bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Rotor Position Redundancy Decoding Method Based on Resolver Decoder
Authors: Yu Anbo , Wang Chenyu , Guo Xiaoqiang , Li Zheng , Zhang Chunjiang , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: June 2022

In view of the frequent safety problems of electric vehicles, the research on accurately obtaining the rotor position of the motor through the resolver is an important means to improve the functional safety of the system. The commonly used resolver decoding method involves the resolver decoding chip method and software decoding method, but few studies integrate the two decoding methods. A single method of motor rotor position acquisition cannot meet the requirements of system functional safety. To fill this gap, this paper proposes a method to simultaneously integrate hardware decoding and software decoding in the motor control system. The decoding chip and software decoding obtain the angle data at the same time, and they provide redundancy to improve the functional safety of the electronic control system. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed simultaneous operation of hardware decoding and software decoding is verified by experiments.
Revisiting Defect-Induced Light Field Enhancement in Optical Thin Films
Authors: Ling Xiulan , Chen Xin , Liu Xiaofeng
Published: June 2022

Based on a finite-difference time-domain method, we revisited the light field intensification in optical films due to defects with different geometries. It was found that defect can induce the local light intensification in optical films and the spherical defects resulted in the highest light intensification among the defect types investigated. Light intensification can increase with defect diameter and the relative refractive index between the defect and the film layer. The shallow defects tended to have the highest light intensification. Finally, the extinction coefficient of the defect had a significant effect on light intensification. Our investigations revealed that the light field intensification induced by a nano-defect is mainly attributed to the interference enhancement of incident light and diffracted or reflected light by defects when the size of the defect is in the subwavelength range.
Optimizing Efficiency and Motility of a Polyvalent Molecular Motor
Authors: Rempel Mark , Emberly Eldon
Published: June 2022

Molecular motors play a vital role in the transport of material within the cell. A family of motors of growing interest are burnt bridge ratchets (BBRs). BBRs rectify spatial fluctuations into directed motion by creating and destroying motor-substrate bonds. It has been shown that the motility of a BBR can be optimized as a function of the system parameters. However, the amount of energy input required to generate such motion and the resulting efficiency has been less well characterized. Here, using a deterministic model, we calculate the efficiency of a particular type of BBR, namely a polyvalent hub interacting with a surface of substrate. We find that there is an optimal burn rate and substrate concentration that leads to optimal efficiency. Additionally, the substrate turnover rate has important implications on motor efficiency. We also consider the effects of force-dependent unbinding on the efficiency and find that under certain conditions the motor works more efficiently when bond breaking is included. Our results provide guidance for how to optimize the efficiency of BBRs.
Recent Progress in Gas Sensor Based on Nanomaterials
Authors: Lun Danyang , Xu Ke
Published: June 2022

Nanomaterials-based gas sensors have great potential for substance detection. This paper first outlines the research of gas sensors composed of various dimensional nanomaterials. Secondly, nanomaterials may become the development direction of a new generation of gas sensors due to their high sensing efficiency, good detection capability and high sensitivity. Through their excellent characteristics, gas sensors also show high responsiveness and sensing ability, which also plays an increasingly important role in the field of electronic skin. We also reviewed the physical sensors formed from nanomaterials in terms of the methods used, the characteristics of each type of sensor, and the advantages and contributions of each study. According to the different kinds of signals they sense, we especially reviewed research on gas sensors composed of different nanomaterials. We also reviewed the different mechanisms, research processes, and advantages of the different ways of constituting gas sensors after sensing signals. According to the techniques used in each study, we reviewed the differences and advantages between traditional and modern methods in detail. We compared and analyzed the main characteristics of gas sensors with various dimensions of nanomaterials. Finally, we summarized and proposed the development direction of gas sensors based on various dimensions of nanomaterials.
Selective Properties of Mid-Infrared Tamm Phonon-Polaritons Emitter with Silicon Carbide-Based Structures
Authors: Gong Chengxuan , Zheng Gaige
Published: June 2022

Electromagnetic (EM) absorbers and emitters have attracted much interest because of their versatile applications. A photonic heterostructure composed of silicon carbide (SiC) layer/germanium (Ge) cavity/distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) has been proposed. Selective emission properties have been investigated through rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) method. The results illustrate that Tamm phonon-polaritons can be excited, and the magnetic field is partially centralized at the junction of Ge cavity and SiC film, aimed to improve the interactions of photon–phonon. The absorptivity/emissivity of the structure can be better optimized by controlling the coupling of surface modes with the incident wave. Near-unity absorption can be achieved through optimizing the SiC grating/Ge cavity/distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) multilayer structure with geometrical parameters of ds = 0.75 μm, dg = 0.7 μm, d1 = 1.25 μm and d2 = 0.75 μm, respectively. Physical mechanism of selective emission characteristics is deliberated. In addition, the simulation results demonstrate that the emitter desensitizes to the incidence angle and polarization state in the mid-infrared (MIR) range. This research ameliorates the function of the selective emitters, which provides more efficient design for SiC-based systems.
Facile Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica at Room Temperature for CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Kang Misun , Lee Jong-tak , Kim Min-Kyoung , Byun Myunghwan , Bae Jae-Young
Published: June 2022

Although mesoporous silica materials have been widely investigated for many applications, most silica materials are made by calcination processes. We successfully developed a convenient method to synthesize mesoporous materials at room temperature. Although the silica materials made by the two different methods, which are the calcination process and the room-temperature process, have similar specific surface areas, the silica materials produced with the room-temperature process have a significantly larger pore volume. This larger pore volume has the potential to attach to functional groups that can be applied to various industrial fields such as CO2 adsorption. This mesoporous silica with a larger pore volume was analyzed by TEM, FT-IR, low angle X-ray diffraction, N2-adsorption analysis, and CO2 adsorption experiments in comparison with the mesoporous silica synthesized with the traditional calcination method.
Wafer-Level Vacuum-Packaged Electric Field Microsensor: Structure Design, Theoretical Model, Microfabrication, and Characterization
Authors: Liu Jun , Xia Shanhong , Peng Chunrong , Wu Zhengwei , Chu Zhaozhi , Zhang Zhouwei , Lei Hucheng , Zheng Fengjie , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a novel wafer-level vacuum packaged electric field microsensor (EFM) featuring a high quality factor, low driving voltage, low noise, and low power consumption. The silicon-on-insulator (SOI) conductive handle layer was innovatively used as the sensing channel to transmit the external electric field to the surface of the sensitive structure, and the vacuum packaging was realized through anodic bonding between the SOI and glass-on-silicon (GOS). The fabrication process was designed and successfully realized, featured with a simplified process and highly efficient batch manufacturing, and the final chip size was only 5 × 5 mm. A theoretical model for the packaged device was set up. The influence of key parameters in the packaging structure on the output characteristics of the microsensor was analyzed on the basis of the proposed model. Experiments were conducted on the wafer-level vacuum-packaged EFM to characterize its performance. Experimental results show that, under the condition of applying 5 V DC driving voltage, the required AC driving voltage of the sensor was only 0.05 VP, and the feedthrough was only 4.2 mV. The quality factor was higher than 5000 and was maintained with no drop in the 50-day test. The vacuum in the chamber of the sensor was about 10 Pa. A sensitivity of 0.16 mV/(kV/m) was achieved within the electrostatic field range of 0–50 kV/m. The linearity of the microsensor was 1.62%, and the uncertainty was 4.42%.
A Study on the Detent Torque and Holding Torque of a Micro-Claw Pole Stepper Motor
Authors: Xi Xiaofei , Sun Yan , Wang Xudong , Xin Yuanxu , Yang Yong
Published: June 2022

The micro-claw pole stepper motor is widely used in the field of camera modules and VR focusing. The influence of torque ripple on positioning accuracy becomes more obvious with a decrease in motor volume. In order to reduce the torque ripple of the micro-claw stepper motor and increase the load capacity of the motor, the torque of the motor is simulated by using finite element software. Firstly, the influences of four parameters, namely air gap, magnet thickness, claw thickness and claw height, on the detent torque and holding torque of the claw permanent magnet stepper motor are obtained through the Taguchi experiment. The Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of each factor to the response was calculated and the degree of influence of the four parameters on the detent torque and holding torque of the micro-claw pole permanent magnet stepper motor was determined. Then, the optimal value of each factor to reduce the detent torque and increase the holding torque was obtained through optimization analysis. Finally, experiments were carried out to test the holding torque of the motor, and the accuracy of the results was verified by comparing the test values with the simulation values. According to the analysis of the paper, the response delta of air gap to detent torque is the largest, reaching 5.99, and that to holding torque is 0.73. The response delta of the magnet thickness to the detent torque is 5.87, and the response delta to the holding torque is 1.52. The optimized parameters obtained by optimization analysis reduce the detent torque of the motor by 26.74% and increase the holding torque by 18.35%. It is found that air gap and permanent magnet thickness have the greatest influence on the detent torque and holding torque of a micro-claw permanent magnet stepper motor, followed by claw thickness and claw height. Among them, the air gap has more influence on the detent torque than on the holding torque, and the thickness of the permanent magnet has more influence on the holding torque than on the detent torque.
Evaluation of Hydrodynamic and Thermal Behaviour of Non-Newtonian-Nanofluid Mixing in a Chaotic Micromixer
Authors: Tayeb Naas Toufik , Hossain Shakhawat , Khan Abid Hossain , Mostefa Telha , Kim Kwang-Yong
Published: June 2022

Three-dimensional numerical investigations of a novel passive micromixer were carried out to analyze the hydrodynamic and thermal behaviors of Nano-Non-Newtonian fluids. Mass and heat transfer characteristics of two heated fluids have been investigated to understand the quantitative and qualitative fluid faction distributions with temperature homogenization. The effect of fluid behavior and different Al2O3 nanoparticles concentrations on the pressure drop and thermal mixing performances were studied for different Reynolds number (from 0.1 to 25). The performance improvement simulation was conducted in intervals of various Nanoparticles concentrations (φ = 0 to 5%) with Power-law index (n) using CFD. The proposed micromixer displayed a mixing energy cost of 50–60 comparable to that achieved for a recent micromixer (2021y) in terms of fluid homogenization. The analysis exhibited that for high nanofluid concentrations, having a strong chaotic flow enhances significantly the hydrodynamic and thermal performances for all Reynolds numbers. The visualization of vortex core region of mass fraction and path lines presents that the proposed design exhibits a rapid thermal mixing rate that tends to 0.99%, and a mass fraction mixing rate of more than 0.93% with very low pressure losses, thus the proposed micromixer can be utilized to enhance homogenization in different Nano-Non-Newtonian mechanism with minimum energy.
Numerical Investigation of Special Heat Transfer Phenomenon in Wire-Wrapped Fuel Rod of SFR
Authors: Tan Xuefeng , Wang Bing , Guo Yun , Hu Miao
Published: June 2022

Sodium-cooled reactors (SFR) have always been recognized as one of the most promising candidates for the fourth-generation nuclear systems as announced by the Generation-IV International Forum. In the design of SFR, helical wire-wrapped rod is applied to stabilize the structure of the rod bundle and enhance coolant mixing. Although there has been considerable research on SFR in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the phenomenon of heat transfer has rarely been paid attention to. This article discovered that there exists reversed heat flux from coolant to wrapped wire, which is contrary to our usual understanding. This phenomenon has not been reported in previous CFD calculations. Hence, a solid heat conduction model is proposed to prove this phenomenon and analyze the heat transfer process. The simulation results show that the wrapping wire embedding depth, the shape of the calculation domain and the physical properties of all components have great influence on the magnitude of the reversed heat flux. The present findings will have strong influence on the temperature field and maximum value of the fuel rod as well as profound reference value for future flow calculation, especially in grid generation and treatment of the junction between the winding wire and fuel rod.
The Role of Early Life Microbiota Composition in the Development of Allergic Diseases
Authors: Tuniyazi Maimaiti , Li Shuang , Hu Xiaoyu , Fu Yunhe , Zhang Naisheng
Published: June 2022

Allergic diseases are becoming a major healthcare issue in many developed nations, where living environment and lifestyle are most predominantly distinct. Such differences include urbanized, industrialized living environments, overused hygiene products, antibiotics, stationary lifestyle, and fast-food-based diets, which tend to reduce microbial diversity and lead to impaired immune protection, which further increase the development of allergic diseases. At the same time, studies have also shown that modulating a microbiocidal community can ameliorate allergic symptoms. Therefore, in this paper, we aimed to review recent findings on the potential role of human microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract, surface of skin, and respiratory tract in the development of allergic diseases. Furthermore, we addressed a potential therapeutic or even preventive strategy for such allergic diseases by modulating human microbial composition.
Drugs Targeting the A3 Adenosine Receptor: Human Clinical Study Data
Authors: Fishman Pnina
Published: June 2022

The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is overexpressed in pathological human cells. Piclidenoson and namodenoson are A3AR agonists with high affinity and selectivity to A3AR. Both induce apoptosis of cancer and inflammatory cells via a molecular mechanism entailing deregulation of the Wnt and the NF-κB signaling pathways. Our company conducted phase I studies showing the safety of these 2 molecules. In the phase II studies in psoriasis patients, piclidenoson was safe and demonstrated efficacy manifested in significant improvements in skin lesions. Namodenoson is currently being developed to treat liver cancer, where prolonged overall survival was observed in patients with advanced liver disease and a Child–Pugh B score of 7. A pivotal phase III study in this patient population has been approved by the FDA and the EMA and is currently underway. Namodenoson is also being developed to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A Phase IIa study has been successfully concluded and showed that namodenoson has anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, and anti-steatosis effects. A phase IIb study in NASH is currently enrolling patients. In conclusion, A3AR agonists are promising drug candidates in advanced stages of clinical development and demonstrate safety and efficacy in their targeted indications.
Cardiovascular Safety and Effectiveness of Bisphosphonates: From Intervention Trials to Real-Life Data
Authors: Delli Poggi Chiara , Fusaro Maria , Mereu Maria Cristina , Brandi Maria Luisa , Cianferotti Luisella
Published: June 2022

Both osteoporosis with related fragility fractures and cardiovascular diseases are rapidly outspreading worldwide. Since they are often coexistent in elderly patients and may be related to possible common pathogenetic mechanisms, the possible reciprocal effects of drugs employed to treat these diseases have to be considered in clinical practice. Bisphosphonates, the agents most largely employed to decrease bone fragility, have been shown to be overall safe with respect to cardiovascular diseases and even capable of reducing cardiovascular morbidity in some settings, as mainly shown by real life studies. No randomized controlled trials with cardiovascular outcomes as primary endpoints are available. While contradictory results have emerged about a possible BSP-mediated reduction of overall mortality, it is undeniable that these drugs can be employed safely in patients with high fracture risk, since no increased mortality has ever been demonstrated. Although partial reassurance has emerged from meta-analysis assessing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias during bisphosphonates treatment, caution is warranted in administering this class of drugs to patients at risk for atrial fibrillation, possibly preferring other antiresorptives or anabolics, according to osteoporosis guidelines. This paper focuses on the complex relationship between bisphosphonates use and cardiovascular disease and possible co-management issues.
Impact of Physical Activity Differences Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Parameters in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Mascaró Catalina M. , Bouzas Cristina , Montemayor Sofía , García Silvia , Mateos David , Casares Miguel , Gómez Cristina , Ugarriza Lucía , Borràs Pere-Antoni , Martínez J. Alfredo , Tur Josep A.
Published: June 2022

Background: A Mediterranean lifestyle with a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity (PA) improves metabolic syndrome (MetS) characteristics and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The COVID-19 pandemic stopped healthy habits and increased NAFLD progression. Objectives: To assess how PA differences due to COVID-19 lockdown affected NAFLD parameters in adults with MetS. Design: Longitudinal 2-year analysis of data obtained between COVID-19 pre- and post-lockdown in a parallel-group randomized trial (n = 57, aged 40–60 years old, with MetS and NAFLD). Methods: NAFLD status and related parameters were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood collection analysis and related indexes. PA and fitness status were assessed by an Alpha-Fit test battery, accelerometers, validated Minnesota questionnaire and functional fitness score. During lockdown, study personnel telephoned patients to motivate them. Participants were grouped according to PA levels. Results: The low PA group improved its fitness score tests (0.2) after lockdown more than the medium PA group, and it decreased its sedentary activity (−48.7 min/day), increased light (20.9 min/day) and moderate (32.3 min/day) PA intensities and improved sleep efficiency (0.6%) in comparison with the medium and high PA groups. The high PA group increased its steps per day more than the other groups. The low PA group was the only group that decreased its gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels (−17.0 U/L). All groups increased their fatty liver index (FLI) after lockdown, but the medium PA group increased its FLI more than the low PA group. Participants in the high PA group decreased their HDL-cholesterol levels more than participants in the medium PA group (−0.4 mg/dL). Conclusions: Stopping regular PA together with an unhealthy lifestyle leads to a worsening of MetS and NAFLD. COVID-19 lockdown induced a decrease in PA in more active people, but inactive people increased their PA levels. Motivation seemed to be very important during lockdown.
Mice Lacking the Systemic Vitamin A Receptor RBPR2 Show Decreased Ocular Retinoids and Loss of Visual Function
Authors: Radhakrishnan Rakesh , Leung Matthias , Roehrich Heidi , Walterhouse Stephen , Kondkar Altaf A. , Fitzgibbon Wayne , Biswal Manas R. , Lobo Glenn P.
Published: June 2022

The systemic transport of dietary vitamin A/all-trans retinol bound to RBP4 into peripheral tissues for storage is an essential physiological process that continuously provides visual chromophore precursors to the retina under fasting conditions. This mechanism is critical for phototransduction, photoreceptor cell maintenance and survival, and in the support of visual function. While the membrane receptor STRA6 facilitates the blood transport of lipophilic vitamin A into the eye, it is not expressed in most peripheral organs, which are proposed to express a second membrane receptor for the uptake of vitamin A from circulating RBP4. The discovery of a novel vitamin A receptor, RBPR2, which is expressed in the liver and intestine, but not in the eye, alluded to this long-sort non-ocular membrane receptor for systemic RBP4-ROL uptake and transport. We have previously shown in zebrafish that the retinol-binding protein receptor 2 (Rbpr2) plays an important role in the transport of yolk vitamin A to the eye. Mutant rbpr2 zebrafish lines manifested in decreased ocular retinoid concentrations and retinal phenotypes. To investigate a physiological role for the second vitamin A receptor, RBPR2, in mammals and to analyze the metabolic basis of systemic vitamin A transport for retinoid homeostasis, we established a whole-body Rbpr2 knockout mouse (Rbpr2−/−) model. These mice were viable on both vitamin A-sufficient and -deficient diets. Rbpr2−/− mice that were fed a vitamin A-sufficient diet displayed lower ocular retinoid levels, decreased opsins, and manifested in decrease visual function, as measured by electroretinography. Interestingly, when Rbpr2−/− mice were fed a vitamin A-deficient diet, they additionally showed shorter photoreceptor outer segment phenotypes, altogether manifesting in a significant loss of visual function. Thus, under conditions replicating vitamin A sufficiency and deficiency, our analyses revealed that RBPR2-mediated systemic vitamin A transport is a regulated process that is important for vitamin A delivery to the eye when RBP4-bound ROL is the only transport pathway in the fasting condition or under vitamin A deficiency conditions.
Increased Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake Is Associated with Low Grip Strength in Elderly Korean Females
Authors: Bae Yun-Jung , Cui Xiang-Shun , Shin Seung-Ho
Published: June 2022

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have anti-inflammatory properties and have recently been considered essential factors for maintaining muscle health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between omega-3 fatty acid intakes and sarcopenia by assessing grip strength in elderly Koreans who are at risk of sarcopenia. This study was conducted on 5529 individuals (2449 males and 3080 females) aged ≥65 years from the raw data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2019. In this study, we analyzed the association between EPA and DHA intake, calculated from a 24-h recall method data, and grip strength, a diagnostic criterion for sarcopenia. The cut-off values for low grip strength were <26 kg for males and <18 kg for females, which were set for the Asian population. The results indicated that elderly females consuming EPA and DHA below the adequate intake (AI) had significantly lower grip strength (p < 0.0001) and, had a higher percentage contribution from carbohydrates, but a significantly lower percentage contribution from protein (p < 0.0001), compared to elderly females consuming EPA and DHA at or above the AI. In addition, after adjusting for confounding factors, the odds of low grip strength were 0.777 times lower among elderly females consuming EPA and DHA at or above the AI than those consuming EPA and DHA below the AI (95% confidence interval: 0.616–0.979, p = 0.0322). These results suggest that sufficient intake of EPA and DHA is pivotal to mitigate a reduction in grip strength and to improve the quality of nutrient intake among elderly females.
Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Neuroprotective Effect of a Yeast-Enriched Beer
Authors: Cecarini Valentina , Gogoi Olee , Bonfili Laura , Veneruso Iolanda , Pacinelli Giada , De Carlo Sara , Benvenuti Federica , D’Argenio Valeria , Angeletti Mauro , Cannella Nazzareno , Eleuteri Anna Maria
Published: June 2022

Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage worldwide. It is rich in nutrients, and with its microbial component it could play a role in gut microbiota modulation. Conflicting data are currently available regarding the consequences of alcohol and alcohol-containing beverages on dementia and age-associated disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegeneration characterized by protein aggregation, inflammatory processes and alterations of components of the gut–brain axis. The effects of an unfiltered and unpasteurized craft beer on AD molecular hallmarks, levels of gut hormones and composition of micro/mycobiota were dissected using 3xTg-AD mice. In addition, to better assess the role of yeasts, beer was enriched with the same Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain used for brewing. The treatment with the yeast-enriched beer ameliorated cognition and favored the reduction of Aβ(1-42) and pro-inflammatory molecules, also contributing to an increase in the concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokines. A significant improvement in the richness and presence of beneficial taxa in the gut bacterial population of the 3xTg-AD animals was observed. In addition, the fungal order, Sordariomycetes, associated with gut inflammatory conditions, noticeably decreased with beer treatments. These data demonstrate, for the first time, the beneficial effects of a yeast-enriched beer on AD signs, suggesting gut microbiota modulation as a mechanism of action.
Prenatal Bisphenol a Exposure and Postnatal Trans Fat Diet Alter Small Intestinal Morphology and Its Global DNA Methylation in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats, Leading to Obesity Development
Authors: Zulkifli Sarah , Mohd Nor Noor Shafina , Sheikh Abdul Kadir Siti Hamimah , Mohd Ranai Norashikin , Mohd Kornain Noor Kaslina , Wan Mohd Zain Wan Nor I’zzah , Abdul Aziz Mardiana
Published: June 2022

In this study, we aimed to determine whether a postnatal trans fat diet (TFD) could aggravate prenatal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure effects on offspring’s small intestine and adulthood obesity, due to the relatively sparse findings on how the interaction between these two variables interrupt the small intestinal cells. Twelve pregnant rats were administered with either unspiked drinking water (control; CTL) or BPA-spiked drinking water throughout pregnancy. Twelve weaned pups from each pregnancy group were then given either a normal diet (ND) or TFD from postnatal week (PNW) 3 until PNW14, divided into control offspring on normal diet (CTL-ND), BPA-exposed offspring on normal diet (BPA-ND), control offspring on trans fat diet (CTL-TFD), and BPA offspring on trans fat diet (BPA-TFD) groups. Body weight (BW), waist circumference, and food and water intake were measured weekly in offspring. At PNW14, small intestines were collected for global DNA methylation and histological analyses. Marked differences in BW were observed starting at PNW9 in BPA-TFD (389.5 ± 10.0 g; p < 0.05) relative to CTL-ND (339.0 ± 7.2 g), which persisted until PNW13 (505.0 ± 15.6 g). In contrast, water and food intake between offspring were significantly different (p < 0.01–0.05) at earlier ages only (PNW4–6 and PNW7–9, respectively). Furthermore, substantial differences in the general parameters of the intestinal structures were exclusive to ileum crypt length alone, whereby both BPA-ND (150.5 ± 5.1 μm; p < 0.001), and BPA-TFD (130.3 ± 9.9 μm; p < 0.05) were significantly longer than CTL-ND (96.8 ± 8.9 μm). Moreover, BPA-ND (2.898 ± 0.147%; p < 0.05) demonstrated global small intestinal hypermethylation when compared to CTL-ND and CTL-TFD (1.973 ± 0.232% and 1.913 ± 0.256%, respectively). Prenatal BPA exposure may significantly affect offspring’s physiological parameters and intestinal function. Additionally, our data suggest that there might be compensatory responses to postnatal TFD in the combined BPA prenatal group (BPA-TFD).
Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Gestational Weight Gain Restriction in Overweight/Obese Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Shan , Jin Jiani , Hu Kai-Lun , Wu Yiqing , Zhang Dan
Published: June 2022

Background: Overweight/obesity is associated with pregnancy-related disorders, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). Although multiple interventions have been proposed to prevent GDM and restrict GWG, our knowledge of their comparative efficacy is limited. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and identify the optimal intervention strategy to prevent GDM and restrict GWG among overweight/obese pregnant women. Methods: Randomized controlled trials that recruited overweight/obese pregnant women at <20 gestational week were obtained. Predictive and confidence interval plot and surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) were performed using Stata statistical software to determine and compare the efficacy of interventions (diet, physical activity (PA), diet + PA intervention and medication). Results: 23 studies with a total of 8877 participants were eligible for analysis. Our results indicated that although neither PA, diet + PA, diet nor medication intervention could significantly protect overweight/obese women from the development of GDM, there was a trend that PA and diet + PA intervention were preventive factors of GDM. Of these, PA intervention (SUCRA, 82.8%) ranked as the superior strategy, and diet intervention (SUCRA, 19.7%) was the least efficacious regimen. Furthermore, interventions of diet, PA and diet + PA were significantly beneficial for GWG restriction, whereas medication intervention could not restrict GWG. In detail, diet intervention (SUCRA, 19.7%) ranked as the optimal regimen, whilst PA intervention (SUCRA, 62.3%) ranked as the least efficacious regimen. Conclusion: Although none of the interventions could offer remarkable benefit for GDM prevention, interventions of diet, PA and diet + PA were significant factors to restrict GWG. In aggregate, diet + PA intervention seemed the superior choice for the prevention of both GDM and excessive GWG. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022313542.
Lutein Can Alleviate Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis Induced by Excessive Alcohol to Ameliorate Reproductive Damage in Male Rats
Authors: Zhang Yebing , Ding Haoyue , Xu Lei , Zhao Suli , Hu Shouna , Ma Aiguo , Ma Yan
Published: June 2022

Chronic excessive alcohol intake may lead to male reproductive damage. Lutein is a carotenoid compound with antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of lutein supplementation on male reproductive damage caused by excessive alcohol intake. In this study, an animal model of excessive drinking (12 mL/(kg.bw.d)) for 12 weeks was established and supplemented with different doses of lutein (12, 24, 48 mg/(kg.bw.d)). The results showed that the body weight, sperm quality, sex hormones (FSH, testosterone), and antioxidant markers (GSH-Px) decreased significantly, while MDA and inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α) increased significantly in the alcohol model group when compared to the normal control group. After 12 weeks of high-dose lutein supplementation with 48mg/(kg.bw.d), the spermatogenic ability, testosterone level, and the activity of marker enzymes reflecting testicular injury were improved. In addition, high-dose lutein supplementation downregulated the NF-κB and the pro-apoptosis biomarkers (Bax, Cytc and caspase-3), whereas it upregulated the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 and the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2. These findings were fully supported by analyzing the testicular histopathology and by measuring germ cell apoptosis. In conclusion, lutein protects against reproductive injury induced by excessive alcohol through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.
Blood Glucose Response of a Low-Carbohydrate Oral Nutritional Supplement with Isomaltulose and Soluble Dietary Fiber in Individuals with Prediabetes: A Randomized, Single-Blind Crossover Trial
Authors: Kokubo Eri , Morita Shunsuke , Nagashima Hirotaka , Oshio Kazutaka , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Miyaji Kazuhiro
Published: June 2022

A high-energy-type oral dietary supplement (ONS), with a low proportion of available carbohydrate (LC-ONS), which contains a slowly digestible carbohydrate, isomaltulose, and is fortified with soluble dietary fiber, was newly developed for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of LC-ONS on blood glucose levels after ingestion in individuals with prediabetes. A single-blind, randomized crossover clinical trial was performed on 20 individuals with prediabetes. After overnight fasting, all subjects ingested one serving (200 kcal/125 mL) of either LC-ONS (40% energy proportion of available carbohydrates) or standard ONS (ST-ONS, 54% energy proportion of available carbohydrates) on two separate days. The incremental area under the curve of blood glucose levels for 120 min was significantly lower after LC-ONS ingestion compared to ST-ONS (2207 ± 391 mg/dL·min (least mean square value ± standard error) and 3735 ± 391 mg/dL·min, respectively; p < 0.001). The LC-ONS showed significantly lower blood glucose levels than the ST-ONS at all time points, except at baseline. Similarly, the incremental area under the curve of plasma insulin was significantly lower after LC-ONS ingestion. These results suggest that LC-ONS is useful as an ONS for energy supply in individuals with postprandial hyperglycemia.
Absorption and Tissue Distribution of Folate Forms in Rats: Indications for Specific Folate Form Supplementation during Pregnancy
Authors: Bobrowski-Khoury Natasha , Sequeira Jeffrey M. , Arning Erland , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Quadros Edward V.
Published: June 2022

Food fortification and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy have been implemented as strategies to prevent fetal malformations during pregnancy. However, with the emergence of conditions where folate metabolism and transport are disrupted, such as folate receptor alpha autoantibody (FRαAb)-induced folate deficiency, it is critical to find a folate form that is effective and safe for pharmacologic dosing for prolonged periods. Therefore, in this study, we explored the absorption and tissue distribution of folic acid (PGA), 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (MTHF), l-folinic acid (levofolinate), and d,l-folinic acid (Leucovorin) in adult rats. During absorption, all forms are converted to MTHF while some unconverted folate form is transported into the blood, especially PGA. The study confirms the rapid distribution of absorbed folate to the placenta and fetus. FRαAb administered, also accumulates rapidly in the placenta and blocks folate transport to the fetus and high folate concentrations are needed to circumvent or overcome the blocking of FRα. In the presence of FRαAb, both Leucovorin and levofolinate are absorbed and distributed to tissues better than the other forms. However, only 50% of the leucovorin is metabolically active whereas levofolinate is fully active and generates higher tetrahydrofolate (THF). Because levofolinate can readily incorporate into the folate cycle without needing methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase (MS) in the first pass and is relatively stable, it should be the folate form of choice during pregnancy, other disorders where large daily doses of folate are needed, and food fortification.
Cross-Sectional Associations of Intakes of Starch and Sugars with Depressive Symptoms in Young and Middle-Aged Japanese Women: Three-Generation Study of Women on Diets and Health
Authors: Fujiwara Aya , Murakami Kentaro , Suga Hitomi , Sasaki Satoshi ,   Three-Generation Study of Women on Diets and Health Study Group
Published: June 2022

The relationship between the intakes of saccharide subtypes and depressive symptoms is unclear in Asian countries. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate this association among 3963 young (age of 18 years) and 3826 middle-aged (mean age of 47.8 years) Japanese women. The intakes of starch, total sugars, free sugars, sucrose, lactose, glucose, and total fructose were assessed using a validated diet history questionnaire. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 22.0% and 16.8% among young and middle-aged women, assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) score. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, higher starch intake was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms in young women with an odds ratio (OR) of the fourth to the first quintiles of 0.75 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57, 0.99). Moreover, higher intakes of sugars (except for lactose) were associated with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in young women, with ORs (95% CI) of the fifth to the first quintiles ranging from 1.30 (0.995, 1.69) for glucose to 1.47 (1.12, 1.93) for sucrose. These associations were not observed in middle-aged women. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Red Blood Cell DHA Is Inversely Associated with Risk of Incident Alzheimer’s Disease and All-Cause Dementia: Framingham Offspring Study
Authors: Sala-Vila Aleix , Satizabal Claudia L. , Tintle Nathan , Melo van Lent Debora , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Beiser Alexa S. , Seshadri Sudha , Harris William S.
Published: June 2022

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) might help prevent Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Red blood cell (RBC) status of DHA is an objective measure of long-term dietary DHA intake. In this prospective observational study conducted within the Framingham Offspring Cohort (1490 dementia-free participants aged ≥65 years old), we examined the association of RBC DHA with incident AD, testing for an interaction with APOE-ε4 carriership. During the follow-up (median, 7.2 years), 131 cases of AD were documented. In fully adjusted models, risk for incident AD in the highest RBC DHA quintile (Q5) was 49% lower compared with the lowest quintile (Q1) (Hazard ratio [HR]: 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27, 0.96). An increase in RBC DHA from Q1 to Q5 was predicted to provide an estimated 4.7 additional years of life free of AD. We observed an interaction DHA × APOE-ε4 carriership for AD. Borderline statistical significance for a lower risk of AD was observed per standard deviation increase in RBC DHA (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.51, 1.00, p = 0.053) in APOE-ε4 carriers, but not in non-carriers (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.65, 1.11, p = 0.240). These findings add to the increasing body of literature suggesting a robust association worth exploring dietary DHA as one strategy to prevent or delay AD.
Development and Validation of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition for Prognostic Prediction in Patients Who Underwent Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Liu Zhang , Shen Zile , Zang Wangfu , Zhou Jian , Yu Zhen , Zhang Peng , Yan Xialin
Published: June 2022

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) has achieved a consensus for the diagnosis of malnutrition in recent years. This study aims to determine the prognostic effect of the GLIM after cardiac surgery. A total of 603 patients in the training cohort and 258 patients in the validation cohort were enrolled in this study. Perioperative characteristics and follow-up data were collected. A nomogram based on independent prognostic predictors was developed for survival prediction. In total, 114 (18.9%) and 48 (18.6%) patients were defined as being malnourished according to the GLIM criteria in the two cohorts, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed that GLIM-defined malnutrition was an independent risk factor of total complication (OR 1.661, 95% CI: 1.063–2.594) and overall survival (HR 2.339, 95% CI: 1.504–3.637). The c-index was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.66–0.79) and AUC were 0.800, 0.798, and 0.780 for 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival prediction, respectively. The calibration curves of the nomogram fit well. In conclusion, GLIM criteria can efficiently identify malnutrition and has a prognostic effect on clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery. GLIM-based nomogram has favorable performance in survival prediction.
Protective Effect of Mitophagy Regulated by mTOR Signaling Pathway in Liver Fibrosis Associated with Selenium
Authors: Qiao Lichun , Guo Ziwei , Liu Haobiao , Liu Jiaxin , Lin Xue , Deng Huan , Liu Xuan , Zhao Yan , Xiao Xiang , Lei Jian , Han Jing
Published: June 2022

Background: As a central organ of energy metabolism, the liver is closely related to selenium for its normal function and disease development. However, the underlying roles of mitochondrial energy metabolism and mitophagy in liver fibrosis associated with selenium remain unclear. Methods: 28 rats were randomly divided into normal, low-selenium, nano-selenium supplement-1, and supplement-2 groups for a 12-week intervention. We observed pathological and ultrastructural changes in the liver and analyzed the effects of selenium deficiency and nano-selenium supplementation on liver metabolic activities and crucial proteins expression of mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Results: Selenium deficiency caused liver pathological damage and fibrosis with the occurrence of mitophagy by disrupting normal metabolic activities; meanwhile, the mTOR signaling pathway was up-regulated to enhance mitophagy to clear damaged mitochondria. Furthermore, nano-selenium supplements could reduce the severity of pathological damage and fibrosis in livers and maintain normal energy metabolic activity. With the increased concentrations of nano-selenium supplement, swelling mitochondria and mitophagy gradually decreased, accompanied by the higher expression of mTOR and phosphorylation-modified mTOR proteins and lower expression of unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) and phosphorylation-modified ULK1 proteins. Conclusions: Mitophagy regulated by the mTOR signaling pathway plays a dual protective role on low-selenium inducing liver fibrosis and nano-selenium supplements preventing liver fibrosis. Mitochondrial energy metabolism plays an important role in these processes as well.
Prediction Tool to Estimate Potassium Diet in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Developed Using a Machine Learning Tool: The UniverSel Study
Authors: Granal Maelys , Slimani Lydia , Florens Nans , Sens Florence , Pelletier Caroline , Pszczolinski Romain , Casiez Catherine , Kalbacher Emilie , Jolivot Anne , Dubourg Laurence , Lemoine Sandrine , Pasian Celine , Ducher Michel , Fauvel Jean Pierre
Published: June 2022

There is a need for a reliable and validated method to estimate dietary potassium intake in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients to improve prevention of cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to develop a clinical tool to estimate potassium intake using 24-h urinary potassium excretion as a surrogate of dietary potassium intake in this high-risk population. Data of 375 adult CKD-patients routinely collecting their 24-h urine were included to develop a prediction tool to estimate potassium diet. The prediction tool was built from a random sample of 80% of patients and validated on the remaining 20%. The accuracy of the prediction tool to classify potassium diet in the three classes of potassium excretion was 74%. Surprisingly, the variables related to potassium consumption were more related to clinical characteristics and renal pathology than to the potassium content of the ingested food. Artificial intelligence allowed to develop an easy-to-use tool for estimating patients’ diets in clinical practice. After external validation, this tool could be extended to all CKD-patients for a better clinical and therapeutic management for the prevention of cardiovascular complications.
Crohn’s Disease and Female Infertility: Can Nutrition Play a Supporting Role?
Authors: Vincenti Alessandra , Loperfido Federica , De Giuseppe Rachele , Manuelli Matteo , Bosoni David , Righi Alessandra , Nappi Rossella E. , Cena Hellas
Published: June 2022

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease (IBD) that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract in a non-continuous mode. CD is generally diagnosed most commonly between 15 and 35 years of age and may affect female fertility. The role of diet in supporting wellbeing outcome and reproductive potential in women is well-known; however, no effective efforts have been made to improve women’s awareness in CD. Our review aims to describe the burden of CD on women’s fertility, reporting the most relevant nutrients that support reproductive function to ensure women diagnosed with IBD an adequate health-related quality of life.
Correlation between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Peripheral Arterial Stiffness in Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3–5 Patients
Authors: Lee Chung-Jen , Hsieh Yi-Jen , Lin Yu-Li , Wang Chih-Hsien , Hsu Bang-Gee , Tsai Jen-Pi
Published: June 2022

Vitamin D deficiency and high brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) are each independently associated with higher incidence of mortality and cardiovascular (CV) disease or CV events, respectively. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and baPWV in non-dialysis patients with stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). We enrolled 180 CKD patients. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. BaPWV values were measured using an automatic pulse wave analyzer. Either left or right baPWV > 18.0 m/s was considered indicative of peripheral arterial stiffness (PAS). In this study, 73 (40.6%) patients were found to have PAS. Compared to those without PAS (control group), patients with PAS were older and had higher incidence of diabetes mellitus, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, higher levels of intact parathyroid hormone, and C-reactive protein, and lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (odds ratio [OR]: 0.895, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.828–0.968, p = 0.005) and old age (OR: 1.140, 95% CI 1.088–1.194, p < 0.001) to be independently associated with PAS in patients with stage 3–5 CKD. Lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and older age were associated with PAS in these patients.