bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Wood Flour from White Oak Branches as Reinforcement in a Polypropylene Matrix: Physical and Mechanical Characterization
Authors: Hernández-Jiménez José Angel , Jiménez-Amezcua Rosa María , Lomelí-Ramírez María Guadalupe , Silva-Guzmán José Antonio , Torres-Rendón José Guillermo , García-Enriquez Salvador
Published: June 2022

Compared to other fibrous materials, plant fibers can act as a reinforcement in plastics due to their relatively high strength and rigidity, low cost, low density, biodegradability, and renewability. In this context, this study examines the effect of the particle size and content of white oak wood flour (Quercus laeta Liemb), obtained from its branches, on the properties of commercial polypropylene. In Mexico, wood from the branches of Quercus laeta Liemb is barely utilized despite its abundance and viability. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate that this waste material can be exploited to prepare useful materials, in this case composites with competitive properties. Tensile and flexural tests, as well as impact strength and melt flow index were evaluated. In addition, density and water absorption capacity were also tested. Results showed that the water absorption increased with the incorporation of wood particles. Mechanical properties were strongly influenced by particle content. A reduction in elongation and strength was observed, while Young’s modulus and flexural modulus increased with the incorporation of wood particles. Impact strength increased with particle size and particle content.
Hydrodynamic Responses of a Barge-Type Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Integrated with an Aquaculture Cage
Authors: Zhai Yuting , Zhao Haisheng , Li Xin , Shi Wei
Published: June 2022

The dynamic responses of a new structure combining a barge-type floating offshore wind turbine and an aquaculture cage is investigated numerically. First, a 5 MW barge-type floating offshore wind turbine with an aquaculture cage (FOWT-AC) is designed and the numerical model is established in ANSYS-AQWA. The numerical model of the barge-type FOWT-AC is then checked, and the natural periods of the six degrees of freedom motion satisfy the recommendations of the DNV specification. Based on the reasonable model, the comparison study of dynamic responses between the barge-type FOWT-AC and FOWT under the environmental conditions of the South China Sea is carried out, and it is observed that the FOWT-AC produces a basically lower standard deviation of the motion responses. To investigate the new structure of the barge-type FOWT-AC deeply, the analyses of second-order hydrodynamic response, typical environmental conditions and the mooring line breaking scenario are carried out. The simulation results show that the second-order wave loads increase the dynamic response of the barge-type FOWT-AC slightly unless it causes resonance for the structure. In addition, the motion responses of the floating structures increase significantly when the currents are applied, especially when the aquaculture cage is integrated into the barge-type FOWT. When one of the mooring lines connected to the offshore or onshore side of the platform breaks, the presence of the aquaculture cage results in a smaller standard deviation in the motion responses of the coupled structure, which means that the barge-type FOWT-AC structure is more stable.
Multisystem Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in Younger Infants First Presenting in Skin: A Case Series
Authors: Han Dan , Li Fei , Yahya Wahid H. , Ge Rui , Zhao Yan , Liu Bei , Zhou Yan , Wen Zhuoyu
Published: June 2022

Objectives—To investigate the clinical characteristics, managements, outcome, and evaluate the risk factors of Multisystem (MS) Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) with diverse skin lesions as the first sign in four young infants. Methods—Their clinical features, disease progression, therapy, and outcomes were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. Results—The average onset age of skin lesions was about 2 months. Cases 1 and 2 had risk organs involved (RO+) and a lack of bone lesions, and progression could not be reversed by systemic chemotherapy. They both died eventually. Cases 3 and 4 (RO–) had bone involvement and were given systemic chemotherapy for a prolonged duration. Unluckily, Case 3 had a recurrence 2 years later, while Case 4’s recurrence happened nearly one year later, and diabetes insipidus one and a half years later. They both survived and are still in remission. Conclusion—MS-LCH infants with a low age of the first presentation in the skin are prone to dissemination, while RO+ is associated with high mortality. In addition, bone involvement may be a protective factor. Immunohistochemical examination of skin tissue facilitates correct early diagnosis, and adequate follow-up is necessary.
The Land System and the Rise and Fall of China’s Rural Industrialization: Based on the Perspective of Institutional Change of Rural Collective Construction Land
Authors: Xie Dongshui , Bai Caiquan , Wang Huimin , Xue Qihang
Published: June 2022

China’s rural industrialization, which flourished in the 1980s, has suddenly declined since the mid-1990s. Based on the perspective of institutional change of rural collective construction land, this paper discusses the reasons behind the rise and fall of China’s rural industrialization. Using the empirical tests of China’s provincial panel data from 1987 to 1997, it is found that from the 1980s to the mid-1990s, the government relaxed the regulation of collective construction land and allowed its transfer, which was the institutional basis for the rapid rise of China’s rural industrialization with township and village enterprises (TVEs) as the main form. Furthermore, this paper takes the government’s policy of prohibiting the circulation of collective construction land from the mid-1990s as the breakthrough point, and uses the “Land Administration Law of China” promulgated in 1998 as a quasi-natural experiment to examine the causal relationship between restricting the circulation of collective construction land and the decline of TVEs. It is found that the restrictions on the circulation of collective construction land caused by the implementation of the law significantly hindered the development of TVEs. After the implementation of the Land Administration Law, in areas affected more by the law, the development scale of their TVEs shrunk even more. The analysis of this paper shows that deepening the reform of the system of property rights on agricultural land and ensuring farmers’ rights of land circulation are important ways to revitalize the rural areas.
Liver Function Tests and FIB-4 Score as Predictors of Severity in COVID-19 Patients from the South-West of Romania
Authors: Kamal Adina M. , Dumitrescu Florentina , Mită Adrian , Săbiescu Denisa M. , Alexandru Dragoș O. , Gheorghe Codruța E. , Filip Monalisa M. , Ionescu-Ciocâlteu Adriana , Maria Daniela T. , Kamal Diana , Kamal Constantin K.
Published: June 2022

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (COVID-19) is the most important global health crisis to date. In this study, we performed an analysis to find the association between liver damage, FIB-4 score and the severity of COVID-19 disease. Methods: We included a total of 580 patients that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection and were hospitalized. No patient included had any known history of liver disease. Liver function tests were performed, and FIB-4 score was calculated in order to assess their involvement in the disease progression. Results: More than half of the patients had elevated liver function tests. Age, high body mass index, associated heart disease and diabetes were associated with poor outcome. Corticosteroids, antibiotics, and anticoagulants strongly correlated with liver injuries. Liver impairment and injury, as well as a FIB-4 score higher than 3.5, also correlated with higher degrees of disease severity. Conclusion: Liver injury and elevated FIB-4 score were associated with poor clinical outcome and disease severity, as well as being a valuable tool to predict COVID-19-related mortality.
Copper-Doped Bioactive Glass/Poly (Ether-Ether-Ketone) Composite as an Orbital Enucleation Implant in a Rabbit Model: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Xiong Ke , Zhao Mengen , Wu Zhaoying , Zhang Wei , Zhang Chao
Published: June 2022

An orbital enucleation implant is used to compensate for the orbital volume deficits in the absence of the globe. In this work, copper-doped bioactive glass in poly(ether-ether-ketone) (CuBG/PEEK) composite scaffolds as an orbital enucleation implant were designed and fabricated by cool-pressed sintering and particle-leaching techniques, the incorporation of copper-doped bioactive glass in poly(ether-ether-ketone) (CuBG/PEEK) was expected to significantly improve the biocompatibility of the PEEK implant. The consequences after implantation of the CuBG/PEEK composite scaffolds in experimental, eviscerated rabbits was observed and assayed in term of histopathological examination. In detail, 24 rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: Group A, PEEK scaffolds; Group B, 20% CuBG/PEEK composite scaffolds; Group C, 40% CuBG/PEEK composite scaffolds; the rabbits were sacrificed at week 4 and week 12, followed by histochemical staining and observation. As a result, the PEEK group exhibited poor material exposure and tissue healing, while the CuBG/PEEK scaffolds showed good biocompatibility, and the 40% CuBG/PEEK composite scaffold exhibited the best performance in angiogenesis and tissue repair. Therefore, this study demonstrates the potential of CuBG/PEEK composite scaffolds as an orbital enucleation implant.
First-Principles Calculation of the Bonding Strength of the Al2O3-Fe Interface Enhanced by Amorphous Na2SiO3
Authors: Wei Shaosheng , Yu Xiaohua , Lu Dehong
Published: June 2022

In this paper, the interfacial adhesion work (Wad), tensile strength, and electronic states of the Fe-amorphous Na2SiO3-Al2O3 and Fe-Al2O3 interfaces are well-investigated, utilizing the first-principles calculations. The results indicate that the Fe-amorphous Na2SiO3-Al2O3 interface is more stable and wettable than the interface of Fe-Al2O3. Specifically, the interfacial adhesion work of the Fe-amorphous Na2SiO3 interface is 434.89 J/m2, which is about forty times that of the Fe-Al2O3 interface, implying that the addition of amorphous Na2SiO3 promotes the dispersion of Al2O3 particle-reinforced. As anticipated, the tensile stress of the Fe-amorphous Na2SiO3-Al2O3 interface is about 46.58 GPa over the entire critical strain range, which is significantly greater than the Fe-Al2O3 interface control group. It could be inferred that the wear resistance of Al2O3 particle-reinforced is improved by adding amorphous Na2SiO3. To explain the electronic origin of this excellent performance, the charge density and density of states are investigated and the results indicate that the O atom in amorphous Na2SiO3 has a bonding action with Fe and Al; the amorphous Na2SiO3 acts as a sustained release. This study provides new ideas for particle-reinforced composites.
Mesoscale Study on Splitting Tensile Damage Characteristics of Concrete Based on X-ray Computed Tomography and Digital Image Correlation Technology
Authors: Zhang Hua , Pan Qi , Zheng Kai , Jin Chuanjun , Pan Luoyu
Published: June 2022

In this paper, the mesoscale damage properties of concrete and mortar were studied experimentally under Brazilian disc splitting tensile tests combining X-ray computed tomography (CT) and digital image correlation (DIC) technology. Considering the factors of water/cement ratios and loading rates, the influence of meso components on the macro tensile properties and failure modes of concrete were studied. The experimental results and analysis indicate that the following: (1) the existence of coarse aggregate makes the tensile strength of concrete lower than that of mortar and reduces the sensitivity of tensile strength to the loading rates; (2) the failure modes of mortar and concrete Brazilian discs differ in the crack initiation positions and localization phenomena. Under high loading rates, the local failure plays a critical role in the strength improvement of concrete; (3) for concrete, interface failure and mortar failure are the main failure modes under low loading rates, whereas aggregate failure gradually becomes the main failure mode with increasing loading rates. The decrease in water/cement ratios improves the strength of the mortar matrix and interfacial bonding performance, leading to more serious aggregate damage and higher strength.
Evaluation of the Effect of the Loading Time on the Microtensile Bond Strength of Various Restorative Materials Bonded to Silver Diamine Fluoride-Treated Demineralized Dentin
Authors: Aldosari Mohammed M. , Al-Sehaibany Fares S.
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of immediate versus delayed loading times on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of restorative materials, including resin-based composite (RBC), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and glass ionomer cement (GIC), that were bonded to silver diamine fluoride (SDF)-treated demineralized dentin. Ninety caries-free extracted premolar teeth were assigned to three groups (n = 30) loaded with RBC, RMGIC and GIC restorative materials. Each group was further divided into three subgroups (n = 10): subgroup A (control specimens), immediate loading of the restorative material on sound dentin; subgroup B, demineralized dentin, SDF treatment and immediate loading of the restorative material; and subgroup C, demineralized dentin, SDF treatment and restorative material loading a week later. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were performed to compare the μTBS values. The RBC exhibited the highest µTBS, followed by RMGIC and GIC. Multiple comparisons showed an increase in the µTBS in the delayed loading groups irrespective of the restorative material used. The majority of the failure modes were adhesive. Delayed loading of RMGIC for 1 week after SDF application showed significantly higher µTBS than that of immediate loading.
Velocity Estimation and Cost Map Generation for Dynamic Obstacle Avoidance of ROS Based AMR
Authors: Chen Chin S. , Lin Chia J. , Lai Chun C. , Lin Si Y.
Published: June 2022

In the past few years, due to the growth of the open-source community and the popularity of perceptual computing resources, the ROS (Robotic Operating System)Ecosystem has been widely shared and used in academia, industrial applications, and service fields. With the advantages of reusability of algorithms and system modularity, service robot applications are flourishing via the released ROS navigation framework. In the ROS navigation framework, the grid cost maps are majorly designed for path planning and obstacle avoidance with range sensors. However, the robot will often collide with dynamic obstacles since the velocity information is not considered within the navigation framework in time. This study aims to improve the feasibility of high-speed dynamic obstacle avoidance for an ROS-based mobile robot. In order to enable the robot to detect and estimate dynamic obstacles from a first-person perspective, vision tracking and a laser ranger with an Extend Kalman Filter (EKF) have been applied. In addition, an innovative velocity obstacle layer with truncated distance is implemented for the path planner to analyze the performances between the simulated and actual avoidance behavior. Finally, via the velocity obstacle layer, as the robot faces the high-speed obstacle, safe navigation can be achieved.
Pulse Reverse Plating of Copper Micro-Structures in Magnetic Gradient Fields
Authors: Huang Mengyuan , Uhlemann Margitta , Eckert Kerstin , Mutschke Gerd
Published: June 2022

Micro-structured copper layers are obtained from pulse-reverse electrodeposition on a planar gold electrode that is magnetically patterned by magnetized iron wires underneath. 3D numerical simulations of the electrodeposition based on an adapted reaction kinetics are able to nicely reproduce the micro-structure of the deposit layer, despite the height values still remain underestimated. It is shown that the structuring is enabled by the magnetic gradient force, which generates a local flow that supports deposition and hinders dissolution in the regions of high magnetic gradients. The Lorentz force originating from radial magnetic field components near the rim of the electrode causes a circumferential cell flow. The resulting secondary flow, however, is superseded by the local flow driven by the magnetic gradient force in the vicinity of the wires. Finally, the role of solutal buoyancy effects is discussed to better understand the limitations of structured growth in different modes of deposition and cell geometries.
Lie Symmetry Group, Invariant Subspace, and Conservation Law for the Time-Fractional Derivative Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Qin Fan , Feng Wei , Zhao Songlin
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a time-fractional derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation involving the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative is investigated. We first perform a Lie symmetry analysis of this equation, and then derive the reduced equations under the admitted optimal-symmetry system. Moreover, with the invariant subspace method, several exact solutions for the equation and their figures are presented. Finally, the new conservation theorem is applied to construct the conservation laws of the equation.
Increase in Lower Limb Strength after Multimodal Pain Management in Patients with Low Back Pain
Authors: Kaiser Moritz , Brambrink Sara , Benditz Achim , Achenbach Leonard , Gehentges Matthias , König Matthias Alexander
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a multimodal pain therapy (MPM) regarding the objective parameter muscle strength of segment-dependent lower limb muscle groups before and after such a treatment. Materials and Methods: 52 patients with a history of low back pain and/or leg pain received standardized multimodal pain management. Strength of segment indicating lower limb muscles were assessed for each patient before and after ten days of treatment by handheld dynamometry. Results: Overall strength increased significantly from 23.6 kg ± 6.6 prior to treatment to 25.4 ± 7.3 after treatment, p ≤ 0.001. All muscle groups significantly increased in strength with exception of great toe extensors. Conclusions: Despite lower basic strength values at the beginning of treatment, all investigated muscle groups, except for the great toe extensors, showed a significant increase of overall strength after completion of the multimodal pain management concept. Increased overall strength could help with avoiding further need of medical care by supporting patients’ autonomy in daily life activities, as well as maintaining working abilities. Thus, our study is the first to show a significant positive influence on lower limb strength in patients with low back pain after a conservative MPM program.
A New Approach to Estimate the Fatigue Limit of Steels Based on Conventional and Cyclic Indentation Testing
Authors: Görzen David , Ostermayer Pascal , Lehner Patrick , Blinn Bastian , Eifler Dietmar , Beck Tilmann
Published: June 2022

For a reliable design of structural components, valid information about the fatigue strength of the material used is a prerequisite. As the determination of the fatigue properties, and especially the fatigue limit σw, requires a high experimental effort, efficient approaches to estimate the fatigue strength are of great interest. Available estimation approaches using monotonic properties, e.g., Vickers hardness (HV), and in some cases the cyclic yield strength, only allow a rough estimation of σw. The approaches solely based on monotonic properties lead to substantial deviations of the estimated σw in relation to the experimentally determined fatigue limit as they do not consider the cyclic deformation behavior. In this work, an estimation approach was developed, which is based on a correlation analysis of the fatigue limit σw, HV, and the cyclic hardening potential obtained in instrumented cyclic indentation tests (CIT). For this, eleven conditions from five different low-alloy steels were investigated. The CIT enable an efficient and quantitative determination of the cyclic hardening potential, i.e., the cyclic hardening exponentCHT eII, and thus, the consideration of the cyclic deformation behavior in an estimation approach. In this work, a strong correlation of σw with the product of HV and |eII| was observed. In relation to an existing estimation approach based solely on HV, considering the combination of HV and |eII| enables the estimation of σw with an enormously increased precision.
Stress Intensity Factors and T-Stress Solutions for 3D Asymmetric Four-Point Shear Specimens
Authors: Cohen Mark , Wang Xin
Published: June 2022

In this paper, extensive three-dimensional finite element analysis is conducted to study an asymmetric four-point shear (AFPS) specimen: a widely used mixed-mode I/II fracture test specimen. Complete solutions of fracture mechanics parameters KI, KII, KIII, T11, and T33 have been obtained for a wide range of a/W and t/W geometry combinations. It is demonstrated that the thickness of the specimen has a significant effect on the variation of fracture parameter values. Their effects on the crack tip plastic zone are also investigated. The results presented here will be very useful for the toughness testing of materials under mixed-mode loading conditions.
Production and Characterization of Rhamnolipids Produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa DBM 3774: Response Surface Methodology Approach
Authors: Maťátková Olga , Michailidu Jana , Ježdík Richard , Jarošová Kolouchová Irena , Řezanka Tomáš , Jirků Vladimír , Masák Jan
Published: June 2022

Rhamnolipids are extensively studied biosurfactants due to their potential in many industrial applications, eco-friendly production and properties. However, their availability for broader application is severely limited by their production costs, therefore the optimization of efficacy of their cultivation gains significance as well as the information regarding the physio-chemical properties of rhamnolipids resulting from various cultivation strategies. In this work, the bioprocess design focused on optimization of the rhamnolipid yield of Pseudomonas aeruginosa DBM 3774 utilizing the response surface methodology (RSM). Six carbon sources were investigated for their effect on the rhamnolipid production. The RSM prediction improved the total rhamnolipid yield from 2.2 to 13.5 g/L and the rhamnolipid productivity from 11.6 to 45.3 mg/L/h. A significant effect of the carbon source type, concentration and the C/N ratio on the composition of the rhamnolipid congeners has been demonstrated for cultivation of P. aeruginosa DBM 3774 in batch cultivation. Especially, changes in presence of saturated fatty acid in the rhamnolipid congeners, ranging from 18.8% of unsaturated fatty acids (carbon source glycerol; 40 g/L) to 0% (sodium citrate 20 g/L) were observed. This demonstrates possibilities of model based systems as basis in cultivation of industrially important compounds like biosurfactants rhamnolipids and the importance of detailed study of interconnection between cultivation conditions and rhamnolipid mixture composition and properties.
Two New Seco-Labdane Diterpenoids from the Leaves of Callicarpa nudiflora
Authors: Guo Xia , Zhang Yao , Xiao Yin , Zhou Lu , Yin Shaoyang , Sheng Xifeng , Xiang Hongling , Zou Hui
Published: June 2022

Two new seco-labdane diterpenoids, nudiflopene N (1) and nudiflopene O (2), and four known compounds were isolated from the leaves of Callicarpa nudiflora. The structures of the new compounds were established by 1D-, 2D-NMR, and HR-ESI-MS spectral analyses. Compounds 1–3 showed inhibitory activities on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells, and new compounds 1–2 exhibited more potent inhibitory activity than compound 3. The cytotoxicity of compounds 1–3 against human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and human gastric carcinoma SGC-7901 cells were evaluated, while all of them exhibited no cytotoxicity.
A Deep Contextual Bandit-Based End-to-End Slice Provisioning Approach for Efficient Allocation of 5G Network Resources
Authors: Dayot Ralph Voltaire J. , Ra In-Ho , Kim Hyung-Jin
Published: June 2022

5G networks have been experiencing challenges in handling the heterogeneity and influx of user requests brought upon by the constant emergence of various services. As such, network slicing is considered one of the critical technologies for improving the performance of 5G networks. This technology has shown great potential for enhancing network scalability and dynamic service provisioning through the effective allocation of network resources. This paper presents a Deep Reinforcement Learning-based network slicing scheme to improve resource allocation in 5G networks. First, a Contextual Bandit model for the network slicing process is created, and then a Deep Reinforcement Learning-based network slicing agent (NSA) is developed. The agent’s goal is to maximize every action’s reward by considering the current network state and resource utilization. Additionally, we utilize network theory concepts and methods for node selection, ranking, and mapping. Extensive simulation has been performed to show that the proposed scheme can achieve higher action rewards, resource efficiency, and network throughput compared to other algorithms.
Sclerostin in Excessive Drinkers: Relationships with Liver Function and Body Composition
Authors: Martín González Candelaria , Fernández Rodríguez Camino María , Abreu González Pedro , García Rodríguez Alen , Alvisa Negrín Julio César , Cabañas Perales Elisa , González Navarrete Lourdes , Vera Delgado Víctor Eugenio , Ortega Toledo Paula , González Reimers Emilio
Published: June 2022

Background: Sclerostin was initially described as an inhibitor of the Wnt-β catenin bone-forming pathway, but it also exerts important effects on intermediate metabolism and body composition. Osteosarcopenia and altered body fat distribution are common findings in excessive drinkers. The role of sclerostin in these patients is uncertain. We aim to analyze the behavior of sclerostin in excessive drinkers and its relationships with body composition (fat mass, lean mass, bone mass), handgrip strength, body mass index (BMI), liver function and ethanol intake. Methods: 107 male active heavy drinkers and 26 age-matched controls were included. Serum sclerostin was determined by ELISA. Body composition analysis was performed by double X-ray absorptiometry. Handgrip strength was recorded using a dynamometer. Liver function was assessed according to Child’s classification. Results: Sclerostin was higher among Child’s C patients, keeping a relationship with deranged liver function. Obesity, defined according to BMI, and body fat were strongly related to sclerostin, being independent of serum creatinine and of liver function. The relationship of sclerostin with total hip bone mineral density was displaced by BMI. Conclusion: Deranged liver function is associated with higher sclerostin levels in alcoholics. Raised sclerostin levels are related to fat deposition and increased BMI.
Zinc and Breast Cancer Survival: A Prospective Cohort Study of Dietary Intake and Serum Levels
Authors: Bengtsson Ylva , Demircan Kamil , Rosendahl Ann H. , Borgquist Signe , Sandsveden Malte , Manjer Jonas
Published: June 2022

Zinc has been suggested to play a role in breast cancer progression; however, no previous study on zinc levels and the potential effect on breast cancer survival has been conducted. This study investigates recurrence-free survival (RFS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) in relation to zinc levels, in serum and diet, overall and stratified for phosphorus and selenium levels. The Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, a prospective population-based cohort in Sweden including 17,035 women, was used to identify breast cancer patients diagnosed in the period 1991–2013. Diet was assessed by a validated modified diet history method. A Cox regression analysis yielded hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals adjusted for potential confounders. Out of 1062 patients with invasive breast cancer, 268 recurrences, 205 breast cancer deaths and 228 deaths from other causes were recorded. No overall associations were seen between zinc and RFS, BCSS or OS. However, in women with a high phosphorus intake, a higher BCSS and OS were seen in zinc intake Q2 to Q4 versus Q1; the adjusted HR was 0.41 (0.23–0.73) and 0.64 (0.41–1.00), respectively. The results indicate that the combination of intermediate/high zinc intake and high phosphorus intake may lead to a better breast cancer survival.
CYP7A1, NPC1L1, ABCB1, and CD36 Polymorphisms Associated with Coenzyme Q10 Availability Affect the Subjective Quality of Life Score (SF-36) after Long-Term CoQ10 Supplementation in Women
Authors: Takahashi Michiyo , Kinoshita Tetsu , Maruyama Koutatsu , Suzuki Toshikazu
Published: June 2022

The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs3808607, rs2072183, rs2032582, and rs1761667 are associated with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) bioavailability in women after long-term CoQ10 supplementation. However, the beneficial aspects of the association between these SNPs and CoQ10 supplementation remain unknown. We investigated their relationship using the subjective quality of life score SF-36 by reanalyzing previous data from 92 study participants who were receiving ubiquinol (a reduced form of CoQ10) supplementation for 1 year. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction between rs1761667 and the SF-36 scores of role physical (p = 0.016) and mental health (p = 0.017) in women. Subgrouping of participants based on the above four SNPs revealed significant interactions between these SNPs and the SF-36 scores of general health (p = 0.045), role emotional (p = 0.008), and mental health (p = 0.019) and increased serum CoQ10 levels (p = 0.008), suggesting that the benefits of CoQ10 supplementation, especially in terms of psychological parameters, are genotype-dependent in women. However, significant interactions were not observed in men. Therefore, inclusion of SNP subgrouping information in clinical trials of CoQ10 supplementation may provide conclusive evidence supporting other beneficial health effects exerted by the association between these SNPs and CoQ10 on women.
Association between Excessive Dietary Branched-Chain Amino Acids Intake and Hypertension Risk in Chinese Population
Authors: Liu Yuyan , Zhang Chengwen , Zhang Yuan , Jiang Xuheng , Liang Yuanhong , Wang Huan , Li Yongfang , Sun Guifan
Published: June 2022

The dietary intake of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) has been reported to be associated with both elevated blood pressure (BP) and hypertension risk, while published findings were inconsistent, and the causality has never been well disclosed. We performed this prospective study aiming to find out the relationship between dietary BCAAs intake and hypertension risk in the Chinese population. A total of 8491 participants (40,285 person-years) were selected. The levels of dietary BCAAs intake were estimated using the 24-h Food Frequency Questionnaire. Associations of both BP values and hypertension risk with per standard deviation increase of BCAAs were estimated using linear and COX regression analysis, respectively. The hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval were given. Restricted cubic spline analysis (RCS) was used to estimate the nonlinearity. Both systolic and diastolic BP values at the end points of follow-up were positively associated with dietary BCAAs intake. Positive associations between BCAAs intake and hypertension risk were shown in both men and women. By performing a RCS analysis, the nonlinear relationship between BCAAs intake and hypertension was shown. As the intake levels of Ile, Leu, and Val, respectively, exceeded 2.49 g/day, 4.91 g/day, and 2.88 g/day in men (2.16 g/day, 3.84 g/day, and 2.56 g/day in women), the hypertension risk increased. Our findings could provide some concrete evidence in the primary prevention of hypertension based on dietary interventions.
Dietary pH Enhancement Improves Metabolic Outcomes in Diet-Induced Obese Male and Female Mice: Effects of Beef vs. Casein Proteins
Authors: Menikdiwela Kalhara R. , Guimarães João Pedro Tôrres , Scoggin Shane , Gollahon Lauren S. , Moustaid-Moussa Naima
Published: June 2022

(1) Consumption of diets that are caloric dense but not nutrient dense have been implicated in metabolic diseases, in part through low-grade metabolic acidosis. Mitigation strategies through dietary intervention to alleviate acidosis have not been previously reported. Our objective is to determine the effects of pH enhancement (with ammonia) in high fat diet-induced obese mice that were fed beef or casein as protein sources compared to low fat diet-fed mice. (2) Methods: B6 male and female mice were randomized (n = 10) into eight diets that differ in protein source, pH enhancement of the protein, and fat content, and fed for 13 weeks: low fat (11% fat) casein (LFC), LF casein pH-enhanced (LFCN), LF lean beef (LFB), LFBN, high fat (46%) casein (HFC), HFCN, HF beef (HFB), and HFBN. Body weights and composition, and glucose tolerance tests were conducted along with terminal serum analyses. Three-way ANOVA was performed. (3) Results: A significant effect of dietary fat (LF vs. HF) was observed across all variables in both sexes (final body weight, fat mass, glucose clearance, and serum leptin). Importantly, pH enhancement significantly reduced adiposity (males only) and final body weights (females only) and significantly improved glucose clearance in both sexes. Lastly, clear sex differences were observed across all variables. (4) Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate metabolic benefits of increasing dietary pH using ammonia, while high fat intake per se (not protein source) is the major contributor to metabolic dysfunctions. Additional research is warranted to determine mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of pH enhancement, and interactions with dietary fat content and proteins.
Leuconostoc mesenteroides LVBH107 Antibacterial Activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Anti-Inflammatory Activity against P. gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells
Authors: Luan Chang , Yan Jiaqing , Jiang Ning , Zhang Chuang , Geng Xu , Li Zhengqiang , Li Chen
Published: June 2022

Probiotics, active microorganisms benefiting human health, currently serve as nutritional supplements and clinical treatments. Periodontitis, a chronic infectious oral disease caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), activates the host immune response to release numerous proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we aimed to clarify Leuconostoc mesenterica (L. mesenteroides) LVBH107 probiotic effects based on the inhibition of P. gingivalis activities while also evaluating the effectiveness of an in vitro P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell-based inflammation mode. L. mesenteroides LVBH107 survived at acid, bile salts, lysozyme, and hydrogen peroxide conditions, auto-aggregated and co-aggregated with P. gingivalis, exhibited strong hydrophobicity and electrostatic action, and strongly adhered to gingival epithelial and HT-29 cells (thus exhibiting oral tissue adherence and colonization abilities). Moreover, L. mesenteroides LVBH107 exhibited sensitivity to antibiotics erythromycin, doxycycline, minocycline, ampicillin, and others (thus indicating it lacked antibiotic resistance plasmids), effectively inhibited P. gingivalis biofilm formation and inflammation (in vitro inflammation model), reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE2), and decreased the expression levels of inflammation related genes. Thus, L. mesenterica LVBH107 holds promise as a probiotic that can inhibit P. gingivalis biofilm formation and exert anti-inflammatory activity to maintain oral health.
Current Status and Influencing Factors of Eating Behavior in Residents at the Age of 18~60: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Mei Dongli , Deng Yuqian , Li Qiyu , Lin Zhi , Jiang Huiwen , Zhang Jingbo , Ming Waikit , Zhang Hao , Sun Xinying , Yan Guanyun , Wu Yibo
Published: June 2022

As eating behavior is important to health, this cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the factors influencing the eating behavior related to overweight and obesity of Chinese residents aged 18~60 based on the Ecological Model of Health Behavior. The short-form of the Eating Behavior Scale (EBS-SF) was applied to evaluate eating behavior. The multivariable linear stepwise regression analysis was used to identify and analyze the influence factors, and the receiver operating characteristic curves analysis to validate the predictive capability of the EBS-SF score in differentiating overweight and obesity. A total of 8623 participants were enrolled. In the personal characteristics, male (β = −0.03), older [36–45 years (β = −0.06) or 46–60 years (β = −0.07)], higher scores of Agreeableness (β = −0.04), Conscientiousness (β = −0.14) or Openness (β = −0.03) contributed to healthy eating behavior. In the individual behaviors, those who smoked (β = 0.04), drank alcohol (β = 0.05), exercised frequently (β = 0.07), had higher PHQ-9 scores (β = 0.29) may have improper eating habits. As for the interpersonal networks, the residents who were married (β = −0.04) behaved well when eating, while those who had offspring or siblings tended to have unhealthy eating behavior. At the community level, living in Western China (β = −0.03), having a monthly household income of 6001–9000 yuan per capita (β = −0.04), having no debt (β = −0.02), being retired (β = −0.03), or having lower PSSS scores (β = −0.03) led to lower EBS-SF scores. And the EBS-SF score demonstrated a moderate-high accuracy in predicting overweight and obesity.
The Perception of Minerals and Their Prevalence in Fortified Foods and Supplements in Japan
Authors: Chiba Tsuyoshi , Tanemura Nanae , Nishijima Chiharu
Published: June 2022

People’s intake of some minerals does not meet the nutrient reference values even in high-income countries. Recently, the deficiency of zinc and/or selenium has been considered to cause greater risk of COVID-19 infection and severity. To investigate consumer awareness, we conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire online survey among Japanese people (7500 males and 7500 females) concerning their perceptions of each mineral and the prevalence of mineral-fortified foods and/or mineral supplements. People’s perception of each mineral varied: the highest was for calcium (91.8%) and the lowest was for selenium (44.7%). In addition, only a portion of participants believed that they consumed a sufficient amount of each mineral; the highest was sodium (23.7%), and the lowest was manganese (5.2%). In addition, 18.2% of them felt that they could not consume enough sodium, even though most of the Japanese’s intake is excessive. Among mineral-fortified-food and/or mineral-supplement users, the purposes for these products were to maintain health (80.6%), supplement nutrients (48.0%), and prevent infectious diseases (23.2%). Only 18.4% of participants knew what amount they took. In conclusion, education is needed to prevent not only the insufficiency/deficiency of each mineral but also an excess intake of sodium.
Vitamin D Treatment Prevents Uremia-Induced Reductions in Aortic microRNA-145 Attenuating Osteogenic Differentiation despite Hyperphosphatemia
Authors: Carrillo-López Natalia , Panizo Sara , Arcidiacono Maria Vittoria , de la Fuente Sandra , Martínez-Arias Laura , Ottaviano Emerenziana , Ulloa Catalina , Ruiz-Torres María Piedad , Rodríguez Isabel , Cannata-Andía Jorge B. , Naves-Díaz Manuel , Dusso Adriana S.
Published: June 2022

In chronic kidney disease, systemic inflammation and high serum phosphate (P) promote the de-differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to osteoblast-like cells, increasing the propensity for medial calcification and cardiovascular mortality. Vascular microRNA-145 (miR-145) content is essential to maintain VSMC contractile phenotype. Because vitamin D induces aortic miR-145, uremia and high serum P reduce it and miR-145 directly targets osteogenic osterix in osteoblasts, this study evaluated a potential causal link between vascular miR-145 reductions and osterix-driven osteogenic differentiation and its counter-regulation by vitamin D. Studies in aortic rings from normal rats and in the rat aortic VSMC line A7r5 exposed to calcifying conditions corroborated that miR-145 reductions were associated with decreases in contractile markers and increases in osteogenic differentiation and calcium (Ca) deposition. Furthermore, miR-145 silencing enhanced Ca deposition in A7r5 cells exposed to calcifying conditions, while miR-145 overexpression attenuated it, partly through increasing α-actin levels and reducing osterix-driven osteogenic differentiation. In mice, 14 weeks after the induction of renal mass reduction, both aortic miR-145 and α-actin mRNA decreased by 80% without significant elevations in osterix or Ca deposition. Vitamin D treatment from week 8 to 14 fully prevented the reductions in aortic miR-145 and attenuated by 50% the decreases in α-actin, despite uremia-induced hyperphosphatemia. In conclusion, vitamin D was able to prevent the reductions in aortic miR-145 and α-actin content induced by uremia, reducing the alterations in vascular contractility and osteogenic differentiation despite hyperphosphatemia.
Global, Regional, and National Burden of Protein–Energy Malnutrition: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Lu , Pu Yuanchun , Sun Min , Zhao Yan , Zhang Dan , Wang Xin , Li Yarui , Guo Dan , He Shuixiang
Published: June 2022

Background: Statistical data on the prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of protein–energy malnutrition are valuable for health resource planning and policy-making. We aimed to estimate protein–energy malnutrition burdens worldwide according to gender, age, and sociodemographic index (SDI) between 1990 and 2019. Methods: Detailed data on protein–energy malnutrition from 1990 to 2019 was extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. The global prevalence, deaths, and DALYs attributable to protein–energy malnutrition and the corresponding age-standardized rates (ASRs) were analyzed. Results: In 2019, the global prevalence of protein–energy malnutrition increased to 14,767,275 cases. The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) showed an increasing trend between 1990 and 2019, while the age-standardized deaths rate (ASDR) and age-standardized DALYs rate presented a significantly decreasing trend in the same period. Meanwhile, there was a clearly ASPR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALYs rate downtrend of the prediction curve when the SDI went up. Conclusions: PEM still has a relatively serious disease burden in the world, especially in children and the elderly. At the same time, this phenomenon will be more obvious due to the aging of the world’s population. Effective prevention measures should be strengthened to continuously improve public health conditions.
Grieving Experiences of Parents with Children in End-of-Life Care—A Qualitative Review Protocol
Authors: Correia Maria Eduarda , Melo Tânia , Nobre Joana
Published: June 2022

Parents that accompany their children in end-of-life care until death go through a devastating, complex and vulnerable situation, which is experienced in a unique way and with individual needs, given the specificity of the palliative care setting in which it occurs. This qualitative review aims to identify and synthesize the best evidence available on the grieving experiences of parents with children in end-of-life care in a palliative care setting. This qualitative review protocol is according to the review method proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The results will enable us to identify how parents of children in end-of-life care in a palliative care setting experience their grieving process. This review will broaden the horizon of understanding of the specificities of the grieving experience of parents who have accompanied their children in end-of-life care until their death in a palliative care setting and promote research in this context. The results of the review will also allow the construction of an “end-of-life grieving script”, with the aim of identifying one’s individuality in the grieving process. This protocol is registered at Open Science Framework.
64Cu-SAR-Bombesin PET-CT Imaging in the Staging of Estrogen/Progesterone Receptor Positive, HER2 Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients: Safety, Dosimetry and Feasibility in a Phase I Trial
Authors: Wong Keith , Sheehan-Dare Gemma , Nguyen Andrew , Ho Bao , Liu Victor , Lee Jonathan , Brown Lauren , Dear Rachel , Chan Lyn , Sharma Shikha , Malaroda Alessandra , Smith Isabelle , Lim Elgene , Emmett Louise
Published: June 2022

Breast cancers are most frequently oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) positive and [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT (FDG) has lower sensitivity for these subtypes. The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is overexpressed in ER+/PR+ breast cancers. This study assessed the safety and potential of [64Cu]Cu-Sarcophagine (SAR)-Bombesin PET/CT (BBN) in re-staging metastatic ER+/PR+/human epidermal growth-factor-2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. Seven patients with metastatic ER+/PR+/HER2- breast cancer undergoing staging underwent [64Cu]Cu-SAR-BBN PET-CT. Bloods, vital signs and electrocardiogram, blood tracer-clearance and dosimetry were undertaken. GRPR status was assessed in available metastatic biopsy samples. Staging with conventional imaging ([18F]FDG, bone scan and diagnostic CT) was within 3 weeks of [64Cu]Cu-SAR-BBN PET/CT. PET scans were assessed visually and quantitatively. Seven patients underwent imaging. One of the seven had de-novo metastatic breast cancer and six of the seven recurrent metastatic disease. Two of the seven had lobular subtype. No adverse events were reported. All seven patients were positive on conventional imaging (six of seven on FDG). [64Cu]Cu-SAR-BBN imaging was positive in five of the seven. Both [64Cu]Cu-SAR-BBN-negative patients had disease identified on [18F]FDG. One patient was [64Cu]Cu-SAR-BBN positive/[18F]FDG negative. Four of seven patients were [64Cu]Cu-SAR-BBN positive/[18F]FDG positive. In these four, mean SUVmax was higher for [64Cu]Cu-SAR-BBN than [18F]FDG (SUVmax 15 vs. 12). In the classical lobular subtype (two of seven), [64Cu]Cu-SAR-BBN was more avid compared to [18F]FDG (SUVmax 20 vs. 11, and 20 vs. <3). Dosimetry calculations estimated whole-body effective dose for 200 MBq of [64Cu]Cu-SAR-BBN to be 1.9 mSv. [64Cu]Cu-SAR-BBN PET/CT appears safe and may have diagnostic value in metastatic ER+/PR+/HER2- breast cancer, particularly the lobular subtype. Further evaluation is warranted.