Reduction In Total Weight Research Articles

Effect of a New Type of Nanomaterial on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

Diabetes mellitus is a systemic metabolic disease characterized by disrupted glucose and lipid metabolism. With an alarming rise of incidence each year, there is therefore a pressing need to find more efficient medicines and methods for its treatment. Using the obese type 2 diabetes db/db mouse model, in our pervious work we found that a new type of nanomaterial could inhibit the formation of insulin resistance. The underlying mechanisms of its therapeutic effect in the glucose and lipid metabolism are further investigated in the present study. Compared with the control mice, the blood glucose of the mice decreased significantly after the nanomaterial injection, accompanied by a dose-dependent hypoglycemic effect. The impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance were significantly improved in mice treated with the material. We found that the expression of PCK1 and G6Pc were reduced at both RNA and protein levels, whilst p-AKT was stimulated at the protein level after the nanomaterial injection, which indicated its positive impact on glucose metabolism. Reductions in total, adipose and liver weight were also present in db/db mice treated with the material, compared with the control. In the aspect of lipid metabolism, H and E and oil red O staining of liver tissue revealed an amelioration of fatty liver symptoms in mice injected with the material. Consistent with the observed phenotype, the mRNA expression of the FA synthesis enzymes ACC and FAS were decreased significantly after the treatment, as confirmed by q-PCR analysis. Meanwhile, an observably lower nucleus abundance of SREBP1c, the important transcriptional regulator of ACC and FAS, was detected following the treatment, using immunohistochemical approach. These results demonstrate the striking effects of the nanomaterial on the glucose and lipid metabolism. Taken together, our data implies the significance of this novel type of nanomaterial as the next-generation therapy for diabetes and fatty liver, yet the relevant mechanisms are to be further examined. Disclosure J. Wu: None. Y. Chen: None. L. Liu: None. Q. Yao: None. X. Liu: None. Y. Wu: None.

Probiotics and nutraceuticals as a new frontier in obesity prevention and management

IntroductionThe beneficial interaction between the microbiota and humans is how bacteria contained within the gut ‘talk’ to the immune system and in this landscape, probiotics and nutraceuticals play a major role. The study aims to determine whether probiotics plus nutraceuticals such as smectite or omega-3 are superior to probiotic alone on the monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced obesity model in rats. MethodsTotally, 75 rats divided into five groups were included (n = 15, in each). Rats in group I were intact. Newborn rats in groups II–V were injected with MSG. Group III (Symbiter) received 2.5 ml/kg of multiprobiotic “Symbiter” containing concentrated biomass of 14 probiotic bacteria genera. Groups IV (Symbiter-Omega) and V (Symbiter-Smectite) received a combination of probiotic biomass supplemented with flax and wheat germ oil (250 mg of each, concentration of omega-3 fatty acids 1–5%) or smectite gel (250 mg), respectively. ResultsIn all interventional groups, significant reductions of total body and visceral adipose tissue weight as compared to MSG-obesity were observed. However, the lowest prevalence of obesity was noted for Symbiter-Omega (20% vs 33.3% as compared to other interventional groups). Moreover, supplementation of probiotics with omega-3 lead to a more pronounced decrease in HOMA-IR (2.31 ± 0.13 vs 4.02 ± 0.33, p < 0.001) and elevation of adiponectin levels (5.67 ± 0.39 vs 2.61 ± 0.27, P < 0.001), compared to the obesity group. ConclusionProbiotics and nutraceuticals led to a significantly lower prevalence of obesity, reduction of insulin resistance, total and VAT weight. Our study demonstrated that supplementation of probiotics with omega-3 may have the most beneficial antiobesity properties.

The Effects of Pedometers on Body Weight and Metabolic Factors in Patients with Prediabetes

: Sedentary behavior, increased total body weight, elevated blood glucose levels and hyperlipidemia increase the risk of prediabetes. Individuals diagnosed with prediabetes (fasting blood glucose (FBG) between 100-125mg/dL) are recommended to perform a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity (PA) per week and decrease total body weight by 7% to reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. However, there is little known about the role of pedometers with regards to a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) PURPOSE: To determine if pedometer use could aid in the reduction of total body weight, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels as a part of the Centers for Disease Control National DPP. METHODS: Body weight, FBG and lipids (total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL)) were measured prior to the start of the DPP and 16 weeks following the intervention. All participants were either diagnosed as prediabetic or at risk for prediabetes based on the CDC screening tool. The pedometer group (PG) (n=9) received pedometers and the control group (CG) (n=8) did not. All participants received the same educational sessions that explained dietary changes and strategies to increase PA. The PG was asked to wear a pedometer on their belt for all waking hours of the day, seven days a week, for sixteen weeks. At each weekly DPP meeting, step counts from pedometers were recorded and pedometers were reset and returned to the participants. A 2x2 ANOVA was performed to examine differences. RESULTS: The PG experienced significant (p<0.05) weight loss from pre to post-test (186.2lbs + 9.7 to 180.7 + 8.9) while the control group did not (191.3lbs + 16.8l to 190.1 + 17.0). Interestingly, HDL significantly decreased from pre to post-test (p>0.05) in the PD group (58.1mg/dL + 4.0 to 54.1mg/dL + 3.6) while the CG remained unchanged (50.9mg/dL + 5.1 to 50.5mg/dL + 4.8). There were no differences between any other variables. CONCLUSION: It appears that the addition of pedometers into the DPP can contribute positively to weight loss. It is possible participants experienced a sense of greater accountability due to the added tracking tool. Further research and a larger participation population is needed to elucidate the mechanisms that contribute to the changes in body weight and lipid profile.

Assessment of the Ameliorative Effect of Ruzu Herbal Bitters on the Biochemical and Antioxidant Abnormalities Induced by High Fat Diet in Wistar Rats

Background and Objective: Ruzu herbal bitters (RHB) is a poly-herbal preparation that is widely taken in Nigeria and it is used as an anti-obesity medicinal concoction. The concoction is an aqueous composition of different plant parts of Curculigo pilosa , Uvaria chamae and Citrullus colocynthis and so far, there has been no published scientific verification on the health enhancing claims of RHB’s intake. This study is aimed at evaluating the anti-obesity and the biochemical and antioxidant effects of RHB’s consumption, using an albino Wistar high-fat dietary model rats. Materials and Methods: A total of thirty-six (n = 36) rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group 1: The negative control animals (NEC), received the high-fat diet, group 2: The normal control animals (NC), was fed on standard rat chow and distilled water, groups 3-6 were placed on the high-fat diet and then dosed orally with the following: Pioglitazone (PIO) (30 mg kgG1 b.wt.,), RHB (0.3 mL kgG1), vitamin E (Vit. E) (10 IU kgG1) and a combination of PIO and Vit. E, respectively for 8 weeks. The animals were then sacrificed and antioxidant and biochemical tests on blood and other tissue samples were carried out by standard methods. Statistical analysis of the results was carried out by one-way analysis of variance with the SPSS. Results: The group 4 RHB administered animals had a significant reduction (p<0.05) in total body weight, in comparison with group 1 animals. As well as a significant (p<0.05) reduction the plasma activities of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and concentrations of LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, total and indirect bilirubin when compared with group 1. A significant (p<0.05) increase in the concentrations of plasma HDL-cholesterol and reduced glutathione in the brain, spleen and liver of rats were also observed in group 4 while a significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in the activity of peroxidase in the liver and brain of rats in the RHB group in comparison with group 1. Conclusion: These findings validate the anti-obesity and antioxidant claims of RHB and these activities were attributed to its plant’s constituents.

Properties and Beneficial Uses of (Bio)Chars, with Special Attention to Products from Sewage Sludge Pyrolysis

Residual sludge disposal costs may constitute up to, and sometimes above, 50% of the total cost of operation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and contribute approximately 40% of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with its operation. Traditionally, wastewater sludges are processed for: (a) reduction of total weight and volume to facilitate their transfer and subsequent treatments; (b) stabilization of contained organic material and destruction of pathogenic microorganisms, elimination of noxious odors, and reduction of putrefaction potential and, at an increasing degree; (c) value addition by developing economically viable recovery of energy and residual constituents. Among several other processes, pyrolysis of sludge biomass is being experimented with by some researchers. From the process, oil with composition not dissimilar to that of biodiesels, syngas, and a solid residue can be obtained. While the advantage of obtaining sludge-derived liquid and gaseous fuels is obvious to most, the solid residue from the process, or char (also indicated as biochar by many), may also have several useful, initially unexpected applications. Recently, the char fraction is getting attention from the scientific community due to its potential to improve agricultural soils’ productivity, remediate contaminated soils, and supposed, possible mitigation effects on climate change. This paper first discusses sludge-pyrolysis-derived char production fundamentals (including relationships between char, bio-oil, and syngas fractions in different process operating conditions, general char properties, and possible beneficial uses). Then, based on current authors’ experiments with microwave-assisted sludge pyrolysis aimed at maximization of liquid fuel extraction, evaluate specific produced char characteristics and production to define its properties and most appropriate beneficial use applications in this type of setting.

Mesenteric visceral lipectomy using tissue liquefaction technology reverses insulin resistance and causes weight loss in baboons

BackgroundVisceral obesity is associated with diabetogenic and atherogenic abnormalities, including insulin resistance and increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases and mortality. Rodent lipectomy studies have demonstrated a causal link between visceral fat and insulin resistance, yet human omentectomy studies have failed to replicate this metabolic benefit, perhaps owing to the inability to target the mesentery. ObjectivesWe aimed to demonstrate that safe and effective removal of mesenteric fat could be achieved in obese insulin-resistant baboons using tissue liquefaction technology. SettingSouthwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas. MethodsTissue liquefaction technology has been developed to enable mesenteric visceral lipectomy (MVL) to be safely performed without disturbing the integrity of surrounding nerves and vessels in the mesentary. After an initial MVL optimization study (n = 3), we then performed MVL (n = 4) or sham surgery (n = 2) in a cohort of insulin-resistant baboons, and the metabolic phenotype was assessed via hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps at baseline and 6 weeks later. ResultsMVL led to a 75% improvement in glucose disposal at 6-weeks follow-up (P = .01). Moreover, despite removing only an average of 430 g of mesenteric fat (~1% of total body mass), MVL led to a 14.4% reduction in total weight (P = .001). Thus, these data demonstrate that mesenteric fat can be safely targeted for removal by tissue liquefaction technology in a nonhuman primate, leading to substantial metabolic improvements, including reversal of insulin resistance and weight loss. ConclusionsThese data provide the first demonstration of successful adipose tissue removal from the mesentery in a mammal. Importantly, we have demonstrated that when MVL is performed in obese, insulin-resistant baboons, insulin resistance is reversed, and significant weight loss occurs. Therefore, trials performing MVL in humans with abdominal obesity and related metabolic sequelae should be explored as a potential clinical tool to ameliorate insulin resistance and treat type 2 diabetes.

Effect of the foliar enrichment and herbicides on maize and associated weeds irrigated with drainage water

A two-year field experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2013 and 2014, which were irrigated by drainage water which belong to salinity class (C3S1 to C4S2), to study the effect of the foliar enrichment namely (Anti-stress) and weed management treatments (some pre and post-emergence herbicides and two-hand hoeing) on maize growth, yield, yield components and chemical composition of maize grains and associated weeds (Portulaca oleracea, Amaranthus retroflexus and Echinochloa colonum). The results illustrated that application of the foliar enrichment enhanced the dry weight of weeds and increased maize growth characters, yield and yield components and total crude protein and total oil percentage of grain maize, as compared with untreated treatment. All weed management treatments caused a significant reduction in total dry weight of weeds at 60 and 80 days after sowing in both seasons. Two-hand hoeing treatment exerted the highest decrease in total dry weight of weeds followed by metribuzin, oxadiagyl, fluroxypyr and bentazon, respectively at 60 and 80 days after sowing compared with other weed management treatments. While, the highest values of maize growth, yield, yield components and maize grains' content of protein and oil was obtained with two-hand hoeing followed by metribuzin, oxadiagyl, fluroxypyr and bentazon, respectively. While, two hands hoeing produced the maximum values of leaf area, ear length, the weight of kernels plant−1, but applying of metribuzin treatment gave the highest values of total oil percentage of grain maize when the foliar enrichment was used.

Acid\u2013base safety during the course of a very low-calorie-ketogenic diet

Background and AimsVery low-calorie ketogenic (VLCK) diets have been consistently shown to be an effective obesity treatment, but the current evidence for its acid-base safety is limited. The aim of the current work was to evaluate the acid-base status of obese patients during the course of a VLCK diet.MethodTwenty obese participants undertook a VLCK diet for 4 months. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and venous blood gases were obtained on four subsequent visits: visit C-1 (baseline); visit C-2, (1-2 months); maximum ketosis; visit C-3 (2-3 months), ketosis declining; and visit C-4 at 4 months, no ketosis. Results were compared with 51 patients that had an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis as well as with a group that underwent a similar VLCK diet in real life conditions of treatment.ResultsVisit C1 blood pH (7.37 ± 0.03); plasma bicarbonate (24.7 ± 2.5 mmol/l); plasma glucose (96.0 ± 11.7 mg/l) as well as anion gap or osmolarity were not statistically modified at four months after a total weight reduction of 20.7 kg in average and were within the normal range throughout the study. Even at the point of maximum ketosis all variables measured were always far from the cut-off points established to diabetic ketoacidosis.ConclusionDuring the course of a VLCK diet there were no clinically or statistically significant changes in glucose, blood pH, anion gap and plasma bicarbonate. Hence the VLCK diet can be considered as a safe nutritional intervention for the treatment of obesity in terms of acid-base equilibrium.

Yield losses of asymptomatic strawberry plants infected with Strawberry mild yellow edge virus

After successive vegetative propagation cycles, strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) plants often accumulate multiple virus species that result in viral symptoms and losses in yield and quality. However, strawberry plants infected by a single virus species usually remain asymptomatic with unknown effects on fruit production and quality. In this context, the effect of Strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV) on fruit production was studied in strawberry plants, cultivar Camarosa, over two years. Asymptomatic SMYEV-infected plants showed a significant reduction in total and marketable fruit number and weight compared with healthy plants. These reductions ranged between 28% and 63%, depending on the parameter measured and the production cycle. Fluctuations in SMYEV concentration in the plants was detected throughout the crop cycle, suggesting that samples for virus diagnosis should be taken when the plant has the highest virus concentration; in this study, this occurred at the end of the crop cycle. These results show that analyzing symptomless strawberry plants should be part of a virus disease management plant and an important component to control the quantitative and qualitative impacts of SMYEV on strawberry yield.

Biomass production and dry matter partitioning of processing tomato under organic vs conventional cropping systems in a Mediterranean environment

Modern agriculture should increase crop sustainability while feeding the growing population. The organic cropping system has emerged as an interesting alternative and more sustainable crop management than conventional one. Unfortunately, the current yield gap between organic and conventional systems is significant for most crops, and this limits the organic system’s value. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate biomass production and partitioning of processing tomato genotypes cultivated in organic vs conventional cropping systems in a processing tomato growing area in the Mediterranean. From 2010–2012, field trials were carried out in two farms in Southern Italy. At the end of the crop cycle and in average among years, processing tomato cultivated in organic cropping system showed reductions of: total biomass dry weight (−25%), leaf area (−36%) and radiation use efficiency (−24%). The biomass distribution to fruits and leaves was highly similar under both managements, while a higher fraction of total biomass was allocated to stems (+34%) and to roots (+41%) in the organic cropping system. In the studied environment, a major cause of different fruit dry weight and, consequently, of yield gap between organic and conventional cropping systems was the reduction of the source, i.e. the lower leaf area, that led to a reduction of total biomass dry weight.

Substantial Decrease in Comorbidity 5 Years After Gastric Bypass: A Population-based Study From the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry.

To evaluate effect on comorbid disease and weight loss 5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery for morbid obesity in a large nationwide cohort. The number patients having surgical procedures to treat obesity and obesity-related disease are increasing. Yet, population-based, long-term outcome studies are few. Data on 26,119 individuals [75.8% women, 41.0 years, and body mass index (BMI) 42.8 kg/m] undergoing primary RYGB between May 1, 2007 and June 30, 2012, were collected from 2 Swedish quality registries: Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and the Prescribed Drug Registry. Weight, remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, depression, and sleep apnea, and changes in corresponding laboratory data were studied. Five-year follow-up was 100% (9774 eligible individuals) for comorbid diseases. BMI decreased from 42.8 ± 5.5 to 31.2 ± 5.5 kg/m at 5 years, corresponding to 27.7% reduction in total body weight. Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (15.5%-5.9%), hypertension (29.7%-19.5%), dyslipidemia (14.0%-6.8%), and sleep apnea (9.6%-2.6%) was reduced. Greater weight loss was a positive prognostic factor, whereas increasing age or BMI at baseline was a negative prognostic factor for remission. The use of antidepressants increased (24.1%-27.5%). Laboratory status was improved, for example, fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin decreased from 6.1 to 5.4 mmol/mol and 41.8% to 37.7%, respectively. In this nationwide study, gastric bypass resulted in large improvements in obesity-related comorbid disease and sustained weight loss over a 5-year period. The increased use of antidepressants warrants further investigation.

Metabolic profile and atherogenic indices of rats treated with Tamarindus indica and Mentha piperita juice.

&lt;p&gt;Changes in diet, physical inactivity and stress contribute to obesity, cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Literature shows that bioactive compounds may result in benefits to human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the glycemic, lipid profile and atherogenic indices of Wistar rats treated with &lt;em&gt;Mentha piperita&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Tamarindus indica&lt;/em&gt; juice. Animals received food and water &lt;em&gt;ad libitum &lt;/em&gt;and were divided into 3 groups: control group (G1) that received 0.5 mL of water twice daily; &lt;em&gt;Mentha &lt;/em&gt;group (G2) treated with 0.5 mL of mint juice and group treated with &lt;em&gt;Tamarindus indica &lt;/em&gt;juice (G3), that received 0.5 mL of tamarind juice twice daily for 40 days. Groups G1, G2 and G3 received the drinks by intragastric rout. After this period the animals were sedated with sodium pentobarbital for blood collection and evaluation of the biochemical profile: total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, triglycerides and glucose. Atherogenic indexes were also calculated. The results showed a reduction of total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglyceride, body weight and atherogenic indices; and increase in the levels of HDL-c. We may suggest that the use of mint and tamarind juice can positively affect the biochemical parameters and reduce the atherogenic indexes of Wistar rats.&lt;/p&gt;

Optimum topology design for the concentrated force diffusion structure of strap-on launch vehicle

The thrust from the booster of strap-on launch vehicle is transmitted to the core via the strap-on linkage device, so the reinforced structure to diffusion the concentrated force should be employed in the installation site of this device. To improve the bearing-force characteristics of the concentrated force diffusion structure in strap-on linkage section and realize the lightweight design requirements, topology optimization under multiple load cases is conducted for the concentrated force diffusion structure in this study. The optimal configuration finally obtained can achieve 17.7% reduction in total weight of the structure. Meanwhile, results of strength analysis under standard load cases show the stress level of this design scheme of the concentrated force diffusion structure meet design requirements and the proposed topology optimization method is suitable for the design of the concentrated force diffusion structure in concept design phase.

Ipragliflozin Improves Glycemic Control and Decreases Body Fat in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BackgroundIpragliflozin, a sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitor, was administered to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for 24 weeks to evaluate its effect on glycemic control and body composition.MethodsThis was an investigator-initiated multicenter prospective intervention study in which ipragliflozin (50 mg) was administered once daily and glycemic control, blood pressure, body weight (BW), body composition (measured by a biological impedance method), the lipid profile, and adverse events were evaluated after 4, 12, and 24 weeks of treatment.ResultsEfficacy and safety up to 24 weeks of ipragliflozin therapy were analyzed in 367 patients and 451 patients, respectively. Hemoglobin A1c decreased significantly from 8.07% at the start of ipragliflozin therapy to 7.26% in week 24 (P < 0.001). Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were significantly reduced by ipragliflozin. In week 24, there were significant decreases from baseline in BW (-2.6 kg), waist circumference (-2.9 cm), and body fat mass (-1.9 kg) (P < 0.001). The body water mass and mineral mass were decreased significantly by 0.5 and by 0.1 kg, respectively (P < 0.001), whereas the protein mass did not change significantly. Intracellular water mass did not change significantly, whereas extracellular water mass showed a significant decrease of 0.5 kg (P < 0.001). Muscle mass did not change in the upper and lower limbs, but that of the trunk decreased significantly (P < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in the fasting triglyceride level and a significant increase in fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was unchanged. Adverse events occurred in 23.5% of the patients, with a high frequency of genital infections, such as vulvovaginal candidiasis (3.1%) and genital pruritus (1.8%). Adverse drug reactions were noted in 13.7% of the patients.ConclusionsAdministration of ipragliflozin for 24 weeks improved glycemic control and decreased BW. Reduction of body fat accounted for more than 70% of the total weight loss and reduction of extracellular water accounted for about 20%.

Novel strategy using crash tubes adaptor for damage levels manipulation and total weight reduction

Absorbing energy by crash tubes has been extensively employed in many applications to improve the crashworthiness of the structure. This paper proposes Piecemeal Energy Absorption (PEA) as a novel proposed strategy to perform crashworthiness in a gradual way. PEA is implemented by crash tubes adaptor, whilst this adaptor is composed of nested pieces. Based on geometrical dimensions of the nested tubes, PEA strategy generates lower damage under lower impact velocity and higher energy absorption under high impact velocity to improves the crashworthiness of the protected structure. The novel strategy is validated by numerical and experimental methods. Furthermore, PEA flexibility and capability are illustrated by implementing the strategy in two popular applications (subway buffer and UAV landing gear). Due to the generality and applicability of the proposed PEA strategy, it is recommended to replace existing vehicles absorbers in order to manipulate the damage levels, along with considering PEA roles in new crashworthy designs leads to redistribute and reduce the whole internal protected structure masses.

Biosynthesis and Regulation of Wheat Amylose and Amylopectin from Proteomic and Phosphoproteomic Characterization of Granule-binding Proteins.

Waxy starch has an important influence on the qualities of breads. Generally, grain weight and yield in waxy wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are significantly lower than in bread wheat. In this study, we performed the first proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses of starch granule-binding proteins by comparing the waxy wheat cultivar Shannong 119 and the bread wheat cultivar Nongda 5181. These results indicate that reduced amylose content does not affect amylopectin synthesis, but it causes significant reduction of total starch biosynthesis, grain size, weight and grain yield. Two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis identified 40 differentially expressed protein (DEP) spots in waxy and non-waxy wheats, which belonged mainly to starch synthase (SS) I, SS IIa and granule-bound SS I. Most DEPs involved in amylopectin synthesis showed a similar expression pattern during grain development, suggesting relatively independent amylose and amylopectin synthesis pathways. Phosphoproteome analysis of starch granule-binding proteins, using TiO2 microcolumns and LC-MS/MS, showed that the total number of phosphoproteins and their phosphorylation levels in ND5181 were significantly higher than in SN119, but proteins controlling amylopectin synthesis had similar phosphorylation levels. Our results revealed the lack of amylose did not affect the expression and phosphorylation of the starch granule-binding proteins involved in amylopectin biosynthesis.

Commercial fishing gear modifications to reduce interactions between Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) and the southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) fishery in North Carolina (USA)

Bycatch of protected species in commercial fishing operations is a primary concern to fishery managers because it threatens the conservation, protection, and recovery of fragile species, such as the Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus). One potential solution to reduce the risk associated with commercial fishing operations is to design commercial fishing gear that is more selective in terms of interactions between Atlantic sturgeon and commercial fisheries. Given this conservation and management need, the overarching goal was to reduce Atlantic sturgeon fishery interactions and maintain southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) catch in North Carolina. The specific objectives of this study were to design and evaluate the effectiveness of a modified gillnet. Overall, the results proved that lowering the profile and amount of webbing had a beneficial impact at reducing Atlantic sturgeon incidental encounters and bycatch. The modified gillnet reduced bycatch and Atlantic sturgeon encounters by 39.6% and 60.9%, respectively. Our design entangled 51.6% fewer southern flounder, which corresponded to a 48.9% reduction in total weight; the modified gear entangled slightly larger southern flounder than the control gear. Our findings showed the number of Atlantic sturgeon encounters was positively associated with mean water depth, with more Atlantic sturgeon encountered in deeper (5.1–6.3 m) than shallower waters; 75% were encountered at depths between 4.6 and 6.1 m. Most southern flounder (n = 518, 39.7%) were taken at a water depth between 3.76 and 5.0 m. This observation suggests that southern flounder prefer slightly shallower waters than Atlantic sturgeon.

In Vitro Screening of Soybean Genotypes under Salinity Stress

Salinity is one of the most limiting factors for successful crop production in in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Thirty eight soybean genotypes were screened at 8mMNaCl under in vitro condition. Salinity reduced Shoot dry weight, Root dry weight and Plant height. Salt susceptibility index was fully and positive correlated with percent reduction of total dry weight. Principal component analysis showed that the first two components were extracted that comprises of about 98.6% of the total variation in the genotypes. Based on the K-means clustering, 8, 6, 12 and 12 genotypes were categorized under cluster II, IV, III and I and considered as tolerant, moderately tolerant, moderately susceptible and susceptible which represents the 21, 16, 31.5 and 31.5%, respectively. Genotypes Shohag, AGS 313, PK 416, AGS 66, MACS 57, AGS 195, GC 308, AGS 129 were found relatively tolerant to salinity.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(2): 207-212

Efficacy for Psychopathology and Body Weight and Safety of Topiramate-Antipsychotic Cotreatment in Patients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Results From a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

To meta-analyze the efficacy and tolerability of topiramate-antipsychotic cotreatment in schizophrenia. PubMed/MEDLINE database were searched until September 5, 2015, using the keywords topiramate AND antipsych* OR neurolept* OR specific antipsychotic names. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of topiramate-antipsychotic cotreatment versus placebo and ongoing antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were included. Two evaluators extracted data. Standardized mean difference (SMD), weighted mean difference (WMD), and risk ratio (RR) ± 95% CIs were calculated. In 8 RCTs, lasting a mean ± SD of 13.6 ± 4.9 weeks, 439 patients were randomized to topiramate (100-400 mg/d) versus placebo (trials = 7) or ongoing antipsychotic treatment (trial = 1). Topiramate outperformed the comparator regarding total psychopathology (trials = 6, n = 269, SMD = -0.57 [95% CI, -1.01 to -0.14], P = .01), positive symptoms (trials = 4, n = 190, SMD = -0.56 [95% CI, -1.0 to -0.11], P = .01), negative symptoms (trials = 4, n = 190, SMD = -0.62 [95% CI, -1.13 to -0.10], P = .02) general psychopathology (trials = 3, n = 179, SMD = -0.69 [95% CI, -1.27 to -0.11], P = .02), body weight (trials = 7, n = 327, WMD = -3.14 kg [95% CI, -5.55 to -0.73], P = .01), and body mass index (BMI) (trials = 4, n = 198, WMD = -1.80 [95% CI, -2.77 to -0.84], P = .0003). Topiramate's efficacy for total psychopathology and weight reduction effects were not mediated/moderated by trial duration, topiramate dose, sex, age, inpatient status, baseline Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, or baseline BMI. Conversely, clozapine-topiramate cotreatment moderated greater efficacy, but less weight loss, compared to topiramate-nonclozapine antipsychotic combinations. All-cause discontinuation was similar between topiramate and control groups (trials = 7, RR = 1.24 [95% CI, 0.76 to 2.02], P = .39). Topiramate trended only toward more paresthesia than placebo (trials = 4, RR = 2.03 [95 % CI, 0.99 to 4.18], P = .05). Topiramate-antipsychotic cotreatment significantly reduced total, positive, negative, and general psychopathology and weight/BMI in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder while being well tolerated. However, larger studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings.

Swipe out Stroke: Feasibility and efficacy of using a smart-phone based mobile application to improve compliance with weight loss in obese minority stroke patients and their carers.

Swipe out Stroke (SOS) examines the use of a smartphone-based mobile application to reduce obesity in high-risk minority stroke patients. At record-high levels in the United States, obesity disproportionately affects minorities and is highly correlated with cerebrovascular disease. Unfortunately, structured weight loss programs are expensive, and compliance significantly decreases upon program completion. Mobile health (mHealth) technology is an innovative, cost-effective way to bridge this gap. Minorities spend over 4.5 billion dollars annually on consumer electronics, making studies that utilize mHealth applications ideal for health promotion and disease prevention. SOS is a prospective, randomized-controlled trial with open blinded endpoint comparing an mHealth based dietary intervention to usual care to facilitate weight reduction. Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke survivors and their carers are recruited from the acute care service of a Houston-based comprehensive stroke center. A neurorehabilitation physician or vascular neurologist meets with participants during the index hospitalization, a baseline clinic visit, followed by visits at 1, 3, and 6 month intervals. The SOS Team focuses on feasible modifications to the Southern dietary pattern (fried foods, fatty foods, added fats, eggs, processed meats, such as bacon and ham, organ meats (e.g., liver), and sweetened drinks) and caloric restriction to facilitate a 5% reduction in total body weight. Practical barriers to adherence are addressed, such as access to transportation, financial limitations, and depression. The primary dependent measure is a reduction of total body weight. Secondary outcomes include systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and Factor VIII. SOS will determine whether a Phase III effectiveness trial of a smartphone-based mobile application to address obesity-related health disparities is warranted throughout the Southeastern United States (Stroke Belt).