Colorectal cancer’s burden attributable to a diet high in processed meat in the Belt and Road Initiative countries

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)plays a significant role in morbidity,mortality,and economic cost in the Belt and Road Initiative(“B and R”)countries.In addition,these countries have a substantial consumption of processed meat.However,the burden and trend of CRC in relation to the consumption of a diet high in processed meat(DHPM-CRC)in these“B and R”countries remain unknown.AIM To analyze the burden and trend of DHPM-CRC in the“B and R”countries from 1990 to 2019.METHODS We used the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study to collate information regarding the burden of DHPM-CRC.Numbers and age-standardized rates(ASRs)of deaths along with the disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)were determined among the“B and R”countries in 1990 and 2019.Using joinpoint regression analysis,the average annual percent change(AAPC)was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized DALYs rate(ASDALR)from 1990 to 2019 and in the final decade(2010–2019).RESULTS We found geographical differences in the burden of DHPM-CRC among“B and R”countries,with the three highest-ranking countries being the Russian Federation,China,and Ukraine in 1990,and China,the Russian Federation,and Poland in 2019.The burden of DHPM-CRC generally increased in most member countries from 1990 to 2019(all P<0.05).The absolute number of deaths and DALYs in DHPM-CRC were 3151.15[95%uncertainty interval(UI)665.74-5696.64]and 83249.31(95%UI 15628.64-151956.31)in China in 2019.However,the number of deaths(2627.57-2528.51)and DALYs(65867.39-55378.65)for DHPM-CRC in the Russian Federation has declined.The fastest increase in ASDALR for DHPM-CRC was observed in Vietnam,Southeast Asia,with an AAPC value of 3.90%[95%confidence interval(CI):3.63%-4.16%],whereas the fastest decline was observed in Kyrgyzstan,Central Asia,with an AAPC value of-2.05%(95%CI:-2.37%to-1.73%).A substantial upward trend in ASR of mortality,years lived with disability,years of life lost,and DALYs from DHPM-CRC changes in 1990-2019 and the final decade(2010-2019)for most Maritime Silk Route members in East Asia,South Asia,Southeast Asia,North Africa,and the Middle East,as well as Central Europe,while those of the most Land Silk Route members in Central Asia and Eastern Europe have decreased markedly(all P<0.05).The ASDALR for DHPM-CRC increased more in males than in females(all P<0.05).For those aged 50-74 years,the ASDALR for DHPM-CRC in 40 members exhibited an increasing trend,except for 20 members,including 7 members in Central Asia,Maldives,and 12 high or high-middle social development index(SDI)members in other regions(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The burden of DHPM-CRC varies substantially across“B and R”countries and threatens public health.Relevant evidence-based policies and interventions tailored to the different trends of countries in SDIs or Silk Routes should be adopted to reduce the future burden of CRC in“B and R”countries via extensive collaboration.

Toluene Processed All-Polymer Solar Cells with 18%Efficiency and Enhanced Stability Enabled by Solid Additive:Comparison Between Sequential-Processing and Blend-Casting

The emergence of polymerized small molecule acceptors(PSMAs)has significantly improved the performance of all-polymer solar cells(all-PSCs).However,the pace of device engineering lacks behind that of materials development,so that a majority of the PSMAs have not fulfilled their potentials.Furthermore,most high-performance all-PSCs rely on the use of chloroform as the processing solvent.For instance,the recent highperformance PSMA,named PJ1-γ,with high LUMO,and HOMO levels,could only achieve a PCE of 16.1%with a high-energy-level donor(JD40)using chloroform.Herein,we present a methodology combining sequential processing(SqP)with the addition of 0.5%wt PC_(71)BM as a solid additive(SA)to achieve an impressive efficiency of 18.0%for all-PSCs processed from toluene,an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent.Compared to the conventional blend-casting(BC)method whose best efficiency(16.7%)could only be achieved using chloroform,the SqP method significantly boosted the device efficiency using toluene as the processing solvent.In addition,the donor we employ is the classic PM6 that has deeper energy levels than JD40,which provides low energy loss for the device.We compare the results with another PSMA(PYF-T-o)with the same method.Finally,an improved photostability of the SqP devices with the incorporation of SA is demonstrated.

Prediction of corrosion rate for friction stir processed WE43 alloy by combining PSO-based virtual sample generation and machine learning

The corrosion rate is a crucial factor that impacts the longevity of materials in different applications.After undergoing friction stir processing(FSP),the refined grain structure leads to a notable decrease in corrosion rate.However,a better understanding of the correlation between the FSP process parameters and the corrosion rate is still lacking.The current study used machine learning to establish the relationship between the corrosion rate and FSP process parameters(rotational speed,traverse speed,and shoulder diameter)for WE43 alloy.The Taguchi L27 design of experiments was used for the experimental analysis.In addition,synthetic data was generated using particle swarm optimization for virtual sample generation(VSG).The application of VSG has led to an increase in the prediction accuracy of machine learning models.A sensitivity analysis was performed using Shapley Additive Explanations to determine the key factors affecting the corrosion rate.The shoulder diameter had a significant impact in comparison to the traverse speed.A graphical user interface(GUI)has been created to predict the corrosion rate using the identified factors.This study focuses on the WE43 alloy,but its findings can also be used to predict the corrosion rate of other magnesium alloys.

Enhancing performance of low-temperature processed CsPbI2Br all-inorganic perovskite solar cells using polyethylene oxide-modified TiO_(2)

CsPbX_(3)-based(X=I,Br,Cl)inorganic perovskite solar cells(PSCs)prepared by low-temperature process have attracted much attention because of their low cost and excellent thermal stability.However,the high trap state density and serious charge recombination between low-temperature processed TiO_(2)film and inorganic perovskite layer interface seriously restrict the performance of all-inorganic PSCs.Here a thin polyethylene oxide(PEO)layer is employed to modify TiO_(2)film to passivate traps and promote carrier collection.The impacts of PEO layer on microstructure and photoelectric characteristics of TiO_(2)film and related devices are systematically studied.Characterization results suggest that PEO modification can reduce the surface roughness of TiO_(2)film,decrease its average surface potential,and passivate trap states.At optimal conditions,the champion efficiency of CsPbI_(2)Br PSCs with PEO-modified TiO_(2)(PEO-PSCs)has been improved to 11.24%from 9.03%of reference PSCs.Moreover,the hysteresis behavior and charge recombination have been suppressed in PEO-PSCs.

Combined Insights from Leachate Structure and Microstructure Characteristics for Eating Quality of Convenience Rice Processed by Super-Heated and Pressurized Steam Technologies

Convenience rice has become widely popular due to its easy availability for cooking. This study investigated the starch structure and composition of leachate and the microstructure of reheated convenience rice using novel processing technologies: super-heated steaming(SHS), auto-electric cooking(AEC), and pressurized-steam cooking(PSC). Additionally, the effect of two different target water contents(58% and 63%) was also evaluated. The PSC_63% sample had the highest total solids and amylopectin amount in the leachate. The amylopectin amount in the leachate differed significantly based on the targeted water content. Morphological characterization revealed that the swelling of starch and the coated layer on the surface of rice grains were most pronounced in the PSC_63% sample due to the pressure processing. The textural hardness of the AEC_58% sample was much higher than that of the other samples. The PSC_63% sample had the highest textural adhesiveness value, which can be attributed to the highest amylopectin amount in the leachate. Sensory characterization showed that the PSC_63% sample had the highest glossiness, whiteness, moistness, and overall acceptability. The principal component analysis score plots presented substantial differences in the leachate and textural and sensory characteristics of reheated convenience rice among the different processing technologies.

Predicting grain size-dependent superplastic properties in friction stir processed ZK30 magnesium alloy with machine learning methods

The aim of this work is to predict,for the first time,the high temperature flow stress dependency with the grain size and the underlaid deformation mechanism using two machine learning models,random forest(RF)and artificial neural network(ANN).With that purpose,a ZK30 magnesium alloy was friction stir processed(FSP)using three different severe conditions to obtain fine grain microstructures(with average grain sizes between 2 and 3μm)prone to extensive superplastic response.The three friction stir processed samples clearly deformed by grain boundary sliding(GBS)deformation mechanism at high temperatures.The maximum elongations to failure,well over 400% at high strain rate of 10^(-2)s^(-1),were reached at 400℃ in the material with coarsest grain size of 2.8μm,and at 300℃ for the finest grain size of 2μm.Nevertheless,the superplastic response decreased at 350℃ and 400℃ due to thermal instabilities and grain coarsening,which makes it difficult to assess the operative deformation mechanism at such temperatures.This work highlights that the machine learning models considered,especially the ANN model with higher accuracy in predicting flow stress values,allow determining adequately the superplastic creep behavior including other possible grain size scenarios.

Fast and Balanced Charge Transport Enabled by Solution-Processed Metal Oxide Layers for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

Metal oxide charge transport materials are preferable for realizing long-term stable and potentially low-cost perovskite solar cells(PSCs).However,due to some technical difficulties(e.g.,intricate fabrication protocols,high-temperature heating process,incompatible solvents,etc.),it is still challenging to achieve efficient and reliable all-metal-oxide-based devices.Here,we developed efficient inverted PSCs(IPSCs)based on solution-processed nickel oxide(NiO_(x))and tin oxide(SnO_(2))nanoparticles,working as hole and electron transport materials respectively,enabling a fast and balanced charge transfer for photogenerated charge carriers.Through further understanding and optimizing the perovskite/metal oxide interfaces,we have realized an outstanding power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 23.5%(the bandgap of the perovskite is 1.62 eV),which is the highest efficiency among IPSCs based on all-metal-oxide charge transport materials.Thanks to these stable metal oxides and improved interface properties,ambient stability(retaining 95%of initial PCE after 1 month),thermal stability(retaining 80%of initial PCE after 2 weeks)and light stability(retaining 90%of initial PCE after 1000 hours aging)of resultant devices are enhanced significantly.In addition,owing to the low-temperature fabrication procedures of the entire device,we have obtained a PCE of over 21%for flexible IPSCs with enhanced operational stability.

Energy metabolism,immune function,and intestinal flora in rats with kidney-yin deficiency treated with raw or saltwater-processed Phellodendron chinense Schneid

Objective:To clarify the specific mechanisms of action of raw Phellodendron chinense Schneid.(RPC)and saltwater-processed PC(SPC)in the treatment of rats with a kidney-yin deficiency pattern(KYDP).Methods:Healthy rats were administered hydrocortisone to establish a KYDP model.The rats were divided into seven groups:blank control,model,positive control(Liuwei Dihuang pills),high-dose RPC,low-dose RPC,high-dose SPC,and low-dose SPC.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of cAMP,cGMP,TRH,TSH,T3,T4,IFN-g,TNF-a,and testosterone in the serum and the levels of Na^(+)-K^(+)-ATPase and Ca ^(2+)-Mg ^(2+)-ATPase in the liver.TRH mRNA expression in the rat hypo-thalamus was measured using RT-PCR.THRa1+2 protein expression in the hypothalamus of rats was measured using Western blot.Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the expression levels of FAS,FasL,and TSHR.Flow cytometry was used to determine CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)T lymphocyte levels.Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology was used to evaluate the diversity of intestinal flora in KYDP rats.Results:The cAMP/cGMP ratio was significantly higher in the model group than in the blank control group(P=0.048).Compared with the model group,after administration,the levels of the above-mentioned serum and liver indexes decreased,except that of testosterone.The CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)ratio also decreased.Compared with the RPC group,the levels of T3,IFN-g,FAS,FasL,and TSHR in the SPC group decreased whereas that of testosterone increased.Additionally,immune function and intestinal flora diversity improved in the SPC group.SPC proved to be more effective in improving liver energy meta-bolism in KYDP rats than RPC.Conclusion:SPC had a better therapeutic effect on KYDP than RPC.The underlying mechanism of action may be related to improvements in liver energy metabolism,immune function,and intestinal flora diversity.

Consumption of red and processed meat and esophageal cancer risk:Meta-analysis

To summarize the evidence about the association between red and processed meat intake and the risk of esophageal cancer,we systematically searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases up to May 2012,with a restriction to English publications,and the references of the retrieved articles.We combined the studyspecific relative risks(RRs) and 95%CI,comparing the highest with the lowest categories of consumption by using a random-effects model.A total of 4 cohort studies and 23 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis.The combined RRs(95%CI) of the cohort studies comparing the highest and lowest categories were 1.26(1.00-1.59) for red meat and 1.25(0.83-1.86) for processed meat.For the case-control studies,the combined RRs(95%CI) comparing the highest and lowest categories were 1.44(1.16-1.80)for red meat and 1.36(1.07-1.74) for processed meat.Findings from this meta-analysis suggest that a higher consumption of red meat was associated with a greater risk of esophageal cancer.

Imidacloprid in processed tea and tea liquor

Imidacloprid is a newly introduced broad-spectrum chloronicotinyl insecticide and will find its way in agricultural production, particularly in Asia. However, information on the fate of imidacloprid in crop plants is lacking. The degradation of imidaclopnd in processed CTC tea and tea liquor was investigated in the present study in which imidacloprid was applied at recommended application rate （30.0 g a.i./ha） and twice the recommended application rate （60.0 g a.i./ha） for three consecutive seasons. Imidacloprid was rapidly dissipated in processed tea following first order reaction kinetics at all application rates and had half-lives of 0.9 1-1.16 d with the residue in tea liquor found to be below detectable limit on 3rd day samples. The study revealed that imidacloprid is safe for human consumption and will not pose any residual toxicity problem.

Solution‑Processed Transparent Conducting Electrodes for Flexible Organic Solar Cells with 16.61% Efficiency

Nonfullerene organic solar cells(OSCs)have achieved breakthrough with pushing the efficiency exceeding 17%.While this shed light on OSC commercialization,high-performance flexible OSCs should be pursued through solution manufacturing.Herein,we report a solution-processed flexible OSC based on a transparent conducting PEDOT:PSS anode doped with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid(CF3SO3H).Through a low-concentration and low-temperature CF3SO3H doping,the conducting polymer anodes exhibited a main sheet resistance of 35Ωsq−1(minimum value:32Ωsq−1),a raised work function(≈5.0 eV),a superior wettability,and a high electrical stability.The high work function minimized the energy level mismatch among the anodes,hole-transporting layers and electron-donors of the active layers,thereby leading to an enhanced carrier extraction.The solution-processed flexible OSCs yielded a record-high efficiency of 16.41%(maximum value:16.61%).Besides,the flexible OSCs afforded the 1000 cyclic bending tests at the radius of 1.5 mm and the long-time thermal treatments at 85°C,demonstrating a high flexibility and a good thermal stability.

Studies on the Components of Crude and Processed Fructus Corni by ESI-MS^n

The components of crude and processed Fructus Corni were investigated by means of electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry（ESI-MSn） technique in the negative ion mode. Compared with those of crude Fructus Corni, the chemical components of the processed Fructus Corni were changed both in quality and in quantity. From the ESI-MS spectra of the crude and processed Fructus Corni, six peaks were selected to establish the characte-ristic ESI-MS peaks. Several factors in the processing procedure were examined. The experimental results demonstrate that the chemical reactions that occurred in the processing procedure can be used for the elucidation of the processed mechanism of Fructus Corni, which is regularly affected by the processing conditions. The present article provides both the chemistry evidence for the understanding of the processing procedure of Fructus Corni and the specific methodology for the research of the processing procedure and quality identification of traditional Chinese medicine.

Effects of Different Processed Products of Radix Codonopsis on Intestinal Flora of Rats with Spleen Deficiency

[Objectives]This study aimed to observe the effects of different processed products of Radix Codonopsis on intestinal flora in rats with spleen deficiency.[Methods]Rat models with spleen deficiency were established by bitter-cold purgation method with Radix et Rhizoma Rhei.Normal group,model group,Radix Codonopsis group,fried Radix Codonopsis group,rice-fried Radix Codonopsis group,honey-fried Radix Codonopsis group and bran-fired Radix Codonopsis group were designed.After subjecting to corresponding treatments,the changes in the quantity of intestinal microorganisms of the rats were detected.[Results]There was no significant change in the quantity of intestinal microorganisms of the rats in the normal group and model group.The rats in the rice-fried Radix Codonopsis group were administered after successful modeling,and the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the intestines of the rats increased,and the quantity of Escherichia coli and Staphylococci reduced.The rats in the Radix Codonopsis group,fried Radix Codonopsis groups,honey-fried Radix Codonopsis group and bran-fried Radix Codonopsis group were administered after successful modeling,and the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the intestines of the rats increased(the increases were smaller than those in the rice-fried Radix Codonopsis group),and the abundance of E.coli and Staphylococci reduced,close to normal levels.[Conclusions]Different processed products of Radix Codonopsis have obvious regulation effect on intestinal flora of rats with spleen deficiency,and the regulation effect of rice-fried Radix Codonopsis on rats with spleen deficiency is better than that of Radix Codonopsis,fried Radix Codonopsis,honey-fried Radix Codonopsis and bran-fried Radix Codonopsis.

Species Identification by Means of Mitochondrial Cytochrome <i>b</i>DNA Sequencing in Processed Anchovy, Sardine and Tuna Products

Identifying the contents of processed food products is essential to correct labelling. In processed foodstuffs, species identification through morphological analysis is difficult. Several factors hinder the identification of fish species in processed foods: proteins or other materials subjected to analysis may be denatured during heat treatments;the presence of other ingredients (e.g., olive and other vegetable oils) may interfere with the analysis. Consequently, possible frauds perpetrated by replacing valuable species with less precious ones may go undetected. In most processed samples (e.g. canned products), DNA is degraded into small fragments, which considerably reduces the sensitivity of molecular analysis. The main goal of our research was to develop an analytical method able to identify fish species in highly processed products, such as canned fish. The assay was developed by combining an effective method of DNA recovery from samples with the detection of small-sized sequences of the mitochondrial Cytb gene. This method appears particularly suitable when morphological characterization is difficult, to carry out such as in canned products where DNA is degraded or present in small quantities. We have analyzed 60 samples of seafood commercial products identifying 3 different genera and five different species. All analyzed samples revealed a correct species declaration, for one sample we highlighted important commercial fraud. We also used bio-informatic identification systems for the Sequence Alignment and the construction of phylogenetic tree to better confirm the revealed fraud.

Effect of Storage Conditions on the Sensory Quality, Colour and Texture of Fresh-Cut Minimally Processed Cabbage with the Addition of Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid and Calcium Chloride

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of storage conditions on the sensory quality, colour and texture of fresh-cut cabbage during the addition of ascorbic acid, citric acid and calcium chloride. Ascorbic acid maintained the overall quality for 14 days at 0℃ and 7 days at 5℃;no difference, however, was observed regarding browning of cut surface compared to the control sample at both storage temperatures. Calcium chloride maintained the overall quality and cut surface browning for 14 days at both storage temperatures. It was also found that citric acid 1% can be used for minimally processed cabbage. Soaking with citric acid helped retain the color and increased the overall acceptance and organoleptic quality of fresh cut cabbage;it reduced browning of the cut surface and protected against formation of black specks. Citric acid treatment combined with low temperature storage (0℃) prolonged the shelf life of minimally processed cabbage for 22 days, time sufficient for acceptable marketing of the product. The lightness of minimally processed cabbage decreased linearly from 70.94 ± 6 to 63.8 ± 8.5 - 61.3 ± 8 units for the chemical treatments during 22 days of storage at 0℃. Hue angle values during storage time were also significantly influenced by chemical treatments mainly at 0℃.

Deformation Processed Cu-15 wt pct Cr Composite Synthesized by Hot Hydrostatic Extrusion of Mechanical Milled Powders

A novel technique was developed for the preparation of Cu-15 wt pct Cr composite with high strength and conductivity. The composite powders with refined microstructure and curly lamellae strengthening phase was first prepared by mechanical milling in favorite milling time and then were hot hydrostatic extruded after pre-densification with sintering or hot pressing. It was shown that the extrusion densified the composite powders well and at the same time the chaos curled strengthening phase was aligned into lines and further deformed as strengthening ribbons. The deformation processed Cu-15 wt pct Cr composite prepared by this technique is of superior conductivity, strength and thermal stability.

A new isoflavane from processed Astragalus membranaceus

A new isoflavane named astraganoside, together with five known compounds had been isolated from the processed Astragralus membranaceus. The structure of the novel compound was elucidated as (3R, 4R)-3-(2-hydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)chroman-4,7-diol-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) based on spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, ESI-MS, 1D NMR and 2D NMR techniques.

Optimization of plasma-processed air(PPA)inactivation of Escherichia coli in button mushrooms for extending the shelf life by response surface methodology

The effect of plasma-processed air(PPA)treatment with different conditions(time,power andflow rate)on the inactivation of Escherichia coli(E.coli)in button mushroom was evaluated.Response surface methodology(RSM)was applied to optimize PPA treatments on the E.coli of button mushrooms.According to the response surface analysis,the optimal treatment parameters were a treatment time of 12 min,treatment power of 90 W and flow rate of 1.2 l min-1.As with verifying tests from the optimization exercise,the number of E.coli reduced by 5.27 log CFU/g at the determined optimum conditions.The scanning electronic microscopy(SEM)micrography showed that the surface of the E.coli was significantly changed under the optimized PPA treatment.Quality parameters of button mushrooms treated at the determined optimum conditions were compared with untreated samples during the storage for 12 d at 4°C?±?1°C.The PPA treatment was found to be effective in inhibiting microbes and preserving postharvest quality in button mushrooms,and these results suggested PPA treatment may provide an alternative for the sterilization of foodborne and maintaining postharvest of fruits and vegetables.

Heat Transfer of Boiling R134a and R142b on a Twisted Tube with Machine Processed Porous Surface

The objective of this work was to investigate nucleate pool boiling heat transfer performance and mechanism of R134a and R142b on a twisted tube with machine processed porous surface （T-MPPS tube） as well as to determine its potential application to flooded refrigerant evaporators. In the experimental range, the boiling heat transfer coefficients of R134a on a T-MPPS tube were 1.8-2.0 times larger than those of R134a on a plain tube. In addition, the developed experimental correlations verified that the predictions of the heat transfer coefficients of boiling R134a and R142bon a T-MPPS tube at the experimental conditions were considerably accurate.

The occurrence of arthropods in processed rice products in Malaysia

Objective:To determine distribution of arthropods in processed rice products such as rice flour and rice cereal-based infant food.Methods:Random samples of rice flour and rice cereal-based infant food purchased from commercial outlets were examined for the presence of arthropods using a modified Berlese Tullgren Funnel Method.Mites were mounted prior to identification and weevils were directly identified.Results:For non-expired products, infestation was found in 6.7%of rice flour and none was found in rice cereal-based infant food samples.The arthropods found in the flour samples were Cheyletus spp.,Suidasia pontifica(S. pontifica),Tarsonemus spp.,Tyrophagus putrescentiae(T.putrescentiae),Sitophilus granarius(S. granarius) and Sitophilus oryzae(S.oryzae).Others which cannot be identified were Oribatid and Prostigmatid mites.The most common mites in rice flour were Tarsonemus spp.(69.1%),followed by S.pontifica(18.2%).For expired products,only one sample of rice cereal-based infant food was infested and the infestation was by mites of the family Tydeidae.Conclusions:This study demonstrates the presence of 4 allergenic species of S.pontifica,T.putrescentiae,S.granarius and S.oryzae in rice flour.These arthropods can contribute to the incidence of anaphylaxis upon consumption by atopic individuals.There was no infestation of arthropods in rice cereal-based infant food surveyed except for an expired product in a moderate rusty tin container.