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.

Ischemic colitis induced by the newly reformulated multicomponent weight-loss supplement Hydroxycut~

Ischemic colitis accounts for 6%-18% of causes of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding. It is more often multifactorial and more common in elderly. Drugs are considered important causative agents of this disease with different mechanisms. In this paper, we describe a 37-year-old otherwise healthy female presented with sudden onset diffuse abdominal pain and bloody stool. Radiologic, colonoscopic and histopathologic findings were all consistent with ischemic colitis. Her only suspected factor was hydroxycut which she had been taking for a period of 1 mo prior to her presentation. Her condition improved uneventfully after cessation of hydroxycut, bowel rest, intravenous hydration, and antibiotics. This is a first case of ischemic colitis with clear relationship with hydroxycut use (Naranjo score of 7). Our case demonstrates the importance of questioning patients regarding the usage of dietary supplements; especially since many patients consider them safe anddo not disclose their use voluntarily to their physicians. Hydroxycut has to be considered as a potential trigger for otherwise unexplained ischemic colitis.

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.

基于误差因子的改进WLS超宽带定位算法

为提高非视距场景下超宽带(ultra‑wideband,UWB)定位精度,本文提出一种基于误差因子的改进加权最小二乘(weighted least square,WLS)算法.该算法利用测距值和实时信道冲激响应特征训练1维卷积神经网络,实现误差因子的准确预测;基于预测得到的误差因子设计改进WLS算法的加权矩阵,赋予不同基站合理的权重,以改善非视距场景下UWB定位性能.通过实测采集静态和动态定位数据对改进WLS算法进行性能验证.实验结果表明:视距场景下,改进WLS算法与最小二乘(least square,LS)算法、WLS算法定位性能相近;非视距场景下,改进WLS算法明显优于LS算法、WLS算法,能够有效抑制非视距误差.

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.

Endoscopic therapy for weight loss: Gastroplasty, duodenal sleeves, intragastric balloons, and aspiration

A new paradigm in the treatment of obesity and metabolic disease is developing. The global obesity epidemic continues to expand despite the availability of diet and lifestyle counseling, pharmacologic therapy, and weight loss surgery. Endoscopic procedures have the potential to bridge the gap between medical therapy and surgery. Current primary endoscopic bariatric therapies can be classified as restrictive, bypass, spaceoccupying, or aspiration therapy. Restrictive procedures include the USGI Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal procedure, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty using Apollo Over Stitch, Trans Oral GAstroplasty, gastric volume reduction using the ACE stapler, and insertion of the TERIS restrictive device. Intestinal bypass has been reported using the EndoB arrier duodenal-jejunal bypass liner. A number of space-occupying devices have been studied or are in use, including intragastric balloons(Orbera, Reshape Duo, Heliosphere BAG, Obalon), Transpyloric Shuttle, and Sati Sphere. The Aspire Assist aspiration system has demonstrated efficacy. Finally, endoscopic revision of gastric bypass to address weight regain has been studied using Apollo Over Stitch, the USGI Incisionless Operating Platform Revision Obesity Surgery Endolumenal procedure, Stomaphyx, and endoscopic sclerotherapy. Endoscopic therapies for weight loss are potentially reversible, repeatable, less invasive, and lower cost than various medical and surgical alternatives. Given the variety of devices under development, in clinical trials, and currently in use, patients will have multiple endoscopic options with greater efficacy than medical therapy, and with lower invasiveness and greater accessibility than surgery.

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.

The Mediating Effect of Body Dissatisfaction in Association between Obesity and Dietary Behavior Changes for Weight Loss in Chinese Children

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the mediating effect of body dissatisfaction in correlation between obesity and dietary behavior changes for weight loss(DBCWL).Methods A total of 680 primary and middle school students were included in this study. Their body height, weight, and waistline were effectively measured, and they were also evaluated to assess their body dissatisfaction, perception of dietary behaviors, and DBCWL. The correlation among these factors was analyzed using mediating effect models.Results The prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity was significantly higher in males than in females(P < 0.05). Overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and body dissatisfaction significantly increased the risk for DBCWL(OR = 2.57, 2.77, and 1.95, respectively). Overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity significantly increased the risk for body dissatisfaction(OR = 6.00 and 4.70,respectively). Significant mediating effects of body dissatisfaction were observed in correlation between overweight/obesity and DBCWL and between abdominal obesity and DBCWL(OR = 2.20 and 1.92,respectively;P < 0.05), and the proportions of mediating effects among the total effects were 48.89% and 46.60%, respectively.Conclusion Body dissatisfaction might play an important mediating effect in association between DBCWL and obesity, which indicates that guiding children to correctly recognize their body might be more conducive than promoting obese children toward weight loss through dietary behavior changes.

A review of the amino acid metabolism in placental function response to fetal loss and low birth weight in pigs

The fertility of sows mainly depends on the embryo losses during gestation and the survival rate of the postfarrowing piglets.The selection of highly-prolific sows has been mainly focused on the selection of genotypes with high ovulatory quota.However,in the early-and post-implantation stages,the rate of embryo losses was increased with the increase of zygotes.Among the various factors,placental growth and development is the vital determinant for fetal survival,growth,and development.Despite the potential survival of fetuses with deficient placental development,their life-conditions and growth can be damaged by a process termed intrauterine growth retardation(IUGR).The newborn piglets affected by IUGR are prone to increased morbidity and mortality rates;meanwhile,the growth,health and welfare of the surviving piglets will remain hampered by these conditions,with a tendency to exacerbate with age.Functional amino acids such as glycine,proline,and arginine continue to increase with the development of placenta,which are not only essential to placental growth(including vascular growth)and development,but can also be used as substrates for the production of glutathione,polyamines and nitric oxide to benefit placental function in many ways.However,the exact regulation mechanism of these amino acids in placental function has not yet been clarified.In this review,we provide evidence from literature and our own work for the role and mechanism of dietary functional amino acids during pregnancy in regulating the placental functional response to fetal loss and birth weight of piglets.This review will provide novel insights into the response of nutritionally nonessential amino acids(glycine and proline)to placental development as well as feasible strategies to enhance the fertility of sows.

Bariatric surgery-mediated weight loss and its metabolic consequences for type-2 diabetes

The worldwide epidemic of obesity and its medical complications are being dealt with a combination of life style changes(e.g.,healthier diet and exercise),medications and a variety of surgical interventions.The Roux-en Y gastric bypass(RYGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding(LAGB) are two of the most common weight loss surgeries for morbid obesityassociated metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.A vast majority of patients that undergo RYGB and LAGB are known to experience marked weight loss and attenuation of diabetes.A number of recent studies have indicated that the rates of remission in glycemic control and insulin sensitivity are significantly greater in patients that have undergone RYGB.A plausible hypothesis to explain this observation is that the gastric bypass surgery as opposed to the gastric banding procedure impinges on glucose homeostasis by a weight loss-independent mechanism.In a recent paper,Bradley et al have experimentally explored this hypothesis.The authors compared several clinical and laboratory parameters of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in cohorts of RYGB and LAGB patients before and after they lost approximately 20% of their body mass.Afterweight loss,both groups of patients underwent similar changes in their intra-abdominal and total adipose tissue volume,hepatic triglyceride and circulating leptin levels.The RYGB patients who lost 20% body mass,manifested higher postprandial output of glucose,insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1;these laboratory parameters remained unchanged in LABG patients.Irrespective of the observed differences in transient responses of RYGB and LAGB patients to mixed meal,the overall glycemic control as judged by glucose tolerance,multi-organ insulin sensitivity and β-cell function were nearly identical in the two groups.Both RYGB and LAGB patient cohorts also experienced similar changes in the expression of a number of pro-and anti-inflammatory markers.Based on these analyses,Bradley et al concluded that similar restoration of insulin sensitivity and b-cell function in non-diabetic obese patients that have undergone RYGB and LAGB were directly due to marked weight loss.These data have important implications for the risk/benefit analysis of weight loss therapy by bariatric procedures.

Hepatoxicity associated with weight-loss supplements: A case for better post-marketing surveillance

There is a growing number of case reports of hepatoxicity from the widely marketed weight-loss supplement Hydroxycut, which contains the botanical ingredient Garcinia cambogia . These case reports may substantially undercount the true magnitude of harm. Based on the past experience with harmful dietary supplements, US regulators should assume the more precautionary approach favored by Canada and Europe. Lacking effective adverse event surveillance for supplements, or the requirements to prove safety prior to coming to the market, case reports such as those summarized here assume added importance.

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.

Detection and determination of undeclared synthetic caffeine in weight loss formulations using HPLC-DAD and UHPLC-MS/MS

Caffeine is present in products marketed for weight loss, with the purpose of increasing thermogenesis and lipid metabolism. The dosage declared by the product manufacturer, or even its presence, is not always correctly described on the label. This work aimed to investigate the undeclared synthetic caffeine in weight loss formulations by a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection(HPLC-DAD) method. From one hundred products purchased through Brazilian e-commerce, seventeen contained caffeine, either naturally or synthetically added to formulation. The caffeine-containing samples were confirmed by an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS) method, and adulteration was clearly proven in five products. The content highest caffeine contained 448.8 mg per dose. Other irregularities were also found; nevertheless, the most serious was the addition of synthetic drugs without asking the consumers. Additional drugs expose the consumer to more possible side-effects as well as deleterious drug interactions. Intentional adulteration with any unlabeled substance is typically motivated by a desire to increase or alter the claimed effect of the marketed product to gain a commercial advantage.

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.

Predictive factors for body weight loss and its impact on quality of life following gastrectomy

To determine the predictive factors and impact of body weight loss on postgastrectomy quality of life (QOL). METHODSWe applied the newly developed integrated questionnaire postgastrectomy syndrome assessment scale-45, which consists of 45 items including those from the Short Form-8 and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale instruments, in addition to 22 newly selected items. Between July 2009 and December 2010, completed questionnaires were received from 2520 patients with curative resection at 1 year or more after having undergone one of six types of gastrectomy for Stage I gastric cancer at one of 52 participating institutions. Of those, we analyzed 1777 eligible questionnaires from patients who underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y procedure (TGRY) or distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I (DGBI) or Roux-en-Y (DGRY) procedures. RESULTSA total of 393, 475 and 909 patients underwent TGRY, DGRY, and DGBI, respectively. The mean age of patients was 62.1 ± 9.2 years. The mean time interval between surgery and retrieval of the questionnaires was 37.0 ± 26.8 mo. On multiple regression analysis, higher preoperative body mass index, total gastrectomy, and female sex, in that order, were independent predictors of greater body weight loss after gastrectomy. There was a significant difference in the degree of weight loss (P < 0.001) among groups stratified according to preoperative body mass index (< 18.5, 18.5-25 and > 25 kg/m2). Multiple linear regression analysis identified lower postoperative body mass index, rather than greater body weight loss postoperatively, as a certain factor for worse QOL (P < 0.0001) after gastrectomy, but the influence of both such factors on QOL was relatively small (R2, 0.028-0.080). CONCLUSIONWhile it is certainly important to maintain adequate body weight after gastrectomy, the impact of body weight loss on QOL is unexpectedly small.

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.