Weight Loss Process Research Articles

Clinical determinants and utility of early postnatal maximum weight loss in fluid management of extremely low birth weight infants

Background The early postnatal physiological body weight loss process is poorly understood in preterm infants. It is complicated by clinical conditions which adversely affect the body fluid balance during 1st two weeks of life. A lack of physiological weight loss potentially could result in significant morbidities. Body weight is utilized in determining daily fluid volume intakes. Extremely low birth weight infants (birth weight < 1000 g, ELBW) have the highest morbidity and mortality among all neonates. Aim/objective The objective was to evaluate the early postnatal weight changes and its clinical determinants in ELBW infants. We examined the maximum weight loss from birth weight (MWL) in ELBW infants and tested its association with clinical variables which could potentially implicate the body fluid balance during the first two weeks of life. Study design Prospectively entered data in the computerized radiology, biochemical and hematological records, and daily case notes were retrospectively extracted during a 3-year study period. The infants' and maternal demographic, clinical course and outcome variables relevant to body fluid balance during the first two weeks of life were correlated with MWL. Pearson's correlation coefficient and Pearson's partial correlation tests were utilized for data analysis. Results Data are presented as mean ± SD. MWL in the entire cohort ( n = 102) was 14.2 ± 5.4%. Day of life of MWL was 5.5 ± 2.1 and that of birth weight regained 14.5 ± 4.2 days. MWL correlated negatively with gestational age, antenatal steroid receipt (ANS) and pregnancy associated hypertension and positively with total days on oxygen, fluid intake, urinary output and the day of life when birth weight was regained. All these correlations were lost after controlling for GA except for the day of life when birth weight was regained. MWL did not correlate with RDS or its severity, hypotension, PIE, IVH, PDA and length of stay. Over 91% infants had MWL within 3.1–25%. Male, Caucasian and ELBW infants unexposed to ANS tended to have weight loss in excess of 25%. Conclusion MWL is governed by maturation and is not affected by concurrent clinical factors including fluid intakes during the 1st two weeks of life in ELBW infants. MWL within the estimated range of 14.5 + 4.2% of birth weight does not promote morbidities. Male, Caucasian and ELBW infants unexposed to ANS are susceptible to excessively high weight losses in early postnatal period.

Determination of multiple thermal degradation mechanisms of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)

The thermal degradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) was investigated by kinetic analyses in detail to clarify its complex degradation behavior, resulting in a finding of mixed mechanisms comprising at least a thermal random degradation with subsequent auto-accelerated transesterification, and a kinetically favored chain reaction from crotonate chain ends. The thermal degradation behavior of PHB varied with changes in time and/or temperature. From the kinetic analysis of changes in molecular weight, it was found that a non-auto-catalytic random degradation proceeding in the initial period was followed by an auto-accelerated reaction in the middle period. From the kinetic analysis of weight loss behavior, it is proposed that there are some kinetically favored scissions occurring at the chain ends, where the degradation proceeded by a 0th-order weight loss process in the middle stage. The observed 0th-order weight loss process was assumed to be an unzipping reaction occurring at ester groups neighboring the crotonate end groups.

Is Initial Weight Loss Associated with Longer-Term Weight Loss in Obese Adults?

Little is known about the variability in response to behavioral weight loss interventions in individuals with Class II or III obesity. It may be beneficial to identify individuals early in the weight loss process who are not responding to a behavioral intervention, which may allow for tailoring of the intervention components. PURPOSE: To examine if initial weight loss at week 5 in response to a behavioral intervention is associated with weight loss at the completion of a 5-month weight loss intervention in individuals with Class II (BMI: 35 -39.9 kg/m2) or Class III (BMI: ≥40 kg/m2) obesity. METHODS: 49 individuals with Class II or Class III obesity were randomized to a 20-week behavioral weight loss intervention of either diet only (D) or diet plus exercise (DE). Caloric intake in both groups was reduced to 1200-2000 kcal/wk according to baseline weight and involved meal replacement bars and shakes. Exercise in DE was progressed from 50 to 225 min/wk across the 20 weeks. Body weight was measured at 0, 5, and 20 weeks. RESULTS: Weight loss was significantly reduced at week 5 (3.2±2.4 kg, 2.6±1.8%) and week 20 (10.5±6.1 kg, 8.9±4.5%) (p<0.001). Percent weight change at week 5 and 20 were significantly correlated (r=0.70; p<0.01). Subjects were divided into two groups based on a median split of weight loss at week 5 (<2.5% or ≥2.5% weight loss). In the <2.5% group, weight loss (-1.3±1.3 kg vs. -4.8±1.8 kg) and percent weight change (-1.2±1.1% vs. -4.0±1.2%) at week 5 was significantly lower from those with ≥2.5% weight loss (p<0.01). At 20 weeks, weight loss was significantly greater in the ≥2.5% group (13.5±6.5 kg, 11.1±4.4%) compared to the <2.5% group (7.1±3.4kg, 6.3±3.2%; p<0.01). There was no difference in this pattern of weight loss when analyzed separately for the D or DE groups. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss within the first 5 weeks of a behavioral intervention is associated with weight loss observed at week 20 in individuals with Class II or III obesity. Thus, identifying individuals who are less successful with initial weight loss may allow for behavioral interventions to be tailored, and this may enhance the effectiveness of these interventions. This may improve weight loss in response to a behavioral intervention in individuals with Class II or III obesity.

Influence of Hard Segment on Thermal Degradation of Thermoplastic Segmented Polyurethane for Textile Coating Application

An attempt has been made to investigate the thermal degradation of thermoplastic segmented polyurethane (TSPU) as a function of hard segment (HS) content. TSPU, and its corresponding hard segment and soft segment, has been studied in air and nitrogen. Comparing the results of solid conversion of polyurethane in different conditions (air and nitrogen), significant differences were observed. Derivative thermogrametry (DTG) analysis revealed that the degradation was a three-step weight loss process in air and two steps in nitrogen. Multiphase degradation occurs in air due to the oxidation reaction of polymer. Therefore, an extra peak appeared in air (in the temperature range between 509 and 583°C). Degradation temperature of 10% (T10) and the temperature of half-decomposition (Td,1/2) increased with decreasing hard segment content in the TSPU. Thermal stability of polyurethanes decreased after introduction of hydrophilic segment (PEG-200) in the polymer backbone due to the increasing oxygen molecules. The surfaces of the original films, detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were smooth. However, stress cracking was observed for heat-treated deformed TSPU films with higher hard segment content.

Completing the Metamorphosis

Postbariatric body contouring is an expanding and rapidly evolving specialty within plastic surgery. To best address the many clinical issues related to the safe and effective care of the postbariatric patient, the authors have established a dedicated multidisciplinary treatment center. Team building efforts have brought together attending plastic surgeons who specialize in body contouring, nurses focused on body contouring after weight loss, and an administrative staff well trained in the issues related to managing these specific types of cases. Through core partnerships, nutritionists, lifestyle counselors, and psychologic professionals are present in the clinic to evaluate patients alongside the plastic surgeon. A dedicated physician assistant and body-contouring fellow work in both the clinic and the operating room (OR). This team approach has allowed for the establishment of defined screening procedures and patient care algorithms. Outreach and patient education initiatives have allowed the center to forge strong alliances with the regional bariatric surgeons and make patients aware of the role of plastic surgery as they start the process of weight loss. A strong research mission is demonstrated by an IRB-approved clinical registry and database that facilitate outcomes studies.

Preparation and properties of the organic nonlinear optical crystal trans-4-［4-(dimethylamino) styryl］-1-methylpyridium p-toluenesulfonate

The organic ionic salt of trans-4-［4-(dimethylamino) styryl］-1-methylpyridium p-toluenesulfonate (DAST) is a kind of nonlinear optical crystal. Large and high-quality DAST crystals were grown in a saturated DAST-methanol solution from seed crystals by controlling the temperature. The effects of preparation method, temperature and cooling speed on the growth of DAST crystals were investigated in detail. The light transmittance and thermal stability of prepared DAST crystals were studied. The sample of DAST crystal heated at 265℃ was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformation infra-Red spectroscopy (FT-IR), and it was proved that the phase transition temperature of DAST crystal is 260℃, and it is feasible to prepare DAST crystal from the melt. At the same time, the process of weight loss of DAST crystal at 37—800℃ was discussed preliminarily.

Role of Adipokines in the Obesity???Inflammation Relationship: The Effect of Fat Removal

During the past 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity in the United States and other developed nations. Recent studies indicate that adipose tissue is an endocrine organ producing numerous proteins, collectively referred to as adipokines, with broad biological activity, that play an important autocrine role in obesity-associated complications. Adipose tissue in general and visceral fat in particular are thought to be key regulators of inflammation. Inflammation is heavily involved in the onset and development of atherothrombotic disease. Moreover, chronic inflammation may also represent a triggering factor in the origin of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. According to a hypothesis, stimuli such as overnutrition, physical inactivity, and aging would result in cytokine hypersecretion and eventually lead to insulin resistance and diabetes in genetically or metabolically predisposed individuals. This article discusses the current understanding of important adipokines thought to be involved in the metabolic and cardiovascular risk associated with obesity. Available evidence linking fat removal by liposuction to modification of cardiovascular risk and vascular inflammatory markers in the obese patient is also presented. Most studies have shown that liposuction produces beneficial effects on insulin resistance and vascular inflammation in the obese patient, reducing its cardiovascular risk. Besides having a significant role in body contouring of the obese patient at the end of the lengthy process of bariatric surgery and massive weight loss, plastic surgery should be incorporated into a multifaceted program of lifestyle changes that allows the obese patient to obtain weight loss and, more importantly, to maintain the reduced weight in the long term.

Photoluminescence and Electroluminescence from Tris(8- hydroxyquinoline)aluminum Nanowires Prepared by Adsorbent-Assisted Physical Vapor Deposition

Single-crystalline nanowires are successfully prepared from a small organic functional molecule, tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3), by an adsorbent-assisted physical-vapor-deposition method. The introduction of adsorbents can decrease the sublimation temperature of Alq3, and slow the weight-loss process markedly, which is proven to be indispensable in improving the uniformity of the as-prepared Alq3 nanowires. Measurements of the optical properties reveal that the absorption spectra of the Alq3 nanowires show an obvious blue-shift with decreasing diameter. The photoluminescence vibrational fine structure emerges and becomes pronounced with increasing excitation energy, which is attributed to the ordered orientation of the Alq3 molecules in the nanowires. Furthermore, the Alq3 nanowires are fabricated into an electroluminescent device, which has an obvious size-dependent performance.

Different dietary strategies for weight loss in obesity: role of energy and macronutrient content

Obesity is a chronic disorder caused by an imbalance of the energy metabolism with high associated burdens. Therefore, huge efforts are being currently devoted in studying new types of hypoenergetic diets and their composition, in order to characterise more specific, long-lasting and safe slimming protocols. A number of investigations are trying to determine the specific influence of the macronutrient distribution in energy-restricted diets on the management of excessive body weight. In this context, very-low-energy diets supplying between 1670 and 3350 kJ (400 and 800 kcal)/d have been beneficial in short-term treatments causing a weight loss of 300-500 g/d. Such strategies place more emphasis on energy restriction than on the macronutrient composition of the diet prescription. Weight loss produced by either low-carbohydrate or low-fat moderately energy-restricted diets ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 kg/week, while diets with high or moderately high protein content have also been applied in weight-reducing programmes by inducing losses of 0.2-0.4 kg/week. Other factors that determine weight loss by dieting are sex, age, initial body weight, race, genetics, regional fat deposition, etc, which must be taken into account to explain the variability in the outcomes of different low-energy diets. Therefore, more research is needed about the impact of diets with different fuel substrates and foods on the characteristics of the weight-loss process.

Synthesis and Thermal Properties of Liquid Crystalline Thermoset containing Rigid-Rod Epoxy

4,4′-diglycidyloxy- α-methylstilbene (DOMS) and a novel liquid crystalline thermoset, D2A1 which is obtained from the reaction between DOMS and aniline were synthesized. The thermosets have been characterized with cross-polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and other techniques. D2A1 was smectic at room temperature and turned to nematic at 85°C upon heating, then turned isotropic at 135°C. Activation energies for decomposition ( Ed) using TGA were calculated according to the technique of Flynn-Wall to determine Ed as a function of conversion α by a weight loss process.

Study on oxidative degradation behaviors of polyesterurethane network

In this study H 2O 2/CoCl 2 system was used as an oxidative environment to investigate the in vitro degradation behavior of a crosslinked polyesterurethane network. Weight loss, water absorption, mechanical properties, swelling degree and gel content were determined as a function of degradation time. The results showed that the H 2O 2/CoCl 2 system could effectively accelerate the degradation of the polyurethanes. The samples had almost completely degraded after 84 days of incubation in a 3% H 2O 2/2% CoCl 2 solution at 37 °C. The weight loss process could be approximately divided into three major phases: the weight decreased slowly during an induction phase (1), which was followed by a phase characterized by accelerated weight loss (2), and finally by a phase showing slow linear weight loss until complete erosion (3). The attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra of degraded polyurethane networks showed that the polyurethane underwent chain scission of the copolyester segment chains, and the joints of copolyester and 2,2,4- and 2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylene during degradation in the oxidative environment. The glass transition temperature of degraded polyesterurethane networks decreased significantly with increasing degradation time. From these results the H 2O 2/CoCl 2 system can be used as an oxidative condition to evaluate the in vitro degradability of polyesterurethane.

Thermal decomposition study of 5,5,5′,5′,5″,5″-hexamethyltris(1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinanemethan)amine 2,2′,2″-trioxide and its mixtures with melamine phosphate

This paper deals with the thermal decomposition behavior of 5,5,5′,5′,5″,5″-hexamethyltris(1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinanemethan)amine 2,2′,2″-trioxide (I), a fire retardant additive, and its mixtures with melamine phosphate. Under nitrogen, (I) exhibits melting followed by an exothermal weight loss process at 260–340 °C. Under air, the temperature of the weight loss process is lowered by about 30 °C. The main volatile pyrolysis products of (I) are 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-methylbutanal and 5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane 2-oxide. Condensed phosphoric acids are accumulated in the solid pyrolysis products. Addition of melamine phosphate decreases the thermal stability of (I) causing its rapid dealkylation followed by the formation of melamine oligophosphates and decomposition of the symm-triazine ring. The structure of the charred products depends on the ratio of the initial components. The main products from pyrolysis of the (I) + melamine phosphate = 1:1 or 2:1 mixtures are cross-linked urea derivatives and imidophosphoric acids.

Effects of Two Energy-Restricted Diets Containing Different Fruit Amounts on Body Weight Loss and Macronutrient Oxidation

The consumption of specific foods in energy-restricted diets may affect the weight loss process. The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether obese women following two hypocaloric diets with distinct fruit content differ in weight loss and metabolic responses. Fifteen obese women were included, who were randomly assigned to follow a low or a high-fruit energy-restricted diet for 8 weeks. The main outcome variables were weight and fat losses. Metabolic measurements concerning macronutrient oxidation were also assessed by using (13)C labelled fructose and indirect calorimetry. The induced weight loss was similar for both diets (6.9 +/- 2% vs. 6.6 +/- 2%, p = 0.785). Both experimental diets similarly improved the lipid plasma profile in the participants, but the cholesterol fall was higher in obese subjects receiving the diet containing more fruit. No statistical differences in lipids carbohydrates and (13)C labelled fructose utilisation were observed, but protein oxidation was differently affected by the experimental diets. The compensatory effects of the associated fibre/fructose intake may explain the lack of a specific effect of the fruit amount on hypocaloric diets designed to weight loss, although the increased fibre content from enriched fruit diets may be involved in the favourable effects on cholesterol plasma levels.

A physical activity program to reinforce weight maintenance following a behavior program in overweight/obese subjects

To investigate the effects of a specific program to implement physical activity (fitness program) on weight loss maintenance, activity level and resting energy expenditure (REE). Observational study of subjects completing a behavioral program. In total, 200 overweight/obese subjects (36 males, aged 20-66 years; average BMI, 35.2 kg/m2). Program and measurements:The fitness program consisted of 12 bimonthly sessions, chaired by doctors and dietitians, involving groups of 8-12 subjects. Patients entered the program approximately 9 months after the end of behavioral treatment, during a weight loss maintenance period. The goal was set at a light-to-moderate daily physical activity (brisk walking), quantitatively measured by a pedometer; REE was measured before and after the fitness program by indirect calorimetry in a subset of patients. The fitness program restarted the process of weight loss in over 60% of subjects. At the end of the study, 84% of patients walked at least 5000 steps per day, compared with 24% at the beginning of the study. The probability of losing from 5 to 10% of initial body weight increased by 20% for any 1000 steps/day (OR, 1.20; 95% CI (confidence interval), 1.07-1.35), and that of losing more than 10% by over 30% (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.19-1.49). REE increased significantly by 100 kcal/day (+7.5%), in spite of further weight loss (-1.8%). A specific fitness program in the weight maintenance phase after a behavioral program may significantly improve the long-term control of obesity.

The use of thermal desorption GC/MS to study weight loss in thermogravimetric analysis of di-acid salts

Thermal desorption gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (TD GC/MS) was used to study weight loss in thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The technique of thermal desorption utilizes the same temperature heating rate as the TGA to thermally desorb volatiles from solid sample matrices. Volatiles were cryo-trapped at −60 °C. After thermal desorption is complete, the trapped volatiles are separated by a GC capillary column and identified by mass spectrometry. In this study, the TD GC/MS was applied in pharmaceutical development to understand the chemical reactions attributed to the weight loss in the thermal decomposition of two dicarboxylic acid salts of a drug substance. These two salts exhibited different thermal stabilities. The thermally induced chemical reactions obtained from these two salts included dehydration and decarboxylation. Thermal degradation compounds were identified and reaction pathways for decomposition were proposed. The stability of the salts is dependent on the identity of the dicarboxylic acids from which they were generated. The information obtained from TD GC/MS helps better understand the weight loss process in thermogravimetric analysis.

“Slim Now! Ask Me How?” Gestalt Theory and Method in Wanted Weight-Loss Processes: A Phenomenological Exploration

Book Review| January 01 2005 “Slim Now! Ask Me How?” Gestalt Theory and Method in Wanted Weight-Loss Processes: A Phenomenological Exploration “Slim Now! Ask Me How?” Gestalt Theory and Method in Wanted Weight-Loss Processes: A Phenomenological Exploration, by KnutMoskaug, M.Sc., Unpublished master's thesis in Gestalt Psychotherapy. Norsk Gestalt Institutt and University of Derby, United Kingdom, 2004. Ansel Woldt Ansel Woldt Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Gestalt Review (2005) 9 (3): 333–337. https://doi.org/10.5325/gestaltreview.9.3.0333 Cite Icon Cite Share Icon Share Twitter Permissions Search Site Citation Ansel Woldt; “Slim Now! Ask Me How?” Gestalt Theory and Method in Wanted Weight-Loss Processes: A Phenomenological Exploration. Gestalt Review 1 January 2005; 9 (3): 333–337. doi: https://doi.org/10.5325/gestaltreview.9.3.0333 Download citation file: Zotero Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All Scholarly Publishing CollectivePenn State University PressGestalt Review Search Advanced Search The text of this article is only available as a PDF. Copyright © 2005 The Pennsylvania State University2005The Pennsylvania State University Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

Subtracting the water effect from DSC curves by using simultaneous TGA data

In this work, a method to calculate the baseline when weight loss processes take place is presented. Such method combines the information obtained by TGA with the simultaneous heat flow signal obtained in a Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer. Once the water evaporation step is identified, thermal parameters such as specific heat and enthalpy of vaporization can be combined with the instantaneous weight loss to subtract the heat flow corresponding to this component from the DSC baseline. In this paper the model was applied to water evaporation in forest litter samples.

Thermal degradation behaviour of poly(lactic acid) stereocomplex

The thermal degradation of poly(lactic acid) stereocomplex (scPLA) was investigated to clarify the pyrolysis mechanism. Three scPLA samples with different chain end structures were prepared, namely, as-polymerised scPLA-ap, precipitated-with-methanol scPLA-pr, and purified metal-free scPLA–H. From the analyses of thermal degradation kinetics and pyrolysates of the scPLA samples, typical degradation mechanisms of these scPLAs were proposed as follows. The pyrolysis of scPLA-ap proceeds through main unzipping depolymerisation caused by Sn–alkoxide chain ends with apparent E a =80–100 kJ mol −1 , showing zero-order weight loss behaviour. The pyrolysis of scPLA-pr also proceeds via a zero-order weight loss process consisting of main Sn-catalyzed selective lactide elimination with apparent E a =100–120 kJ mol −1 caused by Sn–carboxylate chain ends. The pyrolysates from scPLA-ap and scPLA-pr were predominantly l, l-/ d, d-lactides. In the case of scPLA–H, random degradation is a main process, producing a large amount of meso-lactide and cyclic oligomers. These degradation mechanisms were nearly the same as those of the corresponding PLLAs, except that the scPLA-ap pyrolysis started at higher temperature due to the higher melting point of scPLA.

An emerging model of behavior change in women maintaining weight loss.

This study is based on and expands Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness with women who maintained weight loss for at least 1 year. The researcher engaged in two in-depth interviews with twenty women. Individual patterns for participants who maintained weight loss revealed a personal journey of self-discovery and control with initial chaos, choice, and then emergence of behaviors reflecting expanded consciousness. Looking across participants, six patterns emerged from the data with evolution of a model of change that has implications for nursing practice at defined times within the change process of weight loss.

Effects of chain end structures on pyrolysis of poly( l-lactic acid) containing tin atoms

Thermal degradation of high molecular weight PLLA containing residual tin atoms was investigated as a means of controlling the reaction for feedstock recycling to l, l-lactide. To clarify the pyrolysis mechanism of the PLLA, three samples with different chain end structures were prepared, namely, as-polymerized PLLA-ap, precipitated-with-methanol PLLA-pr, and purified PLLA-H. From pyrolyzate and kinetic analyses, typical degradation mechanisms of Sn-containing PLLA were clarified. In other words, it was assumed that the pyrolysis of PLLA-ap proceeds through a zero-order weight loss process with the apparent E a =80–90 kJ mol −1 , and with the occurrence of backbiting and transesterification reactions caused by Sn-alkoxide chain ends. The pyrolysis of PLLA-pr was also assumed to proceed via a zero-order weight loss process with apparent E a =120–130 kJ mol −1 , with the proposed mechanism being Sn-catalyzed selective lactide elimination caused by Sn-carboxylate chain ends. Both pyrolysis of PLLA-ap and PLLA-pr produced l, l-lactide selectively. These degradation mechanisms and products are in contrast to those of PLLA-H, in which a large amount of diastereoisomers and cyclic oligomers were formed by random degradation. From this study, the complicated PLLA pyrolysis behavior as reported previously could be explained properly.