Effect of a cellulose-containing weight-loss supplement on gastric emptying and sensory functions

CM3, a highly cross-linked cellulose in capsule form, expands in the stomach to a size several fold of its original volume. It is purported to induce a prolonged feeling of satiation and a delay in gastric emptying, thus promoting weight loss. We examined whether CM3 delays gastric emptying (using the stable isotope (13)C-octanoic breath test) and whether it influences subjective feelings of appetite sensations (using visual analog scales, VASs). We performed a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial in 19 moderately obese but otherwise healthy subjects (mean age 55 +/- 9 years, BMI 31.1 +/- 4.6 kg/m(2)). The subjects were treated with six capsules of CM3 or matching placebo 30 min before a standardized solid meal. Breath collection and VASs were performed over 4 h every 15 min and 30 min, respectively. Half-excretion time of (13)CO(2) in breath, indicating gastric emptying half time, was the primary outcome parameter. The study was powered to detect a change in gastric emptying of 20-30 min. Mean (13)CO(2) half-excretion time changed from 2.3 +/- 0.4 to 2.4 +/- 0.33 h (mean difference +6 min, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3 to +15 min; P = 0.17). Appetite sensations (hunger, satiation, fullness, prospective food consumption, desire to eat something sweet, salty, savory, or fatty) changed over time during the course of the postprandial phase but were not influenced by CM3 (repeated measures ANOVA). In obese subjects, acute administration of the weight-loss supplement CM3 does not delay gastric emptying and does not influence subjective appetite sensations.     

Neointimal hyperplasia associated with the use of u-clip

The U-Clip (Coalescent Surgical, Sunnydale, CA USA) allows the surgeon to create an interrupted anastomosis in the same amount of time that is required for a continuous anastomosis with the elimination of knotting. Its use is indicated especially in minimally invasive surgery. We describe a case of a patient in which the proximal anastomosis was performed by interrupted suture with Coalescent U-Clip anastomotic device. Six months later, he presented with stenosis of the anastomosis, and intravascular ultrasound showed anastomotic neointimal hyperplasia.     

Hepatitis after the use of germander,a herbal remedy.

The authors report two cases of hepatic injury associated with the ingestion of germander, a herbal medicine used to facilitate weight loss. In both patients, hepatitis characterized by asthenia, jaundice and a marked increase in serum amino-transferase levels occurred after 5 to 6 months of germander use. The jaundice disappeared within 8 weeks after germander use was stopped, and the overall outcome was favourable. The subsequent resumption of germander therapy by one patient was soon followed by the recurrence of hepatitis. Similar reports from France have led to the banning of germander in that country. Like several other herbal remedies, germander may be hepatotoxic, and many herbal medicines may not be as safe as the public generally assumes.     

A study on verifying the effectiveness of 4-week composite weight-loss dietary supplement ingestion on body composition and blood lipid changes in middle-aged women

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a composite weight-loss dietary supplement on body composition and blood lipid changes in middle-aged women.

Methods

Thirty seven middle-aged women living in the Kyunggi area participated in this study and they were randomly divided into 2 groups (Dietary supplement ingestion group; DG, n = 20 and Placebo group; PG, n = 17). Blood draw and dual energy x-ray (DEXA) measurements were conducted to examine changes in body composition and blood lipids.

Results

There were no significant changes in weight and BMI in both groups. There was an interaction between the composite weight-loss dietary supplement intake and lean body mass in DG and there was a significant decrease in percent body fat in DG. Blood lipid changes in the study results showed that there was no significant difference in TC, TG, and LDL in both groups; however, there was a significant interaction between the composite weight-loss dietary supplement intake and HDL-C as well as an increase in the HDL-C of DG.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it seems that 4-week ingestion of the composite weight-loss dietary supplement decreased body fat, increased lean body mass, and increased HDL-C. Therefore, the composite weight-loss dietary supplement is expected to prevent obesity and induce health improvements in middle-aged women.     

Fatal hyperthermia associated with cocaine use.

Health insurance in the United States is failing patients and physicians alike. In this country 37 million uninsured face economic barriers to care, and the health of many suffers as a result. The "corporatization" of medical care threatens professional values with an unprecedented administrative and commercial intrusion into the daily practice of medicine. Competitive strategies have also failed their most ostensible goal--cost control. In contrast, Canada offers a model of a national health insurance plan that provides universal and comprehensive coverage, succeeds at restraining health care inflation, and does little to abrogate the clinical autonomy of physicians in private practice. I propose that American physicians relent in their historical opposition to national health insurance and participate in the development of a universal, public insurance plan responsive to the needs of both patients and physicians.     

Combined use of Lactobacillus reuteri and soygerm powder as food supplement

AIMS: The survival of Lactobacillus reuteri when challenged with glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA) and soygerm powder was investigated. Moreover, the impact of Lact. reuteri on the bioavailability of isoflavones present in soygerm powder was examined. METHODS AND RESULTS: The strain experienced a die-off when adding 2 or 3 mmol l-1 bile salts, with more pronounced effects in the case of DCA. By means of a haemolysis test it was shown that toxicity could be due to membrane damage. When 4 g l-1 soygerm powder was added, the Lactobacillus strain survived the bile salt burden better (P < or = 0.05) and the membrane damage in the haemolysis test decreased (P < or = 0.05). The Lact. strain cleaved beta-glycosidic isoflavones during fermentation of milk supplemented with soygerm powder. CONCLUSIONS, SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The interactions between the Lactobacillus strain and soygerm powder suggest that combining both in fermented milk can exhibit advantageous probiotic effects. The relevance of the combination of the strain and the soygerm powder should be studied under more relevant physiological conditions.