Total Weight Research Articles

Chrono-nutrition and post-bariatric weight loss: insights from the Portuguese ChronoWise cohort

Abstract Background Post-bariatric weight loss varies substantially, and a large proportion of patients respond poorly. The literature highlights the importance of chrono-nutrition for weight regulation. This study aims to explore the chrono-related factors associated with poorer weight loss. Methods This study was conducted within the ChronoWise project, an ongoing prospective cohort study following patients undergoing bariatric surgery at the Santo António Local Health Unit, Porto. The sample included patients evaluated at both pre-surgery and 3 months post-surgery. Baseline information on meal timing was gathered through the Chrononutrition Profile-Questionnaire. The eating midpoint (midpoint between first and last meal) was calculated for work and free days. Chronotype was determined using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. Weight loss was expressed as the percent of total weight loss (%TWL = [(initial weight − current weight)/(initial weight)]×100). Chrono-related variables were compared according to %TWL (dichotomized by the median) using the Mann-Whitney test. Results Sixty patients were included (72% female; mean age 45±11.8). The mean baseline BMI was 44±5.6 kg/m2, which decreased to 35±5.3 kg/m2 at 3 months post-surgery, resulting in an average 20±3.9 %TWL. On free days, participants with lower %TWL tend to do the first meal later in the day (9h45 vs. 9h10, р=0.367), and later lunch on workdays (12h45 vs 12h30, р=0.531) compared with individuals with higher %TWL. Lower %TWL is typically observed in individuals having later eating midpoints (15h00 vs. 14h15 for workdays, р=0.011; 15h07 vs. 14h44 for free days, р=0.205). A later chronotype (3h37 vs 3h30, р=0.347) was also linked with poorer weight loss. Conclusions Eating later during the day and later chronotype may contribute to poorer post-bariatric weight loss. Funding: This work was supported by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia [2021.01096.CEECIND, UIDB/04750/2020,LA/P/0064/2020&SGITR2023/EPIUnit]. Key messages • Recognizing meal timing as a modifiable lifestyle factor may optimize current approaches by aligning food intake with circadian clock. • A later chronotype, i.e. a behavioural expression of an individual’s internal circadian clock system as a preference for eveningness or later sleep timing, may negatively influence weight loss.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus single anastomosis sleeve ileal bypass for the treatment of morbidly obese patients: a prospective randomized comparative study

Background: Bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective long-term treatment of morbid obesity, after bariatric surgery, weight loss and remission of obesity-related comorbidities is significantly higher than after non-surgical measures. The present study aimed to compare single-anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in terms of weight loss, remission of comorbidities, complications, and nutritional status. Methods: This prospective randomized comparative study was carried out at gastrointestinal and laparoscopic surgery unit, General Surgery Department, Tanta University Hospitals, during the period from October 2020 to October 2022 and included 40 morbidly obese patients who accepted to participate in the study and signed an informed consent. Patients were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups by the closed envelope method, group I: were submitted to laparoscopic RYGB, group II: were submitted to laparoscopic SASI bypass. Results: The mean age of RYGB group was 39.20±6.56 years, compared to 34.75±7.91 in SASI group. A highly statistically significant difference was present in operative time between both groups; RYGB Group had operative time mean of 194.25±27.11 minutes, compared to 153.15±23.74 minutes in SASI group. Both procedures were followed by a significant decrease in body mass index at 12 months and were comparable in terms of excess and total weight loss. Improvement in comorbidities after the two procedures was similar. Conclusions: RYGB and SASI bypass cause weight loss by both restriction and malabsorption mechanisms. Early results with the two procedures are encouraging with acceptable weight loss, comorbidity improvement rates with disadvantages as malnutrition, biliary reflux and dumping, yet the risk of malnutrition was more likely after SASI bypass.

A Study of Heavy Road Freight Transport in Poland in the Context of the Pursuit of Sustainable Road Transport

The efficiency of road freight transport determines—to a significant degree—the total environmental footprint and the amount of greenhouse gases and other pollutants released into the atmosphere by inland transport. The rate of empty or partially empty vehicles is one of the key metrics for improvement of the environmental performance of freight road transportation. This paper presents the characteristics of road freight transport in Poland on the basis of data collected by weigh-in-motion stations. Data aggregation for environmental analysis represents a novel aspect of the work. Indicators describing the degree of loading, the share of empty vehicles in traffic, and the share of vehicles of maximum permissible total weight in traffic were determined for a representative group of heavy goods vehicles. Based on the representative load factor value (LFA), a classification of the road section into four groups was proposed. The results obtained show a clear differentiation of the values of the indicators analyzed for individual groups and their variability in the three-year period covered by the analysis. The aggregation method presented can be used to identify the nature of the distribution of the weight categories of the heavy goods vehicles and provide input information for targeted analyses relating to sustainable road transport management and environmental protection. Finally, the grouped LFA values were linked with indicators of energy consumption (ECI) and on-road emissions (EI).

Equitable Access, Lasting Results: The Influence of Socioeconomic Environment on Bariatric Surgery Outcomes.

Low socioeconomic status (SES) correlates with higher obesity rates and challenges in accessing treatments like bariatric surgery (BS). This study aims to assess SES's influence on medium-term BS outcomes in a setting of universal healthcare, ensuring equitable treatment access. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 193 BS patients (1997-2018) at a tertiary care hospital. Weight loss was expressed as change in % total weight loss (%TWL) and excess body weight (EBW) loss. Successful BS was defined as > 50% EBW loss. SES was gauged using quartiles of the Spanish Deprivation Index. A multivariable Cox regression model evaluated SES impact on BS success over follow-up. The mean follow-up was 6.9 ± 4.6years; patients averaged 43.9 ± 11.8years, with 29.7% men. Preoperative BMI was 48.2 ± 8.2kg/m2. At follow-up, BMI was 33.9 ± 6.6kg/m2, with 29.3 ± 12.02% of %TWL. No SES quartile differences in BS success were noted at follow-up (log rank p = 0.960). Cox regression revealed no SES disparities in BS outcomes post-adjustment. However, female sex (HR 1.903; p = 0.009) and diabetes mellitus (HR = 0.504; p = 0.010) correlated with weight-related outcomes. In a universal healthcare system with equitable treatment access, medium-term BS outcomes remain consistent irrespective of patients' socioeconomic status.

EFFECT OF ADDING NATURAL AND NANO ZINC OXIDE TO THE DITE ON SOME GROWTH PARAMETERS OF CYPRINUS CARPIO L .

The research aimed to study the effect of natural and nano zinc oxide on some growth parameters of common carp Cyprinus carpio. Seven treatments were used, including the control without any addition, the second, third and fourth treatments by adding nano-zinc oxide at concentrations of 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg feed, respectively, and the fifth, sixth and seventh treatments by adding natural zinc oxide in the same concentrations above. The results showed that the fourth treatment was superior to the traits of the total weight gain, daily growth rate, relative and specific growth rate over the other treatments, which is an indication that the fish benefit from feed enhanced with nanoparticles by 75%, and it differed significantly )p (0.01>from the rest of the treatments. T4 treatment was recorded the best daily growth was 0.29 g/day The best feed conversion ratio was recorded in the same treatment. It can be concluded from the study that the addition of zinc nanoparticles to the diet of fish improves the level of performance and growth without causing any harm to the fish.

Adding gastrointestinal parasite resistance to the breeding objective in hair sheep: initial steps.

The U.S. Maternal Hair index was designed by the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) to increase total weight of lamb weaned per ewe lambing (TW). Producers are interested in adding gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) resistance to this breeding objective since parasitism causes substantial economic losses. The NSIP provides producers with estimated breeding values (EBV) for post-weaning fecal egg count (PFEC), an indicator of GIN resistance. Our objective was to gauge the effects of including PFEC as another selection criterion and goal trait. Selection index theory was used to construct 11 indexes. First was a benchmark index with TW as the goal. Weaning weight, and number of lambs born and weaned, were selection criteria. An index was then designed with PFEC added as a selection criterion. In 9 more indices, PFEC was also included as a goal trait, where the economic value of TW was scaled relative to that of PFEC. PFEC received a scaled economic value of -1 with that of TW increasing from +1 to +5 at +0.5 increments. Selection criteria were modelled as EBV or phenotypes. Annual genetic responses in goal traits were predicted. The top 3% of males and 26% of females were selected. Breeding values and phenotypes were simulated for 200 lambs by Cholesky decomposition and used to generate index scores, with 100 replicates run. Concordances with the animals selected in the benchmark scenario were determined. Using EBV as selection criteria, TW increased by 1.46kg/yr in the benchmark scenario. However, unfavorably, PFEC increased by 2.24%/yr. When using phenotypic criteria, TW increased by 0.52kg/yr and PFEC by 0.28%/yr. Once added as a goal trait, PFEC decreased regardless of the scaled economic value of TW. However, responses in TW were also reduced, although less so as its scaled economic value increased. A scaled economic value of +3 for TW appeared reasonable over other choices with 79% of the emphasis placed on TW in the breeding objective. With EBV as selection criteria, PFEC declined by 7.96%/yr with 98% of the response in TW retained. Also, on average, 64% of males and 80% of females were chosen in common with the benchmark. With phenotypic selection criteria, PFEC declined by 5.13%/yr and 94% of the response in TW was retained; 61% of males and 80% of females were chosen in common with the benchmark. Implementing an index with scaled economic values of +3 for TW and -1 for PFEC would balance gains in TW with reductions in PFEC.

Ovarian and testicular ripening process, reproductive season and size at maturity in Octopus hubbsorum (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae)

ABSTRACT This paper contributes to the knowledge of the reproductive biology of Octopus hubbsorum Berry 1953. Its reproductive season in Bahía Magdalena, Baja California Sur ranges from May to October. The increase of gonadosomatic index in females coupled with the decline in Guerra’s index and the increase in oocyte diameter in May and September were indicative of spawning. The total sex ratio was 1:1; males were larger than females. Females reach sexual maturity at 119.7 mm of dorsal mantle length and 628.6 g of total weight. This paper also addressed different aspects on reproductive studies, allowing the identification of the type of gonadal development as a group-synchronous type and the transition from physiological to functional maturity, in both qualitative and quantitative terms (proportion of oocyte stages). Detailed descriptions of the oogenesis/folliculogenesis stages of O. hubbsorum are presented with detailed photographs (in Supplemental online material).

Mid-term efficacy of single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To evaluate the mid-term efficacy of single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: The cohort of this retrospective observational study comprised 118 obese patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2 with or without other related metabolic diseases and BMI of (27.5-40.0) kg/m2 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had been treated with SADI-S. Patients who had undergone modified surgery or been followed up for less than 1 year were excluded. Clinical data of the included patients [56 men and 62 women aged (34.5±9.7) years], who had undergone SADI-S in China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University from October 2018 to August 2022, were collected. Their mean preoperative body mass was (125.9±25.0) kg and BMI (42.8±6.8) kg/m2. The 60 patients with T2DM had a mean fasting blood glucose of (9.9±3.2) mmol/L and HBA1c of (8.4±1.7) % before surgery. The main outcome measures were mid-term weight loss after surgery (body mass, BMI, excess weight loss, and total weight loss) 1, 2, 3, and 4 years after surgery and efficacy regarding diabetes mellitus (fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and diabetes remission rate at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery). Outcomes were defined as follows. Complete remission: HbA1c <6% or fasting blood glucose <6 mmol/L without hypoglycemic medication; partial remission: HBA1c <6.5% or fasting blood glucose <7 mmol/L without hypoglycemic medication; significant improvement: HBA1c <7.0%, stable decrease of at least 1% compared with preoperative HBA1c, and postoperative dose of hypoglycemic medication significantly less; ineffective: no change in HBA1c and no reduction in dosage of hypoglycemic medication. Other outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative adverse effects and postoperative nutritional indexes. Results: SADI-S was successful in all patients. There was no significant bleeding, conversion to open surgery, or perioperative death. The operation time was (186.1±41.5) minutes, and the postoperative hospital stay 6 (5-7) days. Surgical complications occurred in four patients, comprising peritoneal effusion, internal jugular vein thrombosis, anastomotic leakage, and gastric fistula. Body weight and BMI 1, 2, 3 and 4 years were significantly lower post- than pre-operatively (all P<0.05). Excess weight loss was (81.9±16.2) %, (82.2±15.5) %, (88.3±20.1) %, and (83.2±18.1) % at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years postoperatively, respectively. Total weight loss was (39.7±8.7) %, (40.6±10.6) %, (42.2±11.5) % and (45.4±10.2) %, respectively. The mean fasting blood glucose concentrations of the 60 patients with T2DM were (5.1±1.0) mmol/L, (5.0±0.7) mmol/L, and (5.4±0.9) mmol/L 1, 2 and 3 years postoperatively, respectively. The values for glycosylated hemoglobin were (4.9±0.6) %, (4.8±0.5) %, and (5.1±0.8) %, respectively, all of which are significantly lower than preoperatively (all P<0.05). The complete remission rate of diabetes was 95.0% (38/40), 90.0% (36/40), and 9/13 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively, respectively. Additionally, the partial remission rate and significant improvement rate were both 100%. Two years postoperatively, the incidence of anemia was 27.8% (10/36), of hypoproteinemia 11.8% (4/34), and of ferritin deficiency 25.8% (8/31), all of which were improved by conservative treatment such as blood transfusion, iron supplementation, and adjustment of diet. Conclusion: SADI-S has a significant mid-term beneficial effect on weight loss and diabetes remission status in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Productivity and economic performance of Nellore young bulls fed diets with increasing fiber content.

Adequate neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) content in the total diet can improve intake efficiency, prevent rumen disorders, and enhance the health and performance of feedlot-finished beef cattle. We hypothesized that an increase in dietary fiber levels would decrease the productive performance but increase the economic performance of young bulls in confinement. Thus, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing fiber levels on feed intake, wastage, and productive and economic performance of Nellore young bulls finished in confinement. We used 20 Nellore cattle, non-castrated males, 30 months old, and average body weight (BW) of 416.35 ± 2.2kg distributed in a completely randomized design, kept in individual stalls. Animals were divided into four treatments consisting of four levels of neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) (25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% NDF) in total DM. Nutrient intake, feed conversion, feed waste, body weight (BW) at slaughter, total weight gain (TWG), average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight (HCW), and carcass yield (CR) were evaluated. In addition, economic parameters (revenue, food expenses, and gross margin) were calculated and compared. The dry matter (DMI), organic matter (OMI), crude protein (CPI), and ether extract (EEI) intakes showed quadratic behavior. The DMI maximum estimated was 28.5% NDF in the diet. The NDF and ADF intakes showed a positive linear effect and the starch intake had a negative linear effect. There was a significant positive linear effect (P < 0.05) for the variables total mixed ration (TMR) offered and daily and total RTM intake. Minimum RTM wastage was estimated with a diet containing 30% NDF. The maximum points for BW at slaughter, HCW, and ADG were 29.9%; 29.6%, and 25% NDF, respectively. The costs of concentrate and silage showed a positive linear behavior, as did the ADG costs and the carcass equivalent cost (P < 0.05). The maximum point of the revenue estimate (US$/animal) was 29.9% of NDF, 26.1% of NDF for the total expenditure on food (US$/animal), and 32.5% of NDF for the gross margin (U$/animal). In conclusion, the animals fed a 30% NDF diet showed the best performance and economics, in addition to less food waste. We recommend 25 to 32.5% of NDF in the diet to obtain maximum productive and economic performance when finishing Nellore young bulls in confinement.

Morphometric Analysis and Growth Patterns of Blood Cockle (Tegillarca granosa) in Langsa Mangrove Ecosystems, Indonesia

The mangrove area is a nutrient-rich zone that serves as a food source for various aquatic organisms and as a spawning and nursery ground for species such as fish, crabs, and clams. The aim of this study is to investigate the morphometrics and growth pattern of blood cockle (Tegillarca granosa) in the mangrove area of Langsa City. Data collection for T. granosa was conducted using purposive sampling at three designated research locations with varying environmental conditions. Transects were established from the shoreline towards the mangrove vegetation at each research location. Within each transect, 1 meter x 1 meter plots were established for T. granosa sampling. The blood cockles found at the research sites were measured for shell length, shell width, and total weight. The research collected 98 individuals of T. granosa at the study location, with morphological variations including length, width, total weight, and sex. The size of the blood cockles ranged from 3 cm to 6.76 cm, the shell width ranged from T. granosa 2.50 cm to 5.52 cm, while the total weight of T. granosa ranged from 12 grams to 122 grams. Based on morphometric analysis, the growth pattern of T. granosa in the mangrove area of Langsa City is characterized by b = 2.5085, falling into the negative allometric category. This growth pattern indicates that the length of T. granosa grows faster compared to its total weight. Location 1 (Lhok Banie) showed the best growth pattern for T. granosa, the least favorable growth was found at Location 3 (Kuala Langsa). In conclusion, the morphometrics of T. granosa at the study site showed significant variation in length, width, and total weight. Morphometric analysis indicates that T. granosa exhibits a negative allometric growth pattern.

Incidence of agroecological-based practices in urban vegetable gardens: effect on crop diversity and production levels

ABSTRACT Agroecological-based practices (ABPs) play a vital role in urban vegetable gardens, enhancing the quality of life. However, factors driving ABP implementation and their impact on crop production and diversity are not fully understood. Our study assessed the influence of socio-economic and environmental characteristics on ABP adoption, crop diversity, and total weight vegetable production in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. Through interviews and a multi-model inference approach, we found that ABP implementation is tied to gardener experience and formative assets (e.g. horticultural experience, specific training). Crop diversity, integral to ABP, is affected by farming practices and farmer characteristics (Farm animals, Pollinator-friendly practices, Experience, Additional training and Environmental knowledge). The Total weight produced was primarily influenced by the type of garden, the gardener’s experience and some ABPs. Long-standing commercial and community objectives and the use of farm animals and commercial seed led to greater production. Strengthening key drivers, such as farmer training, through public policies (e.g. income generation, financing, specific training, land access) can bolster the role of urban gardens in providing a healthy environment and promoting food sovereignty.

Synthesis and Evaluation of High-Temperature Resistant Polymer Plugging Agent for Water-Based Drilling Fluids.

As the exploration and development of deep wells have emerged as a key option to extract more oil and gas resources trapped underneath, high-temperature formations impose stringent requirements on the thermal stability of plugging agents used in water-based drilling fluids. In this work, β-cyclodextrin, with its unique conical toroidal rigid stable structure and internal hydrophobic and external hydrophilic special adsorption capacity, was first grafted with maleic anhydride to prepare a silicone polymer and then copolymerized with dimethyldiallylammonium chloride (DMDAAC) in the presence of coupling agent vinyltriethoxysilane (A151) and cross-linking divinylbenzene (DVD) to finally obtain a high-temperature resistant plugging agent (AMMD). Subsequently, the molecular structure was evidenced and the performance of AMMD was examined in the polysulfonate-base fluid via a series of tests including high-temperature high-pressure filtration loss, sand tray plugging, and drilling fluid displacement, and the results were compared with the counterpart Soltex under the same conditions. The optimal synthesis conditions for the plugging agent were found as total monomer concentration of 25%, initiator mass fraction of 1% (based on the mass of monomers), monomer feed ratio of m (DVD):m(A151):m(DMDAAC):m(MD) of 15:3:2:15, pH value of 10, reaction temperature of 75 °C, and reaction time of 4 h. FT-IR spectra indicated that the monomers used to prepare AMMD were successfully involved in the reaction for the design of the plugging agent structure. TGA showed that AMMD has a total weight loss of about 35.98% in the range of 284 to 453 °C. Moreover, the addition of 3%AMMD into the base fluid produced a 4.38-fold and 3.8-fold filtration loss control over 60 min at 200 °C using 400 and 800 mD sand trays, respectively, which were comparatively higher than the commercially available Soltex (ca. 3.72-fold and 3.14-fold, respectively, using 400 and 800 mD). This then contributed to AMMD's superior plugging performance in drilling fluid based on the drilling fluid displacement experiment, implying that AMMD could find potential use as a plugging agent in polysulfonate drilling fluid under severe geothermal conditions.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery in vegetarians and vegans.

Vegetarianism is constantly increasing worldwide. However, the role of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in vegetarians/vegans is unclear as there is very limited data on this topic. The aim of this study was to evaluate MBS outcomes in vegetarians or vegans. Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of a single-bariatric surgeon was carried out. All patients with a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle undergoing MBS were included. Eleven patients were included; none were lost to follow-up. Ten patients were women, the mean age and Body Mass Index (BMI) were 40.8±14 years and 43.5±4.9 kg/m2, respectively. Five patients (45%) were lacto-ovo-vegetarians, one (9%) was ovo-vegetarian, two (18%) were lacto-ovo-pesco-vegetarians, and three (27%) were vegans. Eight patients consumed vitamin supplements preoperatively, the mean albumin level was 4.1±0.2, 3/11 patients had vitamin D deficiency, 2/11 patients had vitamin-B12 deficiency, and 2/11 patients had iron deficiency. Eight patients (73%) underwent one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), 2/11 patients (18%) underwent single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy, and one patient (9%) underwent sleeve gastrectomy, the mean biliopancreatic limb length in OAGB was 225 cm. The median follow-up time was 17 months, the mean BMI and percentage of total weight loss during follow-up were 28.2±5 kg/m2 and 35.3±10.7%, respectively. The mean albumin level was 3.82±0.27, 3/11 patients had vitamin D deficiency, and 3/11 patients had iron deficiency. This study reports preliminary data on MBS outcomes in vegetarian/vegan patients. It was shown to be safe, effective, and an acceptable rate of nutritional deficiencies during follow-up. Further large cohort studies are required to clarify this data.

Improved Monte Carlo tree search formulation with multiple root nodes for discrete sizing optimization of truss structures

This article proposes a novel reinforcement learning algorithm using an improved Monte Carlo tree search (IMCTS) formulation for the discrete optimum design of truss structures. IMCTS with multiple root nodes includes the update process, best reward, accelerating technique and terminal condition. The update process means that once a final solution is found, it is used as the initial solution for the next search tree. The best reward is used in the backpropagation step. The accelerating technique is introduced by decreasing the width of the search tree and reducing the maximum number of iterations. The agent is trained to minimize the total structural weight under various constraints until the terminal condition is satisfied. The optimal solution is the minimum value of all solutions found by the search trees. Numerical examples show that the agent can find the optimal solution with low computational cost, stably produces an optimal design, and is suitable for multi-objective structural optimization and large-scale structures.

Effect of Pregestational Body Mass Index, Trimester-specific Weight Gain, and Total Gestational Weight Gain on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Observational Study

Effect of Pregestational Body Mass Index, Trimester-specific Weight Gain, and Total Gestational Weight Gain on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Observational Study

Exploring Genetic Variability and Diversity in Exotic Germplasm Collection of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

The current research investigates the genetic variation and diversity in exotic accessions of cocoa to identify materials with desired characteristics as well as important traits contributing to yield and variability. The experiment was conducted at Cocoa Research Centre, Kerala Agricultural University, from 2021 to 2023. The study comprises 23 exotic genotypes in which observations were recorded on quantitative traits on flowers, pods, and beans. Statistical analysis was carried out based on the observations recorded. The morphological evaluation revealed ample variability among the genotypes for all the quantitative characters studied. The average dry bean weight recorded was 1.08 grams, which is a desirable trait in selecting individuals with high processing efficiency for the chocolate industry. Characters such as single bean dry weight, pod value, pod index, and efficiency index have recorded high values of GCV, heritability and genetic advance as percent of the mean. Principal component (PC) analysis showed that the first three PCs with more than one Eigen-value contributed to 92.18 percent of total variability among the germplasm. Yield components viz. pod value, total bean weight pod-1 and single bean dry weight significantly contribute to maximum variability among the exotic germplasm. Moreover, genotypes were grouped into five clusters based on hierarchical agglomerative clustering technique. Hybridization program involving superior genotypes identified in diverse clusters as parents can produce high-yielding hybrids. The high values recorded for the genetic parameters by yield components suggest the selection of genotypes based on which can result in better-performing progeny.

The Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide in Patients Remaining Obese 6 Months after Metabolic Surgery.

The safety and efficacy of liraglutide as a weight loss intervention in individuals who remain obese within 1year post-metabolic surgery remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of liraglutide (1.8mg) in patients with persistent obesity at 6months postoperatively. This retrospective cohort study included 61 patients who remained obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 28.0kg/m2) at 6months postoperatively. Among these patients, 27 were treated with 1.8mg of liraglutide for 12weeks, whereas 34 served as controls. The primary endpoint was the change in total weight loss (%TWL) after 24weeks. Changes in weight, BMI, complications, and adverse events were also assessed. The liraglutide group showed a greater reduction in %TWL than the control group (11.6% ± 1.1% vs. 4.9% ± 1.0%), with an estimated treatment difference of 6.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7-9.6%, P < 0.01). The adjusted mean differences in the reduction of weight and BMI between the liraglutide and control groups were -6.2kg (95% CI -8.9 to -3.4, P < 0.01) and -3.0kg/m2 (95% CI -4.2 to -1.7, P < 0.01), respectively. The liraglutide group exhibited increased rates of remission in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hypertension. No serious adverse reactions were observed. For patients who remained obese at 6months postoperatively, 12-week liraglutide treatment resulted in increased weight loss, improved metabolic control, and high rate of remission for obesity-related metabolic diseases after 24weeks. Earlier and more timely adjuvant weight loss medication intervention based on BMI within 1year postoperatively may enhance weight loss after metabolic surgery. Graphical abstract available for this article.

The New Technology for In Vitro Culture with Induction of Nanobubbles (NBsN2 and NBsO2) in Cattleya sp.

The growth and development of orchids take a relatively long time, while the demand for high-quality orchids continues to increase significantly. Tissue culture is a technique of isolating plant parts in organs, tissues, and cells and then culturing these plants on artificial media in a sterile environment. Tissue culture techniques can reproduce plants in a relatively short time, with the same properties and quality, so efforts to optimize tissue culture with technology are the right solution, one of which is using nanogenerator technology that produces Nanobubbles (NBs). NBs are one of the nanotechnologies that are ?100 nm in size with induced gas needed by plants. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of growth and development from the induction of NBsN2 and NBsO2 in Cattleya sp. planlet in vitro culture. This research method uses in vitro culture with a Randomized Group Design. The results of the MsO treatment showed higher weight than other treatments, with a total plant weight value of 0.3550 g and a total plant height value of 1.3983 cm. Murashige-Skoog + NBsNitrogen (MsN) treatment showed higher root length than other treatments with a total value of 1.2367 cm. In the treatment of Ms, MsO, OJ and NJ, a live percentage of 83-100% was observed. The statistical test results indicate that NBs positively affect Cattleya sp. plantlets. This effect includes increasing plant weight, height, and root length and promoting new shoots growth. Additionally, nitrogen supplements play a role in colour changes, indicating the plant's health and photosynthetic efficiency. In the treatment with Induction O2, the initial colour changes from Strong Yellow Green (141 D) to Strong Yellowish Green (141 C), while in the treatment with Induction NBsN2, the initial colour changes from Strong Yellow Green (141 D) to Deep Yellow Green (141 B).

An environmental approach to cement admixtures: Utilization of waste olive seed powder as a bio-polymeric admixture.

The integration of organic wastes into cement-based materials shows promise as a solution to mitigate environmental pollutants. It achieves this by minimizing waste sent to landfills and in some conditions decreasing Portland cement use. One of these organic wastes that produces positive effects when used in cement products is olive seed. In this study, the effect of a new generation bio-polymeric admixture on the physical and mechanical properties of cement mortars is examined in detail. The bio-polymeric admixture is prepared by grinding olive seeds in 0/125μm sizes. The olive seeds have been used as bio-polymeric admixture in cement mortars at different rates, i.e., 0, 0.2, 0.35, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% of total weight. The olive seed is characterized by XRD, FT-IR analysis and by determining extracts, pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content. The characteristics of hydration products were analyzed by SEM/EDS and XRD investigations. Effect of bio-polymeric admixture addition on the unit weight, flowability, setting time, compressive and flexural strength and capillary water absorption was analyzed. The results suggested that the bio-polymeric admixture hindered the cement hydration at low usage rates but promoted at high usage rates. Accordingly, 28days compressive and flexural strength of test samples decreased. However, 1.5 wt% bio-polymeric admixture was associated with a slight increase of 150-days compressive strength. Bio-polymeric admixture improves the hydrophobicity property of the hardened mortar samples by declining effect on the water absorption. Another important effect of the bio-polymeric admixture contribution was also observed on the flowability property of the cement mortars. As the bio-polymeric admixture increased, the flow diameter values of the mortar were also significantly increased. The research outcomes suggested for the first time the beneficial effect of bio-polymeric admixture as a natural and bio-degradable alternative of chemical admixtures on especially flowability, set retarder and hydrophobicity of cement mortars with comparable mechanical properties.

Evaluation of Agronomic and Genetic Diversity in M2V1 Generation of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is an ornamental plant widely used as a potted or cut flower due to its vibrant colors and diverse flower shapes. High genetic diversity is essential for successful breeding programs aimed at developing superior varieties. Genetic information can be obtained by estimating variance components and heritability values, key parameters in plant breeding. A high heritability value suggests that genetic factors influence a plant's characteristics more than environmental factors. This study assessed the genetic diversity and performance of vegetative propagation from 2nd generation mutant plants (M2V1). The research was conducted at the Pasir Sarongge experimental field in Cianjur Regency from July to October 2023, using a randomized complete block design with 17 genotypes and three replicates. The genotypes included 14 from vegetative propagation of M2V1 mutant plants and three comparison varieties: “Maharani”, “BAIP 2”, and “BAIP 3”. Data analysis was performed using PKBT-STAT 3.1 software, followed by the honest significant difference (HSD) test at the 5% level. The results revealed significant differences among genotypes in plant height, stem diameter, canopy width, leaf width, flower weight, flower diameter, number of flowers per plant, total flower weight per plant, and flower stalk length. Floret types observed were either all ligulate or all tubuligulate, with flower colors ranging from orange to yellow to white. Traits such as canopy width, flower weight, flower diameter, and stalk length, which exhibited broad genetic diversity and high heritability, can be used for selection in future marigold breeding programs.