Lower Total Energy Research Articles

Fullerene-Amyloid Complexes as Perspective Nanocomposites: Molecular Docking Studies

The molecular interactions between the amyloid fibrils from Aβ-peptide, insulin and α-synuclein and fullerenes of different sizes, including C20, C36, C60, C70, and C84, have been studied using the molecular docking approach. The fullerenes are found to bind to the loop or turn region of Aβ- and α-synuclein fibrillar assemblies, but reside at the end of insulin amyloid fibers, reflecting the lower affinity of carbon nanostructures to the latter aggregated protein. For all systems studied here, the fullerene binding to amyloid fibrils is size-dependent, with larger fullerenes exhibiting a higher binding affinity and a lower total energy of complexation. The analysis of side chain contacts highlights the pivotal role of van der Waals forces, specifically, alkyl and π-alkyl interactions, in the stabilization of the fullerene-amyloid complexes. The results obtained are discussed in terms of novel nanocomposite materials based on carbon nanoparticles and fibrillar proteins, as well as of the fullerene role in anti-amyloid therapy.

Investigating the effects of four medicinal plants against dengue virus through QSAR modeling and molecular dynamics studies

The Dengue virus (DENV) has been increasingly recognized as a prevalent viral pathogen responsible for global transmission of infection. It has been established that DENV's NS5 methyltransferase (MTase) controls viral replication. As a result, NS5 MTase is considered a potentially useful drug target for DENV. In this study, the two phases of virtual screening were conducted using the ML-based QSAR model and molecular docking to identify potential compounds against NS5 of DENV. Four medicinal plants [Aloe vera, Cannabis sativa (Hemp), Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil; Tulsi), and Zingiber officinale (Ginger)] that showed anti-viral properties were selected for sourcing the phytochemicals and screening them against NS5. Additionally, re-docking at higher exhaustiveness and interaction analysis were performed which resulted in the identification of the top four hits (135398658, 5281675, 119394, and 969516) which showed comparable results with the control Sinefungin (SFG). Post molecular dynamics simulation, 135398658 showed the lowest RMSD (0.4–0.5 nm) and the maximum number of hydrogen bonds (eight hydrogen bonds) after the control while 5281675 and 969516 showed comparable hydrogen bonds to the control. These compounds showed direct interactions with the catalytic site residues GLU111 and ASP131, in addition to this these compounds showed stable complex formation as depicted by principal component analysis and free energy landscape. 135398658 showed lower total binding free energy (ΔG Total = −36.56 kcal/mol) than the control, while 5281675 had comparable values to the control (ΔG Total = −34.1 kcal/mol). Overall, the purpose of this study was to identify phytochemicals that inhibit NS5 function, that could be further tested experimentally to treat dengue virus (DENV). Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

First-principles study of NO adsorption on defective hexagonal boron nitride monolayer

This study explored the potential of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) as a support for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) which means converting NOx to N2 and H2O with the aid of a catalyst. Specifically, we investigated the adsorption behavior of a NO molecule on a defective h-BN monolayer using density functional theory. Our results indicated that the initial configuration of N and O atoms over vacancy defects plays a key role in determining whether the NO molecule is adsorbed on the h-BN monolayer via covalent or ionic bonding. In the case of mono-vacancy, the ON configuration of the NO gas resulted in lower total energy (Etotal) compared with the NO configuration. Furthermore, electron localization function and Bader charge analysis, as well as projected density of states, revealed that the ON configuration over B or N vacancy resulted in chemisorption by hybridizing p-orbitals. Furthermore, the di-vacancy system led to an even lower Etotal compared with the mono-vacancy case. In particular, both N and O atoms were adsorbed chemically to the edge of vacancy defects, irrespective of the NO configurations above the di-vacancy. Our calculations revealed that the presence of vacancy defects contributed to improving the adsorption of the NO molecule to the h-BN monolayer.

Formation, electronic, mechanical and magnetic properties of all-d-metal Heusler alloys Sc2NiCu, Sc2NiCo and Sc2CoCu

Sc2-based all-d-metal Heusler alloys Sc2NiCu, Sc2NiCo and Sc2CoCu were synthesized successfully. XRD measurement suggests that they are single phase and crystallize in the L21 structure or L21 with a degree of atomic disorder, agreeing with the theoretical results that L21 structure has much lower total energy than XA. The phonon dispersion curves of L21 alloys have no imaginary frequency in the whole Brillouin zone, but for XA type alloys, obvious imaginary frequency can be observed, making them less stable. First-principles calculations indicate non-magnetic ground state for these alloys. Accordingly, the magnetizations of them at 5 K are very small and no magnetic ordering transition can be observed in their thermomagnetic curves. Sc2NiCu and Sc2CoCu show a metallic character in the ρ-T curves, while Sc2NiCo is semiconductor-like. The elastic constants are calculated and the results show that the three alloys are mechanically stable. The Pugh's ratio and Poisson's ratio are determined and indicate the ductile nature of them.

Parenteral nutrition-related complications in older patients with acute intestinal failure: A descriptive cohort study.

Reported outcomes for parenteral nutrition (PN)-related complications in older adult patients with acute intestinal failure who are receiving PN in the acute hospital setting are limited. Our study aims to compare PN-related complications between older and younger adult patients. A retrospective descriptive study of inpatients who were administered PN from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, was performed. Patients were categorized into older (≥65 years old) and younger (<65 years old) adult groups. Two hundred thirty-five patients were included. There were 103 patients in the older adult group (mean age: 73.9 [SD: 6.9] years) and 132 patients in the younger adult group (mean age: 52.4 [SD: 12.5] years). There was a significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score and lower Karnofsky score in the older adult group. The older adult group received significantly lower total energy (20.8 [SD: 7.8] vs 22.8 [SD: 6.3] kcal/kg/day), dextrose (3.1 [SD: 1.4] vs 3.6 [SD: 1.4] g/kg/day), and protein (1.1 [SD: 0.4] vs 1.2 [SD: 0.3] g/kg/day) than the younger group received. The mean length of stay was significantly shorter in the older adult group (35.9 [SD: 21.3] vs 59.8 [SD: 55.3]; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in PN-related complications and clinical outcomes (catheter-related bloodstream infections, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, fluid overload, or inpatient mortality) between the two groups. Despite more comorbidities in the older adult, the usage of PN in older adult patients with acute intestinal failure was associated with neither an increased rate of PN-related complications nor worse clinical outcomes when compared with that of younger patients.

Thermally Induced Persistent Covalent-Organic Frameworks Radicals.

Persistent covalent-organic framework (COF) radicals hold important applications in magnetics and spintronics; however, their facile synthesis remains a daunting challenge. Here, three p-phenylenediacetonitrile-based COFs (named CityU-4, CityU-5, and CityU-6) were synthesized. Upon heat treatment (250 °C for CityU-4 and CityU-5 or 220 °C for CityU-6), these frameworks were brought into their persistent radical forms (no obvious changes after at least one year), together with several observable factors, including color changes, red-shifted absorption, the appearance of electron spin resonance (ESR) signals, and detectable magnetic susceptibility. The theoretical simulation suggests that after heat treatment, lower total energy and nonzero spin density are two main factors to guarantee persistent COFs radicals and polarized spin distributions. This work provides an efficient method for the preparation of persistent COF radicals with promising potentials.

Coordinated siting and sizing for integrated energy system considering generalized energy storage

Coordinated siting and sizing for energy stations and supply networks in low-carbon park-level integrated energy systems are significant for economic improvement and carbon emissions reduction. To minimize total planning costs and carbon emissions of park-level integrated energy systems, a two-stage coordinated siting and sizing framework for the energy station and supply network of a low-carbon park-level integrated energy system considering generalized energy storage is proposed in this paper. In the first stage, a siting optimization submodel for the energy station and supply network in park-level integrated energy system is established to minimize the total comprehensive energy distance values from the energy station to all load stations, in which the virtual network flow theory is introduced to characterize and linearize the connectivity constraints of the supply network. Then, a sizing optimization submodel for the energy station and supply network in park-level integrated energy system is proposed in the second stage based on the optimal siting strategies of park-level integrated energy system, in which the generalized energy storage is considered to minimize planning costs and carbon emissions. Finally, case studies are conducted on an improved 55-bus park-level integrated energy system to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms other existing planning models in terms of achieving lower total comprehensive energy distance values, total planning costs and carbon emissions.

A Novel MIMO Radar Orthogonal Waveform Design Algorithm Based on the Multi-Objective Improved Archimedes Optimization Algorithm

Realization and enhancement of detection techniques for multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) radar systems require polyphase code sequences with excellent orthogonality characteristics. Therefore, orthogonal waveform design is the key to realizing MIMO radar. Conventional orthogonal waveform design methods fail to ensure acceptable orthogonal characteristics by individually optimizing the autocorrelation sidelobe peak level and the cross-correlation sidelobe peak level. In this basis, the multi-objective Archimedes optimization algorithm (MOIAOA) is proposed for orthogonal waveform optimization while simultaneously minimizing the total autocorrelation sidelobe peak energy and total cross-correlation peak energy. A novel optimal individual selection method is proposed to select those individuals that best match the weight vectors and lead the evolution of these individuals to their respective neighborhoods. Then, new exploration and development phases are introduced to improve the algorithm’s ability to increase its convergence speed and accuracy. Subsequently, novel incentive functions are formulated based on distinct evolutionary phases, followed by the introduction of a novel environmental selection method aimed at comprehensively enhancing the algorithm’s convergence and distribution. Finally, a weight updating method based on the shape of the frontier surface is proposed to dynamically correct the shape of the overall frontier, further enhancing the overall distribution. The results of experiments on the orthogonal waveform design show that the multi-objective improved Archimedes optimization algorithm (MOIAOA) achieves superior orthogonality, yielding lower total autocorrelation sidelobe peak energy and total cross-correlation peak energy than three established methods.

Geometry optimization, impact of solvation on the spectral (FT-IR, UV, NMR) analysis, Quantum chemical parameters, and the bioactivity of feruloyltyramine as a potential anti-Lassa virus agent via molecular docking

The unrelenting menace of the Lassa virus, characterized by its high mortality rate and the potential for global dissemination, underscores an urgent call for its comprehensive eradication to safeguard global public health. In light of this, this research embarked on an extensive investigation of trans-N-feruloyltyramine (FLTM), a compound derived from Cissampelos pareira. This study encompassed a thorough examination of its structural characteristics, utilizing spectroscopic analyses including FT-IR, UV, and NMR, with the aim of elucidating its electronic, structural, and biological properties. Seamlessly integrating experimental and theoretical approaches at the DFT/B3LYP/def2SVP level of theory in FLTM_dmso, FLTM_gas, FLTM_H2O, and FLTM_MeOH solvation. Moreover, solvation dynamic simulation highlighted FLTM's heightened total energy and enhanced solubility across dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), water (H2O), and methanol (MeOH) phases, signifying efficient distribution to target sites and emphasizing its potential as a drug candidate. Conversely, FLTM_gas exhibited lower total energy. Electronic properties further elucidated FLTM's reactivity and kinetic stability, with FLTM_DMSO displaying the lowest energy gap among solvents and corresponding values of 1.4168, 4.2159, 4.2175, and 4.2749 eV. These findings mirrored the compound's higher reactivity and lower kinetic stability compared to FLTM_H2O, FLTM_gas, and FLTM_MeOH, aligning with principles of chemical hardness and softness. Results of the molecular docking introduced FLTM as a potential Lassa fever treatment candidate, surpassing Ribavirin in binding affinities with Lassa virus target receptors. FLTM exhibited binding energies of -6.5 kcal/mol, -7.2 kcal/mol, and -8.2 kcal/mol in 7UOT, 3MX5, and 3MX2, respectively, establishing interactions with crucial amino acid residues. These findings strongly advocate for FLTM's efficacy, meriting further in vitro and in vivo investigations for clinical validation.

Longitudinal characteristics of physical frailty and its components in men and women post hip fracture.

Frailty is an important geriatric syndrome predicting adverse health outcomes in older adults. However, the longitudinal characteristics of frailty components in post-hip fracture patients are less understood. Adopting the Fried frailty definition, we examined the longitudinal trends and sex trajectory differences in frailty and its components over 1 year post-fracture. Three hundred and twenty-seven hip fracture patients (162 men and 165 women with mean age 80.1 and 81.5) from Baltimore Hip Studies 7th cohort with measurements at 22 days after admission, and months 2, 6, and 12 post-fracture were analyzed. Frailty components included: grip strength, gait speed, weight, total energy expenditure, and exhaustion. Longitudinal analysis used mixed effect models. At baseline, men were sicker with worse cognitive status, and had higher weight and grip strength, but lower total energy expenditure than women (p < 0.001). The prevalence of frailty was 31.5%, 30.2%, and 28.2% at months 2, 6, and 12 respectively, showing no longitudinal trends or sex differences. However, its components showed substantial recovery trends over the post-fracture year after confounding adjustments, including increasing gait speed, reducing risk of exhaustion, and stabilized weight loss and energy expenditure over time. Particularly, while men's grip strength tended to remain stable over first year post surgery within patients, women's grip strength reduced significantly over time within patients. On average over time within patients, women were more active with higher energy expenditures but lower grip strength and weight than men. Significant recovery trends and sex differences were observed in frailty components during first year post-fracture. Overall frailty status did not show those trends over months 2-12 since a summary measure might obscure changes in components. Therefore, frailty components provided important multi-dimensional information on the complex recovery process of patients, indicating targets for intervention beyond the global binary measure of frailty.

SNR enhanced high-speed two-photon microscopy using a pulse picker and time gating detection

Two-photon microscopy (TPM) is an attractive biomedical imaging method due to its large penetration depth and optical sectioning capability. In particular, label-free autofluorescence imaging offers various advantages for imaging biological samples. However, relatively low intensity of autofluorescence leads to low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), causing practical challenges for imaging biological samples. In this study, we present TPM using a pulse picker to utilize low pulse repetition rate of femtosecond pulsed laser to increase the pulse peak power of the excitation source leading to higher emission of two-photon fluorescence with the same average illumination power. Stronger autofluorescence emission allowed us to obtain higher SNR images of arterial and liver tissues. In addition, by applying the time gating detection method to the pulse signals obtained by TPM, we were able to significantly reduce the background noise of two-photon images. As a result, our TPM system using the pulsed light source with a 19 times lower repetition rate allowed us to obtain the same SNR image more than 19 times faster with the same average power. Although high pulse energy can increase the photobleaching, we also observed that high-speed imaging with low total illumination energy can mitigate the photobleaching effect to a level similar to that of conventional illumination with a high repetition rate. We anticipate that this simple approach will provide guidance for SNR enhancement with high-speed imaging in TPM as well as other nonlinear microscopy.

Food Consumption and Weight Recurrence in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery with a Minimum of 2 Years Post-surgery.

Eating habits are one of the factors that directly affect weight recurrence after bariatric surgery, and therefore, this study assessed the association between food consumption and weight recurrence in patients who underwent bariatric surgery a minimum of 2 years. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with patients who underwent bariatric surgery a minimum of 2 years through SUS, in the city of Palmas, Tocantins. Food consumption was assessed through two 24-h dietary recalls (R24). The foods were classified into groups by degree of processing following the NOVA classification system. Also, macronutrients and fiber contents were quantified. Anthropometric variables were evaluated and weight recurrence (WR) was defined as 15%. Ninety-three (93) patients participated in the study, being 83.9% female, with mean age of 43.5 ± 9.13 years, mean post-surgery time of 4 years, and 58% present WR. A lower total energy consumption was found in patients without WR compared to those with WR (p = 0.05). Among the WR group, calories from processed foods (p = 0.00) and culinary ingredients (p = 0.05) were higher. However, carbohydrate consumption (percentage) was lower in the WR group (p = 0.04). A positive correlation was found between total energy (p = 0.03), processed foods (p = 0.03) and weight recurrence (p = 0.03). Weight recurrence is associated with total daily energy intake, carbohydrates and food groups classified according to NOVA.

Insight into enhanced dehydrogenation of LiBH4 modified with Bi and S/Se/Te from first-principles calculations

A systematic study for the dehydrogenation of LiBH4 modified with Bi and S/Se/Te was performed by first-principles density functional theory calculations. It is found that Bi-for-Li and S/Se/Te-for-H co-substitution allow lower occupation energy and total energy for Bi + S/Se/Te co-doped LiBH4, compared to Bi-for-Li and S/Se/Te-for-B co-substitution. Thus, corresponding compounds Li7BiB8XH31 (X = S, M1; X = Se, M2; X = Te, M3), as well as pristine compound Li8B8H32 (M0), are selected as representatives for hydrogen desorption energies and electronic structures calculations. Our calculated results show that Bi + S/Se/Te co-doping yields a destabilized LiBH4 with enhanced dehydrogenation performance, with the atomic and molecular hydrogen desorption energies (Ed-H and Ed-H2) and the scaled bond order between B-H (BOsB-H) all decreasing in the order of M0 > M3 > M2 > M1. This destabilization of LiBH4 using Bi + S/Se/Te is attributed to the decrease of B-H covalent interactions, the formation of Li-S/Se/Te bonds, and the stronger electronegativity of Bi (relative to Li atom) and S/Se atoms (relative to H atom). Bi + S addition can lower the hydrogen desorption energies to −0.511 eV (Ed-H) and 1.061 eV (Ed-H). However, LiBH4 with Bi + S additives may generate S-H interactions for H2S formation, causing a loss of reversibility for hydrogen storage. For this fact, Bi + Se co-doping should be beneficial for LiBH4 decomposition.

The Impact of Nutritional Markers and Dietary Habits on the Bioimpedance Phase Angle in Older Individuals.

Low phase angle (PhA), as determined via bioelectrical impedance analysis, reflects unhealthy aging and mortality. In this study, we assessed whether nutritional status, including serum nutritional markers and dietary habits, is related to PhA in older individuals. We recruited 212 participants (aged ≥ 65 years) who underwent medical health checkups. PhA was measured using a multi-frequency impedance body composition analyzer. Habitual food and nutrient intake was evaluated using a brief, self-administered diet history questionnaire. Low PhA values were defined as ≤4.95 in males and ≤4.35 in females. Males with low PhA had poor exercise habits (p = 0.0429) and a lower body mass index (p = 0.0024). PhA was significantly correlated with serum cholinesterase levels, a nutritional status marker (r = 0.3313, p = 0.0004 in males; r = 0.3221, p = 0.0070 in females). The low-PhA group had significantly lower total energy and carbohydrate intake per ideal body weight (IBW) than the high-PhA group in males (total energy intake:30.2 ± 9.8 and 34.5 ± 9.3 kcal/kg/day, p = 0.0307; carbohydrate intake:15.2 ± 4.9 and 18.0 ± 5.8 kcal/kg/day, p = 0.0157). Total energy intake per IBW (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.94 [0.89-1.00] per 1 kcal/kg/day increase) was independently associated with a low PhA in males. Our study revealed that lower total energy intake independently impacted low PhA in older males.

Feasibility of energy‐guided short duration protocol of laser balloon based pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation (EG‐Laser Study)

AbstractBackgroundLaser balloon‐based pulmonary vein isolation (LB‐PVI) is available for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The lesion size depends on laser energy; however, the default protocol is not an energy‐based setting. We hypothesized that an energy‐guided (EG) short‐duration protocol may be an alternative to shorten the procedure time without affecting efficacy and safety.MethodsWe evaluated the efficacy and safety of the EG short‐duration protocol (EG group) (target energy 120 J/site [12W/10s; 10W/12s; 8.5W/14s; 5.5W/22s]) compared with the default protocol (control group) (12W/20s; 10W/20s; 8.5W/20s; 5.5W/30s).ResultsA total of 52 consecutive patients (EG: n = 27 [103veins] and control: n = 25 [91veins]) undergoing LB‐PVI (64 ± 10 years, 81% male, 77% paroxysmal) were enrolled. The EG group had a shorter total time in the pulmonary vein (PV) (43.0 ± 13.9 min vs. 61.1 ± 16.0 min, p &lt; .0001), a shorter total laser application time (1348 ± 254 sec vs. 2032 ± 424 sec, p &lt; .0001), and lower total laser energy (12455 ± 2284J vs. 18084 ± 3746J, p &lt; .0001). There was no difference in the total number of laser applications (p = 0269) or first‐pass isolation (p = .725). Acute reconduction was identified only in one vein in the EG. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of pinhole rupture (7.4% vs. 4%, p = 1.000) or phrenic nerve palsy (3.7% vs. 12%, p = .341). During a mean follow‐up of 13.5 ± 6.1 months, Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed no significant difference in atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence (p = .227).ConclusionLB‐PVI with the EG short‐duration protocol may be achieved in a shorter procedure time to avoid deterioration of efficacy and safety. The EG protocol is feasible as a novel point‐by‐point manual laser‐application approach.

Nitric acid oxidation and urea modification of carbon fibres as biofilm carriers

ABSTRACT Carbon fibres (CF) are commonly used as carriers in biofilm-based wastewater treatment. The surface properties of the CF are herein modified using a combination of nitric acid oxidation and urea to optimise the carrier to immobilise bacterial cells. The capacity of the CF carriers to immobilise bacterial cells and activated sludge is evaluated using bacterial cell adhesion and sludge immobilisation tests. The total interaction energy profiles between the CF supports and bacterial cells were calculated according to the Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory to explain the mechanism by which these modifications enhance this immobilisation capacity. CF-U has a high capacity for immobilising bacterial cells and activated sludge (3.7 g-sludge/g-CF supports) owing to its low total interaction energy. Nitric acid oxidation reduced the diiodomethane contact angle of CF from 55.1° to 38.5°, which reduced the Lifshitz-van der Waals interaction energy, while urea modification further increased the zeta potential of CF from 12.8 mV to −0.7 mV, thereby reducing the electrostatic interaction energy. Experiments and DLVO theory both determined that a combination of nitric acid oxidation and urea modification significantly enhanced the ability of CF to immobilise microorganisms.

Wave power extraction by Multi-Salter's duck WECs arrayed on the floating offshore wind turbine platform

Integrating a floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) and an array of wave energy converters (WECs) can be suggested as a proper new hybrid concept with the aim of more energy harvesting and lower total energy cost. This paper proposes the new composition of a floating braceless semi-submersible platform and an array of Salter's duck (SD) WECs. First, a comparison of the numerical results and experimental data of the hydrodynamics response of FOWT and the single SD WEC response are presented and discussed. Then, the performance of three-hybrid FOWT-Multi-Salter's Duck (FOWT-MSD) systems with 12SD, 15SD, and 18SD WECs has been investigated under different wave periods and wave heights. In the wave period of 6–9 s, 12SD absorbs more power than 15SD and 18SD. From T = 9–11 s, all three systems have the same absorbed power. For wave periods above 12 s, 15SD and 18SD have higher absorbed power than 12SD. No clear trend was observed for wave periods below 6 s. The effect of wave direction shows that at lower wave heights, maximum absorber power belongs to FOWT-12SD under zero wave direction. In contrast, increasing wave heights leads to a smaller difference between the three-hybrid systems at different wave directions.

Associated substitution and complementation patterns of processed discretionary foods and drinks on total energy and added sugar intake.

Processed discretionary foods and drinks (industrialised sugary drinks, sweet and savoury snacks, and grain-based sweets) are often target of policies aimed at regulating the food environment. We aimed to understand if a lower intake of processed foods or drinks is associated with substitution or complementation patterns and overall intake. We analysed a subsample with two 24-h dietary recalls of the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (358 children, 253 adolescents and 278 adults). We compared within-person, energy and added sugar intakes between days with and without consumption of each food group with fixed-effects regressions. We estimated the relative change (change in intake when not consumed/average intake when consumed × 100). Processed discretionary foods were not fully substituted, as total energy was 200-400 kcal/day lower when these foods were not consumed. The change in total intake was larger than the intake when consumed (i.e., complemented) for industrialised sugary drinks in adolescents (-136%) and adults (-215%), and sweet, savoury snacks for children (-141%). The change was lower (i.e., partially substituted) for grain-based sweets among children (-78%) and adolescents (-73%). For added sugars, most processed discretionary groups were complemented. Days without intake of processed discretionary foods were associated with lower total energy and lower added sugar intake compared to days when those foods were consumed. This suggests that regulatory policies to reduce the intake of processed foods could have a meaningful impact on improving the overall diet.

Young Japanese Underweight Women with “Cinderella Weight” Are Prone to Malnutrition, including Vitamin Deficiencies

Undernutrition among young women at “Cinderella weight” is socially important in Japan. To determine the nutritional status of Cinderella-weight women, we conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study on the health examination results of employees aged 20 to 39 (n = 1457 and 643 for women and men, respectively). The percentage of underweight women was found to be much higher than that of men (16.8% vs. 4.5%, respectively). In underweight women (n = 245), handgrip strength (22.82 ± 5.55 vs. 25.73 ± 5.81 kg, p &lt; 0.001), cholesterol level (177.8 ± 25.2 vs. 194.7 ± 31.2 mg/dL, p &lt; 0.05), and lymphocyte count (1883 ± 503 vs. 2148 ± 765/μL, p &lt; 0.001) were significantly lower than in overweight women (n = 116). Then, the BMI &lt; 17.5 group (n = 44) was referred to the outpatient nutrition evaluation clinic. Lower prealbumin, cholesterol, and lymphocyte levels were also observed in 34%, 59%, and 32% of the patients, respectively. Regarding dietary characteristics, 32% of the underweight women in this study skipped breakfast, and 50% had low dietary diversity scores. Lower total energy intake, carbohydrate and fiber intake, and Ca and Fe intake were also observed in 90% of the patients. Deficiencies in vitamin B1, B12, D, and folate were diagnosed in 4.6%, 25%, 14%, and 98% of the patients, respectively. Thus, young underweight women may be prone to malnutrition.

Adaptive DBS Algorithm for Personalized Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease: ADAPT-PD clinical trial methodology and early data (P1-11.002)

Adaptive DBS Algorithm for Personalized Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease: ADAPT-PD clinical trial methodology and early data (P1-11.002)