The impact of anthropometric parameters and sonographic characteristics on the choice of biopsy method for thyroid nodules: Fine-needle aspiration versus non-aspiration biopsy.

Objective: The accurate diagnosis of thyroid nodules is crucial for effective management and the detection of malignancy. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and fine-needle non-aspiration biopsy (FNNAB) are widely used techniques for evaluating thyroid nodules. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of anthropometric parameters and sonographic characteristics on the choice between FNAB and FNNAB in terms of diagnostic yield. Material and Methods: This retrospective and cross-sectional analysis involved 188 cases with a total of 225 thyroid nodules. Each nodule initially underwent either FNAB or FNNAB and if the initial biopsy did not yield a diagnostic result, the nodule was re-biopsied using the alternate technique. Ultrasound was used to evaluate the nodules, with a focus on echogenicity, calcifications, size, vascularity, and the presence of a halo sign. Both FNAB and FNNAB were performed using a 25-gauge needle, with the only difference being the application of suction. Results: FNAB demonstrated a higher diagnostic rate for nodules with a taller-than-wide shape (anteroposteriorto-transverse ratio ≥1), nodules sized 10-40 mm, nodules with volumes <0.5 cc, and hypoechoic nodules (P < 0.001 for all). FNAB also outperformed FNNAB in the assessment of the right-sided, inferior, and posterior nodules (P < 0.001), nodules with and without calcification (P = 0.041 and P = 0.020, respectively), and nodules with type 1 and type 2 vascularity patterns (P = 0.006 and P = 0.017, respectively). FNAB was effective in obese individuals (Body mass index ≥40 kg/m2), males with a waist circumference of <94 cm, females with a waist circumference of ≥80 cm, and females with a neck circumference of ≥34 cm (P = 0.011, P = 0.044, P = 0.029, and P = 0.008, respectively). Conclusion: Anthropometric parameters and sonographic characteristics influenced the diagnostic yield of FNAB and FNNAB, with FNAB generally demonstrating superior results. Given the importance of obtaining an accurate diagnostic result from fine-needle biopsy, clinicians should consider both the sonographic features of the nodule and the anthropometric measurements of the patient when selecting a biopsy technique.

Dietary Calcium-to-Phosphorous Ratio, Metabolic Risk Factors and Lipid Accumulation Product, Skeletal Muscle Mass, and Visceral Fat Area Among Healthy Young Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have revealed the role of low dietary calcium-to-phosphorous ratio and low bone health. However, its possible role in visceral adiposity, skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and metabolic parameters has not been investigated before. Therefore, the aim of the current cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relation between dietary calcium-to-phosphorous ratio, metabolic risk factors, SMM, and visceral fat area (VFA) among physically active young individuals. METHODS: In the current study, the sample was composed of 391 healthy young individuals (e.g., 205 men and 186 women), aged between 20 and 35 years old, who were engaged in moderate physical activity for at least 4 hr per week and were recruited thorough cluster sampling from seven sport clubs. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and VFA and SMM index (SMI) were calculated. Biochemical assays were also performed by standard kits. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, analysis of co-variance, and multinomial logistic regression analysis using SPSS software. RESULTS: Those in the fourth quartile of dietary calcium-to-phosphorous ratio were more likely to have lower VFA (odds ratio [OR] = 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.97, 0.99]; p = .023) and a nonsignificantly higher SMI (OR = 1.15; 95% CI [0.99, 1.34]; p = .058) after adjustment for the effects of confounders (e.g., age, gender, body mass index, physical activity level, dietary energy intake). Also, being in the third quartile of dietary calcium-to-phosphorous ratio made the subjects more susceptible to have lower insulin concentration (OR = 0.99; 95% CI [0.88, 0.93]; p = .026) in the adjusted model. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study revealed that a higher dietary calcium-to-phosphorous ratio in the habitual diet was negatively associated with visceral adiposity and insulin concentrations and higher SMM among physically active young individuals. Further interventional studies are required to confer causality that was not inferable in the current study because of cross-sectional design.

Beneficial Effect of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet Combined with Regular Physical Activity on Fat Mass and Anthropometric and Metabolic Parameters in People with Overweight and Obesity.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Obesity and overweight have become growing health-related issues worldwide, which also applies to Poland. Excess fat mass is associated with an increased risk of metabolic and non-metabolic complications. The aim of our pre-post-designed study was to assess the effect of behavioral intervention on body weight, fat mass and anthropometric and metabolic parameters in obese and overweight individuals. METHODS: The study included one hundred people (85 women) with excess fat mass who voluntarily declared their willingness to participate in the weight-loss program consisted of 12 weeks of the DASH diet combined with regular, supervised physical activity. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests were performed in all study participants, and anthropometric and metabolic indices were calculated at baseline and after three months of treatment. RESULTS: Body weight decreased significantly by 5.63 ± 4.03 kg, BMI by 2.06 ± 1.44 kg/m2, waist circumference by 5.6 ± 3.7 cm, fat mass from 40.04 ± 6.90 to 36.56 ± 7.07% and uric acid level by 16.0 ± 41.6 µmol/L (p < 0.001 in all cases). We also found an improvement in lipid profile and anthropometric and metabolic indices, except for HDL cholesterol and plasma glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of the DASH diet and supervised physical activity was beneficial regardless of age, sex and the presence of hypertension or dysglycemia at baseline. The implementation of a healthy lifestyle was associated with a significant improvement in anthropometric and metabolic parameters, which, if continued, may reduce the risk of unfavorable health-related outcomes in the future.

Association between dietary variety and anthropometric parameters in community-dwelling older adults: results of a population-based PolSenior study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Dietary variety (DV) is recognized as a key indicator of diet quality. It is based on the premise that eating a wide variety of foods ensures an adequate intake of essential nutrients which, in turn, leads to better diet quality. The aim of the study is to examine the relationships between DV, diet quality and selected anthropometric parameters in older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 1,071 participants (average age: 72.8 years) from a population cohort of older adults living in Poland. DV was measured using the Dietary Variety Score (DVS) and Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), based on 3-day food records. The associations between DV and anthropometric parameters were examined using cluster analysis. Three clusters were identified: high DV (Cluster 1 - 33%), moderate DV (Cluster 2 - 41%) and low DV (Cluster 3 - 26%). RESULTS: Moderate DV showed a positive relationship with lower BMI values, particularly in women (p<0.05). High and moderate DV was inversely associated with lower values of abdominal adiposity measures, compared to the low DV in the women group only (p<0.05). The diet quality score was greater in the high DV, compared to the low DV (12.6 vs. 7.5; p<0.001). Low DV constituted a high-risk group and had the lowest intake of energy (100% participants) and almost all nutrients, especially protein (62%) and micronutrients (>30-96%; depending on the nutrient). CONCLUSIONS: A higher degree of DV was associated with better anthropometric parameters in older adults. These relationships were more pronounced in women than in men. High DV improves the intake levels of energy, protein and micronutrients, and also enhances overall dietary quality. Older adults require personalized guidance and dietary support, including a high dietary variety of nutrient-dense foods/food groups.

Effects on growth, weight and body composition after CFTR modulators in children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is associated with compromised nutrition status, which is responsible for morbidity and mortality along with lung function decline. This study was designed to examine changes in anthropometric markers and body composition parameters by bioelectrical impedance analysis after CFTR modulator (CFTRm) treatment. METHODS: We compared anthropometric parameters and body composition before and after 6 and 12 months of CFTRm treatment. Results are stratified into subgroups according to the modulator used with dual therapy with lumacaftor + ivacaftor or tezacaftor + ivacaftor (LUMA/TEZ + IVA) or triple therapy with elexacaftor + tezacaftor + ivacaftor (ELE + TEZ + IVA). Body composition data are available in patients treated with ELE + TEZ + IVA. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-four children (55.1% male) were recruited. The median age was 13.6 years (inter-quartile range [IQR] 10.7-16.1). We can observe a statistically significant increase in the weight Z score and BMI Z score after CFTRm. In terms of changes in body composition, we observe a significant increase in fat mass (FM) expressed both in kilograms and as a percentage at 6 months (p < .05; Wilcoxon-test), with no such differences found at 12 months. We also observe a statistically significant increase in fat-free-mass (FFM), expressed in kilograms at 6 and 12 months (p < .05; Wilcoxon-test). CONCLUSION: Weight status improved and changes in body composition occurred in children after CFTRm therapy, including an increase of fat mass. Further studies are needed to confirm these changes in body composition and their impact on disease progression.

The effect of a nurse-led low carbohydrate regimen on anthropometric and laboratory parameters of patients with metabolic syndrome: a quasi-experimental study.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a global health concern. It is a condition that includes a cluster of various risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This quasi-experimental study investigates the effect of a nurse-led low-carbohydrate regimen on anthropometric and laboratory parameters in metabolic syndrome patients. Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental design conducted at the University of Mosul; 128 participants meeting the metabolic syndrome criteria were recruited and divided into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received personalized counseling and support in implementing a low-carb regime, while the control group received standard advice. The study participants were assessed by anthropometry, and laboratory parameters were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Statistical data analysis was conducted using IBM-SPSS 27, including chi-square, Fisher's exact test, t-tests, and the Mcnemar test, which were performed to compare the changes within and between groups. Results: The mean age of the participants in the intervention and control groups was 50.72 ± 6.43 years and 49.14 ± 6.89 years, respectively. Compared to the control group, the intervention group experienced a significant positive reduction in anthropometric measures and laboratory parameters, including weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipid profiles, and HbA1c. Conclusion: A tangible effect of nurse-led interventions based on low-carbohydrate regimens in managing metabolic syndrome was empirically authenticated. Positive changes were observed in the intervention group regarding anthropometric measures and laboratory parameters. However, future research may require a larger sample size and a longer follow-up to confirm these effects and evaluate long-term metabolic impacts.

Evaluation of Family-Based Interventions as a Therapeutic Tool in the Modulation of Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review.

Childhood obesity is a major public health burden. The prevalence of weight excess for children and the adolescent population (8 to 16 years) is 34.9%. During childhood, lifestyles are acquired, which are developed in adulthood. In this context, the role of parents is crucial, since they are the model to imitate. We aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the effects of family-based interventions as a tool in the treatment of childhood obesity. We reviewed studies indexed in several databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Original articles published from 1 January 2014 to 30 May 2024 with a controlled trial design were considered, in which family-based interventions were carried out compared to a control group or to data before the intervention. Although 148 records were identified in the search, 6 studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, studies reported beneficial effects of family-based interventions on improving anthropometric parameters: BMI z-score, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. Regarding nutritional and physical activity guidelines, general recommendations must consider increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, reducing sugary drinks, controlled screen time, and 30-60 min of physical activity/day. Thus, family-based interventions could be an effective non-pharmacological strategy for modulating childhood obesity, allowing families to modify their lifestyles.

Metformin Monotherapy With and Without Lifestyle Changes Affects Anthropometric Parameters, Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, and Lipid Profile in Indian Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a consequence of insulin resistance, insulin deficiency, or both. It is usually seen in adults and is a consequence of genetic (polygenic inheritance), endogenous (obesity and or hormonal factors), and environmental factors (e.g., obesogenic environment, endocrine disrupting chemicals, stress, and medicines). The prevalence of T2DM has increased over the past few decades. South Asians, including Indians, are more prone to central adiposity and develop lifestyle diseases like T2DM at body mass index values lower than those considered normal for the Western population. Generally, the first line of treatment is metformin monotherapy with lifestyle changes in patients with T2DM. Most of the research conducted on this drug is on Western subjects. Since the Indian population has genetic differences in the site of deposition of adipose and is more prone to develop lifestyle diseases, the effect of metformin may be different in Indians. METHODS: Seventy-one (34 female, non-pregnant, non-lactating) adults with newly diagnosed T2DM were recruited in this short-duration pilot study after obtaining written informed consent. Patients regularly taking any drug were excluded, as were patients with chronic comorbidities. Treatment was initiated with metformin 500 mg OD. Lifestyle changes were recommended according to the age and physical condition of the patients. Anthropometric parameters (age, weight, height, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)), blood pressure, glycemic status (fasting and 2 h PP glucose and HbA1c), and lipid profile of the subjects were recorded before initiating and six months after initiating metformin monotherapy with lifestyle changes. RESULTS: Small but statistically significant improvements were observed in the WHR,WHtR, blood pressure, blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin. Although improvement was also observed in weight and lipid profile, these changes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study shows that metformin monotherapy with lifestyle changes is suitable for patients of Indian origin and results in improvement in the WHR, WHtR, blood pressure, plasma glucose, and glycated hemoglobin.

Thermal Ablation for Small Renal Masses: Identifying Anthropometric Factors for Predicting Perioperative and Oncological Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To test for specific anthropometric parameters to predict perioperative outcomes after thermal ablation (TA) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective single center (2008-2022) analysis of 538 T1a-b RCC patients treated with TA. We tested for specific anthropometric parameters, namely skin to tumor distance (STTD), perirenal fat thickness (PFT), median psoas muscle axial area (PMAA) and median paravertebral muscle axial area (PVMAA), to predict TRIFECTA achievement: (1) absence of CLAVIEN-DINDO≥ 3 complications; (2) complete ablation; (3) absence of ≥ 30% decrease in eGFR. Univariable (ULRM) and multivariable logistic regression models (MLRM) were used for testing TRIFECTA achievement. RESULTS: Overall, 103 patients (19%) did not achieve TRIFECTA. Of all anthropometric factors, only lower PMAA was associated with no TRIFECTA achievement (10 vs. 11 cm2, P = .02). However, ULRMs and MLRMs did not confirmed the aforementioned association. We than tested for the 3 specific TRIFECTA items. In separate ULRM and MLRM predicting incomplete ablation, both continuously coded STTD (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.02; CI: 1.01-1.03; P = .02) and STTD strata (STTD > 10 cm; OR: 2.1; CI: 1.1-4.1; P = .03) achieved independent predictor status. Conversely, in separate ULRM and MLRM predicting CLAVIEN-DINDO ≥3 complications, both continuously coded PFT (OR: 1.04; CI: 1.01-1.07; P = .01) and PFT strata (PFT ≥ 14 mm; OR: 3.3; CI: 1.6-10.2; P = .003) achieved independent predictor status. Last, none of the anthropometric parameters were associated with eGFR decrease ≥ 30%. CONCLUSION: None of the tested anthropometric parameters predicted TRIFECTA achievement. However, when the 3 specific TRIFECTA items were tested, STTD and PFT were associated with, respectively, incomplete ablation and CLAVIEN-DINDO ≥ 3 complications.

Non-Cicatricial Alopecia and Its Association with Anthropometric Measurements and Nutritional Laboratory Markers.

Alopecia constitutes one of the most common dermatological disorders, and its steadily increasing prevalence is a cause for concern. Alopecia can be divided into two main categories, cicatricial/scarring and non-cicatricial/non-scarring, depending on the causes of hair loss and its patterns. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric and nutritional laboratory parameters in Caucasian adult women and men with non-cicatricial alopecia. A total of 50 patients (37 with non-cicatricial alopecia and 13 healthy controls) were included in the study. Clinical examination and scalp trichoscopy were performed. The anthropometric and nutritional laboratory parameters were collected and analyzed. No statistically significant differences in the laboratory findings were found. The patients with non-cicatricial alopecia were statistically significantly younger as compared to the controls. An elevated risk of hair loss, which was detected among the younger participants, might be associated with a modern lifestyle and the so-called 'Western diet'. It seems safe to assume that suboptimal nutrition and poor eating habits during childhood might constitute risk factors for early hair loss.

Associations between 47 anthropometric markers derived from a body scanner and relative fat-free mass in a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Low relative fat free mass (FFM) is associated with a greater risk of chronic diseases and mortality. Unfortunately, FFM is currently not being measured regularly to allow for individuals therapy. OBJECTIVE: One reason why FFM is not being used may be related to additional equipment and resources, thus we aimed to identify easily accessible anthropometric markers related with FFM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data of 1,593 individuals (784 women; 49.2%, age range 28-88 years) enrolled in the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND 1). Forty-seven anthropometric markers were derived from a 3D optical body-scanner. FFM was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (FFMBIA) or air displacement plethysmography (FFMADP). In sex-stratified linear regression models, FFM was regressed on anthropometric measurements adjusted for body height and age. Anthropometric markers were ranked according to the coefficient of determination (R2) derived from these regression models. RESULTS: Circumferences of high hip, belly, middle hip, waist and high waist showed the strongest inverse associations with FFM. These relations were stronger in females than in males. Associations of anthropometric markers with FFMAPD were greater compared to FFMBIA. CONCLUSION: Anthropometric measures were more strongly associated with FFMADP compared to FFMBIA. Anthropometric markers like circumferences of the high or middle hip, belly or waist may be appropriate surrogates for FFM to aid in individualized therapy. Given that the identified markers are representative of visceral adipose tissue, the connection between whole body strength as surrogate for FFM and fat mass should be explored in more detail.

How do Age at the Surgery and Birth Weight Influence Post-Operative Anthropometric Parameters in Infants with Surgical Closure of Large Ventricular Septal Defects? A Prospective Cohort Study from a Lower-Middle-Income Country.

Closure of the large ventricular septal defects (VSD) in infancy can lead to normalization of growth, but data are limited. Our study is done to assess the growth pattern in different age groups of children and lower birth weight babies after shunt closure. This is a prospective observational study that included infants with isolated large VSD operated in infancy. Anthropometric data were collected at baseline and at follow-up, and growth patterns were analyzed. 99 infants were included in the study. The mean age and weight at the time of surgery were 6.97 ± 2.79 months and 5.07 ± 1.16 kg, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 8.99 ± 2.31 months. The weight for age (W/A) was the most adversely affected parameter preoperatively, and there was significant improvement noted in the mean Z score for W/A after shunt closure (- 3.67 ± 1.18 vs. - 1.76 ± 1.14, p = 0.0012). There was improvement in Z-scores for length for age (L/A) and weight for length (W/L), although it was not statistically significant. The infants from all the age groups had statistically significant growth in the anthropometric parameters. The rate of weight gain was maximum in the infants operated below 8 months of age (2-4 months = 3588 g, 5-6 months = 3592 g, 7-8 months = 3606 g, 9-10 months = 2590 g, 11-12 months = 2250 g). Low birth weight and normal birth weight infants had similar Z-scores at the time of surgery and at follow-up in all 3 anthropometric parameters, and birth weight did not affect pre- as well as post-operative growth parameters. Suboptimal improvement in weight and length was seen in 40 and 20% of babies even after successful surgical repair, respectively. Growth failure in infants with a large VSD can be multifactorial. Early surgical closure of the shunt can lead to early normalization of growth parameters and faster catch-up growth. Few babies may fail to demonstrate a positive growth response even after timely surgical correction, and may be related to intrauterine and genetic factors or faulty feeding habits.

Blood Concentration of Macro- and Microelements in Women Who Are Overweight/Obesity and Their Associations with Serum Biochemistry.

Risk elements in blood matrices can affect human health status through associations with biomarkers at multiple levels. The aim of this study was to analyze 15 macro- and microelements in the blood serum of women with overweight (BMI of ≥25 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI of ≥30 kg/m2) and to examine possible associations with biochemical, liver enzymatic parameters, and markers of oxidative stress. Based on the power calculation, the study involved women (in the postmenopausal stage) with overweight (n = 26) and obesity (n = 22), aged between 50-65 years. Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure body composition parameters. Concentrations of elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and Hg was measured using cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. Individuals with obesity, as indicated by a higher BMI, percentage of body fat, and visceral fat area, had elevated serum levels of Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Sr, Pb, and Hg. Concentrations of Al, Cu, K, Sb, Zn, and Pb significantly affected biochemical and liver function markers in women with overweight or obesity. Elements such as Cu and Al were associated with increased total cholesterol. The correlation analysis between total antioxidant status and Cu, Al, and Ni confirmed associations in both groups. Our findings underscore the importance of addressing excess body weight and obesity in relation to risk elements. The results of the research could be beneficial in identifying potential targets for the treatment or prevention of comorbidities in people with obesity.

Administration of silymarin in NAFLD/NASH: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease with a high prevalence worldwide and poses serious harm to human health. There is growing evidence suggesting that the administration of specific supplements or nutrients may slow NAFLD progression. Silymarin is a hepatoprotective extract of milk thistle, but its efficacy in NAFLD remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, clinicaltrails.gov, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure and were screened according to the eligibility criteria. Data were analyzed using Revman 5.3. Continuous values and dichotomous values were pooled using the standard mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran's Q test (I2 statistic). A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 26 randomized controlled trials involving 2,375 patients were included in this study. Administration of silymarin significantly reduced the levels of TC (SMD[95%CI]=-0.85[-1.23, -0.47]), TG (SMD[95%CI]=-0.62[-1.14, -0.10]), LDL-C (SMD[95%CI]=-0.81[-1.31, -0.31]), FI (SMD[95%CI]=-0.59[-0.91, -0.28]) and HOMA-IR (SMD[95%CI]=-0.37[-0.77, 0.04]), and increased the level of HDL-C (SMD[95%CI]=0.46[0.03, 0.89]). In addition, silymarin attenuated liver injury as indicated by the decreased levels of ALT (SMD[95%CI]=-12.39[-19.69, -5.08]) and AST (SMD[95% CI]=-10.97[-15.51, -6.43]). The levels of fatty liver index (SMD[95%CI]=-6.64[-10.59, -2.69]) and fatty liver score (SMD[95%CI]=-0.51[-0.69, -0.33]) were also decreased. Liver histology of the intervention group revealed significantly improved hepatic steatosis (OR[95%CI]=3.25[1.80, 5.87]). CONCLUSIONS: Silymarin can regulate energy metabolism, attenuate liver damage, and improve liver histology in NAFLD patients. However, the effects of silymarin will need to be confirmed by further research.

Body surface scan anthropometrics are associated with grip strength in the general population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Body shape and anthropometrics are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality. Hand-grip strength (HGS) is also a meaningful marker of health and a promising predictor of CVD and mortality. There is a lack of studies that have systematically investigated associations between body shape and anthropometrics with HGS. In a population-based study, we investigated if anthropometric markers derived from 3D body scanning are related to HGS. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used the data of 1,599 individuals aged 36 to 93 years, who participated in the Study of Health in Pomerania. A total of 87 anthropometric markers, determined by a 3D body scanner, were included in the analysis. Anthropometric measurements were standardized and used as exposure variables. HGS was measured with a hand dynamometer and used as outcome. Sex-stratified linear regression models adjusted for age and height were used to relate standardized anthropometrics and HGS. Anthropometric markers were ranked according to -log-p-values. In men, left and right forearm circumference, left arm length to neck (C7), left forearm length, and forearm-fingertip length were most strongly related to HGS. In women, right forearm circumference, forearm-fingertip length, shoulder breadth, left forearm circumference, and right wrist circumference showed the most significant associations with HGS. The final prediction models contained 13 anthropometric markers in males (R2=0.54) and eight anthropometric markers in females (R2=0.37). CONCLUSIONS: The identified parameters may help estimate HGS in the clinical setting. However, studies in clinical settings are essential to validating our findings.

Pancreatic stiffness and anthropometric parameters in healthy volunteers.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to define the values of percutaneous ultrasound shear-wave and strain elastography of the pancreas in healthy volunteers. METHODS: This is a single-center prospective study conducted on volunteers who underwent examination of percutaneous point shear­wave elastography and strain elastography. Both the shear-wave speed (Vs) and strain histogram were measured 3 times and median values were evaluated. Relevant recorded clinical data were age, sex, and height. RESULTS:  From May 2020 to October 2021 a total of 90 patients (21 male, 69 female) were included in the study. Their average age was 26 years (from 22 to 65). The average SWM in kPa was 6.07 (2.58-17.29). The average value of SE was 134.44 (78.51-184.35). Most of the patients had BMI in the range of normal weight with an average value of 22.75 (17.5-28). The average depth of the localization of the pancreas was 4.5 cm. The effect of BMI on the strain histogram was significant (p < 0.05). We found a significant relationship between the strain histogram and the depth of localization of the pancreas (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION:  We described normal values for pancreatic stiffness using ultrasound elastography by 2D-SWE and strain elastography. Our results indicate changes in values depending on BMI and depth of the pancreas. (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 19).

Antiobesity and Hypolipidemic Potential of Nitraria retusa Extract in Overweight/Obese Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Nitraria retusa extract (NRE) in reducing weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat composition (BF), and anthropometric parameters among overweight/obese women, comparing the results with those of a placebo group. Overweight/obese individuals participated in a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Body weight, BMI, body composition, and anthropometric parameters were assessed. Additionally, lipid profile and safety evaluation parameters were evaluated. Compared to the placebo group, the NRE group exhibited a mean weight loss difference of 2.27 kg (p < 0.001) at the trial's conclusion. Interestingly, the most significant weight reduction, amounting to 3.34 kg ± 0.93, was observed in younger participants with a BMI > 30.0. Similarly, BMI and BF% significantly decreased in the NRE group, contrary to the placebo group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.005, respectively). The percentage of body water (BW) (p = 0.006) as well as the ratio of LBM/BF (p = 0.039) showed a significant increase after the NRE intervention compared to the placebo. After age adjustment, all variables, except LBM/BF, retained statistical significance. Additionally, all anthropometric parameters were significantly reduced only in the NRE group. Most importantly, a significant reduction in Triglyceride (TG) levels in the NRE group was revealed, in contrast to the placebo group (p = 0.011), and the significance was still observed after age adjustment (p = 0.016). No side effects or adverse changes in kidney and liver function tests were observed in both groups. In conclusion, NRE demonstrated potent antiobesity effects, suggesting that NRE supplementation may represent an effective alternative for treating obesity compared to antiobesity synthetic drugs.

The effect of coconut oil and palm oil on anthropometric parameters: a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: During recent years several studies have investigated the impact of different dietary oils on body weight. They have shown differential positive and negative effects on anthropometry. We investigated the effects of palm and coconut oils on body weight and other anthropometric parameters, considering their importance as a primary source of saturated fat, controlling for other confounding variable such as total energy intake. METHODS: The study was conducted as a sequential feeding clinical trial with 40 healthy men and women divided into two feeding periods of initial palm oil (8 weeks) and subsequent coconut oil (8 weeks), with a 16-week washout period in between. Each participant received a pre-determined volume of each oil, which were integrated into their routine main meals and snacks during the respective study periods. Changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were evaluated. Physical activity levels and dietary intake were also evaluated as potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Thirty-seven participants completed both oil treatment periods. The mean (± SD) age of the participants was 39 (± 13.1) years. There were no significant differences in any of the anthropometric parameters between the initial point of feeding coconut oil and the initial point of feeding palm oil. Following both oil treatment phases, no significant changes in the subjects' body weight, BMI, or other anthropometric measurements (WC, HC, and WHR) were observed. CONCLUSION: Neither coconut oil nor palm oil significantly changed anthropometry-related cardiovascular risk factors such as body weight, BMI, WC, HC, and WHR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Sri Lankan Clinical Trial Registry: SLCTR/2019/034 on 4th October 2019 ( https://slctr.lk/trials/slctr-2019-034 ).

Genetic polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme, actinin 3 and paraoxonase 1 genes in women with diabetes and hypertension

ABSTRACT Objective: To study associations between polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE I/D), actinin 3 (ACTN3 R577X) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1 T(-107)C) genes and chronic diseases (diabetes and hypertension) in women. Materials and methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples of 78 women between 18 and 59 years old used for genetic polymorphism screening. Biochemical data were collected from the medical records in Basic Health Units from Southern Brazil. Questionnaires about food consumption, physical activity level and socioeconomic status were applied. Results: The XX genotype of ACTN3 was associated with low HDL levels and high triglycerides, total cholesterol and glucose levels. Additionally, high triglycerides and LDL levels were observed in carriers of the TT genotype of PON1, and lower total cholesterol levels were associated to the CC genotype. As expected, women with diabetes/hypertense had increased body weight, BMI (p = 0.02), waist circumference (p = 0.01), body fat percentage, blood pressure (p = 0.02), cholesterol, triglycerides (p = 0.02), and blood glucose (p = 0.01), when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Both ACTN3 R577X and PON1 T(-107)C polymorphisms are associated with nutritional status and blood glucose and lipid levels in women with diabetes/hypertense. These results contribute to genetic knowledge about predisposition to obesity-related diseases.