Longitudinal changes in body weight of breastfeeding mothers in the first year after delivery and its relationship with human milk composition:a combined longitudinal and cross-sectional cohort study

Objective:Postpartum weight retention(PPWR)is a common problem among women after childbirth.The main objectives of this study are to understand the changes in body weight of breastfeeding mothers during long-term follow-up and preliminarily explore the relationship between maternal body weight and human milk composition,including macronutrients,leptin,and adiponectin.Methods:The study included a longitudinal cohort(122 mothers),and a cross-sectional cohort(37 mothers).The human milk,maternal weight,and dietary surveys were collected in the longitudinal cohort at different follow-up time points(1-14 days postpartum,2-4 months postpartum,5-7 months postpartum,and 12-17 months postpartum).The maternal body weight was analyzed using the responses in the survey questionnaires.A milk analyzer based on the mid-infrared spectroscopy(MIRS)was used to determine milk composition,and nutrition analysis software evaluated dietary intakes.In the cross-sectional cohort,participating mothers were asked to provide blood and human milk samples and pertinent information related to maternal body composition.Maternal body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis(BIA),while ELISA analyzed leptin and adiponectin in milk and serum.Results:At 5-7 months postpartum,the PPWR of breastfeeding mothers was(2.46±3.59)kg.At 12-17 months postpartum,the PPWR was(0.98±4.06)kg.PPWR was found to be negatively correlated with milk fat content within 14 days postpartum and positively correlated at 2-4 months postpartum.In addition,the maternal weight and body muscle mass were positively correlated with leptin and adiponectin in milk.Plasma leptin was positively correlated with the mother’s body weight,body mass index(BMI),FAT percentage,and body fat mass,while plasma adiponectin did not correlate with any parameter.The results also indicate that the PPWR did not correlate with leptin and adiponectin in plasma or milk.Conclusions:Breastfeeding mothers may retain considerable weight gain one year after delivery.Human milk composition may be related to changes in maternal body weight.Leptin and adiponectin in breast milk and leptin in plasma are associated with the maternal body composition.This study supports the notion that maternal nutritional status may affect offspring health through lactation,and future research should focus on exploring weight management of postpartum mothers.

Low Birth Weight in Cameroon: Research and Analysis of Factors Associated with Their Occurrence in Douala Maternity Wards

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a birth weight strictly below 2500 g, whatever the term of pregnancy. It constitutes a major public health problem, both in developed and developing countries, due to its magnitude and its strong association with infant morbidity and mortality. Main objective was to study the factors associated with the occurrence of small-for-gestational-age newborns in Douala. Methodology: We carried out a cross-sectional analytical study with prospective data collection using a technical pretested sheet in the maternity wards of the Douala General Hospital, the Laquintinie Hospital, and the District hospitals of Deido, Nylon and Bonassama over a period of 4 months (January to April 2020). We were interested in any newborn, born alive, vaginally or by cesarean section, of low weight, seen in the first 24 hours from a full-term single-fetal pregnancy whose mother had given her consent. Our sampling was consecutive and non-exhaustive. We excluded newborns whose term was unclear and those with congenital malformations or signs of embryo-foetopathy. Data collection was done using survey sheets. Statistical analyzes were carried out with CS Pro 7.3 and SPSS version 25.0 software. The Student, Chi-square and Fischer tests were used to compare the means of the variables, the percentages with a significance threshold P value Results: During the study period, 305 full-term newborns were included, divided into 172 boys and 133 girls. The percentage of small-for-gestational-age newborns was 9.8%;after multivariate analysis by logistic regression to eliminate confounding factors, we found maternal factors associated with small for gestational age newborns;maternal age less than 20 years, primiparity, gestational age (37 - 38), a delay in prenatal visits greater than 14 weeks, anemia in pregnancy, positive toxoplasmosis serology in pregnancy, a body mass index of Conclusion: Our study revealed the potential determinants of low birth weight at term in the Cameroonian urban context and specifically in Douala.

Acceptability of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) by Mothers with Low-Birth-Weight Babies at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital, in Ndola, Zambia

Background: Kangaroo Mother Care is a simple safe method used to care for low-birth-weight babies. Low-birth-weight is a global public health issue that pose significant challenge to perinatal care systems. Globally, complications due to low-birth-weight are the leading cause of neonatal mortality, resulting in an estimated 1 million deaths annually. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a low-cost method of care for low-birth-weight infants in areas with inadequate incubators and power outages with positive outcomes. Objectives: To assess factors influencing acceptability of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in NICU at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital in Ndola, Zambia. Methodology: A cross sectional quantitative analytical study design was used. The study was conducted at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital (ADCH) in Ndola, Zambia. The purposive sampling method was used to select the study participants and a total of 129 mothers with Low Weight Babies A were selected to participate structured closed ended questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants using an interview. Data was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) software version 26. Cross tabulations were done to determine association of variables using a Chi square (x2) test at 95% confidence interval and were assumptions where not met, fishers exact test was used. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Results: Most of the respondents had male babies 77%, 69% of the babies weighed 1000 g - 1400 g, majority 79% had normal delivery, 71% of the respondents were multigravida and most of the respondents 79% were married. The study reviewed that 85% of those who attained secondary education accepted KMC, 74% of the respondents without monthly income accepted KMC, 80% of the respondents had positive attitude and accepted KMC. 82% of the respondents who had positive perception accepted KMC. Conclusion: Acceptance of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) among 75% of the mothers underscores its widespread favourability as a beneficial method for infant care.

Analysis of the Effects of Maternal Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Twin Pregnancy

Objective:To investigate the effects of maternal body mass index(BMI)and gestational weight gain on maternal and neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies.Methods:Five hundred cases of twin pregnancies were divided into a low body weight group(68 cases),a normal weight group(355 cases),an overweight group(65 cases),and an obesity group(12 cases)according to the World Health Organization(WHO)Body Mass Index(BMI)classification guidelines Results:Comparison of weight gain during different pregnancies revealed that pregnant women were mainly of low weight and average weight.The higher the BMI before pregnancy,the higher the incidence of excessive weight gain during pregnancy.The incidences of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)and premature rupture of membranes in women with low weight gain were significantly higher than those in women with average weight gain and high weight gain(P<0.05).The incidences of gestational hypertension,preeclampsia,and anemia in women with high weight gain were significantly higher than those in women with low weight gain and average weight gain(P<0.05).The incidence of neonatal birth weight,fetal distress,and macrosomia in the high weight gain group was significantly higher than those in the low weight gain and average weight gain groups(P<0.05).The birth weight of newborns in low-weight gain mothers was significantly lower than that of normal-weight gain mothers(P<0.05).Conclusion:Poor maternal and infant outcomes were common in women with insufficient or excessive weight gain during pregnancy.Therefore,for women with twin pregnancies,weight management is crucial to ensure maternal and infant health.

Postoperative body weight change and its influencing factors in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The high incidence and mortality of gastric cancer(GC)pose a significant threat to human life and health,and it has become an important public health challenge in China.Body weight loss is a common complication after surgical treatment in patients with GC and is associated with poor prognosis and GC recurrence.However,current attention to postoperative weight change in GC patients remains insufficient,and the descriptions of postoperative weight change and its influencing factors are also different.AIM To investigate body weight changes in patients with GC within 6 mo after gastrectomy and identify factors that influence dynamic body weight changes.METHODS We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of 121 patients with GC and collected data before(T0)and 1(T1),3(T2),and 6(T3)mo after gastrectomy using a general data questionnaire,psychological distress thermometer,and body weight measurements.The general estimation equation(GEE)was used to analyze the dynamic trends of body weight changes and factors that influence body weight changes in patients with GC within 6 mo of gastrectomy.RESULTS The median weight loss at T1,T2,and T3 was 7.29%(2.84%,9.40%),11.11%(7.64%,14.91%),and 14.75%(8.80%,19.84%),respectively.The GEE results showed that preoperative body mass index(BMI),significant psychological distress,religious beliefs,and sex were risk factors for weight loss in patients with GC within 6 mo after gastrectomy(P<0.05).Compared with preoperative low-weight patients,preoperative obese patients were more likely to have weight loss(β=14.685,P<0.001).Furthermore,patients with significant psychological distress were more likely to lose weight than those without(β=2.490,P<0.001),and religious patients were less likely to lose weight 6 mo after gastrectomy than those without religious beliefs(β=-6.844,P=0.001).Compared to female patients,male patients were more likely to experience weight loss 6 mo after gastrectomy(β=4.262,P=0.038).CONCLUSION Male patients with GC with high preoperative BMI,significant psychological distress,and no religious beliefs are more likely to lose weight after gastrectomy.

Low Birth Weight and Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnant Women in Lomé (Togo) in 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Since 2012, the World Health Organization has recommended intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPT-SP) to prevent malaria-related complications in pregnant women. Ten years following these recommendations, we conducted this study to estimate the coverage for three doses of IPT-SP (IPT3) as well as the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW), and its associated factors in Lomé (Togo) in 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2021. An exhaustive recruitment of women and their newborns was carried out in the maternity wards of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center. Data from antenatal consultations and clinical data of the newborns were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to determine factors associated with LBW. Results: A total of 252 mother-child pairs were included in this study. Median age of the mothers was 27 years, IQR [24-31]. More than a third (35.3%) of the mothers were primigravida. IPT3 coverage was 66.7% and 14.7% of newborns had a LBW. The prevalence of LBW was 33.3% [23.3-43.4] in women who had received fewer than 3 doses of IPT-SP and 5.4% [2.0-8.8] in those who had received at least 3 doses of IPT-SP (p Conclusion: Ten years following recommendations of the WHO on IPT-SP, malaria prevention based on IPT-SP is not optimal among pregnant women in Lomé, and the proportion of LBW children remains high. Actions to strengthen the three-dose IPT-SP policy are needed to prevent malaria and its consequences among newborns in Togo.

Sociodemographic determinants associated with breastfeeding in term infants with low birth weight in Latin American countries

BACKGROUND A progressive decrease in exclusive breastfeeding(BF)is observed in Latin America and the Caribbean compared with global results.The possibility of being breastfed and continuing BF for>6 months is lower in low birth weight than in healthy-weight infants.AIM To identify factors associated with BF maintenance and promotion,with particular attention to low-and middle-income countries,by studying geographic,socioeconomic,and individual or neonatal health factors.METHODS A scoping review was conducted in 2018 using the conceptual model of social determinants of health published by the Commission on Equity and Health Inequalities in the United States.The extracted data with common characteristics were synthesized and categorized into two main themes:(1)Sociodemographic factors and proximal determinants involved in the initiation and maintenance of BF in low-birth-weight term infants in Latin America;and(2)individual characteristics related to the self-efficacy capacity for BF maintenance and adherence in low-birth-weight term infants.RESULTS This study identified maternal age,educational level,maternal economic capacity,social stratum,exposure to BF substitutes,access to BF information,and quality of health services as mediators for maintaining BF.CONCLUSION Individual self-efficacy factors that enable BF adherence in at-risk populations should be analyzed for better health outcomes.

Epidemioclinical Profile and Immediate Outcome of Low Birth Weight at the Reference Health Center in Commune VI of the District of Bamako, Mali

Introduction: Low birth weight is responsible for 9.1 million child deaths each year worldwide. It is the leading cause of perinatal and infant mortality. The objective of this work was to determine the epidemio-clinical profile as well as the future of low birth weight at the Reference Health Center of commune VI in the district of Bamako, Mali. Methods: Our study was descriptive and prospective over a year from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. Data were taken from hospital records and newborn referral/evacuation forms. Data processing was performed using Epi Info software version 3.5.4 and Word. Results: The frequency of low birth weight was 34.94%. Multiparity accounted for 47.84%, sex ratio was 0.93, maternal arterial hypertension was present in 41.66%, genitourinary infection was in 58.37% and delivery was by low way in 86.12%. The majority of newborns had a gestational age between 28SA-33SA (56.52%) and a weight between 1501-1999 grams (47.36%). Mortality accounted for 18.66%. Conclusion: Low birth weight is common in our settings with modifiable risk factors. Practitioners must play on them to minimize its importance.

Nomogram to predict severe retinopathy of prematurity in Southeast China

AIM:To define the predictive factors of severe retinopathy of prematurity(ROP)and develop a nomogram for predicting severe ROP in southeast China.METHODS:Totally 554 infants diagnosed with ROP hospitalized in the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University and hospitalized in Taizhou Women and Children’s Hospital were included.Clinical data and 43 candidate predictive factors of ROP infants were collected retrospectively.Logistic regression model was used to identify predictive factors of severe ROP and to propose a nomogram for individual risk prediction,which was compared with WINROP model and Digirop-Birth model.RESULTS:Infants from the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University(n=478)were randomly allocated into training(n=402)and internal validation group(n=76).Infants from Taizhou Women and Children’s Hospital were set as external validation group(n=76).Severe ROP were found in 52 of 402 infants,12 of 76 infants,and 7 of 76 infants in training group,internal validation group,and external validation group,respectively.Birth weight[odds ratio(OR),0.997;95%confidence interval(CI),0.996-0.999;P<0.001],multiple births(OR,1.885;95%CI,1.013-3.506;P=0.045),and non-invasive ventilation(OR,0.288;95%CI,0.146-0.570;P<0.001)were identified as predictive factors for the prediction of severe ROP,by univariate analysis and multivariate analysis.For predicting severe ROP based on the internal validation group,the areas under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)was 78.1(95%CI,64.2-92.0)for the nomogram,32.9(95%CI,15.3-50.5)for WINROP model,70.2(95%CI,55.8-84.6)for Digirop-Birth model.In external validation group,AUC of the nomogram was also higher than that of WINROP model and Digirop-Birth model(80.2 versus 51.1 and 63.4).The decision curve analysis of the nomogram demonstrated better clinical efficacy than that of WINROP model and Digirop-Birth model.The calibration curves demonstrated a good consistency between the actual severe ROP incidence and the predicted probability.CONCLUSION:Birth weight,multiple births,and noninvasive ventilation are independent predictors of severe ROP.The nomogram has a good ability to predict severe ROP and performed well on internal validation and external validation in southeast China.

Hypoglycaemia in screening oral glucose tolerance test in pregnancy with low birth weight fetus

Maternal hypoglycemia,a condition characterized by lower than normal blood glucose levels in pregnant women,has been increasingly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes,including low birth weight(LBW)in neonates.LBW,defined as a birth weight of less than 2500 g,can result from various factors,including maternal nutrition,health status,and metabolic conditions like hypoglycemia.Maternal hypoglycemia may affect fetal growth by altering the supply of essential nutrients and oxygen to the fetus,leading to restricted fetal development and growth.This condition poses significant risks not only during pregnancy but also for the long-term health of the child,increasing the likelihood of developmental delays,health issues,and chronic conditions later in life.Research in this area has focused on understanding the mechanisms through which maternal hypoglycemia influences fetal development,with studies suggesting that alterations in placental blood flow and nutrient transport,as well as direct effects on fetal insulin levels and metabolism,may play a role.Given the potential impact of maternal hypoglycemia on neonatal health outcomes,early detection and management are crucial to minimize risks for LBW and its associated complications.Further investigations are needed to fully elucidate the complex interactions between maternal glucose levels and fetal growth,as well as to develop targeted interventions to support the health of both mother and child.Understanding these relationships is vital for improving prenatal care and outcomes for pregnancies complicated by hypoglycemia.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Extremely Premature Infants with Extremely Low and Very Low Birth Weight at Three Years of Age: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective study is to identify medical conditions impacting neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely low birth weight and very low birth weight preterm infants at three years of age. Methods: Infants born in Banner Diamond Children’s University Medical Center, receiving services in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, and attending Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Clinic were identified. Participants received developmental assessment and follow-up from August 2012 through December 2018. Relevant clinical conditions during initial hospital stay and up to three years of age were obtained by reviewing medical and developmental records. Bayley Scales of Infant Toddler Development (Bayley III) was used to evaluate skill development at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 months. Results: Data analysis did not reveal significant p-values;it did demonstrate that some predictor variables impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in cognitive, language and motor skill development. Conclusion: This retrospective study reports significant association between birth weight and low cognitive scores. Correlations were also found between gestational age and Total Language, and the longer an infant stayed in the NICU, the poorer the Total Language Scaled Scores at 8 to 12 months, 15 to 18 months, and 24 to 36 months. Birth weight was found to be the greatest predictor of poor motor scores.

Analysis of influencing factors and interaction of body weight and disease outcome in patients with prediabetes

BACKGROUND The trend of prediabetes progressing to type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is prominent,and effective intervention can lead to a return to prediabetes.Exploring the factors influencing the outcome of prediabetes is helpful to guide clinical intervention.The weight change in patients with prediabetes has not attracted much attention.AIM To explore the interaction between body weight and the factors affecting the progression of prediabetes to T2DM.METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 236 patients with prediabetes and 50 with normal glucose tolerance(NGT),and collected clinical data and follow-up results of all patients.Based on natural blood glucose outcomes,we classified 66 patients with progression to T2DM into the disease progression(DP)group,and 170 patients without progression to T2DM into the disease outcome(DO)group.We analyzed the factors that influenced prediabetes outcome and the influence of body weight on prediabetes blood glucose outcome by unconditional logistic regression.A general linear model(univariate)was used to analyze the interaction between body weight and independent influencing factors.RESULTS There were 98 cases of impaired fasting glucose(IFG),90 cases of impaired glucose tolerance(IGT),and 48 cases of coexistent IFG and IGT.The body weight,waist circumference,body mass index,fasting blood glucose,and 2 h plasma glucose of patients with IFG,IGT,and coexistent IFG and IGT were higher than those in patients with NGT(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that body weight,glycosylated hemoglobin,uric acid,fasting insulin,and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance were independent factors affecting progression of prediabetes to T2DM(P<0.05).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve predicted by the above indicators combined was 0.905[95%confidence interval(CI):0.863-0.948],which was greater than that predicted by each indicator alone.Logistic regression analysis with baseline body weight as an independent variable showed that compared with body weight 1,the odds ratio(95%CI)of body weight 3 was 1.399(1.142-2.126)(P=0.033).There was a multiplicative interaction between body weight and uric acid(β=1.953,P=0.005).CONCLUSION High body weight in patients with prediabetes is an independent risk factor for progression to T2DM,and the risk of progression is increased when coexisting with high uric acid level.

Epidemiology of Low Birth Weight in the Lake Areas of Cotonou (Benin Republic)

Introduction: Low birth weight is a significant public health problem worldwide, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of low birth weight in the lake areas of Cotonou. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study included 931 records of women who gave birth in 2022 in the Cotonou 1-4 health zone. Completed maternity records were included in this study, except for premature births and congenital malformations. Birth weight was the dependent variable. Sociodemographic, obstetrical, preventive care and child-related data were collected using a digitized form. These data were analyzed using SPSS software to determine the prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of low birth weight was 16.30%. Factors related to this prevalence were non-use of mosquito nets during pregnancy (OR = 2.72;CI: 1.275 - 5.805), twin pregnancy (OR = 9.97;CI: 3.869 - 25.696), previous abortion (OR = 1.61;CI: 1.034 - 2.515), low number of pregnancy (OR = 3.97;CI: 1.276 - 12.393), trimester of first antenatal visit (OR = 3.47;CI: 1.821 - 6.638) and birth size less than 45 cm (OR = 5.98;CI: 2.965 - 12.083). Conclusion: The prevalence obtained from this study justifies the need to support pregnant women in this health zone. It is, therefore, essential to strengthen communication and health promotion strategies for women before, during, and after pregnancy.

Relationships among body weight,lipids and bone mass in elderly individuals with fractures:A case-control study

BACKGROUND The prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass is steadily rising each year.Low body weight is commonly linked to diminished bone mass and serves as a robust predictor of osteoporosis.Nonetheless,the connection between body mass index(BMI),bone mineral density,and lipid profiles among the elderly remains elusive.AIM To examine the association between BMI and bone mass,explore the correlation between lipid profiles and bone mass,and delve into the interplay between lipid metabolism and bone health.METHODS The study included 520 patients aged≥65 years(178 men and 342 women).Age,sex,weight,and height were recorded.Femoral neck bone mineral density and T scores were determined using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner.Blood calcium(Ca),phosphorus(P),albumin(ALB),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high-density lipoprotein(HDL)and low-density lipoprotein(LDL)levels were measured.Patients were classified by sex(male and female),age(65-79 years and≥80 years),and T score(normal bone mineral density,osteopenia and osteoporosis).RESULTS Age,sex,BMI,and ALP and TG levels were independent risk factors for osteoporosis.For the 65-79-and≥80-yearold groups,females presented lower T scores than males.Ca,P,ALB,ALP,TC,HDL and LDL levels were significantly different between men and women in the 65-79-year-old group.In addition,BMI and TG levels were significantly decreased in osteoporotic patients compared with patients with normal bone mass.TC levels declined in 65-to 79-year-old male and female osteoporosis patients.In the group of women aged≥80 years,osteoporotic patients showed significantly increased ALP levels.Furthermore,we found positive correlations between BMI and TG levels in the male and female patient groups.However,we found no significant differences in ALB,Ca,P,HDL and LDL levels in osteoporotic patients compared to patients with normal bone mass.CONCLUSION Osteoporotic patients showed significantly decreased BMI and TG levels compared with those with normal bone mass.BMI showed positive correlations with TG levels in male and female patients.These results indicate correlations between BMI and bone mass and between lipid profiles and bone mass.

New Mathematical Modelling on BMR and Weight Prediction for Ghanaians

Background: Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the quantum of calories needed for optimum body function when at rest. This has long been an indicator of one’s health and the basis for determining the metabolic age of individuals. Many scholastic projects have led to the establishment of mathematical models and inventions that measure the BMR and other body composition parameters. However, existing computations have limitations as they do not offer accurate results for Ghanaians. Aim: The purpose of the study was to model BMR metrics that are most suitable for Ghanaians and to investigate the effect of caloric difference on weight, Lean Body Mass (LBM) and % fat composition that can be implemented with Information Technology. Research Methods and Procedures: This was an experimental study that adopted a quantitative approach. BMR and body composition were measured in a sample of 242 Ghanaian adults (141 males and 101 females) from 19 to 30 years of age. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impendence analysis (BIA) in all participants. Each participant was under study for 7 days. A simple linear regression model was used to examine associations between BMR/calorie intake and total body weight and LBM. Results: There was a significant statistical relation between BMR and LBM and between BMR and weight of both men and women. Equations for BMR and weight were established for males and females. Furthermore, caloric intake differences affected changes in total weight as well as differences in % fat composition. Caloric intake however did not affect the difference in LBM. Conclusion: Caloric difference had an impact on total body weight and Lean Body Mass. The model derived from the study predicts weight change and BMR of Ghanaians from 19 to 30 years of age. It is termed the Health and Age Monitoring System (HAMS).

Epidemiology of Low Birth Weight in the Lake Areas of Cotonou (Benin Republic)

Introduction: Low birth weight is a significant public health problem worldwide, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of low birth weight in the lake areas of Cotonou. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study included 931 records of women who gave birth in 2022 in the Cotonou 1-4 health zone. Completed maternity records were included in this study, except for premature births and congenital malformations. Birth weight was the dependent variable. Sociodemographic, obstetrical, preventive care and child-related data were collected using a digitized form. These data were analyzed using SPSS software to determine the prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of low birth weight was 16.30%. Factors related to this prevalence were non-use of mosquito nets during pregnancy (OR = 2.72;CI: 1.275 - 5.805), twin pregnancy (OR = 9.97;CI: 3.869 - 25.696), previous abortion (OR = 1.61;CI: 1.034 - 2.515), low number of pregnancy (OR = 3.97;CI: 1.276 - 12.393), trimester of first antenatal visit (OR = 3.47;CI: 1.821 - 6.638) and birth size less than 45 cm (OR = 5.98;CI: 2.965 - 12.083). Conclusion: The prevalence obtained from this study justifies the need to support pregnant women in this health zone. It is, therefore, essential to strengthen communication and health promotion strategies for women before, during, and after pregnancy.

Impact of weight Loss on the progression of cancer cachexia and the patient prognosis:insights from a retrospective study

Background:Cachexia is a metabolic state with weight and muscle mass loss as its basic characteristics.This study aims to reveal the influ-ence of weight loss on the progression of cancer cachexia,and to determine its impact on the patient prognosis.Methods:A total of 2990 cancer patients were enrolled in this retrospective study.Demographic information,clinical materials,and follow-up data were collected for all patients.A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine threshold values for weight loss within the past six months(WL).Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard regression models were adopted for survival analyses.Results:After excluding ineligible patients,2480 patients were included in the analysis,705(28.4%)of whom were considered to be ca-chexic.A WL of 10%was determined to be the optimal threshold for diagnosing malnutrition according to the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment.Notably,WL>10%was a predictor of survival outcomes only in the general population(HR=1.218,95%Cl=1.002-1.481,P=0.048),but not in the cachexic population,based on the multivariable Cox regression model.A larger proportion of cachexic pa-tients with WL>10%had a nutritional risk screening 2002 score≥3(25.7%vs 13.7%,P<0.001)and a modified Glasgow Prognosis Score=2(12.8%vs 7.8%,P=0.032).No significant difference was observed in the degree of decreased muscle strength or quality of life(P>0.05).Conclusions:Weight loss is a predictor of impaired survival in the general population,but not in the cachexic population.The present study shows that cachexic patients with severe weight loss had a higher risk of malnutrition,a worse systemic inflammation status,and more severe malnutrition,but that the weight loss itself was not associated with the prognosis of these patients or the progression of their cachexia.

More than Meets the Eye: A Qualitative Investigation of the Complex Weight History Constructions of Brazilian Women Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery

Most studies on bariatric surgery identify personal factors such as“non-compliance”to lifestyle changes as the cause of weight gain and subsequent inability to lose weight.Prior qualitative studies suggest that weight loss patients have complicated relationships with both self and weight,with significant emotional and psychological implications.But how do patients themselves understand the trajectories of their weight gain as related to intrinsic versus extrinsic factors?A qualitative analysis examined the aspects involved in the construction of higher body weight from the perspectives and life experiences of Brazilian women who underwent bariatric surgery,considering that Brazil has previously been reported as a highly anti-fat society.Individual,semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty women(15 aged 33-59 and 15 aged 63-72).Data were analyzed identifying the regular,expressive,and meaningful significance units identified through the interviews.Although it was expected that different life events were reported as crucial to the perceived aetiology of individual weight gain stories,the participants reported that the emotional aspects had more impact.The extremely high value attached to having a particular body weight negatively influenced the participants’concept of identity and harmed their interactions and understanding of what it meant to be fully loved and accepted.Most of the participants underscored the importance of food in women’s lived experiences and explanations of weight gain.Despite this somatic response being dysfunctionally directed to food,this mechanism seemed to be vital to keeping them alive and engaged in the world.Finally,the participants faced layered vulnerabilities,which decreased their opportunities to access resources aimed at better body weight management.Broad approaches that consider emotional and physical care strategies must be proposed to this population.

Relationships between body weight and other morphological traits in young sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicas

Correlation, multiple regression, and path analyses were used to investigate the relationships between body weight and three other morphological traits in juvenile Japanese sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus . We measured live body weight (BW), body length (BL), numbers of papillae (NP), and numbers of tube feet (NF) at 60, 80, 100, and 130 days post-hatching (dph). We calculated path correlation coefficients, correlation indices ( R 2 ), and coefficients of determination with BW as the dependent variable and the other morphological traits as independent variables. The coefficient of variation for BW was high across all age groups, and all measured morphological traits were significantly correlated ( P < 0.01). BL had the greatest direct eff ect on BW across all age groups (60 dph, 0.526;80 dph, 0.404;100 dph, 0.620;and 130 dph, 0.681), while NF had the greatest indirect eff ect on BW across all age groups (60 dph, 0.528;80 dph, 0.452;100 dph, 0.666;and 130 dph, 0.603). Regression analyses between morphological traits and BW indicated that R 2 was greater than 0.85 only in the 100-dph specimens. The indirect eff ects of the other measured morphological traits on BW were age-dependent. The optimal regression equations, as determined with stepwise regression, were, for 60-dph specimens: BW 60 =10 (-3.04+0.092BL+0.014NP+0.014NF)( R 2 =0.632);for 80-dph specimens: BW 80 =10 (- 3.035+0.056BL+0.017NP+0.02NF)( R 2 =0.686);for 100-dph specimens: BW 100 =10 (- 3.742+0.069BL+0. 633 · lg (NP)+0. 464 · lg (NF))( R 2 =0.893);and for 130-dph specimens: BW 130 =10 (- 2.472+0.065BL+0.012NP)( R 2 =0.774). Our work clarified the correlation between various morphological traits and body weight of a commercially-important sea cucumber species ( A . japonicus ). Our predictive models for body weight might be useful for the aquaculture and selective breeding of A . japonicus . These models might also provide theoretical support for the indirect selection of traits that are difficult to select directly.

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.