Participants

were randomly assigned with a computer-generated simple randomisation sequence to receive either 12 months of standard care as defined by national treatment guidelines, or 12 months of free membership to a commercial programme (Weight Watchers), and followed up for 12 months. The primary click here outcome was weight change over 12 months. Analysis was by intention to treat (last observation carried forward [LOCF] and baseline observation carried forward [BOCF]) and in the population who completed the 12-month assessment. This trial is registered, number ISRCTN85485463.

Findings 377 participants were assigned to the commercial programme, of whom 230 (61%) completed the 12-month assessment; and 395 were assigned to standard care, of whom 214 (54%) completed the 12-month assessment. In all analyses, participants in the commercial programme group lost twice as much weight as did those in the standard care group. Mean weight change at 12 months was -5.06 kg (SE 0.31)

for those in the commercial programme versus -2.25 kg (0.21) for those receiving standard care (adjusted difference -2.77 kg, 95% CI -3.50 to -2.03) with LOCF; -4.06 kg (0.31) versus -1.77 kg (0.19; adjusted difference -2.29 kg, -2.99 to -1.58) with BOCF; and -6.65 kg (0.43) versus -3.26 kg (0.33; adjusted difference -3.16 kg, WZB117 -4.23 to -2.11) for Selleck MK5108 those who completed the 12-month assessment. Participants reported no adverse events related to trial participation.

Interpretation Referral by a primary health-care professional to a commercial weight loss programme that provides regular weighing, advice about diet and physical activity, motivation, and group support can off er a clinically useful early intervention for weight management in overweight and obese people that can be delivered at large scale.”
“Exosomes are 40-100 nm membrane vesicles of endocytic origin secreted by most cell types in vitro. Recent studies have shown that exosomes are also

found in vivo in body fluids such as blood, urine, amniotic fluid, malignant ascites, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, synovial fluid, and breast milk. While the biological function of exosomes is still unclear, they can mediate communication between cells, facilitating processes such as antigen presentation and in trans signaling to neighboring cells. Exosome-like vesicles identified in Drosophila (referred to as argosomes) may be potential vehicles for the spread of morphogens in epithelia. The advent of current MS-based proteomic technologies has contributed significantly to our understanding of the molecular composition of exosomes. in addition to a common set of membrane and cytosolic proteins, it is becoming increasingly apparent that exosomes harbor distinct subsets of proteins that may be linked to cell-type associated functions.