Changes In Relative Weight Research Articles

Subcronic Toxicity Effect of Ethanol Extract of Bitter Melon Fruit (Momordica charantia L.) on Kidney Function and Histopathological Changes in Wistar Rat

Bitter melon is a fruit that was famous for its bitter taste and contains chemical compounds that are proven to have effects such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antioxidant. One of the prerequisites of a plant to be developed into a drug that is by testing the subchronic toxicity. This study goal to determine the presence of toxic effects that are not detected in the acute toxicity test. A total of 40 wistar rats were divided into group control and 3 treatment groups. Each group consisted of 5 male rats and female rats. Group 1 (control) is only given food (pellets) and drinking water. Group 2, 3 and 4 groups were given ethanol extract of bitter melon pulp (Momordica charantia L.) with multilevels doses 250 mg/kgbw, 500 mg/kgbw, and 1000 mg/kgbw. The observations made for 28 days included the number of death animals, relative organ weight (ROW), ureum, creatinine levels and histopatological changes in kidney. There were no deaths in the entire group, decreasing ureum (p=0,022), creatinine levels (p=0,033) in male group. While in female group ureum decrease not significantly (0.878) and creatinine (0.845). There were no significant changes in ROW (p=0,370 and p=0,394), but there were changes in microscopic structure. In conclusion ethanol extract of bitter melon fruit (Momordica charantia L.) at a of 250 mg/kgbw, 500 mg/kgbw, and 1000 mg/kgbw does not showed any toxic effects on kidney function and relative organ weight. But microscopically, the administration of ethanol extract of bitter melon fruit caused a toxic effect on the kidney tubules in both male and female groups.
 Keywords: Momordica charantia L., sub chronic toxicity, ureum, creatinine, histopathological change

Illiquid Assets and the Opacity Discount in Banks’ Valuation

The paper investigates the impact of fair value accounting for illiquid assets (so-called ‘Level 2’ and ‘Level 3’ assets by accounting rules) on banks’ valuation and focuses on the change in relative weight of Level 3 (the most opaque and illiquid assets) with respect to Level 2 assets. The boundary between Level 3 and Level 2 assets is blurred and less clear than the one between Level 1 and Level 2 assets. Such unclear borderline entails corporate governance issues and provides room for opportunistic behavior by managers to opt for less transparent instruments. The paper proposes the change in Level 3-to-Level 2 assets ratio as a new measure to capture deviations in the opacity of bank assets and suggests a negative relationship between this ratio and bank’s price-to-book value. The rationale behind this relationship is that market participants interpret growth in Level 3-to-Level 2 assets ratio as an increase in bank’s opacity, since Level 3 assets might be as illiquid as Level 2 assets with the benefit of a less transparent model-based valuation technique. Based on a sample of 33 European banks from 2009 to 2018, I find that an increase of 100[Formula: see text]bps in Level 3-to-Level 2 assets ratio is linked to a decrease of about 74[Formula: see text]bps in the price-to-book value. Results are robust for different measures of firm relative valuation and using a different measure of illiquidity in fair value assets holdings (Level 2-to-Level 1 assets ratio).

Effects of a diuretic regimen on body weight and echocardiographic parameters of the tricuspid valve in patients scheduled for transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty

Abstract Background Echocardiographic severity of tricuspid regurgitation is known to be highly variable and strongly related to the volume status of the individual patient. Interventional therapies for tricuspid valve repair or replacement are dependent on reliable measurements in order to select the appropriate device size. Purpose In patients scheduled for transcatheter tricuspid valve annuloplasty, we sought to evaluate the effects of a diuretic regimen started at the screening visit on body weight and tricuspid valve dimensions at the time point of transcatheter intervention. Methods After successful screening for transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty, an individualized intensified diuretic regimen was initiated in 15 patients. At baseline and at the timepoint of the intervention, body weight and 3D echocardiographic dimensions of the tricuspid valve were documented and compared. Results The cohort comprised 6 males and 9 females (mean age 77±7 years) with severe or higher degree functional tricuspid regurgitation. In all patients not more than mild pulmonary artery hypertension was present (PaP mean 29±5 mmHg). The interval between the screening visit and the timepoint of the procedure was 64±50 days. At baseline mean body weight was 72±12 kg. In 11 patients a reduction of the body weight could be achieved, with a median weight reduction of 2.2 kg (min/max 1.2/6.4 kg). Overall, the average relative reduction of the tricuspid annulur perimeter was 13% (p<0,001), of the tricuspid valve area 2.7% (n.s.), the anterseptal diameter 3.3% (n.s.), while the bicommissural diameter remained almost unchanged (0.4%; n.s.). The average predicted required band length changed by only 1.5% (n.s.). The strongest correlations were found between the absolute change in body weight and the change of the tricuspid valve area (r=0.48), relative change in body weight and relative change of tricuspid valve area (r=0.52), absolute change in body weight and absolute change in predicted band length (r=0.48), and relative changes of the respective variables (r=0.52). More importantly, in 13 out of 15 patients the band size which would have been selected was identical between the screening and the annuloplasty procedure. Only in two patients a smaller device was implanted than predicted at the screening visit. Conclusion Instituting a diuretic therapy in candidates for transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty prior to the procedure helps to keep tricuspid valve dimensions in a stable range. Changes in body weight in patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation are correlated to changes of tricuspid valve dimensions. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

GONADOSOMATIC INDEX OF NANDUS NANDUS (HAMILTON, 1822)

Ornamental fishes have emerged as a resource with considerable economic potential. The Asian region stands up as the largest importer of tropical ornamental fish trade. In 2007, it exported 56% of the total global share. Singapore exports the largest share occupying 38% followed by Malaysia, Japan and Thailand by 14%, 12% and 8% respectively ( FishStat, 2009). Compared to the Asian scenario India's total share is negligible in the ornamental fish trade. India is endowed with rich resource of ornamental fish species and can become a major contributor to the international market. Northeastern region can also contribute a major share in the trade of India with its diversified water bodies. The major area which needs to be focused is breeding of ornamental fishes. A successful breeding programme can be possible only if the breeding season of the fish is known. In order to complete the task, the present study was undertaken to trace accurately the spawning period of Nandus nandus. This is reported in terms of gonadosomatic index, which express the relative change in gonad weight to the percentage of body weight.

A quasi-experimental examination of weight-reducing dehydration practices in collegiate male rowers

BackgroundLightweight rowers commonly utilize weight loss techniques over 24-h before competition to achieve the qualifying weight for racing. The objective was to investigate, using a quasi-experimental design, whether changes in weight resulting from dehydration practices are related to changes in proxies of bodily systems involved in rowing and whether these relationships depend on the dehydration technique used.MethodsTwelve elite male rowers performed a power test, an incremental VO2max test, and a visuomotor battery following: weight loss via thermal exposure, weight loss via fluid abstinence and then thermal exposure, and no weight loss. The total percent body mass change (%BMC), %BMC attributable to thermal exposure, and %BMC attributable to fluid abstinence were used to predict performance variables.ResultsFluid abstinence but not thermal exposure was related to a lower total wattage produced on a incremental VO2max test (b = 4261.51 W/1%BMC, 95%CI = 1502.68–7020.34), lower wattages required to elicit 2 mmol/L (b = 27.84 W/1%BMC, 95%CI = 14.69–40.99) and 4 mmol/L blood lactate (b = 20.45 W/1%BMC, 95%CI = 8.91–31.99), and slower movement time on a visuomotor task (b = -38.06 ms/1%BMC, 95%CI = -62.09–-14.03).ConclusionsDehydration related weight changes are associated with reductions in some proxies of bodily systems involved in rowing but depend on the dehydration technique used.

Optimal Monetary Policy with Heterogeneous Agents in Iran (1989-2017): A Model Based on Time Consistency Problem

Policy rules as one of the most acceptable methods in monetary policies are among the significant characteristics of researches about policymaking. A policy rule states how the policy tools should react to changes in economic situations. Understanding the tools and criteria of monetary policies such as changes in target inflation, changes in relative weights of prices stability and employment, and its effect on different sections of society including households and economic firms can help economic policymakers to increase the effectiveness of monetary policies. This paper studies the time consistency and structure of optimal monetary policy from the viewpoint of public sector finance concerning the heterogeneous behavior of economic agents in form of keeping liquidity and nominal assets in Iran. The study utilizes time-series data quarterly from Q1 1989 to Q4 2017. A new Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models have been developed for monetary policy analysis in open economies. Results show that the redistribution effect of monetary policy leads to breakage of the link between time consistency and high inflation; a characteristic that belongs to optimal monetary and fiscal policies.

Consistent Rounding of Edge Weights in Graphs

Often, the edge weights of graphs are given in implicitly infinite or overly high precision (think of Euclidean lengths) which leads to both theoretical as well as practical challenges. In this paper we investigate how to round edge weights of a given graph G(V,E,w) such that the rounded weights of paths satisfy certain consistency criteria. Natural consistency criteria are, for example, preserving optimality of paths, and bounding relative change in weight after the rounding procedure. Low precision edge weights allow for more space efficient implementations, faster arithmetic operations, and in general more stable and efficient algorithms. We present an ILP based rounding approach as well as a greedy rounding heuristic. We show experimentally for large road networks and grid graphs that our new rounding approaches are significantly better than common deterministic or randomized rounding schemes.

Implementing family-based behavioral treatment in the pediatric primary care setting: Design of the PLAN study

Family-based behavioral treatment (FBT) is an evidence-based treatment for pediatric obesity. FBT has primarily been implemented in specialty clinics, with highly trained interventionists. The goal of this study is to assess effectiveness of FBT implemented in pediatric primary care settings using newly trained interventionists who might implement FBT in pediatric practices. The goal is to randomize 528 families with a child with overweight/obesity (≥85th BMI percentile) and parent with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25) across four sites (Buffalo and Rochester, New York; Columbus, Ohio; St. Louis, Missouri) to FBT or usual care and obtain assessments at 6-month intervals over 24 months of treatment. FBT is implemented using a mastery model, which provides quantity of treatment tailored to family progress and following the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for effective dose and duration of treatment. The primary outcome of the trial is change in relative weight for children, and secondarily, for parents and siblings who are overweight/obese. Between group differences in the tendency to prefer small immediate rewards over larger, delayed rewards (delay discounting) and how this is related to treatment outcome is also evaluated. Challenges in translation of group-based interventions to individualized treatments in primary care settings, and in study implementation that arose due to the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed. It is hypothesized that the FBT intervention will be associated with better changes in relative weight for children, parents, and siblings than usual care. The results of this study can inform future dissemination and implementation of FBT into primary care settings.

Toxicological assessment of Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. cladode methanol extract, fractions and its alpha pyrones: Opuntiol and opuntioside

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe edible plant Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. commonly known as Nagphana, belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is traditionally used to treat various ailments including inflammation, gastric ulcers, diabetes, hepatitis, asthma, whooping cough and intestinal spasm. Aim of the studyDespite its traditional use in various countries, detailed toxicological studies of O. dillenii cladode are few. Thus in the current study, toxicity of O. dillenii cladode derived methanol extract, fractions and its α-pyrones: opuntiol and opuntioside have been addressed. MethodsThe test agents were assessed using both in vitro and in vivo toxicity assays. MTT on human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293), tryphan blue exclusion in rat neutrophils, Cytokinesis-B block micronucleus (CBMN) in human lymphocytes and genomic DNA fragmentation using agarose gel electrophoresis were performed. In acute toxicity test, mice orally received extract (5 g/kg) for 7 days followed by measurements of relative organ weight, biochemical (blood profile, liver and kidney function test) and histological studies (liver and kidney) were carried out. Rat bone marrow micronucleus genotoxicity assay was also conducted. ResultsO. dillenii derived test agents were non-cytotoxic and had no effect on the integrity of DNA. Methanol extract (5 g/kg) orally administered in mice did not cause any significant change in relative organ weights, biochemical parameters and liver and kidney histology as compared to vehicle control. In parallel, extract did not stimulate micronuclei formation in rat bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes. ConclusionThese results led to conclude that edible O. dillenii extract is non-toxic via the oral route and appears to be non-cyto-, hepato-, nephro- or genotoxic, thereby supporting its safe traditional use against various ailments. Therefore, opuntiol and opuntioside may serve as lead compounds in designing new drug(s) derived from edible plants.

The impact of lifestyle counselling on weight management and quality of life among working-age females

Objective Overweight and obesity are increasing globally. General practitioners (GP’s) are at the first point of contact for medical support and consequently have a major role in resolving this overwhelming problem. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a brief lifestyle counselling on weight management and on the participants’ quality of life (QoL). Design A cohort study with a one-year follow-up. Setting Occupational health care, city of Pori in southwestern Finland. Participants Female municipal employees (n = 625) with a mean age of 48 (SD 9) years. Intervention A nurse and a physiotherapist gave lifestyle counselling to all the participants; however, only the overweight/obese subjects were recommended to lose at least 5% of their initial weight. Main outcome measure Success in weight management and quality of life. Results At the follow-up visit, 10.4% (95% CI: 7.5–14.0) of the overweight/obese subjects had lost at least 5% of their weight, but 10.0% (95% CI: 6.7–14.3) of the normal-weight participants had become overweight. The mean weight change was +0.1 kg (95% CI: −0.3–0.5) in the overweight/obese group and +0.5 kg (95% CI: 0.2–0.8) in the normal weight group. The change in QoL was inversely correlated with relative weight change in overweight/obese subjects, albeit the effect size was small. Conclusion Weight management counselling should also be directed to individuals with a normal weight. Even with brief lifestyle counselling it may be possible to stabilize weight gain. Successful weight loss may improve the QoL of overweight/obese individuals. KEY POINTS Primary health care has to deal with the increasing problem of overweight and obesity. Brief lifestyle counselling performed by a nurse and a physiotherapist seems to be quite effective in weight stabilization, considering the effort needed. People with normal weight tend to gain weight and weight management counselling should also be directed to them. Successful weight management may improve the quality of life of overweight/obese people.

Weight gain in Chinese youth during a 4-month COVID-19 lockdown: a retrospective observational study

ObjectivesTo observe the weight change in Chinese youth during a 4-month COVID-19 lockdown, and the association between weight change and mental health, physical activity and sedentary time changes, and dietary...

Child and family predictors of relative weight change in a low-income, school-based weight management intervention.

Introduction: Minority and low-income children are underrepresented in school-based weight management programs despite higher risk of obesity and the external contexts that influence their success are largely unknown. This study examines predictors of weight outcomes following the socioecological model in a school-based weight management intervention implemented in an elementary school serving primarily low-income, Black youth. Methods: Children (n = 145; ages 4-9) participated in an 8-month school-based weight management intervention that included components to increase physical activity, promote healthy eating, and engage parents. Children had height and weight measured at baseline and postprogram and parents completed questionnaires at baseline. Socioecological predictors (e.g., child demographic, parent beliefs and attitudes, family and home environment, and social contexts of the family) of zBMI change were assessed using linear regressions. Results: Weight change over the program differed by baseline weight status such that children with obesity lost weight, while children of healthy weight and with overweight gained weight. Children who were younger and had healthier family food choices at baseline were better able to maintain their weight, whereas children from food insecure families gained weight. Discussion: Children of different weight categories from low-income families vary in their response to universally delivered school-based weight management programs. Future work should consider how to address needs of children from different weight classes as well as to effectively target children with risk factors for excessive weight gain (e.g., older, food insecure, less healthful food choices), which may involve broader or more integrative approaches. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Patterns of Growth in Childhood in Relation to Adult Schooling Attainment and Intelligence Quotient in 6 Birth Cohorts in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Evidence from the Consortium of Health-Oriented Research in Transitioning Societies (COHORTS).

ABSTRACTBackgroundGrowth faltering has been associated with poor intellectual performance. The relative strengths of associations between growth in early and in later childhood remain underexplored.ObjectivesWe examined the association between growth in childhood and adult human capital in 5 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsWe analyzed data from 9503 participants in 6 prospective birth cohorts from 5 LMICs (Brazil, Guatemala, India, the Philippines, and South Africa). We used linear and quasi-Poisson regression models to assess the associations between measures of height and relative weight at 4 age intervals [birth, age ∼2 y, midchildhood (MC), adulthood] and 2 dimensions of adult human capital [schooling attainment and Intelligence Quotient (IQ)].ResultsMeta-analysis of site- and sex-specific estimates showed statistically significant associations between size at birth and height at ∼2 y and the 2 outcomes (P < 0.001). Weight and length at birth and linear growth from birth to ∼2 y of age (1 z-score difference) were positively associated with schooling attainment (β: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.19, β: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.32, and β: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.40, respectively) and adult IQ (β: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.35, 1.14, β: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.35, 1.10, and β: 1.52, 95% CI: 0.96, 2.08, respectively). Linear growth from age 2 y to MC and from MC to adulthood was not associated with higher school attainment or IQ. Change in relative weight in early childhood, MC, and adulthood was not associated with either outcome.ConclusionsLinear growth in the first 1000 d is a predictor of schooling attainment and IQ in adulthood in LMICs. Linear growth in later periods was not associated with either of these outcomes. Changes in relative weight across the life course were not associated with schooling and IQ in adulthood.

Oxicological effects of artemether-nevirapine coadministration on serum biochemistry and some organs of Wistar rats

This study investigated toxicological effects of 5 and/or 10 mg/kg artemether (ART5 or ART10) and nevirapine (NVP) co-administration on serum biochemistry and some organs of Wistar rats. Drugs were administered intraperitoneally to 6 groups (n=6) for 21 days. On day 22, rats were sacrificed, sera obtained to determine electrolyte and antioxidant levels. Liver, kidney, lung and spleen were harvested and weighed for histological studies. Data analysed using oneway ANOVA, Dunnett’s post-hoc test and were considered significant at p≤0.05. There was no difference in superoxide, catalase, Na+ , K+ , Ca2+ and HCO3- levels in the treated groups. Cl- decreased (p≤0.05) in NVP + T80 and NVP + ART10 administered groups. MDA increased (p≤0.05) in NVP + ART10 group while GPx decreased. No pathological changes were observed in the liver of all treated groups but relative weight increased (p≤0.05) in NVPART10 treated group. The kidney of NVP-ART5 and NVP-ART10 treated groups did not differ in relative weight but showed some renal necrosis. The spleen and lung of ART10 treated group showed some pathological changes. The changes in relative liver weight, kidney tissue, Cl-, MDA and GPx levels of ART-NVP administered rats suggest the need for precautionary measures during drug treatment combination.&#x0D; Keywords: Artemether; Nevirapine; Toxicology; Liver; Kidney; Spleen; Lung, Biochemical parameters

Incident gout and weight change patterns: a retrospective cohort study of US adults

BackgroundAlthough the relationship between obesity and incident gout has been clarified, the influence of weight changes during the transition from early adulthood to midlife and the different weight change patterns in specific age ranges on the incidence of gout in later life remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between weight change patterns across adulthood and incident gout.MethodsUsing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we categorized individuals into four weight change patterns: those who remained obese (stable obese), those who moved from a non-obese body mass index (BMI) to an obese BMI (gaining), those who moved from an obese BMI to a non-obese BMI (losing), and those who remained non-obese (stable non-obese). Incident gout reflected its occurrence over the 10-year follow-up from the recalled midlife weight measure to the time of this survey. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals relating weight change patterns to incident gout over the 10-year follow-up period were calculated using Cox models adjusted for covariates. The hypothetical population attributable fraction (PAF) for the weight change patterns was calculated.ResultsAmong our sample of adults aged 40–74 years at their midlife weight measure (n = 11,079), 320 developed gout. The highest risk of incident gout was found for participants with the stable obese pattern (HR 1.84; 1.08–3.14) and not for participants who remained stable non-obese during adulthood. Moreover, gaining weight was a significant risk factor for incident gout (HR 1.65; 1.19–2.29). No significant associations were found between losing weight change patterns and the risk of gout during the study period. If participants who gained weight had become non-obese during the 10-year follow-up, an estimated 3.2% (95% CI 0–6.3) of observed gout cases could have been averted. In addition, if the population had maintained a normal BMI, 32.9% (95% CI 18.2–44.9) cases could have been prevented during the 10 years.ConclusionsGaining weight over adulthood was associated with an increased risk of gout. These findings have highlighted that maintaining non-obese weight and weight loss across adulthood is essential for the prevention and treatment of gout in adult life.

Protective role of flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside against lead-acetate-induced oxidative-stress-mediated nephrotoxicity in rats

BackgroundLead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that causes kidney injury and oxidative tissue damage. Current drugs to treat nephrotoxicity have multiple side-effects. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic approaches is urgently required. PurposeWe investigated the nephroprotective efficacy of flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) against lead acetate (PbAc)-induced renal toxicity in rats. MethodsThe therapeutic activity of SDG was determined using a Wistar Albino rat model. Rats were administered with lead acetate (20 mg/kg b.w.) to induce nephrotoxicity and treated with SDG (10 mg/kg b.w.) or vehicle for 5 days. Biochemical parameters were measured and histopathological studies were carried out to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of SDG. ResultsThere were significant changes in relative kidney weight and reduced PbAc accumulation in the kidney after treatment with SDG compared to the control. SDG treatment also led to significant decreases in the levels of blood urea and creatinine and restored levels of albumin. There was also a marked improvement in the concentration of enzymes in the group treated with SDG. Histopathological examination of renal tissues confirmed that the nephritic changes due to PbAc were ameliorated by SDG treatment. ConclusionIn conclusion, our study suggests the protective role of SDG in limiting renal cytotoxicity induced by lead acetate as a model for lead toxicity.

Children with Severe Obesity in Family-Based Obesity Treatment Compared with Other Participants: Conclusions Depend on Metrics.

This study compares children with severe obesity and children with mild obesity/overweight participating in family-based obesity treatment (FBT) on change in (1) relative weight and adiposity and (2) psychosocial distress. Children 7 to 11 years old (N = 241) and their parents participated in 12 months of behavioral treatment (FBT + maintenance treatment) and completed anthropometric, adiposity, and psychosocial assessments (psychiatric disorder symptomology, quality of life). Severe obesity was defined as a baseline BMI ≥ 120% of the 95th percentile (N = 105). At 12 months, 40% of children with baseline severe obesity no longer had severe obesity. Percent overweight and fat mass index measurements showed similar magnitudes of change among children with severe obesity and children with mild obesity/overweight, whereas BMI z score and percent body fat change was lower in the group with severe obesity. Youth with severe obesity were higher on some measures of psychosocial distress at baseline but generally experienced improvements similar to children with mild obesity/overweight. FBT with maintenance treatment is beneficial for children with severe obesity and is recommended for use prior to more invasive treatments in severe pediatric obesity. Future studies should assess the necessity of additional treatment, as children with severe obesity still have high relative weights post intervention.

Bariatric surgery versus medical therapy in Korean obese patients: prospective multicenter nonrandomized controlled trial (KOBESS trial).

PurposeThe aim of this study was to show that bariatric surgery (BS) is more effective than medical therapy (MT) in Asian obese patients.MethodsIn this prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized, controlled trial, obese patients with body mass index of ≥35 kg/m2 or 30.0–34.9 kg/m2 with obesity-related comorbidities were assigned to undergo BS, such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or MT. Patients who underwent BS were evaluated 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery, whereas patients who received MT were monitored at a hospital every 6 weeks for 1 year. At each visit, weight, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure were measured, and patients underwent physical examination and laboratory testing. Health-related quality of life (HQOL) was investigated using Euro QOL-5 Dimension, Impact of Weight on Quality of Life questionnaire-Lite and Obesity-related Problems scale.ResultsThe study included 264 patients from 13 institutions; of these, 64 underwent BS and 200 received MT. Of the patients who underwent BS, 6.3% experienced early complications. Relative weight changes from baseline to 48 weeks were significantly greater in the BS than in the MT group (26.9% vs. 2.1%, P < 0.001), as were the rates of remission of diabetes (47.8% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.014), hypertension (60.0% vs. 26.1%, P < 0.001), and dyslipidemia (63.2% vs. 22.0%, P < 0.001). HQOL was better in the BS than in the MT group at 48 weeks.ConclusionBS was safe and effective in Korean obese patients, with greater weight reduction, remission of comorbidities, and quality of life improvement than MT.

Determination of wound healing activity of Shark liver oil using the excision wound model in Wistar rats

There are various promising preclinical models, such as in mice, wistar rats, rabbits and pigs, which can be utilized to initiate acute or chronic wounds. These can be persuaded by many distinctive techniques, with excision the most common. After determining a proper model for a study, investigators need to choose an appropriate and reproducible technique that will permit the monitoring of the wound improvement over time. In this study, the healing power of Shark Liver Oil Emulgel (SLO) in Wistar rats were analyzed by using the excision wound model. The shark liver oil was prepared as emulgel at a concentration of 5%,10% and 15%, respectively and both Standard drug(Povidone-Iodine Ointment USP 5% w/w-PI) and SLO is applied at a concentration of 1mg/mm2; Topically. The parameters integrated for the assessment of the effects of SLO were Relative body weight changes, wound area contraction in mm2, relative wound percentage and epithelialization time. Wound area contraction was measured on 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th and 21st day. Wistar rats treated with SLO showed substantial variations in epithelialization period and improved wound contraction in the excision wound treatment as compared to disease control. The biochemical biomarkers like SOD(Superoxide dismutases), GSH(Reduced Glutathione)and LPO(Lipid peroxidase) in the treated group have shown a significant change in the improvement of wound healing. Histopathological studies and microscopic observations specify that the topical use of Shark liver oil Emulgel extensively improved wound contraction, collagenation and epithelialization with well-organized dermis devoid of inflammatory cells in contrast to disease control.

A scientific compendium of the effects of sildenafil citrate on the liver, kidney and heart of male albino rats at Nnewi, South East Nigeria

This study investigated the various effects of Sildenafil citrate on the liver, kidney and heart of male albino rats. Twenty eight male rats randomly divided into 4 groups and weighing 131-214g were used. While the animals in group 1 (control) received food and water only, those in the study groups 2,3&amp;4 respectively received 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg of Sildenafil citrate orally, daily for 4 weeks. All animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected by cardiac puncture for analysis of biochemical parameters. The rats Liver, kidneys and hearts were subjected to histopathological tests. Study results showed no changes in food consumption, fluid intake, body weight and relative organ weight of the animals. The animals in group 4 showed significant increase in mean Lactate dehydrogenase and Aspartate aminotransferase ⃰(P&lt;0.05) compared to control. Mean levels of creatinine was significantly higher among group 4 animals ⃰(p&lt;0.05) but not significantly high among the animals in other groups. Mean Na+ and Cl- level were significantly high among the animals in group 4 ⃰(p&lt;0.05). Although no histopathological changes were observed in the heart of the rats in groups 2,3 and 4, there were significant increase in serum levels of Na+, K and Cl- of animals in group 4 which could have affected their heart owing to fatigue. Sildenafil citrate (100mg/kg) caused distortion in cyto-architecture of the liver and mild distortion of cortical structures in the kidneys of albino rats. Sildenafil citrate has potential toxic effects on the liver, kidney and heart of studied rats with higher doses. Conclusion: Sildenafil citrate has potential toxic effects on the liver, kidney and heart of male albino rats especially with higher doses.