Higher Weight Loss Research Articles

X80 U-bend stress corrosion cracking (SCC) crack tip dissolution by fast corroding Desulfovibrio ferrophilus IS5 biofilm

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a serious problem threatening structural integrity and safety. Metal corrosion pits can develop into more harmful cracks under mechanical stress. It is known in abiotic corrosion that fast corrosion does not necessarily cause more severe SCC. This is because fast corrosion can prevent or dissolve crack tips and convert them into less harmful pits if the uniform corrosion rate is fast enough. This work experimentally proved the hypothesis that the same phenomenon occurs in biotic corrosion. It was found that a highly corrosive SRB (sulfate reducing bacterium) strain, namely Desulfovibrio ferrophilus (strain IS5), caused fast uniform corrosion and dull pits, but no SCC cracks against X80 carbon steel U-bend coupons (stressed). In comparison, Desulfovibrio vulgaris, a far less corrosive SRB strain caused less corrosion, but generated sharp pits and SCC cracks in a 3-month lab test. This work also revealed that the X80 U-bend had a 44% higher sessile cell count and 34% higher weight loss after a 14-d D. ferrophilus incubation in deoxygenated enriched artificial seawater culture medium at 28 °C when compared with the (flat) square coupons (no stress). This weight loss trend was corroborated by transient electrochemical measurements.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass as Conversion Procedure of Failed Gastric Banding: Short-Term Outcomes of 1295 Patients in One Single Center

PurposeLaparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) has high technical and weight loss failure rates. We evaluate here the 1-year morbidity, mortality, and weight loss of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (LRYGB) as a feasible conversion strategy.MethodsPatients with a failed primary LAGB who underwent LRYGB from July 2004 to December 2019 were selected from an electronic database at our center. Patients had a conversion to LRYGB at the same time (one-stage approach) or with a minimum of 3 months in between (two-stage approach). Primary outcomes included 30-day morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes were body mass index (BMI), percent excess weight loss (%EWL), and percent excess BMI lost (%EBMIL) at 1 year postoperatively.ResultsA total of 1295 patients underwent a conversion from LAGB to LRYGB at our center: 1167 patients (90.1%) in one stage and 128 patients (9.9%) in two stages. There was no mortality. An early (30-day) postoperative complication occurred in 93 patients (7.2%), with no significant difference found between groups. Hemorrhage was the most common complication in 39 patients (3.0%), and the reoperation was required in 19 patients (1.4%). At 1 year postoperatively, the mean BMI was 28.0 kg/m2, the mean %EWL 72.8%, and the mean %EBMIL 87.0%. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups.ConclusionConversion to LRYGB can be considered as a safe and effective option with low complication rate and good weight loss outcomes at 1 year. One-stage conversion provides the same early outcome as two-step surgery with a competent surgeon.Graphical

Impact of Cold Storage Temperature and Shelf Life on Ripening Physiology, Quality Attributes, and Nutritional Value in Apricots-Implication of Cultivar.

This work aimed to investigate the storability potential of Orange Red and Orange Rubis apricots harvested at commercial maturity stage during cold storage (CS) at 1 or 5 °C for up to 28 days, followed by shelf life (SL) at 20 °C for 2 days. The variables evaluated included total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH only at harvest, weight loss (WL), ethylene production rates, peel color, firmness, chilling injury incidence (CI), concentrations of total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, total antioxidant capacity, b-carotene, b-cryptoxantine, and lutein. The main results showed that storage at 5 °C resulted in higher WL and CI symptoms than at 1 °C during both CS and SL, increased ethylene production during CS, whereas there was limited or no effect of CS temperatures on changes in firmness, color, and all antioxidants during CS. Firmness decreased abruptly soon after harvest in Orange Rubis, but progressively in the remaining samples of both cultivars during CS and SL. SL advanced fruit deterioration according to WL, CI, and softening. During SL, ethylene production increased in all samples. Orange Red exhibited higher ethylene rates during SL and antioxidant concentrations throughout CS and SL, by comparison. Conclusively, storage temperature at 1 °C retained WL, CI, and ethylene production, and both cultivars were marketable up to 21 days CS without SL or up to 14 days CS followed by SL, although Orange Rubis exhibited CI after 14 days, while Orange Red exhibited CI after 21 days of CS.

Eco-Friendly Degradation of Natural Rubber Powder Waste Using Some Microorganisms with Focus on Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Biodegraded Rubber

Natural rubber (NR) powder wastes contribute to the pollution of the environment and pose a risk to human health. Therefore, Escherichia coli AY1 and Aspergillus oryzae were used to degrade NR in the present investigation. The biodegradation was further confirmed using E. coli AY1 and A. oryzae’s ability to create biofilm, which grew on the surface of the NR. Additionally, the biodegraded NR was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The highest weight loss (69%) of NR was detected (p < 0.05) after 210 d of incubation with the mixed microbial culture (E. coli AY1 + A. oryzae). In the SEM, the surface of the control treatment appeared uniform and normal, whereas the surface of the microbial treatment displayed an irregular shape, with apparent particle deformation and surface erosion. After biodegradation by E. coli AY1 and A. oryzae, the particle size range of the untreated NR dropped from (5.367–9.623 µm) to (2.55–6.549 µm). After treating NR with E. coli AY1 and A. oryzae, new bands appeared in the ATR–FTIR technique; others shifted down in the range of 3910–450 cm−1, suggesting the existence of active groups belonging to alcohol, secondary amine, aromatic amine, conjugated anhydride, aldehyde, alkene, and halo compounds. On the other hand, the GC–MS profile reports a significant decline (p < 0.05) in the amount of hydrocarbons while simultaneously reporting a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the proportion of oxygenated, sulfurous, and nitrogenous compounds. These active groups are attributed to the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of biodegraded NR by a mixture of E. coli AY1 and A. oryzae, which rose 9-fold (p < 0.05) compared to untreated NR. Through the use of this research, we will be able to transform NR waste into a valuable product that possesses both antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Effect of Growing Media and Foliar Applications on Growth, Yield, and Shelf Life of Mustard (<em>Brassica nigra</em> L.) Microgreens

Microgreens are young vegetable greens picked after 7-21 days of seed sowing. The popularity of microgreens has increased in recent years due to short production cycles and the requirement of minimal space. Mustard (Brassica nigra) microgreens are popular but empirical evidence on the effect of growing media and foliar sprays on their growth, yield, and sensory attributes is low. The effects of growing media (coir dust, tissue papers, coir dust 1: compost 1) and foliar sprays (water, Albert’s solution 100 ppm, or Ca (NO3)2 100 ppm) on growth, yield, shelf life, and sensory properties of mustard microgreens were tested in a completely randomized design. Shoot fresh weight (4.21±0.04 g), shoot dry weight (0.73±0.03 g), and shoot height (7.3±0.05 cm), each for 100 shoots, was significantly greater in coir dust medium+Albert’s foliar spray treatment than the other treatments. The shelf life of refrigerator-stored samples (5°C ±1 for 4 days) was significantly greater than those stored at room temperature (27°C±1 for 2 days). The highest weight loss (83.86±1.12%) was obtained in tissue papers+foliar spray of water, stored under room temperature, and the lowest (31.96±1.66%) was reported in coir dust+Albert’s foliar spray under refrigerated conditions. The sensory evaluation indicated the highest preference for taste, odour, color, and overall acceptability of mustard microgreens cultivated in coir dust medium + Albert’s foliar spray. Thus, the mustard microgreens grown in a coir dust medium+Albert’s solution spray and preserved under refrigerated conditions lead to better production and consumer preference.

The association between nutrition impact symptoms, nutritional risk, and risk of reduced overall survival in patients with head and neck cancer. A retrospective study

To examine which nutritional impact symptoms (NIS) were most prevalent at the initial state of treatment in outpatients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Secondly, to examine whether there is a potential relation between risk of reduced overall survival to NIS or nutritional risk. Retrospective data collection from outpatients with HNC undergoing radiotherapy and/or systemic therapy. A clinical dietitian consulted all patients with the inclusion of a nutritional risk screening according to the Nutritional Risk Screening tool (NRS 2002) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG), and an assessment of NIS collected with a structured questionnaire, with the prevalence of 16 symptoms and to what degree they were nutritionally limiting. Weight loss at two months follow-up was calculated and patients were categorized as either at low or high risk of reduced overall survival in accordance with a BMI-adjusted weight loss grading system (high, score 0-2; low, score 3-4). A total of 110 patients were included (male, 77%; age, 66 (59-71)). The mean weight loss was 4.5kg at two months follow-up, increasing with higher BMI. Eighty-six percentage of the patients experienced 3 or more of the present NIS (P-NIS), and 44% of the patients experienced 3 or more of the nutritionally limiting NIS (L-NIS). Patients who have a high risk of reduced overall survival accounted for 45% and consisted of patients with low BMI and high percentual weight loss. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of NIS. We found NIS to be highly prevalent among patients with head and neck cancer. Women experienced more NIS than men. Half of the patients were categorized as being at high risk of reduced overall survival, but no relation between the risk of reduced overall survival to NIS or nutritional risk was found in this study.

Distinct adaptations of endocrine and cognitive functions may contribute to high variability in long-term weight loss outcome after bariatric surgery

Background: Bariatric surgery has been widely recognized as the most efficient long-term treatment method in severe obesity, yet therapy success shows considerable interindividual variability. Postoperative metabolic adaptations, including improved gut hormone secretion (GLP-1, PYY and ghrelin), and restored executive function may play an explanatory role in weight loss, yet causes for poor success in individual patients remain unknown. This study investigates gut-hormonal and cognitive characteristics in extreme weight loss responders to bariatric surgery. Methods: Patients (n = 47) with high or low excessive weight loss (EWL) at least 2 years after Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy were allocated into good responders (GR, EWL 82.4 ± 11.6%) and poor responders (PR, EWL 24.0 ± SD 12.8%) to study differences in postprandial secretion of GLP-1, PYY, ghrelin and in working memory (WM). Results: Mean BMI was 47.1 ± 6.2 kg/m² in PR (n = 21) and 28.9 ± 3.1 kg/m² in GR (n = 26, p < 0.001). Fasted GLP-1 and PYY were comparable for GR and PR (p > 0.2) and increased strongly after a standardized test meal (300 kcal liquid meal) with a peak at 15 to 30 min. The increase was stronger in GR compared to PR (GLP-1, PYY: Time x Group p < 0.05). Plasma ghrelin levels already differed between groups at fasted state, showing significantly higher levels for GR (p < 0.05). Postprandially, ghrelin secretion was suppressed in both groups, but suppression was higher in GR (Time x Group p < 0.05). GR showed significantly higher WM scores than PR (p < 0.05). Postprandial ghrelin (iAUC), but not GLP-1 or PYY plasma levels, significantly mediated the relationship between EWL and a WM subscore (IS score, CI = 0.07 - 1.68), but not WM main score (MIS score, CI = -0.07 - 1.54), in mediation analyses. Conclusion: Excess weight loss success after bariatric surgical procedures is associated with distinct profiles of gut-hormones at fasted and postprandial state, and differences in working memory. Better working memory performance in GR might be mediated by higher postprandial reduction in ghrelin plasma levels. Future studies need to integrate longitudinal data, larger samples and more sensitive cognitive tests.

Synergic effect of basalt/wood fiber reinforced polylactic acid hybrid biocomposites against fungal decay

In addition to the traditional fibre-reinforced composites, the investigation of novel composites with significant potential for engineering applications attracts increasing attention. In this study, the decay resistance of basalt and/or wood fibre-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites was evaluated with a soil block test by using white rot fungi, Trametes versicolor (Trv) and Irpex lacteus (Irl), and brown rot fungi, Poria placenta (Pop) and Gloeophyllum trabeum (Glt), and a soft rot fungus, Chaetomium globosum (Chg) after 8 weeks of water submersion. Water absorption rate during the water submission and weight losses after the decay test were determined. Furthermore, decay in biocomposites was characterized by SEM and ATR-FTIR. Results showed that the water absorption increased between 52.4–67.5% for wood fibre composites when compared to basalt fibre-reinforced biocomposites. PLA showed good decay resistance against all fungi attacks. However, as the ratio of basalt and wood fibre in the hybrid biocomposites increased, the fungi resistance decreased. The lowest weight loss, 4.9% was found in the biocomposites containing the highest percentage of basalt fibre. On the other hand, the highest weight loss, 54.2% was observed in the composites containing the highest percentage of wood fibre. The results clearly showed that the hybridization of basalt and wood fibres improves the decay resistance of the biocomposites compared to only wood fibre-reinforced composites. However, as the percentage of wood increased in the composites, the decay resistance decreased. SEM and FTIR analysis confirmed the degradation and revealed the degradation mechanism.

Hot Water Treatment Improves Date Drying and Maintains Phytochemicals and Fruit Quality Characteristics of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera).

Fresh date fruits (cvs. Hillawi and Khadrawi) were harvested at the khalal stage and treated with hot water treatment (HWT) for different time durations (control, HWT-1 min, HWT-3 min, HWT-5 min, and HWT-7 min) to investigate the physicochemical characteristics, phytochemical properties, and sensory attributes. The results revealed that both date cultivars took less time to reach the tamar stage in response to HWT-7 min compared to control. However, Hillawi date fruit showed a higher fruit ripening index (75%) at HWT-3 min, while Khadrawi fruit had a higher ripening index (80%) at HWT-5 min than untreated fruit (10%). Higher weight loss and lower moisture contents were observed in Hillawi (25%) and Khadrawi (20%) date fruit as the immersion period increased in both cultivars. Moreover, soluble solid content was higher in Hillawi (11.77° Brix) in response to HWT-3 min and Khadrawi (10.02° Brix) date fruit immersed in HWT-5 min in contrast with the control group, whereas significantly lower levels of titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content were observed in Hillawi (0.162%, 0.67 mg/100 g) and Khadrawi (0.206%, 0.73 mg/100 g) date fruit in response to HWT (HWT-1 min, HWT-3 min, HWT-5 min, and HWT-7 min) than untreated fruit. Furthermore, noticeably higher levels of reducing sugar (69.83%, 57.01%), total sugar (34.47%, 31.14%), glucose (36.84%, 29.42%), fructose (33.99%, 27.61%), and sucrose (3.16%, 1.33%) were found in hot water-treated Hillawi (immersed for 3-min) and Khadrawi (immersed for 5-min) date fruit, respectively. In addition, total phenolic content, total flavonoids, total antioxidants, and total tannins were substantially superior in date fruits subjected to HWT-3 min (in Hillawi, 128 mg GAE/100 g, 61.78%, 20.18 mg CEQ/100 g) and HWT-5 min (in Khadrawi, 139.43 mg GAE/100 g, 72.84%, and 18.48 mg CEQ/100 g) compared to control. Overall, sensory attributes were recorded to be higher in Hillawi and Khadrawi date fruit after treatment for 3 min and 5 min, respectively. Our findings suggest that HWT is a promising technique that can be adopted commercially to improve fruit ripening and preserved nutritional quality of dates after harvest.

Termite and decay resistances of Sumatran elephant dung-based particleboard modified with wood shavings and bamboo layering

Elephant dung (ED) particleboard (PB) still has subpar physical and mechanical qualities. In earlier research, adding wood shavings and bamboo layers to ED-derived PB successfully enhanced its physical and mechanical qualities. However, the resistance to termites and decay of this PB is still unknown. Therefore, this study examines the resistances to termites and decay of the PBs from ED fiber-modified with wood shavings and bamboo layering. ED and wood shavings were distributed throughout the PB in ratios of 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50 (w/w %). Meanwhile, tali bamboo (Gigantochloa apus), talang bamboo (Schizostachyum brachycladum), kuning bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), belangke bamboo (Gigantochloa pruriens), and betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) were the materials used in this study. These findings demonstrated that adding wood shavings could improve PB’s resistance to termite and decay attacks. However, in this investigation, the layering of bamboo diminishes the PB’s resistance to termite and decay attack. A 50/50 ratio between ED and wood shavings achieved slightly higher termite mortality and lower weight loss than others. Meanwhile, kuning bamboo had lower termite mortality and higher weight loss than others.

Psychological factors of pregnant women associated with inadequate maternal weight gain in Japan

Objectives Inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG) has been associated with low birth weight (LBW). However, factors associated with inadequate GWG in Japan remain unclear. Here, we aimed to determine the factors associated with inadequate GWG and the characteristics of inadequate GWG based on the pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) among pregnant women in Japan. Methods This observational study included pregnant women at ≥16 weeks of gestation. The study was conducted at two general hospitals in Tokyo, Japan. The participants were requested to complete a questionnaire during the antenatal checkup visit and a mail survey after childbirth. Data were also collected from medical records. The GWG level and associated factors were assessed using the chi-square test or t-test. Results In total, 252 pregnant women were recruited and completed the questionnaires. Data from 128 pregnant women were analyzed. Overall, 23 (18.0%) women were classified as having inadequate GWG. The factors associated with inadequate GWG were as follows: pre-pregnancy underweight, hospital admission owing to hyperemesis, low body esteem, high Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score, low target GWG, more significant weight loss during pregnancy when compared with that pre-pregnancy, high maximum weight loss during pregnancy, delay in return to pre-pregnancy weight, lower birth weight, and inadequate GWG perception. Pregnant women with inadequate weight gain did not receive any medical advice to avoid being overweight but were rather advised to gain additional weight. Conclusion Target GWG and low body esteem were associated with inadequate GWG and other factors that could be modified. Medical staff should focus on achieving the target GWG and improving the body appreciation level among pregnant women.

Prevalence of poor nutrition status in multiple sclerosis patients assessed by different diagnostic tools

147 patients were included in the study. The nutritional status was assessed by NRS 2002, GLIM, and body composition analysis. The routine biochemical parameters were measured. Deterioration of the nutritional status was observed in 87.8% of patients. GLIM criteria indicated that 20% of patients were malnourished and 80% were at risk. The percentage of patients with excess body mass was 46.8%, and of underweight patients was 6.6%. The risk of malnutrition was positively associated with low content of adipose tissue (R=-0.24; p=0.00), low BMI (R=-0.22; p=0.00), and higher weight loss in the last 6 months (R=0.47; p=0.00). Additionally, a significant (p<0.05) correlation between malnutrition state and s-albumin (R=-0.2) and CRP (R=0.23) was observed. Overweight and obesity concerned a large proportion of the studied group of MS patients, but this does not exclude the risk of malnutrition. Dietary care and regular outpatient nutritional status assessment should be provided throughout the disease.

Genotypic Variation with Respect to Post-harvest Losses of Potato on Storage under Ambient Temperature

The experiment was conducted at All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India during two different years (2016 and 2021) to study on the genotypic variation among 25 potato varieties with respect to post-harvest losses and storage. Approximately 5 kg potatoes of each genotype were kept inside perforated plastic containers under ambient temperature for this study. Rottage of tubers on number and weight basis were recorded at 30, 60, 75 and 90 days. Similarly sprouting of tubers in different genotypes was recorded at 75 and 90 days. It was observed that the percentage of tuber rottage on weight basis at the end of storage period (90 days) varied from 2.5% in Kufri Ashoka to 65.1% in Kufri Sinduri. There was also wide variation among different genotypes for sprouting at 75 and 90 days. Five genotypes did not sprout even at 90 days under storage at ambient temperature. Maximum storage loss of 86.9% was observed in Kufri Sinduri while minimum storage loss was recorded in Kufri Ashoka (8.5%). Highest direct effect on storage loss was exerted by percentage of rottage at 90 days. The direct effect of sprouting at 75 and 90 days on storage loss was very less clearly indicating its minor role. Weight loss of tubers of varying weights (20–40 g, 40–60 g and &gt;60 g) in two varieties were also taken into consideration at 4, 7, 11, 18 and 26 days. The variety Kufri Pukhraj exhibited higher weight loss than Kufri Surya for all grades of tubers. The tubers weighing 20–40 g had the highest weight loss (1.22–2.81) among all the grades. However, the tubers of &gt;60g showed the least weight loss in both the varieties.

Investigation on the Composition and Extraction Mechanism of the Soluble Species from Oily Sludge by Solvent Extraction.

Oily sludge (OS) was extracted with petroleum ether (PE), methanol, carbon disulfide (CDS), acetone, and isometric CDS/acetone mixture (IMCDSAM), respectively, to obtain soluble species (E1-E5) and extraction residues (R1-R5). The soluble species were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and the extraction residues were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results showed that the extract yield of the soluble species from OS using CDS and IMCDSAM as the solvent was 61.0 and 67.3%, respectively. GC/MS results exhibited that the compounds detected in E1-E5 are mainly hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing compounds. E1-E5 are rich in alkanes, alkenes, ketones, alcohols, and other oxygen-containing compounds. Double-bond equivalence (DBE) and carbon numbers (CNs) of the compounds detected in E1, E2, and E4 are distributed in 0-4 (DBE) and 10-20 (CNs), respectively, while the DBE and CNs of the detected compounds in E3 and E5 are concentrated in 0-6 and 15-35, respectively. Thermogravimetry-differential thermogravimetry (TG-DTG) profiles presented that pyrolysis of OS occurred mainly in the temperature range of 150-750 °C, while pyrolysis of R1-R5 took place in the range of 350-750 °C. In the temperature range of 150-550 °C, the weight losses of OS and each extraction residue differ significantly, with OS having a much higher weight loss than the extraction residues. Meanwhile, the possible mechanism of oily sludge extraction was considered. Results revealed that selecting a low-polar or nonpolar solvent capable of selectively destroying hydrogen bonds and/or aromatic interactions is critical for improving the extract yield of OS.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of (Zr,Ti)B2–SiC composites obtained by pressureless sintering of ZrB2–SiC–TiO2 powder mixtures

Multiphase ceramics have been highlighted due to the combination of different properties. This work proposes to obtain the multiphase composite of (Zr,Ti)B2–SiC based on the mixture of ZrB2, SiC, and TiO2 sintered without pressure. The effect of TiO2 addition on solid solution formation with ZrB2, densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties was investigated. For this, 2.0 wt% TiO2 was added to ZrB2–SiC composites with 10–30 vol% SiC and processed by reactive pressureless sintering at 2050 °C with a 2 h holding time. Sinterability, crystalline phases, microstructure, Vickers hardness, and indentation fracture toughness of these composites were analyzed and compared to the non-doped ZrB2–SiC samples. The XRD analysis and EDS elemental map images indicated the incorporation of Ti atoms into the ZrB2 crystalline structure with solid solution generation of (Zr,Ti)B2. The addition of TiO2 resulted in matrix grain size refinement and a predominant intergranular fracture mode. The relative densities were not significantly modified with the TiO2 addition, though a higher weight loss was detected after the sample sintering process. The composites doped with TiO2 showed an increase in fracture toughness but exhibited a slightly lower Vickers hardness compared to composites without TiO2 addition.

Thermal degradation study of natural fibre through thermogravimetric analysis

Thermogravimetric analysis was performed to understand the thermal degradation characteristics of natural fibre (bhimal). The objective of the study was to evaluate the suitability of fibre as an alternative to synthetic fibre for reinforcement in polymer composite synthesis. The thermal degradation study was conducted at three heating rates, 10, 15 and 20 °C/min from room temperature to 800 °C. The highest weight loss (65–71 wt%) was observed in the temperature range of 200–435 °C. Three model-free isoconversional methods, FWO, KAS, and Friedman, were applied to estimate the kinetic parameters (activation energy and pre-exponential factor). Average activation energies of 115.96 ± 30.89, 111.08 ± 33.01, and 112.67 ± 41.87 kJ/mol were calculated by FWO, KAS, and FR methods, respectively. The respective estimated pre-exponential factors were 1.41E + 11, 6.62E + 10, and 4.49E + 13 min−1. The kinetic parameters varied substantially with the conversion level, which shows the multi-step reaction mechanism of bhimal fibre thermal degradation. The present study suggests the apparent activation energy of bhimal fibre in the range of 108–120 kJ/mol for polymer composite synthesis.

Long-term Outcomes of Sleeve Gastrectomy in Adolescent Patients: The Effect of Weight Loss in Younger Years to Outcomes in Adulthood

BackgroundChildhood obesity is associated with a variety of complications that see their light throughout adulthood. Due to the serious side effects of these morbidities, early intervention is essential. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of obesity, however, the long-term data on its use in adolescents is lacking in the literature.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients that underwent SG aged between 12 and 21 years old at a public hospital in Kuwait. Data on their weight and comorbidities was collected and analyzed.Results164 adolescent patients with a mean age of 19 underwent SG. 71% of the patients were female, while the mean weight at surgery was 128.6 kg, corresponding to a BMI of 47.8 Kg/m2. 32% of patients had a starting BMI more than 50, while 6.7% had a BMI over 60. The highest weight loss was achieved at 18 months post-op, corresponding to an EWL of 82.66%. On long-term follow-up, weight loss was maintained over the 13 years post-op. Obstructive sleep apnea resolved in 75% of the patients while hypertension persisted in the 2 patients who were diagnosed with it pre-op. 21 patients developed gastro-esophageal reflux disease 5.7 years post-op, while 20 patients were treated for gall bladder stones 4.4 years post-op.ConclusionIt is of ample importance to tackle obesity during childhood before complications ensue later in life. Bariatric surgery, specifically SG, has been found to be an effective and safe weight loss tool, with sustained long-term weight maintenance and resolution of early comorbidities.

Effect of edible coating and perforated packaging on the quality and storability of mango (cv. Cat Chu) at suboptimal storage temperature

Mango fruit (Mangifera indica cv. Cat Chu) is generally susceptible to chilling injury (CI), and postharvest deterioration induces limits in its commercial potential. This study aimed to find the effects of edible coating and perforated packaging on the quality and storability of mango fruit stored at a suboptimal temperature of 8 oC for 35 days and ripening for five days at 20 oC of each seven days of storage. The edible coatings (chitosan (0.5 %) combined with lemongrass essential oil (0.025 %) (chitosan) and carnauba wax (0.5 %) (carnauba)), perforated packaging (Low-density polyethylene (25 µM) needle-perforated ten holes (0.5 mm diameter) (LDPE); LDPE perforated eight holes (0.4 cm diameter) (control)), and combination between the coating and perforated packaging (Chitosan and LDPE (needle-perforated) (Chi-LDPE); carnauba wax and LDPE (needle-perforated) (Car-LDPE)) investigated in this study. The results showed mango cv. Cat Chu in needle-perforated packaging and combination with coating had the lowest weight loss, followed by control, chitosan, and carnauba wax with the highest weight loss. The CI symptom was white-corky in the pulp of ripened mango, which appeared in all treatments except chitosan coating for 35 days at 8 oC and ripening fruit at 20 oC. The chitosan coating inhibited the respiration rate and electrolyte leakage and decreased the disease index in mango fruit during storage. The quality of ripening mango fruit was highly maintained during the extended duration of cold storage. This result revealed that the chitosan coating improved chilling tolerance and prolonged the shelf life of mango at the suboptimal temperature of 8 oC for 35 days. This application might be a green means of fruit preservation, but further enhancement of disease control is needed.

Diabetes increases mortality in patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancer by promoting cachexia and its associated inflammatory status

ObjectivesCancer is considered an emerging diabetes complication, with higher incidence and worse prognosis in patients with diabetes. Cancer is frequently associated with cachexia, a systemic metabolic disease causing wasting. It is currently unclear how diabetes affects the development and progression of cachexia. MethodsWe investigated the interplay between diabetes and cancer cachexia retrospectively in a cohort of 345 patients with colorectal and pancreatic cancer. We recorded body weight, fat mass, muscle mass, clinical serum values, and survival of these patients. Patients were grouped either into diabetic/non-diabetic groups based on previous diagnosis, or into obese/non-obese groups based on body mass index (BMI ≥30 kg/m2 was considered obese). ResultsThe pre-existence of type 2 diabetes, but not obesity, in patients with cancer led to increased cachexia incidence (80%, compared to 61% without diabetes, p ≤ 0.05), higher weight loss (8.9% vs. 6.0%, p ≤ 0.001), and reduced survival probability (median survival days: 689 vs. 538, Chi square = 4.96, p ≤ 0.05) irrespective of the initial body weight or tumor progression. Patients with diabetes and cancer showed higher serum levels of C-reactive protein (0.919 μg/mL vs. 0.551 μg/mL, p ≤ 0.01) and interleukin 6 (5.98 pg/mL vs. 3.75 pg/mL, p ≤ 0.05) as well as lower serum albumin levels (3.98 g/dL vs. 4.18 g/dL, p ≤ 0.05) than patients with cancer without diabetes. In a sub-analysis of patients with pancreatic cancer, pre-existing diabetes worsened weight loss (9.95% vs. 6.93%, p ≤ 0.01), and increased the duration of hospitalization (24.41 days vs. 15.85 days, p ≤ 0.001). Further, diabetes aggravated clinical manifestations of cachexia, as changes in the aforementioned biomarkers were more pronounced in patients with diabetes and cachexia co-existence, compared to cachectic patients without diabetes (C-reactive protein: 2.300 μg/mL vs. 0.571 μg/mL, p ≤ 0.0001; hemoglobin: 11.24 g/dL vs. 12.52 g/dL, p ≤ 0.05). ConclusionsWe show for the first time that pre-existing diabetes aggravates cachexia development in patients with colorectal and pancreatic cancer. This is important when considering cachexia biomarkers and weight management in patients with co-existing diabetes and cancer.

Study on corrosion resistance mechanism of Cr-containing steel in simulated oilfield produced fluid

In view of the CO2 corrosion environment of oil and gas fields, the corrosion behavior of 5Cr, 9Cr and 13Cr steels was studied by high temperature and high pressure weight loss test and electrochemical test with J55 material as comparison. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysed the morphology of corrosion products. The corrosion resistance mechanism of Cr-containing steel was analyzed from the perspective of structural stability by first-principles. The results show that the uniform corrosion rate of Cr-containing alloy steel is lower than that of J55 steel, and the CO2 corrosion resistance of the material increases with the increase of Cr content. With the increase of temperature, the self-corrosion current density of different Cr-containing steels gradually increases, the pitting potential of 9Cr and 13Cr gradually decreases, and the pitting resistance decreases. The electrochemical corrosion kinetic resistance of Cr-containing steel increases under long-term immersion corrosion. Molecular dynamics and first-principles calculations show that the corrosion product preferentially formed by Fe is FeCO3, and the corrosion product preferentially formed by Cr is Cr(OH)3. On the surface of the iron matrix, Cr(OH)3 is more easily adsorbed on the surface of the iron matrix, thereby protecting the matrix from corrosion resistance.