Gestational weight gain and body composition of full-term newborns and infants: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The association between gestational weight gain and neonatal body composition has been inconsistent, exposing the need for further research. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether gestational weight gain influences the body composition of full-term newborns and infants up to 4 months old. METHODS: A cohort study was performed with 124 participants divided into categories of gestational weight gain according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. The anthropometric and body composition data of newborns and infants acquired using air displacement plethysmography (PeaPod®) were collected at 96 h, 1 month, 2 months and 4 months of life. In the statistical analysis, the chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables, and ANOVA was used to analyze numerical variables. Univariate analysis was performed, and the absolute and relative frequencies of the categorical variables, as well as mean and standard deviation of the numerical variables, were obtained. Bivariate analysis was performed for the categories of gestational weight gain and gestational and neonatal characteristics. When adjustments to gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and pregestational body mass index (BMI) were analyzed by linear regression, gestational weight gain remained a significant variable for newborn percent fat mass. For all analyses, a significance level of 5% was adopted. RESULTS: Gestational weight gain was adequate in 33.8% of the participants, excessive in 41.1% and insufficient in 25%. Women with excessive weight gain had higher pregestational BMIs and a higher incidence of gestational hypertension. Their newborns had a higher body mass, body fat mass in grams and percent fat mass than the infants born to mothers with adequate or insufficient gestational weight gain. No significant differences were observed in body composition at 1, 2 and 4 months of life during infant follow-up. CONCLUSION: Excessive gestational weight gain may alter the body composition of newborns at birth. Further studies are required to better evaluate infant follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry: NCT00875251 on April 3, 2009.

Functional Status Score for the ICU: An International Clinimetric Analysis of Validity, Responsiveness, and Minimal Important Difference.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the internal consistency, validity, responsiveness, and minimal important difference of the Functional Status Score for the ICU, a physical function measure designed for the ICU. DESIGN: Clinimetric analysis. SETTINGS: Five international datasets from the United States, Australia, and Brazil. PATIENTS: Eight hundred nineteen ICU patients. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Clinimetric analyses were initially conducted separately for each data source and time point to examine generalizability of findings, with pooled analyses performed thereafter to increase power of analyses. The Functional Status Score for the ICU demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency. There was good convergent and discriminant validity, with significant and positive correlations (r = 0.30-0.95) between Functional Status Score for the ICU and other physical function measures, and generally weaker correlations with nonphysical measures (|r| = 0.01-0.70). Known group validity was demonstrated by significantly higher Functional Status Score for the ICU scores among patients without ICU-acquired weakness (Medical Research Council sum score, ≥ 48 vs < 48) and with hospital discharge to home (vs healthcare facility). Functional Status Score for the ICU at ICU discharge predicted post-ICU hospital length of stay and discharge location. Responsiveness was supported via increased Functional Status Score for the ICU scores with improvements in muscle strength. Distribution-based methods indicated a minimal important difference of 2.0-5.0. CONCLUSIONS: The Functional Status Score for the ICU has good internal consistency and is a valid and responsive measure of physical function for ICU patients. The estimated minimal important difference can be used in sample size calculations and in interpreting studies comparing the physical function of groups of ICU patients.

Nivolumab immunotherapy rechallenge for progressive laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma after failure of conventional treatment: A CARE case report.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of rechallenge with nivolumab as 5th-line therapy for locally and nodally failed laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma following conventional therapeutic modalities: radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy. OBSERVATION: A 70-year-old male, with local and nodal progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma after treatment with chemoradiotherapy and surgery, was initially treated for recurrence with carboplatin, 5-fluorouracile (FU) and cetuximab, followed by second-line nivolumab, and then two lines of conventional chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cetuximab followed by carboplatin and cetuximab. He underwent rechallenge with nivolumab in 5th line, achieving 12months' response, ongoing at the time of writing, and 42.5months' survival since initiation of exclusive systemic management after failure of conventional treatment. CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the benefit of nivolumab rechallenge in 5th line following previous failure as stand-alone therapy in 2nd line for a patient with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma locally and nodally uncontrolled after conventional treatment. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of this approach are necessary to assess its contribution, as it is currently not a standard therapeutic option.

Influence of gestational and perinatal factors on body composition of full-term newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of gestational and perinatal factors on body composition and birth weight of full-term newborns. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study, within a prospective cohort, consisting of 124 postpartum women and their newborns. Data included the following: maternal age; ethnicity; pre-gestational body mass index; gestational weight gain; parity; gestational morbidities (hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus); gestational age at birth; birth weight; and newborn's gender. Anthropometric and body composition data of the newborns were collected using air-displacement plethysmography (PeaPod® Infant Body Composition System-LMI; Concord, CA, USA). The stepwise technique was applied to a multiple linear regression model. RESULTS: The significant variables in the model that explained 84% of the variation in neonatal fat-free mass were: birth weight; maternal age; newborn's gender and gestational age. For body fat mass: birth weight; newborn's gender; gestational arterial hypertension; gestational diabetes; and gestational weight gain. These variables explained 60% and 46% of fat mass, in grams and as a percentage, respectively. Regarding birth weight, the significant factors were gestational age, pre-gestational BMI, and gestational weight gain. Female newborns showed higher body fat mass and male newborns had higher fat-free mass. CONCLUSION: Gestational and perinatal factors influence neonatal body composition. Early identification of these gestational factors, which may be modifiable, is necessary to prevent obesity and chronic noncommunicable diseases in the future.

Zika virus infection in pregnancy and infant growth, body composition in the first three months of life: a cohort study.

The implications of Zika Virus exposure in pregnancy for early infant growth remains poorly described. The main goal of this study is to compare the growth, body composition, and feeding modality of infants in the first three months of life by prenatal Zika Virus exposure status. We selected an analytical cohort of 115 infants born without microcephaly, comprising 56 infants with qRT-PCR confirmed exposure to ZIKV during gestation and 59 infants born to women with presumptively no evidence of ZIKV in pregnancy. Infants were evaluated at birth, 1 and 3 months of age in terms of anthropometrics, body composition All the results were adjusted by maternal age, maternal BMI and gestational age. We observe no differences between anthropometric measurements at birth. Mothers in exposed group showed higher BMI. At 1 month and 3 months of age there were differences in mid arm circumference, arm muscle circumference and fat free mass. Weight and length was less in the ZIKV exposed in pregnancy infants and statistically different at 3 month of age. The findings of this investigation provide new evidence that ZIKV exposure in pregnancy may be associated with differences in body composition.

Influence of gestational and perinatal factors on body composition of full-term newborns / Influência de fatores gestacionais e perinatais na composição corporal de recém-nascidos a termo

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the influence of gestational and perinatal factors on body composition and birth weight of full-term newborns. Method: This was a cross-sectional study, within a prospective cohort, consisting of 124 postpartum women and their newborns. Data included the following: maternal age; ethnicity; pre-gestational body mass index; gestational weight gain; parity; gestational morbidities (hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus); gestational age at birth; birth weight; and newborn's gender. Anthropometric and body composition data of the newborns were collected using air-displacement plethysmography (PeaPod® Infant Body Composition System-LMI; Concord, CA, USA). The stepwise technique was applied to a multiple linear regression model. Results: The significant variables in the model that explained 84% of the variation in neonatal fat-free mass were: birth weight; maternal age; newborn's gender and gestational age. For body fat mass: birth weight; newborn's gender; gestational arterial hypertension; gestational diabetes; and gestational weight gain. These variables explained 60% and 46% of fat mass, in grams and as a percentage, respectively. Regarding birth weight, the significant factors were gestational age, pre-gestational BMI, and gestational weight gain. Female newborns showed higher body fat mass and male newborns had higher fat-free mass. Conclusion: Gestational and perinatal factors influence neonatal body composition. Early identification of these gestational factors, which may be modifiable, is necessary to prevent obesity and chronic noncommunicable diseases in the future.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a influência de fatores gestacionais e perinatais na composição corporal e no peso de nascimento de recém-nascidos a termo. Método: Estudo transversal, dentro de uma coorte prospectiva, composto por 124 puérperas e seus recém-nascidos. Os dados incluíram: idade materna; etnia; índice de massa corpórea pré-gestacional; ganho de peso gestacional; paridade; morbidades gestacionais, (hipertensão arterial e diabetes mellitus gestacional); idade gestacional do nascimento; peso de nascimento; e sexo do recém-nascido. Os dados antropométricos e de composição corporal dos recém-nascidos foram coletados com a pletismografia por deslocamento de ar (PeaPod®). Foi aplicada a técnica de stepwise no modelo de regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: As variáveis significativas do modelo que explicou 84% da variação da massa livre de gordura neonatal foram: peso de nascimento; idade materna; sexo do recém-nascido; e idade gestacional. Para a massa de gordura corporal: peso de nascimento; sexo do recém-nascido; hipertensão arterial gestacional; diabetes gestacional; e ganho de peso gestacional. Essas variáveis explicaram 60% e 46% da massa de gordura, em gramas e percentual, respectivamente. Em relação ao peso de nascimento os fatores significativos foram: idade gestacional; IMC pré-gestacional; e ganho de peso gestacional. Os recém-nascidos do sexo feminino apresentaram maior massa de gordura corporal e os do sexo masculino maior massa livre de gordura. Conclusão: Fatores gestacionais e perinatais influenciam a composição corporal neonatal. A identificação precoce desses fatores gestacionais, que podem ser modificáveis, é necessária para prevenção de obesidade e de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis no futuro.

The Museum of Materia Medica of Paris.

The Museum of Materia Medica of Paris is very rich with a collection of about 22,000 specimens. During the last few years, the efforts have been much more devoted to teaching by means of annotated displays and exhibits.

[Aromatic and polyphenolic composition of infused peppermint, Mentha x piperita L]. / Composition aromatique et polyphénolique de l'infusé de Menthe, Mentha x piperita L.

The qualitative and quantitative composition of the main aromatic and polyphenolic constituents of Mitcham type peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) tisane, were examined and compared with those of leaves before and after infusion. The original peppermint leaves contained 2.4% essential oil of which menthol was 0.99%, total polyphenolic compounds 19% and total flavonoid compounds 12% comprising eriocitrin 7%, luteolin-7-rutinoside 1.5%, hesperidoside 0.6% and total hydroxycinnamic compounds 7% (rosmarinic acid 1.4%). The tisane contained 21% of the original essential oil corresponding to 25 mg/l, with increased alcohol and ketone contents and lower contents of hydrophobic terpenecarbons, oxides and esters. It contained also a high proportion of the polyphenolic compounds (about 750 mg/l) corresponding to an extraction yield of 75%. In consequence the monograph "Peppermint leaf" of the Pharmacopoeia should be amended.

[Production of cinchona in the French empire: A. Yersin and E. Perrot]. / Productiion de quinquina dans l'empire français: A. Yersin et E. Perrot.

In the wake of the war of 1914-1918, Professor E. Perrot and Dr A. Yersin were concerned with providing various territories of the French empire with sufficient cinchona resources to fight off malaria. This aim was particularly important in case of a conflict which could impede the supply of quinine due to the quasi-monopoly held by the Netherlands with their overseas possessions in Indonesia. Beginning with documents, in particular the correspondence held by the Museum of Materia Medica at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Paris, an attempt is made to illustrate the policy carried out with difficulty by Perrot and Yersin.

[André Le Fournier and the "Beautification of human nature and embellishment of ladies" (1541)]. / André Le Fournier et la "Décoration d'humaine nature et ornement des dames" (1541).

Bibliographic data concerning a physician lecturer of the XVIth century in Paris. His book of cosmetology deals with general aspects of health wider than the only dermatological cure.

Freezing and thawing effects on fat, protein, and lactose levels of human natural milk administered by gavage and continuous infusion.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the changes in human milk macronutrients: fat, protein, and lactose in natural human milk (raw), frozen and thawed, after administration simulation by gavage and continuous infusion. METHOD: an experimental study was performed with 34 human milk samples. The infrared spectrophotometry using the infrared analysis equipment MilkoScan Minor® (Foss, Denmark) equipment was used to analyze the macronutrients in human milk during the study phases. The analyses were performed in natural (raw) samples and after freezing and fast thawing following two steps: gavage and continuous infusion. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test for paired samples was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: the fat content was significantly reduced after administration by continuous infusion (p<0.001) during administration of both raw and thawed samples. No changes in protein and lactose content were observed between the two forms of infusion. However, the thawing process significantly increased the levels of lactose and milk protein. CONCLUSION: the route of administration by continuous infusion showed the greatest influence on fat loss among all the processes required for human milk administration.

[The alkaloids of several varieties of Atropa belladonna L: distribution and metabolism]. / Sur les alcaloïdes d'Atropa belladonna L. et ses variétés: répartition et métabolisme

Distribution and content of alkaloids have been studied in each organ of different Atropa Belladonna varieties. Same tropeins are present in every organ. Their increase, baucoup of hyoscyamin, is observed during plant growth; and in later stages some compounds such as apoatropin appear.

Targeted manipulation of maize genes in vivo using chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotides.

Site-specific heritable mutations in maize genes were engineered by introducing chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotides. Two independent targets within the endogenous maize acetohydroxyacid synthase gene sequence were modified in a site-specific fashion, thereby conferring resistance to either imidazolinone or sulfonylurea herbicides. Similarly, an engineered green fluorescence protein transgene was site-specifically modified in vivo. Expression of the introduced inactive green fluorescence protein was restored, and plants containing the modified transgene were regenerated. Progeny analysis indicated Mendelian transmission of the converted transgene. The efficiency of gene conversion mediated by chimeric oligonucleotides in maize was estimated as 10(-4), which is 1-3 orders of magnitude higher than frequencies reported for gene targeting by homologous recombination in plants. The heritable changes in maize genes engineered by this approach create opportunities for basic studies of plant gene function and agricultural trait manipulation and also provide a system for studying mismatch repair mechanisms in maize.

Engineering secondary metabolism in maize cells by ectopic expression of transcription factors.

Manipulation of plant natural product biosynthesis through genetic engineering is an attractive but technically challenging goal. Here, we demonstrate that different secondary metabolites can be produced in cultured maize cells by ectopic expression of the appropriate regulatory genes. Cell lines engineered to express the maize transcriptional activators C1 and R accumulate two cyanidin derivatives, which are similar to the predominant anthocyanin found in differentiated plant tissues. In contrast, cell lines that express P accumulate various 3-deoxy flavonoids. Unexpectedly, P-expressing cells in culture also accumulate phenylpropanoids and green fluorescent compounds that are targeted to different subcellular compartments. Two endogenous biosynthetic genes (c2 and a1, encoding chalcone synthase and flavanone/dihydroflavonol reductase, respectively) are independently activated by ectopic expression of either P or C1/R, and there is a dose-response relationship between the transcript level of P and the degree to which c2 or a1 is expressed. Our results support a simple model showing how the gene encoding P may act as a quantitative trait locus controlling insecticidal C-glycosyl flavone level in maize silks, and they suggest how p1 might confer a selective advantage against insect predation in maize.