Association between Weight Change during Treatment and Treatment Outcome in Patients with Smear Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is known as a disease of poverty and declared as a global public health emergency by World Health Organization (WHO). Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common type of TB and is a wasting disease. It is expected that the patients who lost weight during the course of disease, will gain weight during successful treatment. So the aim of this study was to assess the body weight changes through the treatment and its possible association with treatment outcome in TB patients in Nishapur, an ancient city in Razavi Khorasan province in Iran. This is an observational analytical study. Patients were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and available information. Treatment Protocol for all patients was Directly Observed Treatment, short Course Strategy (at least 6 months). All patients were weighed at the beginning of treatment, after two months and at the end of treatment. Outcome of treatment was classified into: cured, completed treatment, treatment failure and death. Then the impact of weight changes during treatment was compared in subgroups. From 874 patients, 819 patients (93.9%) were new cases, 48 (5.3%) relapse, 5 patients (0.6%) patients who did not complete their treatment and 2 (0.2%) had failed prior therapy. The most common symptoms in all patients were: cough, sputum, weight loss, fever, sweats, and hemoptysis. 8.1% of patients had radiologic signs and the most common signs were cavity (2.9%). The weight change during treatment was 2.91 ± 5.59 kg in cured group, 3.3 ± 3.29 kg in completed treatment group, 2.95 ± 5.59 kg in treatment failure group and 1.02 ± 3.27 in dead group respectively. These differences were statistically significant between the four groups (p < 0.03). We can conclude that body weight change can be used as a predictor for the treatment outcome.

Retrospective self-reported weight changes during childhood and adolescence are not good predictors of metabolic syndrome risk factors in Mexican young adults

The purpose of the study was to examine whether retrospective self-reported weight changes during childhood and adolescence were associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors in Mexican young adults. Mexican college applicants to the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Mexico, 18 to 25 years old (n = 4187) who had applied for the 2009 academic year were included in the study. Participants underwent a health screening—anthropometrics and blood drawn—and completed a questionnaire. Five major weight change categories were defined based on self-reported weight during childhood and adolescence: consistently normal, consistently underweight, consistently overweight/ obese, weight gain, and weight loss. Most participants self-reported being normal weight during childhood (58.7%) and adolescence (58.3%). Only a small proportion reported being overweight or obese during childhood (10.1%) or adolescence (15.9%). Weight change patterns during childhood and adolescence were marked by overall stability: 40.1% of participants were consistently normal, 15.6% underweight and 3.6% overweight/obese. Among those whose weight changed, 25.0% gained weight and 15.7% lost weight. In regression analyses, weight change categories based on self-reported weight statuses during childhood and adolescence were not associated with current metabolic syndrome risk factors after controlling for measured current BMI. Studies addressing the association between weight gains in early life with metabolic syndrome outcomes in early adulthood should not rely on recalled weight status during early life alone.

Carcinoma of the stomach: A review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, molecular genetics and chemoprevention

Carcinoma of the stomach is still the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide, although the incidence and mortality have fallen dramatically over the last 50 years in many regions. The incidence of gastric cancer varies in different parts of the world and among various ethnic groups. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the 5-year survival rate of stomach cancer is only 20 per cent. Stomach cancer can be classified into intestinal and diffuse types based on epidemiological and clinicopathological features. The etiology of gastric cancer is multifactorial and includes both dietary and nondietary factors. The major diet-related risk factors implicated in stomach cancer development include high content of nitrates and high salt intake. Accumulating evidence has implicated the role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. The development of gastric cancer is a complex, multistep process involving multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, cell cycle regulators, and signaling molecules. A plausible program for gastric cancer prevention involves intake of a balanced diet containing fruits and vegetables, improved sanitationand hygiene, screening and treatment of H. pylori infection, and follow-up of precancerous lesions. The fact that diet plays an important role in the etiology of gastric cancer offers scope for nutritional chemoprevention. Animal models have been extensively used to analyze the stepwise evolution of gastric carcinogenesis and to test dietary chemopreventive agents. Development of multitargeted preventive and therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer is a major challenge for the future.

Weight change and all-cause and cause-specific mortality:A 25-year follow-up study

Background:Whether the dynamic weight change is an independent risk factor for mortality remains controversial.This study aimed to examine the association between weight change and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality based on the Linxian Nutrition Intervention Trial(NIT)cohort.Methods:Body weight of 21,028 healthy residents of Linxian,Henan province,aged 40-69 years was measured two times from 1986 to 1991.Outcome events were prospectively collected up to 2016.Weight maintenance group(weight change<2 kg)or stable normal weight group was treated as the reference.Cox proportional hazard model was performed to calculate hazard ratios(HRs)and 95%confidence intervals(95%CIs)to estimate the risk of mortality.Results:A total of 21,028 subjects were included in the final analysis.Compared with the weight maintenance group,subjects with weight loss≥2 kg had an increased risk of death from all-cause(HR_(All-cause)=1.14,95%CI:1.09-1.19,P<0.001),cancer(HR_(Cancer)=1.12,95%CI:1.03-1.21,P=0.009),and heart disease(HR_(Heart diseases)=1.21,95%CI:1.11-1.31,P<0.001),whereas subjects with weight gain≥5 kg had 11%(HR_(Cancer)=0.89,95%CI:0.79-0.99,P=0.033)lower risk of cancer mortality and 23%higher risk of stroke mortality(HR_(Stroke)=1.23,95%CI:1.12-1.34,P<0.001).For the change of weight status,both going from overweight to normal weight and becoming underweight within 5 years could increase the risk of total death(HR_(Overweight to normal)=1.18,95%CI:1.09-1.27;HR_(Becoming underweight)=1.35,95%CI:1.25-1.46)and cancer death(HR_(Overweight to normal)=1.20,95%CI:1.04-1.39;HR_(Becoming underweight)=1.44,95%CI:1.24-1.67),while stable overweight could increase the risk of total death(HR_(Stable overweight)=1.11,95%CI:1.05-1.17)and death from stroke(HR_(Stable overweight)=1.44,95%CI:1.33-1.56).Interaction effects were observed between age and weight change on cancer mortality,as well as between baseline BMI and weight change on all-cause,heart disease,and stroke mortality(all P_(interaction)<0.01).Conclusions:Weight loss was associated with an increased risk of all-cause,cancer,and heart disease mortality,whereas excessive weight gain and stable overweight were associated with a higher risk of stroke mortality.Efforts of weight management should be taken to improve health status.Trial registration:https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/,NCT00342654.

The Mediating Effect of Body Dissatisfaction in Association between Obesity and Dietary Behavior Changes for Weight Loss in Chinese Children

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the mediating effect of body dissatisfaction in correlation between obesity and dietary behavior changes for weight loss(DBCWL).Methods A total of 680 primary and middle school students were included in this study. Their body height, weight, and waistline were effectively measured, and they were also evaluated to assess their body dissatisfaction, perception of dietary behaviors, and DBCWL. The correlation among these factors was analyzed using mediating effect models.Results The prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity was significantly higher in males than in females(P < 0.05). Overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and body dissatisfaction significantly increased the risk for DBCWL(OR = 2.57, 2.77, and 1.95, respectively). Overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity significantly increased the risk for body dissatisfaction(OR = 6.00 and 4.70,respectively). Significant mediating effects of body dissatisfaction were observed in correlation between overweight/obesity and DBCWL and between abdominal obesity and DBCWL(OR = 2.20 and 1.92,respectively;P < 0.05), and the proportions of mediating effects among the total effects were 48.89% and 46.60%, respectively.Conclusion Body dissatisfaction might play an important mediating effect in association between DBCWL and obesity, which indicates that guiding children to correctly recognize their body might be more conducive than promoting obese children toward weight loss through dietary behavior changes.

A Note on Change Point Detection Using Weighted Least Square

This paper is concerned with the application of weighted least square method in change point analysis. Testing shift in the mean normal observations with time varying variances as well as of a GARCH time series are considered. For both cases, the weighted estimators are given and their asymptotic behaviors are studied. It is also described that how the resampling methods like Monte Carlo and bootstrap may be applied to compute the finite sample behavior of estimators.

Closed circle DNA algorithm of change positive-weighted Hamilton circuit problem

Chain length of closed circle DNA is equal. The same closed circle DNA＇s position corresponds to different recognition sequence, and the same recognition sequence corresponds to different foreign DNA segment, so closed circle DNA computing model is generalized. For change positive-weighted Hamilton circuit problem, closed circle DNA algorithm is put forward. First, three groups of DNA encoding are encoded for all arcs, and deck groups are designed for all vertices. All possible solutions are composed. Then, the feasible solutions are filtered out by using group detect experiment, and the optimization solutions are obtained by using group insert experiment and electrophoresis experiment. Finally, all optimization solutions are found by using detect experiment. Complexity of algorithm is concluded and validity of DNA algorithm is explained by an example. Three dominances of the closed circle DNA algorithm are analyzed, and characteristics and dominances of group delete experiment are discussed.

Uphill or downhill?Cropland use change and its drivers from the perspective of slope spectrum

The continuous decrease of low-slope cropland resources caused by construction land crowding poses huge threat to regional sustainable development and food security.Slope spectrum analysis of topographic and geomorphic features is considered as a digital terrain analysis method which reflects the macro-topographic features by using micro-topographic factors.However,pieces of studies have extended the concept of slope spectrum in the field of geoscience to construction land to explore its expansion law,while research on the slope trend of cropland from that perspective remains rare.To address the gap,in virtue of spatial analysis and geographically weighted regression(GWR)model,the cropland use change in the Yangtze River Basin(YRB)from 2000 to 2020 was analyzed and the driving factors were explored from the perspective of slope spectrum.Results showed that the slope spectrum curves of cropland area-frequency in the YRB showed a first upward then a downward trend.The change curve of the slope spectrum of cropland in each province(municipality)exhibited various distribution patterns.Quantitative analysis of morphological parameters of cropland slope spectrum revealed that the further down the YRB,the stronger the flattening characteristics,the more obvious the concentration.The province experienced the greatest downhill cropland climbing(CLC)was Shannxi,while province experienced the highest uphill CLC was Zhejiang.The most common cropland use change type in the YRB was horizontal expansion type.The factors affecting average cropland climbing index(ACCI)were quite stable in different periods,while population density(POP)changed from negative to positive during the study period.This research is of practical significance for the rational utilization of cropland at the watershed scale.

Impact of Delivery Mode on Morbidity in Preterm Infants with Very Low Birth Weights (<1500 Grams)

The mode of delivery and gestational age for very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants are not yet well established and are constant topics of debate. Objective: To analyze the impact of delivery mode on morbidity in preterm infants weighing less than 1500 g. Results: Among 21,957 births, 81 were analyzed;53 were delivered vaginally, and 28 were delivered by cesarean section. The median maternal age, gestational age and body mass index among those delivered vaginally and by cesarean section were 20 years and 22.5 years, 27.6 weeks and 30.1 weeks, and 26.0 kg/m2 and 27.8 kg/m2, respectively. With respect to neonatal blood gas parameters, for those born vaginally and by cesarean section, the median pH was 7.32 and 7.24, the pCO2 was 41.5 mmHg and 51.1 mmHg, and the pO2 was 22.3 mmHg and 16 mmHg. The median fetal weight among those born by cesarean section and vaginally were 1180 g and 955 g, respectively. The median Apgar scores at the first and fifth minutes among those born by cesarean section and vaginally were 5.00 and 8.00 and 4.50 and 7.00, respectively. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the results of vaginal and cesarean delivery for VLBW infants. Thus, further studies on this subject are needed.

Available parking space occupancy change characteristics and short-term forecasting model

Based on an available parking space occupancy （APSO） survey conducted in Nanjing, China, an APSO forecasting model is proposed. The APSO survey results indicate that the time series of APSO with different time-sections are periodical and self-similar, and the fluctuation of the APSO increases with the decrease in time-sections. Taking the short-time change behavior into account, an APSO forecasting model combined wavelet analysis and a weighted Markov chain is presented. In this model, an original APSO time series is first decomposed by wavelet analysis, and the results include low frequency signals representing the basic trends of APSO and several high frequency signals representing disturbances of the APSO. Then different Markov models are used to forecast the changes of low and high frequency signals, respectively. Finally, integrating the predicted results induces the final forecasted APSO. A case study verifies the applicability of the proposed model. The comparisons between measured and forecasted results show that the model is a competent model and its accuracy relies on real-time update of the APSO database.

The landscape epidemiology of echinococcoses

Echinococcoses are parasitic diseases of major public health importance globally.Human infection results in chronic disease with poor prognosis and serious medical,social and economic consequences for vulnerable populations.According to recent estimates,the geographical distribution of Echinococcus spp.infections is expanding and becoming an emerging and re-emerging problem in several regions of the world.Echinococcosis endemicity is geographically heterogeneous and over time it may be affected by global environmental change.Therefore,landscape epidemiology offers a unique opportunity to quantify and predict the ecological risk of infection at multiple spatial and temporal scales.Here,we review the most relevant environmental sources of spatial variation in human echinococcosis risk,and describe the potential applications of landscape epidemiological studies to characterise the current patterns of parasite transmission across natural and human-altered landscapes.We advocate future work promoting the use of this approach as a support tool for decision-making that facilitates the design,implementation and monitoring of spatially targeted interventions to reduce the burden of human echinococcoses in disease-endemic areas.

Prognostic value of preoperative weight loss-adjusted body mass index on survival after esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND The impact of body mass index(BMI)on survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)undergoing surgery remains unclear.Therefore,a definition of clinically significant BMI in patients with ESCC is needed.AIM To explore the impact of preoperative weight loss(PWL)-adjusted BMI on overall survival(OS)in patients undergoing surgery for ESCC.METHODS This retrospective study consisted of 1545 patients who underwent curative resection for ESCC at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between August 2005 and December 2011.The relationship between PWL-adjusted BMI and OS was examined,and a multivariate analysis was performed and adjusted for age,sex,TNM stage and adjuvant therapy.RESULTS Trends of poor survival were observed for patients with increasing PWL and decreasing BMI.Patients with BMI≥20.0 kg/m2 and PWL<8.8%were classified into Group 1 with the longest median OS(45.3 mo).Patients with BMI<20.0 kg/m2 and PWL<8.8%were classified into Group 2 with a median OS of 29.5 mo.Patients with BMI≥20.0 kg/m2 and PWL≥8.8%(HR=1.9,95%CI:1.5-2.5),were combined into Group 3 with a median OS of 20.1 mo.Patients in the three groups were associated with significantly different OS(P<0.05).In multivariate analysis,PWL-adjusted BMI,TNM stage and adjuvant therapy were identified as independent prognostic factors.CONCLUSION PWL-adjusted BMI has an independent prognostic impact on OS in patients with ESCC undergoing surgery.BMI might be an indicator for patients with PWL<8.8%rather than≥8.8%.

Diffusion kurtosis imaging of microstructural changes in brain tissue affected by acute ischemic stroke in different locations

The location of an acute ischemic stroke is associated with its prognosis. The widely used Gaussian model-based parameter, apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), cannot reveal microstructural changes in different locations or the degree of infarction. This prospective observational study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Xiamen Second Hospital, China(approval No. 2014002).Diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI) was used to detect 199 lesions in 156 patients with acute ischemic stroke(61 males and 95 females), mean age 63.15 ± 12.34 years. A total of 199 lesions were located in the periventricular white matter(n = 52), corpus callosum(n = 14), cerebellum(n = 29), basal ganglia and thalamus(n = 21), brainstem(n = 21) and gray-white matter junctions(n = 62). Percentage changes of apparent diffusion coefficient(ΔADC) and DKI-derived indices(fractional anisotropy [ΔFA], mean diffusivity [ΔMD], axial diffusivity [ΔD_a], radial diffusivity ΔDr, mean kurtosis [ΔMK], axial kurtosis [ΔK_a], and radial kurtosis [ΔK_r]) of each lesion were computed relative to the normal contralateral region. The results showed that(1) there was no significant difference in ΔADC, ΔMD, ΔD_a or ΔD_r among almost all locations.(2) There was significant difference in ΔMK among almost all locations(except basal ganglia and thalamus vs. brain stem; basal ganglia and thalamus vs. gray-white matter junctions; and brainstem vs. gray-white matter junctions.(3) The degree of change in diffusional kurtosis in descending order was as follows: corpus callosum > periventricular white matter > brainstem > gray-white matter junctions > basal ganglia and thalamus > cerebellum. In conclusion, DKI could reveal the differences in microstructure changes among various locations affected by acute ischemic stroke, and performed better than diffusivity among all groups.

Gravity change observed in a local gravity network and its implication to seasonal precipitation in Dali county, Yunnan province, China

This study investigates data-processing methods and examines the precipitation effect on gravity measurements at the Dali gravity network, established in 2005. High-quality gravity data were collected during four measurement campaigns. To use the gravity data validly, some geophysical corrections must be considered carefully. We first discuss data-processing methods using weighted least- squares adjustment with the constraint of the absolute gravity datum. Results indicate that the gravity precision can be improved if all absolute gravity data are used as constraints and if calibration functions of relative gravi- meters are modeled within the observation function. Using this data-processing scheme, the mean point gravity pre- cision is better than 12 μgal. After determining the best data-processing scheme, we then process the gravity data obtained in the four measurement campaigns, and obtain gravity changes in three time periods. Results show that the gravity has a remarkable change of more than 50 pgal in the first time period from Apr-May of 2005 to Aug-Sept of 2007. To interpret the large gravity change, a mean water mass change （0.6 m in height） is assumed in the ETOPO1 topographic model. Calculations of the precipitation effect on gravity show that it can reach the same order of the observed gravity change. It is regarded as a main source of the remarkable gravity change in the Dali gravity network, suggesting that the precipitation effect on gravity mea- surements must be considered carefully.

Epidemiology and outcome of individuals with intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct

BACKGROUND Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB)is a rare distinct subtype of precursor lesions of biliary carcinoma.IPNB is considered to originate from luminal biliary epithelial cells,typically displays mucin-hypersecretion or a papillary growth pattern,and results in cystic dilatation[1].IPNB develops anywhere in the intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tracts,and can occur in various pathological stages from low-grade dysplasia to invasive carcinoma.IPNBs have similar phenotypic changes in the occurrence and development of all subtypes,and the prognosis is significantly better than that of traditional(nonpapillary)cholangiocarcinoma.AIM To evaluate the clinicopathological features of IPNB to provide evidence-based guidance for treatment.METHODS Invasive IPNB,invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas(IPMN),and traditional cholangiocarcinoma data for affected individuals from 1975 to 2016 were obtained from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)database.Annual percentage changes(APCs)in the incidence and incidence-based(IB)mortality were calculated.We identified the independent predictors of overall survival(OS)and cancer-specific survival(CSS)in indivi duals with invasive IPNB.RESULTS The incidence and IB mortality of invasive IPNB showed sustained decreases,with an APC of-4.5%(95%CI:-5.1%to-3.8%)and-3.3%(95%CI:-4.1%to-2.6%)(P<0.001),respectively.Similar decreases in incidence and IB mortality were seen for invasive IPMN but not for traditional cholangiocarcinoma.Both OS and CSS for invasive IPNB were better than for invasive IPMN and traditional cholangiocarcinoma.A total of 1635 individuals with invasive IPNB were included in our prognosis analysis.The most common tumor sites were the pancreaticobiliary ampulla(47.9%)and perihilar tract(36.7%),but the mucin-related subtype of invasive IPNB was the main type,intrahepatically(approximately 90%).In the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis,age,tumor site,grade and stage,subtype,surgery,and chemotherapy were associated with OS and CSS(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Incidence and IB mortality of invasive IPNB trended steadily downward.The heterogeneity of IPNB comprises site and the tumor’s mucin-producing status.

Projecting Spatial Patterns of Flood Hazard: Recent Climate and Future Changes over Yangtze River Basin

Projection of hazard changes in climate extremes is critical to assessing the potential impacts of climate change on human and natural systems. Using simulations of providing regional climates for impacts studies, five indicators (rainstorm days, maximum 3-day precipitation, elevation, gradient and distance from river or lake) were selected to project the spatial patterns of flood hazard over Yangtze River Basin for the baseline period (1961– 1990) and future (2011–2100) under SRES B2 scenario. The results showed the mean annual rainstorm days over the basin by the near-term, mid-term and long-term would increase from 3.9 days to 4.7, 4.9 and 5.1 days, and the mean annual maximum 3-day precipitation from 122 mm to 143, 146 and 149 mm, respectively. The flood hazard of the basin would become more severe, especially in the middle and lower reaches. Flood hazard grade 5 by the nearterm, mid-term and long-term would extend from 10.99% to 25.46, 28.14 and 29.75%, respectively.

Passive Smoking and Other Principal Risk Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight

Background: Neonatal morbidity and mortality is one of the most public health problems in the world. A lot of neonatal deaths occur in foetus with low birth weight (LBW). Several risk factors of LBW have been described in the literature such as maternal age, chronic and gestational hypertension infection and anémia. Smoking is one of the most important preventable risk factor of LBW in developed and developing countries. Aims: In this study, we evaluated the incidence and the impact of passive smoking and some other principle risk factors of LBW. Material & Methods: This case control study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of Marrakesh university hospital in Morocco. During a period of 3 years, all LBW babies were included in the study. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software. The association between LBW and each variable was studied by the chi square test comparing cases and controls groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed after including all variables found to have significant differences on univariate analysis. Results: 288 cases of LBW have been identified representing 2.19% of all births. The study of the categories showed that 84.3% of babies were moderate LBW (1500 - 2500 g), including 49 babies from twin pregnancies. 15.7% were very LBW (<1500 g). Several risk factors have been identified in LBW. Passive smoking was significantly associated with LBW [(OR 1.77;CI: 1.22 - 2.25)]. Conclusion: A number of risk factors are related to low birth weight, which is one of the main predictors of infant mortality. This study shows that passive smoking is one of those risk factors and it is a preventable one.

Hot-Drawing of Ultrahigh-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Gel Films

The three stages in the hot-drawing process of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene gel films can be detected by x-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, birefringence and scanning electron microscopy. In the first stage of the drawing process, the lamellae in the gel films rotate and/or slip with the b-axis preferentially perpendicular to the drawing direction. With increased drawing, the c-axis of the lamellae become parallel to the stretching direction while unfolding of the chain begins, and the chains of the amorphous phase also orient along the drawing direction in the strain-chain domain. When the draw ratio is large enough, the lamellar structure is transformed into a fibrillar structure in a two-dimensional fashion.

Water Quality Index Assessment under Climate Change

Surface water quality may change in the future due to climatic variability as natural processes will most likely be modified by anthropogenic activities. As such, stream temperature is very likely to change as well which will impact on surface water quality and aquatic ecosystem dynamics. The present study focused on improving modelling of surface water quality indices and water quality parameters under various climate change scenarios in relationship with stream temperature. Future climate data were extracted from the Canadian Coupled General Climate Model (CGCM 3.1/ T63) under the greenhouse emission scenarios B1 and A2, as defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This study illustrates the usefulness of the stream temperature models, coupled with Climate Change Scenarios to predict the evolution of future stream water temperature regimes and associated biogeochemical water quality parameters pertaining to drinking water quality. The specific objectives of the present study were to analyze the surface water quality of 15 rivers in New Brunswick (Canada) on the basis of 9 parameters under climate change. A Weighed Method and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Method were used to assess the water quality for each river under present and future climate. The knowledge gained from this study will enable engineers and water resources managers to better understand river thermal regimes and climate change impact on water quality related to Drinking Surface Water.

Attitudes towards, and methods of, maintaining or losing body weight among adults

To investigate motivators and strategies of adult weight loss or management, 1805 adults aged 18 - 65 were asked by computer assisted telephone interviews about their weight management behavior during the previous four weeks. High levels of importance to reduce risks associated with chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes were observed, although were indistinguishable between people attempting or not attempting to lose or maintain weight. Results showed that BMI was the strongest predictor of attempting to manage weight irrespective of age and, compared with males, females were more likely to attempt weight management at a lower BMI. Among the weight management group, the most popular weight management strategy was to choose healthier food options (77% and 70% for females and males respectively). With the weight management group also more likely to be monitoring the amount of food they consume, limiting portions sizes and tracking their physical activity participation compared with people not managing their weight. The current study showed that the likelihood of weight management within four weeks prior to the survey peaked for both sexes when BMI reached obese levels, (BMI = 30 - 39.9), suggesting that among people categorised as obese most were attempting to manage their weight. The results also suggest that at least some adults were not attempting to maintain their weight in the four weeks prior to the survey, irrespective of their BMI status. The implications of these findings suggest more effective approaches to weight loss and maintenance could focus on strategies that directly address the benefits and motivations of weight loss and weight maintenance, rather than focusing on conveying the risks of being overweight and the importance of avoiding chronic disease.