Commercial Weight Research Articles

Postnatal Lifestyle Intervention for Overweight Women With Previous Gestational Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with a sevenfold increased lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes. Excessive gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention are established predictors of long-term obesity. To determine the impact of a postnatal lifestyle intervention program for overweight women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (PAIGE). Postnatal overweight women with previous GDM participated in a multicenter randomized controlled trial between June 2013 and December 2014. The intervention comprised a 1-hour educational program, a free 3-month referral to a commercial weight management organization (Slimming World), a pedometer, and structured telephone and text support, in addition to usual care. The control group received usual care only. The primary outcome was weight loss at 6 months. Sixty women were randomized (29 intervention; 31 control) in two centers based on their week of attendance. The intervention group demonstrated significant weight loss at 6 months after randomization compared with the control group: mean ±SD, 3.9 ± 7.0 kg vs 0.7 ±3.8 kg (P = 0.02). Blood glucose levels did not significantly differ. With respect to well-being measures, a bodily pain was significantly reduced in the intervention group (P = 0.007). PAIGE resulted in significantly greater weight loss at 6 months compared with usual care. Such weight loss could prove beneficial in terms of better long-term health and subsequent prevention of type 2 diabetes in overweight women with previous GDM. Future interventions must consider recruitment strategies, timing of the intervention, and inclusion of partners and/or other family members.

A mixed-methods evaluation of a community pharmacy signposting service to a commercial weight-loss provider.

Community pharmacies could provide access for clients to commercial weight management organizations. We evaluated recruitment, referral and outcomes of adults provided with free vouchers by community pharmacies to attend Scottish Slimmers classes. Prospective cohort design with qualitative interviews with clients and pharmacy personnel. Scottish Slimmers collected weight and attendance data. Pharmacies in Aberdeen City, Scotland. Clients aged ≥18 years with BMI≥30 kg/m2. Ten of twenty-three pharmacies were recruited; eight successfully recruited clients. Of 129 clients recruited, ninety-seven (75 %) attended at least one class and fifty-one (40 %) attended all twelve classes. At baseline, clients' mean weight was 99·4 (sd 17·5) kg, mean BMI was 37·8 (sd 6·0) kg/m2. After 12 weeks, mean weight change was -3·7 % (last observation carried forward) or -2·8 % (baseline observation carried forward) for all ninety-seven clients. Client interviews indicated that many individuals would have not addressed their weight problems if this referral service had not been available. They had positive attitudes towards the pharmacy signposting service, attributed to the use of consultation rooms for privacy, receiving professional service from personnel and ongoing support and encouragement. The free provision of 12-week access facilitated participation. Service providers had positive attitudes and indicated their willingness to provide this service in future. Community pharmacies could be used to increase access to weight management services, with pharmacy personnel providing additional support to clients. Future provision of pharmacy referral schemes should be evaluated on a larger scale with an economic evaluation.

Desempenho agronômico da batata (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. ´Unica´ sob inoculação com rhizobacterias nativas e aplicação de ácido acetil salicílico

Peru is center of origin of potato and its wild relatives, so it is convenient to develop new technologies of agronomical management with less impact on the ecosystem, as in the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in potato is increasing in developing countries. The objective of the work was to evaluate the agronomic performance of potato cv. ´Unica´ under inoculation with PGPR rhizobacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of Andean potatoes and on the effect of the application of acetylsalicylic acid in field conditions of the Peruvian coast. Inoculation of four bacterial isolates were evaluated: Bacillus simplex B13, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Bac 15Mb, Azotobacter sp. Azo 16M2 and Pantoea sp. DZ22, as well as a dose of 0.4 mM acetyl salicylic acid as promoter treatments for plant growth versus a control with no inoculation. A randomized complete block design was used in a sandy loam class soil, slightly alkaline, with low organic content and free of salts. There was a relative humidity between 54 and 71%, while the average air temperatures ranged between 13 and 21 °C in San Vicente de Canete, Lima (coordinates UTM 18L3540788550372). Inoculated plants with bacterial strains at sowing time and control were evaluated at flowering in plots of 40 plants with three replications for several physiological and productive parameters. Means were separated statistically through Duncan's multiple range test and processed with Infostat software. Inoculation with strain Azotobacter sp. Azo 16M2, showed significant differences (p<0.05) with respect to control without inoculation, increasing tuber yield and commercial tuber weight per hectare and with less damage by the leafminer fly (Liriomyza huidobrensis) vis-a-vis the control. Also application of acetyl salicylic acid showed higher percentage of inflorescences (p<0.05) compared to the control, while statistical differences were not found between bacterial strains for this character. It was concluded that the application of inoculant strain Azotobacter sp. Azo 16M2 improved the agronomic performance of potato cv. ‘Unica’, under subtropical conditions of the valley of Canete in terms of production of tubers and commercial quality, and less foliage damage by the leafminer fly compared to non-inoculated plants.

Desempenho agronômico da batata (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. ´Unica´ sob inoculação com rhizobacterias nativas e aplicação de ácido acetil salicílico

Peru is center of origin of potato and its wild relatives, so it is convenient to develop new technologies of agronomical management with less impact on the ecosystem, as in the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in potato is increasing in developing countries. The objective of the work was to evaluate the agronomic performance of potato cv. ´Unica´ under inoculation with PGPR rhizobacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of Andean potatoes and on the effect of the application of acetylsalicylic acid in field conditions of the Peruvian coast. Inoculation of four bacterial isolates were evaluated: Bacillus simplex B13, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Bac 15Mb, Azotobacter sp. Azo 16M2 and Pantoea sp. DZ22, as well as a dose of 0.4 mM acetyl salicylic acid as promoter treatments for plant growth versus a control with no inoculation. A randomized complete block design was used in a sandy loam class soil, slightly alkaline, with low organic content and free of salts. There was a relative humidity between 54 and 71%, while the average air temperatures ranged between 13 and 21 °C in San Vicente de Cañete, Lima (coordinates UTM 18L3540788550372). Inoculated plants with bacterial strains at sowing time and control were evaluated at flowering in plots of 40 plants with three replications for several physiological and productive parameters. Means were separated statistically through Duncan's multiple range test and processed with Infostat software. Inoculation with strain Azotobacter sp. Azo 16M2, showed significant differences (p&lt;0.05) with respect to control without inoculation, increasing tuber yield and commercial tuber weight per hectare and with less damage by the leafminer fly (Liriomyza huidobrensis) vis-à-vis the control. Also application of acetyl salicylic acid showed higher percentage of inflorescences (p&lt;0.05) compared to the control, while statistical differences were not found between bacterial strains for this character. It was concluded that the application of inoculant strain Azotobacter sp. Azo 16M2 improved the agronomic performance of potato cv. ‘Unica’, under subtropical conditions of the valley of Cañete in terms of production of tubers and commercial quality, and less foliage damage by the leafminer fly compared to non-inoculated plants.

Assessing the feasibility of parent participation in a commercial weight loss program to improve child body mass index and weight-related health behaviors.

Objectives:Little is known about how children’s health might be affected by parents’ participation in commercial weight loss programs. Given that more than 3.2 million people subscribe to just one commercial weight loss program, Weight Watchers, any secondary effects on children’s weight-related health behaviors (e.g. dietary behaviors, physical activity, and sedentary time) and body mass index from parent participation in commercial weight loss programs may have significant public health implications. This study examined the feasibility of conducting a study to assess such effects. Methods for recruitment and retention, and perceived acceptability and satisfaction among participants in small-scale preliminary study, were evaluated. Changes in body mass index and health behaviors among the parent–child dyads were also measured to test whether a larger-scale study would be warranted.Methods:This was an 8-week, pre–post observational feasibility study involving 20 parent–child dyads where both members had overweight or obesity. Physical and behavioral data were collected at baseline and 8 weeks from both members of the dyads. Parenting data were collected at the same time periods through parents’ self-report. Bivariate correlation was used to quantify the associations in changes for dyad members.Results:Feasibility goals for retention and perceived acceptability/satisfaction among participants were met. We reached approximately 80% of our enrollment goal. Parents showed a significant decrease in body mass index of 0.53 points (p < 0.05), while children showed a significant increase in raw body mass index (0.42, p < 0.05) and body mass index percentile (0.59, p < 0.05). However, correlation between changes in parent body mass index and changes in children body mass index percentile was positively correlated (r = 0.24, p = 0.31). A decrease in parent intake of total fat was associated with a decrease in the intake of fat in their children (r = 0.47, p < 0.05).Conclusion:Our findings support the viability of a larger-scale follow-up to assess the potential of using parent-only commercial weight loss program as a mechanism for improving health behaviors and body mass index in children with overweight or obesity.

The two-year outcomes and cost effectiveness of a commercial weight loss program for the prevention of type-2 diabetes: A randomized control trial

The two-year outcomes and cost effectiveness of a commercial weight loss program for the prevention of type-2 diabetes: A randomized control trial

Hospital-affiliated Medical Fitness Center Usage: Findings from a 12-week Weight Management Program

The extent of obesity and over weightness in the United States, as well as the comorbidity and chronic disease that accompany them, are preventable. While evidence to support retail and commercial weight management programs is conflicted, hospital-affiliated medical fitness centers present a promising alternative. This study examined health outcomes associated with participation in a 12- week weight management program, sponsored by three hospital affiliated medical fitness centers. Participants consisted of 13 male and 77 female participants, and mean age was 49.3 years. Participants reported increased health status (p&lt;0.001), and reductions in unhealthy days in the past month (p&lt;0.001), weight (p&lt;0.001), and chronic pain (p=0.021). Participation was influenced by facility characteristics, such as staff knowledge (p&lt;0.001), staff helpfulness (p&lt;0.001), staff friendliness (p&lt;0.001), facility location (p=0.002), and an on-site emergency room (p=0.002). These findings suggest that participants’ physical and mental health improved over the 12-week program, and that the addition of hospital-affiliated medical fitness centers amongst existing hospitals systems warrants consideration..

Caracterización del crecimiento de truchas arcoiris (oncorhynchus mykiss) en el Lago Titicaca mediante modelos no lineales

This research was carried out with the objective of characterizing the growth of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Lake Titicaca using nonlinear models, from which points of biological and economic interest were identified, as well as predictions of food requirements to improve the productive and economic performance. The information used corresponds to the company Perú Pacífico located in the district of Capachica, province of Puno. The models analyzed were Logistic, Gompertz and Richards that were estimated using SAS ® NLIN and the Marquardt algorithm. The Richards model showed a higher coefficient of determination (R2). That is, it adequately describes and predicts trout growth in Lake Titicaca, under specific management conditions. The Logistic and Gompertz models showed lower predictive capacity when overestimating and underestimating the weight in the initial phase of growth, while in the final phase, they underestimate and overestimate, respectively. The growth profile shows slow weight increases in the adaptation phase to the environment, accelerated to the point of inflection, tends toward an asymptotic value as it approaches adulthood, and has a sigmoid shape, typical in trout. Finally, it has been determined the period of adaptation to the environment, the point of inflection, the time in which they would reach commercial weight (200, 250, 330 and 500 gr), and the requirement of food at certain times of a productive cycle of 269 days.

Health behaviours of young mothers: Implications for health promotion and cancer prevention.

Objective:Evidence suggests that younger mothers engage in poorer health behaviours, resulting in increased cancer risk. We aimed to better understand the health behaviours of younger mothers and the factors that influence their lifestyle choices, in order to improve cancer prevention within this population.Methods:A multiple focus group, photo-elicitation-aided approach was used, in which young mothers (n = 27; aged 16–24 years) were provided with cameras and asked to capture ‘a week in your life’. Photographs were developed and participants invited to an initial focus group where photographs were used to elicit discussion, exploring participants’ health behaviours. Data were thematically analysed particularly identifying themes relating to barriers and facilitators of positive health behaviours. Participants were later invited to participate in a second focus group, to explore and validate identified themes further.Results:Themes emerged from the data relating to (1) the mothers’ personal perceptions of health, (2) health-related behaviours and (3) beliefs about cancer and its causes. Barriers to positive health behaviours included a lack of money, childcare and cookery skills; facilitators included the social media, commercial weight loss programmes and local community organisations.Conclusion:Study findings provide insight into the health behaviours and life choices of young mothers. They help illustrate health perceptions in relation to cancer risk, providing an understanding of how their daily routine and circumstance influence young women’s decisions and lifestyle behaviour choices and highlighting barriers to, and facilitators of, positive health behaviours. Data hold potential to inform future health-related research among young mothers, particularly relating to cancer prevention intervention.

A Commercially Available Portion-Controlled Diet Program Is More Effective for Weight Loss than a Self-Directed Diet: Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial.

To examine changes in weight and related outcomes in response to a commercial weight loss program compared to a self-directed diet in adults with overweight or obesity. Participants were randomly assigned [stratified by body mass index (BMI) and age] to a commercial weight loss program (n = 38) or to a self-directed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet (n = 40) for a 16-week period. Daily energy intake goals were 1,500 kcal/d for men and 1,200 kcal/d for women, except for the first week of the commercial program (1,000 kcal/d). This study was registered at http://ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03017443). Primarily Caucasian (71%) women (n = 61) and men (n = 17) from the greater metropolitan area of the city of Chicago, IL, USA. with a mean baseline BMI of 34.4 kg/m2, body weight of 95.7 kg, and age of 50.4 years. Data = mean (95% CI). At week 16, the commercial program group lost significantly more body weight [-5.9 (-7.5, -4.3) kg vs. -1.8 (-2.9, -0.8) kg; or -6.4 vs. -1.8% of initial body weight, respectively], fat mass [-4.4 (-5.7, -3.1) kg vs. -1.2 (-2.1, -0.4) kg] and total body circumference (chest + waist + hip + upper arm + thigh) [-16.9 (-21.5, -12.3) cm vs. -5.8 (-9.0, -2.6) cm] (p < 0.01 for all). Additionally, more participants in the commercial program group lost a clinically meaningful amount of weight, defined as ≥5% of initial body weight, at week 16 (58% vs. 13%, p < 0.001). The commercial program resulted in greater weight loss and improvements in body composition/anthropometric parameters compared to a self-directed DASH diet over a 16-week period. Some important limitations were that no objective measurements of dietary intake or physical activity were collected to potentially ascertain the independent or combined effects of these components on weight loss (or lack thereof). Additionally, future research is warranted in order to understand the effects of this program, and similar programs, on longer term changes in body weight, in particular weight loss maintenance, as weight regain is common following the cessation of a structured weight loss intervention.

Red beet and betaine as ingredients in diets of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): effects on growth performance, nutrient retention and flesh quality

ABSTRACTThe objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of dietary red beet and betaine on the growth performance and fish flesh quality of rainbow trout. Therefore, a control diet was compared with four diets in which two levels of red beet (14% and 28%) and betaine (0.9% and 1.63%) were incorporated in combination. The study was set up with an average body weight of 69 ± 2.2 g and finished when fish reached commercial weight (175–250 g) after 105 d. The impact of the diets was studied based on the growth performance, biometric indexes, proximal composition, protein and fat retention efficiencies and apparent nutrient digestibility by fish reared on a recirculation system. Further estimates were the effect of red beet and betaine on the flesh proximate composition and quality of the final product (water activity, colour, texture, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and sensory characteristics). Results showed that inclusion of 14% red beet and 0.9% betaine did not affect growth, nutritive or biometric parameters and nutrient retention when compared with the control diet. However, higher levels of red beet and betaine had negative effects on growth and nutritive parameters. The tested ingredients enhanced quality parameters regardless of the concentration used. After feeding the red beet and betaine, fish flesh showed lower water activity and better textural and colour properties than the control and also a dose-dependent effect on lipid oxidation was observed.

Weight loss and frequency of body-weight self-monitoring in an online commercial weight management program with and without a cellular-connected 'smart' scale: a randomized pilot study.

SummaryObjectiveEvaluate the effects of an online commercial weight management program, with and without provision of a ‘smart’ scale with instructions to weigh daily and weekly tailored feedback, on weight loss and the frequency of body‐weight self‐monitoring.MethodsParticipants (N = 92; body mass index 27–40 kg/m2) were randomized to 6 months of no‐cost access to the Weight Watchers Online (WWO) platform alone, or enhanced with a cellular‐connected ‘smart’ scale, instructions to weigh daily and weekly pre‐scripted email feedback (Weight Watchers Online Enhanced [WWO‐E]). The number of days that weight was self‐monitored (via ‘smart’ scale in WWO‐E and manually in WWO) was recorded automatically across the 6‐month trial. Objective weight was measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months.ResultsWhile both groups achieved statistically significant weight loss, mean ± standard error weight loss did not differ between WWO‐E and WWO at 3 months (5.1 ± 0.6 kg vs. 4.0 ± 0.7 kg, respectively; p = 0.257) or 6 months (5.3 ± 0.6 kg vs. 3.9 ± 0.7 kg, respectively; p = 0.116). However, a greater proportion of WWO‐E lost ≥5% of initial body weight at 3 months (52.2% vs. 28.3%; p = 0.033), but not 6 months (43.5% vs. 30.4%; p = 0.280), compared with WWO. Mean ± standard deviation days with self‐monitored weight was higher in WWO‐E (80.5 ± 5.6; 44.7% of days) than WWO (12.0 ± 1.0; 6.7% of days; p < 0.001) across the 6‐month study period.ConclusionsThis is the first study to show that provision of a ‘smart’ scale with weekly tailored feedback substantially increased the frequency of self‐weighing and the proportion of participants achieving an initial clinically significant ≥5% weight loss (52% vs. 28%) in an online commercial weight management program. Both WWO and WWO‐E produced significant weight loss over 6 months. While mean weight losses were slightly greater in the enhanced group, the difference was not statistically significant in this small sample. This study provides support for the clinical utility of online commercial weight management programs and the potential for supporting technology such as ‘smart’ scales to improve adherence to body‐weight self‐monitoring and clinical outcomes.

Carcass characteristics of lambs fed spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane.

ObjectiveFresh sugarcane has been a new roughage source for ruminant’s in semiarid regions, a function of the decline of sugar and alcohol industry in recent years. However, there is little data published regarding lambs fed sugarcane associated with spineless cactus. This study evaluated the effect of sugarcane replacement with spineless cactus (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100%) in the diet of Santa Inês lambs on carcass characteristics.MethodsThirty-six non-castrated Santa Ines lambs at four months of age and an initial body weight of 22±2.3 kg were assigned in a randomized block design and slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. The effects of spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane in the diet of the lambs on the carcass characteristics, commercial cut weight and yield, leg tissue composition, and carcass measurements were studied.ResultsThe study revealed quadratic behavior in slaughter body weight, and hot and cold carcass weight, with maximum values of 38.60, 18.60, and 18.11 kg and replacement levels of 40.18%, 44.42%, and 43.14%, respectively. The cold carcass yield presented an increasing linear behavior. The compactness index of carcass and leg presented a quadratic effect, with estimated maximal values of 0.28 and 0.57 kg/cm and replacement levels of 43.37% and 45.5%, respectively. The weights of commercial cuts of leg, loin, shoulder, and breast showed quadratic behavior, with maximum values of 2.79, 0.852, 1.46, and 1.30 kg and replacement levels of 49.5, 45.32, 39.0, and 40.7, respectively. For tissue composition, quadratic behavior was verified for leg weight, subcutaneous fat, and total fat.ConclusionThe replacement of sugarcane by spineless cactus at level 44% is recommended for finishing lambs considering that this level improved most of the carcass characteristics, weights, and yields of commercial cuts and leg tissue composition.

Development of vinyl ester resins with improved flame retardant properties for structural marine applications

This work builds on our previous experience of blending and co-curing an unsaturated polyester resin with other relatively inexpensive, but more flame retardant resins such as chemically modified phenolic resins, and extends this technology to the almost equally flammable vinyl ester resins, commonly used in marine composites. It has been demonstrated that two commercial vinyl ester resins (Scott-Bader, UK), one epoxy based (Crystic VE 676) and the other novolac based (Crystic VE 673), may be blended with two different commercial low molecular weight phenolic resoles (Sumitomo Bakelite Europe NV), one unmodified (Durez 33156) and the other containing allyl groups (Methylon 75108) and the blends cured (crosslinked) to give blended resins with good flame retardance, in several respects better than that of the unblended vinyl ester resins. Compatibility of the vinyl esters with the Methylon resole is however better than with the Durez, which tends to give phase-separated blends, and thus blends having poor physical and mechanical properties. Moreover, the compatibility of the novolac-based VE with both Durez and Methylon is worse than blends of the unsaturated polyester with Methylon and Durez. This compatibility issue and derived flammability properties of different blends are discussed in terms of their chemical structures.

Evaluation of a type 2 diabetes prevention program using a commercial weight management provider for non-diabetic hyperglycemic patients referred by primary care in the UK

ObjectivesTo determine if a diabetes prevention program (DPP) delivered by a commercial weight management provider using a UK primary care referral pathway could reduce the progression to type 2 diabetes...

Simultaneous determination of eight adulterants in weight management supplements and herbs by HPLC–DAD and LC–MS/MS

ABSTRACTAn efficient HPLC–DAD method was developed for simultaneous determination of eight adulterants in weight management supplements and herbs. The eight adulterants were phenolphthalein, sibutramine, nuciferine, and five anthraquinone compounds including aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion. The analytes were ultrasonically extracted with 70% (v/v) methanol aqueous solution followed by centrifugation. The supernatant was subjected to HPLC analysis. A Phenomenex Luna C18 column was applied for chromatographic separation. The mobile phase was consisted of methanol and aqueous solution of 0.05% (v/v) phosphoric acid–0.025% (m/v) sodium dodecyl sulfonate. The flow rate of mobile phase was 0.8 ml min−1 with gradient elution. Clenbuterol and ibuprofen were used as internal standards. The retention times and the characteristic UV spectrograms were used for qualitative analysis. Quantifications were based on the internal standard curves. Good linearities (r > 0.9996) for all analytes were obtained with the intra- and inter-day precision (n = 6) ranging from 0.76 to 5.9% and 0.90 to 8.1%, respectively. The average recoveries from the spiked samples with different matrices varied from 73.4 to 114%. Validations were subsequently performed using LC–MS/MS. The proposed method successfully determined the target adulterants in eight commercial weight management supplements and five weight reducing herbs with satisfactory results.

What factors influence weight loss in participants of commercial weight loss programmes? Implications for health policy

Finding effective referral policies for weight management services would have important public health implications. Here we compare percentage weight change by referral methods, BMI categories and participants who have had attended weight loss programmes multiple times. A prospective cohort study of 15,621 participants referred to 12-week behavioural weight loss programmes funded by the public health service in Birmingham, UK. Comparisons were made between GP versus self-referrals, BMI ≥40kg/m2-<40kg/m2 and multiple referrals compared to only one referral. Linear mixed modelling was used to assess percentage weight change after adjusting for covariates. Participant's mean age was 48.5 years, 78.7% were of white ethnicity, 90.3% female and mean baseline BMI was 36.3kg/m2. There were no significant differences in percentage weight loss, between participants that self-referred and those that were referred by their general practitioner (GP) and no significant differences between baseline BMI categories. Referral to a weight loss programme more than once was associated with less weight loss at subsequent attendances (0.92%, 95% CI 0.70-1.14, p<0.001). Allowing self-referral to a weight loss programme widens access without compromising amount of weight lost. These programmes are beneficial for all categories of obesity, including those with a BMI ≥40kg/m2. Attending weight management programmes more than once results in less weight loss and that swapping to a different program may be advisable.

Peculiarities of forming quality parameters of commercial products of cutting lettuce (&lt;i&gt;Lactuca sativa var. capitata L.&lt;/i&gt;) depending on the method of cultivation

Purpose. To investigate features of commercial head quality formation in varieties of cutting lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata L.) for different growing methods. To study the influence of growing methods for cutting lettuce plants on the weight of commercial heads, indices of yield and quality of freshly harvested products.Methods. Field study, laboratory testing and statistical evaluation.Results. The results of studying peculiarities of head formation in such cutting lettuce varieties as ‘Godar’ (control), ‘Smuhlianka’, ‘Olzhych’ and ‘Dyvohrai’ were shown. Based on the results of phenological observations, the duration of interstage periods of growth and development of cutting lettuce plants was determined for the different growing methods. The model of cutting lettuce of capitata variety for different growing methods was presented in terms of biochemical parameters (content of dry matter, vitamin C, nitrates, amount of sugars). The influence of growing methods for cutting lettuce plants on the commercial head weight, indices of yield and quality of freshly harvested products was studied. Obtained results confirmed that in early ripening varie­ti­es the heads were smaller (150 g) and not dense, in late ripening varieties they were large and dense, weight was 150–500 g. Freshly harvested commercial products of head lettuce in case of seedling cultivation was characterized by a slight increase in dry matter content by 0.15–0.29%. The corresponding pattern was observed for the total sugar content. Its amount was slightly higher: 1.3–1.9% in case of direct sowing and 1.6–1.9% – for seedlings cultivation. The content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C, mg/100 g) was the highest in the ‘Dyvohrai’ variety despite of the method of growing. The largest quantity of nitrates in lettuce heads was in the inner stem (480 mg/kg), while in the middle of the head it was reduced to 110 mg/kg.Conclusions. Freshly harvested heads of cutting lettuce were analyzed for the content of such basic biochemical indices as dry matter, vitamin C, protein, nitrates, amount of sugars. Biochemical characteristics of freshly harvested products of heading lettuce in case of direct sowing and non-seedling methods of growing were within the error being almost identical with minor deviations. According to the study results, a typical model of capitate lettuce variety was designed which will have practical application in qualification examination of plant varieties.

Change in Use of Sleep Medications After Gastric Bypass Surgery or Intensive Lifestyle Treatment in Adults with Obesity.

ObjectiveTo examine the change in use of hypnotics and/or sedatives after gastric bypass surgery or intensive lifestyle modification in adults with obesity.MethodsAdults with obesity who underwent gastric bypass surgery or initiated intensive lifestyle modification between 2007 and 2012 were identified through the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and a Swedish commercial weight loss database. The two cohorts were matched on BMI, age, sex, education, history of hypnotics and/or sedatives use, and treatment year (surgery n = 20,626; lifestyle n = 11,973; 77% women, mean age 41 years, mean BMI 41 kg/m2). The proportion of participants with filled hypnotics and/or sedatives prescriptions was compared yearly for 3 years.ResultsIn the matched treatment cohorts, 4% had filled prescriptions for hypnotics and/or sedatives during the year before treatment. At 1 year follow‐up, following an average weight loss of 37 kg and 18 kg in the surgery and intensive lifestyle cohorts, respectively, this proportion had increased to 7% in the surgery cohort but remained at 4% in the intensive lifestyle cohort (risk ratio 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4‐2.1); at 2 years, the proportion had increased to 11% versus 5% (risk ratio 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7‐2.4); and at 3 years, it had increased to 14% versus 6% (risk ratio 2.2; 95% CI: 1.9‐2.6).ConclusionsGastric bypass surgery was associated with increased use of hypnotics and/or sedatives compared with intensive lifestyle modification.

Investigation on the flocculation of oil sands mature fine tailings with alkoxysilanes

Mature fine tailings (MFT), a mineral matrix of residual hydrocarbons, water, and fine clays, are generated by the extraction of bitumen from oil sands. Finding ways to get MFT to dewater more quickly is critical to improving the reclamation of tailing ponds. Although many methods have been developed to treat MFT, most of them have been rejected for lack of technical or economic feasibility. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of alkoxysilanes on dewatering and densifying MFT. The performance of five alkoxysilane types was evaluated by capillary suction time (CST), settling percentage, and solids content. Among them, bis(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)amine (bis-amine) performed best, especially when combined with centrifugation. Bis-amine was then used in an experimental design to study the influence of alkoxysilane dosage and initial solids content on MFT dewatering and densification. The experimental design showed that certain operation conditions produced sediments with low CST (below 20s), relatively high solids content (over 42wt%), very low turbidity (about 6.0 NTU) and minimal concentration of solids in the supernatant (0.2wt%), which facilitates the reuse of the recovered water from MFT flocculation in the oil sands extraction process. In addition to these promising findings, it is important to point out that no calcium was added, and that bis-amine has a lower molecular weight, and therefore is less shear-sensitive than the commercial high molecular weight polymers used to treat MFTs in commercial applications.