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  • 1
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    Dietary Habits, Fatty Acids and Carotenoid Levels Are Associated with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Chinese (2019)
    Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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    Publication Date: 2019-07-25
    Description: The role of diet and circulatory carotenoids and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are implicated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) but not well studied in Chinese. However, other fatty acids were not comprehensively evaluated if it had additional consequence on AMD. This study investigated the relationship among dietary habits, fatty acids levels, carotenoids and AMD in Hong Kong Chinese adults. In this cross-sectional case-controlled study, plasma fatty acids including, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and carotenoids levels were quantified between patients with neovascular AMD (n = 99) and age-gender-matched controls (n = 198). A food frequency questionnaire was also conducted. Low blood carotenoid levels and omega-3 PUFAs namely DHA, EPA and -linolenic acid increased the odds ratio of developing neovascular AMD. High blood omega-6 PUFAs specifically arachidonic acid and eicosadienoic acid, oleic acid (a MUFA) and SFA levels increased the odds ratio of having neovascular AMD. Neovascular AMD group had significantly less omega-3 PUFA rich food (vegetables, nuts, seafood) intake and higher SFA (meat) intake than controls. In short, neovascular AMD was associated with lower circulatory levels of carotenoids and omega-3 PUFAs, and higher level of omega-6 PUFAs, oleic acid and SFAs in the Hong Kong Chinese population. These findings enhance the understandings of dietary impacts on neovascular AMD and provide a context for future nutritional intervention studies.
    Electronic ISSN: 2072-6643
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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  • 2
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    Altered Gut Microbiome and Environmental Factors Associated with Development of Eczema in Hong Kong Infants: A 4-Month Pilot Study (2020)
    Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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    Publication Date: 2020-10-20
    Description: Eczema is a multifactorial skin disease that affects 20% of children worldwide and has a complex relationship with microbial, nutritional, parental and environmental factors. In this study, we investigated the potential association of eczema with the gut microbiome and environmental factors. One hundred and fifty-two newborn subjects and their mothers were recruited within 10 days postnatally at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong, China and asked to complete questionnaires on allergies, maternal diet and environmental assessment at enrolment. Then, the participants were classified as with or without eczema at four months after birth based on the Comprehensive Early Childhood Allergy Questionnaire (CECAQ) and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index (n = 48, with 24 in each group). Stool samples were collected from both groups at the same time. Microbial DNA was extracted from each stool sample, and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the gut microbiome profiles of the subjects. Our results indicated that the abundance of Bifidobacterium was significantly higher in the eczema group than in the control group (p = 0.04). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted, and the results showed that the father’s education level and maternal intake of cereal products and nutritional supplements during pregnancy were associated with the development of eczema (p = 0.008, 0.032 and 0.015, respectively). In conclusion, this study provided preliminary information about the potential risk factors of eczema development in Hong Kong infants in support of a future full study.
    Print ISSN: 1661-7827
    Electronic ISSN: 1660-4601
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Medicine
    Published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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  • 3
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    Prevalence, Perception, and Predictors of Advance Directives among Hong Kong Chinese: A Population-based Survey (2019)
    Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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    Publication Date: 2019-01-28
    Description: Advance directives (AD) can be used for the communication of healthcare decisions that may be required in the future when individuals have lost their capacity to make such decisions. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence, perception, and predictors of AD completion in the Hong Kong general population with a diverse culture. Through random-digit dialing, a population-based telephone survey was conducted with participants aged 18 or above. Socio-demographic characteristics, self-perception and health status, prevalence of AD, and perceptions related to AD were assessed. The acceptance on completing AD was measured by the summed score on the level of agreement in making AD. In total, 2002 participants completed the survey, with only 0.5% having made AD. However, the majority of those who had heard about AD had made or intended to make AD (80.2%). Multivariable regression analysis showed that being religious, being optimistic, and agreeing to respect patients’ wishes are independently associated with higher AD acceptance. Being a student is associated with lower AD acceptance. The extremely low completion rate of AD, but high acceptance of AD urges for more active promotion of AD to the public and education on end-of-life care among university students.
    Print ISSN: 1661-7827
    Electronic ISSN: 1660-4601
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Medicine
    Published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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  • 4
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    Waste-to-Energy: Production of Fuel Gases from Plastic Wastes (2021)
    Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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    Publication Date: 2021-10-25
    Description: A new mechanochemical method was developed to convert polymer wastes, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to fuel gases (H2, CH4, and CO) under ball-milling with KMnO4 at room temperature. By using various solid-state characterizations (XPS, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and NMR), and density functional theory calculations, it was found that the activation followed the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism. Two metal oxidant molecules were found to abstract two separate hydrogen atoms from the α–CH and β–CH units of substrates, [–βCH2–αCH(R)–]n, where R = H in PE, R = γCH3 in PP, and R = Cl in PVC, resulting in a di-radical, [–βCH•–αC•(R)–]. Subsequently, the two unpaired electrons of the di-radical were recombined into an alkene intermediate, [–βCH = αC(R)–], which underwent further oxidation to produce H2, CH4, and CO gases.
    Electronic ISSN: 2073-4360
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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  • 5
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    Prediction and Analysis of SARS-CoV-2-Targeting MicroRNA in Human Lung Epithelium (2020)
    Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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    Publication Date: 2020-08-26
    Description: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an RNA virus, is responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020. Experimental evidence suggests that microRNA can mediate an intracellular defence mechanism against some RNA viruses. The purpose of this study was to identify microRNA with predicted binding sites in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, compare these to their microRNA expression profiles in lung epithelial tissue and make inference towards possible roles for microRNA in mitigating coronavirus infection. We hypothesize that high expression of specific coronavirus-targeting microRNA in lung epithelia may protect against infection and viral propagation, conversely, low expression may confer susceptibility to infection. We have identified 128 human microRNA with potential to target the SARS-CoV-2 genome, most of which have very low expression in lung epithelia. Six of these 128 microRNA are differentially expressed upon in vitro infection of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, 28 microRNA also target the SARS-CoV genome while 23 microRNA target the MERS-CoV genome. We also found that a number of microRNA are commonly identified in two other studies. Further research into identifying bona fide coronavirus targeting microRNA will be useful in understanding the importance of microRNA as a cellular defence mechanism against pathogenic coronavirus infections.
    Electronic ISSN: 2073-4425
    Topics: Biology
    Published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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  • 6
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    Durability of Fibre-Reinforced Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC)–Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) Blended Mortar after Sulfuric Acid Attack (2020)
    Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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    Publication Date: 2020-08-29
    Description: Concrete wastewater infrastructures are important to modern society but are susceptible to sulfuric acid attack when exposed to an aggressive environment. Fibre-reinforced mortar has been adopted as a promising coating and lining material for degraded reinforced concrete structures due to its unique crack control and excellent anti-corrosion ability. This paper aims to evaluate the performance of polyethylene (PE) fibre-reinforced calcium aluminate cement (CAC)–ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) blended strain-hardening mortar after sulfuric acid immersion, which represented the aggressive sewer environment. Specimens were exposed to 3% sulfuric acid solution for up to 112 days. Visual, physical and mechanical performance such as water absorption ability, sorptivity, compressive and direct tensile strength were evaluated before and after sulfuric acid attack. In addition, micro-structure changes to the samples after sulfuric acid attack were also assessed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to further understand the deterioration mechanism. The results show that overall fibre-reinforced calcium aluminate cement (CAC)-based samples performed significantly better than fibre-reinforced ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based samples as well as mortar samples in sulfuric acid solution in regard to visual observations, penetration depth, direct tensile strength and compressive reduction. Gypsum generation in the cementitious matrix of both CAC and OPC-based systems was the main reason behind the deterioration mechanism after acid attack exposure. Moreover, laboratory sulfuric acid testing has been proven for successfully screening the cementitious material against an acidic environment. This method can be considered to design the service life of concrete wastewater pipes.
    Electronic ISSN: 1996-1944
    Topics: Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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  • 7
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    Sleep and Wellbeing, Now and in the Future (2020)
    Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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    Publication Date: 2020-04-22
    Description: The processes of sleeping, eating and moving, in concert with cognition and learning, support health and life [...]
    Print ISSN: 1661-7827
    Electronic ISSN: 1660-4601
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Medicine
    Published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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  • 8
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    The Effects of Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Symptom Management and Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Survivors Undergoing Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy: A Systematic Review (2020)
    Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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    Publication Date: 2020-04-24
    Description: Breast cancer survivors need to undergo adjuvant endocrine therapy after completion of curative treatments to prevent disease recurrence. These individuals often experience symptoms which are detrimental to their quality of life (QOL). Implementation of interventions for effective symptom management among these survivors is warranted. This review provides an overview of studies on the effectiveness of the previously developed interventions for breast cancer survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy on symptom alleviation and enhancement of QOL or health-related QOL (HRQOL). Five electronic databases were employed in the literature search. Study selection, data extraction and critical appraisal of the included studies were conducted by three authors independently. Twenty-four studies were included. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are effective in addressing the symptoms associated with adjuvant endocrine therapy among the breast cancer survivors, and in improving their QOL, although discrepancies were noted between the studies in terms of the significance of these effects. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions can be effective for symptom management among breast cancer survivors. Their implementation is recommended for effective survivorship care for these individuals. Further research on intervention development for breast cancer survivors is recommended to provide further evidence for the utility of the explored interventions in survivorship care for these patients.
    Print ISSN: 1661-7827
    Electronic ISSN: 1660-4601
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Medicine
    Published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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  • 9
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    Scour Protection Effects of a Geotextile Mattress with Floating Plate on a Pipeline (2020)
    Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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    Publication Date: 2020-04-24
    Description: Underwater pipelines are vital to the oil industry. Extending the service life of these pipelines is a key issue in improving the sustainability of oil transportation. A geotextile mattress with floating plate (GMFP) is a novel and sustainable countermeasure for scour and erosion control and is herein introduced to protect a partially buried pipeline from local scour in steady currents. A series of experiments was designed to verify the protection capabilities of the GMFP and investigate its parametric effects on protection. The average seepage hydraulic gradient under the pipeline was adopted to depict the protection effects of the GMFP, and was calculated with the pore pressure readings under the pipeline. The test results show that the GMFP is capable of protecting a pipeline from the onset of local scour in a unidirectional current. The average seepage hydraulic gradient below the pipeline decreases remarkably after a GMFP is installed. The average hydraulic gradient shows a descending trend with increased sloping angle α when 0.64 〈 sinα 〈 0.77. The hydraulic gradient hits a nadir at sinα = 0.77 and climbs with the increasing sloping angle when sinα 〉 0.82. The hydraulic gradient ascends when the bottom opening ratio δ increases from 0.167 to 0.231, due to the decreased intensity of the bottom vortex. The hydraulic gradient drops with a rising plate height, except for a fluctuation at Hp = 0.12 m. An approximate negative correlation is found between the obstruction height of the floating plate and the average hydraulic gradient under the pipeline. This could be partially attributed to the extension and amplification of the bottom vortex on the leeside of the pipeline due to the increased plate obstruction height.
    Electronic ISSN: 2071-1050
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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  • 10
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    Long-Term Effects of Fertilizers with Regional Climate Variability on Yield Trends of Sweet Corn (2020)
    Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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    Publication Date: 2020-04-26
    Description: Climate change affects global crop production year after year. Exploring the impact of different fertilization methods on crop yield stability has become an extremely important topic in sustainable agriculture. The objective of this study is to explore the effects of various fertilization regimes with climate variability on yield stability for sweet corn production in southern Taiwan. Three fertilization treatments composed of chemical fertilizer only (CF), integrated fertilizer (half organic/half chemical fertilizer) (IF), and organic fertilizer only (OF) were implemented from 2009 to 2018 based on the well-maintained soils since 1988. While the same amounts of these fertilizers were applied during the period, we found that different fertilization changed the marketable yields of fresh fruit (ear), which slightly increased for organic fertilizer, but substantially decreased for both chemical (p = 0.0001) and integrated (p = 0.0061) fertilizer. Thus, based on these 10 years of observation, yields among fertilization treatments were analyzed with weather and soil parameters to determine the possible factors involved. Both multiple linear regression equation (p 〈 0.0001, adj. R2 〉 0.57) and regression tree analysis illustrated significantly negative correlations between average ear weight and relative humidity under the chemical fertilizer treatment. In this study, we show for the first time that chemical fertilizer had the lowest yield resilience in response to regional relative humidity change compared to organic and integrated fertilizers. Our results also indicate that specific soil microbes have the potential to help sweet corn face environmental vulnerability in subtropical regions.
    Electronic ISSN: 2071-1050
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Published by Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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