Yoga Training Improves Metabolic Parameters in Obese Boys

Yoga has been known to have stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the metabolic parameters and to be uncomplicated therapy for obesity. The purpose of the present study was to test the effect of an 8-week of yoga-asana training on body composition, lipid profile, and insulin resistance (IR) in obese adolescent boys. Twenty volunteers with body mass index (BMI) greater than the 95th percentile were randomly assigned to yoga (age 14.7±0.5 years, n=10) and control groups (age 14.6±1.0 years, n=10). The yoga group performed exercises three times per week at 40~60% of heart-rate reserve (HRR) for 8 weeks. IR was determined with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). After yoga training, body weight, BMI, fat mass (FM), and body fat % (BF %) were significantly decreased, and fat-free mass and basal metabolic rate were significantly increased than baseline values. FM and BF % were significantly improved in the yoga group compared with the control group (p<0.05). Total cholesterol (TC) was significantly decreased in the yoga group (p<0.01). HDL-cholesterol was decreased in both groups (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed between or within groups for triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Our findings show that an 8-week of yoga training improves body composition and TC levels in obese adolescent boys, suggesting that yoga training may be effective in controlling some metabolic syndrome factors in obese adolescent boys.     

Standardized Ultrasound Measurement of Subcutaneous Fat Patterning: High Reliability and Accuracy in Groups Ranging from Lean to Obese

A recently standardized ultrasound technique for measuring subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was applied to normal-weight, overweight and obese persons. Eight measurement sites were used: upper abdomen, lower abdomen, erector spinae, distal triceps, brachioradialis, lateral thigh, front thigh and medial calf. Fat compression was avoided. Fat patterning in 38 participants (body mass index: 18.6–40.3 kgm^?2; SAT thickness sums from eight sites: 12–245 mm) was evaluated using a software specifically designed for semi-automatic multiple thickness measurements in SAT (sound speed: 1450 m/s) that also quantifies embedded fibrous structures. With respect to ultrasound intra-observer results, the correlation coefficient ρ = 0.999 (p < 0.01), standard error of the estimate = 1.1 mm and 95% of measurements were within ±2.2 mm. For the normal-weight subgroup, the median measurement deviation was 0.43 mm (1.1% of mean thickness), and for the obese/overweight subgroup it was 0.89 mm (0.5%). The eight sites used here are suggested to represent inter-individual differences in SAT patterning. High measurement accuracy and reliability can be obtained in all groups, from lean to overweight and obese, provided that measurers are trained appropriately.     

Quality evaluation of rice bran protein isolate-based weaning food for preschoolers

Agro–industrial waste ‘rice bran’ was stabilized and the extracted protein isolates were used as ingredients to make nutritive complimentary food for the growing infants. The formulation processed through drum drying and the starchy ingredients were pregelatinized to reduce bulk in the prepared meal and facilitate spoon-feeding. The formulations had uniform texture, light golden color and good paste consistency. Nutrient composition was good enough to meet standards for supplementary infant foods. Caloric value remained up to 416 kcal/100 g with spoonable viscosity and 80.90–84.45% in vitro digestibility. A single meal could substantially contribute to the daily essential amino acid requirement. The formulation had good acceptability during a short-term infant-feeding trial. The present study can provide practical guideline for manufacturers as well as the nutritionist for the use of an economical and nutritive formulation for young children.     

基于AHP-熵权法优选黑顺片炮制工艺及生物碱类成分动态变化研究

目的 采用主观评价层次分析法（analytic hierarchy process，AHP）-熵权法优选黑顺片炮制工艺，探究炮制过程中生物碱类成分动态变化规律。方法 采用外观性状、水溶性浸出物、苯甲酰新乌头原碱含量、苯甲酰乌头原碱含量、苯甲酰次乌头原碱含量、双酯型生物碱总量作为评价指标，基于单因素考察结果，以煮制时间、水漂次数、蒸制时间、干燥温度为主要因素建立正交实验，通过AHP-熵权法优选黑顺片最佳炮制工艺参数。采用HPLC法对各炮制环节的附子进行含量测定，分析比较6种酯型生物碱的含量变化。结果 在质量分数20%以上的胆巴溶液中浸泡能达到防腐的目的，且浸泡20d以上附子的质量相对稳定。黑顺片炮制的最佳工艺条件为煮制时间8min，水漂次数4次，蒸制时间3h，干燥温度60℃；炮制过程中双酯型生物碱总量逐渐降低，泡胆和漂洗过程单酯型生物碱含量降低，煮制和蒸制过程单酯型生物碱含量升高。结论 实验优化所得的黑顺片炮制工艺合理、稳定、可行，炮制过程中各环节对酯型生物碱类成分均有不同程度的影响，可为进一步探讨黑顺片的现代炮制方法提供参考。     

桑白皮及其相关方剂治疗呼吸系统疾病的研究进展

桑白皮味甘、辛，性寒，归肺经，具泻肺平喘、利水消肿之功，主治肺热喘咳、尿少水肿、面目肌肤肿胀等证，是临床最常用的草药之一，用桑白皮配伍的方剂如桑白皮汤、清金化痰方和清肺化痰汤等被广泛使用于临床。桑白皮的主要活性成分是发挥其功效的物质基础，现代中药药效物质分析鉴定手段已较成熟，对桑白皮化学成分的研究已经非常深入系统，该文查阅了近些年来关于桑白皮化学成分、药理作用及其相关方剂治疗呼吸系统疾病的文献报道，结合桑白皮已分离鉴定出的主要药效成分及主要药理作用，对桑白皮及其相关方剂治疗呼吸系统疾病的作用和机制进行综述；该文通过总结并分析现临床常用桑白皮方剂的组方配伍思路和常用量，为桑白皮治疗呼吸系统疾病提供参考。该文为桑白皮及其相关方剂治疗呼吸系统疾病的深入研究提供思考，有利于桑白皮及其相关方剂在临床上发挥更广泛的治疗作用。     

Acute systemic and lung inflammation in C57Bl/6J mice after intratracheal aspiration of particulate matter from small-scale biomass combustion appliances based on old and modern technologies

Inflammation is regarded as an important mechanism behind mortality and morbidity experienced by cardiorespiratory patients exposed to urban air particulate matter (PM). Small-scale biomass combustion is an important source of particulate air pollution. In this study, we investigated association between inflammatory responses and chemical composition of PM₁ emissions from seven different small-scale wood combustion appliances representing old and modern technologies. Healthy C57Bl/6J mice were exposed by intratracheal aspiration to single dose (10?mg/kg) of particulate samples. At 4 and 18?h after the exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as well as serum was collected for subsequent analyses of inflammatory indicators (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-12, and IL-10; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); keratinocyte-derived chemoattractant (KC), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)) in multiplexing assay. When the responses to the PM₁ samples were compared on an equal mass basis, the PM from modern technology appliances increased IL-6, KC, and IL-1β levels significantly in BALF at 4 and 18?h after the exposure. In contrast, these responses were seen only at 4?h time point in serum. Increased cytokine concentrations correlated with metal-rich ash related compounds which were more predominant in the modern technology furnaces emissions. These particles induced both local and systemic inflammation. Instead, polycyclic hydrocarbon (PAH) rich PM₁ samples from old technology (OT) evoked only minor inflammatory responses. In conclusion, the combustion technology largely affects the toxicological and chemical characteristics of the emissions. The large mass emissions of old combustion technology should be considered, when evaluating the overall harmfulness between the appliances. However, even the small emissions from modern technologies may pose significant toxic risks.     

Antidepressant Use is Associated with Increased Energy Intake and Similar Levels of Physical Activity

Antidepressants have been associated with weight gain, but the causes are unclear. The aims of this study were to assess the association of antidepressant use with energy intake, macronutrient diet composition, and physical activity. We used data on medication use, energy intake, diet composition, and physical activity for 3073 eligible adults from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Potential confounding variables, including depression symptoms, were included in the models assessing energy intake, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Antidepressant users reported consuming an additional (mean ± S.E.) 215 ± 73 kcal/day compared to non-users (p = 0.01). There were no differences in percent calories from sugar, fat, or alcohol between the two groups. Antidepressant users had similar frequencies of walking or biking, engaging in muscle-strengthening activities, and engaging in moderate or vigorous physical activity. Antidepressant users were more likely to use a computer for ≥2 h/day (OR 1.77; 95% CI: 1.09–2.90), but TV watching was similar between the two groups. These results suggest increased energy intake and sedentary behavior may contribute to weight gain associated with antidepressant use. Focusing on limiting food intake and sedentary behaviors may be important in mitigating the weight gain associated with antidepressant use.