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Introduction: Excessive ultrafiltration is associated with intra-dialytic symptoms, loss of residual function, and mortality in haemodialysis patients. A major contributor to excessive ultrafiltration is within-individual variation in pre-dialysis weight and the concept of achieving a fixed target weight by the end of each dialysis session. Haemodialysis protocols which allow variable post-dialysis weight have not been proposed. Methods: Weight variation was observed in haemodialysis patients and healthy controls to estimate the proportion of pre-dialysis weight variation which could be considered natural variation. These estimates were used to derive a novel protocol for setting ultrafiltration, which was evaluated by mathematical modelling. Results: Amongst 20 haemodialysis patients, mean (SD) pre-dialysis weight was 102.74 (0.94)% of target weight after a 2-day gap and 103.50 (0.94)% after a 3-day gap. Amongst 10 healthy individuals, mean (SD) daily weight was 100.0 (0.71)% of average weight. A 4-component model of pre-dialysis weight was derived using these estimates, in which the best estimate of pre-dialysis excess fluid is the midpoint of excess weight and average fluid gain, and used to propose a novel protocol for ultrafiltration setting. In simulations, the novel protocol reduced ultrafiltration variation by more than half (standard deviation 0.6 vs. 1.3% of target weight, p < 0.001), without increasing the variation in post-dialysis fluid excess. Excessive ultrafiltration rates (over 13 mL/h/kg) were far less frequent using this protocol (2.6% vs. 7.5% of sessions, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Considering natural weight variation allows the development of a novel protocol for ultrafiltration in which target weight does not have to be achieved precisely: it is therefore a soft target. This protocol, which is predicted to substantially reduce excessive ultrafiltration variation, is a zero-cost intervention with the potential to improve symptoms and clinical outcome for haemodialysis patients.

Label-specific features learning can effectively exploit the unique features of each label, which alleviates the high dimensionality and improves the classification performance of multi-label. However, most existing label-specific features learning algorithms assume that label space is complete, ignoring the effect of missing labels on the classification accuracy. Some methods try to recover the missing labels first and then learn the mapping between the completed label matrix and the feature matrix. However, early intervention in the recovery of missing labels may affect the distribution of original labels to a certain extent. In this paper, feature-label dual-mapping for missing label-specific features learning is proposed. According to the information that the label depends on the feature, the dual-mapping weight of the complete feature space and the missing label space is jointly learned. Therefore, the proposed algorithm is to conduct latent missing labels recovery by feature-label dual-mapping to directly obtain target weight in this paper, avoiding the negative influence of early label recovery intervention. Compared with several state-of-the-art methods in 10 benchmark multi-label data sets, the results show that the proposed algorithm is reasonable and effective.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of feed quantity offered (1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 kg) on growth performance, carcass yield, organs weight and backfat composition. A total of 48 Large White grower male pigs with initial average weight of 36.48±2.25 kg were allotted to 3 treatments of 16 pigs per treatment and were further replicated into 4 with 4 pigs per replicate. Data were collected on weekly basis and carcass characteristics were performed when the pigs on each experimental group attained an average weight 70 kg. Final body weight, daily weight gain and daily feed intake were significantly (P0.05) enhanced by feed quantity offered. The weight of ham (11.54, 12.18 and 13.41%) increased significantly (P

Background: Human milk fortifier (HMF) is defined as a supplement added to breastmilk to increase calories, proteins, vitamins, and various nutrition of breastmilk. The purpose of HMF administration is to increase the concentration of breastmilk nutrients to improve the weight of very low birth weight preterm infants. The administration of HMF is insufficient to fulfill protein needs in 20-40% very low birth weight babies, thus the weight gain did not meet the expected target.Objective: To analyze characteristic differences between very low birth weight preterm infants who experienced weight gain according to the target and not according to the target on the administration of HMF.Methods: An analytical study with a case-control approach comparing case and control group, which was observed to determine characteristic differences between both groups. The samples were 52 very low birth weight preterm infants obtained by consecutive sampling. Data analysis includes descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing. Results: Data were obtained from medical records and consisted of 52 participants, including 26 very low birth weight premature infants who experienced weight gain according to the target and 26 who experienced weight gain not according to the target. There was no characteristic difference of cyanosis clinical symptoms (OR 2.3; 95% CI 0.51-10.4), chest retraction (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.32-3.1), apnea of prematurity comorbid (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.25-3.9), neonatal infections (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.21-1.9), starting age of HMF administration (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.21-1.89), bloating (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.17-1.9), and vomiting (OR 1.18; 95% CI 0.38-3.7) in both groups.Conclusion: There was no characteristic difference between very low birth weight preterm infants who experienced weight gain according to the target and not according to the target on the administration of HMF.

European eating disorders review 29(3), 427-442 (2021). doi:10.1002/erv.2755 special issue: "Special Issue: Value of Treatment / Issue edite by: Janet Treasure, Philip Gorwood, Fernando Fernandez-Aranda", Published by Wiley, Chichester

This study aimed to estimate the productive and economic impacts caused by the withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) from broilers diet. Indexed publications that compared diets with or without AGP (AGP+/AGP-) for broilers (from initial to final phase) were collected and the results of feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion were compiled in a database. A meta-analysis was performed following sequential analyses: graphical approach (to observe biological data coherence), correlation (to identify related factors), and variance-covariance (to compare groups). The annual number of broiler slaughtered in Brazil, target weight gain and feed conversion for each phase, the variation in feed conversion, feed cost, and AGP costs were used to build a model to estimate the effects of the AGP withdrawal on feeding costs. The database comprised 174 scientific articles containing 183 experiments, totaling 121,643 broilers, most of which were Ross (52% of the studies). The most frequent AGP sources/forms in the database were Avilamycin (41% of the AGP+ treatments), Flavomycin (19%), Virginiamycin (16%), and Bacitracin (14%). Higher feed intake, weight gain, and lower feed conversion were attributed (P < 0.05) to AGP+ diets during Initial phase (1 to 21 D). In Final phase (22 to 42 D) no differences were observed in performance variables. Treatments AGP+ presented higher weight gain and better feed conversion in the Total period (1 to 42 D). The results of feed conversion were improved (P < 0.05) with Avilamycin and Flavomycin; Virginiamycin improved weight gain and feed conversion. In the Total period, the economic impact was $0.03 per animal and a total of $183,560,232 per year. It was concluded that broilers fed AGP+ diets have higher weight gain and better feed conversion than those fed AGP- diets, and withdrawing AGP increases production costs.

Deferred grazing is a common management practice in which pastures are rested from grazing between mid-spring and the end of summer/early autumn. It has been used to rejuvenate pastures and better manage the spring pasture surplus although its impact on farm profitability is unknown. FARMAX was used to explore the impact of deferred grazing on profitability on a north-western Waikato beef and sheep hill country farm based on experimental data and likely management responses. The Base Scenario modelled farm profitability assuming spring surplus in a typical year. When 15% of the farm was deferred and it was assumed that the increased grazing pressure on the rest of the farm led to greater control of the spring feed surplus and improved pasture quality, there was an increase in ewe performance and the number lambs sold at target weight. Per head and total farm gross margins increased by 8%. Results demonstrate how the use of deferred grazing as a pasture management tool to increase resilience can also enhance livestock performance and profitability at the whole-farm level.

Objective: Workplace-based employee health promotion programs often target weight loss or physical activity, yet there is growing attention to sleep as it affects employee health and performance. The goal of this review is to systematically examine workplace-based employee health interventions that measure sleep duration as an outcome. Data Source: We conducted systematic searches in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, EMBASE, Scopus, and PsycINFO (n = 6177 records). Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: To be included in this systematic review, studies must include (1) individuals aged >18 years, (2) a worker health-related intervention, (3) an employee population, and (4) sleep duration as a primary or secondary outcome. Results: Twenty studies met criteria. Mean health promotion program duration was 2.0 months (standard deviation [SD] = 1.3), and mean follow-up was 5.6 months (SD = 6.5). The mean sample size of 395 employees (SD = 700.8) had a mean age of 41.5 years (SD = 5.2). Measures of sleep duration included self-report from a general questionnaire (n = 12, 66.6%), self-report based on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (n = 4, 22.2%), and self-report and actigraphy combined (n = 5, 27.7%). Studies most commonly included sleep hygiene (35.0%), yoga (25.0%), physical activity (10.0%), and cognitive–behavioral therapy for insomnia (10.0%) interventions. Across the interventions, 9 different behavior change techniques (BCTs) were utilized; the majority of interventions used 3 or fewer BCTs, while 1 intervention utilized 4 BCTs. Study quality, on average, was 68.9% (SD = 11.1). Half of the studies found workplace-based health promotion program exposure was associated with a desired increase in mean nightly sleep duration (n = 10, 50.0%). Conclusions: Our study findings suggest health promotion programs may be helpful for increasing employee sleep duration and subsequent daytime performance.

In this paper we described a new tool used for frequent growth monitoring in pig production. The aim of the constructed tool was to alert farmers about deterioration in pigs’ growth and to provide current and historical growth statistics for consecutive batches. The tool was built as a dynamic linear model (DLM) for systems with identified and unidentified pigs. The growth of pigs was described by parameters representing an initial body weight (BW), average daily gain and daily fluctuations in BW of pigs. Moreover, the constructed tool was built to account for increasing variation in BW of pigs over time as well as autocorrelation between BW measurements of observed individuals. The forecast errors obtained from the DLM were standardized and monitored with a tabular cusum. Alarms obtained from the cusum were registered both on batch (identified and unidentified pigs) and individual level (identified pigs). The constructed tool was tested on data gathered between February and September 2016. Altogether, data from 3 batches, 1058 individuals and 146,926 BW observations were collected and analyzed. For all 3 batches, filtered and smoothened growth means were obtained and plotted. Using the model for identified and unidentified pigs, the growth problems were detected on certain dates in Batch 2 and Batch 3. In both identification scenarios, similar batch alarms were obtained. The example on growth alarms for individual pigs (using version of the model for identified pigs) was also provided. The filtered herd mean, obtained from the constructed DLM, was calculated based on all pigs present at the start of fattening. Therefore, the obtained batch BW mean was accounting also for the heaviest individuals sold after exceeding a defined target weight from the observed batches. Hence, the presented tool can be useful in obtaining growth statistics for systems where pigs are sold continuously. Frequent BW information can be useful in informing farmers about unexpected events influencing growth e.g. outbreaks of diseases or management problems. Moreover, the historical information on growth might be valuable in making optimal decisions regarding management. In the future the economic value of information from frequent BW monitoring should be assessed. In this study, we have demonstrated that frequent observations of unidentified pigs can provide meaningful alarms on growth deterioration at the batch level.

The objective was to determine the growth performance of Friesian calves given milk or milk replacer (MR) at varying levels. Forty-eight male Friesian calves were divided into four groups of 12 animals each. Calves were offered either milk or MR at either 10 or 15% of body weight (BW), with upper limits of 5 and 6 L/d, respectively until week 8. The calves were weaned at 10 weeks of age by gradually reducing the offered liquid to zero. In addition, from the second week, calves were offered calf starter ration (CS) until each calf reached 120 kg. The calves raised on milk had better growth rates (610 ± 25 vs. 487 ± 25 g/d; P0.05), displayed higher weaning weights (71 ± 1.5 vs. 55.9 ± 1.5 kg; P0.05) and reached the target weight of 120 kg earlier (20.9 ± 0.8 vs. 24.1 ± 0.8 weeks; P0.05) than those on MR. However, growth rate was not affected (535 ± 25 vs. 568 ± 25; P0.05) by liquid feeding level. Cost per kg live weight gain was not affected (325 ± 8 vs. 319 ± 8; P0.05) by feeding source or feeding levels (317 ± 8 vs. 328 ± 8). Thus, feeding milk at 10% of body weight saves time and labour required to achieve target weight in veal calves.

Piglet mortality, especially due to crushing, is a concern in pig production. While current systems use farrowing crates to reduce mortality, they present major animal welfare problems for the sow. This study investigated the effects of free lactation farrowing accommodation on the welfare of piglets born and reared in such accommodation when compared with conventional farrowing crates. Piglets were born to sows in one of two farrowing accommodation treatments and followed from birth to slaughter. Treatments were conventional farrowing crates (control, n = 24 litters) and free lactation pens, which were larger and allowed the sow freedom of movement both pre and post farrowing, (free, n = 22 litters) (675 total piglets). Individual weights were recorded from birth to slaughter. Hoof score was recorded at weaning. Behaviour was recorded during lactation and during the weaner stage. Pre-weaning percentage mortality was equal in treatments (free = 15.95 ± 2.31, control = 14.42 ± 2.15, p = 0.61). Final weight was influenced by treatment (p &lt, 0.05) with pigs from free lactation pens significantly heavier at 114.73 kg compared to 110.82 kg for control pigs. Free pigs took fewer days than control pigs to reach the target weight of 105 kg (147.6 vs. 149.23 days). Throughout lactation, fewer instances of damaging behaviour (ear and tail biting) were observed in free pigs (p = 0.07). Improved growth rates and a decrease in damaging behaviours provide evidence to suggest that pigs from free lactation pens experience improved welfare when compared with control pigs.

Background Decisions around planned ultrafiltration volumes are the only part of the haemodialysis prescription decided upon at every session. Removing too much fluid or too little is associated with both acute symptoms and long-term outcomes. The degree to which patients engage with or influence decision-making is not clear. We explored patient perspectives of prescribing ultrafiltration volumes, their understanding of the process and engagement with it. Methods A questionnaire developed for this study was administered to 1077 patients across 10 UK Renal Units. Factor analysis reduced the dataset into factors representing common themes. Relationships between survey results and factors were investigated using regression models. ANCOVA was used to explore differences between Renal Units. Results Patients generally felt in control of their fluid management and that they were given the final say on planned ultrafiltration volumes. Around half of the respondents reported they take an active role in their treatment. However, respondents were largely unable to relate signs and symptoms to fluid management practice and a third said they would not report common signs and symptoms to clinicians. A fifth of patients reported not to know how ultrafiltration volumes were calculated. Patients responded positively to questions relating to healthcare staff, though with significant variation between units, highlighting differences in perception of care. Conclusions Despite a lack of formal acknowledgement in fluid management protocols, patients have significant involvement in decisions regarding fluid removal during dialysis. Furthermore, substantial gaps remain in patient knowledge and engagement. Formalizing the role of patients in these decisions, including patient education, may improve prescription and achievement of target weights.

Nutrients 13(4), 1265 (2021). doi:10.3390/nu13041265 special issue: "Special Issue "Eating and Feeding Disorders with Restrictive Food Intake" / Special Issue Editor: Ricarda Schmidt, Guest Editor", Published by MDPI, Basel

Acute anorexia nervosa (AN) constitutes an extreme physiological state. We aimed to detect state related metabolic alterations during inpatient admission and upon short- and long-term weight regain. In addition, we tested the hypothesis that metabolite concentrations adapt to those of healthy controls (HC) after long-term weight regain. Thirty-five female adolescents with AN and 25 female HC were recruited. Based on a targeted approach 187 metabolite concentrations were detected at inpatient admission (T0), after short-term weight recovery (T1, half of target-weight) and close to target weight (T2). Pattern hunter and time course analysis were performed. The highest number of significant differences in metabolite concentrations (N = 32) were observed between HC and T1. According to the detected main pattern, metabolite concentrations at T2 became more similar to those of HC. The course of single metabolite concentrations (e.g., glutamic acid) revealed different metabolic subtypes within the study sample. Patients with AN after short-term weight regain are in a greater &ldquo, metabolic imbalance&rdquo, than at starvation. After long-term weight regain, patients reach a metabolite profile similar to HC. Our results might be confounded by different metabolic subtypes of patients with AN.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of two different levels of supplementary feed and two different stocking rates on the production of g razing ostriches. One hundred and seventy ostriches were randomly allocated to four groups and kept on irrig ated lucerne pasture with or without supplementary feed from approximately 58 kg to a target weight of 95 k g. The ostriches rotationally grazed lucerne pastur e at one of two stocking rates, i.e. 15 birds/ha or 10 b irds/ha and were fed one of two levels of supplemen t i.e. 0 g or 800 g feed/d formulated according to the nutrien t requirements of the relevant group of birds. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. There was no interaction between the supplementary feed and stocking rate regarding mean live weight at 54 weeks of age and feed conversion ration (FCR). Data were provided as the two ma in effects of level of supplementation and stocking ra te. Significant differences in mean live weight at 54 weeks of age and FCR of the birds were observed between t he different levels of supplementary feed. The parameters measured for the two different stocking rates used in this study (10 birds/ha vs . 15 birds/ha) did not differ from each other and did not influence ei ther mean live weight at 54 weeks of age, average d aily gain (ADG) or FCR. The two groups which received 800 g supplementary feed/d reached slaughter weight (95 kg) within the set of 54 weeks of grazing for t he trial, while the two groups which received no supplementary feed did not achieve slaughter weight by 54 weeks on the pasture. Ostriches receiving supplementation of 800 g/bird/day had significantly better FCR’s than birds receiving no supplementati on. There was a significant interaction between level o f supplementary feed and stocking rate regarding ADG of the birds. As stocking rate increased, average dail y gains of birds receiving no supplementary feed de clined. This study indicates that ostriches being kept on g razing and receiving supplementary feed will exhibi t improved and faster growth rates than ostriches whi ch only have access to grazing and receive no supplementary feed.

In a 2 x 2 factorial design, attainment of puberty in 32 Black Indigenous (BI) and 60 SA Landrace (SAL) gilts was studied under the effects of two treatment diets fed individually ad libitum. Treatment 1 contained 160 g CP and 13.6 MJ DE/kg DM, and Treatment 2, a 25% dilute of Treatment 1 using wood shavings, contained 120 g CP and 10.2 MJ DE/kg DM. Target weights set for BI gilts were from 10 to 50 kg and for SAL, 15 to 120 kg. A sample was slaughtered at each target weight. Reproductive organs were removed, measured and the number, size and physiological state of follicles recorded. Carcasses were deboned and the soft tissue analysed for moisture, protein and fat content. Treatments affected growth significantly. Cumulative mass (lnkg) was regressed against cumulative ME intake (lnME) with b the allometric coefficient in a linear autoregressive model. A change in b indicated a change or breakpoint of physiological development. Puberty was taken to coincide with the breakpoint. Age and weight at puberty differed by treatment for each genotype. Estimated live weight fat (percentage) and carcass fat (percentage) at these ages show a close range between genotypes and treatment diets.

The AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia Transfusion Unit operates in two blood donor centers. Plasmapheresis protocols and machines are identical in both centers, except for the final unit weight setting: 700 g in Center 1 and 720 g in Center 2. Within a wider study to assess the anticoagulant content in plasma units through proton nuclear magnetic resonance, we compared the efficiency of the two settings. We analyzed 215 and 100 consecutive samples from Centers 1 and 2, respectively. We collected processed blood volume, net plasma collected and anticoagulant volume in the plasma units. In our experience, setting the machine at 720 g instead of 700 g was associated with a small increase in plasma content of the final unit (only 4 mL), but implied an increase of more than 100 mL of the total processed blood and a higher amount of anticoagulant in the unit. On the contrary, the difference in donor's reinfused anticoagulant was negligible. Our findings come from an observational study suggesting that, in view of a minimal advantage in terms of collected net plasma, there might be relevant disadvantages for the donor in prolonging plasmapheresis over 700 g. Since observed differences may be attributed to confounding factors, we recommend always checking the marginal efficiency of the procedure when the balance target value of the setting is increased. Randomized cross-over studies are needed to find the optimal target weight for plasma units. These studies could also help defining personalized plasmapheresis procedures, thus further optimizing donor safety.

Objectif : La malnutrition aigue est frequente chez les enfants infectes par le VIH. L’objectif de notre travail etait d’evaluer l’efficacite et l’acceptabilite des protocoles de recuperation nutritionnelle ambulatoire bases sur les aliments prets a l’emploi (ATPE) chez les EVVIH. Materiel et methodes : Il s’agissait d’une etude prospective, realisee a la pediatrie du CHRZ du 7 janvier au 31 Septembre 2018. Ont ete inclus les EVVIH, âges de 6 mois a 19 ans presentant une malnutrition aigue moderee ou severe sans complication. Le suivi etait bimensuel jusqu’a l’atteinte du poids cible. Un bilan clinico-biologique et anthropometrique, la delivrance des ATPE et la mesure de l’observance aux prescriptions etaient realises. Resultats : Douze enfants vivants avec le VIH ont ete inclus dont 3 MAS et 9 MAM sur un total de 25 enfants suivis soit une prevalence de 48%. Le sexe ratio (1,4) en faveur des garcons. L’âge median (9,5 ans). Ils etaient sous ARV dans 92% des cas. La moitie des patients avait un âge > a 10 ans. La toux etait le symptome le plus retrouve (67%) suivie de la diarrhee (58,3%), des vomissements (8,3%), une otite moyenne chronique (8,3%). La charge virale au debut de l'etude a montre (5cas 15 000 copies). Le taux d'hemoglobine etait < 10g/dl dans 92% des cas. Un probleme d'observance de la prise d'ATPE a ete note dans 58,3%. Onze enfants ont atteint leur poids cible. Nous n’avons pas note de perdu de vu ni d’hospitalise. Conclusion : Les ATPE bien que efficaces, pausent souvent un probleme d’acceptabilite. On gagnerait a ameliorer le gout et la presentation pour permettre une meilleure observance. Objective: Acute malnutrition is common in children with HIV infection. The objective of our work was to evaluate the efficiency and acceptability of ambulatory nutritional recovery protocols (ATPE) based on ready-to-use food) in HIV-positive children (EVVIH). Methods: This was a prospective study, conducted at the pediatrics of the regional hospital center of Ziguinchor (CHRZ) from January 7th to September 31st, 2018. We included all HIV-positive children (EVVIH), aged between 6 months and 19 years with relatively acute or severe malnutrition without complication. The follow-up was done every two months until target weight was reached. A clinic-biological and anthropometric report, the issuing of ATPE and the measurement of compliance with prescriptions were carried out. Results: We chose 12 children living with HIV, including 3 MAS and 9 MAM out of a total of 25 children followed, with a prevalence of 48%. The sex ratio (1.4) was in favor of boys. The medium age was (9.5 years). They were under ARV in 92% of cases. Half of the patients were > 10 years old. Coughing was the most common symptom (67%) followed by diarrhea (58.3%), vomiting (8.3%), medium chronic otitis (8.3%). The viral affection at the beginning of the study showed (5cases 15,000 copies). The hemoglobin level was

This paper highlights the benefits of multihead weighing, a packaging process based on the sum of weights of several individual hoppers wherein total weight of the packed product must be close to a specified target weight while complying with applicable regulations. The paper details into performance analysis and optimisation of new strategies for setting-up the process to achieve an optimal configuration of the machine. Three strategies, designed to optimise the packaging process, are analysed and compared in terms of supplying products to the hoppers. A factorial design of the experimental model is exploited to predict the measures of performance as a function of a variety of control settings. Results of the numerical experiments are used to analyse the sources of variability and to identify the optimum operating conditions for the multihead weigher. Therefore, the findings of this paper will benefit both manufacturer and users of the multihead weigher machine. [Received: 15 September 2017; Revised: 15 November 2018; Revised: 20 March 2019; Accepted: 14 April 2019]

Objective This study aimed to test the feasibility of a 12-month weight loss intervention using telephone-based counseling plus community-situated physical activity (PA) in female breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Methods This multisite cooperative group study enrolled sedentary, female, postmenopausal BC and CRC survivors with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 to receive 12-month fitness center memberships and telephone counseling encouraging 150 min/wk of PA and a 500-kcal/ddecrease in energy intake. Feasibility criteria included accrual, adherence, and retention. Target weight loss was ≥ 5%. Results Among 25 BC survivors, median baseline BMI was 37.2 (range: 27.7-54.6), accrual occurred in 10 months, 60% and 28% met diet and exercise goals, 80% provided 12-month measures, and average weight loss was 7.6% (95% CI: -3.9%, 19.2%). Among 23 CRC survivors, median BMI was 31.8 (range: 26.4-48.7), accrual occurred in 24 months, 61% and 17% met diet and exercise goals, 87% provided measures, and average weight loss was 2.5% (95% CI: -8.2%, 13.3%). Conclusions It is feasible to recruit and retain BC survivors in a cooperative group diet and PA weight loss trial. BC survivors achieved clinically meaningful weight loss but did not meet a priori adherence goals. In CRC survivors, recruitment was more difficult, and the intervention was less effective.

Never selling stocks is optimal for investors with a long horizon and a realistic range of preference and market parameters, if relative risk aversion, investment opportunities, proportional transaction costs, and dividend yields are constant. Such investors should buy stocks when their portfolio weight is too low, and otherwise hold them, letting dividends rebalance to cash over time rather than selling. With capital gain taxes, this policy outperforms both static buy-and-hold and dynamic rebalancing strategies that account for transaction costs. Selling stocks becomes optimal if either their target weight is low, or intermediate consumption is substantial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fluid overload and intradialytic hypotension are associated with cardiovascular events and mortality in patients on hemodialysis. We investigated associations between hemodialysis facility practices related to fluid volume and intradialytic hypotension and patient outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Data were analyzed from 10,250 patients in 273 facilities across 12 countries, from phase 4 of the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS; 2009–2012). Cox regression models (shared frailty) were used to estimate associations between facility practices reported by medical directors in response to the DOPPS Medical Directors Survey and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization, and cardiovascular events, adjusting for country, age, sex, dialysis vintage, predialysis systolic BP, cardiovascular comorbidities, diabetes, body mass index, smoking, residual kidney function, dialysis adequacy, and vascular access type. RESULTS: Of ten facility practices tested (chosen a priori), having a protocol that specifies how often to assess dry weight in most patients was associated with lower all-cause (hazard ratio [HR], 0.78; 99% confidence interval [99% CI], 0.64 to 0.94) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.72; 99% CI, 0.55 to 0.95). Routine orthostatic BP measurement to assess dry weight was associated with lower all-cause hospitalization (HR, 0.86; 99% CI, 0.77 to 0.97) and cardiovascular events (HR, 0.85; 99% CI, 0.73 to 0.98). Routine use of lower dialysate temperature to limit or prevent intradialytic hypotension was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.76; 99% CI, 0.58 to 0.98). Routine use of an online volume indicator to assess dry weight was associated with higher all-cause hospitalization (HR, 1.19; 99% CI, 1.02 to 1.38). Routine use of sodium modeling/profiling to limit or prevent intradialytic hypotension was associated with higher all-cause mortality (HR, 1.36; 99% CI, 1.14 to 1.63), cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.34; 99% CI, 1.04 to 1.73), and cardiovascular events (HR, 1.21; 99% CI, 1.03 to 1.43). CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis facility practices relating to the management of fluid volume and intradialytic hypotension are associated with patient outcomes.

Introduction: Adequate volume management removing excess volume and at the same time avoiding intradialytic morbid events (IME) remains a core problem in current hemodialysis (HD) therapy. Recently, we developed a feasible method to determine absolute blood volume (Vs, in mL/kg) in patients on HD. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of Vs measurements for volume management. Methods: Following a 4 week baseline phase to quantify the frequency of IME, volume status was determined in a single specified HD session during which Vs was measured using dialysate dilution, volume overload (Vo, L) was measured using bioimpedance spectroscopy, and the occurrence of IME was recorded. Target weight was then adjusted and the frequency of IME was recorded during 4 weeks of follow-up. Findings: Forty-five patients participated in this study. Twenty-two (49%) patients experienced 66 IME in 12% of HD treatments during baseline. In 15 (33%) patients who experienced IME during volume assessment both Vs (60.7 ± 4.0 vs. 73.7 ± 11.3 mL/kg, P

The collaborative very light rail project involves the development of a novel railcar designed to revolutionise the rail industry: a self-powered, very light rail vehicle. Each of the two bogies contains a complete diesel–electric series-hybrid drive system, while the whole vehicle has undergone significant lightweighting activity to realise a target weight of less than 18 t, or 1 t per linear metre. The target cost is £500 000, which is to be achieved through the use of standardised, modular components, and appropriate materials and structural design methodologies. The research covers several aspects of the GB Rail Technical Strategy chapter relating to rolling stock. Lightweighting leads to a reduction in the propulsion requirements and reduces the infrastructure installation and maintenance costs. The use of higher-efficiency drive systems achieved through on-board energy systems enables a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. These hybridisation activities improve the passenger experience through quieter operation, decreased vibration and the possible elimination of exhaust emissions in stations. Combining new drive systems with modular lightweight structures will lead to lower life-cycle costs and thus could enable the economical reopening of lines.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects on subsequent performance, carcass traits, jejunal histomorphology for broilers subjected to various time of feeding prestarter diet. For this purpose three hundreds day old Cobb 500 chickens were used. Chickens were grouped as a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replications. Prestarter diet was fed to 4, 6, 8 or 10 days of age. Starter diet was fed for variable times depending upon termination of feeding prestarter. Finisher diet was fed beginning at 22 days of age. Diets were identical in terms of all the nutrients levels. Morphometric indices of jejunum were measured at 10 days of age and the end of the production period. Increasing the duration of feeding prestarter diet significantly increased body weight and decreased FCR at 10 days of age (P 0.05). The FCR of birds fed the prestarter for 10 days significantly lower from that of birds fed the prestarter for 4 days at the end of experiment (P 0.05). There was no significant effect of time of prestarter diet on dressing percentage, breast meat, legs or wings weight (P > 0.05). Different feeding strategies had significant effect on intestinal histomorphology (P < 0.05). Birds fed prestarter diet for the first 10 days had higher villi width and villus surface area (VSA) compared with other treatments at 10 days of age. Based on the data under the experimental conditions, the optimum time of feeding prestarter diet for birds grown to a target weight of approximately 2.2 kg appears to be 10 days.