Consumption Rate Research Articles

Chemical reaction engineering of nutritional phenomena in the human body

Unlike many accomplished fields, human nutrition lacks the support of engineering science. Here, the aspects of food processing in the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract are reviewed, highlighting the experimental chemical reaction engineering (CRE) approach to digestion studies in particular. As a first look at human nutrition in terms of conservation laws, the differential forms of mass and energy balances are presented, emphasizing the chemical and biochemical reaction rates of generation and consumption and the heats associated with these reactions, respectively. These rates and the heats should be very meaningful for understanding the dynamics of nutrition within the body, though they remain unknown. Without solving the differential equations, global integrations of the mass balances within each organ, up to the organ boundary, can create control volumes for gaining new insights, such as the transient multicomponent nature of the stomach “reactor” emptying. Global integration within the human body to the boundaries of the entire GI tract, from the mouth to anus, finds the GI tract to be a “pipe outside the body.” This has revealed interesting aspects, highlighting the human body as a “molecular machine.” It is envisaged that the terms outlined here ought to be established in the future to improve human nutrition.

Spatheliachromen mitigates methylglyoxal-induced myotube atrophy by activating Nrf2, inhibiting ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, and restoring mitochondrial function

BackgroundMethylglyoxal (MGO) is a potent precursor of glycative stress that leads to oxidative stress and muscle atrophy in diabetes. Spatheliachromen (FPATM-20), derived from Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang, exhibited potential antioxidant activity. PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the potential impact and underlying mechanisms of FPATM-20 on MGO-induced myotube atrophy and mitochondrial dysfunction in mouse skeletal C2C12 myotubes. MethodsAtrophic and antioxidant factors were evaluated using immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting. Mitochondrial function was assessed using the ATP assay and Seahorse Cell Mito Stress Test. The glycogen content was determined using periodic acid-Schiff staining. Molecular docking was performed to determine the interaction between FPATM-20 and Keap1. ResultsIn myotubes treated with MGO, FPATM-20 activated the Nrf2 pathway, reduced ROS levels, enhanced antioxidant defense, and increased glycogen content. FPATM-20 improved myotube viability and size, upregulated myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression, modulated ubiquitin-proteasome molecules (nuclear FoxO3a, atrogin-1, MuRF-1, and p62/SQSTM1), and inhibited apoptosis (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved caspase 3). Moreover, FPATM-20 restored mitochondrial function, including mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, and mitochondrial biogenesis pathway (nuclear PGC-1α/TFAM/FNDC5). The inhibition of Nrf2 with ML385 reversed the effects of FPATM-20 on MGO. Furthermore, molecular docking confirmed the binding of FPATM-20 to Keap1, a suppressor of Nrf2, showing the crucial role of Nrf2 in protective effects. ConclusionsFPATM-20 protects myotubes from MGO toxicity by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant defense, reducing protein degradation and apoptosis, and enhancing mitochondrial function. Thus, FPATM-20 may be a novel agent for preventing skeletal muscle atrophy.

Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field (ELF-EMF) Increases Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Activities and Ameliorates Depressive Behaviors in Mice.

Compromised mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) activities are associated with depression in humans and rodents. However, the effects of the enhancement of mitochondrial ETC activities on depression remain elusive. We recently reported that an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) of as low as 10 μT induced hormetic activation of mitochondrial ETC complexes in human/mouse cultured cells and mouse livers. Chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) for 10 consecutive days caused behavioral defects mimicking depression in mice, and using an ELF-EMF for two to six weeks ameliorated them. CSDS variably decreased the mitochondrial ETC proteins in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in 10 days, which were increased by an ELF-EMF in six weeks. CSDS had no effect on the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate in the PFC in 10 days, but using an ELF-EMF for six weeks enhanced it. CSDS inactivated SOD2 by enhancing its acetylation and increased lipid peroxidation in the PFC. In contrast, the ELF-EMF activated the Sirt3-FoxO3a-SOD2 pathway and suppressed lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, CSDS increased markers for mitophagy, which was suppressed by the ELF-EMF in six weeks. The ELF-EMF exerted beneficial hormetic effects on mitochondrial energy production, mitochondrial antioxidation, and mitochondrial dynamics in a mouse model of depression. We envisage that an ELF-EMF is a promising therapeutic option for depression.

A Machine Learning–Based Ergonomic Assessment of Wireless Hand Control System for Lower‐Limb Disabled Tractor Operators and Abled Female Agricultural Workers

ABSTRACTTractor being the most used power source for agricultural operations needs hand control (HC) and foot control (FC) to maneuver it. FCs restrict lower‐limb disabled agricultural workers from participating in tractor operation, and high requirement of actuation forces to operate FCs may create overexertion and early fatigue to female agricultural workers. Therefore, a sensor‐based HC system has been developed to assist them in tractor operation with minimal actuating force. This study focuses on ergonomic assessment of the HC system to assess the suitability for the abled and disabled agricultural workers, including physiological, psychophysical, and muscle fatigue parameters. Heart rate (HR) of abled male and female, and disabled male and female was observed in the range of 83–118, 85–117, 93–118, and 92–114 beats/min, respectively, during tractor operation. Energy expenditure rate (EER) during tractor operation with FCs (9.7–17.4 kJ/min) was observed higher than with the HC system (7.3–16.5 kJ/min). Body parts discomfort was observed highest for the right hand of all the subjects (4.9–5.3) and maximum overall discomfort was experienced by abled females during the operation with FCs (5.4) as they have to exert higher force. The root mean square (RMS) value of the electromyography signal obtained for extensor digitorum muscle was found to be higher for all the subjects and with both HC and FC (abled male, 17.37–40.43 µV; abled female, 14.76–45.29 µV; disabled male, 15.49–40.23 µV; disabled female, 30.32–54.29 µV) than other upper arm muscles middle deltoid, flexor carpi radialis, and brachioradialis. Muscle workload for all the selected muscles of all the subjects was observed within the recommended limit during the tractor operation with a developed HC system (< 30%). Categorization of overall discomfort rating (ODR) of the subjects using HR, EER, and RMS through machine learning algorithms such as k‐nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest classifier, and support vector machine predicted the ODR with accuracies in the range of 77%–83%. KNN algorithm was found to be most accurate with prediction accuracy of 83%. The developed HC system provides assistantship to the lower‐limb disabled agricultural workers (1%–100% disability of lower limbs) and allows female workers to operate the tractor with minimal physical exertion.

Physiological Challenges and Adaptations in Competitive Freediving

Competitive freediving is associated with extreme physiologic challenges due to the effects of apnea, submersion in water, and increased ambient pressure. There has nevertheless been a continued progression of world records across freediving disciplines in recent years, with breath-hold times exceeding 10 minutes, and reaching diving depths beyond 200 meters of seawater. The main physiological determinants of breath-hold endurance are the available oxygen stores, i.e., intrapulmonary gas volume, inspired gas concentration, and rate of oxygen consumption. Other factors such as psychological and inherent factors contribute to the individual tolerance to an increasing respiratory stimulus with prolonged breath-hold duration. A freediving athlete must be able to tolerate apnea to stay underwater long enough to reach great distance or depth and resurface safely. Elite freedivers exhibit somewhat remarkable physiological adaptations such as a more pronounced diving-response and hypercapnia tolerance compared to non-divers, as well as metabolic and cerebrovascular adaptations. To reach great depths, elite freedivers employ a breathing technique called glossophyryngeal insufflation (GI) that is enlarging the ratio of total lung capacity to residual volume, thus, mitigating risk of lung squeeze and increasing intrapulmonary gas volume, and thereby enhancing available oxygen stores. Pulmonary anatomy and physiology could not be accounted to restrict the breath-hold diving depths achieved by competitive athletes. However, the acutely increased intrapulmonary pressure during GI is transmitted to the pulmonary vasculature, thereby eliciting a right ventricular pressure overload, and left ventricular dysfunction that may augment hypotension and syncope during glossopharyngeal insufflation. Due to extreme diffusion gradients between alveolar pN2 and N2 pressures in the body tissues at great depth, N2 will be forced into blood and body tissues during descent, elevating risk of N2 narcosis and decompression illness during deep dives. Breath-hold training and preparation have been shown to enhance breath-hold performance. This review highlights recent data on the profound cardiovascular, respiratory, and gas exchange effects that are observed in competitive freedivers, and discusses possible adaptations and risks for humans.

The Consumption of Non-Sugar Sweetened and Ready-to-Drink Beverages as Emerging Types of Beverages in Shanghai

Background: The Chinese beverage industry is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the popularity of non-sugar sweetened beverages (NSSs) and ready-to-drink beverages (RSBs). This study aimed to assess current consumption patterns and determinants of various beverage types among retail visitors. Methods: A total of 44 observation points, including 22 supermarkets and 22 convenience stores, were randomly selected across Shanghai. At each location, at least 100 individuals were recruited to participate. Data were collected using an electronic self-administered questionnaire. Results: The consumption rates of total beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages, NSSs, and RSBs were 57.70%, 56.94%, 19.60%, and 29.50%, respectively; the median consumption amounts among the drinking population were 162.57 mL/day, 137.98 mL/day, 32.85 mL/day, and 32.85 mL/day, respectively. The consumption proportions of NSSs and RSBs ranked 2nd and 3rd. The multifactorial analyses showed that people aged 6–18 years consumed more beverages (p < 0.05). Males were more likely to consume sugar-sweetened beverages and NSSs, but females were more likely to consume RSBs (p < 0.05). Higher educated people and bachelors were more likely to consume beverages (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The emerging beverage categories, NSSs and RSBs, warrant attention due to their significant consumption rates. Tailored intervention strategies should be considered for demographic groups varying by age, gender, and educational attainment.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader HNRNPA2B1 accelerates the cervical cancer cells aerobic glycolysis.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is, a more common epigenetic modification, mainly found in mRNA. More and more researches have shown the important functions of m6A on human cancers. This study seeks to explore the role of hnRNPA2B1 and m6A-dependent mechanism in cervical cancer. Elevated hnRNPA2B1 indicated the poor prognosis of cervical cancer patients. Enforced hnRNPA2B1 reduced the apoptosis, and accelerated the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer cells in vitro. Besides, hnRNPA2B1 promoted the aerobic glycolysis of cervical cancer cells, including the lactate secretion, glucose uptake, ATP production, extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR). LDHA was found as the downstream target of hnRNPA2B1 by m6A site. Moreover, hnRNPA2B1 enhanced the mRNA stability of LDHA through m6A-dependent manner. LDHA inhibitor (FX-11) could reverse the effect of hnRNPA2B1. Taken together, the data revealed that hnRNPA2B1 promoted the proliferation, migration and aerobic glycolysis of cervical cancer cells by m6A/LDHA-dependent manner. These findings might bring a new idea for cervical cancer treatment.

Excess Potassium Promotes Autophagy to Maintain the Immunosuppressive Capacity of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Independent of Arginase 1.

Potassium ions (K+) are critical electrolytes that regulate multiple functions in immune cells. Recent studies have shown that the elevated concentration of extracellular potassium in the tumor interstitial fluid limits T cell effector function and suppresses the anti-tumor capacity of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The effect of excess potassium on the biology of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), another important immune cell component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), is unknown. Here, we present data showing that increased concentrations of potassium chloride (KCl), as the source of K+ ions, facilitate autophagy by increasing the expression of the autophagosome marker LC3β. Simultaneously, excess potassium ions significantly decrease the expression of arginase I (Arg I) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) without reducing the ability of MDSCs to suppress T cell proliferation. Further investigation reveals that excess K+ ions decrease the expression of the transcription factor C/EBP-β and alter the expression of phosphorylated kinases. While excess K+ ions downregulated the expression levels of phospho-AMPKα (pAMPKα), it increased the levels of pAKT and pERK. Additionally, potassium increased mitochondrial respiration as measured by the oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Interestingly, all these alterations induced by K+ ions were abolished by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Our results suggest that hyperosmotic stress caused by excess K+ ions regulate the mitochondrial respiration and signaling pathways in MDSCs to trigger the process of autophagy to support MDSCs' immunosuppressive function by mechanisms independent of Arg I and iNOS. Overall, our in vitro and ex vivo findings offer valuable insights into the adaptations of MDSCs within the K+ ion-rich TME, which has important implications for MDSCs-targeted therapies.

Recovering Low-Grade Heat from Flue Gas in a Coal-Fired Thermal Power Unit

To achieve the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the retrofitting of existing coal-fired power plants is crucial to achieving energy-saving and emission reduction goals. A conventional recovery system of waste heat typically occurs downstream of the air preheater, where the energy quality in flue gas is low, resulting in limited coal-saving benefits. This study proposes a scheme involving a flue gas exchanger bypassing the air preheater and low-temperature economizers, which is used to transfer the waste heat from flue gas to primary and secondary air (System I). Additionally, a heat pump can be introduced to provide supplementary energy for primary and secondary air, as well as the condensate from the steam turbine (System II). The coal consumption rate and exergy efficiency are used to evaluate the two schemes. The results show that both waste heat recovery systems can increase the power output of the coal-fired unit by recovering waste heat. System II can boost power output by approximately 13.98 MW. The power increase in both waste heat recovery systems show a declining trend as the unit load decreases. This increased power is primarily attributed to the medium- and low-pressure cylinders, while the contributions from ultra-high-pressure and high-pressure cylinders are negligible. The increased power output for the medium-pressure cylinder ranges from approximately 3.49 to 3.58 MW, while the low-pressure cylinder has an increased power output of around 10.10 to 10.19 MW. The coal consumption rate is decreased from 250.3 g/(kW·h) to 247.5 g/(kW·h) under a full load condition for both systems, which can be augmented at lower load conditions. System II outperforms System I at 30% load condition, achieving a reduced coal consumption rate of 3.36 g/(kW·h). System I has an exergy efficiency of 40%, while System II shows a higher efficiency of 44%.

Enhanced desalination performance of flow capacitive deionization with the addition of conductive polymer in redox couples and activated carbon

Freshwater scarcity is a critical global issue and desalination of brackish water and seawater technologies are regarded as effective solution to mitigate the increasing severity of water shortage. Flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) is an emerging electrochemical desalination technology capable of continuous deionization behavior. However, reducing energy consumption and enhancing desalination rate are now markedly needed for its advancement. Herein, we propose a FCDI system with energy consumption as low as 88.08 kJ mol−1 and a desalting rate of 1.75 μg cm−2 s−1. This is achieved by using flow electrodes containing 0.03125 wt% conductive polymer, 5 wt% activated carbon/carbon black and 80 mM/80 mM ferricyanide/ferrocyanide at a current density 3 mA cm−2 (3.36 mA current for a 1.12 cm2 active area). We further investigate the effects of polymer content, redox pair content, salt content and current densities on desalination performance. Seawater with a conductivity of 52.78 mS cm−1 was successfully desalinated to 0.50 mS cm−1 in continuous process. This research provides a promising approach to enhance FCDI system by achieving a low energy consumption and high salt removal rate, representing a significant advancement in continuous electrochemical desalination technology.

Performance of Small-Scale Hermetic Storage Systems Under Periodic Access

This study characterizes the grain management performance of a novel integrated grain drying and storage system (iGDSS) adapted from 208 L drums to combat postharvest loss in developing countries through providing in situ mechanized drying and hermetic storage. The six-month storage trials of 14% moisture content maize compared different access mechanisms and two levels of pest pressure: 0 and 10 maize weevils/kg grain. This experiment allowed comparisons of differential oxygen consumption rates in small-scale hermetic systems with and without storage pests, which has not been widely reported in the literature. The iGDSS system was found to maintain grain quality parameters in dry grains with and without storage pests. After six months of storage, the results demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the moisture content, test weight, germination, proportion of broken and damaged kernels, and presence of colony-forming units between inoculated and non-inoculated systems. The iGDSS was also found to maintain oxygen intrusion rates of 0.10–0.13% O2/day, below recommended thresholds of 0.15% required to maintain benefits of modified atmosphere storage. These results indicate that the iGDSS can provide safe and reliable grain storage to smallholder farmers in developing countries, and that the drying functions of iGDSS can promote outcomes in hermetic storage.

Effect of police expenditure on crime rate in India

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between law enforcement expenditures, economic indicators and various crime rates in India using data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) spanning from 2001 to 2021. Design/methodology/approach The study uses data sourced from the NCRB covering violent crimes, property crimes, economic crimes and total crimes under the Indian Penal Code across 27 states and 2 union territories in India. Crime rates per 100,000 people are calculated using projected population figures from the 2001 and 2011 censuses, adjusting for census periods and growth rates. Economic variables such as per capita real gross state domestic product (GSDP) and total police expenditure are obtained from state government sources, adjusted to constant prices. Pooled ordinary least squares analysis is conducted to explore the relationships between crime rates, conviction rate, economic factors and police expenditure over the three-time points: 2001, 2011 and 2021. Findings The study reveals a complex relationship between police expenditure and crime rates across different categories in India. Increased police expenditure is positively associated with higher reporting rates for violent and economic crimes, suggesting that enhanced law enforcement resources may improve crime detection and reporting. However, contrary to some expectations, higher police spending does not necessarily lead to a reduction in overall crime rates. Economic prosperity, measured by per capita GSDP, is found to reduce violent crime rates but is associated with an increase in property and economic crimes, likely due to the greater opportunities for such crimes in wealthier regions. Research limitations/implications The study’s reliance on state-level aggregate data and NCRB crime statistics, which are based on reported incidents, might not fully capture the true extent of criminal activity, particularly in regions with underreporting issues. In addition, the use of projected population data beyond 2001 and 2011 introduces some uncertainty into the analysis. Future research should explore district-level data to better understand regional variations in crime and incorporate social, cultural and innovative policing strategies to provide a more comprehensive analysis. Practical implications Policymakers should recognize the nuanced impacts of police expenditure and economic prosperity on crime rates. While increased law enforcement resources may enhance crime reporting, they do not guarantee a reduction in overall crime rates. Economic growth, while beneficial in reducing violent crimes, may inadvertently increase property and economic crimes due to greater opportunities for criminal activity. These insights suggest the need for targeted interventions that consider both economic factors and law enforcement strategies in crime prevention efforts. Originality/value This study contributes to the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of police expenditure in reducing crime by highlighting its limited impact on overall crime rates in India. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the diverse effects of economic prosperity on different crime types, offering valuable insights for policymakers aiming to design evidence-based crime prevention strategies that account for socioeconomic disparities and regional contexts.

Integration of Circular Economy and Urban Metabolism for a Resilient Waste-Based Sustainable Urban Environment

An unsustainable rate of resource production and consumption is evident in urban environments. The absence of innovative approaches in conjunction with the exponential urbanization and expansion of the global population will inevitably result in substantial environmental consequences. There are two emerging alternatives: circular economy (CE) and urban metabolism (UM). The integration of these principles into novel methodology casts doubt on the linear model of contemporary economic and urban systems, which includes extraction, production, utilization, and disposal. In the development of a distinctive urban framework known as circular urban metabolism, the current study has illustrated the application of these principles. We design this study to motivate urban planners and decision-makers to investigate, develop, and supervise ecologically sustainable cities. Scholars from a variety of academic disciplines, intrigued by the intricacies of urban planning, design, and administration, can foster interdisciplinary collaboration in the circular urban metabolism (CUM) region. To address the research question, we implemented a bibliometric analysis, which involved the examination of 627 pertinent research papers, utilizing the R (R 3.6.0+) statistical programming language. The results emphasize the fundamental characteristics and significance of CUM in the management of refuse. In addition, the findings underscore the importance of creating a novel framework that incorporates the principles of urban political ecology, CUM, sustainability, and the novel dimension of waste metabolism. It is the goal of this framework to emphasize the significance of recycling in the informal sector as a waste management strategy in low- and medium-income countries (LMICs).

SPAG4 enhances mitochondrial respiration and aerobic glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Aerobic glycolysis plays a pivotal role in the progression of tumors. Previously, a glycolysis-associated prognostic model in CRC was constructed and the glycolysis-related gene SPAG4 was discovered to be upregulated in CRC and was correlated with adverse prognosis. To date, however, no study has elucidated the specific role of SPAG4 in the development of CRC. In our study, CRC cells were transfected with si-SPAG4 or OE-SPAG4 to evaluate the influence of SPAG4 silencing or overexpression on CRC cell malignant behaviors. CRC cell proliferation and metastasis were detected via CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays. The oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate of CRC cells were determined by using an XF24 extracellular flux analyzer. The expression of SPAG4, key mitochondrial markers (NDUFA1, SDHB, ATP5A, and PGC-1α), key enzymes involved in glycolysis (GLUT1, HK2, LDHA, PKM2, and PFK1), and PI3K/Akt pathway-molecules and downstream transcription factor HIF-1α was assessed by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. SPAG4 expression in CRC and normal tissue samples was tested through immunohistochemical staining. Finally, SPAG4-overexpressed CRC cells were treated with LY294002 to validate the inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway on CRC cell malignant phenotypes. Our results showed that SPAG4 was upregulated in CRC cells and tissues, and high expression SPAG4 predicted shorter overall survival time. SPAG4 knockdown inhibited while SPAG4 overexpression enhanced CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, mitochondrial respiration, and aerobic glycolysis. Overexpressing SPAG4 elevated p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α protein levels, which were restored after LY294002 treatment. Furthermore, LY294002 abolished the promotion of SPAG4 overexpression on CRC malignant phenotypes. Collectively, SPAG4 plays an oncogenic role in CRC by promoting mitochondrial respiration and aerobic glycolysis through activating the PI3K/Akt signaling. These findings suggest that inhibition of SPAG4-mediated glucose metabolism may represent a potential strategy for the clinical treatment of CRC.

The Absence of Phasins PhbP2 and PhbP3 in Azotobacter vinelandii Determines the Growth and Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate Synthesis.

Phasins are proteins located on the surface of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) granules that affect the metabolism of the polymer, the size and number of the granules, and some also have stress-protecting and growth-promoting effects. This study evaluated the effect of inactivating two new phasins (PhbP2 or PhbP3) on the cellular growth, production, and molecular mass of P3HB in cultures under low or high oxygen transfer rates (OTR). The results revealed that under high OTRₘₐₓ conditions (between 8.1 and 8.9 mmol L-1 h-1), the absence of phasins PhbP2 and PhbP3 resulted in a strong negative effect on the growth rate; in contrast, the rates of specific oxygen consumption increased in both cases. This behavior was not observed under a low oxygen transfer rate (3.9 ± 0.71 mol L-1 h-1), where cellular growth and oxygen consumption were the same for the different strains evaluated. It was observed that at high OTR, the absence of PhbP3 affected the production of P3HB, decreasing it by 30% at the end of cultivation. In contrast, the molecular weight remained constant over time. In summary, the absence of phasin PhbP3 significantly impacted the growth rate and polymer synthesis, particularly at high maximum oxygen transfer rates (OTRₘₐₓ).

Incidence and influential factors of postoperative pruritus in morphine-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia

Background: Pruritus is a distressing symptom of systemic opioid analgesia that responds poorly to conventional antipruritus treatments. This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for postoperative pruritus using intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). Methods: Opioid-naïve patients who underwent morphine-based IV-PCA for postoperative pain at a tertiary center between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023, were included retrospectively. The primary outcome was pruritus within 72 h after surgery. Cumulative morphine consumption and pain numerical rating scores were measured to evaluate the potential impact of pruritus on postoperative pain control. Results: A total of 1,696 patients were enrolled, of whom 119 (7.0%) developed pruritus during the study period. Five independent factors for pruritus were identified, including intraoperative uses of hydroxyethyl starch solutions [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04–0.43], lockout interval of IV-PCA (aOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.27–0.94, on base-2 logarithmic scale), droperidol addition to morphine solutions (aOR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.35–0.81), cumulative morphine dose (aOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.47–2.12, on base-2 logarithmic scale), and postoperative uses of antihistamines (aOR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.83–4.60) (c-statistic = 0.745). Patients with pruritus had higher postoperative morphine consumption (median: 67.5 mg, interquartile range: 38.3–94.0 vs. 38.0 mg, 21.0–65.4, p<0.0001) but similar pain intensity compared to those without pruritus. Conclusion: Increasing the lockout interval and the droperidol regimen may protect patients from morphine-induced pruritus after IV-PCA. Further studies are warranted to clarify the mechanisms underlying the anti-pruritus effects of hydroxyethyl starch.

How much does the carcinogenic risk of inorganic arsenic exposure from rice increase with higher brown rice consumption? An estimation for five regions around the world

Substituting brown rice for white rice can increase the carcinogenic risk of inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure, given that brown rice has a higher iAs content than white rice. This study estimated changes in the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of iAs exposure from rice with increases in the proportion of brown to total rice consumption (PBT) in five regions around the world, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. The results demonstrated that the magnitude of the increase in the ILCR of iAs exposure from rice expressed as an increase in PBT, ranged from 0.02 to 0.43 per 10,000 people for each 10 % increase in PBT. The highest increase was observed in Asia, followed by Latin America, North America, Oceania, and Europe. The daily rice consumption rate rather than the increase in iAs content is the critical factor responsible for regional differences in higher carcinogenic risk with increased PBT. This study also suggests that when considering the carcinogenic risks of iAs exposure from rice, substituting brown rice for white rice is feasible in North America and Europe but not in Asia and Latin America, while in Oceania, a partial substitution of brown rice for white rice (<55 %) is feasible.

The Role of Agricultural Technology in Attaining Food Security among Small Farmers in Char Area in Mymensingh District

Farmers in the char areas of Bangladesh are frequently affected by food insecurity due to their low engagement in modern agriculture such as less use of modern agricultural technology. This study evaluates the socio-demographic characteristics of the sample farmers to assess their nutritional status and the factors influencing char dwellers' dietary diversity. Survey data were collected from 70 households, and focus group discussions were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire from Nilokhiya char under the Mymensingh District of Bangladesh. An OLS regression model was used to estimate the influence of socioeconomic characteristics of sample households on the decision on factors influencing dietary diversity. The farming type of the farmers is another concern of this study where results show that 90% of farmers in the char areas rely on rice and vegetable farming, whereas more than 60% of the farmers are also involved in livestock and poultry farming at the same time. The nutritional status of char farmers shows that their diet includes a variety of foods but is deficient insufficient protein and healthy fats, which could have an impact on their overall nutrition. Cereals are a staple in the diet, as indicated by the high consumption rate (97.1%) and the substantial average intake (2.30 kg/day). Every household consumes fruits, though in smaller quantities (0.28 kg/day). Eggs are less frequently consumed (57.1%) despite a higher intake (2.64 kg/day). Dietary diversity has a strong positive correlation with supply (.913) at a 1 % significant level which means that efficient supply chains minimize delays, reduce spoilage, and ensure a continuous flow of food to markets to ensure food security. A positive correlation with total income (.373) leads to a higher total income also supports greater dietary diversity. Credit was significant at a 5% level (.267) indicating that a 1 % increase in credit leads to an increase in dietary diversity by 267%. On the contrary, Experience has a negative relationship with dietary diversity which means that experience does not influence food security. Lack of transport and communication, environmental hazards, and natural disasters are the most significant problems faced by the farmers in the char area.

Analysis of Sector Based Energy Consumption Rates of OECD Countries with Louvain Clustering

This study examines the shares of sectors (agriculture, services, industry, transportation and other sectors) in total energy consumption in OECD countries for the period 2011-2020 using Louvain cluster analysis. Energy consumption is an important development indicator and provides important information about the development of countries. In particular, the analysis of the shares of energy consumption of main sectors such as agriculture, services, industry and transport sectors can provide important information about a country's economic diversity, level of industrialization and economic focus. Cluster analysis can provide important insights by identifying countries with similar energy consumption patterns. Louvain cluster analysis was preferred in this study. Louvain clustering has the advantage of being fast and dealing with noise compared to K-means and Hierarchical clustering methods. The results of the study are evaluated from two perspectives. The first one is the inferences obtained from the descriptive statistics of the data set and the second one is the inferences obtained from the clustering analysis. The results of the cluster analysis emphasize the insights offered by the cluster changes in the temporal dimension and the formation of year-based clusters. In addition, the insights provided by the clustering results for Türkiye are evaluated.

Investigating the regulatory mechanism of glucose metabolism by ubiquitin-like protein MNSFβ.

Monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor β (MNSFβ), a ubiquitously expressed member of the ubiquitin-like protein family, is associated with diverse cell regulatory functions. It has been implicated in glycolysis regulation and cell proliferation enhancement in the macrophage-like cell line Raw264.7. This study aims to show that HIF-1α regulates MNSFβ-mediated metabolic reprogramming. In Raw264.7 cells, MNSFβ siRNA increased the oxygen consumption rate and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production but decreased ATP levels. Cells with MNSFβ knockdown showed a markedly increased ATP reduction rate upon the addition of oligomycin, a mitochondrial ATP synthase inhibitor. In addition, MNSFβ siRNA decreased the expression levels of mRNA and protein of HIF-1α-a regulator of glucose metabolism. Evaluation of the effect of MNSFβ on glucose metabolism in murine peritoneal macrophages revealed no changes in lactate production, glucose consumption, or ROS production. MNSFβ affects both glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism, suggesting HIF-1α involvement in the MNSFβ-regulated glucose metabolism in Raw264.7 cells.