Major Weight Loss Research Articles

Development and Characterization of Self -assembled Bacterial Cellulose Nonwoven Film

ABSTRACT Bacterial cellulose is one of the widely discussed biomaterials due to its unique physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics. In this research, bacterial cellulosic film (BCF) was developed using Acetobacter xylinum strain in green tea as a source of carbon under static culture conditions. The developed BCF was evaluated for their morphological properties using a scanning electron microscope and the approximate fiber diameter noted as 38–40 nm. The purity of the cellulose evaluated through an X-ray diffraction method identified that the developed cellulose is Iα rich – triclinic type with 89.61% of crystallinity. The thermal behavior of the BCF was evaluated using TGA and DSC. The results indicated that the major weight loss occurred from 250 to 500°C. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the developed BCF was very high and it was 165°C. Concerning the mechanical properties, the BCF had lower tensile strength (13.82 Kgf/Cm2), Elongation (10.13 mm) and air (19.72 cm3/cm2/sec) and water vapor permeability value (151 g/m2/day) than the woven cotton fabric. However, the water absorbency (0.7 s) and water holding capacity (320%) are superior to the cotton fabric. The contact angle of the BCF was noted around 28.53°, which is an indication of the higher hydrophilic nature of the BCF. These results provide an insight into the potential applications of bacterial cellulosic material in the apparel and textile sector.

Nonlinear optical properties of single crystal of L-OOMHCL incorporation with Glycine Oxalic Acid (GOA) with high chemical stability for optoelectronic applications

In this report, a good nonlinear optical material with high criteria such as optical nonlinearity, chemical and thermal stability for life time system capability. The crystallographic orientation belongs to monoclinic crystal structure with the non-centrosymmetric space group, the prominent peaks were observed as (101), (112) and (300). The calculated lattice parameter values are, a = 6.21 Å, b = 3.67 Å, c = 12.12 Å, α = 90°, β = 103.21°, γ = 90° monoclinic space group of P21/n. A broad and strong peak at 3427 cm−1 was assigned to NH stretch, the OH and CH stretching of the compound were confirmed by the peaks present at 3043 cm−1 and 2934 cm−1. Moreover, the peaks at 1398 cm−1 represent the tartaric acid, another strong peak at 1261 cm−1 was assigned to CH2 twisting. In addition, the DTA curve shows a sharp endothermic peak at 109 °C, which corresponds to the melting point of the compound at this stage the sample lost its 20% of weights due to dehydration. From TGA curve, the L-OOMHCL crystal has good thermal stability up to melting point as there is no major weight loss below that temperature. However, it shows the more weight loss of 95% after the melting point due to the removal of volatile substances. Thus, it confirms the full degradation around 600 °C. The dielectric constant and the dielectric loss of L-OOMHCL crystal were carried out at three different temperatures 313 K, (40 °C) 333 K (60 °C) and 353 K (80 °C) for frequencies varying from 50 Hz to 5 MHz. Finally, we have calculated the refractive index value at the cutoff wavelength 214 nm and the 2.012 which is larger than unity, this results in greater development of polarization in the presence of dc electrical fields, hence leading to greater mobility.

P58 IMPACT OF SYSTEMATIC ENTERAL NUTRITION IN OESOPHAGEAL OR OESOGASTRIC JUNCTION (OG) CANCERS INVOLVED IN A CURATIVE STRATEGY

Abstract Aim In the absence of severe dysphagia or major weight loss, most patients treated for OG cancer do not have enteral nutrition (EN) instituted before neoadjuvant treatment. The aim of this work was to compare the impact of a systematic NE (NES) or on demand (NED) on the course of the therapeutic sequence, the post-operative follow-up: post-operative complications of grade Clavien-Dindo> II and Complication Comprehensive Index (CCI); and oncologic results (median follow-up: 36 months). Background & Methods Among 682 patients with OG cancer operated between 2007 and 2015, 313 patients with <20% weight loss and no severe dysphagia (Atkinson <IV) were included. Control group with NES (n = 140) and group with NED (n = 173) were compared with propensity score adjustment. Results In the NES group, the tumor stage was more advanced (clinical stage III: 78.6% vs 61.4% p = 0.001) and the more frequent undernutrition (28.6% vs 14.6% p = 0.002). After adjustment, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the risk of severe complications (25.7% vs 24.9% p = 0.682), the median CCI (20.9 vs 20.9, p = 0.08) and 90-day mortality (4.3% vs. 5.2% p = 0.706). In case of perioperative chemotherapy, the rate of patients benefiting from the complete therapeutic sequence was higher in the NES group (80.4% vs 62.2% p = 0.0192 ie OR = 2.5). Overall survival was similar between the 2 groups (p = 0.509). Conclusion In OG cancers, systematic NE does not modify the operative and oncological follow-ups with respect to an on-demand NE, but more frequently makes it possible to achive the therapeutic sequence in the case of perioperative chemotherapy.

Vitamin D binding protein and risk of renal cell carcinoma in the prostate, lung, colorectal and ovarian cancer screening trial.

Our group has conducted two previous studies on the association between vitamin D binding protein (DBP) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common form of kidney cancer, finding strong inverse associations. We undertook the current analysis to replicate our findings in a different study population that included women and nonsmokers. We conducted a nested case-control study in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO). Cases (n = 323) were matched 1:1 to controls on age (±1 year), race/ethnicity, date of blood collection (±30 days) and sex. We performed conditional logistic regression to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between quartiles of circulating DBP and risk of RCC. We observed a statistically significant positive association between DBP and RCC that persisted after adjustment for history of diabetes, history of hypertension, family history of renal cancer, body mass index and smoking status (mv-adj Q4 vs. Q1 OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 2.2-7.8; p-trend <0.0001). These findings were similar when we restricted to cases with at least 2 years of follow-up and no major weight loss, suggesting that our findings are not due to reverse causality. In the present study, those with higher serum concentrations of DBP were at increased risk of RCC, in contrast to previously published findings. Further research is necessary to determine the true association between DBP and risk of RCC, and whether different DBP phenotypes may have different associations with risk of RCC.

Phosphatidylcholine and its relation to apolipoproteins A-1 and B changes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a cohort study

BackgroundPhosphatidylcholine (PC), the most abundant of the phospholipids, has several metabolic functions in organs such as the liver and the intestine, important structural- and signaling functions in biological membranes, and might have a role in the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), an operation known to ameliorate metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that serum PC, as a reflection of phospholipid metabolism, changes after RYGB, and that changes are related to weight loss and possibly to changes in glucose metabolism (reflected in the HbA1c-level) as well as to changes in serum Apo A1, Apo B and Apo B/Apo A1 ratio.MethodsIn a cohort of 220 RYGB patients, we studied changes in serum PC after RYGB in relation to serum Apo A1 and Apo B, the main apolipoproteins in HDL- and LDL/VLDL-particles, respectively, up to 2 years following RYGB-surgery.ResultsSerum PC reached its lowest levels 3 months postoperatively to later rebound to preoperative levels 24 months after RYGB. No difference was seen between patients with or without type 2 diabetes. Serum Apo A1 showed a similar pattern whereas serum Apo B concentrations stayed low after the initial decrease after RYGB. As a result, the Apo B / Apo A1 ratio constantly decreased during follow-up. There was a strong positive correlation between PC and Apo A1, and between PC and Apo B, but none between Apo A1 and Apo B. After RYGB surgery, both PC and Apo A1, but not Apo B, correlated positively to weight loss. In relation to total cholesterol, the molar ratio between serum PC and plasma cholesterol increased steadily after RYGB.ConclusionsWe conclude that changes in PC and apolipoproteins after RYGB are highly dynamic, reflecting a large plasticity and capability of accommodating lipid metabolism including PC-, cholesterol- and apolipoprotein metabolism imposed by RYGB surgery, independent of glucose tolerance. We suggest that after RYGB and major weight loss, PC and Apo A1 might have a special role in the altered metabolism of lipoproteins.

Brachioplastie et complications

Due to an increasing number of major weight loss after bariatic surgery, the demand for body-coutouring surgery increase in paralell. Among all the technics which can be realized, brachioplastyis one of them. The goal is to reach a functionnal but an aesthetic improvement too. The literature show that the rate of major complication is very low (or not reported in the majority of the series). Minor complication is more common: hypertrophic scar, large scar, paresthesia, and wound dehiscence. Re-operation can be asked by the patient in order to improve the result. With the help of clinical cases and literature review the authors try to analyse the balance between benefice and risk to realize a second operation.

Mechanisms involved in follistatin-induced hypertrophy and increased insulin action in skeletal muscle.

BackgroundSkeletal muscle wasting is often associated with insulin resistance. A major regulator of muscle mass is the transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) superfamily, including activin A, which causes atrophy. TGF‐β superfamily ligands also negatively regulate insulin‐sensitive proteins, but whether this pathway contributes to insulin action remains to be determined.MethodsTo elucidate if TGF‐β superfamily ligands regulate insulin action, we used an adeno‐associated virus gene editing approach to overexpress an activin A inhibitor, follistatin (Fst288), in mouse muscle of lean and diet‐induced obese mice. We determined basal and insulin‐stimulated 2‐deoxy‐glucose uptake using isotopic tracers in vivo. Furthermore, to evaluate whether circulating Fst and activin A concentrations are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and weight loss in humans, we analysed serum from morbidly obese subjects before, 1 week, and 1 year after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB).ResultsFst288 muscle overexpression markedly increased in vivo insulin‐stimulated (but not basal) glucose uptake (+75%, P < 0.05) and increased protein expression and intracellular insulin signalling of AKT, TBC1D4, PAK1, pyruvate dehydrogenase‐E1α, and p70S6K, while decreasing TBC1D1 signaling (P < 0.05). Fst288 increased both basal and insulin‐stimulated protein synthesis, but no correlation was observed between the Fst288‐driven hypertrophy and the increase in insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake. Importantly, Fst288 completely normalized muscle glucose uptake in insulin‐resistant diet‐induced obese mice. RYGB surgery doubled circulating Fst and reduced activin A (−24%, P < 0.05) concentration 1 week after surgery before any significant weight loss in morbidly obese normoglycemic patients, while major weight loss after 1 year did not further change the concentrations.ConclusionsWe here present evidence that Fst is a potent regulator of insulin action in muscle, and in addition to AKT and p70S6K, we identify TBC1D1, TBC1D4, pyruvate dehydrogenase‐E1α, and PAK1 as Fst targets. Circulating Fst more than doubled post‐RYGB surgery, a treatment that markedly improved insulin sensitivity, suggesting a role for Fst in regulating glycaemic control. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting TGF‐β superfamily ligands to improve insulin action and Fst's relevance to muscle wasting‐associated insulin‐resistant conditions in mice and humans.

Skin Protein Profile after Major Weight Loss and Its Role in Body Contouring Surgery.

Background:Chronic inflammation during morbid obesity significantly alters cutaneous tissue. Large weight loss achieved after bariatric surgery minimizes or halts damage caused by metabolic syndrome, but further deteriorates the clinical condition of skin. Postbariatric skin flaccidity produces major difficulties to plastic surgery. In this study, we analyzed differences in protein composition of the skin between patients with morbid obesity and those after large weight loss and established correlations between differentially expressed proteins and clinical characteristics of postbariatric skin tissue, to improve body contouring surgery techniques.Methods:Skin fragments were removed from the abdomen of 32 patients, who were allocated into 3 groups: morbidly obese, large weight loss without surgery, and postbariatric surgery. Samples were subjected to proteomic analysis, and the protein profiles of the groups were compared. Six differentially expressed proteins of clinical interest were validated by immunohistochemistry and statistical analysis.Results:Comparative analyses confirmed differences in protein profile of the skin between morbidly obese and large weight loss groups. A persistent increase in inflammatory markers such as haptoglobin was observed in all groups and decrease in the expression of collagen XIV, which regulates the physical properties of cutaneous tissue, was observed in the postbariatric group.Conclusions:High expression of haptoglobin associated with the decrease of Collagen XIV, vinculin, and periplakin in the groups after major weight losses, mainly postbariatric, confirm that the inflammatory lesion remains active in the skin and causes changes in its structural organization, with serious repercussions on its clinical characteristics and physical properties.

Implantable microneedles with an immune-boosting function for effective intradermal influenza vaccination

This study details effective influenza vaccination via sustained intradermal (ID) release of vaccines using implantable and patch-free chitosan microneedles (MNs). The microneedle (MN) patch is composed of vaccine-loaded chitosan MNs with a dissolvable supporting array that gives extra length for complete insertion of MNs and is dissolved within the skin during insertion. Chitosan MNs can be quickly and entirely implanted into the dermis to function as a depot and an immune-boosting agent for the extended release of vaccines and simultaneous activation of the immune system. We found the influenza virus-specific antibody levels induced by chitosan MN vaccination were significantly higher than those elicited by intramuscular (IM) immunization with influenza vaccine alone. The MN induced immune-enhancing effect was obvious 4 week after the vaccination and lasted for at least 16 weeks. Most importantly, MN-immunized mice were completely protected from H1N1 viral challenge without major weight loss, whereas mice receiving IM injection at the same dose had a mortality rate of 60% and experienced notable weight loss after challenge. Our results suggest that the chitosan MNs cannot only be a viable tool for precise ID vaccine delivery but also exert strong adjuvanticity to enhance vaccine potency and induce protective immunity against influenza virus infections. Statement of SignificanceThere is an urgent need for generating a new vaccination strategy to address the threat of global pandemic influenza. This study presents implantable chitosan microneedles (MNs) with immune-boosting function for effective influenza vaccination. We demonstrate that the chitosan MN can not only be an efficient tool for sustained intradermal delivery but also serve as an immunological adjuvant to boost vaccine efficacy. Continuous antigen exposure and immune stimulation provided by the implanted MNs may enhance the immunogenicity of influenza vaccines and evoke long-lasting immune responses to completely protect mice from lethal influenza challenge. The proposed MN system has great potential to be used as a new adjuvanted vaccine formulation and make influenza vaccination more effective and more accessible.

Evaluation of slagging and fouling characteristics during Zhundong coal co-firing with a Si/Al dominated low rank coal

Blending is a promising method to improve ash related problems to meet combustion requirements. To evaluate the slagging and fouling characteristics of Zhundong coal (ZD) co-firing with a Si/Al dominated low rank coal (WD), the influence factors of slagging and fouling propensity based on ash composition and fusion temperatures was discussed. Release, thermal change and transformation behaviors of minerals in the mixed ashes were investigated by Thermogravimetric analysis and FactSage software. Morphology and chemical characteristics of ash deposits along heating surfaces of a practical boiler co-firing these two coals were also analyzed. The results show that when alkali/acid ratio (RB/A) is higher than 0.400 and difference value between ST and DT (ST-DT) lower than 20 °C, blending presents a severe slagging and fouling tendency. Under high temperature, ZD ash underwent a major weight loss which, is characterized by intense endothermic reactions and leads to the low ST-DT value. Feldspar, tridymite and anhydrite are the dominated minerals for blending ashes, and transformation of them contributes to the low fusion temperatures. Deposits along heating surfaces of boiler for burning ZD coal blending could be divided into two groups: condensed deposits and molten deposits. The former is due to the volatilization of mineral elements and have higher AFTs and the latter mainly due to the formation of low fusion temperature eutectics.

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Human Obesity: Impact of Bariatric Surgery.

In this review, we summarize what is currently described in terms of gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis modification post-bariatric surgery (BS) and their link with BS-induced clinical improvement. We also discuss how the major inter-individual variability in terms of GM changes could impact the clinical improvements seen in patients. The persisting increase in severe obesity prevalence has led to the subsequent burst in BS number. Indeed, it is to date the best treatment option to induce major and sustainable weight loss and metabolic improvement in these patients. During obesity, the gut microbiota displays distinctive features such as low microbial gene richness and compositional and functional alterations (termed dysbiosis) which have been associated with low-grade inflammation, increased body weight and fat mass, as well as type-2 diabetes. Interestingly, GM changes post-BS is currently being proposed as one the many mechanism explaining BS beneficial clinical outcomes. BS enables partial rescue of GM dysbiosis observed during obesity. Some of the GM characteristics modified post-BS (composition in terms of bacteria and functions) are linked to BS beneficial outcomes such as weight loss or metabolic improvements. Nevertheless, the changes in GM post-BS display major variability from one patient to the other. As such, further large sample size studies associated with GM transfer studies in animals are still needed to completely decipher the role of GM in the clinical improvements observed post-surgery.

2089-P: Regional Renal Hemodynamics and Fatty Acid Uptake: Effects of Obesity and Weight Loss

Objective: Changes of obesity on renal perfusion and metabolism are poorly understood. Our aims were to evaluate whether obesity increases renal regional hemodynamics and metabolism in vivo, and to determine the effects of weight loss. Methods: 23 morbidly obese and 15 age- and sex-matched nonobese controls were recruited. Renal perfusion and fatty acid uptake (FAU) were measured using PET-CT scanning and [15O]- H2O and [18F]fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid ([18F]THA), respectively. Kidney volumes and radiodensity were measured by CT and cardiac output by MRI. Intraglomerular pressure (Pglo) was estimated by Gomez formula. Obese subjects were re-studied six months after bariatric surgery. Results: As compared to controls, obese subjects had larger renal volume (340[118] vs. 256[63] ml, median[interquartile range]) and lower renal radiodensity (15.3[13.1] vs. 31.5[9.8] units, p≤0.05 for both), suggesting accumulation of water and/or lipid. Both cardiac output and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were increased by ∼25% in the obese. While there were no differences in total renal perfusion between the two groups, Pglo was higher in the obese (61±5 mmHg vs. 55±3 of controls, p&amp;lt;0.001). In both groups, regional blood flow was 50% higher in the cortex than medulla; in either region, FAU was higher in the obese (6.3±1.8 vs. 4.1±1.5 µmol.min-1.100g-1, and 7.5±2.2 vs. 4.6±2.1, both p≤0.05), mostly as a consequence of higher plasma FFA levels. Post-surgery (weight loss = 26±8 kg), renal volume, GFR, and Pglo all decreased and renal radiodensity increased to levels similar to controls. On the contrary, cortical and medullary FAU was not normalized. Conclusions: In obesity, renal hemodynamics are indicative of an incomplete protection against hyperperfusion and renal fatty acid uptake is increased, driven by higher substrate availability. Surgically-induced major weight loss reverses the hemodynamic but not the metabolic changes. Disclosure E. Rebelos: None. P. Dadson: None. V. Oikonen: None. H. Iida: None. J.C. Hannukainen: None. P. Iozzo: None. E. Ferrannini: None. P. Nuutila: Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca. Funding Academy of Finland; University of Turku; Turku University Hospital

Early weight loss in adolescents following bariatric surgery predicts weight loss at 12 and 24months.

Growing evidence supports the efficacy of paediatric bariatric surgery. However, there is a paucity of data examining adolescent outcomes post surgery. Among adults, studies have shown that early weight loss is associated with long-term weight loss. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the association between early weight loss at 3months with longer-term weight loss at 12 and 24months in adolescents post surgery. We hypothesized that patients who have greater weight loss within the first 3months will have greater weight loss at 12 and 24months post surgery. A retrospective chart review of bariatric surgery patients (n=28) was conducted. Anthropometric measurements at baseline and 3, 12, and 24months were analysed. Percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 3, 12, and 24months were 33.6±11.3%, 55.0±20.5%, and 55.1±27.1%, respectively. %EWL at 3months was positively associated with %EWL at 12 and 24months (P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve results identified a cut-off of greater than or equal to 30%EWL at 3months predicted successful weight loss, defined as greater than or equal to 50%EWL at 12 and 24months. These findings demonstrate that majority of weight loss among adolescents occurs within the first postoperative year. Greater %EWL by 3months post surgery predicts successful and sustained weight loss over time.

Sublay or onlay incisional hernia repair along with abdominoplasty: which is better? Long-term results

PurposeEstimation and comparison of results after incisional hernia repair (IHR) modo onlay or sublay with abdominoplasty in patients who lost the weight following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). Analysis and comparison of changes in quality of life (QL) of these patients prior to RYGB, before and after simultaneous IHR and abdominoplasty.MethodsClinical analysis involved 40 patients with abdominal disfigurement (following RYGB and massive weight loss) after one-time IHR sublay method with abdominoplasty—group 1 or IHR onlay method with abdominoplasty—group 2. We evaluated postoperative results and long-term QL changes (DAS24, SF-36 scales).ResultsWe noted abnormal wound healing (2), pneumonia (3) and dysesthesia (3) in patients from group 1, and abnormal wound healing (2), seroma (2), pneumonia (2), and dysesthesia (4) in group 2. Quality of life was improved in the functional, esthetic and psychological aspects.ConclusionsOne stage incisional hernia repair by onlay as well as sublay method with abdominoplasty are safe surgical methods improving the functioning of patients after major weight loss following RYGB. Sublay hernia repair and abdominoplasty was connected with longer time of the: operation, drainage, analgesic agents use, time to mobilization and to full oral diet than the onlay method. Significant improvement of the quality of life was noted after every subsequent step of surgical treatment in both groups. Reduction of the risk of BMI re-growth after bariatric surgery is related to the need for constant, specialized care for these patients at every stage of follow-up after bariatric surgery.

Isolation and characterization of cellulose fibers from Thespesia populnea barks: A study on physicochemical and structural properties.

Cellulose, a major proportion of all plant resources are not utilized at its best. Hence, this investigation explores the potential of cellulose fraction in bark fibers of Thespesia populnea for real time use by evaluating its anatomical, physicochemical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. Anatomical studies confirm two types of phloem fiber cells based on dimensions of secondary cell wall and lumen. Significant concentration of cellulose (70.12%) helps to attain favorable outcomes in tensile strength (557.82 ± 56.29 MPa). FTIR spectra confirm the presence of cellulosic compound in fiber structure and the size of crystalline cellulose is estimated as 35.76 Å using XRD results. Thermal profile of TGA and DSC validates that fiber is steady up to 245.4 °C and cellulose degradation befalling between 250 °C and 370 °C accounts for major weight loss in fiber. Images acquired through SEM and AFM depict that the fiber surface is smooth with average roughness of 3.002 nm.

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment.

The gut microbiota has a central influence on human health. Microbial dysbiosis is associated with many common immunopathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and arthritis. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying microbiota-immune system crosstalk is of crucial importance. Antibiotic administration, while aiding pathogen clearance, also induces drastic changes in the size and composition of intestinal bacterial communities which can have an impact on human health. Antibiotic treatment in mice recapitulates the impact and long-term changes in human microbiota from antibiotic treated patients, and enables investigation of the mechanistic links between changes in microbial communities and immune cell function. While several methods for antibiotic treatment of mice have been described, some of them induce severe dehydration and weight-loss complicating the interpretation of the data. Here, we provide two protocols for oral antibiotic administration which can be used for long-term treatment of mice without inducing major weight-loss. These protocols make use of a combination of antibiotics that target both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and can be provided either ad libitum in the drinking water or by oral gavage. Moreover, we describe a method for the quantification of microbial density in fecal samples by qPCR which can be used to validate the efficacy of the antibiotic treatment. The combination of these approaches provides a reliable methodology for the manipulation of the intestinal microbiota and the study of the effects of antibiotic treatment in mice.

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment

The gut microbiota has a central influence on human health. Microbial dysbiosis is associated with many common immunopathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and arthritis. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying microbiota-immune system crosstalk is of crucial importance. Antibiotic administration, while aiding pathogen clearance, also induces drastic changes in the size and composition of intestinal bacterial communities which can have an impact on human health. Antibiotic treatment in mice recapitulates the impact and long-term changes in human microbiota from antibiotic treated patients, and enables investigation of the mechanistic links between changes in microbial communities and immune cell function. While several methods for antibiotic treatment of mice have been described, some of them induce severe dehydration and weight-loss complicating the interpretation of the data. Here, we provide two protocols for oral antibiotic administration which can be used for long-term treatment of mice without inducing major weight-loss. These protocols make use of a combination of antibiotics that target both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and can be provided either ad libitum in the drinking water or by oral gavage. Moreover, we describe a method for the quantification of microbial density in fecal samples by qPCR which can be used to validate the efficacy of the antibiotic treatment. The combination of these approaches provides a reliable methodology for the manipulation of the intestinal microbiota and the study of the effects of antibiotic treatment in mice.

Improved thermal stability of regenerated cellulose films from corn (Zea mays) stalk pith using facile preparation with low-concentration zinc chloride dissolving

In this study, an improved facile cellulose dissolution with low chemical concentration process was used for preparing corn stalk pith regenerated cellulose (RC) films. The conventional method usually requires 68% zinc chloride solution for cellulose dissolution. The objective of this study is produced corn stalk pith RC films by using a low-concentration zinc chloride solution with improved thermal stability. The major weight loss peak temperature of RC films was increased from 231 °C to 307 °C as the crystallinity indexes increased from 48.30% to 53.19% by decreased the concentration of zinc chloride solution from 65% to 45%, respectively. The increased thermal stability can create new opportunities for the development of RC films dissolving by zinc chloride solution.

The Effect of Special Diets on Weight and Nutritional Intake in Hematological Cancer Patients: A Randomized Study

Major weight loss and taste changes are well documented in patients with hematological cancer during chemotherapy. We have previously documented, that such patients have preferences for much umami, a little sweet, sour and salt, and no bitter. We wanted to convert these results into real diets. Patients participated in two sensory pilot studies (n = 10), where dishes were tested for preferences before and after chemotherapy. From these results, four dishes were selected and tested on 32 patients in 30 days in a cross-over design. The diets resulted in a beneficial and statistically significant difference in weight development (p = 0.0008), with 1.2 ± 1.9 kg (+2%) in the intervention period and –2.8 ± 5.2 kg (–4%) in the control period. This difference persisted after sensitivity analysis (±10%) P = 0.005. However, the nutritional intake was still low in both periods, and the treatment with cytarabine turned out to be a major confounder as dosage was significantly higher in the control period.

Effect of internal olefin on the properties of betaine-type zwitterionic surfactants for enhanced oil recovery

In this report, four in-house synthesized betaine-type zwitterionic surfactants containing unsaturated and saturated hydrophobic tail as well as carboxylate and hydroxy-sulfonate head groups were investigated. The two surfactants containing unsaturated tail showed excellent solubility in deionized water, sea water (57,643 ppm) and formation water (213,734 ppm). However, the other two surfactants containing saturated tail exhibited poor solubility regardless of the nature of the head group, and hence they were not evaluated further. The thermogravimetric analysis results of the surfactants containing unsaturated tail revealed excellent short-range heat stability and the major weight loss was observed above 200 °C. The surfactants containing unsaturated tail exhibited excellent long-range heat stability and the FTIR and NMR spectral characterization of the aged sample of surfactants in seawater for 15 days at 90 °C showed no change in chemical structure. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the surfactants decreased by increasing the salinity of the water. However, hydroxy sulfobetaine showed lower cmc value (1.78 × 10−5 mol/L) compared to the carboxybetaine (1.88 × 10−5 mol/L). Moreover, surface tension corresponding to cmc (γcmc) increased by increasing the salinity of the water. Rheological studies of the polymer-surfactant hybrid demonstrated that the increase in the surfactant concertation in deionized water lowers the viscosity and storage modulus of the polymer; however, in sea water, the surfactant addition showed negligible effect. The betaine-type zwitterionic surfactants exhibited excellent salt tolerance, surface, and thermal properties and may be a material of choice for enhanced oil recovery in harsh condition reservoir.