Investigation of Loss Weight and Densification of SiC-Al_2O_3-Y_2O_3 Ceramic Composite on Sintering

α-SiC, Al_2O_3 and Y_2O_3 powders were all used as raw materials. The SiC-Al_2O_3-Y_2O_3 ceramic composites were made by pressureless liquid phase sintering technology. The effects of sintering temperature, loss weight and coordination number on sintering densification were studied. The reason for producing loss weight on sintering was analysed. The results show that the primary reason for producing loss weight on sintering in SiC-Al_2O_3-Y_2O_3 ceramic composite was that chemical reactions between SiC and Al_2O_3 are happened during sintering, and given out volatile gases. If sintering temperature is excessively lower, grain size would be finer, and coordination number would be higher, well then material would be on no sintering densification. If sintering temperature is excessively higher, grains would grow up, though small coordination number would benefit to make pore eliminate and shrink, but coarse microstructure would also block gliding and resetting of grains, together affected by expansion stress from volatile gas, the material densification would instead go down. Only under the sintering process of 1850 ℃ for 30 min, material densification is better, and the mechanical property of ceramic composites is also improved.

An Improved Solov2 Based on Attention Mechanism and Weighted Loss Function for Electrical Equipment Instance Segmentation

The current existing problem of deep learning framework for the detection and segmentation of electrical equipment is dominantly related to low precision.Because of the reliable,safe and easy-to-operate technology provided by deep learning-based video surveillance for unmanned inspection of electrical equipment,this paper uses the bottleneck attention module(BAM)attention mechanism to improve the Solov2 model and proposes a new electrical equipment segmentation mode.Firstly,the BAM attention mechanism is integrated into the feature extraction network to adaptively learn the correlation between feature channels,thereby improving the expression ability of the feature map;secondly,the weighted sum of CrossEntropy Loss and Dice loss is designed as the mask loss to improve the segmentation accuracy and robustness of the model;finally,the non-maximal suppression(NMS)algorithm to better handle the overlap problem in instance segmentation.Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves an average segmentation accuracy of mAP of 80.4% on three types of electrical equipment datasets,including transformers,insulators and voltage transformers,which improve the detection accuracy by more than 5.7% compared with the original Solov2 model.The segmentation model proposed can provide a focusing technical means for the intelligent management of power systems.

Systemic Inflammation Response Index and weight loss as prognostic factors in metastatic pancreatic cancer: A concept study from the PANTHEIA-SEOM trial

BACKGROUND The prognostic value of the Systemic Inflammation Response Index(SIRI)in advanced pancreatic cancer is recognized,but its correlation with patients´nutritional status and outcomes remains unexplored.AIM To study the prognostic significance of SIRI and weight loss in metastatic pancreatic cancer.METHODS The PANTHEIA-Spanish Society of Medical Oncology(SEOM)study is a multicentric(16 Spanish hospitals),observational,longitudinal,non-interventional initiative,promoted by the SEOM Real World-Evidence work group.This pilot study sought to analyze the association between weight loss and inflammatory status as defined by SIRI.The cohort stems from a proof-of-concept pilot study conducted at one of the coordinating centers.Patients with pathologically confirmed metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma,treated from January 2020 to January 2023,were included.The index was calculated using the product of neutrophil and monocyte counts,divided by lymphocyte counts,obtained within 15 days before initiation chemotherapy.This study evaluated associations between overall survival(OS),SIRI and weight loss.RESULTS A total of 50 patients were included.66%of these patients were male and the median age was 66 years.Metastasis sites:36%liver,12%peritoneal carcinomatosis,10%lung,and 42%multiple locations.Regarding the first line palliative chemotherapy treatments:50%received gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel;28%,modified fluorouracil,leucovorin,irinotecan and oxaliplatin,and 16%were administered gemcitabine.42%had a weight loss>5%in the three months(mo)preceding diagnosis.21 patients with a SIRI≥2.3×10^(3)/L exhibited a trend towards a lower median OS compared to those with a SIRI<2.3×10^(3)/L(4 vs 18 mo;P<0.000).Among 21 patients with>5%weight loss before diagnosis,the median OS was 6 mo,in contrast to 19 mo for those who did not experience such weight loss(P=0.003).Patients with a weight loss>5%showed higher SIRI levels.This difference was statistically significant(P<0.000).For patients with a SIRI<2.3×10^(3)/L,those who did not lose>5%of their weight had an OS of 20 mo,compared to 11 mo for those who did(P<0.001).No association was found between carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels≥1000 U/mL and weight loss.CONCLUSION A higher SIRI was correlated with decreased survival rates in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and associated with weight loss.An elevated SIRI is suggested as a predictor of survival,emphasizing the need for prospective validation in the upcoming PANTHEIA-SEOM study.

Weight Loss and Improved Metabolic Health Measures Using a One-Week Active Nutrition Jumpstart Program in Overweight and Obese Men and Women

Background: The prevalence of individuals who are obese or overweight is an increasing global epidemic that is associated with a multitude of adverse health conditions. Multiple strategies are available to promote weight loss in these populations, including the use of caloric restriction and/or liquid diets. We determined the impact of a low-calorie, nutrient-dense, primarily liquid diet on body weight and associated measures of metabolic health in overweight and obese men and women. Methods: Twenty-six men and women (age: 42.6 ± 10.8) completed a seven-day intervention using the USANA Active Nutrition Jumpstart program, which consisted of consuming three meal replacement shakes and three to four servings of fruits and vegetables, along with a probiotic, three metabolism supplements, and two vitamin packs each day. Pre-post measurements included body composition—determined (via DXA), fasting levels of lipids and glucose in heparinized whole blood, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, heart rate, and blood pressure. Subjective mood and hunger were also assessed. Results: The dietary program was well-tolerated, and the intervention resulted in a mean weight loss of approximately 4.5 pounds. Clinically relevant reductions were noted in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol (total and LDL), and glucose. In addition, there were favorable changes in self-esteem, energy, motivation, and physical appearance. Conclusion: A one-week period of adherence to the Active Nutrition Jumpstart program positively impacted subjective feelings, while resulting in significant weight loss and other health benefits that may have clinical relevance. Longer-term interventions are needed to sustain these initial results.

Liver decompensation after rapid weight loss from semaglutide in a patient with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis -associated cirrhosis

There is rapidly increasing uptake of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonistssuch as semaglutide worldwide for weight loss and management of non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis (NASH). remains a paucity of safety data in the vulnerable NASHcirrhotic population. We report herein the first documented case of liver decompensationand need for liver transplant waitlisting in a patient with NASHcirrhosistreated with semaglutide. Rapid weight loss led to the development ofascites and hepatic encephalopathy and an increase in the patients Model forEndstage Liver Disease-Na (MELD-Na) score from 11 to 22. Aggressive nutritionalsupplementation was commenced and the semaglutide was stopped. Overthe following months she regained her weight and her liver recompensated andher MELD-Na decreased to 13, allowing her to be delisted from the transplantwaitlist. This case serves as a cautionary tale to clinicians using semaglutide in thecirrhotic population and highlights the need for more safety data in this patientgroup.

Semaglutide’s Trail of Success in Weight Loss Management and HbA1c Reduction: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Obesity is a preventable health condition, yet it remains a complex relapsing global health conundrum, triggering an array of comorbidities, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and mental health decline. This review intends to highlight the success of semaglutide for its therapeutic intervention for weight loss management in diabetics and non-diabetics and HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetics. Methods: We searched and systematically reviewed the literature from within the past ten years on semaglutide utilization for weight loss and HbA1c reduction. Databases investigated included PMC, JAMA, Nature Medicine, and The Lancet, resulting in four original research articles that were systematically reviewed. Web consultations with WHO, CDC, and Healthy People 2030 were conducted to ascertain epidemiological obesity and diabetes data. AAFP and USPSTF references were included for obesity management and preventive care guidelines. Results: Based on results from systematically reviewing four original research studies, semaglutide can effectively reduce elevated weight and HbA1c, using the once-weekly subcutaneous injection formulation. A composite average percent weight loss of 8.27% (16 - 20 pounds) and an average HbA1c percent reduction rate of 1.07% (3 - 4 points) were attained. There were no major adverse events reported from any of the four original research studies related to the drug. Discussion: With evidence from several studies after its FDA approval, semaglutide delivers a promise for weight loss management and HbA1c reduction for appropriate patient populations. Clinician and patient education on its proper use should be continuously revisited.

Umbilicoplasty: An Important Step in Abdominoplasty Surgery for Massive Weight Loss Cases

Aim: Excessive increase of weight followed by massive weight loss distorts the shape of the umbilicus as part of the affected skin of the abdomen. There is usually discrepancy between the elongated umbilicus at the time the patient was gaining excessive weight and the thinned abdominal wall after the massive weight loss. This study discusses a procedure that aims at restoring the shape of the umbilicus to its original shape as much as possible. Patients and Methods: In 4 years retrospective study from the 1st of March 2016 till the end of February 2020, the files of the patients who underwent abdominoplasty after massive weight loss with umbilicoplasty performed, as part of the procedure, were reviewed. In these patients the caudal part of the umbilicus at 6 o’clock site was excised in an oblique direction with slanting cut going to both 3 and 9 o’clock directions to shorten the elongated umbilicus keeping the cephalic part at 12 o’clock intact. This residual elongated cephalic part was utilized to make the shape of the hood of the umbilicus. A bolster suture was used at 12 o’clock to add a small depression above the hood. This technique gave the umbilicus the vertical “T” triangular shape with hooding. A questionnaire to assess patients’ satisfaction regarding the shape, depth, location, size, scarring and overall result of the umbilicoplasty procedure was conducted. The questionnaire used a five-point Likert-type scale as follows: 1 (poor), 2 (fair), 3 (good), 4 (very good), and 5 (excellent). Results were collected and evaluated. Results: 197 patients underwent full abdominoplasty surgery during this 4 years study. Those who underwent umbilicoplasty during the abdominoplasty procedure were 34 patients. The results of the questionnaire could be obtained from 23 patients of them. Each patient gave a number from 1 - 5 for each aspect of the questionnaire of the umbilicus shape, depth, location, size, scarring and overall result. This resulted in total number of points of 115 for each aspect (23 patients × 5 points). The patients’ satisfaction with the shape of the umbilicus was 78.3% (90 out of the 115 points), 80.9% satisfaction rate with the depth (93 out of 115), 98.3% with the location (113 out of 115), 89.6% with the size (103 out of 115), 82.6% with the scar (95 out of 115) and 86.1% as an overall result (99 out of 115). Conclusion: Shortening of the elongated umbilicus at its caudal part with slanting incision directing to its cephalic part gives it the preferred vertical triangular “T” shape. Utilizing the length of the cephalic part in making the hood of the umbilicus and using a bolster suture to make a depression above the hood adds a shape near to the original natural one. The patients’ satisfaction ranged from “very good” to “excellent” according to the five-point Likert-type scale.

Impact of weight Loss on the progression of cancer cachexia and the patient prognosis:insights from a retrospective study

Background:Cachexia is a metabolic state with weight and muscle mass loss as its basic characteristics.This study aims to reveal the influ-ence of weight loss on the progression of cancer cachexia,and to determine its impact on the patient prognosis.Methods:A total of 2990 cancer patients were enrolled in this retrospective study.Demographic information,clinical materials,and follow-up data were collected for all patients.A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine threshold values for weight loss within the past six months(WL).Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard regression models were adopted for survival analyses.Results:After excluding ineligible patients,2480 patients were included in the analysis,705(28.4%)of whom were considered to be ca-chexic.A WL of 10%was determined to be the optimal threshold for diagnosing malnutrition according to the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment.Notably,WL>10%was a predictor of survival outcomes only in the general population(HR=1.218,95%Cl=1.002-1.481,P=0.048),but not in the cachexic population,based on the multivariable Cox regression model.A larger proportion of cachexic pa-tients with WL>10%had a nutritional risk screening 2002 score≥3(25.7%vs 13.7%,P<0.001)and a modified Glasgow Prognosis Score=2(12.8%vs 7.8%,P=0.032).No significant difference was observed in the degree of decreased muscle strength or quality of life(P>0.05).Conclusions:Weight loss is a predictor of impaired survival in the general population,but not in the cachexic population.The present study shows that cachexic patients with severe weight loss had a higher risk of malnutrition,a worse systemic inflammation status,and more severe malnutrition,but that the weight loss itself was not associated with the prognosis of these patients or the progression of their cachexia.

LKAW: A Robust Watermarking Method Based on Large Kernel Convolution and Adaptive Weight Assignment

Robust watermarking requires finding invariant features under multiple attacks to ensure correct extraction.Deep learning has extremely powerful in extracting features,and watermarking algorithms based on deep learning have attracted widespread attention.Most existing methods use 3×3 small kernel convolution to extract image features and embed the watermarking.However,the effective perception fields for small kernel convolution are extremely confined,so the pixels that each watermarking can affect are restricted,thus limiting the performance of the watermarking.To address these problems,we propose a watermarking network based on large kernel convolution and adaptive weight assignment for loss functions.It uses large-kernel depth-wise convolution to extract features for learning large-scale image information and subsequently projects the watermarking into a highdimensional space by 1×1 convolution to achieve adaptability in the channel dimension.Subsequently,the modification of the embedded watermarking on the cover image is extended to more pixels.Because the magnitude and convergence rates of each loss function are different,an adaptive loss weight assignment strategy is proposed to make theweights participate in the network training together and adjust theweight dynamically.Further,a high-frequency wavelet loss is proposed,by which the watermarking is restricted to only the low-frequency wavelet sub-bands,thereby enhancing the robustness of watermarking against image compression.The experimental results show that the peak signal-to-noise ratio(PSNR)of the encoded image reaches 40.12,the structural similarity(SSIM)reaches 0.9721,and the watermarking has good robustness against various types of noise.

Effects of novel vaccines on weight loss in diet-induced-obese(DIO) mice

The purpose of the study was to test the therapeutic effects of novel vaccines for reducing weight gain and increasing weight loss in diet induced obesity （DIO） model. Male C57BL/6 J mice, fed a 60% Kcal fat diet for 8 weeks prior to the start of the study, were vaccinated via the intraperitoneal route with two formulations （JH17 ＆ JH]8） of chimeric-somatostatin vaccines at 1 and 22 days of the study. Control mice were injected with PBS. All mice continued to be feed the 60% Kcal fat diet for the week and food intake was measured weekly. At week 6 6 week study. Body weights were measured two times a mice were euthanized and a terminal bleed was made and antibody levels to somatostatin and levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 （IGF-1） were determined. Vaccination with both vaccine formulations induced a statistically significant body weight change over the study period, as compared with PBS controls. Percentage of baseline body weight was also significantly affected by vaccination during the study period. Vaccinates finished the study at 104% and 107% of baseline weight, JHI7 ＆ JH18 respectively, while untreated controls reached 115% of baseline weight. Food intake per mouse was similar in all mouse groups during the entire study. Control mice did not demonstrate any antibody titers to somatostatin, while all vaccinated mice had measurable antibody responses （〉 1：500,000 titer）. IGF-1 levels were not statistically significant among the groups, but were elevated in the JH18 vaccinates （mean 440.4 ng/mL） when compared with PBS controls （mean 365.6 ng/mL）. Vaccination with either JH17 or JH18 chimeric -somatostatin vaccines produced a statistically significant weight loss as compared with PBS controls （P 〈 0.0001）, even though the DIO mice with continually fed a 60% Kcal fat diet. The weight loss/lower weight gain observations were even more significant, as all mice consumed similar amounts of food for the entire study. The presence of high levels of anti-somatostatin antibodies at 6 weeks was correlative with the weight observations and confirmed the success of vaccination.

Beneficial effects of antidepressant mirtazapine in functional dyspepsia patients with weight loss

AIM: To explore the effects and mechanism of action of antidepressant mirtazapine in functional dyspepsia(FD) patients with weight loss.METHODS: Sixty depressive FD patients with weight loss were randomly divided into a mirtazapine group(MG), a paroxetine group(PG) or a conventional therapy group(CG) for an 8-wk clinical trial. Adverse effects and treatment response were recorded. The Nepean Dyspepsia Index-symptom(NDSI) checklist and the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression(HAMD-17) were used to evaluate dyspepsia and depressive symptoms, respectively. The body composition analyzer was used to measure body weight and fat. Serum hormone levels were measured by ELISA.RESULTS:(1) After 2 wk of treatment, NDSI scores were significantly lower for the MG than for the PG and CG;(2) After 4 or 8 wk of treatment, HAMD-17 scores were significantly lower for the MG and PG than for the CG;(3) After 8 wk of treatment, patients in the MG experienced a weight gain of 3.58 ± 1.57 kg, which was significantly higher than that observed for patients in the PG and CG. Body fat increased by 2.77 ± 0.14kg, the body fat ratio rose by 4%, and the visceral fat area increased by 7.56 ± 2.25 cm2; and(4) For the MG, serum hormone levels of ghrelin, neuropeptide Y(NPY), motilin(MTL) and gastrin(GAS) were significantly upregulated; in contrast, those of leptin, 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and cholecystokinin(CCK) were significantly downregulated. CONCLUSION: Mirtazapine not only alleviates symptoms associated with dyspepsia and depression linked to FD in patients with weight loss but also significantly increases body weight(mainly the visceral fat in body fat). The likely mechanism of mirtazapine action is regulation of brain-gut or gastrointestinal hormone levels.

A prospective analysis of factors that influence weight loss in patients undergoing radiotherapy

Malnutrition occurs frequently in patients with cancer.Indeed,a variety of nutritional and tumorrelated factors must be taken into account in these patients.Recognizing this relationship,we aimed to prospectively evaluate the risk factors that influence weight loss in patients undergoing radiotherapy with oral nutritional supplementation and dietetic counseling.Weight loss of 74 patients during radiotherapy and 1 month after treatment was analyzed.Parameters such as age,gender,tumor location,tumor stage,Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status(ECOG PS)score,and the use of chemotherapy were analyzed to evaluate their influence on weight loss.All patients underwent oral nutritional supplementation and dietetic counseling.Forty-six(65.7%)patients lost weight,with a mean weight loss of(4.73±3.91)kg,during radiotherapy.At 1 month after treatment,45(66.2%)patients lost weight,presenting a mean weight loss of(4.96±4.04)kg,corresponding to a(6.84±5.24)%net reduction from their baseline weight.Head and neck cancer patients had a mean weight loss of(3.25±5.30)kg,whereas the remaining patients had a mean weight loss of(0.64±2.39)kg(P=0.028)during radiotherapy.In the multivariate analysis,the head and neck tumor location(P=0.005),use of chemotherapy(P=0.011),and ECOG PS score of 2-3(P=0.026)were considered independent risk factors.Nutritional status and parameters,such as tumor location(especially the head and neck),the use of chemotherapy,and the ECOG PS score,should be evaluated before radiotherapy because these factors can influence weight loss during radiotherapy and 1 month after treatment.

Science of weight loss supplements:Compromised by conflicts of interest?

Weight loss supplements often contain powerful pharmacoactive ingredients with the potential to cause harm. Trials used to determine product safety and effectiveness, meanwhile,tend to be small, of short duration, and frequently lack financial conflict of interest disclosures. These factors could conspire to place consumers at risk, especially when published research cited in advertising cloaks products with the suggestion that their safety and effectiveness have been proven by science. Examples of current and former weight loss products backed by potentially con? icted or low quality research include Metabolife-356, Hydroxycut, Xenadrine and LeptiCore. Published research, especially in the field of weight loss supplements, needs better conflict of interest disclosure, and regulators should consider how research f indings are used in marketing claims.

Analysis of the Weight Loss of High Temperature Cement Slurry

The weight loss of cement slurry is the main cause of early annular air channeling and accurate experimental evaluation of the law of loss change is the key to achieve compression stability and prevent this undesired phenomenon.Typically,tests on the pressure loss of cement slurry are carried out for temperature smaller than 120°C,and this condition cannot simulate effectively the situation occurring in high temperature wells.For this reason,in this study a series of experimental tests have been conducted considering a larger range of temperatures,different retarders and fluid loss additives.The results show that with an increase in the temperature,the weight loss curve of cement slurry changes from a“two-stage”to a“three-stage”behavior,and the risk of channeling increases accordingly.On increasing the amount of retarder and fluid loss additive,the transition time of cement slurry displays a non-monotonic behavior(it decreases first and then increases).It is found that the optimized retarder and fluid loss additive dosage are 0.2%and 2.5%,respectively.

Weight loss interventions in living donor liver transplantation as a tool in expanding the donor pool: A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND With increasing rates of liver transplantation and a stagnant donor pool,the annual wait list removals have remained high.Living donor liver transplantation(LDLT)is an established modality in expanding the donor pool and is the primary method of liver donation in large parts of the world.Marginal living donors,including those with hepatic steatosis,have been used to expand the donor pool.However,due to negative effects of steatosis on graft and recipient outcomes,current practice excludes overweight or obese donors with more than 10%macro vesicular steatosis.This has limited a potentially important source to help expand the donor pool.Weight loss is known to improve or resolve steatosis and rapid weight loss with short-term interventions have been used to convert marginal donors to low-risk donors in a small series of studies.There is,however,a lack of a consensus driven standardized approach to such interventions.AIM To assess the available data on using weight loss interventions in potential living liver donors with steatotic livers and investigated the feasibility,efficacy,and safety of using such donors on the donor,graft and recipient outcomes.The principal objective was to assess if using such treated donor livers,could help expand the donor pool.METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis on studies examining the role of short-term weight loss interventions in potential living liver donors with hepatic steatosis with the aim of increasing liver donation rates and improving donor,graft,and recipient outcomes.RESULTS A total of 6 studies with 102 potential donors were included.Most subjects were males(71).All studies showed a significant reduction in body mass index postintervention with a mean difference of-2.08(-3.06,1.10,I2=78%).A significant reduction or resolution of hepatic steatosis was seen in 93 of the 102(91.2%).Comparison of pre-and post-intervention liver biopsies showed a significant reduction in steatosis with a mean difference of-21.22(-27.02,-15.43,I2=56%).The liver donation rates post-intervention was 88.5(74.5,95.3,I2=42%).All donors who did not undergo LDLT had either recipient reasons or had fibrosis/steatohepatitis on post intervention biopsies.Post-operative biliary complications in the intervention group were not significantly different compared to controls with an odds ratio of 0.96[(0.14,6.69),I2=0].The overall post-operative donor,graft,and recipient outcomes in treated donors were not significantly different compared to donors with no steatosis.CONCLUSION Use of appropriate short term weight loss interventions in living liver donors is an effective tool in turning marginal donors to low-risk donors and therefore in expanding the donor pool.It is feasible and safe,with comparable donor,graft,and recipient outcomes,to non-obese donors.Larger future prospective studies are needed.

Exercise attenuates bone mineral density loss during diet-induced weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Weight-loss-induced fat loss improves cardiometabolic health in individuals with overweight and obesity;however,weight loss can also result in bone loss and increased fracture risk.Weight-loss-induced bone loss may be attenuated with exercise.Our aim was to compare changes in bone mineral density(BMD)in adults with overweight and obesity who undertook diet-induced weight loss alone or in combination with exercise.Methods:We included randomized controlled trials(RCTs)in adults with overweight or obesity(aged-18 years;body mass index-25 kg/m^(2))that prescribed diet-induced weight loss alone or in combination with supervised exercise,and measured any bone structural parameters.Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.Random-effects meta-analyses determined mean changes and net mean differences(95%confidence intervals(95%CIs))in the percentage of areal BMD(aBMD)change between groups.Results:We included 9 RCTs.Diet-induced weight loss led to significant losses in femoral neck aBMD(mean change:-1.73%(95%CI:-2.39%to-1.07%),p<0.001)and total hip aBMD(-2.19%(95%CI:-3.84%to-0.54%),p=0.009).Femoral neck aBMD losses were significantly greater in the diet-induced weight loss group compared to the exercise plus diet-induced weight loss group(net difference:-0.88%(95%CI:-1.73%to-0.03%));however,there were no differences in aBMD changes at any other skeletal site:total hip(-1.96%(95%CI:-4.59%to 0.68%))and lumbar spine(-0.48%(95%CI:-1.81%to 0.86%)).aBMD changes did not differ significantly according to exercise modality(resistance exercise,aerobic exercise,or a combination of the two)during diet-induced weight loss.Conclusion:Diet-induced weight loss led to greater femoral neck bone loss compared to diet-induced weight loss plus exercise.Bone loss at the total hip and lumbar spine was not attenuated by exercise during diet-induced weight loss.The lack of consistent skeletal benefits may be due to the insufficient duration and/or training intensities of most exercise interventions.Additional RCTs with appropriate,targeted exercise interventions should be conducted.

Acute liver injury induced by weight-loss herbal supplements

We report three cases of patients with acute liver injury induced by weight-loss herbal supplements. One patient took Hydroxycut while the other two took Herbalife supplements. Liver biopsies for all patients dem onstrated f indings consistent with drug-induced acute liver injury. To our knowledge, we are the fi rst instit ute to report acute liver injury from both of these two typ es of weight-loss herbal supplements together as a case series. The series emphasizes the importance of taking a cautious approach when consuming herbal supp lements for the purpose of weight loss.

Hydroxycut hepatotoxicity:A case series and review of liver toxicity from herbal weight loss supplements

Dietary supplements represent an increasingly common source of drug-induced liver injury. Hydroxycut is a popular weight loss supplement which has previously been linked to hepatotoxicity, although the individual chemical components underlying liver injury remain poorly understood. We report two cases of acute hepatitis in the setting of Hydroxycut exposure and describe possible mechanisms of liver injury. We also comprehensively review and summarize the existing literature on commonly used weight loss supplements, and their individual components which have demon-strated potential for liver toxicity. An increased effort to screen for and educate patients and physicians about supplement-associated hepatotoxicity is warranted.

Apatite formation and weight loss study in EDMed perforated AZ31 Mg-alloy

Porous structures are highly preferred for bone regeneration and high tissue in-growth.In present work,electrical discharge drilling(EDD),a thermal erosion process was used to produce through holes in Mg-alloys to fabricate perforated structure similar to open cell porous structure in extruded AZ31.Apatite formation and weight loss study was conducted for 7 days,14 days and 21 days after immersion tests in SBF solution.The perforated structure in AZ31 with 26 through micro-holes provides 72%increase in surface area but with marginally 4%higher weight loss as compare to non-perforated structure.Comparing perforated and non-perforated samples of Mg-alloy,it was well observed that perforated structure forms high volume of apatite as compared to non-perforated structure.Scanning electron microscopic(SEM)study revealed that in perforated structure,drilled holes retain their circularity after 21 days of immersion test and distinct corrosion phenomenon occur at localized sites.

Obesity and weight loss could alter the properties of adipose stem cells?

The discovery that adipose tissue represents an interesting source of multipotent stem cells has led to many studies exploring the clinical potential of these cells in cell-based therapies. Recent advances in understanding the secretory capacity of adipose tissue and the role of adipokines in the development of obesity and associated disorders have added a new dimension to the study of adipose tissue biology in normal and diseased states. Subcutaneous adipose tissue forms the interface between the clinical application of regenerative medicine and the establishment of the pathological condition of obesity. These two facets of adipose tissue should be understood as potentially related phenomena. Because of the functional characteristics of adipose stem cells, these cells represent a fundamental tool for understanding how these two facets are interconnected and could be important for therapeutic applications. In fact, adipose tissue stem cells have multiple functions in obesity related to adipogenic, angiogenic and secretory capacities. In addition, we have also previously described a predominance of larger blood vessels and an adipogenic memory in the subcutaneous adipose tissue after massive weight loss subsequent to bariatric surgery(ex-obese patients). Understanding the reversibility of the behavior of adipose stem cells in obeses and in weight loss is relevant to both physiological studies and the potential use of these cells in regenerative medicine.