Weight Loss Pattern Research Articles

Weight Loss Patterns and Outcomes Over 12 Months on a Commercial Weight Management Program (CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Online): Large-Community Cohort Evaluation Study.

A greater understanding of the effectiveness of digital self-management programs and their ability to support longer-term weight loss is needed. This study aimed to explore the total weight loss and patterns of weight loss of CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) Total Wellbeing Diet Online members during their first 12 months of membership and examine the patterns of platform use associated with greater weight loss. Participants were Australian adults who joined the program between October 2014 and June 2022 and were classified as longer-term members, meaning they completed at least 12 weeks of the program, had baseline and 12-week weight data, and had a paid membership of ≥1 year (N=24,035). Weight loss and percentage of starting body weight loss were calculated at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months using 3 statistical approaches: (1) multiple imputations method, (2) all available data, and (3) complete data only. Among members with complete data (6602/24,035, 27.5%), patterns of weight loss and gain were examined, and how this related to total weight loss was explored. Members were mostly female (19,972/24,035, 83.09%), aged 31 to 50 years (9986/24,035, 41.5%) or 51 to 70 years (12,033/24,035, 50.06%), and most members were classified as overweight or obese (23,050/24,035, 95.9%). Using multiple imputations, the average estimated weight loss was 5.9 (SE 0.0245) kg at 12 weeks, 6.7 (SE 0.0348) kg at 6 months, 6.2 (SE 0.0400) kg at 9 months, and 5.5 (SE 0.0421) kg at 12 months. At 12 months, more than half the members (12,573/24,035, 52.3%) were at least 5% below their starting body weight and 1 in 4 (5865/24,035, 24.4%) were at least 10% below their starting body weight. In the subsample with complete data, the average weight loss at 12 months was 7.8 kg. The most common (961/6602, 14.56% members) weight loss pattern over the first 12 months was 6 months of weight loss, followed by 6 months of weight maintenance. This group had an average weight loss of 10.6 kg at 12 months (11.9% of their starting body weight). In a subgroup of participants who consistently lost weight over the 12-month period (284/6602, 4.3% of the sample), weight loss reached up to 22.3 kg (21.7% of their starting body weight). Weekly platform use was positively associated with total weight loss (r=0.287; P<.001). Members who used the platform >30 times per week (approximately >4 times/d) were more likely to lose weight in the first 6 months of the program. This commercial weight loss program was shown to be effective, with 1 in 2 members achieving clinically significant results after 1 year. Greater engagement with the platform was associated with consecutive periods of weight loss and greater weight loss success overall.

BS O04 - Audit of outcome of SADIS- Results from a single Bariatric center

Abstract Background SADIS- Single anastomosis Duodeno-ileal switch is a bariatric procedure that has been accepted widely as a bariatric procedure. Literature has shown that it gives good outcomes in terms of weight loss and resolutions of obesity related morbidity. There has been criticism about the nutritional deficiencies associated with SADIS. It is a technically challenging procedure, so it is not extremely popular in the bariatric world where sleeve is the most done procedure and RYGB is the gold standard. Method All the patients at our centre undergo MDT assessment. Based on the MDT discussion and the patient preference, the decision of surgery is made. All the patients who underwent SADIS were included in the study Primary aim: Weight loss at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 6-10 years ORM resolution at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 6-10 years Nutritional deficiencies in the short term and long term. Results 17 patients underwent SADIS. Average BMI 55, it is higher than the usual BMI cohort, saying that higher BMI patients were offered SADIS as compared to the lower BMIs, who were offered Sleeve, Bypass. The weight loss pattern followed by SADIS patients was more than bypass patients over 6 m, 1 y and 2 y. The SADIS patients had better sustained weightloss over 6-10 y. One crucial factor in patient profile is the ratio of psychological vs physiological co-morbidities is higher than the average; which corresponds to our findings of the feasibility study for bariatric surgery for BMI &amp;gt;65 Conclusion SADIS gives good outcomes in terms of weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities. Long term results with SADI in terms of sustained weight loss are better than bypass. It did not lead to increased nutritional deficiencies.

Comparison of Cradle Breastfeeding Position with Cross-Cradle Breastfeeding Position in Term Newborn on Their Weight Pattern—Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction Breastfeeding is not a choice it is a shared responsibility of the mother. Breastfeeding is a right of every baby. Common breastfeeding positions are side-lying, cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football, laid-back. There is a little data available to compare different breastfeeding positions in terms of maternal comfort. This study was conducted with the objective to see the effect of breastfeeding positions on weight pattern and urine frequency along with maternal comfort and Latching on, Audible swallowing, Type of nipples, Comfort, and Help (LATCH) score. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare effect of two breastfeeding techniques (cradle and cross-cradle) of mother delivered by normal vaginal delivery on weight pattern of term newborn and to compare maternal comfort, LATCH score, and urinary frequency between the two groups. Methods This randomized controlled trial is performed in 200 mother newborn dyad of gestational age between 37 and 42 weeks. The weight loss pattern, maternal comfort, and LATCH score was compared between the two groups. Results Among 200 newborns, 55.5% were males and 44.5% were females. Study observed that there is no significant difference in mean weight loss between two positions; however, urine frequency between cradle group and cross-cradle group was statistically highly significant ( p-value &lt;0.001). Cross-cradle breastfeeding position showed higher maternal comfort score and LATCH score than cradle breastfeeding position. Conclusion This study explores that cross-cradle breastfeeding position is better in terms of maternal comfort and baby’ latchment than cradle breastfeeding position.

Efficacy of almond gum for coacervation with whey protein isolate- optimization, functionality and characterization: A comparison with high-methoxyl pectin

Complex coacervates of whey protein isolate (WPI) and two polysaccharides (almond gum (AG) and high methoxyl pectin (HMP)) under the different pHs (2.5–6.0) and biopolymer mass ratios (1:1–6:1) were prepared to achieve the maximum coacervate yield (CY). The optimum pH and mixing ratio to obtain the maximum CY of WPI-AG (75.93 %) and WPI-HMP (53.0 %) coacervates were 4.3 and 2:1, and 3.5 and 3:1, respectively. Although higher serum layers in emulsions stabilized by WPI-AG/HMP coacervates were detected at the 90 °C, remarkable heat stability under processing temperatures was obtained in ex-situ emulsions with both complex coacervates. Significantly more cold-storage and ionic stabilities were observed for emulsions formulated with WPI-AG than WPI-HMP. Peak shifts in FTIR spectra in the WPI-AG coacervate compared to the individual WPI and AG biopolymers revealed strong electrostatic interactions between these biopolymers. The absence of crystalline peaks for AG and HMP in X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra confirmed the complexation of AG and HMP with WPI. Thermogravimetric and microstructural analyses showed that porous, loose mesh-like WPI-AG coacervates had superior thermal stability and structural integrity compared to WPI-HMP coacervates and individual biopolymers, which evidenced a more gradual weight loss pattern. WPI-AG coacervates would be promising for efficient emulsion-based delivery systems.

Investigation of the decomposition behavior of the fluoroalkyl acrylate homopolymer and its grafted copolymers onto high-density polyethylene

In this study, the thermal degradation behavior of both poly(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-dodecafluoro-5-methyloctyl-4-(acryloyloxy) benzoate), poly(ABCF13) and its graft copolymers onto high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was investigated in detail. The homopolymers and grafted copolymers were synthesized using the bulk-melt polymerization method in the presence of benzoyl peroxide; 10% and 40% of ABCF13 were used in the graft copolymers. The combined analytical technique, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (TGA/FTIR), was utilized to understand the obtained products' thermal behavior and formed decomposition chemicals. The thermal tests were carried out in both air and N2 atmospheres. The experimental results showed that the first weight loss of poly(ABCF13) in air and N2 atmospheres started at about 226°C (1.00%), and the primary and early decomposition product was determined as CO2. The weight loss pattern in graft copolymers at lower concentrations closely resembled that of the homopolymer. However, at higher concentrations, the resulting products exhibited a distinct decomposition mechanism characterized by a gradual decrease in trend. This segmented behavior may indicate the coexistence of the homopolymer and grafted copolymers within the matrix. Moreover, the findings showed that the semi-fluorinated grafted unit had a substantial retardation effect on the polymer.

Diet and Lifestyle Intervention-Induced Pattern of Weight Loss Related to Reduction in Low-Attenuation Coronary Plaque Burden.

Despite extensive research on body weight and cardiovascular risk, the mechanistic relationship between weight loss and coronary plaque modification has not been adequately addressed. This study aimed to determine the association between body composition dynamics and low-attenuation coronary plaque (LAP) burden. Eighty-nine participants (40% women, 60 ± 7.7 years) of the Dietary Intervention to Stop Coronary Atherosclerosis in Computed Tomography (DISCO-CT) study with non-obstructive atherosclerosis with nonobstructive atherosclerosis confirmed in computed tomography angiography (CCTA), a randomized (1:1), prospective, single-center study were included into the analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to either experimental arm (intensive diet and lifestyle intervention atop optimal medical therapy, n = 45) or control arm (optimal medical therapy alone, n = 44) over 66.8 ± 13.7 weeks. Changes (∆) in body mass (BM) and body composition parameters, including total body fat (TBF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and fat-to-muscle ratio (FMR), measured with bioimpedance analyzer were compared with CCTA-measured ∆LAP. Coronary plaque analysis was performed using the 2 × 192 dual-energy scanner (Somatom Force, Siemens, Germany), while quantitative coronary plaque measurements were performed using a semi-automated plaque analysis software system (QAngioCT v3.1.3.13, Medis Medical Imaging Systems, Leiden, The Netherlands). Significant intergroup differences were found for ∆BM (-3.6 ± 4.9 kg in the experimental vs. -1.4 ± 2.9 kg in the control group, p = 0.015), ∆TBF (-3.4 ± 4.8% in the experimental vs. 1.1 ± 5.5% in the control arm, p < 0.001), ∆SMM (1.9 ± 2.8% in the experimental vs. -0.7 ± 3.2% in the control arm, p < 0.001), and FMR [-12.9 (-21.2; -4.3)% in the experimental vs. 3.1 (-5.3; 10.7)% in the control arm, p < 0.001]. ∆LAP did not differ significantly between the study arms; however, in the whole study population, ∆LAP was positively correlated with ∆BM, ∆TBF, and ∆FMR (r = 0.45, p < 0.001; r = 0.300, p = 0.004; r = 0.233, p = 0.028, respectively), and negatively with ∆SMM (r = -0.285, p = 0.007). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed the association of ∆LAP with ∆BM, ∆TBF, and ∆FMR. The study intervention resulted in BM reduction characterized by fat loss, skeletal muscle gain, and increased FMR. This weight loss pattern may lead to a reduction in high-risk coronary plaque. Compared to a simple weight control, tracking body composition changes over time can provide valuable information on adverse coronary plaque modification.

The potential of DBD plasma pretreatment for the isolation of micro- and nano-cellulose fibers from the walnut shells

This study investigated the use of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma as a pretreatment to extract micro and nano-cellulose fibers from walnut shells (WS). The powdered WS was subjected to plasma at 18 and 20 kV before undergoing sodium hydroxide alkaline, sodium chlorite bleaching, or both alkaline and bleaching treatments. A control sample was also prepared without plasma treatment. The extracted cellulose was then analyzed for extraction efficiency, chemical composition, color, crystallinity index, FTIR, thermal properties, microstructure, and surface composition. The results showed that the plasma pretreatment reduced the cellulose extraction efficiency from ∼26 % to ∼22 % which was accompanied by a decrease in the C-C/C-H and C-OH/C-O-C bonds. The 20 kV plasma pretreatment prior to both alkaline and bleaching treatments resulted in the conversion of microfibrils into nanofibrils, with an average diameter of 80 ± 10 nm. These changes in the fiber structure were likely caused by the disruption of hydrogen-bonding interactions in the plasma-treated samples, leading also to a reduction in crystallinity index. The plasma-treated sample exhibited a different weight loss pattern below 100 °C compared with the control, originating from changes in water absorption. Overall, the study demonstrated that plasma pretreatment can successfully produce micro and nano-cellulose fibers from WS.

Development and characterization of alginate-derived bioadhesive films incorporated with anti-infective lectins for application in the treatment of oral candidiasis

This study reports the characterization of alginate-derived bioadhesive films containing the lectins ConBr (from Canavalia brasiliensis Mart.) and MaL (from Machaerium acutifolium Vogel.). The anti-infective properties were evaluated using Tenebrio molitor larvae infected with an oral isolate of Candida albicans (CA40) (1 × 104 yeast/animal). Untreated larvae showed a median survival of 1.5 days and a survival rate of 40%. Both lectins (128 μg/kg/larvae) showed prophylactic effects (survival rates: 80%–90%); however, only MaL significantly increased larval survival (70%) in the treatment assays. Bioadhesive films were developed using sodium alginate, and each lectin was incorporated at 50 μg/mL of filmogenic solution. All films (pH 6.4) showed similar micromorphology with a slightly granular appearance. The lectins-loaded films exhibited more irregular surfaces than the control. The proteins were released in similar patterns. FTIR analysis confirmed the modification of sodium alginate due to the chemical interaction with lectins. All films exhibited a two-step weight loss pattern in TGA analysis. In the ex vivo mucoadhesive assay using bovine jugal mucosa, the highest value of maximum detachment force was found for ConBr-loaded films (0.56 ± 0.04 N) (p < 0.01). The other formulations showed similar adhesiveness (0.48 and 0.47 N). In general, the lectins did not induce significant changes in the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of the alginate films. The data obtained in this work show, for the first time, the in vivo anti-infective effects of ConBr and MaL against C. albicans. The lectins-containing alginate films presented parameters compatible with their application in the oral cavity.

Multi-Scale Characteristics of Coal Secondary Spontaneous Combustion Under Different Pre-Heating Oxygen Concentrations by TG and FTIR Analysis

ABSTRACT The study aimed to explore the influence of pre-oxidation oxygen concentration on the mass variation and microstructure of coal oxidation using TG and FTIR experiments. The objective was to comprehend the thermal effects and mechanisms of coal oxidation under distinct pre-oxidation conditions. Employing fuzzy mathematics and multiple linear regression equations, the study sought to elucidate the influence mechanism of pre-oxidation oxygen concentration on the thermal effect. The findings reveal that pre-oxidation did not alter the overall weight loss pattern during the spontaneous combustion process of coal, yet significantly accelerated the rate of weight loss. Furthermore, the dry cracking temperature experienced a notable advancement. Through FTIR experiments, it was observed that pre-oxidation activated the reactivity of C=O, -CH2-, and aromatic hydrocarbons, thus leading to more intense reactions. The key functional groups influencing the mass change were identified as aromatic hydrocarbons and hydrogen bonds. Notably, the pre-oxidation effect on the thermal impact was most pronounced when the pre-oxidation oxygen concentration reached 15%.

Perioperative continuous body weight measurements with load cells under the bed legs in patients undergoing abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND Both excessive positive fluid balance and body weight increase after surgery are risk factors for poor postoperative outcomes. The use in clinical practice and the value of perioperative body weight measurements are unclear at present, possibly due to difficulty in measuring body weight in patients lying on the bed and insufficient clinical research. OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between intraoperative fluid balance and body weight change and perioperative nightly body weight change pattern throughout the hospital stay with contact-free unconstraint load cells placed under the bed legs. DESIGN Observational and exploratory study. SETTING A single university hospital. PATIENTS Twenty adult patients were undergoing elective abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Body weight. RESULTS Immediately after surgery, body weight increased significantly by 2.7 ± 1.3 kg, equivalent to a 5% increase from the preoperative body weight. This increase was not correlated with (P = 0.178) the intraoperative fluid balance and was significantly greater than the intraoperative fluid balance 1.5 ± 0.4 kg (P &lt; 0.001). The body weight returned to the preoperative level on postoperative day (POD)3 and further significantly decreased to 97% of the preoperative body weight at POD6 (P &lt; 0.001). This physiological nocturnal weight loss pattern was maintained throughout hospitalisation except when fluid was infused. Compared with their preoperative status, patients stayed in bed longer with smaller body movements and left the bed less frequently during the daytime until POD3. Conversely, the patients had greater body movements in bed during the night leading to smaller diurnal variation in the body movements in bed after POD4. CONCLUSION Both perioperative fluid balance calculation and body weight measurement may have different but mutually complementary roles in perioperative managements. Postoperative fluid and nutrition management strategies are potentially new directions for treatment through continuous weight monitoring during the perioperative period. Trial registration : UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000040164).

Residual load capacity of HVFA reinforced concrete after elevated temperature heating: Experimental and analytical study

High volume fly ash (HVFA) is used as structural concrete's main constituent in the current concrete construction practice. The residual load capacity of HVFA reinforced concrete after elevated temperature heating is needed for retrofitting compression members after fire exposure. In this experimental study, an effort has been made to estimate the axial load capacity of concrete containing HVFA after 28 and 90 days of curing after elevated temperature heating at 200 °C, 400 °C and 600 °C. The 35% and 50% amount of cement was partially replaced by fly ash. The weight loss and crack pattern in reinforced HVFA concrete were also studied. It has been observed that after heating at elevated temperature, the compression behavior of fly ash concrete is better than that of plain concrete. The analytical models are proposed to estimate the residual load capacity of HVFA concrete columns after exposure to elevated temperature. The model predictions are reasonably good. These models can be used to assess the load carrying capacity of columns in concrete buildings containing HVFA after elevated temperature exposure for deciding strengthening schemes.

Effect of different thermoplastics on the thermal degradation behavior, kinetics, and thermodynamics of discarded bakelite.

In this work, the kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanism for co-pyrolysis of thermoplastic (PP, HDPE, PS, PMMA)blended bakelite (BL) (1:1 by weight) are explored utilizing different kinetics models like model-fitting and KAS model-free method. The thermal degradation experiments of each sample are conducted from ambient to 1000°C temperature at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50°C/min heating rates in an inert environment. Thermoplastic blended bakelite is degraded in four steps, including two significant weight loss steps. A significant synergetic effect was observed by the addition of thermoplastics, which is reflected in the change in the thermal degradation temperature zone and the weight loss pattern. Among the four thermoplastics blended bakelites, the promotional synergetic effect is more pronounced for PP addition, causing an increase in the degradation of discarded bakelite by 20%, whereas the addition of PS, HDPE, and PMMA enhances the degradation of bakelite by 10%, 8%, and 3% respectively. Again, the activation energy of the thermal degradation of PP blended bakelite is found lowest followed by HDPE blended bakelite, PMMA blended bakelite, and PS blended bakelite. The mechanism of thermal degradation of bakelite changed from F5 to F3, F3, F1, and F2.5 by the addition of PP, HDPE, PS, and PMMA respectively. A significant change in the thermodynamics of the reaction is also found in the addition of thermoplastics. The kinetics, degradation mechanism, and thermodynamics for thermal degradation of the thermoplastic blended bakelite contribute to the optimization of pyrolysis reactor design to increase valuable pyrolytic products.

Synergy, kinetics, and thermodynamics analysis in the valorization of waste bakelite through co-pyrolysis with HDPE

Bakelite, a thermosetting plastic, can't be recycled suitably by pyrolysis as it is charred upon heating with low conversion to useful products. So, it is required to improve the conversion before charring in order to recycle it into valuable products through pyrolysis. Co-pyrolyzing bakelite with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) should improve its conversion before charring and obtaining more useful products. The design of a co-pyrolysis process requires kinetics and thermodynamic parameters. In this context, co-pyrolysis synergy, kinetics, and thermodynamics of HDPE blended Bakelite (1:1 by wt.) are studied by a variety of kinetics models to calculate kinetics triplets and predict a suitable mechanism. The thermal degradation experimental data are taken from ambient to 1000 °C at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 °C/min heating rates in an inert atmosphere. The co-pyrolysis synergy is ascertained from the alteration of temperature zone and weight loss pattern in thermal degradation. HDPE blended Bakelite degraded thermally in two stages (215–420 °C and 425–550 °C). The thermal degradation of HDPE blend Bakelite for the first stage (i.e., 215–420 °C) follows the third order (F3)- based model with activation energy 154 kJ/mol while that for the second stage (i.e., 425–550 °C) follows the 1-D diffusion (D1) model with activation energy 355 kJ/mol. The order of the reaction for the first stage is in the range of 0.035–0.352 and that in the second stage is in the range of 0.110–1.048 for different temperatures. The values of change in free energy, change in enthalpy, and change in entropy for the thermal degradation of HDPE blended Bakelite in the first and the second stage is 590.303 kJ/mol, 66.745 kJ/mol, −939.958 × 10-3JK-1mol-1 and 813.062 kJ/mol, 148.574 kJ/mol, - 876.864 × 10-3 JK-1mol-1 respectively. These kinetic and thermodynamic parameters definitely contribute to the optimization of pyrolysis reactor design.

Four-year outcomes for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty from a single centre in India.

Bariatric endoscopy has emerged for non-surgical treatment of obesity, providing a treatment option for weight loss and associated comorbidities. Outcomes of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) of 12 months have been published by our team and there is a need for longer follow-up period understanding the effects of ESG techniques. This report emphasises on weight loss pattern in follow-up time points and monitors the post-procedure improvement in comorbidities with minimum 4-year follow-up of patients undergoing ESG at a single academic centre in India. This was a prospective cohort study. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Patients with a body mass index of >30 kg/m2 (or >27 with comorbidities) underwent ESG for treatment of obesity. Patients were systematically followed yearly after their procedure. Data collected on the primary outcome and secondary outcomes were analysed and presented. 612 patients (69.3% female) with a mean age of 40.70 ± 12.66 years and mean body mass index of 34.30 ± 5.05 kg/m2 underwent ESG. Out of 612 patients, follow-up rates for a 1-2-3 and 4 years were 93.1%, 90.2%, 81.7% and 81.9%, respectively. The mean percentage total body weight loss was 18.19% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.72-18.57) and %EWL was 49.30% (95% CI: 48.91-49.68) with 90% of participants-maintaining a percentage of total weight loss of ≥5% and 70% of patients maintaining an EWL of ≥25% at 4 years, respectively. Resolution/improvement of comorbidities was 51.2% cases of T2DM, 65.8% cases of hypertension, 73.6% cases of dyslipidaemia and 89.9% remission were in obstructive sleep apnoea. No patient required an emergency intervention, and there was no mortality or significant morbidity. This study shows acceptable results with ESG at 4 years in our unit. Regular monitoring by a multidisciplinary nurtures weight loss, resolution or improvement of comorbidities and improvement of quality of life with low perioperative complications. There is a need for more reports with this approach to determine the amount and duration of weight loss outcome and medical intervention.

NASH Presence is Associated with a Lower Weight Loss One and 2 Years After Bariatric Surgery in Women with Severe Obesity

Given that obesity is a major medical problem associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the lack of studies on postsurgery weight loss according to hepatic histology, we aimed to analyse weight loss indicators according to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) presence one and 2years postsurgery. The weight loss pattern of 410 women with severe obesity (SO) was analysed after sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 191) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 219) according to NASH presence at baseline and at 12 and 24months postsurgery. Weight loss indicators: expected BMI (eBMI), excess BMI loss percentage (%EBMIL), total weight loss percentage (%TWL) and alterable weight loss percentage (%AWL). Unlike RYGB, after SG, a higher percentage of NASH patients do not reach the eBMI 2years postsurgery. %TWL and %AWL presented no differences after RYGB despite the presence of NASH. After SG, there is a worse ponderal evolution of all indicators analysed in the presence of NASH. Unlike SG, diabetic patients lose less weight than non-diabetic patients after RYGB. The presence of NASH in diabetics had no impact on weight loss indicators, but in non-diabetics, it had an impact, particularly in the SG group. The presence of NASH suggests a worse weight loss pattern through all the analysed indicators one and 2years after SG in women. The presence of T2DM appears to result in less weight loss after RYGB, but only non-diabetic women presenting NASH lose less weight that non-diabetic women in the absence of NASH after SG.

An Innovative Approach for the Detection of High Boiler Adulterants in Sandalwood and Cedarwood Essential Oils

Owing to the important uses of essential oils, its adulteration is a serious issue of concern. Among the adulterants, the high volatiles can be detected through GC and GC/MS. However, the detection of subtle high boiler adulterants is extremely difficult, and requires development of novel techniques to overcome the challenges faced by the essential oil industry. In current study, the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was validated as an innovative approach for quantitative estimation of adulteration in essential oils taking sandalwood and cedarwood oils as case study. The low−cost vegetable oils like castor oil, coconut oil, and synthetic polymer like polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400) were used as high boiler adulterants. The physical parameters like specific gravity and refractive index of pure and adulterated oil samples were analyzed followed by their TGA analysis. The physical parameters of adulterated samples did not show significant variation from that of pure essential oils, thus need alternate analytical techniques to overcome this issue. The TGA of pure essential oil was volatized in single−stage around 200–260℃, whereas the high boiler adulterants such as vegetable oils and synthetic PEG-400 majorly volatized in the range 300–500℃ and 260–400℃, respectively. The adulterated samples exhibited mostly two-stage weight loss pattern, which was quantitatively estimated with high accuracy by this technique. Therefore, the TGA analysis can be used as a novel technique for rapid and precise detection of high boiler adulterants in essential oils like sandalwood and cedarwood due to difference in their volatile behaviour.

Thermal and Spectroscopic Analyses of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Extracellular Matrix.

In this study, nanofibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) was prepared from human adipose tissue, and the stepwise products were analyzed using differential thermal analysis (DTA)/thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR)/Raman spectroscopy. Human adipose tissue was liposuctioned (sample 1), centrifuged (sample 2), pulverized, centrifuged again (sample 3), and finally freeze-dried (sample 4). Each sample was subjected to DTA/TGA and FTIR/Raman analyses. In the DTA curve of sample 1, the major peak was observed at approximately 60 °C. However, relatively flat DTA curves were detected in samples 2 and 4. In the TGA results, sample 1 showed a more rapid weight loss pattern than the other samples. Samples 1, 2, and 3 showed similar FTIR spectra with a strong, broad absorption feature at ~3400 cm-1. Amide I, II, and III bands were clearly observed in the FTIR spectrum of sample 4. Samples 1 and 2 showed typical adipose tissue Raman spectra. However, in samples 3 and 4, the Raman signal was low. Scanning electron microscopic analysis of the freeze-dried ECM (sample 4) confimed its three-dimensional porous nanofibrous structure. These findings suggest that human adipose tissue, intermediate products, and human adipose tissue-derived ECM can be easily and effectively characterized with thermal and spectroscopic analyses. These efficient analyses can aid in the preparation of ECM and in clinical applications for regenerative medicine.

Comparison and Synthesis of Molybdenum Carbonyl Complexes Substituted with Mono- and Bis-Triphenylphosphine Ligands for Hydrocracking of Vacuum Residue.

(PPh₃)Mo(CO)5 and (PPh₃)₂Mo(CO)₄ were synthesized by the reaction of molybdenum hexacar-bonyl with triphenylphosphine and applied as precursors to hydrocracking of vacuum residue under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. (PPh₃)₂Mo(CO)₄ could also be synthesized by the reaction of (PPh₃)Mo(CO)5 with triphenyl phosphine. A commercial precursor (Mo-octoate) for hydrocracking of vacuum residue was used for comparison. The thermal decomposition behavior of (PPh₃)Mo(CO)5, (PPh₃)₂Mo(CO)₄, and Mo-octoate was also examined by the thermogravimetric analysis. The TGA curve of (PPh₃)Mo(CO)5 and (PPh₃)₂Mo(CO)₄ showed a similar weight-loss pattern. (PPh₃)Mo(CO)5 and (PPh₃)₂Mo(CO)₄ were decomposed into Mo metal and ligands rapidly in the range of 140 °C~270 °C. There were no ligands bound to a metal center of (PPh₃)Mo(CO)5 and (PPh₃)₂Mo(CO)₄ at the reaction temperature (430 °C) of hydrocracking. The amount of coke formed after hydrocracking over (PPh₃)Mo(CO)5 and (PPh₃)₂Mo(CO)₄ was 2.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Upgrading the qualities of heavy oils is an important issue in the energy industry. It is not easy to achieve the complete conversion of vacuum residue due to coke forming during hydrocracking of vacuum residue. This study showed that (PPh₃)₂Mo(CO)₄ was considerably effective in reducing coke formation.

Pregnancy Outcomes Post-bariatric Surgery-a Single-Centre Retrospective Study from India.

Bariatric surgery presently is the best possible intervention for treatment of severe obesity and its related conditions. This study presents retrospective data on the pregnancy outcomes of Indian patients who underwent bariatric surgery before conception. This is a single-centre retrospective, observational study. Data on demographics, pre-surgery weight, body mass index (BMI), types of bariatric surgery, weight at conception, weight gain during pregnancy, type of delivery and the health of the baby were collected and analysed to study the weight loss pattern and pregnancy outcomes in female patients of childbearing potential. The study included 34 women of childbearing potential (BMI>30 kg/m2) who underwent bariatric surgery. The study population was followed up from the time of surgery until 1-year post-delivery of the baby. The mean weight gain during the pregnancy was 14.9±5.4 kg. Twenty-three underwent LSCS, and the rest had normal delivery with mean baby weight of 2.5±0.4 kg. Six babies required neonatal intensive care. In our series, only 4 of 35 cohorts that are only 11% had substantial weight retention (range 5-13 kg) at the end of 12 months which is significantly lower than the normal cohorts who did not undergo bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery improves fertility with safe pregnancy and its outcomes in terms of preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and puerperal sepsis in women with childbearing potential and safe for offspring in terms of shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, birth asphyxia and perinatal mortality. However, they should be well aware of the risks associated with bariatric surgery especially the mal-absorptive procedures.

Repeated Projectile Impact Tests on Multi-Layered Fibrous Cementitious Composites

This research aims to experimentally evaluate the behaviour of multi-layered fibrous cementitious composites with intermediate Glass Fibre Meshes (GFM) under repeated projectile load. The impact load was subjected through a convex edge projectile needle at a low velocity on cylindrical specimens of three-layered fibrous cementitious composites, which have two different steel fibre distributions. In series A mixtures, a constant steel fibre dosage of 2.5% by volume was used. On the other hand, the fibre dosage of the outer layers was 3.0%; while it was 1.5% in the middle layer of series B mixtures. The number of intermediate GFM was the variable that distinguishes the mixtures of each series. The resistance to projectile impacts was evaluated on the basis of penetration depth, near surface distortion, weight loss, damage ratio and failure pattern. The test results showed that due to the combined effect of steel fibre and GFM, significantly lower weight losses were recorded for series A and B specimens compared with reference specimens. However, the different fibre distributions (series B) led to lower penetration depths and weight losses with less surface distortion compared with the fixed fibre distribution (series A). The reduction in the destroyed front surface area of series A specimens compared with reference specimens ranged from 27.8 to 38.1%; while that of series B specimens ranged from 34.8 to 53.4%. In addition, a simplified analytical model was introduced to predict the ejected composite mass. The model predictions were found to be in good agreement with the experimental masses.