Sex Commonalities and Differences in Obesity-Related Alterations in Intrinsic Brain Activity and Connectivity.

Objective: This study aimed to characterize obesity-related sex differences in the intrinsic activity and connectivity of the brain's reward networks.

Methods: Eighty-six women (n = 43) and men (n = 43) completed a 10-minute resting functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Sex differences and commonalities in BMI-related frequency power distribution and reward seed-based connectivity were investigated by using partial least squares analysis.

Surgically Induced Changes in Gut Microbiome and Hedonic Eating as Related to Weight Loss: Preliminary Findings in Obese Women Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

Objective: Weight loss surgery results in significant changes in the anatomy, function, and intraluminal environment of the gastrointestinal tract affecting the gut microbiome. Although bariatric surgery results in sustained weight loss, decreased appetite, and hedonic eating, it is unknown whether the surgery-induced alterations in gut microbiota play a role in the observed changes in hedonic eating. We explored the following hypotheses: (1) laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) results in changes in gut microbial composition; (2) alterations in gut microbiota are related to weight loss; (3) alterations in gut microbiome are associated with changes in appetite and hedonic eating.

Patterns of brain structural connectivity differentiate normal weight from overweight subjects.

Background: Alterations in the hedonic component of ingestive behaviors have been implicated as a possible risk factor in the pathophysiology of overweight and obese individuals. Neuroimaging evidence from individuals with increasing body mass index suggests structural, functional, and neurochemical alterations in the extended reward network and associated networks.

Aim: To apply a multivariate pattern analysis to distinguish normal weight and overweight subjects based on gray and white-matter measurements.

Gastric electrical stimulation with the TANTALUS System in obese type 2 diabetes patients: effect on weight and glycemic control.

Background: The TANTALUS System is an investigational device that consists of an implantable pulse generator connected to gastric electrodes. The system is designed to automatically detect when eating starts and only then deliver sessions of gastric electrical stimulation (GES) with electrical pulses that are synchronized to the intrinsic antral slow waves. We report the effect of this type of GES on weight loss and glucose control in overweight/obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

The effect of eating on lower esophageal sphincter electrical activity.

Electrical activity of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) has been recorded mainly in vitro and in anesthetized animals. Swallowing produces relaxation of the LES, followed by its contraction. These changes should be associated with changes in LES electrical activity.

Effect of electrical stimulation of the LES on LES pressure in a canine model.

Gastric electrical stimulation modulates lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP). High-frequency neural stimulation (NES) can induce gut smooth muscle contractions. To determine whether lower esophageal sphincter (LES) electrical stimulation (ES) can affect LESP, bipolar electrodes were implanted in the LES of four dogs.

The TANTALUS system for obesity: effect on gastric emptying of solids and ghrelin plasma levels.

Background: Gastric electrical stimulation (GES), using the implantable TANTALUS System, is being explored as a treatment for obesity. The system delivers nonstimulatory electrical signals synchronized with gastric slow waves, resulting in stronger contractions. We hypothesized that this GES may enhance gastric emptying and as a result affect plasma ghrelin and insulin homeostasis.

Association between gastric electromechanical activity and satiation in dogs.

Objective: The objective of this study was to validate the use of impedance for measurement of antral contractions and to determine the relationship between food-induced changes in gastric motility and satiation.

Research Methods And Procedures: In Experiment 1, three dogs were implanted with an antral strain gauge and bipolar electrodes for measurement of local tissue impedance. Impedance and strain gauge recordings were obtained simultaneously during antral contractions to correlate impedance changes with contractile events.

Constipation caused by functional outlet obstruction.

Functional constipation is a very common problem in Western societies. Functional outlet obstruction, part of the spectrum of functional constipation, is suspected when patients present with select symptoms. Diagnosis is commonly made with anorectal manometry, electromyography, and rectal evacuation tests.

Electrical activity from colon overlaps with normal gastric electrical activity in cutaneous recordings.

The stability of EGG recordings is affected by a variety of artifacts. The aim of this study was to investigate possible overlapping of dominant frequencies in recorded cutaneous electrical activity arising simultaneously from the stomach and/or colon. Ten normal volunteers, eight posttotal colectomy patients, and four patients posttotal gastrectomy were studied.