Characterization of combined linagliptin and Y2R agonist treatment in diet-induced obese mice

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors improve glycemic control by prolonging the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). In contrast to GLP-1 analogues, DPP-IV inhibitors are weight-neutral. DPP-IV cleavage of PYY and NPY gives rise to PYY3-36 and NPY3-36 which exert potent anorectic action by stimulating Y2 receptor (Y2R) function. This invites the possibility that DPP-IV inhibitors could be weight-neutral by preventing conversion of PYY/NPY to Y2R-selective peptide agonists. We therefore investigated whether co-administration of an Y2R-selective agonist could unmask potential weight lowering effects of the DDP-IV inhibitor linagliptin. Male diet-induced obese (DIO) mice received once daily subcutaneous treatment with linagliptin (3 mg/kg), a Y2R-selective PYY3-36 analogue (3 or 30 nmol/kg) or combination therapy for 14 days. While linagliptin promoted marginal weight loss without influencing food intake, the PYY3-36 analogue induced significant weight loss and transient suppression of food intake. Both compounds significantly improved oral glucose tolerance. Because combination treatment did not further improve weight loss and glucose tolerance in DIO mice, this suggests that potential negative modulatory effects of DPP-IV inhibitors on endogenous Y2R peptide agonist activity is likely insufficient to influence weight homeostasis. Weight-neutrality of DPP-IV inhibitors may therefore not be explained by counter-regulatory effects on PYY/NPY responses.

Elution of rifampin and vancomycin from a weight-bearing silorane-based bone cement

Aims Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based bone cements are the industry standard in orthopaedics. PMMA cement has inherent disadvantages, which has led to the development and evaluation of a novel silorane-based biomaterial (SBB) for use as an orthopaedic cement. In this study we test both elution and mechanical properties of both PMMA and SBB, with and without antibiotic loading. Methods For each cement (PMMA or SBB), three formulations were prepared (rifampin-added, vancomycin-added, and control) and made into pellets (6 mm × 12 mm) for testing. Antibiotic elution into phosphate-buffered saline was measured over 14 days. Compressive strength and modulus of all cement pellets were tested over 14 days. Results The SBB cement was able to deliver rifampin over 14 days, while PMMA was unable to do so. SBB released more vancomycin overall than did PMMA. The mechanical properties of PMMA were significantly reduced upon rifampin incorporation, while there was no effect to the SBB cement. Vancomycin incorporation had no effect on the strength of either cement. Conclusion SBB was found to be superior in terms of rifampin and vancomycin elution. Additionally, the incorporation of these antibiotics into SBB did not reduce the strength of the resultant SBB cement composite whereas rifampin substantially attenuates the strength of PMMA. Thus, SBB emerges as a potential weight-bearing alternative to PMMA for the local delivery of antibiotics. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(4):277–284.

The Effects of Non-Nutritive Sweetener Consumption in the Pediatric Populations: What We Know, What We Don’t, and What We Need to Learn

Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States. This trend carries serious risk of children developing obesity-related diseases including Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are used as substitution for table sugar as a way to prevent weight gain. Their consumption is ubiquitous in adults and children; however the long-term health outcomes of chronic NNS consumption in children are unclear. Conflicting observational studies suggest that children consuming NNS are at risk of obesity and development of type 2 diabetes, while others concluded some benefits in weight reduction. Here, we review the physiological mechanisms that can contribute to the negative metabolic effects of NNS. We will focus on how NNS alters the sweet perception leading to increase caloric consumption, how NNs alters the gut microbiota, and how NNS may disrupt glucose homeostasis and initiate a vicious cycle of pancreatic endocrine dysfunction. Studies focused on the pediatric population are limited but necessary to determine whether the potential weight loss benefits outweigh the potential negative metabolic outcomes during this critical development period.

Waste generation and carbon emissions of a hospital kitchen in the US: Potential for waste diversion and carbon reductions

This study measured the total quantity and composition of waste generated in a large, New York City (NYC) hospital kitchen over a one-day period to assess the impact of potential waste diversion strategies in potential weight of waste diverted from landfill and reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. During the one-day audit, the hospital kitchen generated 1515.15 kg (1.7 US tons) of solid waste daily or 0.23 kg of total waste per meal served. Extrapolating to all meals served in 2019, the hospital kitchen generates over 442,067 kg (487 US tons) of waste and emits approximately 294,466 kg of CO2e annually from waste disposal. Most of this waste (85%, 376,247 kg or 415 US tons annually) is currently sent to landfill. With feasible changes, including increased recycling and moderate composting, this hospital could reduce landfilled waste by 205,245 kg (226 US tons, or 55% reduction) and reduce GHG emissions by 189,025 kg CO2e (64% reduction). Given NYC’s ambitious waste and GHG emission reduction targets outlined in its OneNYC strategic plan, studies analyzing composition, emissions, and waste diversion potential of large institutions can be valuable in achieving city sustainability goals.

Subcutaneous Adipose Stem Cells in Obesity: The Impact of Bariatric Surgery

Adipocyte expansion, which involves adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs), is a critical process with implications in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance associated with obesity. Impaired subcutaneous adipogenesis leads to dysfunctional, hypertrophic adipocytes, chronic low-grade inflammation, and peripheric insulin resistance. Alternatively, it has also been proposed that the preservation of the functionality of subcutaneous adipocyte precursors could contribute to some obese individuals remaining metabolically healthy. Very few studies evaluated the changes in the adipogenic differentiation for human subcutaneous ASCs following bariatric surgery. Weight loss after bariatric surgery involves extensive remodeling of adipose tissue, comprising the hyperplasia-hypertrophy balance. Subcutaneous ASCs may be implicated in the variations of bariatric outcomes, through a different restoration in their proliferative and adipogenic potential. Weight loss induced by bariatric surgery correlates to the subcutaneous ASC functions and could explain the variability of metabolic improvement. Limited research data are available to the present and these data support the importance of diagnosis of subcutaneous ASCs functions as predictors of metabolic improvement after bariatric surgery.

Psychological dimension in the formation process of the Spanish Olympic wrestler

El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer cómo se ha llevado a cabo el trabajo psicológico en el proceso de formación deportiva de los luchadores olímpicos españoles con metodología cualitativa, se aplicó una entrevista semi-estructurada a 21 luchadores. Los resultados muestran que los luchadores olímpicos estiman que no han trabajado adecuadamente los aspectos psicológicos, valorando la mayoría que es fundamental en la etapa de alta competición si quieres alcanzar la excelencia. Entre las principales capacidades destacan autoconfianza, capacidad de sacrificio, constancia, disciplina, perseverancia y motivación personal. Presión-estrés se produce antes de la competición, aumenta la ansiedad motivada por dar el peso; reclaman más encuentros internacionales con el propósito de mejora en su control emocional. De este modo, se consideran la motivación y la autoconfianza, como variables psicológicas condicionales e importantes en el rendimiento deportivo y por lo tanto predictores del éxito en Lucha Olímpica. The aim of this study was to know how psychological work has been carried out in the process of sports training of Spanish Olympic fighters with qualitative methodology, a semi-structured interview was applied to 21 fighters. The results show that the wrestlers believe that they have not adequately worked on the psychological aspects, but most believe this is fundamental in the stage of high competition if you want to achieve excellence. Among the main capacities we can highlight: Self-confidence, capacity for sacrifice, constancy, discipline, perseverance and personal motivation. Pressure-stress occurs before the competition due to the anxiety motivated by any potential weight increase. Therefore, the Olympic fighters demand more international meetings with the purpose of improving their emotional state. Accordingly, motivation and self-confidence are considered to be the main conditioning and important psychological variables in sports performance, and therefore they are predictors of success in the Olympic fight.

Class 3 Obesity in a Multidisciplinary Metabolic Weight Management Program: The Effect of Preexisting Type 2 Diabetes on 6-Month Weight Loss

Introduction. Class 3 obesity (BMI≥40 kg/m2) is a growing health problem worldwide associated with considerable comorbidity including Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The multidisciplinary medical management of obesity can be difficult in T2DM due to potential weight gain from medications including sulphonylureas and insulin. However, newer weight-neutral/losing diabetes medications can aid additional weight loss. The aim of this study was to compare weight loss outcomes of patients with and without T2DM, and in patients with T2DM, to compare diabetes outcomes and change in medications at 6 months. Methods. All patients entering a multidisciplinary weight management metabolic program in a publicly funded hospital clinic in Sydney between March 2018 and March 2019, with BMI≥40 kg/m2 and aged ≥18 years were included. Data was collected from patient clinical and electronic notes at baseline and 6 months. Results. Of the 180 patients who entered the program, 53.3% had T2DM at baseline. There was no difference in percentage weight loss in those with or without T2DM (4.2±4.9% vs. 3.6±4.7%, p=0.35). Additionally, T2DM patients benefited from a 0.47% reduction in HbA1c (p<0.01) and a reduction in the number of medications from baseline to 6 months (1.8±1.0/patient vs. 1.0±1.2/patient, p<0.001). T2DM patients who started on weigh-neutral/losing medications in the program lost more weight than those started on weight-gaining medications (7.7±5.3% vs. 2.4±3.8%, p=0.015). Conclusions. Patients with class 3 obesity had significant weight loss at 6 months in this program. Patients with T2DM at baseline had comparable weight loss at 6 months, a significant improvement in glycaemic control, and a reduction in diabetes medication load. Additionally, patients with T2DM who were started on weight-neutral/losing medications lost significantly more weight than those started on weight-gaining medications, and these medications should be preferentially used in class 3 obesity and comorbid T2DM.

Calling (Intellectual) BS on Inequality’s Perversion of Alienation

The ‘intellectual’ justification of economic inequality as framed through the work of Harry G. Frankfurt is the basis of the following review essay. The target adopts a belief in the practice where the more one repeats a simplistic argument so, too, will such ideas hold the potential weight to be uncritically received. In a demeanour that only one from the insulated armchair of affluence and security provided by the academy can, Frankfurt, less than subtlety, reiterates a claim that an authentic morality would suggest inequality is the most proficient stasis for a given sociality. Challenging such a position, the trajectory of this assessment invokes both Marx’s early conceptualization of estrangement and a Gramscian critique toward the dumbing-down of critical thought alongside academia’s subservient role to political-economic power. Misinformed of the causality of socioeconomic disparity (and impediments to human potential), a review of Marxian thought can shed light on how economic inequality is not centred on a deficiency in subjective perception but rather a structural equation of material relations that have long enabled such a reality to withstand. It is through an insolent exposure of elitist proposition and ill-informed misdirection that those who would distort philosophical thought can be shown for what they are; (unconscious or not) ‘traditional intellectuals’ validating the endurance of capitalist enclosure.

Utilization of Prickly Pear for Preparation of Fruit Dessert

Prickly pear, an underutilized fruit in India is known for its functional benefits such as it boosts immunity, builds strong bones and teeth, maintains digestive health, enhances heart health, anti-carcinogenic effects, antioxidant potential, weight loss effects and suppresses inflammation. Gelatine based dessert was prepared using cactus pear juice and was compared with pectin based jellies prepared from the same juice. The loss in quality parameters was found lesser in gelatine based dessert than that in pectin jelly. Ascorbic acid analysis showed that the gelatine based dessert had more amount of ascorbic acid content as compared to pectin based jelly. The sensory evaluation was carried out to compare the consumer acceptance of gelatine based dessert and was observed that gelatine based dessert was sensorially superior than the pectin based jelly.

Static and dynamic aeroelastic tailoring with composite blending and manoeuvre load alleviation

In aircraft design, proper tailoring of composite anisotropic characteristics allows to achieve weight saving while maintaining good aeroelastic performance. To further improve the design, dynamic loads and manufacturing constraints should be integrated in the design process. The objective of this paper is to evaluate how the introduction of continuous blending constraints affects the optimum design and the retrieval of the final stacking sequence for a regional aircraft wing. The effect of the blending constraints on the optimum design (1) focuses on static and dynamic loading conditions and identifies the ones driving the optimization and (2) explores the potential weight saving due to the implementation of a manoeuvre load alleviation (MLA) strategy. Results show that while dynamic gust loads can be critical for wing design, in the case of a regional aircraft, their influence is minimal. Nevertheless, MLA strategies can reduce the impact of static loads on the final design in favour of gust loads, underlining the importance of considering such load-cases in the optimisation. In both cases, blending does not strongly affect the load criticality and retrieve a slightly heavier design. Finally, blending constraints confirmed their significant influence on the final discrete design and their capability to produce more manufacturable structures.