Rate Of Weight Change Research Articles

Patterns and Predictors of Weight Loss After Gastrectomy for Cancer.

Weight loss following gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer has not been well characterized. We assessed the impact of patient and procedure-specific variables on postoperative weight loss following gastrectomy for cancer. A prospectively maintained gastric cancer database identified patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer. Clinical and pathologic characteristics, baseline body mass index (BMI), and postoperative weights were extracted. Change in weight was analyzed by percent change in weight and absolute change in BMI. Random coefficients models were used to test whether the rate of change in weight over time differed by factors of interest. Of 376 consecutive patients who underwent resection for gastric adenocarcinoma, 55% were male, median age 66years, and mean preoperative BMI 27.1 (range 16.2-45.6). Total gastrectomy was associated with more weight loss than subtotal gastrectomy at 1year (15 vs. 6%, early stage; 17 vs. 7%, late stage). Maximum weight change was observed at 6-12months after operation and remained stable or improved at 2years. For early- and late-stage patients, median percent weight loss at 1year was greater for BMI≥30 versus BMI<30 (14 vs. 8%, early stage; 15 vs. 9%, late stage). The extent of weight loss after gastrectomy for gastric cancer is dependent on preoperative BMI and extent of gastric resection. Maximum weight change is expected by 12months after operation and will stabilize or improve over time.

Establishment of a mouse model of 70% lethal dose by total-body irradiation.

Whereas increasing concerns about radiation exposure to nuclear disasters or side effects of anticancer radiotherapy, relatively little research for radiation damages or remedy has been done. The purpose of this study was to establish level of LD70/30 (a lethal dose for 70% of mice within 30 days) by total-body γ irradiation (TBI) in a mouse model. For this purpose, at first, 8-week-old male ICR and C57BL/6N mice from A and B companies were received high dose (10, 11, 12 Gy) TBI. After irradiation, the body weight and survival rate were monitored for 30 days consecutively. In next experiment, 5-week-old male ICR and C57BL/6N mice from B company were received same dose irradiation. Results showed that survival rate and body weight change rate in inbred C57BL/6N mice were similar between A and B company. In ICR mice, however, survival rate and body weight change rate were completely different among the companies. Significant difference of survival rate both ICR and C57BL6N mice was not observed in between 5-week-old and 8-week-old groups receiving 10 or 12 Gy TBI. Our results indicate that the strain and age of mice, and even purchasing company (especially outbred), should be matched over experimental groups in TBI experiment. Based on our results, 8-week-old male ICR mice from B company subjected to 12 Gy of TBI showed LD70/30 and suitable as a mouse model for further development of new drug using the ideal total-body irradiation model.

Effect of oral versus intrauterine progestins on weight in women undergoing fertility preserving therapy for complex atypical hyperplasia or endometrial cancer

ObjectiveThe objective of this analysis was to evaluate weight changes associated with oral progestin therapies versus the levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) in women undergoing fertility-preserving therapy for complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) and endometrial cancer (EMC). MethodsAll patients diagnosed with CAH or EMC managed with fertility-preserving progestin therapy at two institutions from 1998 to 2012 were identified. Those with serial weight measurements before, during and after therapy were included. Patients were categorized according to the type of progestin therapy administered. The rate of weight change over time of patients treated with oral versus intrauterine progestins was compared using the Mann Whitney U test. ResultsSixty patients with EMC (35) or CAH (25) were treated during the study period, with 12 patients receiving multiple regimens. These included megestrol acetate (MA, n=42), LNG-IUD (n=22), and other oral progestins (n=11). The median age at diagnosis was 32 and median pre-progestin body mass index (BMI) was 40.4kg/m2. The median therapy duration was 11.7months [range: 2.3–118.5]. Median weight change during therapy was greater with MA versus LNG-IUD (+2.95 vs. +0.05kg, P=0.03). Patients with a BMI<35 gained more weight during therapy versus patients with BMI≥35 (+2.30 vs. −0.70kg/month, P=0.04); however, in patients with BMI≥35, MA was still associated with more weight gain than LNG-IUD (+2.2 vs.-5.40kg, P=0.05). ConclusionOral progestin therapy for conservative treatment of young EMC/CAH survivors is associated with increased weight gain, especially when megestrol acetate is utilized. Utilization of LNG-IUD may result in less weight gain.

은 나노 입자가 코팅된 인공경량골재의 생물오손 방지 특성

본 연구는 해상 양식장 내에 유해 조류로 인해 발생하는 수산 동, 식물의 폐사를 막고, 양식장을 주기적으로 정화하는 폰툰 시스템 내의 멤브레인 층(Membrane Layer)의 생물오손(Biofouling)을 막고자, ML에 적용되는 인공경량골재 및 골재의 구조에 따른 미생물 흡착을 비교하고자 지오폴리머에 은 나노 입자를 코팅하여 생물오손 정도를 확인하고 그 능력을 평가하였다. 이후 코팅에 따른 미생물 기능 억제 능력을 확인하고자 항균 테스트를 실시하였으며, 한국해양과학기술원 남해연구소 앞바다에 설치하여 생물오손 정도와 무게변화율을 관찰하였다. 항균 테스트 결과 은 나노 입자를 코팅한 인공경량골재에서 99.99 %의 세균 감소율을 확인하였으며, 생물오손 정도를 관찰한 결과 2개월부터 은 나노 입자의 효과에 의해 생물오손 정도가 억제되는 것을 확인하였다. 은 나노 입자 코팅에 의한 생물오손 억제기간은 인공경량골재에서 5개월, 지오폴리머에서 3개월 미만으로 나타났으며, 따라서 은 나노 입자가 코팅된 인공경량골재가 효과적으로 생물오손을 감소시킬 수 있는 친환경적이며 효과적인 방법임을 알 수 있었다. Ships and marine structures have a lot of problems in their high maintenance and operating cost by biofouling. A biofouling occurrs by the adhesion of marine microorganism, algae and bacteria. In this study, the aim is to prevent or to reduce the biofouling phenomena through silver nano-particle coating on artificial light-weight aggregates and geopolymer. The antibacterial activity on them is tested according to ASTM E2149-2013a. The test results showed, it is estimated that silver nano-particles removed 99.99 % of bacteria. Specimens were set up in the sea side of field test area in Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and have been observed for five months. The anti-biofouling effect and difference in weight change rate have been detected two months later after the installation. Because silver nanoparticles inhibit bacterial growth and kill the cells by destroying bacterial membranes, silver nano-particle coating on artificial lightweight aggregates is a well-suited and eco-friendly method for preventing biofouling in the sea up to 5 months.

접착제에서 발생하는 휘발성유기화합물(VOCs)에 대한 안정성 연구

ABSTRACT In this study, the stability of the adhesive was de termined through the Oddy Test that is Verification Test for potential damage by various materials. And to find the f actor causing the corrosion of the metal samples, the adhesives and coatings those are usually used in the metal preservation process were selected and treat ed on the samples. Six kinds of adhesives and four kinds of metal sp ecimens Fe, Pb, Cu, Ag were used. As results, the weight change showed high increasement in the rate of weight ch ange 29.87% of Fe sample. The chromatic ity measurement showed the high change value of the Cellulose-based adhesive. In case of the VOCs test from adhesive by using GC-MS, Acetic acid was detected from all six kinds of the adhesives. Compared to cellulose-bas ed adhesives and the other adhesives, the amount of VOCs per 1mg concentration is higher than 900 times and was det ected small amount of Formic acid. This is assumed to be facilitated by acid impurities and the light. This reaction was considered as the result of reducing a large amount of molecular and of generating a large amount of Nox. And thus the reacted sulfur changes wa s considered as the factor for causing corrosion.

Impact of Types of Moisturizer and Humidity on the Residual Weight and Viscosity of Liquid and Gel Oral Moisturizers.

Oral moisturizers need to be selected based on their material properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of moisturizer type and humidity on the residual weight and viscosity of oral moisturizers. The weight and viscosity of 17 oral moisturizers (7 liquid and 10 gel) at baseline and after 8 hours were measured using an incubator maintained at 37°C at either 85% or 40% relative humidity (RH). The rate of change in weight (RCW) and the rate of change in viscosity (RCV) were calculated. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's test to evaluate the effect of the type of moisturizer (liquid or gel) and humidity (85% or 40% RH) on RCW and RCV. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between RCW and RCV. Two-way ANOVA results indicated that the type of moisturizer and RH had a significant effect on RCW and RCV (p<0.05); however, the interaction between them was not significant. The results of multiple comparisons showed that gel moisturizers had a significantly lower RCW and higher RCV than liquid moisturizers (p<0.05). The RCW and RCV at 40% RH were significantly higher than those at 85% RH (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between RCW and RCV in the liquid moisturizer group, but a significant negative correlation was found in the gel moisturizer group (pp=0.01). Because viscosity of gel moisturizers increases as weight decreases, selecting gel moisturizers with a minimal change in weight and viscosity would be preferable in the case of a long-time application and severe dry mouth.

A Prospective Investigation of the Association Between Urinary Excretion of Dietary Lignan Metabolites and Weight Change in US Women.

Results from animal studies have consistently suggested that lignans play a role in the regulation of in body weight, but evidence from human studies has been limited. We examined the associations between urinary excretion of enterolactone and enterodiol, the major intestinal microbial metabolites of dietary lignans, and 10-year prospective weight change using data from 2 well-characterized cohort studies of US women: the Nurses' Health Study (2000-2010) and Nurses' Health Study II (1997-2007). Urinary excretion levels of enterolactone and enterodiol were measured at baseline. Associations with prospective weight change were analyzed using a multivariable-adjusted linear mixed-effects model. We observed that women in the highest quartile of urinary excretion of total lignans had significantly lower baseline body mass indices (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) (mean, 24.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 23.9, 25.2) than did those in the lowest quartile (mean, 27.7, 95% CI: 27.0, 28.4; P for trend < 0.01). Compared with women in the lowest quartile of enterodiol excretion, those in the highest quartile gained 0.27 kg/year less weight (95% CI: 0.12, 0.41; P for trend < 0.01) during the 10-year follow-up. The association was borderline significant for enterolactone (for the fourth vs. first quartile, least square mean of weight change rate = -0.14 kg/year, 95% CI: -0.29, 0.00). Our data suggest that higher urinary excretion of lignan metabolites, especially enterodiol, is associated with modestly slower weight gain.

Greater weight change per decade from midlife through late life predicts incident MCI

Unintentional weight loss has been associated with risk of dementia. Few large population-based studies have examined the association of weight change with risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We aim to investigate the association of rate of weight change per decade with risk of MCI. Cognitively normal participants (n=2,061; mean age, 78.8 years; 50.5% male) in the population-based prospective Mayo Clinic Study of Aging were clinically evaluated every 15 months for incident MCI. Weight and height at ages 70 or older were measured at each evaluation. Maximum adult weight and height in midlife (i.e. ages 40 to 65 years; mean, 59.7) were ascertained for each participant using a medical records linkage system. We investigated the association of weight change per decade (from midlife through late life) with risk of MCI using proportional hazards models with age as the time scale. Over a mean (SD) follow-up of 4.4 (2.4) years, 578 participants developed incident MCI. The mean weight change per decade (in kilograms) was -1.8 (6.5) for persons with incident MCI cases vs. -1.2 (6.1) for persons who remained cognitively normal (p = 0.015). Declining weight per decade was associated with an increased risk of MCI (beta (SE), -0.031 [0.007]; p <0.0001) after adjustment for sex and education. There was a sex difference showing a stronger association in men (beta, -0.04 [0.012], p = 0.0002) than in women (beta, -0.022 [0.010]; p = 0.026). Risk of MCI also increased with decline in body mass index per decade (-0.059 [0.019], p = 0.002). The rate of weight change from midlife through late life predicts incident MCI and should be considered in risk stratification models for MCI. The stronger association in men may relate to the earlier onset of MCI in men observed in our previous studies.

Relationship of Strength, Weight, Age, and Function in Ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy.

The natural history of ambulatory function in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) consists of deterioration over time. This is thought to be due, in part, to the relationship between strength and weight, which is postulated to become less favorable for ambulation with age. The study design was prospective, case series of 255 subjects, aged 8 to 19 years, with diplegic type of CP. The data analyzed for the study were cross-sectional. Linear regression was used to predict the rate of change in lower extremity muscle strength, body weight, and strength normalized to weight (STR-N) with age. The cohort was analyzed as a whole and in groups based on functional impairment as reflected by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. Strength increased significantly over time for the entire cohort at a rate of 20.83 N/y (P=0.01). Weight increased significantly over time for the entire cohort at a rate of 3.5 kg/y (P<0.0001). Lower extremity STR-N decreased significantly over time for the entire cohort at a rate of 0.84 N/kg/y (P<0.0001). The rate of decline in STR-N (N/kg/y) was comparable among age groups of the children in the study group. There were no significant differences in the rate of decline of STR-N (N/kg/y) among GMFCS levels. There was a 90% chance of independent ambulation (GMFCS levels I and II) when STR-N was 21 N/kg (49% predicted relative to typically developing children). The results of this study support the longstanding clinically based observation that STR-N decreases with age in children with CP. This decrease occurs throughout the growing years, and across GMFCS levels I to III. Independent ambulation becomes less likely as STR-N decreases. This information can be used to support the rationale, and provide guidelines, for a range of interventions designed to promote ambulation in children with CP.

Maternal Weight Loss Increases Preterm Birth in Kenya

Appropriate gestational weight gain is necessary for optimal pregnancy outcomes. We examined if this relationship holds in our perinatal cohort in Kenya by determining the effect of maternal weight change on preterm birth and adverse pregnancy outcomes.One‐hundred and ninety‐one women were followed up through delivery and information on birth outcomes was recorded. Data on weight was available for four antenatal visits over the course of the pregnancy. Rate of weight change was defined as the difference between last observed weight and enrollment weight divided by the corresponding time difference. Weight loss was defined as negative rate of weight change and low birth weight (LBW) as birth weight less than 2,500 grams. Preterm delivery was defined as delivery at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy. Binomial regression was used to estimate risk ratios and p‐values for the association between weight loss and pregnancy outcomes.The median gestational age at enrollment was 22 weeks (IQR: 18‐26 weeks). The median rate of weight change over the course of pregnancy was 0.25 kg/week (IQR: 0.12‐0.44kg/week). 26% of women lost weight over the course of pregnancy. 6% of neonates had LBW and 21% of all births were preterm. On adjusting for maternal age and BMI at enrollment, women who lost weight had 2.22 greater risk of preterm birth than women who did not lose weight (95% CI =1.03, 4.77; p=0.04).Over 1 in 4 women in our study lost weight during the course of pregnancy. Future studies need to identify appropriate interventions for improving weight gain and optimizing birth outcomes.Funding: National Institutes of Health

The Rate and Shape of Change in Binge Eating Episodes and Weight: An Effectiveness Trial of Emotionally Focused Group Therapy for Binge-Eating Disorder.

This study investigated the phases of change and the relationship between binge eating (BE) episodes and weight across 20 weeks of emotionally focused group therapy (EFGT) and combined therapy (CT) of EFGT plus dietary counselling for BE disorder. We used a non-randomized observational study design that included 118 obese adult patients with BE disorder who were treated by manualized therapy protocols. Participants were assigned to treatment condition (EFGT or CT) based on consensus among clinicians. Participants were assessed weekly during the 20 weeks of therapy for weight and BE episodes and at pre-treatment and 6 months post-treatment. Binge eating episodes and weight significantly declined during EFGT and CT. Compared with EFGT, CT resulted in more rapid weight loss across weeks of therapy. BE episodes and weight significantly covaried, and their positive association increased as sessions progressed. Change in BE episodes and weight during treatment was best modelled by a cubic growth curve showing a slow rate of change in early sessions, a faster rate of change in middle sessions and a slower rate of change in late sessions. This cubic modelling of change was associated with better outcomes 6 months post-treatment. Cubic modelling of change supported a three-stage model of EFGT and CT, and the cubic trajectory was associated with better outcomes at follow-up. The addition of dietary counselling to EFGT resulted in earlier response to treatment in terms of BE episodes and weight among those in the CT condition. Decline in binge eating (BE) episodes is related to decline in weight, and this relationship was greater towards the end of treatment. Emotionally focused group therapy plus dietary counselling that targets both affect regulation and nutritional problems resulted in faster rate of response early in treatment both in terms of BE episodes and weight. Combined emotionally focused group therapy and dietary counselling may provide clinicians with an additional approach to treating BE disorder.

Influence of Reinforcing Phase on the Oxidation Model of ZrB&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Based Multi-Phase Ceramics

ZrB2, YAG and Al2O3 are widely applied because of some excellent performances, but ZrB2 is easily oxidized in the high-temperature air. To make the ZrB2 ceramics obtain better oxidation resistance, high-density ZrB2-YAG-Al2O3 ceramics were prepared. The oxidation mechanism of ZrB2-YAG-Al2O3 ceramics is investigated. When YAG-ZrB2 ceramics are exposed to air at temperatures from 1100°C¡æ to 1600°C¡æ, the weight change rate of YAG-ZrB2 ceramics is fleetly increased, the reacted speed of ZrB2 and O to form B2O3 and ZrO2 is more faster. The quantity of melted B2O3 is increased and carried to the surface, B2O3 is reacted with Al2O3 to form Al18B4O33. Al18B4O33 is melted and coated on the surface of ceramics to form protection layer for the oxidation resistance of ceramics at high temperature, which shows the similar with the influence of reinforcing phase on the oxidation model of ZrB2 based multi-phase ceramics.

An electronic health records study of long-term weight gain following antidepressant use.

Short-term studies suggest antidepressants are associated with modest weight gain but little is known about longer-term effects and differences between individual medications in general clinical populations. To estimate weight gain associated with specific antidepressants over the 12 months following initial prescription in a large and diverse clinical population. We identified 22,610 adult patients who began receiving a medication of interest with available weight data in a large New England health care system, including 2 academic medical centers and affiliated outpatient primary and specialty care clinics. We used electronic health records to extract prescribing data and recorded weights for any patient with an index antidepressant prescription including amitriptyline hydrochloride, bupropion hydrochloride, citalopram hydrobromide, duloxetine hydrochloride, escitalopram oxalate, fluoxetine hydrochloride, mirtazapine, nortriptyline hydrochloride, paroxetine hydrochloride, venlafaxine hydrochloride, and sertraline hydrochloride. As measures of assay sensitivity, additional index prescriptions examined included the antiasthma medication albuterol sulfate and the antiobesity medications orlistat, phentermine hydrochloride, and sibutramine hydrochloride. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate rate of weight change over 12 months in comparison with the reference antidepressant, citalopram. Clinician-recorded weight at 3-month intervals up to 12 months. Compared with citalopram, in models adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical features, significantly decreased rate of weight gain was observed among individuals treated with bupropion (β [SE]: -0.063 [0.027]; P = .02), amitriptyline (β [SE]: -0.081 [0.025]; P = .001), and nortriptyline (β [SE]: -0.147 [0.034]; P < .001). As anticipated, differences were less pronounced among individuals discontinuing treatment prior to 12 months. Antidepressants differ modestly in their propensity to contribute to weight gain. Short-term investigations may be insufficient to characterize and differentiate this risk.

Modulating drug resistance by targeting BCRP/ABCG2 using retrovirus-mediated RNA interference.

BackgroundThe BCRP/ABCG2 transporter, which mediates drug resistance in many types of cells, depends on energy provided by ATP hydrolysis. Here, a retrovirus encoding a shRNA targeting the ATP-binding domain of this protein was used to screen for highly efficient agents that could reverse drug resistance and improve cell sensitivity to drugs, thus laying the foundation for further studies and applications.Methodology/Principal FindingsTo target the ATP-binding domain of BCRP/ABCG2, pLenti6/BCRPsi shRNA recombinant retroviruses, with 20 bp target sequences starting from the 270th, 745th and 939th bps of the 6th exon, were constructed and packaged. The pLenti6/BCRPsi retroviruses (V-BCRPi) that conferred significant knockdown effects were screened using a drug-sensitivity experiment and flow cytometry. The human choriocarcinoma cell line JAR, which highly expresses endogenous BCRP/ABCG2, was injected under the dorsal skin of a hairless mouse to initiate a JAR cytoma. After injecting V-BCRPi-infected JAR tumor cells into the dorsal skin of hairless mice, BCRP/ABCG2 expression in the tumor tissue was determined using immunohistochemistry, fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. After intraperitoneal injection of BCRP/ABCG2-tolerant 5-FU, the tumor volume, weight change, and apoptosis rate of the tumor tissue were determined using in situ hybridization. V-BCRPi increased the sensitivity of the tumor histiocytes to 5-FU and improved the cell apoptosis-promoting effects of 5-FU in the tumor.Conclusions/SignificanceThe goal of the in vivo and in vitro studies was to screen for an RNA interference recombinant retrovirus capable of stably targeting the ATP-binding domain of BCRP/ABCG2 (V-BCRPi) to inhibit its function. A new method to improve the chemo-sensitivity of breast cancer and other tumor cells was discovered, and this method could be used for gene therapy and functional studies of malignant tumors.

Improvement in mechanical properties by supercritical carbonation of non-cement mortar using fly ash and blast furnace slag

Improvement in mechanical properties of non-cement mortar using ASTM Class C fly ash (FA) containing high amounts of CaO produced from a fluidized bed-type boiler and blast furnace slag (BS) was studied. This type of FA is used to carbonate non-cement mortar under supercritical conditions for CO2 fixation, and it cannot be recycled and reclaimed easily because of the presence of high amounts CaO. Specimens of non-cement mortar with varied mixing ratios of BS and FA, distilled water, and alkali activators were prepared, aged for 3, 7, and 28 days, and subsequently, supercritically carbonated in a CO2 atmosphere. As a result, an improvement in the mechanical properties of non-cement mortars was expected. CaCO3 was produced in the specimens as a result of carbonation under supercritical conditions. The weight change rate, carbonation rate, phenolphthalein test, and mechanical compressive strength tests were performed on the specimens. In the case of the specimens with only distilled water added, the high pH of the FA increased the reactivity of the BS, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the specimen. In the case of the alkali-activated non-cement mortar specimen, the compressive strength increased by 11.2%, to 52 MPa after carbonation under the supercritical condition.

Predictors of attendance at an obesity clinic and subsequent weight change.

BackgroundThere is conflicting evidence regarding characteristics of patients most likely to have poor outcomes after referral to a multidisciplinary weight loss clinic. The aim of this study was to identify patient characteristics associated with poor attendance and poor weight outcomes at a weight management clinic based in an Australian tertiary hospital.MethodsPatient characteristics including age, sex, referral source, postcode of residence, weight, body mass index (BMI) and the presence of specific comorbidities were recorded. Outcome measures included questionnaire return following referral (a requirement prior to a first appointment being scheduled), percentage of appointments attended and rate of weight change (kg/month). Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and compared using a t-test. Categorical data were presented as proportions and a chi-squared test was used to test significance. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05.ResultsOf 502 patients referred to the Comprehensive Metabolic Care Centre (CMCC), 231 (46%) did not return their questionnaire. Patients referred by their GP, compared to those with only internal hospital referrals, were more likely to return their questionnaire (86.0% cf. 77.9%; p = 0.02) as were those who had their BMI recorded in their referral letter (58% cf 45% p = 0.011). 28.1% of patients attended half or less of their scheduled appointments at the CMCC but none of the parameters analysed was associated with attendance. Weight loss was associated with residence in a rural location (p = 0.016) and hypercholesterolaemia (p = 0.03) and weight gain was associated with obstructive sleep apnoea (p = 0.04).ConclusionsA large proportion of the patients referred to a weight management clinic never had an appointment scheduled. Clinicians should not anticipate greater compliance in one patient demographic than another; all groups need focus, particularly at the referral stage, and likely poor compliance must be anticipated and better managed.

Growth model for one-year old Panulirus ornatus

We developed a growth model for Panulirus ornatus by measuring the length of individuals during dif-ferent growth periods during rearing in the laboratory.Growth was explained by the following equation: W= 0.035 8× L3.043 2.The body immortal length was explained by the equation Lt=56.0×[1-e-0.053 1(t-1.1944)].The relationship between body length and carapace length was L=2.772 2CL + 0.337 9.The body weight growth equation was Wt= 7 481.2×[1-e-0.0531(t-1.1944)]3.The rate of change in body immortal length was explained by Dl/Dt=56.0×0.0531× е-0.0531(t-1.1944).The rate of change in body weight was explained by dW/dt=3×7 481.2×0.053 1×е-0.053 1(t-1.1944)× [1-е-0.053 1(t-1.1944)]2.The inflection point age of P.ornatus was 14.56 months,calculated using the formula Tr = ln3/K+t0.Body length increased more rapidly during the early period.Conversely,body weight increased more rapidly in the later period.The body weight growth curve was represented by an asymmetrical S curve,but had an inflection point.The body weight increased up to a maximum of 79.24 g-month-1 at the inflection point.

Effect of Epicatechin against Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis: In Vitro and In Vivo Study

PurposeRadiation-induced oral mucositis limits the delivery of high-dose radiation to head and neck cancer. This study investigated the effectiveness of epicatechin (EC), a component of green tea extracts, on radiation-induced oral mucositis in vitro and in vivo.Experimental DesignThe effect of EC on radiation-induced cytotoxicity was analyzed in the human keratinocyte line HaCaT. Radiation-induced apoptosis, change in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and changes in the signaling pathway were investigated. In vivo therapeutic effects of EC for oral mucositis were explored in a rat model. Rats were monitored by daily inspections of the oral cavity, amount of oral intake, weight change and survival rate. For histopathologic evaluation, hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL staining were performed.ResultsEC significantly inhibited radiation-induced apoptosis, change of MMP, and intracellular ROS generation in HaCaT cells. EC treatment markedly attenuated the expression of p-JNK, p-38, and cleaved caspase-3 after irradiation in the HaCaT cells. Rats with radiation-induced oral mucositis showed decreased oral intake, weight and survival rate, but oral administration of EC significantly restored all three parameters. Histopathologic changes were significantly decreased in the EC-treated irradiated rats. TUNEL staining of rat oral mucosa revealed that EC treatment significantly decreased radiation-induced apoptotic cells.ConclusionsThis study suggests that EC significantly inhibited radiation-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes and rat oral mucosa and may be a safe and effective candidate treatment for the prevention of radiation-induced mucositis.

Characterization of TiO2-Doped Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) for Supercritical Water-Cooled Reactor Insulator Application

In this study, TiO2-doped YSZ samples were tested in supercritical water (SCW) to evaluate their corrosion behavior. The doped samples were produced by mechanically alloying standard 7 wt.% Y2O3-ZrO2 with 5, 10, and 15 wt.% of TiO2 first. The bulk sample pieces were then obtained using plasma spraying of the alloyed powder materials followed by sintering. The results showed that the weight changes for 5TiYSZ and 10TiYSZ after 1000 h of exposure in SCW were negligible and the sample surfaces did not exhibit any indication of corrosion. In comparison to the reference materials (Al2O3 and 7YSZ) processed using the same method, the rate of weight change followed the order of Al2O3 > 7YSZ, 15TiYSZ > 10TiYSZ > 5TiYSZ. As several TiO2-doped 7SYZ compositions also display increased fracture toughness and reduced thermal conductivity, they may be considered as potential candidates for thermal insulation in a SCW-cooled nuclear reactor.

Lower Energy Expenditure Predicts Long-Term Increases in Weight and Fat Mass

The relevance of the contribution of energy expenditure (EE) and substrate oxidation to weight change has not been fully confirmed. The objective of the study was to determine whether metabolic parameters measured in a whole room indirect calorimeter are predictive of long-term body weight change. The study was conducted at a clinical research unit in Phoenix, Arizona, from 1985 to 2005. A total of 612 healthy subjects (384 males and 228 females; aged 29.5 ± 8.1 years; body mass index 33.0 ± 8.7 kg/m(2); percent body fat 30.9 ± 9.6%), including 422 Native Americans and 190 whites. Follow-up data were available for 292 Native Americans with a median follow-up time of 6.7 years (interquartile range 3.9-10.5). Twenty-four-hour EE, sleeping metabolic rate, daily (fed) and sleeping (fasting) respiratory quotient, and carbohydrate and fat oxidation rates were measured during a 24-hour respiratory chamber. Body composition was assessed by underwater weighing or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. After accounting for demographic and body composition measures, the remaining variance of 24-hour EE was inversely related to the rate of weight change (ρ = -0.158, P = .007) and fat mass change (ρ = -0.179, P = .012), such that 100 kcal below the expected 24-hour EE corresponded to 0.2 kg/y weight gain, of which 0.1 kg/y was fat mass. Deviations from the predicted values of the sleeping metabolic rate (ρ = -0.121, P = .039) and fed respiratory quotient (ρ = 0.119, P = .042) were also associated with future weight change, whereas the fat oxidation rate was inversely associated with weight change in men (ρ = -0.174, P = .024) but not in women (ρ = 0.018, P = .853). Measures of energy expenditure and substrate oxidation are predictors of long-term weight change, indicating a small but significant role for reduced metabolic rate in weight gain.