Successful weight loss maintenance: A systematic review of weight control registries

Weight loss maintenance is a major challenge for obesity treatment. Weight control registries can be useful in identifying psychological and behavioural factors that could contribute to better long‐term success. The objective of this study is to describe the existing weight control registries and their participants and identify correlates of weight loss maintenance. A comprehensive search of peer‐reviewed articles published until November 2018 was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Studies that reported results from weight control registries were considered. Fifty‐two articles, corresponding to five registries (the United States, Portugal, Germany, Finland, and Greece), were included. Registries differed in inclusion criteria and procedures. Of 51 identified weight loss and maintenance strategies, grouped in 14 domains of the Oxford Food and Activity Behaviors taxonomy, the following were the most frequently reported: having healthy foods available at home, regular breakfast intake, increasing vegetable consumption, decreasing sugary and fatty foods, limiting certain foods, and reducing fat in meals. Increased physical activity was the most consistent positive correlate of weight loss maintenance. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review of information about successful weight loss maintenance obtained from weight control registries. Key common influential characteristics of success were identified, which can inform future prospective studies and weight management initiatives.     

Genetic variation at the SLCO1B1 gene locus and low density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering response to pravastatin in the elderly

Our goal was to determine whether genetic variation at genes affecting statin metabolism or targets of statin therapy would influence low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering with pravastatin, baseline heart disease, or cardiac endpoints on trial. We examined associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the liver X receptor alpha (LXRA, rs12221497), and the solute carrier organic anion transporter (SLCO1B1, rs4149056 and rs2306283) gene loci with these variables. We studied 5411 participants in PROSPER (PROspective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk) (mean age 75.3 years), who had been randomized to pravastatin 40 mg/day or placebo and were followed for a mean of 3.2 years. No relationships between genetic variation at the LXRA gene locus with statin induced LDL lowering response or other parameters were noted. Both the SLCO1B1 rs4149056 (valine for alanine at 174) and the rs2306283 (asparagine for aspartic acid at 130) SNPs affect the amino acid sequence of the SLCO1B1 gene product. No effect of the rs2306283 SNP on any of the variables was noted. However the presence of the rs4149056 SNP was associated with significantly less LDL cholesterol lowering response to pravastatin (wildtype, 71.5% of the population, -37.0%; heterozygotes, 25.8% of the population, -36.0%; and homozygotes, 2.7% of the population, -31.8%, p=0.003 at 6 months, and p=0.022 at 12 months). Our data indicate that the presence of the rs4149056 non-synonymous SNP at the SLCO1B1 gene locus can significantly decrease the pravastatin induced LDL cholesterol lowering response.     

Ontogeny of the Vertebral Column of Eleutherodactylus johnstonei (Anura: Eleutherodactylidae) Reveals Heterochronies Relative to Metamorphic Frogs

Over the last century, the morphogenesis of the vertebral column has been considered as a highly conserved process among anurans. This statement is based on the study of few metamorphic taxa, ignoring the role of developmental mechanisms underlying the evolution of specialized life‐histories. Direct development in anurans has been regarded as evolutionarily derived and involves developmental recapitulation and repatterning at different levels in all amphibian taxa studied so far. Herein, we analyze the vertebral column morphogenesis of the direct‐developing frog Eleutherodactylus johnstonei, describing the sequence of chondrification and ossification, based on cleared and double‐stained specimens from early stage embryos to adults. In general, our results show that the morphogenesis of the vertebral column in E. johnstonei recapitulates the ancestral tadpole‐like pattern of development. However, the analysis of the sequence of events using heterochrony plots shows important heterocronies relative to metamorphic species, such as a delay in the chondrification of the vertebral centra and in osteogenesis. These ontogenetic peculiarities may represent derived traits in direct‐developing frogs and are possibly correlated with its unusual life history. In addition, several features of the vertebral column of E. johnstonei are highly variable from its typical morphology. We report some malformations and small deviations, which do not seem to affect the survival of individuals. These anomalies have also been found in other frogs, and include many vertebral defects, such as vertebral fusion, and vertebral preclusion and/or induction. Anat Rec, 296:00000–#2013, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Measuring Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment: The Role of Pharmacy Records of Drug Withdrawals

This study aimed to evaluate adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) among HIV + adults, assess its association with HIV viral load (VL) and identify factors associated to adherence. A survey involving a random sample of adults followed at a HIV/AIDS reference center in S?o Paulo city, Brazil, from 2007 to 2009 was done. A questionnaire was applied and data were retrieved from the pharmacy and medical records. The study involved 292 subjects: 70.2% men; median age: 43 years; median duration of ART: 8 years. 89.3% self-reported taken all prescribed pills in the last 3 days but only 39.3% picked up ≥95% of the prescribed ART from the pharmacy in the last 12 months. At the multivariate analysis having symptoms prior to ART, taking fewer ART pills, and not missing medical appointments were independently associated to higher adherence. Adherence was strongly associated with undetectable HIV VL. Rates of undetectable HIV VL did not differ from 80 to ≥95% of adherence.     

Bilaminar Device of Poly(Lactic‐co‐Glycolic Acid)/Collagen Cultured With Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells for Dermal Regeneration

Several materials are commercially available as substitutes for skin. However, new strategies are needed to improve the treatment of skin wounds. In this study, we developed and characterized a new device consisting of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and collagen associated with mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue. To develop the bilaminar device, we initially obtained a membrane of PLGA by dissolving the copolymer in chloroform and then produced a collagen type I scaffold by freeze‐drying. The materials were characterized physically by gel permeation chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, and mass loss. Biological activity was assessed by cell proliferation assay. A preliminary study in vivo was performed with a pig model in which tissue regeneration was assessed macroscopically and histologically, the commercial device Integra being used as a control. The PLGA/collagen bilaminar material was porous, hydrolytically degradable, and compatible with skin growth. The polymer complex allowed cell adhesion and proliferation, making it a potentially useful cell carrier. In addition, the transparency of the material allowed monitoring of the lesion when the dressings were changed. Xenogeneic mesenchymal cells cultured on the device (PLGA/collagen/ASC) showed a reduced granulomatous reaction to bovine collagen, down‐regulation of α‐SMA, enhancement in the number of neoformed blood vessels, and collagen organization as compared with normal skin; the device was superior to other materials tested (PLGA/collagen and Integra) in its ability to stimulate the formation of new cutaneous tissue.