Development of New Predictive Equations for the Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) of Women with Lipedema.

This study aimed to develop a novel predictive equation for calculating resting metabolic rate (RMR) in women with lipedema. We recruited 119 women diagnosed with lipedema from the Angiology Outpatient Clinic at Wroclaw Medical University, Poland. RMR was assessed using indirect calorimetry, while body composition and anthropometric measurements were conducted using standardized protocols. Due to multicollinearity among predictors, classical multiple regression was deemed inadequate for developing the new equation. Therefore, we employed machine learning techniques, utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction and predictor selection. Regression models, including support vector regression (SVR), random forest regression (RFR), and k-nearest neighbor (kNN) were evaluated in Python's scikit-learn framework, with hyperparameter tuning via GridSearchCV. Model performance was assessed through mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and cross-validation, complemented by Bland-Altman plots for method comparison. A novel equation incorporating body composition parameters was developed, addressing a gap in accurate RMR prediction methods. By incorporating measurements of body circumference and body composition parameters alongside traditional predictors, the model's accuracy was improved. The segmented regression model outperformed others, achieving an MAPE of 10.78%. The proposed predictive equation for RMR offers a practical tool for personalized treatment planning in patients with lipedema.

Changes in the HIV Epidemic in Lower Silesia, Poland, Between 2010 and 2020: The Characteristics of the Key Populations.

The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) epidemic remains a significant public health issue, requiring ongoing access to preventive methods. This study aimed to analyze the evolution of the HIV epidemic in Lower Silesia from 2010 to 2020, focusing on the key populations. A retrospective analysis of the medical records from newly diagnosed HIV patients at a major HIV clinic in Wroclaw was conducted, examining demographic data, infection routes, and laboratory results. An 84% increase in newly diagnosed HIV cases was observed over the decade, with the most common route of infection being sex between men (70% among those with a known infection route). These patients were generally in better clinical condition compared to their heterosexual counterparts, as indicated by a higher median CD4+ T cell count (465/µL vs. 250/µL). The changes in clinical status and infection routes were statistically significant. The HIV epidemic in Lower Silesia has shifted, with a notable rise in new infections among men who have sex with men. Heterosexual patients were often diagnosed at more advanced stages. Prevention strategies should adapt to these changing trends, with education and testing accessibility remaining priorities nationwide.

Association of the Length of Service in the 24/48 Shift of Firefighters of the State Fire Service in Wroclaw on Selected Serum Biochemical Parameters of Nutritional Status.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of the quality of diet as calculated by the Nutrient Rich Food index (NRF9.3), and length of service (LS) (≤10 years vs. >10 years) with selected serum biochemical parameters, the proportions of different lipid profile fractions and advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) values of 108 firefighters from the State Fire Service in Wroclaw. The LS officers > 10 years had significantly higher total cholesterol (211.50 (184.00-254.00) vs. 184.00 (166.00-194.00)), LDL (123.75 (108.20-167.90) vs. 105.18 (90.24-119.00)) non-HDL (151.70 (132.00-196.70) vs. 122.00 (106.00-140.00)), triglycerides (118.50 (96.00-158.00) vs. 78.00 (67.00-103.00)) and lower HDL concentrations (51.30 (45.60-56.70) vs. 58.00 (51.70-66.10)) compared to firefighters in the LS ≤ 10 years group. Significant differences between the seniority groups were also noted for all lipid profile ratios. Regardless of the officers' seniority, systolic blood pressure was observed at the highest normal level of 134.4 ± 14.4 in the LS ≤ 10 years group and 139.5 ± 14.3 in the LS > 10 years group. Advanced glycation endproduct values were significantly dependent on diet quality, as expressed by the NRF9.3 index and on the TG/HDL ratio, but not on seniority. Diet quality, as expressed by the NRF9.3 index, had a significant association with GLU and FI levels, and components of the lipid profile between seniority groups. As NRF9.3 increased, TG/HDL, LDL/HDL, TC/HDL, and non-HDL/HDL ratios decreased. AGEs were significantly affected by NRF9.3 and significantly associated with TG/HDL. Firefighters' diets, as assessed by the NRF9.3 index, had a significant association with predictors of insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiometabolic predictors between seniority groups. The nutritional education of firefighters (and other professional groups working irregularly), especially those with longer tenure (e.g., >10 years), is necessary to prevent the development of, e.g., CVD, MetS, and T2DM, which contribute towards a reduced ability to perform professional duties.