Percentage Of Weight Loss Research Articles

Are edible coatings (with or without essential oil/extract) game changers for maintaining the postharvest quality of strawberries? A meta-analysis

Strawberries have limited storage potential due to their sensitive structure, resulting in high postharvest losses during transportation and storage. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the actual effect size of utilizing edible coatings (with or without essential oils and extracts) on maintaining the quality, appearance, and sensory acceptance of strawberries during postharvest storage. The effect of different categorical moderators including the presence or absence of essential oil/extract in the coating, the polymer type (polysaccharide, protein, combination of both), storage duration (1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks), and storage temperature (room temperature and cod storage) were also determined through random-effects model analysis. The potential publication bias was examined through funnel plot (Trim and Fill method), Rosenthal’s fail-safe number and Egger’s test. After full text screening based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 56 papers, including 115 studies were selected for meta-analysis. Based on the obtained results, coated strawberries exhibited significantly (p < 0.001) higher firmness (47.3 %), total acidity (19.9 %), sensory acceptance (64.8 %), chromacity (13.3 %) and the lower weight loss (-35.6 %) and decay percentage (-46.3 %) compared to uncoated ones. Incorporating essential oils into edible coating significantly increased chromacity (27.7 %) and total acidity (21.8 %) while adding extract significantly enhanced the retaining of firmness (90.3 %) and weight (39.4 %) in stored strawberries. The results of the current meta-analysis provide better understanding and insights into the efficiency of incorporating essential oils and extracts into edible coating for fruit, particularly strawberries.

Efficiency of Microorganisms and Effectiveness of Biodegradation Techniques on LDPE Plastics: A Systematic Review.

The aim of the research was to demonstrate the efficiency of microorganisms and the effectiveness of biodegradation techniques on Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastics. The research question was: What is the efficiency of LDPE-degrading microorganisms and the effectiveness of biodegradation techniques? The systematic review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Articles were obtained from Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), Embase, and Google Scholar. The DeCS/Mesh search terms were: Low-density polyethylene, efficiency, biodegradation, microbial consortia, fungi, bacteria. Inclusion criteria were: scientific articles that included bacteria, fungi, and microbial consortia reported as LDPE degraders that report the percentage of weight loss; articles published from January 2010 to October 2022, and publications in Spanish and English with open access. Exclusion criteria were: studies that do not report gravimetry, the biodegradation time of LDPE, and the genus or species of the polyethylene-degrading microorganism. Out of 483 studies found, 50 were included in this Systematic Review (SR). The most frequent study techniques were scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gravimetry, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and in the case of microorganisms, the most studied belonged to the genus Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Aspergillus. Regarding the isolation place, the most frequent mentioned in the reviewed articles were landfill soil and sanitary landfill soil. The efficiency of LDPE-degrading microorganisms was higher in bacteria such as Enterobacter spp., Pantoea spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, and Bacillus spp., which obtained a range of DE of 9.00-70.00%, 24.00-64%, 1.15 - 61.00%, 45.00%, and 1.5-40% with DT of 4-150, 120, 4-150, 30, and 30-120 days, respectively; in the case of fungi, the main microorganisms are Neopestalotiopsis phangngaensis, Colletotrichum fructicola, and Thyrostroma jaczewskii with efficiencies of 54.34, 48.78, and 46.34%, in 90 days, respectively; and the most efficient microbial consortia were from Enterobacter spp. and Pantoea sp. with 38.00 - 81.00%, in 120 days; and, Pseudomonas protegens, Stenotrophomonas sp., B. vallismortis and Paenibacillus sp. with 55. 00 - 75.00% in 120 days. The most efficient microorganisms in LDPE degradation are Enterobacter spp., Pantoea spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, and Bacillus spp.; in fungi Neopestalotiopsis phangngaensis, Colletotrichum fructicola, and Thyrostroma jaczewskii; and in microbial consortia, those formed by Enterobacter spp. and Pantoea sp., and that of P. protegens, Stenotrophomonas sp., B. vallismortis and Paenibacillus sp.; and the most effective techniques used in LDPE biodegradation are SEM, gravimetry, and FTIR.

Does Antrum Size Matter in Sleeve Gastrectomy? Volume II-A Retrospective Multicentric Study with Long-Term Follow-Up.

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most widespread bariatric procedure due to its safety and efficacy. Despite continuous refinement, achieving a globally standardized procedure remains challenging. Moreover, due to its wide adoption, numerous studies have focused on complications associated with the technique, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study evaluates the impact of antrum size (wide antrectomy versus small antrectomy) in LSG on long-term anthropometric outcomes and complications in patients with morbid obesity. Methods: Body mass index (BMI), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at a 5-year follow-up, GERD Health-Related Quality-of-Life (GERD-HRQL) scores, and obesity-related diseases of patients undergoing LSG with gastric resections starting 2 cm and 6 cm from the pylorus were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Between January 2015 and November 2019, 597 patients who met the criteria for LSG were included in the study. Group A (241 patients) underwent wide antrectomy, while Group B (356 patients) underwent small antrectomy. Weight, BMI, %EWL, and %TWL significantly improved at 6 and 12 months in the wide-antrectomy group. However, these differences diminished by 24 months, with no significant long-term differences in weight loss outcomes between the two groups at 5 years. Conversely, GERD-HRQL scores were significantly better in the small-antrectomy group until 24 months; thereafter, results were comparable between groups over the long term. Conclusions: Therefore, while wide antrectomy may offer superior short-term anthropometric outcomes, both techniques yield similar long-term results regarding weight management and GERD incidence. Larger prospective studies are needed to further address this issue.

960 Quality of Life Outcomes of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Tourism: A Single-Centre Survey-Based Study

Abstract Global obesity affects one in three adults, prompting increased demand for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Despite its effectiveness, limited access to MBS has led to more people seeking it through medical tourism for lower costs and shorter wait times. However, ethical concerns arise due to limited follow-up care and potential complications. This study compares the quality of life (QOL) of native MBS patients (n = 69) to those engaged in MBS tourism (n = 36) from 11 different countries, utilizing the Bariatric Quality of Life Index (BQLI). Conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, with 105 participants who had MBS in the last 3 years, the survey-based study aims to assess the impact of MBS tourism on QOL and the efficacy of bariatric surgery for weight loss. The study revealed no significant difference in the quality of life between MBS tourism participants and native patients (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Both cohorts experienced considerable weight reduction post-MBS (p = 0.00001). A higher total weight loss percentage (TWL%) correlated positively with increased BQLI scores (p = 0.01). Younger patients experienced significantly improved quality of life after MBS compared to their older counterparts (r = -0.3, p = 0.005). The TWL% exhibited a progressive increase as the months advanced post-MBS (r =0.3, p = 0.004). The type of bariatric surgery (SG, RYGB, OAGB, SADI) didn't significantly affect post-MBS quality of life (p &amp;gt; 0.05).

Prospective, single-arm multicenter, international, observational post-market study to assess the safety and efficacy of a triangulation platform for treating patients requiring endoscopic gastroplasty

Gastric restriction techniques have recently emerged as minimally invasive bariatric procedures. Endoscopic sutured gastroplasty (ESG) with the Endomina (Endo Tools Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium) triangulation platform proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of class I and II obesity in prospective studies. In this registry, we aimed to further assess on a larger scale the safety and efficacy of the procedure in routine practice with a dedicated device. This was a multicenter, observational, prospective post-market study including patients with obesity undergoing Endomina ESG. The primary safety outcome was the occurrence of serious adverse device effects (SADEs) at 12 months. The primary efficacy outcome was the technical success defined by completing the procedure without premature abortion owing to technical issues. The rates of procedure-related adverse events, weight loss outcomes, and quality of life changes were collected. A total of 142 patients underwent ESG in 3 centers from July 2020 to March 2023. Of these, 67 (mean body mass index, 38.5 ± 6.3 kg/m2) reached at least 12 months of follow-up up to October 2022. Technical success was 100%. No SADEs occurred. Seven mild procedure-related adverse events were reported overall. Mean percentage of excess weight loss and total body weight loss at 12 months' follow-up were 48.5% ± 38.6 and 15.3% ± 10.6, respectively (n= 67). Improved quality of life was observed following ESG. ESG is safe and effective, thus offering a satisfactory therapeutic option for a wide range of obese patients on a large scale.

Attributes Influencing Willingness to Pay for Overweight and Obesity Interventions in Adults: A Systematic Literature Review.

This review aims to identify the associated attributes of willingness to pay (WTP) for overweight and obesity interventions.A narrative review was conducted by partially adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline.A non-exhaustive search using a pre-defined strategy and keywords was done on three selected literature databases: Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria for the review were original studies written in English, published between 2000 and 2022, and focused on WTP for overweight and obesity interventions in adults. The extracted studies were manually screened for their eligibility through three cascading tiers: the title, the abstract, and the full article. Only nine original studies were eligible for review based on the screening procedure of 40 screened articles. There was heterogeneity in the study designs, methods, target populations, study duration, and perspectives across the studies. The majority of the studies showed that higher WTP was associated with younger age, having higher income, being female, having higher body mass index (BMI), having the perception of being overweight, habits, and attitudes. WTP is also attributed to the associated percentage of weight loss, long-term health risk reduction, time to noticeable weight loss, delivery mode, side effects, lifestyle modification, and costs of interventions.The identification of common attributes of the WTP for overweight and obesity intervention can assist in the formulation and implementation of effective evidence-based policies. Specific sub-groups with low WTP could be targeted via unique initiatives to improve their participation in weight-loss interventions.

Consistent Support Group Attendance is Vital for Clinically Sustained Weight Loss in a Community Gastroenterology Clinic

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of obesity places a high burden on the economy with annual medical expenses approximating 150 billion dollars. Obesity-related gastrointestinal disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), account for over 30% of patient visits to community GI practices. Total body weight loss (TBWL) of 10% or more is associated with reversal of NAFLD-associated fibrosis and steatosis. However, achieving this goal alone can be difficult. Support groups have proven to be vital in allowing individuals to recover from other lifestyle diseases like alcohol overuse. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of support group attendance on a patient achieving 10% TBWL while enrolled in a structured, community-based weight loss program. Methods: Patients enrolled in the weight-loss program participated in a 6 month support group with weekly online meetings. These sessions included discussions of shared experiences and education on the 4 pillars of the program - nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mindfulness. TBWL was calculated by taking the difference of the patients starting weight and their 6 month weight divided by the starting weight. Data was collected retrospectively through chart review. By April 2023, a total of 95 patients completed the support group program. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc tests. Results: The mean percent weight loss was 6.30% for the group with 0-50% attendance, 9.30% for the group with 51-75% attendance, and 13.15% for the group with 76-100% attendance. A one-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in the percent weight loss across the three groups (F(2,92) = 8.66, p &lt;0.001). Further analysis with a Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test revealed a significant difference in percent weight loss between the group with 76-100% attendance and groups with 0-50% attendance (p&lt;0.05) and 51-75% attendance (p&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference in percent weight loss between the groups with 0-50% and 51-75% attendance (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that patients with more than 75% attendance at support group meetings across a six-month period reported significantly higher percent weight loss than patients with lower attendance. This study supports the efficacy of support group meetings toward achieving weight loss. Further studies with larger sample sizes are ongoing to measure the efficacy of support groups on a long-term basis.

INFESTATION RATE OF RICE WEEVIL ON SELECTED INDIGENOUS STORED GRAINS

Rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae Lin. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is economically significant and known as a ubiquitous pest in Bangladesh as well as throughout the world. In this study, the infestation rate by this pest was assessed throughout the year on twelve common indigenous cereal grains and pulses, namely boiled and nonboiled rice, wheat, barley, maize, felon, pea, grass pea, lentil, chickpea, black gram and mung bean. There were significant differences in the infestation rate among the months and in the susceptibility among grains over the year. The highest percentage of weight loss over the year was found in chickpea (84.56%) and the lowest percentage of weight loss was found in black gram (7.09%). The chronological position of the experimental grains according to their percentages of weight loss was chickpea &gt; wheat &gt; barley &gt; maize &gt; nonboiled rice &gt; pea &gt; boiled rice &gt; grass pea &gt; lentil ≥ mung bean &gt; felon &gt; black gram. The highest infestation occurs at the temperature range of 32-35o C and during the month of April-June.

Skeletal effects of sleeve gastrectomy, by sex and menopausal status and in comparison to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has deleterious effects on bone mass, microarchitecture, and strength. Data are lacking on the skeletal effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), now the most commonly performed bariatric surgical procedure. We examined changes in bone turnover, areal and volumetric bone mineral density (aBMD, vBMD), and appendicular bone microarchitecture and estimated strength after SG. We compared the results to those previously reported after RYGB, hypothesizing lesser effects after SG than RYGB. Prospective observational cohort study of 54 adults with obesity undergoing SG at an academic center. Skeletal characterization with biochemical markers of bone turnover, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and high-resolution peripheral QCT (HR-pQCT) was performed preoperatively and 6- and 12-months postoperatively. Over 12 months, mean percentage weight loss was 28.8%. Bone turnover marker levels increased, and total hip aBMD decreased -8.0% (95% CI -9.1%, -6.7%, p<0.01). Spinal aBMD and vBMD declines were larger in postmenopausal women than men. Tibial and radial trabecular and cortical microstructure worsened, as did tibial estimated strength, particularly in postmenopausal women. When compared to data from a RYGB cohort with identical design and measurements, some SG biochemical, vBMD, and radial microstructural parameters were smaller, while other changes were not. Bone mass, microstructure, and strength decrease after SG. Some skeletal parameters change less after SG than after RYGB, while for others, we find no evidence for smaller effects after SG. Postmenopausal women may be at highest risk of skeletal consequences after SG.

Effect of intermittent fasting 16:8 and 14:10 compared with control-group on weight reduction and metabolic outcomes in obesity with type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized controlled trial.

To compare the percent weight change and metabolic outcomes among diabetic participants with obesity on intermittent fasting (IF) 16:8, IF 14:10, or normal controlled diets. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to randomize participants into three groups. Each group followed IF 16:8, IF 14:10, according to the protocol 3 days/week for 3 months or a control group. A total of 99 participants completed the study. The percentage weight changefrom baseline was -4.02% (95% CI, -4.40 to -3.64) in IF 16:8, -3.15% (95% CI, -3.41 to -2.89) in IF 14:10, and -0.55% (95% CI, -1.05 to -0.05) in the control group. The percentage weight loss from baseline was significantly more in both IF groups (P < 0.001, both) when compared with the control group. Weight loss was significantly more in the IF 16:8 group than in that of the IF 14:10 group (P < 0.001). Metabolic outcomes (decrease in FBS and HbA1C, and improvement in lipid profiles) were significantly improved from baseline in both IF groups in comparison with the control group. Either IF 16:8 or 14:10 had a benefit in the percentage weight change, glucose and lipid profiles in obese diabetic patients compared with the control group when consumed for 3 days a week for 3 months.

Efektivitas Beberapa Jenis Insektisida Nabati Terhadap Hama Kutu Beras (Sitophilus oryzae L.) pada Beras Siam

This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of using several type of botanical insecticides and types of botanical insecticides that are more effective against rice weevil pests (Sitophilus oryzae L.) on siam rice. The method used in this research was the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method which consisted of 6 treatments, each of which was repeated 4 times so that there were 24 experimental units. The treatment is a type of botanical insecticide consisting of P0 = Control (no botanical insecticide), P1 = 7.5 g of breadfruit leaf flour, P2 = 7.5 g of guava leaf flour, P3 = 7.5 g of noni leaf flour, 5 g, P4 = 7.5 g kaffir lime leaf flour and P5 = 7.5 g papaya leaf flour. The results of the research showed that several types of botanical insecticides used, namely breadfruit leaves, guava, noni and papaya, were not effective in controlling rice weevil pests (≤50%) but had the ability to reduce mortality, efficacy and speed of death of rice weevil pests (Sitophilus oryzae L.) and loss of rice weight. The most effective type of botanical insecticide in controlling the rice weevil pest (Sitophilus oryzae L.) is kaffir lime leaves with efficacy and mortality values ​​of 68.75%, pest death rate of 0.69% and rice weight loss percentage 0%.

Anemia and iron metabolism disorders after single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass. Is it a real problem?

PurposeSASI (single anastomosis sleeve ileal) bypass can lead to nutritional deficiencies, including disorders of iron metabolism and anemia. This study aims to evaluate the effect of SASI bypass on weight loss, anemia, and iron deficiency in patients with obesity during the follow-up period.MethodsThis study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent SASI bypass at our hospital between January 2020 and February 2022.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 42 years (range 22–58). The average duration of the follow-up period was 26 months. The mean percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 90.1%, and total weight loss (%TWL) was 30.5%. During the postoperative observation period, anemia was identified in ten patients (25%), comprising 70% with normocytic anemia, 10% with microcytic anemia, and two macrocytic anemia cases (20%). Iron deficiency was observed in two patients (5%).ConclusionSASI bypass is an effective bariatric procedure in weight loss outcomes. However, there may be an increased risk of anemia and iron metabolism disruptions associated with this procedure. The common limb length (250 vs. 300 cm) did not significantly impact hemoglobin, iron, TIBC, ferritin levels, or anemia incidence among patients undergoing SASI bypass. The decrease in postoperative ferritin levels signifies a depletion in tissue iron reserves, thereby emphasizing the necessity for surveillance of iron homeostasis parameters following SASI bypass.

Comparative Study of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy With or Without Jejunal Bypass.

We evaluated the weight loss effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and jejunal bypass (JJB) in treating obesity by analyzing and comparing the effects of LSG with or without JJB. A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 150 patients with obesity who underwent bariatric metabolic surgery in Affiliated Xiaolan Hospital,Southern Medical University from October 2014 to April 2019. The patients were divided into two groups, LSG and LSG + JJB, according to the different surgical methods. The differences in the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) and total weight loss (TWL) between the two groups were statistically analyzed. The %EWL of the patients in the LSG group reached the maximum value at one year and six months post-surgery and steadily decreased after two years post-surgery. In contrast, the %EWL of the patients in the LSG + JJB group gradually increased after two years post-surgery; however, no significant difference between the two groups was observed. The TWL in the LSG + JJB group was significantly greater than that in the LSG group at each follow-up point. Postoperative %EWL was similar in both groups. The TWL in the LSG + JJB group was greater than that in the LSG group, and the postoperative recurrent weight gain rate in the LSG + JJB group was lower than that in the LSG group.

Effect of abrasion level on surface handling and thermal conductivity of blended suit fabrics

The tactile comfort of garments is of great interest for researchers to achieve their performance efficiently. This research aims to study the ability of blended worsted fabrics to be used as men’s suits by checking the thermal conductivity (k) and surface handling properties that are represented in surface roughness deviation (SMD), surface mean friction (MIU), and electrostatic properties before and after abrasion actions. Different levels of weft yarn counts (16 Ne and 24), weft density (19 and 21 per cm) and fabric weave structures (stripped twill 2/2 and stripped satin 4) were used. Abrasion weight loss percentage, thermal conductivity, surface roughness, and friction in warp and weft directions, and electrostatic properties were measured. Results showed that all the fabric factors studied are significant to affect abrasion weight loss percentages, thermal conductivity, and fabric roughness in the weft and warp directions. Fabric friction behavior follows the fabric roughness, but there is a difference between weft direction and warp direction. In addition, the fabrics achieved a reasonable resistance to form static charges after abrasion actions, and the fabric factors studied are not significant to affect the electrostatic properties except for abrasion cycles as P-value equals 0.03.

Adherence to Dietary Behavior Recommendations Moderates the Effect Between Time Since Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Percentage Total Weight Loss.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the gold standard in treating severe obesity. Previous research implies that different psychological and behavior-related factors might be critical for MBS' sustained success. Yet adherence to dietary behavior recommendations and its impact on weight development is rarely examined. This study investigated the relationship between adherence to dietary behavior recommendations and the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) after MBS. This study is a cohort study (acquisition in Germany). N = 485 patients after MBS, being in grade III of obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2) pre-MBS, were included. Participants answered a standardized assessment on the relevant constructs, including adherence to dietary behavior recommendations, depression symptoms, weight, diet, and MBS characteristics. BMI pre-MBS, type of MBS, age, regularity of physical activity, and depression symptoms were identified as significant covariates of %TWL and adherence. Within 6 months after MBS, adherence seems to peak, F(5,352) = 12.35, p < .001. Adherence and time since MBS predict %TWL. A higher adherence (moderator) is related to a higher %TWL, R2 = 52.65%, F(13,344) = 31.54, p < .001. After MBS, adherence to dietary behavior recommendations seems crucial for maximizing its success. Implications for the optimization of MBS' success in aftercare management arise. In particular, behavior modification interventions should be routinely implemented.

Effect of Zr-glass fibers waste on the mechanical, structural, and durability of eco-friendly geopolymers based on natural pozzolan: A Box-Behnken design approach

Geopolymer (GP) materials are attracting increasing interest as a promising alternative to conventional cement-based materials, due to their beneficial characteristics. This article presents the preparation of two series of GP composites based on natural pozzolan (Pz), reinforced with varying percentages (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 %) of short fiberglass waste rich in zirconia (Zr-GFW). Two alkaline activation solutions were used with a 1:1 ratio: NaOH (10 M): Na2SiO3 for the first series, and NaOH (12 M): Na2SiO3 for the second series. The effect of Zr-GFW incorporation on the structural, physical, mechanical, and chemical properties was investigated. Besides, a comparison between the two series with the different concentrations of alkaline solutions was also discussed. XRD analysis shows that no significant reaction occurred between zirconia and Pz-based GP matrix. The results show that a 1 % Zr-GFW is sufficient for excellent mechanical strength, up to 65 MPa, and good physical properties. Furthermore, based on the Box-Behnken design statistical method, the developed response surface methodology model shows a strong fit to the experimental data, with high values of R² (0.9998). In this model, the compressive strength studied is 64.28 MPa. After exposure to an 80 % solution of acetic acid for 60 days, the evaluation of chemical durability showed that the dense structure of the studied GP composites resisted the acid attack tests, as confirmed by SEM analysis. The percentage weight loss (%WL) of the GP composites ranges from 14.66 % to 16.15 %, resulting in a decrease in compressive strength of up to 55 %. However, this reduction is better than several previous works. The findings suggest that these GP composites not only contribute to waste management but also enhance the energy performance of buildings.

Bariatric surgery and the diseased kidney: a 5-year assessment of safety and postoperative renal outcomes.

Obesity and its related medical conditions are well-established contributors to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), including procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), is a potential intervention for these individuals. However, the heightened risk of postoperative complications casts doubts on the suitability of MBS in this population. Our aim is to evaluate the long-term safety, anthropometric and renal outcomes of MBS in patients with CKD. A retrospective review of patients who underwent primary laparoscopic MBS with a BMI ≥ 35kg/m2 and a preoperative diagnosis of stage 2 to 5 CKD. Criteria for CKD diagnosis and staging were based on estimated glomerular filtration rate measurements in accordance with established guidelines. Anthropometric and renal outcomes were measured at 3-, 6-, 12-, 24- and 60-months postoperatively. A total of 302 patients (177 SG, 125 RYGB) were included. RYGB was preferred for patients with stage 3 CKD, while SG was more common in stages 4 and 5. At 5-year follow-up, percentage of total weight loss was higher in the RYGB cohort compared to SG (25.1% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.036). Despite SG patients having more advanced CKD, the incidence of late complications was significantly higher following RYGB, with 11 incidents (8.8%), compared to the SG cohort with only 4 cases (2.3%) (p = 0.014). In those with preoperative CKD stage 3, 76 patients (43.2%) improved to stage 2, with another 9 patients (5.1%) improving further to stage 1. Of all patients, 63 (20.8%) eventually received a successful renal transplant. MBS is an effective strategy for sustained weight loss in patients with CKD with acceptable complications rates. RYGB leads to a higher percentage of overall weight loss, albeit with an elevated likelihood of late surgical complications. Future studies are needed to determine the safety of MBS in this demographic.

Advancing Sustainability and Performance with Crushed Bottom Ash as Filler in Polymer-Modified Asphalt Concrete Mixtures.

Amid the growing demand for sustainable pavement solutions and the need to incorporate recycled materials into construction practices, this study explored the viability of using crushed thermal power plant bottom ash as a filler in polymer-modified asphalt concrete mixtures. Conventional lime filler was replaced with bottom ash at varying levels (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%), and the resulting mixtures were evaluated using several performance tests. The optimal replacement level was determined to be 25%, based on the results of the indirect tensile strength (ITS) test. Comparisons between the control mixture and the 25% bottom ash-modified mixture were conducted using the dynamic modulus test, Cantabro test, Hamburg wheel tracking (HWT) test, and tensile strength ratio (TSR) test. The findings indicate that the 25% bottom ash-modified mixture demonstrated improved performance across multiple parameters. The HWT test showed enhanced rut durability, with a recorded depth of 7.56 mm compared to 8.9 mm for the control mixture. The Cantabro test results revealed lower weight loss percentages for the modified mixture, indicating better abrasion resistance. The dynamic modulus test indicated higher resilience and stiffness in both high- and low-frequency stages. The TSR test highlighted improved moisture resistance, with higher TSR values after 10 wet-drying cycles. These improvements are attributed to the fine particle size and beneficial chemical composition of bottom ash, which enhance the asphalt mixture's density, binder-aggregate adhesion, and overall durability. The results suggest that incorporating 25% crushed bottom ash as a filler in polymer-modified asphalt concrete mixtures is a viable and sustainable approach to improving pavement performance and longevity.

Effects of Weight Loss on Key Obesity-Related Biomarkers Linked to the Risk of Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Endometrial cancer (EC) includes various histologic types, with estrogen-dependent endometrioid carcinoma being the most common. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing this type, especially in postmenopausal women, due to elevated estrogen production by adipocytes. This review examines the impact of weight loss from different interventions on reducing obesity-related risk factors for endometrioid EC. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on three weight loss interventions: bariatric surgery, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle changes. The effects of these interventions on inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6) and hormones (leptin, estrogen) were analyzed. Data from controlled studies were pooled to assess the significance of weight loss in reducing these biomarkers. Despite heterogeneity, bariatric surgery resulted in an overall 25.8% weight reduction, outperforming lifestyle and pharmacotherapy interventions. Weight loss reduced CRP levels by 33.5% and IL-6 levels by 41.9%. TNF-α levels decreased by 13% with percent weight loss over 7%. Leptin levels also decreased significantly, although the exact weight loss percentage was not statistically significant. Weight loss effectively reduces proinflammatory markers and hormones associated with increased risk of endometrioid EC. The strengths of this review include a comprehensive examination of different weight-loss interventions and a large pool of participants. However, limitations include high heterogeneity among studies and only 43% of the participants being postmenopausal. Limited data on sex hormones and racial disparities underscore the need for further research.

Use of Polylactic Acid Added with Calcium Oxide and 3-Iodo-2-Propynly Butyl Carbamate as an Antifungal Agent and Bio-degradable Soil Remediator

This work studied the use of polylactic acid added with calcium oxide (CaO) and 3-Iodo-2-propynly butyl carbamate (IPBC) for agricultural applications. CaO content of 30 pph was fixed, while IPBC contents were varied at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 ppm in the polymer matrix. All ingredients were mixed by the extrusion process for receiving the PLA, PLA/CaO, and PLA/CaO/IPBC granules. The pH value, antifungal activities of Phytophthora parasitica, tomato growth, and disposal degradation were also investigated. The experimental results indicated that the acidic condition of the PLA granules increased with increasing IPBC contents but was compromised by CaO. An IPBC was an effective antifungal agent. It was also promoted and activated by CaO. Growth of P. parasitica can be inhibited by CaO synergized IPBC for the PLA/CaO granules with four different IPBC contents and the PLA/CaO granules with the four different IPBC contents were an effective antifungal agent. A PLA/CaO granule with an IPBC content of 2.5 ppm can be developed to compete with an unused condition. A PLA/CaO granule with an IPBC content of 10 ppm was recommended for agricultural applications. A PLA/CaO/IPBC 10 acted as an effective antifungal agent and compostable for soil bioremediatory before planting. Over the 45-day experimental period, the maximum percentage of weight loss of a PLA/CaO granule with an IPBC content of 10 ppm was influenced by moisture and initial PLA loading. A PLA/CaO granule with an IPBC content of 10 ppm (47.2%) had a faster degradation rate than a PLA/CaO granule (45.3%) and a neat PLA granule (15.0%).