Total Weight Research Articles

The effect of periodic vehicle inspection on road traffic crash risk

In the European Union (EU), periodic inspection of motor vehicles is mandatory. In Denmark, cars and vans are inspected for the first time four years after the first registration and subsequently every two years, while lorries and buses are inspected annually. Denmark follows the EU minimum requirements, but there have been considerations to increase the frequency of inspections. However, based on previous research, the positive effects on crash risk are questionable. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between time since the most recent inspection and crash risk using nationwide Danish registry data. The hypothesis is that crash risk increases proportional with time since latest inspection. Methodologically, we used a case-control design. In total, 72 089 cars, 11 289 vans, 3 101 lorries and 1 575 buses involved in crashes were included as cases. Five controls were randomly selected per case and matched by age, brand and total weight. The analyses were controlled for odometer reading and the number of brake defects at the latest inspection. The study found no association between periodic inspections and crash risk in separate analyses of each vehicle type. There were no specific effects of inspections of older vehicles aged 10 years or more. This study does not provide evidence for expanding the current Danish inspection programme with more frequent checks of vehicles. The study also indicates that vehicles that are subject to the inspection programme are in good condition such that defects have a small (not negligible) impact on crash risk.

Cement Board Using Discarded Peanut Shell (Arachis Hypogaea)

This study investigates the use of powdered peanut shells as a sustainable alternative in cement board production. With the growing emphasis on eco-friendly construction materials, exploring alternative resources is essential. Cement boards were fabricated incorporating powdered peanut shells at varying percentages (5%, 10%, and 15% by weight) relative to the total weight of the cement mixture. The preparation involved calculating the sample volume, adjusting the mixture weight to account for the peanut shells, and setting the water-cement ratio to 0.46. The process included grinding the peanut shells, measuring all components, and thoroughly mixing them before molding. The mixtures were cured in a controlled environment to promote proper setting. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the resulting boards were evaluated according to ASTM standards and analyzed using SPSS. Notably, the 5% mix achieved the highest density (1.60 g/cm³) and demonstrated excellent heat resistance, while the 15% mix exhibited the greatest thickness (1.24 cm) and lowest water absorption (10.99%). The 10% mix resulted in the highest compressive (11.28 MN/m²) and tensile strengths (0.24 N/cm²). The findings suggest that incorporating powdered peanut shells significantly improves the properties of cement boards, presenting a viable and sustainable construction option. Future studies should focus on optimizing these mixtures and assessing their long-term durability.

Comparison of Weight Loss Induced by Dietary and Pharmaceuticals in Individuals with Overweight and Obesity: A Retrospective Study.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of low-carbohydrate diet, balanced dietary guidance, and pharmacotherapy on weight loss among individuals with overweight or obesity over a period of three months. The study involves 339 individuals with overweight or obesity and received weight loss treatment at the Department of Clinical Nutrition at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, between January 1st, 2020 and December 31st, 2023. The primary outcome is the percentage weight loss. Among the studied patients, the majority chose low-carbohydrate diet as their primary treatment (168 [49.56%]), followed by balanced dietary guidance (139[41.00%]) and pharmacotherapy (32 [9.44%]). The total percentage weight loss for patients who were followed up for 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months was 4.98 (3.04,6.29) %,7.93 (5.42, 7.93) % and 10.71 (7.74,13.83) %, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified low-carbohydrate diet as an independent factor associated with percentage weight loss of ≥3% and ≥5% at 1 month (OR [odds ratio] =0.461, P＜0.05; OR=0.349, P＜0.001). The results showed that a low-carbohydrate diet was an effective weight loss strategy in the short term. However, its long-term effects were comparable to those observed with balanced dietary guidance and pharmacotherapy.

Morphometric Characterization and Fillet Yield of Two Commercial Fish Species from Panyam Fish Farm Plateau State

A total of 50 individual samples of Parachanna obscura and Clarias gariepinus were collected fresh from Panyam fish farm with the aid of crush ice for preservation until assessment was carried out to determine the fillet yield of Parachanna obscura in comparism with Clarias gariepinus. The whole fresh fish samples were taken to the department of Fisheries and Aquaculture laboratory of the Federal University, of Agriculture, Makurdi for assessment. Their Total and Standard Lengths were recorded (in cm) using a Measuring Rule, while Total Body Weights were recorded (in grams) using an electronic weighing balance. Data were collected on: the Total Weight (g), Total Length (cm), Standard Length (cm), Visceral Weight (g), Head Length (cm), Weight of Bones (g), Weight of Fins (g) and Weight of Fillet (g) in comparism between the two fish species. Descriptive statistics for morphometric data were determined using Minitab 18® (Minitab 2017). Regression and correlation of variables was carried out in R (R Core Team 2020). Results of the mean measured parameters of Parachana obscura and Clarias gariepinus from Panyam Fish Farm Jos, showed that Total Length (42.66 ± 0.58cm), Standard Length (38.56 ± 0.29cm), Fin Weight (15.51 ± 0.37g), Visceral Weight (11.04 ± 0.17g), Head Weight (1.49 ± 4.01g), Bone weight (39.84 ± 0.80g) and Weight of fillet (89.02 ± 2.38g) of Parachana obscura were higher than the mean measured parameters of Clarias gariepinus. There was a significant difference (p= .05) among the measured parameters between P. obscura and C. gariepinus. The higher fillet percentage per body weight of P. obscura in comparism to C. gariepinus is a pointer to a relatively higher economic value for commercial purposes of this species. This assessment also provides information for further studies on this species to be built on, as there is obvious need for Nigeria’s aquaculture system to diversify from the prevalent catfish culture.

A02 - BS Ethnic and Social Deprivation Influence Weight Regain Following Roux En-Y Gastric Bypass

Abstract Background Weight regain is a prevalent issue following Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) surgery for obesity. This study aims to assess the impact of ethnicity and social deprivation on the likelihood of weight regain post-RYGB. Method We analysed data from Luton & Dunstable Hospital. Key variables included patient demographics such as sex, age, ethnicity, social deprivation (Indices of Multiple Deprivation – IMD), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) at the time of surgery. Weight regain was defined as the regaining of more than 25% of the Total Body Weight Loss (TBWL) achieved after RYGB. Results Out of 1,346 patients who underwent RYGB, 80% were female. The median age was 48 years (IQR: 39-55), and the median BMI was 44.7 kg/m^2 (IQR: 40.6-50.1). At a median follow-up of 39 months, 20.7% experienced weight regain. Multivariable analysis showed that patients from Black (HR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.33-1.81, p=0.009) and Asian (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.23-1.71, p=0.011) ethnic groups, as well as those from more socially deprived backgrounds (HR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.99 – 3.13, p<0.001), were more likely to experience weight regain compared to their White and more affluent counterparts. Conclusion Ethnicity and social deprivation significantly influence the likelihood of weight regain following RYGB. The factors contributing to these disparities are likely multifaceted, encompassing genetic, social, and educational elements. Early identification of patients at increased risk of weight regain and the provision of tailored resources can help mitigate this risk and enhance surgical outcomes.

BS SO10 - Predictive Factors in the Development of Dumping Syndrome After Bariatric Surgery

Abstract Background Dumping syndrome (DS) is a recognised complication of Roux En-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and rarely Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG). The prevalence of DS is unclear, with current literature ranging from 10-50%. The condition is characterised by gastrointestinal and vasomotor symptoms resulting in a significant impact on quality of life. This study aimed to prospectively utilise Sigstad scoring to evaluate post-operative patients, investigating the timing of symptom onset and its correlation with pre-existing diabetes, revision surgery, and percentage of Total Body Weight Loss (TBWL). Method We used the Sigstad scoring questionnaire, administered by our bariatric Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) at outpatient clinics to assess patients for DS between January to May 2024. Data collected included patient demographics, surgery type and date, TBWL, Body Mass Index (BMI), and whether the patient had a diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus type II (DMII). A diagnosis of DS was confirmed if a patients score ³7 points on the Sigstad questionnaire. We explored factors influencing the development of DS. Results In total, 64 patients were evaluated for DS of whom 86% were female and the median age was 44 years (IQR: 35-45). Most patients (67%) had undergone primary RYGB, 19% SG, 11% conversion from SG to RYGB and 70% were assessed within one year of surgery. DS symptoms emerged in 25% of patients, predominantly within the first-year post-operation (60%). The median TBWL was 12% (IQR: 9-22%), showing no correlation to DS onset. Patients with DMII exhibited a higher propensity for DS (66% vs 20%, p=0.029). Patients undergoing revisional surgery also had a higher incidence of DS (33% vs 6%, p=0.117). Conclusion A quarter of patients undergoing bariatric surgery will develop DS, most of whom within the first-year post-surgery. Revisional surgery and pre-existing DMII are the primary predictors in developing DS. There was no observed association between TBWL and DS onset. Further extensive studies are needed to confirm these observations.

Cold-Pressed Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz Seed Oil Prevents Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in a High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity Murine Model

This study evaluated the effects of cold-pressed maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) seed oil (MO) on liver metabolism and biochemical markers in a high-fat diet (HFD) murine model. In it, the fatty acid profile, tocopherol and tocotrienol contents, and antioxidant capacity of MO were analyzed. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups (i.e., a, b, c, and d groups) and supplemented for 12 weeks according to the following distribution: (a) control diet (CD)-sunflower oil (SO), (b) CD+MO, (c) HFD+SO, and (d) HFD+MO. Total body and organ weights, serum markers, and liver fat infiltration were assessed. MO contained 32.31% oleic acid, 46.41% linoleic acid, and 10.83% α-linolenic acid; additionally, α- and γ-tocopherol levels were 339.09 ± 5.15 and 135.52 ± 38.03 mg/kg, respectively, while β-, δ-tocopherol, and α-tocotrienol were present in trace amounts and the antioxidant capacity measured was 6.66 ± 0.19 μmol Trolox equivalent/g. MO supplementation significantly reduced the visceral fat (0.76 ± 0.06 g vs. 1.32 ± 0.04 g) and GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase) levels (71.8 ± 5.0 vs. 35.2 ± 2.6 U/L), and the liver fat infiltration score (6 vs. 3) in the HFD+MO group compared to HFD+SO. It is suggested that MO may effectively prevent fatty liver disease, warranting further research on its potential benefits for human health.

Microvesicle-Shuttled microRNA-130b Activates the Hepatic Inflammation by Inhibiting Glucocorticoid-Receptor-Mediated Immunosuppression in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Metabolism-disorder-induced liver diseases have become increasingly prevalent worldwide and are clinically linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. In addition, a large number of previous literature studies have indicated that plasma miR-130b is a promising biomarker for the early diagnosis and treatment of obesity. However, whether miRNA-130b that was positively correlated with obesity resulted in hepatic inflammation needs to be further studied. Therefore, the study aims to determine the effect of microvesicle-shuttled miRNA-130b (miR-130b-MV) on the hepatic inflammation and its potential mechanism in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Three-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks. Then, the obese mice received tail vein injections of MV-packaged scrambled control microRNA (miR-SC-MV) or miR-130b-MV every other day for 10 days. Compared with the control group, the miR-130b-MV injection significantly reduced the body weight while increasing the ratio of liver wet weight to total body weight. In addition, the miR-130b-MV injection significantly activated the hepatic inflammation by increasing the expression of proinflammatory genes, although the plasma concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were only slightly increased. Furthermore, the miR-130b-MV injection significantly increased the hepatic miR-130b expression while significantly suppressing the protein expression and phosphorylation of GR, a potential target of miR-130b. Moreover, the miR-130b overexpression results in a decrease in the expression of endogenous GR protein and a decrease in the activity of the luciferase reporter of GR 3′-UTR. In addition, the miR-130b-MV injection significantly upregulated NF-kB (p50) in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, showing enhanced proinflammation response. The above results demonstrated that miR-130b-MV activated the hepatic inflammation by inhibiting GR-mediated immunosuppression in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, suggesting a novel mechanism underlying the obesity-induced hepatic inflammation, and the inhibition of miR-130b may serve as a new molecular therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of hepatic inflammation.

The effect of diabetes education on maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Education during pregnancy is important for the development of the pregnant woman's ability to adapt to change and for a healthy birth. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of education through a diabetes education program on maternal and newborn health in women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. In our study, we compared the maternal and neonatal health outcomes of pregnant women who participated in the diabetes education program and were diagnosed with gestational diabetes with the outcomes of pregnant women who did not participate in the diabetes education program and were diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The study included patients who were diagnosed with diabetes between 24and 26 weeks gestation at a tertiary education and research hospital and who underwent a 75-gram OGTT test. Age, BMI, parity, method of delivery, weight gain during pregnancy, newborn birth weight, gestational age and Apgar scores were compared. The study included 119 patients and analyzed maternal-neonatal outcomes. There were no statistically significant differences in age (33 ± 5.7 versus 31 ± 5.2), body mass index (BMI) (32.2 vs. 31.2), gravidity, parity, number of miscarriages, mode of delivery, family history of diabetes, smoking, prenatal corticosteroid use, and gestational age at delivery. The HbA1c value (p: 0.013), the total weight gain during pregnancy (p: 0.015), the need for insulin treatment (p: 0.002), and the birth weight (0.005) were significantly higher in the group without diabetes education. In our study, diabetic school education was associated with lower HbA1c levels, less weight gain and less need for insulin therapy. When the results were categorized by insulin use, it was found that in patients using insulin, those who received diabetic school education had fewer macrosomic fetuses, whereas in patients not using insulin, those who received diabetic school education had lower maternal weight gain during pregnancy.

BS SO16 - How to improved quality of life and prevented long term vomiting after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(Vertical and Buttress technique)

Abstract Background The clinical nausea/vomiting and clinical GERD are most common symptom after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for treatment the morbid obesity patients and impaired to quality of life. We observed the other technique, laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is less in clinical nausea/vomiting and quality of life is better tan classical laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Method This retrospective cohort study includes patients morbid obesity who underwent laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy(50 patients) at King Taksin Memorial Hospital(between January 1st 2023- January 1st 2024, mean and average follow up 7 months). Results The morbid obesity patients who underwent laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy was female 76%, average age 38.60 +/-9.67 years old, body weight 119.35+/-24.65 kg and BMI 44.48+/-7.0 kg/m2. There was no clinical vomiting and only 13.33 % had clinical GERD symptom(GERDQ score). The average % total weight loss was 23.66+/-10.24 kg, total weight loss was 29.95+/-16.66 kg within 1 year(comparable to other standard technique). There were no perioperative complications, no reoperation and no readmission with improved comorbidity. The total score gastrointestinal quality of life was 81.94%. Conclusion The laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy had % total weight loss comparable to other standard technique. There was 0% of the patient had clinical vomiting and only 13.33% of the patient had clinical GERD symptom. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complication, reoperation, readmission and improved comorbidity. In this study, laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy is less in clinical vomiting and GERD symptom and improve the gastrointestinal quality of life. However, the data comparison between laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy with laparoscopic classical sleeve gastrectomy in nausea/vomiting, gastrointestinal quality of life with long term outcomes and randomized controlled studies are still needed.

Unveiling the population structure and breeding patterns of Petrolisthes boscii (Audouin, 1826) a common intertidal inhabitant of Shivrajpur, Saurashtra Coast, Gujarat

The present study focused on investigating the population structure and breeding biology of a species of Porcellanid crab, Petrolisthes boscii (Audouin, 1826). Evaluating the population ecology of the species is essential considering its crucial role in ecological functions including the nutrition cycle and its potential vulnerability to environmental stressors. The samples were collected over a period of 12 consecutive months (from March 2019 to February 2020) in an area of 500 m2 during low tide, utilizing the catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) method when the water receded. The collected specimens (859 individuals) were categorized into males (407 individuals), non-ovigerous females (452 individuals), and ovigerous females (303 individuals). The assessment of fecundity was conducted by measuring the egg characteristics, including the total number, size, and weight of the eggs, as well as the carapace width of the ovigerous females. There was an evident difference in size, with males (8.60 ± 2.76) being significantly larger compared to females (8.39 ± 2.46) (p < 0.001). The overall and monthly sex ratios were female-biased (1:1.17). Moreover, the size frequency distribution revealed a bimodal distribution in male as well as female individuals. Ovigerous females occurred in all the months, which shows that the species breeds continuously throughout the year, with peaks in the months of March to May and August to October. There was a significant positive relationship observed among the size of ovigerous females and their total number of eggs (130.39 ± 83.31), egg mass weight (150 ± 110 mg). The study may provide baseline information for future studies on the impacts of a continuously altering environment and the consequences of increasing anthropogenic pressure on coastal areas.

Comparative Analysis of Growth Performance, Morphological Development, and Physiological Condition in Three Romanian Cyprinus carpio Varieties and Koi: Implications for Aquaculture

This study investigates the influence of internal factors on growth dynamics in four Cyprinus carpio varieties, three Romanian strains (Frăsinet, Ineu, and Podu Iloaiei) and the Koi variety. Fish were measured for total length, maximum height, and weight at four ontogenic stages, namely 7 days post-hatch, 3 months (0⁺), 18 months old (1⁺), and 36 months (2⁺). Weight Gain (WG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Fulton’s condition factor, and the profile index were calculated and analyzed. Results revealed significant intervariety differences in growth performance and physiological condition across life stages. At the 2⁺ stage, Podu Iloaiei exhibited the highest WG (849.73 ± 4.09 g), while Koi showed the lowest (403.99 ± 14.21 g). Koi demonstrated a unique growth pattern, with the highest SGR (0.18 ± 0.00% day⁻1) and RGR (0.98 ± 0.05 g day⁻1) at the 2⁺ stage. Fulton’s condition factor varied markedly, with Frăsinet showing the highest value at 7 days post-hatch (149.57 ± 17.485) and Koi the lowest at the 1⁺ stage (0.63 ± 0.011). The profile index decreased with age in all varieties, with Podu Iloaiei showing the most dramatic change from 4.22 ± 0.149 at 7 days to 2.18 ± 0.004 at 2⁺. These findings highlight the complex interplay between genetic and developmental factors in carp varieties, offering new insights for tailored breeding programs and aquaculture practices.

Methods to characterize microplastics: case study on freshwater fishes from a tropical lagoon in Colombia.

Aquatic ecosystems face multiple anthropogenic pressures, and recently plastic pollution is one of the main problems. The Luruaco lagoon receives discharges from streams with high levels of microplastics (MPs) from urban areas that impact the resident ichthyofauna. We studied the prevalence, abundance and physical and chemical characteristics of MPs in fishes in the Luruaco Lagoon, Colombia. Four samplings were carried out where fish were captured with trawl nets. Each individual was assessed for total weight, total and standard length, and then a uroventral cut was made to extract stomach and intestine (GIT). Each structure was weighed, measured, and deposited in glass jars with filtered KOH solution. The abundance of MPs and frequency of occurrence were assessed. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to describe the variation of the species dataset (%FO, proportion of MPs and their diet). Seven species were recorded and 271 individuals examined: Microplastics were identified in all species, and 1157 particles were found in their GIT, with a prevalence of 87.5% of MPs. Mugil liza and Andinoacara latifrons had a high proportion of MPs. The highest %FO was found in cichlid species. Four typologies and 13 colors of MPs were analyzed; fibers and color blue were predominant. A direct relationship was observed between the type of diet and the proportion and %FO of MPs.

Weight Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy According to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Stage in Patients with Obesity: A Liver Biopsy-Based Prospective Study

Background: The role of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in sleeve gastrectomy (SG)-related outcomes remains uncertain. In this study, we aimed to assess the influence of preoperative biopsy-proven MASLD and its stages on weight loss after SG. Methods: One hundred sixty-three patients with obesity undergoing SG with concomitant intraoperative liver biopsy were followed up for 1 year. Fifty-eight participants were categorized as no MASLD, thirty-eight as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver (MASL), and sixty-seven as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Percentage total weight loss (%TWL) and percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) 1 year after SG were calculated for the different groups. We also evaluated the association between preoperative MASLD (and its stages) and weight loss, after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Significant differences among groups were detected in %EWL (p = 0.004, ANOVA test), but not in %TWL (p = 0.079). However, significant differences in %TWL were found when MASH and no MASH (i.e., participants with MASL and participants without MASLD) groups were compared (27.3 ± 9.9 vs. 30.7 ± 9, respectively, p = 0.025). In the linear regression model for predicting %EWL 1 year after SG, the presence of MASH was independently associated with a lower %EWL, after adjusting for age, sex, baseline body mass index (BMI), and baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (Beta −7.1; 95% CI −13.6, −0.5; p = 0.035). The presence of MASLD, liver fibrosis, or advanced liver fibrosis (≥F2) was also associated with lower %EWL after SG in crude models, although they did not remain significant after adjusting for these confounders. The presence of MASH was inversely related to %TWL, although the association did not remain significant after adjustment (Beta −2.7; 95% CI −5.7, 0.2; p = 0.069). Conclusions: MASH may be independently associated with lower %EWL 1 year after SG in patients with obesity.

OGC API: Ldproxy, an Updated and Contemporary Approach to Geodata Provision in Disaster Mapping

Abstract. Natural disaster occurrences have been rising for the past decades. It causes severe damage both in human properties and lives. To minimize the risk caused by disaster and accelerate the recovery, the accessibility of geospatial data is critical. WebGIS utilizes the internet to make the geospatial data accessible to a wider audience. In addition, the emergence of novel standards from OGC APIs also accelerates the accessibility of geospatial data. However, the abundance of Geospatial data requires a better performance of the webGIS. Ldproxy as a tool that follows OGC API standards could be an alternative to traditional tools such as Geoserver. This study focuses on developing a WebGIS application for accessing disaster-related geospatial data and evaluating the performance of Ldproxy in comparison to Geoserver. The method is to build a Single Page Application (SPA) using open-source data from Google Earth Engine (GEE) and OpenStreetMap (OSM). The functionalities of the webGIS enable users to retrieve OSM and GEE data and examine the impact of the disasters. The performance of Ldproxy and Geoserver is tested using Google Light House for comparison. The parameters that are tested are Speed Index, Total Blocking Time, Time to Interactive, Max Potential First Input Delay, Network Server Latency, and Total Byte Weight. As a result, Ldproxy shows slower performance in NSL compared to Geoserver. However, it offers an mvt feature format that makes the feature data can be loaded more efficiently and quickly.

Endoscopic bariatric surgery for adults with overweight and obesity: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Endoscopic bariatric surgery (EBS) is a new treatment for obesity. We compared the efficacy, safety, and probability of metabolic complications of different EBSs with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) included searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from January 1, 2017, to December 27, 2022, to find comparative trials of EBS procedures and EBS with LSG. We performed a frequentist model NMA to summarize the evidence and ranked the interventions according to SUCRA scores. The search for this NMA yielded 14,160 articles, of which 18 eligible trials recruited 766,135 participants for procedures including LSG, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), nonadjustable intragastric balloon (NIB), BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB), and adjustable intragastric balloon (AIB). Definitive evidence suggests that LSG is most effective for weight reduction. Compared with LSG, NIB, SMD = -0.49 [95% CI -0.79, -0.18]; AIB, SMD = -0.41 [95% CI -0.76, -0.06] and ESG, SMD = -0.31 [95% CI -0.33, -0.29] in the index of percentage total weight loss under six months. In terms of safety outcomes, ESG had the lowest incidence of adverse events; the order of the observed incidence of adverse events from small to large was ESG, NIB, AIB, LSG, and BIB. ESG is an effective and safe minimally invasive surgical method for people with overweight and obesity. Its 12-month effect is better than that of NIB, and its influence on lipid metabolism makes it more protective of the cardiovascular system and liver. CRD42022375343.

Application of the Water-Based Electro-Hydraulic Actuator (EHA) to the Heavy-Duty Collaborative Robot

In this paper, the design of a driving mechanism for a heavy-duty collaborative robot (cobot) capable of lifting payloads up to 20 kg is presented. This study focuses on an articulated robot utilizing a water-based Electro-Hydraulic Actuator (EHA). The Denavit–Hartenberg (D–H) representation was employed to relate the rotational angles and the end-effector’s location, facilitating the design of the actuators. The maximum required torques for joints 2 and 3, responsible for lifting for 12 s, were calculated under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. The results showed that the maximum required torques were 126.67 Nm and 58.86 Nm for joint 2 and 3, respectively. The maximum torque for joint 2 occurs when the pitch links are fully extended, whereas the maximum torque for joint 3 occurs when the third link is parallel to the ground. The torques, due to the inertia and Coriolis dynamic terms, were also calculated and found to be lower than those required for the gravitational term. Various maneuvering scenarios, along with Ansys Motion simulation, were analyzed for the verification of the results. Based on the calculated maximum torques, the linear actuators of the EHA were designed. The heavy-duty cobot can be built with the developed actuator proposed in this paper. The total weight of the entire frame was measured to be 14.59 kg, resulting in a high Payload/Weight (P/W) ratio of 1.37. In conclusion, the robot was made lighter and can operate more efficiently, particularly for heavy loads up to 20 kg.

Efficacy and Safety of GLP-1 Agonists on Metabolic Parameters in Non-diabetic Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Obesity in patients with IBD is increasing, accompanied by an increase in metabolic comorbidities. Although GLP-1 agonists have shown promise in weight reduction, their efficacy and safety in patients with IBD are underexplored. This study evaluated the impact of GLP-1-based therapies on weight loss and metabolic parameters in non-diabetic patients with IBD. We conducted a single-center observational cohort study that included adult patients with IBD who were started on GLP-1-based therapy (semaglutide or tirzepatide) for weight loss from January 2021 to April 2024. The primary outcomes were changes in BMI and total body weight. Secondary outcomes included tolerability, safety, and changes in metabolic risk factors. The study included 36 patients with IBD, predominantly female (64%), with a median age of 45.5 years (IQR 41-51.5 years). The majority (67%) had Crohn's disease (CD) and on advanced therapy (86%). BMI significantly decreased from 34.0 (IQR 31.0-38.2) to 31.0 (IQR 29.0-36.1) with GLP-1-based therapy (p < 0.0001). Total body weight (TBW) significantly decreased by a median of 8.15 kg (IQR 15.9-2.2 kg; p < 0.0001). Although a decrease in total cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin was seen, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.0634 for total cholesterol, p = 0.0536 for glycated hemoglobin). No significant changes were observed in ALT or CRP levels. The most common side effects were nausea (31%) and constipation (25%). Semaglutide and tirzepatide can effectively reduce BMI in non-diabetic patients with IBD with manageable side effects. However, further studies are required to explore the long-term safety of GLP-1 agonists in the IBD population.

Growth aspects of grey mullet Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758 from Kilifi creek, Kenya

Mullets form a major component of pelagic fish landings in tropical areas. M. cephalus Linnaeus, 1758 were collected from Kilifi creek between October 2002 and September 2004 using gillnets and a cast net. The sampling sites were Nkoma, Mazioni, Kidundu and Kombeni sites in the southern arm while the northern arm had Sea Horse, Fumbini, Konjora and Rare sites chosen based on observed physical characteristics. The total length (mm), total weight (g) was recorded and the abdomen dissected for gonad identification. From 765 specimens obtained, length-weight relationship (Regression and test of isometry), relative condition factor (Kn), age and growth (Von Bertalanffy Growth Equation VBGE) were performed. In 537 males, length ranged between 57mm and 480mm, the weight between 3g and 1169g. The regression line fitted for length on weight was Log10 W = 1.7457 + 2.8658 Log10 L and the test of isometry (b=2.8658) was significantly different from 3 (t^ = 21.2138; P &lt; 0.05). The length ranged between 61mm and 507mm, weight between 3.8g and 1385g in 228 females. The regression line fitted for length on weight being Log10 W = 1.7973 + 2.8955 Log10 L and the test of isometry (b=2.8955) was significantly different from 3 (t^ = 13.5536; P &lt; 0.05). Low monthly variations in the relative condition factors between the sexes as well as during the different seasons was observed, however, the males had higher relative condition factors than females. Asymptotic length (VBGE) was calculated for M. cephalus at each site with largest fishes caught at Sea Horse, Nkoma, Fumbini and Mazioni while the smallest fishes were from Kombeni and Kidundu. In females, the asymptotic length L∞ (51.48 cm) was higher than in males (48.3 cm) and no notable difference was observed in K (growth coefficient) between females (0.83) and males (0.79) respectively. Kilifi creek needs conservation as source of juveniles for stocking in ponds for future culture

Draft Survey: The Question of Accuracy

Presented paper relates to the influence of the accuracy of calculations on the results of the Draft Survey method. This method is designed for determine the total weight of cargo a ship is actually loaded, in tons.