. There was a significant association between the target CAP reduction achievement and pioglitazone treatment (adjusted odds ratio 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.73; p = 0.01) with the CC genotype of PPARG gene (adjusted odds ratio 92.9, 95% CI 7.4–1159; p < 0.001) compared to patients with the CG genotype. Conclusions: Pioglitazone and PPARG rs1801282 polymorphism could influence on dynamics of CAP reduction during treatment.

Alterações no estado nutricional segundo IMC e perda de peso, em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço em uso de terapia nutricional enteral, em ambulatório de oncologia clínica em São Paulo

Introduction: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients constitute a recognized risk group for malnutrition due to several factors, and may require enteral nutritional therapy (ENT). This study evaluated alterations in nutritional status and weight loss in patients with HNC using ENT followed at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) oncology outpatient clinic. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted through database analysis, collected from January to December of 2018 at an UNIFESP oncology outpatient clinic. We selected all patients with HNC in use of ENT at some moment of the treatment during 2018. Weight and height were considered to calculate body mass index (BMI) and to classify nutritional status and the classification of weight loss for evaluation. Results: The sample consisted of 24 patients, 71% were elderly and 29% adults and 75% were men. At the first consultation in 2018, 6 (25%) patients were at normal weight and 15 (63%) had some degree of malnutrition (underweight). A total of 11 (46%) patients reported previous weight loss. After the analysis it was found that 54% of patients had weight loss in the period, however, only 1 patient had severe weight loss. Changes in BMI were observed in all patients, but in 88% of the cases there was no change in BMI classification. Conclusion: Although patients were on ENT, many had weight loss, which may be a result of decreased food intake, metabolic abnormalities caused by tumor activity, or a consequence of treatment-related symptoms. Most of the weight losses were not significant, and most patients had increased body weight, which may have been result of ENT use, which is responsible for delayed weight loss in cancer patients.

Effect of curing degree on mechanical and thermal properties of 2.5D quartz fiber reinforced boron phenolic composites

Abstract2.5D quartz fiber reinforced boron phenolic composites with different curing degrees were prepared by different curing temperatures and curing times. The effects of curing degree on the flexural strength and thermal properties of the composites were investigated by mechanical properties test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that the flexural strength increases to the increase in the degree of cure, but the rate of increase is non-linear. When the degree of cure is higher than 90%, the flexural strength of the composite is more than 300 MPa and the bending failure mechanism of the composite is analyzed by SEM. The TG test showed that the degree of cure had little effect on the residual weight of the composite at 1000°C, but had a greater effect on the temperature of the previous weight loss.

Exploring the Experiences of People with Obesity Using Portion Control Tools—A Qualitative Study

Large portion sizes increase consumption and eating smaller portions is recommended as a weight control strategy. However, many people report difficulties enacting this advice. This study examined the experience of individuals using two commercially available portion-control tools to try to manage their weight. In a crossover design, 29 adults with obesity (18 women) who had attended a previous weight loss intervention in the community were invited to use two portion-control tool sets over a period of four weeks (two weeks each) and to complete a semi-structured questionnaire about their experience. The tools were a guided crockery set (sector plate, calibrated bowl, and calibrated glass) and a set of calibrated serving spoons (one for starch, one for protein, and one for vegetables). Data were analyzed using thematic framework analysis. A key theme was related to the educational benefits of the tools, such as generating awareness, guidance, and gaining an independent ability to judge appropriate portions. Other key themes were tool usability, acceptability, and feasibility of usage. Barriers identified by participants included unclear markings/instructions and the inconvenience of using the tool when eating away from home. Overall, the tools were perceived to be educationally useful, easy to use, and potentially effective for learning to control portions, which suggested that these instruments could help in weight management interventions alongside other strategies. Elements of the tool design could influence the ability of participants to adhere to using the tool, and hence allow the educational effect to be mediated.

Folate status in women of childbearing age with obesity: a review

Several studies have described a positive association between elevated BMI and birth defects risk. Data on plasma concentration of folate in pregnant women with obesity have shown values far below those recommended, regardless of diet, while folate levels should increase before pregnancy to reduce neural tube defects. We report a descriptive review of the most recent studies (from 2005 to 2015) to evaluate folate status through a population of women of childbearing age affected by obesity. The literature contains few studies, which present conflicting results regarding folate status in non-pregnant women of childbearing age affected by obesity, and it appears that there is a modification in folate metabolism, with a reduction in plasma folate levels and an increase in erythrocyte folate uptake. In conclusion, the folate status in women of childbearing age should be assessed by both plasma and erythrocyte levels to start a personalised and more adequate supplementation before conception. Further studies need to be conducted in a larger population, which take into account variables that can affect folate metabolism, such as dietary intake, lifestyle and genetic factors, oral contraceptives or other drug use, previous weight-loss programmes, or a history of bariatric surgery.