Higher ultra processed foods intake is associated with low muscle mass in young to middle-aged adults: a cross-sectional NHANES study

DesignUltra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a pressing global health concern, prompting investigations into their potential association with low muscle mass in adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed data from 10,255 adults aged 20−59 years who participated in the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) during cycles spanning from 2011 to 2018. The primary outcome, low muscle mass, was assessed using the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) definition, employing restricted cubic splines and weighted multivariate regression for analysis. Sensitivity analysis incorporated three other prevalent definitions to explore optimal cut points for muscle quality in the context of sarcopenia.ResultsThe weighted prevalence of low muscle mass was 7.65%. Comparing the percentage of UPFs calories intake between individuals with normal and low muscle mass, the values were found to be similar (55.70 vs. 54.62%). Significantly linear associations were observed between UPFs consumption and low muscle mass (P for non-linear = 0.7915, P for total = 0.0117). Upon full adjustment for potential confounding factors, participants with the highest UPFs intake exhibited a 60% increased risk of low muscle mass (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.26, P for trend = 0.003) and a decrease in ALM/BMI (β = −0.0176, 95% CI: −0.0274 to −0.0077, P for trend = 0.003). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the consistency of these associations, except for the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) definition, where the observed association between the highest quartiles of UPFs (%Kcal) and low muscle mass did not attain statistical significance (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.87, P for trend = 0.082).ConclusionOur study underscores a significant linear association between higher UPFs consumption and an elevated risk of low muscle mass in adults. These findings emphasize the potential adverse impact of UPFs on muscle health and emphasize the need to address UPFs consumption as a modifiable risk factor in the context of sarcopenia

Discovery of novel inhibitors of Streptococcus pneumoniae based on the virtual screening with the homology-modeled structure of histidine kinase (VicK)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Due to the widespread abusage of antibiotics, antibiotic-resistance in <it>Streptococcus pneumoniae </it>(<it>S. pneumoniae</it>) has been increasing quickly in recent years, and it is obviously urgent to develop new types of antibiotics. Two-component systems (TCSs) are the major signal transduction pathways in bacteria and have emerged as potential targets for antibacterial drugs. Among the 13 pairs of TCSs proteins presenting in <it>S. pneumoniae</it>, VicR/K is the unique one essential for bacterium growth, and block agents to which, if can be found, may be developed as effective antibiotics against <it>S. pneumoniae </it>infection.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Using a structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) method, 105 compounds were computationally identified as potential inhibitors of the histidine kinase (HK) VicK protein from the compound library SPECS. Six of them were then validated <it>in vitro </it>to be active in inhibiting the growth of <it>S. pneumoniae </it>without obvious cytotoxicity to Vero cell. In mouse sepsis models, these compounds are still able to decrease the mortality of the mice infected by <it>S. pneumoniae </it>and one compound even has significant therapeutic effect.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>To our knowledge, these compounds are the first reported inhibitors of HK with antibacterial activity <it>in vitro </it>and <it>in vivo</it>, and are novel lead structures for developing new drugs to combat pneumococcal infection.</p

Qi-Shen-Yi-Qi Dripping Pills for the Secondary Prevention of Myocardial Infarction: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Background. Several types of drugs have been recommended for the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI). However, these conventional strategies have several limitations, such as low adherence, high cost, and side effects during long time use. Novel approaches to this problem are still needed. This trial aimed to test the effectiveness and safety of Qi-Shen-Yi-Qi Dripping Pills (QSYQ), a multi-ingredient Chinese patent medicine, for the secondary prevention of MI. Methods and Findings. A total of 3505 eligible patients were randomly assigned to QSYQ group (1746 patients) or aspirin group (1759). Patients took their treatments for 12 months. The final follow-up visit took place 6 months after the end of the trial drugs. The 12-month and 18-month estimated incidences of the primary outcome were 2.98% and 3.67%, respectively, in the QSYQ group. The figures were 2.96% and 3.81% in the aspirin group. No significant difference was identified between the groups. Conclusions. This trial did not show significant difference of primary and secondary outcomes between aspirin and QSYQ in patients who have had an MI. Though inconclusive, the result suggests that QSYQ has similar effects to aspirin in the secondary prevention of MI

Serious game design for virtual dolphin-assisted learning

Virtual dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) can be used to treat children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), where interactions with virtual dolphins can be enabled by Virtual Reality (VR) technology. With the aid of VR, it is possible to reproduce an immersive environment with virtual objects to replicate the real-world DAT interactions. Using VR to create human–virtual dolphin interactions in an immersive setting allows DAT to be carried out virtually, protecting both participants, children and dolphins, from any harm or infections. The aim of recreating a DAT VR environment is also to make the treatment cheaper and more readily accessible to the masses of children with ASD. It can control the treatment environment and ensure the safety of the participants and those parties involved. A VR serious game, 3D Virtual Pink Dolphin is developed in Nanyang Technological University, which is running on both PC with single display screen and a 3D immersive room with 320-degree curved screens. The experiment has been conducted with children from a special needs school in Singapore

THE INERTIA FORCE EQUILIBRIUM ANALYSIS OF CRANK-GROUP DRIVING MECHANISM

Aiming at overcoming the deficiency of balance of the Crank-group Driving Mechanism,utilize Mass moment substitution method to translate the equilibrium problem of inertia force of Crank-group Driving Mechanism into the additional mass moment of branch member（ connecting rod truss） in the adjacent cranks and the balance of two pair rod tree system that composed of all cranks in mechanism. The inertia force equilibrium condition for any Crank-group Mechanism can be listed directly by combining the formulas of the mass moment substitution formula of connecting rod truss and the inertia force balancing equation of arbitrary crank in the mechanism,then take Four-Cranks Mechanism as an example to simplify the equilibrium conditions that provide a theoretical basis for different structure form of cranks in the mechanism. Finally,use 3D modeling software Pro / E and dynamics analytic software ADAMS to verify the balance applicability for Crank-group Driving Mechanism

A Novel Shape Finding Method for the Main Cable of Suspension Bridge Using Nonlinear Finite Element Approach

The determination of the final cable shape under the self-weight of the suspension bridge enables its safe construction and operation. Most existing studies solve the cable shape segment-by-segment in the Lagrangian coordinate system. This paper develops a novel shape finding method for the main cable of suspension bridge using nonlinear finite element approach with Eulerian description. The governing differential equations for a three-dimensional spatial main cable is developed before a one-dimensional linear shape function is introduced to solve the cable shape utilizing the Newton iteration method. The proposed method can be readily reduced to solve the two-dimensional parallel cable shape. Two iteration layers are required for the proposed method. The shape finding process has no need for the information of the cable material or cross section using the present technique. The commonly used segmental catenary method is compared with the present method using three cases study, i.e., a 1666-m-main-span earth-anchored suspension bridge with 2D parallel and 3D spatial main cables as well as a 300-m-main-span self-anchored suspension bridge with 3D spatial main cables. Numerical studies and iteration results show that the proposed shape finding technique is sufficiently accurate and operationally convenient to achieve the target configuration of the main cable

Maximum Swing Flexion or Gait Symmetry: A Comparative Evaluation of Control Targets on Metabolic Energy Expenditure of Amputee Using Intelligent Prosthetic Knee

Background. The metabolic energy expenditure (MEE) was the most important assessment standard of intelligent prosthetic knee (IPK). Maximum swing flexion (MSF) angle and gait symmetry (GS) were two control targets representing different developing directions for IPK. However, the few comparisons based on MEE assessment between the MSF and GS limited the development of the IPK design. Objectives. The aim of the present work was to find out the MEE difference of amputees using IPK with control targets of MSF and GS and determine which target was more suitable for the control of IPK based on the MEE assessment. Methods. The crossover trial was designed. Six unilateral transfemoral amputees participated in the study. The amputees were assessed when wearing the IPK with different control targets, namely, the maximum swing flexion angle and gait symmetry. The oxygen consumption analysis during walking at different speeds on a treadmill was carried out. Results. All subjects showed increased oxygen consumption as walking speed increased. However, no statistically significant differences were found in oxygen consumption for different control targets. The ANOVA test showed that the overall effects of the control targets of the prosthetic knee on oxygen consumption were not significant across all walking speeds. Conclusions. The control targets of MSF and GS showed no significant differences on MEE in above-knee amputees using IPK. From perspective of amputee’s metabolic costs, either maximum swing flexion or gait symmetry could be suitable control target for the IPK

Repeated Omicron exposures override ancestral SARS-CoV-2 immune imprinting

Code and source data for the article "Repeated Omicron exposures override ancestral SARS-CoV-2 immune imprinting" (Yisimayi et al. Nature 2023

Review of shared online hailing and autonomous taxi services

Transportmetrica B: Transport Dynamics1101486-50