Weight Reduction Research Articles

The Design and Analysis of a Lightweight Robotic Arm Based on a Load-Adaptive Hoisting Mechanism

This paper presents the design and control of a lightweight three degrees of freedom robotic arm based on a load-adaptive hoisting mechanism. The proposed design integrates a spring-loaded rope and a variable radius reel into the gripper, enabling efficient load adaptability with minimal structural complexity. By leveraging this mechanism, the robotic arm achieves significant weight reduction while maintaining robust performance under variable payloads. The study includes a comprehensive analysis of the system’s kinematics and dynamics, focusing on the interaction between the adaptive gripper and the arm structure. A prototype of the robotic arm was developed and experimentally tested to validate its functionality.

Comparative efficacy of incretin drugs on glycemic control, body weight, and blood pressure in adults with overweight or obesity and with/without type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundThe rapid development of multi-receptor drugs targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is driving significant advancements in the treatment of individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of multi-receptor drugs in adults with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and WanFang databases up to May 12, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with an intervention duration of at least 12 weeks were included. The population of interest consisted of individuals with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes. Eligible studies compared multi-receptor drugs with placebo or other multi-receptor drugs. The primary outcomes were weight reduction, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood pressure changes, and adverse events. Risk of bias was assessed using the version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB2), and a random-effects network meta-analysis was performed using the frequentist approach. Confidence in effect estimates was evaluated using the Confidence In Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) framework.ResultsA total of 24 trials, involving 9165 participants, were included. Retatrutide (mean difference (MD): -11.91 kg, 95% CI: -19.00 to -4.82, P-score: 0.80, p: 0.0003) and Tirzepatide (MD: -12.78 kg, 95% CI: -16.10 to -9.46, P-score: 0.89, p < 0.0001) exhibited superior efficacy in reducing body weight, with all other agents except Mazdutide (MD: -5.31 kg, 95% CI: -9.78 to -0.84, P-score: 0.37, p: 0.0189) achieving reductions of over 8 kg. In patients with type 2 diabetes, all agents reduced HbA1c by over 1%, with Tirzepatide (MD: -1.87%, 95% CI: -2.15 to -1.59, P-score: 0.87, p < 0.0001) and Mazdutide (MD: -1.89%, 95% CI: -2.43 to -1.35, P-score: 0.88, p < 0.0001) showing the greatest effects on glycemic control. For blood pressure management, Tirzepatide significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (MD: -6.69 mmHg, 95% CI: -7.62 to -5.75, P-score: 0.84, p < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (MD: -3.73 mmHg, 95% CI: -4.75 to -2.71, P-score: 0.92, p < 0.0001), with nearly all agents lowering systolic blood pressure by more than 5 mmHg. Non-diabetic participants showed more pronounced improvements in both weight and blood pressure. Safety analysis revealed that Tirzepatide had a favorable safety profile and all agents showed no significant impact on serious adverse events compared to placebo.ConclusionsMulti-receptor drugs demonstrated substantial therapeutic potential in weight management, glycemic control, and blood pressure regulation in adults with overweight or obesity, with or without diabetes, with a generally favorable safety profile.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024554005.

Cellular signalling of melatonin and its role in metabolic disorders.

Melatonin released from the pineal gland plays an important role in maintaining the light/dark cycle. Melatonin exerts its effects on various organs through receptor and nonreceptor pathways. Recently, the role of melatonin in various metabolic disorders has been investigated. This review focuses on the molecular pathways associated with melatonin and its role in metabolic disorders. In humans, melatonin acts through two G protein-coupled receptors (MT1 and MT2). Melatonin modulates insulin release, such as elevated insulin levels in the evening compared to morning hours, exerts cardioprotective effects through the cGMP pathway and nitric oxide production in endothelial cells, and controls oxidative stress and apoptosis in myocardial tissue. Melatonin through MT2 receptors increases lipolysis and thermogenesis, which have a positive effect on weight reduction in obese individuals. Currently, most drugs that target melatonin receptors are primarily used to treat neurological disorders. A detailed investigation to explore the role of melatonin and its signalling pathway in peripheral organs is essential to develop therapeutic molecules for managing metabolic disorders.

Alternate-day fasting enhanced weight loss and metabolic benefits over pair-fed calorie restriction in obese mice.

Both alternate-day fasting (ADF) and calorie restriction (CR) are effective weight loss strategies. However, most individuals find it difficult to adhere to CR. Furthermore, CR can induce an excessive loss of not only fat but also muscle mass. This study aimed to compare the effects of ADF and pair-feeding (PF) CR on metabolic pathways underlying obesity in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Male C57BL/6N Tac mice (n = 10 per group) were fed an HFD for 8 weeks to establish a diet-induced obesity model. Mice were then continued on the HFD with either alternate-day access to food or PF for the next 8 weeks. We measured body weight, adiposity, plasma biomarkers, and molecular mechanisms involving lipolysis and autophagy. Both ADF and PF resulted in comparable weight and fat loss. Compared with PF, ADF showed a significant reduction in liver weight and hepatic triglyceride levels. ADF significantly increased plasma ketone body levels and white adipose tissue lipolysis. Compared with PF, ADF tended to activate autophagy elongation and autophagosome formation, which were insignificant. These findings indicated that ADF is a promising intervention for metabolic diseases, potentially due to its superior efficacy in promoting ketogenesis and lipolysis compared with PF.

The Effect of Gluing Versus Suturing of the Stapler Line in Sleeve Gastrectomy on Weight Loss.

Stapler line reinforcement during sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was assessed thoroughly in the context of postoperative complications focusing on leakage and bleeding. However, the effect of stapler line reinforcement techniques on the short- and long-term weight loss is still unclear and lacking. We hypothesize that inverting of the stapler line by Lembert suturing could lead to further additional reduction of the remnant gastric volume and accordingly a more significant weight reduction. Retrospective analysis of patients that underwent LSG (2012-2018) from the two university hospitals. The first hospital routinely performed oversewing with inversion of the stapler line (first group, Lembert suture), while the second university hospital performed LSG without stapler line oversewing and inversion, but routinely used VeraSeal glue (second group, non-Lembert); both groups were compared in terms of weight loss and complications. Four hundred eighty and 550 patients underwent LSG in the first and second hospital, consequently. The mean BMI change and EBWL at 1, 3, and 5 years were better in the first group than in second group. The mean last follow-up BMI was significantly lower in Lembert group (29.8 ± 5.2kg/m2) than in non-Lembert group (32.9 ± 6.7 kg/m2), P = 0.001. The mean EBWL at last follow-up point was significantly better for the Lembert group as compared to non-Lembert group (73.7 ± 26.59 versus 57.12 ± 27.71, P = 0.001). Lembert suture line oversewing and inversion in LSG is associated with noticeable improvement in weight loss outcomes at 1, 3, and 5 years and last follow-up compared to LSG with VeraSeal gluing.

The impact of sauna suits on body fluid loss, body temperature, and energy expenditure in athletes

This study aims to evaluate the impact of sauna suits compared with regular training clothing on body fluid loss, body temperature, and energy expenditure among elite athletes. A sample of 15 male university athletes from weight-class sports, such as Taekwondo and Wrestling, participated in the study. Using a counterbalanced measures design, participants were randomly assigned to wear sauna suits and regular training clothing in two separate sessions. Measurements of body mass, body temperature, and calorie expenditure were recorded pre- and post-exercise. The results demonstrated that sauna suits significantly increased body fluid loss, elevated body temperature, and enhanced calorie expenditure compared with regular training clothing. Specifically, the results indicated that body mass varied significantly by timing and clothing with a p-value of 0.001, body temperature also showed significant differences based on timing and clothing with a p-value of 0.001, and caloric expenditure differed by type of clothing with a p-value of 0.019. These findings suggest that sauna suits are effective tools for rapid weight reduction and performance enhancement in weight-class sports, though caution is advised to mitigate risks of dehydration and overheating. Future research should investigate the long-term effects and safety of sauna suit use.

The weight-loss injection : An orthopaedic overview

The increasing prevalence of obesity represents asignificant and growing challenge in orthopaedic surgery. This is particularly true for patients with morbid obesity, who have asignificantly increased risk of postoperative complications. The newer incretin-based therapies (such as semaglutide and tirzepatide), these so-called "weight loss injections", offer promising potential for preoperative weight reduction and minimisation of peri- and postoperative complications. However, the evidence regarding their influence on postoperative outcomes is inconsistent. Retrospective studies suggest that rapid weight loss immediately prior to orthopaedic surgery may increase the risk of complications, including septic shock and revision surgery. Meta-analyses, on the other hand, indicate potential protective effects in surgical outcomes with prior long-term weight reduction. There are currently no sufficiently qualitative studies on the safety and efficacy of these new drugs in the orthopaedic surgery sector. An individualised and multidisciplinary approach, therefore, remains relevant in order to achieve an optimal surgical outcome for the individual patient.

Study on the Mechanism of the Leaves of Dimocarpus longan Lour. in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes based on Metabolomics.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease. The leaves of Dimocarpus longan Lour. (LYY), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Guangxi national characteristics often used in simple recipes to treat DM has attracted increasing attention. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of LYY in diabetic rats from a metabolomic perspective. The type 2 diabetes (T2DM) rat model was induced by a high-sugar and high-fat diet (HSFD) combined with 40 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). After oral administration of LYY (10.7 g/kg) for 28 d, their weight, fasted blood glucose (FBG), blood lipid levels, and inflammatory factors were assessed. The feces, urine, and serum samples of the rats were collected, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) technology was used to explore the changes in the sample's metabolism spectrum and analyze the relevant targeted metabolic pathways. Compared with the diabetes group, LYY rats significantly delayed the reduction of body weight and decreased the FBG level (P <0.01); the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), IL-6, and TNF-α in serum significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01), and the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) significantly increased (P < 0.01). 2 candidate biomarkers were identified from feces samples, and 4 associated metabolic pathways were discovered. 13 potential biomarkers were screened from urine samples, leading to the identification of 16 related metabolic pathways. Similarly, 5 potential biomarkers were screened from serum samples, and 11 related metabolic pathways were found. LYY can regulate the metabolic disorder caused by T2DM by regulating amino acid metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and tricarboxylic acid cycle, which provides a specific reference for the clinical treatment of T2DM.

Establishment of an animal model for monkeypox virus infection in dormice

This study aims to establish an animal model of monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection in dormice through intranasal inoculation. Male dormice aged 4–5 months were selected as experimental subjects and administered different titers of MPXV (103.5 PFU, 104.5 PFU, and 105.5 PFU, respectively) via nasal instillation. Within 14 days post-infection, clinical indicators such as survival rate, body weight changes, respiratory status, and mental state were continuously monitored. Additionally, tissue samples from the lungs, liver, spleen, and trachea of dormice from each group were collected on the 5th and 10th days for virus titer detection, and histopathological analysis was performed on lung samples collected on the 5th and 10th days. Dormice infected with MPXV exhibited typical symptoms such as appetite loss, continuous body weight reduction, aggravated respiratory difficulties, accompanied by lethargy, chills, and other clinical manifestations similar to human monkeypox infection. Virological tests further confirmed the distribution of MPXV in multiple vital organs of dormice, including the lungs, liver, spleen, and trachea, with particularly significant pathological damage observed in lung tissue. An MPXV infection model in dormice was successfully established through intranasal inoculation with a titer of 105.5 PFU MPXV, which can be used for studying the infection mechanism and pharmacology of MPXV.

Correlation between traumatic brain injury, obesity and insulin-resistance – a case report

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury is a significant global health concern. It often results from high-velocity accidents and leads to diffuse axonal injury, causing consciousness disorders and potentially permanent cognitive and behavioural changes. Individuals with traumatic brain injury often exhibit weight gain, potentially leading to obesity. This weight increase is influenced by cognitive dysfunction, reduced physical activity and metabolic changes. Case report: A 23-year-old woman suffered a traumatic brain injury after a traffic accident, with an initial Glasgow Coma Scale score of 5/15. Positive neurological improvement was observed during her stay in the intensive care unit and the neurosurgical department. Subsequently, she was transferred to the rehabilitation department, where she faced significant challenges, including mood fluctuations, cognitive impairments and substantial weight gain. Her body mass index (BMI) increased from 23 kg/m2 pre-accident to a maximum of 36 kg/m2, despite interventions like medications and lifestyle changes. Blood tests revealed insulin-resistance and metformin initiated a successful weight reduction. Conclusion: Managing weight gain following traumatic brain injury requires effective interventions that acknowledge its complexity and multifaceted nature, including lifestyle modifications, behavioural therapy and potentially pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery. Further research is essential to better understand underlying mechanisms and evaluate intervention effectiveness in this specific patient population.

Analysis of Supplementary Feeding Satisfaction on Weight Gain and Reduction in the Incidence of Chronic Energy Deficiency in Pregnant Women

Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in pregnant women is a global health issue affecting maternal and fetal health. Supplemental feeding (SF) is an intervention to address CED, but its success depends on maternal satisfaction with the program. This study analyzed the relationship between maternal satisfaction, weight gain, and reduction in CED incidence among pregnant women. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, 150 pregnant women from three health centers (Kutawaluyo, Kutamuki, Sukatani) were studied. Data were collected via questionnaires covering satisfaction with SF, weight gain, and nutritional status. Bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between satisfaction with SF and weight gain (p = 0.04). Logistic regression revealed that satisfied mothers were 2.8 times more likely to achieve healthy weight gain than dissatisfied ones (OR = 2.8, p &lt; 0.01). Maternal satisfaction was crucial for SF success in preventing CED. Psychosocial factors like communication between mothers and health workers and family support significantly influenced satisfaction levels. The study underscores the importance of tailoring SF programs to pregnant women’s needs and strengthening health policies to reduce CED prevalence. Enhanced maternal satisfaction with SF can improve nutritional outcomes, benefiting both mothers and their unborn children.

Intentional weight reduction before surgery - A systematic review.

Obesity may increase complexity of surgical procedures and increase the risk of perioperative complications. Weight reduction by the use of low energy diet (LED, ≤1200kcal/day) or very low energy diet (VLED, ≤800kcal/day) can reduce postoperative complications after bariatric surgery, but for most other types of surgery the evidence for its use remains uncertain. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to evaluate the scientific evidence in general for this routine. The Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched up until November 20, 2024 using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool for observational studies and the NIH quality assessment of controlled intervention studies for randomized trials. Operation time, surgeon's perceived difficulty, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications and relevant efficacy measures for specific procedures were considered as endpoints. A random-effects model was used to pool effect sizes for the main analyses. A total of 7053 studies were identified. After screening by title and abstract, followed by full text, 18 studies (9 RCTs and 9 observational studies) remained for the analyses including 854 patients who received the intervention and 979 controls. Preoperative LED/VLED resulted in an overall shorter operation time (standard mean difference 0.36, 95% CI 0.14-0.59, p=0.002), and reduced risk of postoperative complications after bariatric surgery, cholecystectomy, colorectal surgery and hernia repair (pooled RR 0.63, 95%CI 0.51-0.79, p<0.001). Heterogeneity between studies was high for operation time but very low for complications. No difference was seen for intraoperative complications, while the data did not allow further analyses on perceived difficulty of surgery or efficacy outcomes. The results support the use of LED/VLED for short-term preoperative weight reduction in patients with obesity planned for bariatric surgery and for those undergoing cholecystectomy, colorectal surgery and hernia repair. Further studies including a comparable control group are needed to evaluate its routine use for other surgical procedures. The protocol of this study was preregistered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO.

Biodegradable Plastics from Marine Biomass: A Solution to Marine Plastic Pollution

The growing demand for plastics has raised environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature. Sustainable solutions are urgently required to decrease plastic pollution. This study explored the potential of Sargassum wightii, a seaweed found in Malaysia, as a sustainable material for bioplastic films. The seaweed-based bioplastic was produced using an extraction-based method where alginate was formed using NaOH, followed by mixing sodium alginate with isopropanol and potato starch. The bioplastic was then characterized using various analytical techniques, including Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Physical properties such as density and moisture content, along with environmental tests like water absorption and biodegradability, were evaluated. TGA analysis indicated that 31.12% of the sample remained as residue. FTIR spectroscopy identified the presence of bioactive compounds, with a prominent alcohol group peak at 3358cm-1. XRD analysis revealed a peak at 23.1°, indicating crystallinity within the sample. The moisture content of the bioplastic film was found to be 21.16%. The water absorption test demonstrated the film's hydrophilic nature, showing a 60% increase in weight. A soil burial test for biodegradability confirmed a 40% reduction in weight over 21 days, indicating a reasonable degradation rate. These findings suggest that seaweed holds promise as an alternative raw material for bioplastic production, contributing to more sustainable materials and reducing reliance on non-biodegradable plastics.

Efficacy of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Weight Loss, BMI, and Waist Circumference for Patients With Obesity or Overweight: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression of 47 Randomized Controlled Trials.

To provide an updated synthesis on effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on weight, BMI, and waist circumference incorporating newer randomized controlled trials (RCTs), particularly in individuals with overweight or obesity. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for RCTs published from inception to 4 October 2024. The search was limited to RCTs evaluating the use of GLP-1 RAs for mean differences from baseline in weight, BMI, and waist circumference in adults with obesity or overweight with or without diabetes. Two independent reviewers performed the literature search and data extraction, resolving disagreements via consensus or third-reviewer consultation. Forty-seven RCTs were included, with a combined cohort of 23,244 patients. GLP-1 RAs demonstrated a mean weight reduction of -4.57 kg (95% CI -5.35 to -3.78), mean BMI reduction of -2.07 kg/m2 (95% CI -2.53 to -1.62), and mean waist circumference reduction of -4.55 cm (95% CI -5.72 to -3.38) compared with placebo. This effect was consistent across diabetes status, GLP-1 RA used, and route of administration. The greatest treatment benefit appeared to favor patients who were younger, female, without diabetes, with higher baseline weight and BMI but lower baseline HbA1c, and treated over a longer duration. Limitations include substantial statistical heterogeneity, in part due to broad inclusion criteria. However, this heterogeneity may improve generalizability by reflecting a wide range of study designs and patient populations. GLP-1 RAs demonstrated significant weight, BMI, and waist circumference reduction benefits in this meta-analysis.

Marine microalgae - Mediated biodegradation of polystyrene microplastics: Insights from enzymatic and molecular docking studies.

Biodegradation of microplastics (MPs) through microalgal strains would be of eco-friendly approach for significant pollution abatement. Polystyrene (PS) is a major contaminant in the marine environment; however studies on marine microalgal degradation of PS MPs have been very limited. In the present study, six marine microalgal strains viz. Picochlorum maculatum, Dunaliella salina, Amphora sp., Navicula sp., Synechocystis sp. and Limnospira indica were investigated for their ability to degrade PS MPs for the incubation period of 45 days. Results from weight reduction, ATR-FTIR, SEM, and molecular docking analysis confirmed that microalgae formed biofilms on PS MPs, causing structural changes, and laccase-driven enzymatic breakdown. A maximum weight loss of 23.2±0.21% and a minimum of 11.3±0.026% were caused by the colonized microalgae Synechocystis sp. and Amphora sp. respectively. The study indicated that a higher reduction rate was observed in the Synechocystis sp. Treated PS MPs with a rate of 0.0058g/day and a lower half-life of 119.34 days. SEM analysis showed that microalgae caused pits, erosion, and damage to the PS film. ATR-FTIR confirmed the chemical modifications and proved biodegradation. Laccase enzyme activity was higher in Synechocystis sp., and molecular docking showed the laccase interaction with the derivatives of PS, elucidating the breakdown process. This study highlights the potential of microalgae for eco-friendly microplastic degradation and paves the way for future research on the by-products of this process. Exploring the ecological impact of by-products and optimizing scalable methods can further enhance the sustainability and practical applications of this promising solution.

Optimised Skeletal Muscle Mass as a Key Strategy for Obesity Management

The ‘Body Mass Index’ (BMI) is an anachronistic and outdated ratio that is used as an internationally accepted diagnostic criterion for obesity, and to prioritise, stratify, and outcome-assess its management options. On an individual level, the BMI has the potential to mislead, including inaccuracies in cardiovascular risk assessment. Furthermore, the BMI places excessive emphasis on a reduction in overall body weight (rather than optimised body composition) and contributes towards a misunderstanding of the quiddity of obesity and a dispassionate societal perspective and response to the global obesity problem. The overall objective of this review is to provide an overview of obesity that transitions away from the BMI and towards a novel vista: viewing obesity from the perspective of the skeletal muscle (SM). We resurrect the SM as a tissue hidden in plain sight and provide an overview of the key role that the SM plays in influencing metabolic health and efficiency. We discuss the complex interlinks between the SM and the adipose tissue (AT) through key myokines and adipokines, and argue that rather than two separate tissues, the SM and AT should be considered as a single entity: the ‘Adipo–Muscle Axis’. We discuss the vicious circle of sarcopenic obesity, in which aging- and obesity-related decline in SM mass contributes to a worsened metabolic status and insulin resistance, which in turn further compounds SM mass and function. We provide an overview of the approaches that can mitigate against the decline in SM mass in the context of negative energy balance, including the optimisation of dietary protein intake and resistance physical exercises, and of novel molecules in development that target the SM, which will play an important role in the future management of obesity. Finally, we argue that the Adipo–Muscle Ratio (AMR) would provide a more clinically meaningful descriptor and definition of obesity than the BMI and would help to shift our focus regarding its effective management away from merely inducing weight loss and towards optimising the AMR with proper attention to the maintenance and augmentation of SM mass and function.

Effects of liraglutide on body composition in people living with obesity or overweight: A systematic review.

To evaluate the effect of liraglutide on body composition in people living with obesity or overweight. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to June 10, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing liraglutide to placebo and reporting body composition outcomes were included. Data from 15 studies involving 960 participants were analyzed. Liraglutide consistently demonstrated significant reductions in total weight, fat mass, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) compared to placebo across the included studies. VAT reductions ranged from 12.49 % to 23 %, highlighting liraglutide's effectiveness in targeting visceral fat, a key factor in cardiometabolic risk. Fat mass reductions were also substantial and consistent, reinforcing the efficacy of liraglutide in improving overall body composition. In contrast, lean mass outcomes were more variable, with some studies reporting preservation or even gains in lean mass, while others indicated losses. Liraglutide effectively reduces fat mass and VAT, supporting its use in managing obesity and related cardiometabolic risks. However, the inability to accurately calculate lean and fat mass proportions underscores the need for standardized reporting and availability of individual-level data. Future research should prioritize these elements and include muscle function assessments to better evaluate the clinical impacts of GLP-1 receptor agonists on body composition.

Colistin treatment causes neuronal loss and cognitive impairment via ros accumulation and neuronal plasticity alterations.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance has made necessary the increase of the antibacterial arsenal against multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this context, colistin has re-emerged as a first-line antibiotic in critical situations despite its nephro- and neuro- toxicity at peripheral level. However, the mechanism underlying its toxicity remains unknown, particularly in relation to the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying colistin-induced neurotoxicity in the CNS through a combination of in vitro and in vivo molecular studies along with several in vivo behavioral tests. Following colistin treatment, mice exhibited a significant reduction in body weight together with renal impairment, and locomotor dysfunction. Moreover, our results demonstrated that colistin disrupted the blood-brain barrier, inducing astrogliosis, and triggering apoptosis-related processes probably through the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction. Further analysis on mice and primary neuronal cultures revealed that colistin administration altered neuronal plasticity by reducing the number of immature neurons in adult neurogenesis and altering the synaptic function through a reduction of the post-synaptic protein PSD95. All these alterations together finally lead to cognitive impairment and depression-like symptoms in mice. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of colistin-induced neurotoxicity in the CNS, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of cognitive function in patients undergoing colistin treatment.

Change and predictors of body composition after gastrectomy for gastric cancer during first postoperative year.

After gastrectomy for gastric cancer, patients often lose significant body weight because of decreased caloric intake and nutrient absorption. Body weight typically requires approximately 1 year to stabilize. This study aimed to examine the changes and predictors of body composition during the first postoperative year. A total of 230 patients underwent radical gastrectomy for stage I to III gastric cancers. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and changes were analyzed over 1 year. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of body composition changes. Body composition changes and significant body weight and body fat mass reductions occurred primarily within the first 6 months postoperatively. Skeletal muscle mass initially decreased but improved after 6 months without significant changes related to adjuvant chemotherapy. Increased edema was observed at 6 and 12 months postoperatively in patients after total gastrectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Gastrectomy type and body mass index significantly affected postoperative body weight changes. In addition, gastrectomy type was associated with changes in skeletal muscle mass and bone mineral content. Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly affected the whole-body phase angle at 6 and 12 months. Our findings emphasized the initial significant reductions postoperatively and subsequent adjustments over time and elucidated the complex interplay between surgical techniques, adjuvant treatment, and patient characteristics and midterm changes in body composition.

Effective control of snake fruit (Salacca zalacca) rot using Trichoderma asperelloides SKRU-01: A safe approach to preserving fruit quality.

Rot disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Peniophora salaccae SKRU002, affects the quality of snake fruit production. In the pursuit of sustainable disease management, biocontrol using Trichoderma asperelloides SKRU-01 offers a promising solution. This study evaluated the antagonistic potential of T. asperelloides SKRU-01 against P. salaccae SKRU002 in both in vitro assays and snake fruit trials, while also assessing its impact on fruit quality. In vitro dual culture assays revealed that T. asperelloides SKRU-01 inhibited P. salaccae SKRU002 growth by 62.5% over 10days through efficient nutrient colonization. Microscopic analysis confirmed that T. asperelloides SKRU-01 hyphae penetrated and wrapped around P. salaccae SKRU002, causing cytoplasmic lysis. Additionally, T. asperelloides SKRU-01 culture filtrates (20%v/v) completely inhibited P. salaccae SKRU002 growth in both solid and liquid media. LC-QTOF/MS analysis identified 31 secondary metabolites, including toyocamycin and antimycin A1. In snake fruit trials, T. asperelloides SKRU-01 culture filtrates provided 100% protection against disease incidence (DI) and severity (DS), comparable to Mancozeb®. The application of T. asperelloides SKRU-01 spores (107 spores/mL) reduced DI and DS to 0% within 1-3days post-pathogen inoculation, demonstrating both protective and curative effects. Furthermore, while P. salaccae SKRU002 significantly affected fruit quality-causing weight loss, color changes, and reductions in total soluble solids, phenolic content, titratable acidity, and antioxidant activity-the simultaneous application of T. asperelloides SKRU-01 mitigated these effects without compromising fruit quality. These findings indicate the antagonistic activity of T. asperelloides SKRU-01 and its metabolites against P. salaccae SKRU002, suggesting their potential as biofungicidal agents for managing rot disease in snake fruit.