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 regain after intragastric balloon for pre-surgical weight loss

BACKGROUND Over one-third of Americans carry the diagnosis of obesity,many also with obesity-related comorbidities.This can place patients at increased risk of operative and postoperative complications.The intragastric balloon has been shown to aid in minor weight loss,however its weight recidivism in patients requiring short interval weight loss has not been well studied.AIM To evaluate weight loss,ability to undergo successful elective surgery after intragastric balloon placement,and weight management after balloon removal.METHODS This study is a retrospective review of patients in a single academic institution undergoing intragastric balloon placement from 2019-2023 to aid in weight loss prior to undergoing elective surgery.Clinical outcomes including weight loss,duration of balloon placement,successful elective surgery,weight regain postballoon and post-procedure complications were assessed.Exclusion criteria included those with balloon in place at time of study.RESULTS Thirty-three patients completed intragastric balloon therapy from 2019-2023 as a bridge to elective surgery.All patients were required to participate in a 12-month weight management program to be eligible for balloon therapy.Elective surgeries included incisional hernia repair,umbilical hernia repair,inguinal hernia repair,and knee and hip replacements.The average age at placement was 53 years±11 years,majority(91%)were male.The average duration of intragastric balloon therapy was 186 days±41 days.The average weight loss was 14.0 kg±7.4 kg and with an average percent excess body weight loss of 30.0%(7.9%-73.6%).Over half of the patients(52.0%)achieved the goal of 30-50 lbs(14-22 kg)weight loss.Twenty-one patients(64%)underwent their intended elective surgery,2 patients(6%)deferred surgery due to symptom relief with weight loss alone.Twenty-one of the patients(64%)have documented weights in 3 months after balloon removal,in these patients the majority(76%)gained weight after balloon removed.In patients with weight regain at 3 months,they averaged 5.8 kg after balloon removal in the first 3 months,this averaged 58.4%weight regain of the initial weight lost.CONCLUSION Intragastric balloon placement is an option for short-term weight management,as a bridge to elective surgery in patients with body mass index(BMI)>35.Patients lost an average of 14 kg with the balloon,allowing two-thirds of patients to undergo elective surgery at a healthy BMI.However,most patients regained an average of 58%of the original weight lost after balloon removal.The intragastric balloon successfully serves as a tool for rapid weight loss,though patients must be educated on the risks including weight regain.

Comparative Efficacy of Lifestyle Modifications versus Pharmacotherapy on Weight Loss and Metabolic Health Outcomes: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Obesity has become a serious global public health challenge, given that it leads to various adverse health outcomes that include cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that, at the end of 2022, 1 out of every 8 individuals were obese, and that the global adult obesity rates have over doubled since 1990, even as the adolescent obesity rates have quadrupled. Thus, as of 2022, nearly 2.5 billion adults, aged 18 years and above, were overweight, with 890 million being obese. Obesity and overweight incidence rate has been gradually increasing over the years, presenting significant challenges to the healthcare systems throughout the globe. In this regard, the objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity) and pharmacotherapy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health in overweight adults. Methodology: To attain the above stated study objective, a systematic evaluation of previous studies was carried out, particularly studies that assessed the effectiveness and safety of lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity) and pharmacotherapy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health in overweight adults. The authors have used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) in the selection of eligible studies for inclusion in the study. Results: The findings indicate that lifestyle interventions resulted in 5% - 10% weight reduction and significant improvements in metabolic indicators, while pharmacotherapy (GLP-1 receptor agonists) achieved up to 15% weight reduction and considerable metabolic health benefits. Further, comparative studies show lifestyle modifications provide overall health benefits, while medication is necessary for non-responders. Conclusion: Individualized treatment strategies are crucial, and further research is needed on long-term consequences and combination therapies.

Atypical Weight Loss in Two Patients with Schizophrenia Treated with Clozapine: A Case Report

Clozapine is widely recognized as an effective antipsychotic medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but it is typically associated with significant weight gain. This case report presents two unusual cases of patients with schizophrenia who experienced substantial weight loss while on long-term clozapine therapy. The first case involves a 35-year-old male who lost 21.3% of his initial body weight, and the second case describes a 54-year-old female who lost 30.2% of her initial weight, despite having comorbid hypothyroidism. Both patients showed improvement in psychiatric symptoms concurrent with the weight loss. Comprehensive investigations did not reveal other clear etiologies for the weight reduction. These cases challenge the conventional understanding of clozapine’s metabolic effects and highlight the potential for atypical responses in some individuals. The report discusses possible mechanisms for this unusual phenomenon, including genetic factors and altered pharmacokinetics. It also emphasizes the need for individualized monitoring and management strategies in clozapine therapy. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence suggesting that metabolic responses to clozapine may be more complex and varied than previously thought, underscoring the importance of personalized approaches in schizophrenia treatment.

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.

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.

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.

Compliance of a Small Convenience Sample and Efficacy of Short Term Modified Carbohydrate Diet on Weight Loss in Overweight College Students: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine overweight students’ compliance on low and moderate carbohydrate diets and its influence on weight loss. The 28 day study was divided into two experimental periods of 14 days each. For the first 14 days, Group 1 (n = 6) received LC diet (30 grams carbohydrate/day with ad libitum intake of protein and fat), and group 2 (n = 8) received MC diet (60 grams carbohydrate/day with ad libitum intake of protein and fat). After 14 days, there was a crossover of the diets. Two random 24-hour diet records, urinary ketones, and daily emotional and physical well-being journals evaluated participants’ dietary compliance. Height, weight, body mass index, and urine ketones were assessed at baseline, days 14 and 28. A 2 × 2 ANOVA was conducted to examine the difference between groups and to determine if a difference existed from baseline to the end of the diet period. During the study period, ir- respective of carbohydrate levels, a vast majority of participants had above or below the recommended intake of carbo- hydrates, indicating non-compliance due to various reasons. During each experimental period, although weight loss differences between groups over time did not exist, there was a significant weight loss within subjects over time (p < 0.01). Presence of urinary ketones during the dietary interventions were not statistically significant. In conclusion, mod-ified carbohydrate diets were effective with weight loss;however participants were non-compliant with their de- fined dietary protocols.

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.

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.

Relationship Between Substrate Water Content and Weight Loss,Mycelium Culture Time and Hypsizygus marmoreus Growth Yields

Changes in the weight and water content of the growth substrate at different cultivation times significantly affected Hypsizygus marmoreus growth yields.Highest growth yields(132.6~146.3 g per culture) were achieved when the mycelium culture and maturation period was between 80 and 90 days,and the substrate water content was 73%~74%.Physiological maturation of H.marmoreus mycelium was correlated with the substrate water content.

Monte Carlo method for evaluation of surface emission rate measurement uncertainty

The aim of this study is to evaluate the uncertainty of 2πα and 2πβ surface emission rates using the windowless multiwire proportional counter method.This study used the Monte Carlo method (MCM) to validate the conventional Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) method.A dead time measurement model for the two-source method was established based on the characteristics of a single-channel measurement system,and the voltage threshold correction factor measurement function was indirectly obtained by fitting the threshold correction curve.The uncertainty in the surface emission rate was calculated using the GUM method and the law of propagation of uncertainty.The MCM provided clear definitions for each input quantity and its uncertainty distribution,and the simulation training was realized with a complete and complex mathematical model.The results of the surface emission rate uncertainty evaluation for four radioactive plane sources using both methods showed the uncertainty’s consistency E_(n)<0.070 for the comparison of each source,and the uncertainty results of the GUM were all lower than those of the MCM.However,the MCM has a more objective evaluation process and can serve as a validation tool for GUM results.

Postoperative body weight change and its influencing factors in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The high incidence and mortality of gastric cancer(GC)pose a significant threat to human life and health,and it has become an important public health challenge in China.Body weight loss is a common complication after surgical treatment in patients with GC and is associated with poor prognosis and GC recurrence.However,current attention to postoperative weight change in GC patients remains insufficient,and the descriptions of postoperative weight change and its influencing factors are also different.AIM To investigate body weight changes in patients with GC within 6 mo after gastrectomy and identify factors that influence dynamic body weight changes.METHODS We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of 121 patients with GC and collected data before(T0)and 1(T1),3(T2),and 6(T3)mo after gastrectomy using a general data questionnaire,psychological distress thermometer,and body weight measurements.The general estimation equation(GEE)was used to analyze the dynamic trends of body weight changes and factors that influence body weight changes in patients with GC within 6 mo of gastrectomy.RESULTS The median weight loss at T1,T2,and T3 was 7.29%(2.84%,9.40%),11.11%(7.64%,14.91%),and 14.75%(8.80%,19.84%),respectively.The GEE results showed that preoperative body mass index(BMI),significant psychological distress,religious beliefs,and sex were risk factors for weight loss in patients with GC within 6 mo after gastrectomy(P<0.05).Compared with preoperative low-weight patients,preoperative obese patients were more likely to have weight loss(β=14.685,P<0.001).Furthermore,patients with significant psychological distress were more likely to lose weight than those without(β=2.490,P<0.001),and religious patients were less likely to lose weight 6 mo after gastrectomy than those without religious beliefs(β=-6.844,P=0.001).Compared to female patients,male patients were more likely to experience weight loss 6 mo after gastrectomy(β=4.262,P=0.038).CONCLUSION Male patients with GC with high preoperative BMI,significant psychological distress,and no religious beliefs are more likely to lose weight after gastrectomy.

Loss Rate Estimation of Yield and Output Value of Tobacco Leaf Infected by Tobacco Blown Spot (Alternaria alternata)

[Objective] The paper was to study the effect of tobacco blown spot on the yield and output value of tobacco leaf.[Method]The upper,middle and lower leaves in tobacco plant were selected during the harvest period of tobacco to carry out loss rate estimation of yield and output value of tobacco leaf caused by different disease levels of brown spot.Regression correlation analysis was also conducted.[Result]The disease levels of brown spot had extremely significant strong negative correlation with single leaf weight of tobacco leaf,and it had extremely significant strong positive correlation with the loss rate of single leaf weight.The increase speed of loss rate of single leaf weight of middle and upper leaves was obviously faster than that of lower leaves.The loss rates of single leaf weight of upper,middle and lower leaves were 3.18%-28.95%,3.43%-28.88% and 10.07%-26.90%,respectively.The higher the disease level of blown spot was,the lower the yield and output value of tobacco leaf was,and the corresponding loss rate was also higher.Correlation analysis showed that the disease level of blown spot had extremely significant strong negative correlation with the yield and output value of tobacco leaf,and it had extremely significant strong positive correlation with the loss rate of yield and output value.The negative impact of blown spot on the output value of tobacco leaf was far greater than that on the yield.The highest loss rate of the yield of tobacco leaf was 28.56%,while the highest loss rate of output value reached 89.67%.[Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for accurately holding the critical period for the control of blown spot,thus reducing the damage on tobacco leaf and improving the output value of tobacco leaf.

Effect of Enhanced UV-B Radiation on Seed Setting Rate and 1 000-grain Weight of Indica Hybrid Rice Restorer Lines

[Objective] This study was to investigate the effect of enhanced UV-B radiation on seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight of hybrid rice combinations. [Method] The seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight of 10 new sterile indica restorer lines planted in pots under enhanced UV-B radiation and fluorescent lamps （control） were respectively measured, and the differences were compared. [Result] The enhanced UV-B radiation significantly reduced the seed setting rate of indica restorer lines, and the differences between that UV-B radiation treatment and control all reached extremely significant level. In addition, the enhanced UV-B radiation reduced the 1 000-grain weight of most indica restorer lines, and compared with that of control the difference achieved significant or very significant level. However, the effect of enhanced UV-B radiation on seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight differed to different indica restorer lines, and the differences among restorer lines tested were significant or very significant, which indicated the possibility to screen antiUV-B radiation rice materials and combinations. Finally, the indica restorer lines 09R-14, Luhui 37 and 10R-7703 which were strongly resistant to UV-B radiation were screened out. [Conclusion] This study laid foundation for breeding hybrid rice varieties resistance to UV-B radiation.

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.

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.