Considerable Weight Loss Research Articles

EFFECT OF ACUTE MALNUTRITION MANAGEMENT ON UNDER TWO YEARS CHILDREN IN BANAADIR HOSPITAL

Acute malnutrition in children can take the form of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), which carries a three times higher risk of infection, or severe acute malnutrition (SAM), which carries the highest risk of death— nine times higher than for a healthy child. If conditions worsen and the infant is not treated, these variables typically combined to cause a quick and considerable loss of weight and, in some cases, death (Mason, 2009).than an adequately fed child. Objectives: The general objective of the study is to determine the consequences of acute malnutrition management on under two years children in Banadir Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia. Methodology: This study was descriptive in design which means to describe the research problem rather than analyzing and detailing the problem. It was cross sectional in design, which involves looking at people who differ on one key characteristic at one specific point in time. Quantitative research focuses on numeric and unchanging data and detailed, convergent reasoning rather than divergent reasoning. This study was carried out from May 2020 to December, 2020. The total sample size was 68 participants who were available and welling to participate in this study semi-structural questionnaire. Conclusion: The researcher intended to collect primary data using questionnaire as a research instrument. Descriptive and cross sectional designs were used. This study targeted a population 82 and selected 68 respondents as sample. The shape of the questionnaire in the demographic section is looked upon in terms of Gender, Age, marital status, and level of education. Analysis of data in this study was done concurrently with data collection. The findings of the study may be used by Authorities in making priorities in terms of Acute malnutrition Among under five children.

A Rare Case of Advanced Duodenal Cancer Infiltrating the Head of Pancreas and the Mesocolon of the Hepatic Flexure

Background Primary small bowel carcinoma is a very rare tumor, with non-specific symptoms that usually cause a delay in diagnosis and, consequently, a negative outcome. Duodenal carcinoma is on its own an uncommon tumor of the intestinal tract. Our case presented further local advancement with infiltration of the hepatic flexure mesocolon. En-block pancreaticoduodenectomy plus right hemicolectomy or Colo-Pancreatico- Duodenectomy (cPD) is feasible in highly selected patients if performed by experienced surgeons. Case presentation We are introducing the case of a 48 y/o male patient presenting with a dull pain of the lower abdomen and dark stools (melena) in the recent episodes of defecation; considerable weight loss; jaundice (total bilirubin level 10 mg/dL). In the radiologic investigations, IV contrast CT of the abdomen revealed the presence of a 7.7 cm x 8.5 cm mass of duodenum (D3) which infiltrates the head of pancreas as evidenced by homogeneous contrast enhancement. The pancreatic duct of Wirsung was dilated, 4.4 mm. Gastroduodenoscopy visualizes a non-circumferential ulcerative proliferation. Exploratory laparotomy was performed. Intraoperatively we encountered the presence of local progression of the primary duodenal lesion into head of the pancreas, the mesocolon of the hepatic flexure with infiltration of the right colic vessels. Colo-Pancreatico-Duodenectomy (cPD) and Whipple’s procedure was performed, with Blumgart type pancreatico-jejunal and ileo-colic anastomoses. Discussion En-block pancreaticoduodenectomy plus right hemicolectomy or Colo-Pancreatico-Duodenectomy (cPD) is feasible in highly selected patients if performed by experienced surgeons. The most common indication of cPD is locally advanced pancreatic head cancer that directly invades the colon or mesocolon, followed by locally invaded colon cancer at the duodenum and/or pancreatic head. The cPD procedure is rarely performed in gastrointestinal surgery. This is due to its complexity, difficulty, and high risks. In certain acute situations, cPD is the efficacious path forward. Conclusion Following a careful evaluation plan, along with necessary consults for accompanying disorders, the indications for colo-pancreatico-duodenectomy were clearly set for this patient with locally advanced duodenal adenocarcinoma infiltrating the pancreas head and hepatic flexure mesocolon. Our experience highlights the importance of meticulous and experienced perioperative care to minimize complications and mortality. Keywords: General surgery, Duodenal cancer, Whipple procedure, colo-pancreatico-duodenectomy, cPD, Blumgart pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis DOI: 10.7176/ALST/95-01 Publication date: November 30 th 2022

Which is the optimal antiobesity agent for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest chronic liver disease and affects a considerable proportion of the general population worldwide. Obesity is a major risk factor for development and progression of NAFLD and weight loss is an effective intervention for the management of NAFLD. However, few patients achieve substantial and sustained weight loss with lifestyle measures. Therefore, antiobesity agents are frequently considered in patients with NAFLD but there are limited data on their safety and efficacy. In the present review, we discuss the role of antiobesity agents in the management of NAFLD. All approved antiobesity agents appear to reduce transaminase levels and to improve steatosis in patients with NAFLD. However, their effects on fibrosis are less well studied and whether they affect liver-related outcomes, including progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer, is unknown. The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, liraglutide and semaglutide, appear to represent a first-line option in obese patients with NAFLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) since they induce considerable weight loss and have been extensively studied in patients with T2DM. However, more studies are needed to evaluated their effects on liver-related and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with NAFLD, particularly in those without T2DM.

Ketogenic Diet for Preoperative Weight Reduction in Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective treatment in reducing weight and the burden of comorbidities in patients with severe obesity. Despite the overall low mortality rate, intra- and post-operative complications remains quite common. Weight loss before BS reduces surgical risk, but studies are inconclusive regarding which is the best approach to apply. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the effect of a ketogenic diet (KD) before BS. All studies agree that KD leads to considerable weight loss and important improvements in terms of surgical risk, but populations, interventions and outcomes are very heterogeneous. KD appears to be a safe and effective approach to induce weight loss before BS. However, randomized controlled trials with better-defined dietary protocols and homogeneous outcomes are necessary in order to draw firm conclusions.

In-situ electron loss spectroscopy reveals surface dehydrogenation of hydrated ceria nanoparticles at elevated temperatures

Ceria (CeO2) exhibits high reversible oxygen storage capacity at intermediate temperatures (500–800 °C) related to an extraordinary and not fully understood reduction of its surfaces. We have investigated pristine and alcohol-dispersed commercially available ceria nanoparticles by in-situ scanning transmission electron microscopy with electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS) to examine the dynamic changes during the initial redox reaction process of ceria nanoparticles in an ultra-high vacuum atmosphere using an in-situ heating holder. High spatially resolved EELS was used to estimate the amounts of Ce3+ and Ce4+ in the nanoparticles as a function of temperature, based on the white-line ratios M5/M4 of the EELS spectra. The results show a nm-range thick surface layer rich in Ce3+ on pristine particles prior to heating. During heating, this oxidises to Ce4+. Heating in high vacuum should normally not lead to oxidation, but the observed results can be understood if the surface layer has an oxyhydroxide composition such as CeOOH, which by heating in the vacuum dehydrogenates and hence oxidises to CeO2, a process that requires diffusion of hydrogen only. This process occurred for all samples, but was more pronounced for the particles that were previously dispersed in ethanol. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) by heating the pristine powder in dry atmosphere yielded a considerable weight loss confirming the content of hydroxide and probably water in and on the CeO2 particles. The results suggest that CeO2 surfaces are reduced to a layer of oxyhydroxide by hydrogen-containing molecules like water vapour or alcohols.

Prevention Of Breast and Endometrial cancer using Total Diet Replacement (PROBE-TDR) trial: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionObesity and overweight are strong potentially modifiable risk factors for postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancer. Bariatric surgery can achieve considerable weight loss and risk reduction of weight-related cancer but is...

Case Report: Adrenocortical carcinoma in an adult male with hypokalemic hypertensive: Report of a rare case in Nepal

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), with an incidence of 2-5 percent, is an uncommon source of unilateral adrenal mass and hyperaldosteronism. In Nepal, there is no literature on this uncommon adrenocortical cancer. A forty-year-old Nepalese army regular with resistant hypertension on various antihypertensive medicines presenting with a background of considerable weight loss decreased appetite, and repeated episodes of vomiting were described. His blood tests revealed hypokalemia and a high aldosterone/renin ratio. A tumor in the left adrenal gland was discovered during an abdominal CECT scan. He was operated on for left adrenal incidentaloma and the procedure was uneventful. We recommend clinicians suspect hyperaldosteronism in an adult with refractory hypertension and hypokalemia.

Abstract 1076: The peptide-drug conjugate TH1902 inhibits growth of subcutaneous melanoma xenografts and formation of lung metastases in a syngeneic mouse model

Abstract Syngeneic mouse models provide an effective approach for studying how cancer therapies perform in the presence of a functional immune system. Here TH1902, a peptide-drug conjugate (PDC) which consists of two molecules of docetaxel attached by a cleavable succinyl linker to a peptide (TH19P01) that targets the scavenger receptor sortilin (SORT1), was investigated using subcutaneous implantation of murine B16-F10 melanoma cells within the flanks of syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. Tumor growth was at most inhibited by half upon weekly administration of docetaxel compared to vehicle-treated mice, while administration of TH1902 was well tolerated and led to tumor regression. The B16-F10 SORT1-expressing melanoma cell line is also known to produce distant lung metastases when injected intravenously into the mice. Tail vein injection of these cells (1.25x105 cells per implantation) created a model system for evaluating TH1902’s effects on metastatic nodules formation. Each implantation produced 70 to 100 visible, black surface nodules on the lungs at 13 days following cancer cell implantation, appropriate for nodule quantification. No black nodules were detected elsewhere within the mice tissues other than those detected in the lungs. This model was next used to demonstrate that the formation of lung metastases could be sharply curtailed by bi-weekly intravenous administration of either 10 mg/kg docetaxel or 23 mg/kg TH1902 (equivalent to the docetaxel injection in terms of docetaxel content) during this period. Administration of docetaxel routinely decreased the number of metastatic lung nodules by about 50%, whereas administration of TH1902 decreased the number of nodules by more than 85%. Similar results were obtained whether the test articles were administered i) one time as a bolus at one hour prior to implantation of the cells, ii) as a bolus twice weekly beginning 3 days post-implantation, or iii) both prior to and following implantation as described. Although little weight loss was recorded over the 13-day treatment duration, all TH1902-treated mice showed better tolerability profile in terms of weight compared to docetaxel for all conditions tested. In a subsequent experiment using prolonged administration at the same dosage (up to 24 days of treatment), TH1902 was able to inhibit metastatic formation over a longer period compared to docetaxel. In fact, after six cycles of treatment, TH1902-treated mice significantly sustained its inhibitory effect on melanoma lungs metastasis formation (-77%) whereas docetaxel was unable to maintain its effect (-7%). Moreover, considerable weight loss was associated with docetaxel treatment over 24 days while TH1902 treatments resulted in no net change in mouse body weights. In this syngeneic model, TH1902 is more tolerated and effective than docetaxel at inhibiting both melanoma xenograft growth and metastatic formation. Citation Format: Michel Demeule, Jean-Christophe Currie, Cyndia Charfi, Alain Larocque, Alain Zgheib, Sophie Kozelko, Richard Béliveau, Christian Marsolais, Borhane Annabi. The peptide-drug conjugate TH1902 inhibits growth of subcutaneous melanoma xenografts and formation of lung metastases in a syngeneic mouse model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 1076.

Biodegradability Assessment of Bio-based Film Products (Lunch Sheets) in the Marine Environment

Plastic pollution is a current common problem and it causes a serious impact on the marine environment. Micro debris of plastics have accumulated in oceans and exhibit a natural tendency to interrelate with the ecosystem which can cause negative effects on both humans and animals. Polythene food wrappers are used worldwide as a packaging material. Considering the negative impact of polythene wrappers, biodegradable food wrappers have been produced in Sri Lanka following the Section 23 W of the National Environmental Act. The objective of the study was to determine the biodegradability of few bio-based film products (lunch sheets) available in the Sri Lankan market labeled as 100% biodegradable in the marine environment. The biodegradability of five different brands of biodegradable food wrappers were tested together with cellulose paper as the positive control and non-biodegradable food wrapper as the negative control in the marine environment. Laboratory models of three marine environments; inter tidal zone, pelagic zone and brackish water were selected and the biodegradability for a period of six months were tested using weight measurement and FT-IR analysis. Furthermore, several environmental parameters were tested for these three marine zones. Results indicated that the highest percentage weight loss was shown by brand 3 in all three marine environments. In the pelagic zone, percentage weight loss ranged from 8.60-48.92% while highest value of 48.92% was shown by brand 3. In the brackish water environment, brand 3 showed 73.51% of percentage weight loss and values ranged from 11.76-73.51%. The percentage weight loss, ranged from 68.29-89.99% in inter tidal zone and brand 3 showed the highest value as 89.99%. All the samples showed a considerable weight loss after six months duration in inter tidal zone compared to other zones and even the negative control has undergone physical disintegration. It is assumed that oxo-biodegradation leads to this disintegration in the food wrappers in this zone. The FT-IR results have shown that there is no significant degradation of the non-biodegradable food wrapper (negative control) while the cellulose paper (positive control) and the biodegradable food wrappers have undergone a considerable degradation. 
 Keywords: Biodegradability, Food wrappers, Marine environment

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Interventions for Weight Maintenance in Oncology Patients Remain Effective During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectivesThe objective was to investigate if differences in weight outcomes existed for oncology patients seeing Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) between pre-pandemic versus COVID-19 pandemic-era care. MethodsA retrospective chart review analyzed patients who received nutrition interventions with RDNs over 12 weeks at a midwestern outpatient cancer center. Data were collected from patient care encounters in 2019 (Cohort 1, pre-pandemic) and 2021 (Cohort 2, pandemic). Weight maintenance was defined as within 7.5% of baseline weight, based off malnutrition criteria of weight loss over 3 months. Weight, malnutrition, and nutrition support were analyzed to identify comparability of cohorts. Independent samples t-tests and Chi Square tests were used, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. ResultsThe final analysis included 50 participants in Cohort 1 and 46 in Cohort 2. In total, the majority of patients were White (85%), with a mean age of 62 years. No statistically significant differences were found between Cohort 1 and Cohort 2. While weight loss prior to seeing an RDN was high in both groups, it was not significantly different between groups (Cohort 1: –9.92% vs Cohort 2: –10.69%, p = 0.560). In both cohorts, 70% of patients either maintained or gained weight during the 12 weeks (p = 0.983). Additionally, Cohorts 1 and 2 maintained similar weight amounts over 12 weeks (–3.62 kg ± 5.52 kg, versus –3.12 kg ± 6.65 kg; p = 0.688). Similar proportions of patients were malnourished (p = 0.295) and used nutrition support (p = 0.285). ConclusionsOutpatient RDN interventions effectively supported oncology patients’ weight and nutritional status during both pre-pandemic care and pandemic-era care. Despite considerable weight loss prior to seeing an RDN, further weight loss was attenuated in both groups. High-level nutrition care persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic, while facing many healthcare challenges. Funding SourcesNo funding sources.

Studies on mechanical and thermal properties of cellulosic fiber fillers reinforced epoxy composites

AbstractEnvironment protection is the current theme for many industries by utilizing biodegradable natural fibers for products development. The growing awareness of the environmental harm caused by synthetic materials has resulted in the emergence of eco‐friendly materials. This work aims to fabrication of jute, bamboo, and coir fiber reinforced hybrid composites (12 combinations) with the analysis of mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties. The tensile and flexural tests reveal that the composite JC8 (21% jute, 1.5% coir, 7.5% bamboo) exhibited maximum tensile and flexural strengths of 129.3 and 98 MPa respectively due to higher cellulose constituents in jute and bamboo fibers that resulted in higher degree cellulose polymerization with the epoxy matrix, and also the capability of tension and bending resistance. The combined effect of hybrid fibers stiffness and strong interfacial adhesion were also the reason for maximum flexural strength. The thermal stability of all the composites was remains the same, and considerable weight loss was observed between the ranges of 200 and 500°C. Overall, the hybrid composite JC8 has 21% jute, 1.5% coir, and 7.5% bamboo on the basis of volume percentage exhibited a maximum tensile strength, flexural strength, thermal stability and better surface morphology than other hybrid composites.

Impact of Consumption of Two Street Foods (Tuna Garba and Rice with Eggplant Sauce) on Vital Organs in the Wistar Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Street foods are seen as a public health problem due to lack of infrastructure and basic services, difficulty in controlling the plethora of street food sales operations due to their diversity, their mobility, and their temporary nature. The objective of this study is to show the impact of the consumption of two street foods (Garba with tuna and rice with eggplant sauce) consumed in Côte d'Ivoire on the health of the Ivorian population. To contribute to the nutritional and health security of the population, the consumption of these dishes has been demonstrated in young Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). Thus, we hypothesized that the consumption of these street foods would have a deleterious effect on consumer health. However, five days 20 young rats of male and female sexes aged 50±5 days and weighing an average of 55±5 g were acclimatized and fed on a formulated isocaloric diet rich in herring fish (Clupea harengus) animal protein. After the acclimatization phase, four batches of rats of five rats per cage were fed respectively with diets (DWP, CDHF, GWTF and RES). The results showed that juvenile rats fed the CDHF and RES diet gained a lot of weight (5.66 ± 0.34 g/d and 5.16 ± 0.58 g/d) while those fed the GWTF diet had a progressive, slow weight gain. (2.32 ±0.23 g/d) and batch of rats fed without protein (DWP) observed considerable weight loss (-1.07±0.06 g/d). In terms of biological value, the results demonstrate that rats fed the RES diet have a higher protein availability (84.23 ±0.02%) than rats fed the GWTF diet (54.31 ±0.06 %). It follows from this analysis that it is necessary to combine GWTF with other protein-rich foods to compensate for the nutritional deficits caused by its ingestion. In young rats fed experimental diets, biometric research on vital organs (heart, liver, spleen and kidneys) revealed no abnormalities.

A review on Management of Obesity

Obesity is one of the most challenging conditions that primary care physicians face in their profession. Despite the efforts of both patients and professionals, the condition is becoming more common. A multimodal strategy that includes food, physical exercise, and behavioral disorders is required for treatment. Dugs and surgery are also performed to receive desired results. This study summarises the data for each strategy, discusses how primary care physicians might best assist obese patients, and offers weight-loss advice.&#x0D; New weight-loss techniques to treat obesity appear to have a bright future. Current medications have had limited weight reduction impacts in the overall obese population, but customized medicine will substantially impact smaller homogenous subpopulations of obese people. Multiple, complementary route drug combinations can produce double-digit weight loss in a larger, varied patient group. Furthermore, the advancement of sophisticated subcutaneous delivery technologies has paved the way for the creation of ground-breaking peptide and biologic medicines to treat obesity.&#x0D; Obesity is a chronic condition that needs lifetime therapy. The BMI, waist circumference, and other risk variables are all measured in the obesity evaluation process. Diet and exercise should be part of the management plan. Only sibutramine and orlistat are FDA-approved for long-term usage so that they can be administered to selected individuals. The only alternative that produces persistent and considerable weight loss is bariatric surgery, provided to very obese individuals.

P-BN05 Solitary jejunal diverticulum: a rare unexpected cause of chronic pneumoperitoneum

Abstract Background Jejunal diverticula are rare acquired herniation of the mucosa and submucosa through the muscularis propria. They are asymptomatic in the majority of cases, however, they can present with non-specific abdominal symptoms and rarely complicate leading to acute abdomen. Perforation usually results in symptoms and signs of acute peritonitis and it is not an identifiable aetiology of chronic pneumoperitoneum. Computed tomography scan may identify intestinal wall oedema, air bubbles travelling through the mesentery, free intra-abdominal air and/or fluid . Radiological diagnosis requires high index of suspicion of such pathology. We report a case of an isolated jejunal diverticulum as a cause for aseptic chronic pneumoperitoneum . Methods A 77-year-old female was referred to the ambulatory emergency surgical unit (AESU) with a 4-month history of nonspecific abdominal pain, considerable weight loss, diarrhea, nausea and a few episodes of vomiting.Physical examination revealed no constitutional signs of sepsis and her abdomen was mildly distended but soft and nontender to palpation. Laboratory investigations were unremarkable. CT scan of her abdomen and pelvis on her first visit showed pneumoperitoneum with associated low volume ascites, which raised the possibility of sealed gastrointestinal perforation. In the absence of any clear signs of sepsis, a strategy of ambulatory, conservative management and follow up was chosen. Four months after her initial presentation our patient presented with ongoing vague abdominal symptoms with weight loss and failure to thrive. A CT colonogram described pneumoperitoneum and larger volume of ascites is in comparison to the previous CT scan. There was an unusual pattern of mural gas in some loops of small bowel in the left side of the abdomen that suggested pneumatosis. MDT decided to proceed with diagnostic laparoscopy. Results Laparoscopy exploration revealed odorless pneumoperitoneum, moderate amount of non-turbid bile stained serous ascites and thin fibrinous covering. We identified a jejunal diverticulum associated with mesenteric air bubbles and moderately enlarged reactive feeling lymph nodes in the diverticular segment . A small bowel resection with a primary side-to-side anastomosis, washout of the abdomen and cholecystectomy were done through a Kocher’s subcostal incision. She made an uneventful post-operative recovery and was discharged home well on day 4. Histopathological examination of the resected specimens confirmed the presence of a ruptured isolated jejunal diverticulum with a breach in muscularis propria and chronic cholecystitis in the gallbladder. Conclusions In summary, our case report highlights the importance of being aware of the possibility of perforated jejunal diverticula as a possible source of chronic pneumoperitoneum causing chronic nonspecific abdominal pain, diarrhea and unexplained weight loss. The surgical option of segmental resection and primary anastomosis was beneficial in this patient. However, calculating the risk benefit ratio remains the mainstay of the management plan, which, as ever, should be tailored to each patient’s general condition and fitness with appropriate counselling and consent.

Surface Treatment of Handmade Lokta Paper by Atmospheric Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge Using 50 Hz Line Frequency

The discharge was generated between two rectangular parallel-plate copper electrodes using a sinusoidal voltage of 12.8 kV (rms) of frequency 50 Hz and characterized using electrical and optical measurements. The effects of the discharge on the wicking property and weight loss of Lokta paper were studied respectively by the wicking test and gravimetric method. The estimated value of electron density and electron temperature in the discharge were 8.47×108 cm-3 and 1.29 eV. The results showed a significant improvement in water absorption ability and considerable weight loss (%) in Lokta paper after the plasma treatment.

Effects of a Lifestyle Intervention on Bone Turnover in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes: A Post Hoc Analysis of the U-TURN Trial.

The increased risk of fractures with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is suggested to be caused by decreased bone turnover. Current international guidelines recommend lifestyle modifications, including exercise, as first-line treatment for T2D. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an exercise-based lifestyle intervention on bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in persons with T2D. Persons with T2D were randomized to either a 12-month lifestyle intervention (n = 64) or standard care (n = 34). The lifestyle intervention included five to six weekly aerobic training sessions, half of them combined with resistance training. Serum markers of bone turnover (osteocalcin, N-terminal propeptide of type-I procollagen, reflecting bone formation, and carboxyterminal collagen I crosslinks, reflecting bone resorption) and BMD (by DXA) were measured before the intervention and at follow-up. From baseline to follow-up, s-propeptide of type-I procollagen increased by 34% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17%-50%), serum-carboxyterminal collagen I crosslink by 36% (95% CI, 1%-71%), and s-osteocalcin by 31% (95% CI, 11-51%) more in the lifestyle intervention group compared with standard care. Loss of weight and fat mass were the strongest mediators of the increased bone turnover. Bone mineral density was unaffected by the intervention (ΔBMD, 0.1%; 95% CI, -1.1% to 1.2%). A 12-month intensive exercise-based lifestyle intervention led to a substantial but balanced increase in bone turnover in persons with T2D. The increased bone turnover combined with a preserved BMD, despite a considerable weight loss, is likely to reflect improved bone health and warrants further studies addressing the impact of exercise on risk of fractures in persons with T2D.

Potential of ozonated-air (OA) application to reduce the weight and volume loss in fresh figs (Ficus carica L.)

This study investigated the effect of ozonated air (OA) on weight loss, volume reduction (shriveling), and skin firmness on fresh figs and monitored the changes in the epidermis of OA-treated fruits within 14 d of storage at 4 °C and 65 % RH. In Phase 1 of the study, fresh Kadota figs at two different maturity levels, commercial-ripe and tree-ripe, were exposed to OA for up to 11 h at room temperature to find the optimum parameters for ozone treatment. The 3-h OA-treated (15 ppm) fig samples showed 10 % less weight loss, 16 % less shrivel, had a better appearance, showed fewer brown spots, and had less fungal growth than the control. In Phase 2, Kadota and Black Mission figs were treated with OA (15 ppm for 3 h) and their aging parameters were evaluated. The Mission figs in the control group showed the highest rate of weight loss (25.8 %) and volume reduction (32.5 %). Kadota figs had the lowest weight loss (18.8 %) and volume reduction (9.8 %) in 14 d. Due to the oxidation, the OA treatment resulted in a considerable decrease in skin firmness in both Kadota and Mission figs; however, the skin firmness increased in the Kadota samples on Day 7. The recovery of Kadota epidermises continued at a very slow rate until Day 14. However, Mission samples did not show any firmness increase on Day 7. Scanning electron microscopy showed the differences between the control and the OA-treated Kadota and Mission figs. Ozone treatment affected the epidermis of figs, specifically the stomata and epicuticular wax crystals, resulting in stomata blockage or deformation, and irregular shapes in the wax platelets. Although the fruit epidermis was affected by OA treatment, the self-assembly properties of the epicuticular wax layer helped the fruit to recover from the oxidative damage caused by ozone by Day 7. Small microcracks and cell wall disassembly were observed on the fruit surface after 14 d of cold storage; they were very noticeable in the control samples and resulted in considerable water loss and weight loss, decreased shelf life, and significant fungal infection. This study showed that OA treatment of fresh figs can be used to minimize the volume and weight loss and improve the overall quality of fresh figs.

Accelerated photodegradation of polystyrene by TiO2-polyaniline photocatalyst under UV radiation

Photodegradation of polystyrene (PS) was studied under ultraviolet (UV) radiation, using nano TiO2, surface modified with polyaniline (PANI). X-Ray diffractogram reveals that the crystalline structure of TiO2 remained intact in TiO2-PANI composites. The existence of strong molecular interaction between TiO2 and PANI lead to a decrease in the optical bang gap energy of TiO2 in the composites. PS loaded with TiO2-PANI composites underwent better chain scission and photo-oxidation compared to PS and PS-TiO2 composites, upon UV irradiation. TiO2-PANI composites enhanced the mechanical properties (tensile and flexural) of PS appreciably. Tensile and flexural strengths however decreased with respect to UV exposure time, proving mechanical deterioration of the polymer composites as an outcome of photodegradation. Thermal stability of the composites too decreased upon UV exposure. A decrease in the values of break down voltage as well as increase in dielectric permittivity of the composites upon UV irradiation suggests the formation of charge centers and polarisable species in the polymer matrix. All the polymer composites underwent considerable weight loss due to the formation and evolution of volatile gases, during the course of photodegradation. Suitable mechanism of degradation of PS composites was proposed based on the observed results.

A Low-Protein High-Fat Diet Leads to Loss of Body Weight and White Adipose Tissue Weight via Enhancing Energy Expenditure in Mice.

Obesity has become a worldwide health problem over the past three decades. During obesity, metabolic dysfunction of white adipose tissue (WAT) is a key factor increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. A variety of diet approaches have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of obesity. The low-protein high-fat diet (LPHF) is a special kind of high-fat diet, characterized by the intake of a low amount of protein, while compared to typical high-fat diet, may induce weight loss and browning of WAT. Physical activity is another effective intervention to treat obesity by reducing WAT mass, inducing browning of WAT. In order to determine whether an LPHF, along with exercise enhanced body weight loss and body fat loss as well as the synergistic effect of an LPHF and exercise on energy expenditure in a mice model, we combined a 10-week LPHF with an 8-week forced treadmill training. Meanwhile, a traditional high-fat diet (HPHF) containing the same fat and relatively more protein was introduced as a comparison. In the current study, we further analyzed energy metabolism-related gene expression, plasma biomarkers, and related physiological changes. When comparing to HPHF, which induced a dramatic increase in body weight and WAT weight, the LPHF led to considerable loss of body weight and WAT, without muscle mass and strength decline, while it exhibited a risk of liver and pancreas damage. The mechanism underlying the LPHF-induced loss of body weight and WAT may be attributed to the synergistically upregulated expression of Ucp1 in WAT and Fgf21 in the liver, which may enhance energy expenditure. The 8-week training did not further enhance weight loss and increased plasma biomarkers of muscle damage when combined with LPHF. Furthermore, LPHF reduced the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes in adipose tissues, muscle tissues, and liver. Our results indicated that an LPHF has potential for obesity treatment, while the physiological condition should be monitored during application.

Poor nutritional status, risk of sarcopenia and nutrition related complaints are prevalent in COVID-19 patients during and after hospital admission.

Background and aimsPatients with COVID-19 infection presents with a broad clinical spectrum of symptoms and complications. As a consequence nutritional requirements are not met, resulting in weight- and muscle loss, and malnutrition. The aim of the present study is to delineate nutritional complaints, the (course of the) nutritional status and risk of sarcopenia of COVID-19 patients, during hospitalisation and after discharge.MethodsIn this prospective observational study in 407 hospital admitted COVID-19 patients in four university and peripheral hospitals, data were collected during dietetic consultations. Presence of nutrition related complaints (decreased appetite, loss of smell, changed taste, loss of taste, chewing and swallowing problems, nausea, vomiting, feeling of being full, stool frequency and consistency, gastric retention, need for help with food intake due to weakness and shortness of breath and nutritional status (weight loss, BMI, risk of sarcopenia with SARC-F ≥4 points) before, during hospital stay and after discharge were, where possible, collected.ResultsIncluded patients were most men (69%), median age of 64.8 ± 12.4 years, 60% were admitted to ICU at any time point during hospitalisation with a median LOS of 15 days and an in-hospital mortality rate of 21%. The most commonly reported complaints were: decreased appetite (58%), feeling of being full (49%) and shortness of breath (43%). One in three patients experienced changed taste, loss of taste and/or loss of smell. Prior to hospital admission, 67% of the patients was overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2), 35% of the patients was characterised as malnourished, mainly caused by considerable weight loss. Serious acute weight loss (>5 kg) was showed in 22% of the patents during the hospital stay; most of these patients (85%) were admitted to the ICU at any point in time. A high risk of sarcopenia (SARC-F ≥ 4 points) was scored in 73% of the patients during hospital admission.ConclusionIn conclusion, one in five hospital admitted COVID-19 patients suffered from serious acute weight loss and 73% had a high risk of sarcopenia. Moreover, almost all patients had one or more nutritional complaints. Of these complaints, decreased appetite, feeling of being full, shortness of breath and changed taste and loss of taste were the most predominant nutrition related complaints. These symptoms have serious repercussions on nutritional status. Although nutritional complaints persisted a long time after discharge, only a small group of patients received dietetic treatment after hospital discharge in recovery phase.Clinicians should consider the risks of acute malnutrition and sarcopenia in COVID-19 patients and investigate multidisciplinary treatment including dietetics during hospital stay and after discharge.