Slight Weight Reduction Research Articles

Applicability of sawdust as a green additive to improve the rheological and filtration properties of water-based drilling fluid: an experimental investigation

Drilling fluid is essential to oil and gas drilling operations due to its diverse functionality. But the most commonly used drilling fluid additives are hazardous chemicals and are not biodegradable. As a result, the demand for environment-friendly additives has been raised to replace the hazardous chemical additives. Considering the rising interest toward green additive, this study examined the applicability of sawdust to be used as a biodegradable drilling fluid additive to improve the rheological and filtration properties of water-based mud. Sawdust was chosen for this study because of its high cellulose content, widespread availability, and low cost. Following the guidelines set by the American Petroleum Institute (API), we carried out laboratory experiments that encompassed three distinct concentrations of sawdust: sample 1 (with 0.25% sawdust), sample 2 (with 0.50% sawdust), and sample 3 (with 0.75% sawdust). The concentrations of sawdust were measured as a weight percentage of the total volume of the base water. Concentrations above 0.75% led to gelation issues. Results showed minimal impact on mud weight at 0.25% sawdust, while 0.50 and 0.75% concentrations caused slight weight reduction due to foam development. Plastic viscosity increased by 28.5, 42.8, and 71.4% for sample 1, sample 2, and sample 3, respectively, compared to the base mud. Sawdust-containing mud exhibited desirable gel strength and shear-thinning behavior. Moreover, sawdust significantly improved filtration properties by reducing fluid loss and mud cake thickness. Sample 2 (0.5% sawdust) performed well in terms of filtration properties. Mud cake permeability followed the trend: kBM>k0.75%sawdust>k0.25%sawdust>k0.50%sawdust\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${k}_{\\mathrm{BM}}>{k}_{0.75\\% \\mathrm{sawdust}}>{k}_{0.25\\% \\mathrm{sawdust}}>{k}_{0.50\\% \\mathrm{sawdust}}$$\\end{document}. Based on promising laboratory performance, lower concentrations of sawdust are recommended as a cost-effective and eco-friendly additive to enhance rheological and filtration properties of water-based drilling fluid systems.

Workout Logging Through an mHealth App for Weight Reduction Among Different Generations: Secondary Analysis of the MED PSU×ThaiSook Healthier Challenge.

Being overweight or obese presents a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders. These problems are preventable and solvable via weight reduction and increased physical activity and exercise. The number of adults who are overweight or affected by obesity has tripled in the last 4 decades. Using mobile health (mHealth) apps can help users with health issues, including reducing their weight by restricting their daily calorie intake, which can be recorded along with other parameters, such as physical activity and exercise. These features could further enhance health and prevent NCDs. ThaiSook, a ThaimHealth app developed by the National Science and Technology Development Agency, aims to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the risk behaviors of NCDs. This study aimed to determine whetherThaiSookusers were successful in 1-month weight reduction and identify which demographic factors or logging functions were associated with significant weight reduction. A secondary data analysis was performed using data collected from the "MEDPSU×ThaiSook Healthier Challenge," a month-long challenge to encourage a healthy lifestyle. We enrolled 376 participants to evaluate the study outcomes. The variables, comprising demographic characteristics (ie, sex, generation, group size, and BMI), were classified into 4 groups: normal (18.5-22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23-24.9 kg/m2), obese I (25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese II (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Logging functions (ie, water, fruit and vegetables, sleep, workout, step, and run) were classified into 2 groups: consistent (≥80%) and inconsistent (<80%) users. Weight reduction was categorized into 3 groups: no weight reduction, slight weight reduction (0%-3%), and significant weight reduction (>3%). Of 376 participants, most were female (n=346, 92%), had normal BMI (n=178, 47.3%), belonged to Generation Y (n=147, 46.7%), and had a medium group size (6-10 members; n=250, 66.5%). The results showed that 56 (14.9%) participants had 1-month significant weight loss, and the median weight reduction of the group was -3.85% (IQR -3.40% to -4.50%). Most participants (264/376, 70.2%) experienced weight loss, with an overall median weight loss of -1.08% (IQR -2.40% to 0.00%). The factors associated with significant weight reduction were consistently logging workouts (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.69, 95% CI 1.07-2.68), being Generation Z (AOR 3.06, 95% CI 1.01-9.33), and being overweight or being obese compared to those with normal BMI (AOR 2.66, 95% CI 1.41-5.07; AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.08-2.87, respectively). More than half of the "MEDPSU×ThaiSook Healthier Challenge" participants achieved a slight weight reduction, and 14.9% (56/376) of users lost significant weight. Factors including workout logging, being Generation Z, being overweight, and being obese were associated with significant weight reduction.

Impact of Selected Processing Methods of High-Level Cyanide in Cassava on Optic Neuropathy in Wistar Albino Rats—An Experimental Study

Background: Cassava tuber crop is a staple food rich in carbohydrates and utilized in various forms by millions of Nigerians. The storage root of the cassava contains linamarin, a cyanogenic glycoside that is easily hydrolyzed to release cyanide salt compounds which is toxic to the nervous system especially the optic nerve, sometimes leading to optic neuropathy and visual impairment. Aim: The aim of this study is to find out the impact of selected processing methods of high-level cyanide in cassava on optic neuropathy in Wistar albino rats. Methodology: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were fed with different concentration and duration of predetermined high-cyanide content cassava root cultivar which was processed using different processing methods adopted by various communities in Rivers State, Nigeria (for human consumption). A control group of 3 Wistar albino rats was fed with normal “Growth Mesh” meals. The pre and post weights of the animals and the fundoscopic optic nerve status of the rats were evaluated after 30 and 60 days. SPSS Version 25 was employed for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The Cassava species available in Rivers State have high cyanide content (2336.79 mg CN-/kg dry weight of cassava). There was statistically significant reduction in the cyanide content (p = 0.000) depending on the various common processing methods (into garri for human consumption): 24 hours, 48 hours, fermentation; with and without red palm oil additive. The individual weights as well as the mean weight of the 24 rats in the experimental group increased gradually from the first week to the 9th week with a slight weight reduction on the third and fourth weeks which was not statistically significant (p = 0.092). However, there was a steady increase in the weights of the animals in the control group throughout the 9 weeks. Varying degrees of optic neuropathy occurred, worse with the rats that had 24-hour fermented cassava twice daily for 60 days. The intra and inter group differences in the optic disc changes was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Longer duration of processing cassava roots into garri for human consumption reduces its cyanide content and minimizes the adverse impact on the optic nerve.

The effects of whole grain intake on anthropometric measures in overweight and obese children: a crossover randomised clinical trial.

Whole-grain foods have been reported to affect body weight and satiety. However, we are aware of no study in this regard among children. The present study aimed to determine the effects of whole grain consumption on anthropometric measures in overweight or obese children. In this randomised crossover clinical trial, forty-four overweight or obese girls participated. After a 2-week run-in period, subjects were randomly assigned to either intervention (n 44) or non-intervention (n 44) groups. Subjects in the intervention group were given a list of whole-grain foods and were asked to obtain half of their grain servings from these foods each day for 6 weeks. Individuals in the non-intervention group were asked not to consume any of these foods. A 4-week washout period was applied. Then, participants were crossed over to the alternate arm. The measurements were done before and after each phase. Mean age, weight and BMI of participants were 11·2 (sd 1·49) years, 51·2 (sd 10·2) kg and 23·5 (sd 2·5) kg/m2, respectively. Despite the slight reduction in weight and BMI, there were no significant differences in changes in these anthropometric measures. We found a significant effect of whole grain intake on waist circumference (-2·7 v. 0·3 cm, P = 0·04). No significant changes in hip circumference were observed. Changes in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity were not significantly different. This study indicated a beneficial effect of whole-grain foods on waist circumference in overweight children; however, these foods did not influence weight and BMI.

The Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, and Ultrasonographic Indices of Hepatic Steatosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients Undergoing Low Calorie Diet.

Background Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death in the patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies have shown that there is a strong relation between the increase in the aminotransferase levels and fat accumulation in the liver with cardiovascular complications, independent of all aspects of the metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to examine the effect of virgin olive oil on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the severity of steatosis in the NAFLD patients undergoing a weight-loss diet. Methods This clinical trial was carried out on 50 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver (mean age of 45.91 ± 9.61 years, mean BMI of 29.7 ± 0.58 Kg/m2) and the subjects were randomly assigned to the olive oil group (receiving the equivalent of 20% of their total daily energy requirement from olive oil) or the control group (with normal consumption of oil) for 12 weeks. All the patients received a hypocaloric diet during the study. At the beginning and the end of the study, the serum levels of ALT and AST and liver steatosis were measured. Findings A significant decrease in the level of ALT enzymes was observed in the control group at the end of the study (P = 0.004). In the olive oil group, both enzymes decreased compared to baseline measurements (P < 0.01). There were significant differences in the ALT and AST levels between the two groups (P < 0.02). The severity of liver steatosis did not change significantly during the study. Conclusion The consumption of a low calorie diet enriched with olive oil, along with slight weight reduction, reinforces the desired effects of weight loss in improving the levels of the hepatic enzymes.

The effectiveness of dapagliflozin for sleep-disordered breathing among Japanese patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Weight reduction is important in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). In Japanese patients, slight weight reduction is effective for improving the severity of SDB. However, the effect of weight reduction after administration of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor for SDB remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the improvement of SDB from baseline after administration of dapagliflozin (5 mg) once daily for 24 weeks among Japanese patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thirty Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and SDB were enrolled in a 24-week, prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicentre trial. SDB was defined as at least five 3% oxygen desaturation index (ODI) events per hour, and moderate to severe SDB was defined as at least 15 ODI events per hour. The primary endpoint was the change in 3% ODI between before dapagliflozin administration and at 24 weeks. The prevalence of moderate to severe SDB was 20% in the present study. After administration of dapagliflozin, fasting glucose, HbA1c, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and estimated globular filtration rate decreased significantly. The improvement of 3% ODI was observed in patients with moderate to severe SDB but not mild SDB (from 25.0 ± 3.8 at baseline to 18.5 ± 6.1 at 24 weeks, p = 0.017). In conclusion, dapagliflozin might improve moderate to severe SDB but not mild SDB in Japanese patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Interventions to change the behaviour of health professionals and the organisation of care to promote weight reduction in children and adults with overweight or obesity.

Interventions to change the behaviour of health professionals and the organisation of care to promote weight reduction in children and adults with overweight or obesity.

High-fat mediterranean diet leads to slight weight reduction

Die mediterrane Diat steht in Zusammenhang mit einem reduzierten Risiko fur kardiovaskulare und onkologische Erkrankungen. Deren hoher Anteil an pflanzlichen Fetten fuhrte jedoch zu Sorgen um eine mogliche Gewichtszunahme. Nun untersuchten Forscher uber 5 Jahre hinweg den Einfluss einer fetthaltigen mediterranen Diat auf Gewicht und Taillenumfang.

Corrosion behaviour of IN625 in superheated steam at 800°C

Concerns with greenhouse gas emissions and the uncertainty of long-term supply of fossil fuels have resulted in renewed interest in nuclear energy as an essential part of the energy mix for the future. Canada is currently undertaking the design of Generation IV supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR) with improved higher thermodynamic efficiency and considerable plant simplification. The identification of appropriate materials for in-core and out-of-core components to contain the SCWR coolant is one of the major challenges for the design of Canadian SCWR. This study is carried out to evaluate the oxidation/corrosion behaviours of Inconel 625 (IN625) under superheated steam (SHS) at a temperature of 800°C (0.1 MPa) for up to 3000 hours. The results show that chromium-based oxide forms on the surface after exposure in SHS for 800, 2000 and 3000 hours. The oxide formation leads to initial weight increase followed by weight loss after extended exposure, likely due to chromium oxide dissolution. No localised oxide spallation was observed on all samples examined. Despite the slight weight reduction, a dense and adhered oxide layer, consisting primarily of Cr2O3 with some spinel (Ni(Cr,Fe)2O4), remained on IN625 after 3000 hours in SHS.

Effect of Selected Pyrazine Derivatives on the Production of Phenolics and Rutin in Urtica dioica and Fagopyrum esculentum

The effect of four pyrazine derivatives on the content of phenolic compounds in Urtica dioica L. and rutin in Fagopyrum esculentum Moench was studied. Pyrazine derivatives H1 and H2 were used on U. dioica, and derivatives S1 and S2 on F. esculentum, both separately and in combination with urea. The content of phenolic compounds in the stems of U. dioica after treatment with H2 at a concentration of 10(-3) M significantly increased compared with the control and to a lower concentration of the same pyrazine derivative. In the case of S1 and S2 for F. esculentum, rutin content also increased in stems, mainly after treatment together with urea. By contrast, rutin and phenolics contents in the leaves did not change in comparison with controls after application of H1, H2, S I and S2. Treatment with H1 and H2 in two chosen concentrations resulted in a significant increase in the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. A slight increase in the rate of photosynthesis was observed also after application of variants of S1 and S1 with urea. Pyrazine derivatives did not show any effect on either the relative content of chlorophyll or chlorophyll fluorescence. A slight weight reduction of above ground biomass was shown only after application of Si and S2. Dark necrosis on the edges and center of the leaves was observed in all treated plants after pyrazine application. The results suggest that all the pyrazine derivatives possess herbicidal effects.

CXCL14 deficiency does not impact the outcome of influenza or Escherichia coli infections in mice.

Chemokines are small proteins that regulate different cellular functions, such as leukocyte activation, chemoattraction and inflammation. The chemokine CXCL14 (BRAK) is a highly conserved gene among species and through evolution. It has been shown that CXCL14 is locally upregulated during viral infections, also, it has been found that this chemokine possesses direct antibacterial activities. Nonetheless, the exact role that CXCL14 plays during infection remains elusive. CXCL14 deficient mice were generated in a C57B6/129 background and followed by phenotypic characterization. Later, the effect of CXCL14 deficiency during influenza infection and E. coli challenge was assessed. Other than a slight weight reduction, CXCL14 deficient mice exhibited no phenotypic alterations. CXCL14 deficiency did not influence the outcome of influenza virus infection or challenge with E. coli, and no statistically significant differences in clinical signs, cellular responses and histopathological findings were observed. CXCL14 does not seem to play a pivotal role during influenza and E. coli infections of the lung; these results are suggestive of functional overlap between CXCL14 and other chemokines that are present during lung infection.

Smartphone-based home care model improved use of cardiac rehabilitation in postmyocardial infarction patients: results from a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveCardiac rehabilitation (CR) is pivotal in preventing recurring events of myocardial infarction (MI). This study aims to investigate the effect of a smartphone-based home service delivery (Care Assessment Platform) of...

Changes in fatigue and physical function following laparoscopic colonic surgery.

The aim of the study was to describe changes in postoperative fatigue, quality of life, physical performance, and body composition in patients undergoing laparoscopic colonic cancer surgery. In a follow-up study from 2009-2011 at two regional hospitals in Denmark we examined 62 patients having a right hemicolectomy ora sigmoid resection performed. The main outcome measures were fatigue level subjectively scored from 1 ("fit") to 10 ("fatigued") on a modified visual analogue scale and by objective measurements of hand grip and knee extension strength, work capacity, weight, and lean body mass. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire and pain using an ordinal scale. Patients were examined preoperatively, 1-2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. Eight patients (13%) were converted to open surgery and the median bleeding (95% confidence interval of the median) was 75 (50-100) ml. One to two weeks after surgery the fatigue level and pain when moving had increased significantly (p=0.0011 and p=0.0002 respectively) and the SF-36 physical component quality of life score decreased (p<0.0001) when compared to preoperatively. However, at 4 weeks postoperatively fatigue level, pain, and quality of life scores were at the preoperative level. There were no significant changes from preoperatively to postoperatively in any of the measures of physical performance, whereas there was a slight reduction in weight and lean body mass after the operation. CONCLUSIONS. Laparoscopic colonic cancer surgery was associated with a short lasting increased fatigue and pain and reduced quality of life, but no significant reduction in physical performance after surgery.

Manganese concentrations in maternal–infant blood and birth weight

Manganese (Mn) is an essential mineral nutrient in mammals. The physiological role of Mn in animal models is well documented, but little is known about the adverse effects of Mn deficiency or overexposure in humans, including pregnancy outcomes such as birth weight. We examined the relationship of the maternal and cord blood Mn levels with birth weight in a cohort of 172 mother-infant pairs born in Shanghai, China. Non-linear spline and quadratic regression models were used to test the hypothesis of an inverted U-shaped association between the Mn levels and birth weight. The median (range) levels of Mn in the maternal and cord blood were 5.38 (2.34-30.37) μg/dL and 7.66 (2.57-34.23) μg/dL, respectively. An inverted U-shaped relationship was observed between maternal Mn and birth weight after adjusting for potential confounders. The birth weight increased with Mn levels up to 4.18μg/dL, and a slight reduction in weight was observed at higher levels. The cord blood Mn levels were not found to be associated with birth weight. Both lower and higher Mn exposures are associated with lower birth weight, which may influence important developmental parameters; the association of higher Mn levels with lower weight was weak and imprecise.

Clinical Adverse Events Profile during Combination Therapy with Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide in Hypertensive Nigerians

Background: Combination therapy with antihypertensive drugs from different classes has been recommended as an effective strategy to attain blood pressure (BP) goal. Although amlodipine (AML) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCZ) are frequently used as combination therapy in Nigeria, information regarding the adverse events associated with this regimen is scarce. Objective: To evaluate the clinical adverse events profile associated with a regimen of AML and HCZ therapy for 48 weeks (wks) in hypertensive Nigerians. Methods: Ninety male (M) and female (F) Nigerians aged 31-86 years with newly diagnosed uncomplicated essential hypertension (BP > 160/90 ≤ 180/120 mmHg), were enrolled. Patients, who were 30 each (15 Ms and 15 Fs) in AML, HCZ and AML-HCZ groups, were treated, respectively, with AML 5mg for 6 wks and the dose increased to 10mg till wk 12 (end of monotherapy) after which HCZ 25mg was added; HCZ 25mg till wk 6 (end of monotherapy) after which AML 5-10mg was added as needed; and AML 5-10mg + HCZ 25mg. Body mass index (BMI), BP and heart rate (HR) were assessed at baseline and at the end of wks 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 during treatment. Adverse drug events were similarly monitored beginning from wk 1. Results: The three combination regimens comparably significantly reduced BP, though the effect in AML group was greater than the rest (P<0.05). Changes in BMI and HR were not statistically significant. Sixty one events of which polyuria, tachycardia and slight weight reduction were commonest as well as nausea and diaphoresis were recorded in AML group. Similarly, 91 events were observed in HCZ group, polyuria, tachycardia and weight loss being commonest plus impotence and visual disturbance. Although tachycardia and weight loss were more prominent among the 74 events in AML-HCZ group, polyuria was surprisingly uncommon. It is demonstrated that a regimen of AML to which HCZ is subsequently added provides superior tolerability and less bother to patients when compared with a regimen of HCZ to which AML is added as needed or with ab initio AML-HCZ combination therapy.

Efficacy and safety of insulin detemir once daily in combination with sitagliptin and metformin: the TRANSITION randomized controlled trial

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of once-daily insulin detemir (IDet) and sitagliptin (SITA) versus SITA ± sulphonylurea (SU), both in combination with metformin (MET) in insulin-naive subjects. In a 26-week, open-label, randomized, parallel-group study in type 2 diabetes, insulin-naive subjects concomitantly treated with MET ± second oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) were randomized 1 : 1 to IDet + SITA + MET or SITA + MET ± SU. All continued with MET treatment, and those treated with SU continued if randomized to SITA + MET ± SU. Efficacy endpoints included glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 9-point self-measured plasma glucose (SMPG), weight, body mass index (BMI). Safety endpoints included adverse events (AEs) and hypoglycaemia. Significantly higher reductions in HbA1c, FPG and SMPG were achieved with IDet + SITA + MET compared with SITA + MET ± SU. Estimated HbA1c decreased by 1.44% in the IDet + SITA + MET group versus 0.89% in SITA + MET ± SU, p < 0.001. FPG decreased by 3.7 mmol/l (66.3 mg/dl) versus 1.2 mmol/l (22.2 mg/dl), p < 0.001, respectively. Small decreases in weight and BMI were observed in both arms, with no significant differences. AEs were mild or moderate and were more common in the SITA + MET ± SU arm than in the IDet + SITA + MET arm. There was no major hypoglycaemia. Observed rates of hypoglycaemia were very low (1.3/1.7 episodes/patient year) in both arms. The subgroup treated with MET and SUs prior to the trial achieved similar results. The combination of once-daily IDet with SITA showed a clinically and significantly better improvement in glycaemic control than SITA in combination with or without SUs. Both regimens were associated with a low rate of hypoglycaemia and slight weight reduction.

Maternal blood manganese levels and infant birth weight.

Manganese is both an essential element and a known neurotoxicant to children. High manganese exposures have been associated with negative reproductive outcomes in animals, but few epidemiologic studies have examined the effects of human fetal manganese exposure. We studied the association between maternal and umbilical cord blood manganese levels and birth weight in a cohort of 470 mother-infant pairs born at term (>or=37 weeks gestation) in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. Nonlinear spline and quadratic regression models were used to test the hypothesis of an inverted U-shaped relationship between manganese levels and birth weight. Mean (standard deviation) concentration of manganese was 2.4 (0.95) microg/dL in the maternal blood and 4.2 (1.6) microg/dL in the cord blood. Umbilical cord manganese was not associated with birth weight. A nonlinear relationship was observed between maternal manganese and birth weight after adjusting for potential confounders. Birth weight increased with manganese levels up to 3.1 microg/L, and then a slight reduction in weight was observed at higher levels. Compared with the 3.1-microg/L point of inflection, birth weight estimates at the 5th (1.3 microg/L) and 95th (4.0 microg/L) percentiles of exposure were -160 g (95% confidence interval = -286 to -33) and -46 g (-38 to 131), respectively. Maternal blood manganese levels during pregnancy are associated with birth weight in a nonlinear pattern in full-term infants. These findings suggest that manganese may affect fetal growth. Possible detrimental effects of elevated manganese levels on the fetus should be further examined in more highly exposed populations.

Human preadipocytes seeded on freeze-dried collagen scaffolds investigated in vitro and in vivo

Currently, there is no adequate implant material for the correction of soft tissue defects such as after extensive deep burns, after tumor resection and in hereditary and congenital defects (e.g. Romberg's disease, Poland syndrome). The autologous transplantation of mature adipose tissue has poor results. In this study human preadipocytes of young adults were isolated and cultured. 10 6 preadipocytes were seeded onto collagen sponges with uniform 40 μm pore size and regular lamellar structure and implanted into immunodeficient mice. Collagen sponges without preadipocytes were used in the controls. Macroscopical impression, weight, thickness, histology, immunohistochemistry (scaffold structure, cellularity, penetration depth of the seeded cells) and ultrastructure were assessed after 24 h in vitro and after explantation at 3 and 8 weeks. Preadipocytes penetrated the scaffolds 24 h after seeding at a depth of 299±55 μm before implantation. Macroscopically after 3 and 8 weeks in vivo layers of adipose tissue accompanied by new vessels were found on all preadipocyte/collagen grafts. The control grafts appeared unchanged without vessel ingrowth. There was a significant weight loss of all grafts between 24 h in vitro and 3 weeks in vivo ( p<0.05), whereas there was only a slight weight reduction from week 3 to 8. The thickness decreased in the first 3 weeks ( p<0.05) in all grafts. The preadipocyte/collagen grafts were thinner but had a higher weight than the controls at this point in time. The histology showed adipose tissue and a rich vascularisation adherent to the scaffolds under a capsule. The control sponges contained only few cells and a capsule but no adipose tissue. Human-vimentin positive cells were found in all preadipocyte/collagen grafts but not in the controls, penetrating 1188±498 μm (3 weeks) and 1433±685 μm (8 weeks). Ultrastructural analysis showed complete in vivo differentiation of viable adipocytes in the sponge seeded with preadipocytes. Formation of extracellular matrix was more pronounced in the preadipocyte/collagen grafts. The transplantation of isolated and cultured preadipocytes within a standardised collagen matrix resulted in well-vascularised adipose-like tissue. It is assumed that a pore size greater than 40 μm is required, as preadipocytes enlarge during differentiation due to incorporation of lipids.

THE EFFECT OF SLIGHT BODY WEIGHT CHANGE ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS

98 Although weight reduction shows favorable effect on the condition of cardiovascular risk factors, little is known about "how much reduction is enough", especially in Japanese. In this longitudinal study, the effect of slight weight change on the trend of risk factors was evaluated in 544 apparently healthy Japanese males (45.8±5.3 y/o, BMI: 23.0±2.6, range 16.7-36.6), retrospectively. Height, weight, systolic/diastolic blood pressure(SBP, DBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and glucose (FPG) were measured after an over night fast. The measurement was reperformed after 5 years. The change of BMI (ΔBMI) during 5 years was 0.4± 1.2 (range −4.2 to +6.2). By diet and/or exercise, approximately 10% of subjects showed 1.0≤ (in BMI) weight reduction. Totally, ΔBMI positively correlated to the changes of DBP (ΔDBP), TC(ΔTC), TG(ΔTG), and FPG(ΔFPG) (r=0.12, 0.29, 0.35, 0.12, p<0.01, respectively) and negatively correlated to the change of HDL-C(ΔHDL-C) (r=−0.12, p<0.01). Subjects were divided into following 4 groups according to relative body weight (BMI=22 was considered as a reference), Lean: −10%>, Normal: −10% to +10%, Overweight: +10% to +20%, Obese: +20%<. In the subjects with slight body weight change (−1.0 to −2.0 or +1.0 to +2.0 in BMI), concomitant alteration of risk factors was evaluated across the groups. In the case of weight loss, the frequency of the subjects with one or more normalized risk factor(s) was 0%, 57%, 50%, 100%, respectively. In the case of weight gain, the frequency of the subjects with one or more risk factor(s) which became abnormal was 33%, 45%, 52%, 40%, respectively. These results suggest that 1) body weight change has a great impact upon the condition of risk factors and 2) especially in obese case, favorable changes of risk factors were expected subsequent to slight weight reduction.

Vehicle Weight Reduction Obtained with Lightweight Materials

The concept of specific gravity was employed in this paper as an indicator for measuring the progress achieved in reducing the weight of various forms of transportation. According to this indicator, the weight of Japanese passenger cars has been reduced by a value of 0.93 over the past 19 years. However, only a slight weight reduction has been achieved in the past six years despite improvements of vehicular structure through the extensive use of CAE. This indicates that the weight of vehicles constructed primarily of steel is approaching a natural limit, and that it will be necessary to switch from steel to lightweight materials to reduce substantially the weight of vehicles in the future.