Safety Evaluations of Long-Term and Excessive Intakes of Bifidobacterium longum CLA8013: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

Heat-killed Bifidobacterium longum CLA8013 has been demonstrated to improve the frequency of defecation, straining, and pain during defecation in human placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group studies. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to evaluate the safety of both long-term and excessive intakes of heat-killed B. longum CLA8013, when used as a food with functional claims. In both tests, 30 healthy volunteers were divided into two groups: an active group that ingested heat-killed B. longum CLA8013 and a placebo group. In the long-term intake safety study, participants in the active group ingested 25 billion cells/day for 12 weeks. In the excessive intake safety study, participants in the active group ingested 125 billion cells/day for 4 weeks. Physical, hematological, biochemical, and urine examinations were conducted, and adverse events were evaluated in both studies. The studies revealed no abnormalities in any of the safety tests. In conclusion, no safety-related issues were identified with long-term or excessive intake of heat-killed B. longum CLA8013.

Excess pore pressure behavior and evolution in deep coalbed methane reservoirs

Deep coalbed methane(DCBM),an unconventional gas reservoir,has undergone significant advancements in recent years,sparking a growing interest in assessing pore pressure dynamics within these reservoirs.While some production data analysis techniques have been adapted from conventional oil and gas wells,there remains a gap in the understanding of pore pressure generation and evolution,particularly in wells subjected to large-scale hydraulic fracturing.To address this gap,a novel technique called excess pore pressure analysis(EPPA)has been introduced to the coal seam gas industry for the first time to our knowledge,which employs dual-phase flow principles based on consolidation theory.This technique focuses on the generation and dissipation for excess pore-water pressure(EPWP)and excess pore-gas pressure(EPGP)in stimulated deep coal reservoirs.Equations have been developed respectively and numerical solutions have been provided using the finite element method(FEM).Application of this model to a representative field example reveals that excess pore pressure arises from rapid loading,with overburden weight transferred under undrained condition due to intense hydraulic fracturing,which significantly redistributes the weight-bearing role from the solid coal structure to the injected fluid and liberated gas within artificial pores over a brief timespan.Furthermore,field application indicates that the dissipation of EPWP and EPGP can be actually considered as the process of well production,where methane and water are extracted from deep coalbed methane wells,leading to consolidation for the artificial reservoirs.Moreover,history matching results demonstrate that the excess-pressure model established in this study provides a better explanation for the declining trends observed in both gas and water production curves,compared to conventional practices in coalbed methane reservoir engineering and petroleum engineering.This research not only enhances the understanding of DCBM reservoir behavior but also offers insights applicable to production analysis in other unconventional resources reliant on hydraulic fracturing.

Density of excess modes below the first phonon mode in four-dimensional glasses

Glasses are known to possess low-frequency excess modes beyond the Debye prediction.For decades,it has been assumed that evolution of low-frequency density of excess modes D(ω) with frequency ω follows a power-law scaling:D(ω)~ω~γ.However,it remains debated on the value of γ at low frequencies below the first phonon-like mode in finitesize glasses.Early simulation studies reported γ=4 at low frequencies in two-(2D),three-(3D),and four-dimensional(4D)glasses,whereas recent observations in 2D and 3D glasses suggested γ=3.5 in a lower-frequency regime.It is uncertain whether the low-frequency scaling of D(ω)~ω^(3.5) could be generalized to 4D glasses.Here,we conduct numerical simulation studies of excess modes at frequencies below the first phonon-like mode in 4D model glasses.It is found that the system size dependence of D(ω) below the first phonon-like mode varies with spatial dimensions:D(ω) increases in2D glasses but decreases in 3D and 4D glasses as the system size increases.Furthermore,we demonstrate that the ω^(3.5)scaling,rather than the ω~4 scaling,works in the lowest-frequency regime accessed in 4D glasses,regardless of interaction potentials and system sizes examined.Therefore,our findings in 4D glasses,combined with previous results in 2D and 3D glasses,suggest a common low-frequency scaling of D(ω)~ ω^3.5) below the first phonon-like mode across different spatial dimensions,which would inspire further theoretical studies.

Excess non-COVID-19-related mortality among inflammatory bowel disease decedents during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic disrupted healthcare in the United States.AIM To investigate COVID-19-related and non-COVID-19-related death and characteristics associated with excess death among inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)decedents.METHODS We performed a register-based study using data from the National Vital Statistics System,which reports death data from over 99%of the United States population,from January 1,2006 through December 31,2021.IBD-related deaths among adults 25 years and older were stratified by age,sex,race/ethnicity,place of death,and primary cause of death.Predicted and actual age-standardized mortality rates(ASMRs)per 100000 persons were compared.RESULTS 49782 IBD-related deaths occurred during the study period.Non-COVID-19-related deaths increased by 13.14%in 2020 and 18.12%in 2021[2020 ASMR:1.55 actual vs 1.37 predicted,95%confidence interval(CI):1.26-1.49;2021 ASMR:1.63 actual vs 1.38 predicted,95%CI:1.26-1.49].In 2020,non-COVID-19-related mortality increased by 17.65%in ulcerative colitis(UC)patients between the ages of 25 and 65 and 36.36%in non-Hispanic black(NHB)Crohn’s disease(CD)patients.During the pandemic,deaths at home or on arrival and at medical facilities as well as deaths due to neoplasms also increased.CONCLUSION IBD patients suffered excess non-COVID-19-related death during the pandemic.Excess death was associated with younger age among UC patients,and with NHB race among CD patients.Increased death at home or on arrival and due to neoplasms suggests that delayed presentation and difficulty accessing healthcare may have led to increased IBD mortality.

Point-of-care ultrasonography spotlight:Could venous excess ultrasound serve as a shared language for internists and intensivists?

Point-of-care ultrasonography(POCUS),particularly venous excess ultrasound(VExUS)is emerging as a valuable bedside tool to gain real-time hemodynamic insights.This modality,derived from hepatic vein,portal vein,and intrarenal vessel Doppler patterns,offers a scoring system for dynamic venous congestion assessment.Such an assessment can be crucial in effective management of patients with heart failure exacerbation.It facilitates diagnosis,quantification of congestion,prognostication,and monitoring the efficacy of decongestive therapy.As such,it can effectively help to manage cardiorenal syndromes in various clinical settings.Extended or eVExUS explores additional veins,potentially broadening its applications.While VExUS demonstrates promising outcomes,challenges persist,particularly in cases involving renal and liver parenchymal disease,arrhythmias,and situations of pressure and volume overload overlap.Proficiency in utilizing spectral Doppler is pivotal for clinicians to effectively employ this tool.Hence,the integration of POCUS,especially advanced applications like VExUS,into routine clinical practice necessitates enhanced training across medical specialties.

Impacts of Excessive Soaking on N, P, and K in Substrates Plots and Seedling Growth

[Objective] The aim was to study on impacts of excessive soaking N, P, and K insubstrate plots of and seedling growth. [Method] Substrate was designed to add additional 1/2 water after saturation and expansion. Disposable excessive soak- ing and regression relation of nutrition infusion of substrate plots were studied by design of 13 time gradient. Plant nutrition absorption and growth effects after sub- strate plots immersed by water were investigated by growing tomato. [Result] Con- centration and time of the three nutrition immersed in water had the regression equation of each, as follows： N=-2E-05t2＋0.016 lt＋2.0553, P=0.002 2t＋2.248 5 and K=0.004 7t＋0.875 8. With nutrition loss of the three, however, loss amount was al- most same with variance analysis of regression equation, which may result from its volatilization. Regression equations of P and K were： P=0.125 7t-0.117, and K=0.022 5t.1514, which led to adverse impact on plant absorption of N and K above ground, whose equations were N=20.64e-4E-0.4t, and K=E-06t2-0.011 3t＋29.055. Meanwhile, un- der the condition, sound seedling index was not impacted a lot by excessive immer- sion. [Conclusion] This study has provided theoretical reference for guidance of sub- strate plot soaking method, cultivation and regulation, and breeding, as well as agri- cultural production.

Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Activity and mRNA Expression of Type 1 Deiodinase in Mice With Excessive Iodine Intake

Objective To investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on the selenium status and selenoenzyme, especially the activity and mRNA expression of type 1 deiodinase （D1） in mice with excessive iodine （EI） intake and to explore the mechanism of selenium intervention on iodine-induced abnormities. Methods Weanling female BALB/c mice were given tap water or 3 mg/L of iodine or supplemented with 0.5 mg/L or 1.0 mg/L of selenium in the presence of excessive iodine for 5 months. Selenium status, thyroid hormone level, hepatic and renal D 1 activity and mRNA expression were examined. Results Excessive iodine intake significantly decreased the selenium concentration in urine and liver, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） in liver. Meanwhile, serum total T4 （TT4） increased while serum total T3 （TT3） decreased. Hepatic D1 enzyme activity and mRNA expression were reduced by 33% and 86%, respectively. Renal D1 enzyme activity and mRNA were reduced by 30% and 55%, respectively. Selenium supplementation obviously increased selenium concentration, activity of GSH-Px and D1 as well as mRNA expression of D1. However, increasing the supplementation of Se from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/L did not further increase selenoenzyme activity and expression. Conclusion Relative selenium deficiency caused by excessive iodine plays an essential role in the mechanism of iodine-induced abnormalities. An appropriate dose of selenium supplementation exercises a beneficial intervention.

Effect of Excessive Iodine on Immune Function of Lymphocytes and Intervention with Selenium

In order to study the effect of excessive iodine on immune function of lymphocytes and the role of selenium supplementation with excessive iodine intake, the changes of T lymphocyte number, ratio of subsets, activity of natural killer （NK） cells and lymphocytes proliferation response were investigated. 150 female BALB/C mice were randomly divided into 5 groups in terms of their body weight （n=30 in each group）, and 10 of each group were taken as one batch for test. Mice in the 5 groups were orally administrated with iodine 0 （group Ⅰ ）, 1500 （group Ⅱ）, 3000 （group Ⅲ）, 6000 μg/L （group ）, iodine 6000 μg/L plus selenium 0.3 mg/L （group Ⅴ） respectively for 30 days. Lymphocyte proliferation response, CD4^＋/CD8^＋, Th1/Th2 and the activity of NK cells were measured. CD4^＋/CD8^＋ was significantly lower, while lymphocyte proliferation response stronger, and Th1/Th2 and the activity of NK cells significantly higher in group Ⅳ than in group Ⅰ （P〈0.01）. There was no significant difference in all indexes between group Ⅴ and group Ⅰ （P〉0.05）. It was suggested that excessive iodine as exogenous chemical materials can induce disorders of T lymphocyte immune function in mice. 0.3 mg/L selenium supplementation can protect mice against toxicity induced by 6000 μg/L iodine.

Effect of Zn deficiency and excessive bicarbonate on the allocation and exudation of organic acids in two Moraceae plants

The effect of zinc(Zn) deficiency and excessive bicarbonate on the allocation and exudation of organic acids in plant organs(root, stem, and leaf) and root exudates of two Moraceae plants(Broussonetia papyrifera and Morus alba) were investigated. Two Moraceae plants were hydroponically grown and cultured in nutrient solution in four different treatments with 0.02 mM Zn or no Zn,combined with no or 10 mM bicarbonate. The variations of organic acids in different plant organs were similar to those of root exudates in the four treatments except B. papyrifera, which was in a treatment that was a combination of 0.02 mM Zn and no bicarbonate. The response characteristics in the production, translocation, and allocation of organic acids in the plant organs and root exudates varied with species and treatments. Organic acids in plant organs and root exudates increased under Zn-deficient conditions,excessive bicarbonate, or both. An increase of organic acids in the leaves resulted in an increase of root-exuded organic acids. B. papyrifera translocated more oxalate and citrate from the roots to the rhizosphere than M. alba under the dual influence of 10 mM bicarbonate and Zn deficiency. Organic acids of leaves may be derived from dark respiration and photorespiration. By comparison, organic acids in stems, roots, and root exudates may be derived from dark respiration and organic acid translocation from the leaves. These results provide evidence for the selective adaptation of plants to environments with low Zn levels or high bicarbonate levels such as a karst ecosystem.

Environmental Implications of Excessive Selenium: A Review

Selenium is a naturally occurring trace element that is nutritionally required in smallamounts but it can become toxic at concentrations only twice those required. The narrow mar-gin between beneficial and harmful levels has important implications for human activities thatincrease the amount of selenium in the environment. Two of these activities, disposal of fbssilfuel wastes and agricultural irrigation of arid, seleniferous soils, have poisoned fish andwildlife, and threatened public health at several locations in the United States. Research stud-ies of these episodes have generated a data base that clearly illustrates the environmental hazardof excessive selenium. It is strongly bioaccumulated by aquatic organisms and even slight in-creases in waterborne concentrations can quickly result in toxic effects such as deformed em-bryos and reproductive failure in wildlife. The selenium data base has been very beneficial indeveloping hazard assessment procedures and establishing environmentally sound water qualitycriteria. The two faces of selenium, required nutrient and Potent toxin, make it a particularlyimportant trace element in the health of both animals and man. Because of this paradox, envi-ronmental selenium in relation to agriculture, fisheries, and wildlife wiIl continue to raise im-POrtant land and water management issues for decades to come. If these issues are dealt withusing prudence and the available environmental selenium data base, adverse irnpacts to naturalresources andspublic health can be avoided

Excessive Weight Gain during Pregnancy and Prognosis of Childbirth in Douala (Cameroun)

The objective was to describe the maternofetal outcome of childbirth in women with excessive weight gain during pregnancy. We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study over a period of 03 months in the Obstetrics Department of Laquintinie Hospital in Douala (HLD). Our study population consisted of any pregnant in labor or waiting for a caesarean section. We compared two groups of pregnant women with excessive weight gain during pregnancy (exposed) and those without excessive weight gain during pregnancy (unexposed). We recorded 240 pregnant women who gave birth at the HLD maternity, 59 of whom had excessive weight gain during pregnancy, which gave us a proportion of 24.6%. The only sociodemographic characteristic associated with excessive weight gain during pregnancy was the married marital status of the pregnant women (OR: 2.0 (1.1 - 3.8) P = 0.023). Pregnant women with maternal complications associated with excessive weight gain had an average elevated uterine height of 35.4 (P = 0.007). The increase in caesarean section rate (P = 0.094) and the onset of pregnancy-related hypertension (HTA) showed differences close to significance (P = 0.063). Mean birth weight was higher (P = 0.023) in pregnant women with excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Ultimately, excessive weight gain during pregnancy has deleterious effects on the course of pregnancy and childbirth. It promotes the onset of pregnancy HTA and macrosomia.

Excessive 5-year weight gain predicts metabolic syndrome development in healthy middle-aged adults

AIM:To quantitatively examine the impacts of an easyto-measure parameter-weight gain-on metabolic syndrome development among middle-aged adults. METHODS:We conducted a five-year interval observational study.A total of 1384 middle-aged adults not meeting metabolic syndrome(MetS)criteria at the initial screening were included in our analysis.Baseline data such as MetS-components and lifestyle factors were collected in 2002.Body weight and MetS-components were measured in both 2002 and 2007.Participants were classified according to proximal quartiles of weight gain(WG)in percentages(%WG≤1%,1%< %WG≤5%,5%<%WG≤10%and%WG>10%, defined as:control,mild-WG,moderate-WG and severe-WG groups,respectively)at the end of the follow-up. Multivariate models were used to assess the association between MetS outcome and excessive WG in the total population,as well as in both genders. RESULTS:In total,175(12.6%)participants fulfilled MetS criteria within five years.In comparison to the control group,mild-WG adults had an insignificant risk for MetS development while adults having moderate-WG had a 3.0-fold increased risk for progression to MetS [95%confidence interval(CI),1.8-5.1],and this risk was increased 5.4-fold(95%CI,3.0-9.7)in subjects having severe-WG.For females having moderate-and severe-WG,the risk for developing MetS was 3.6(95% CI,1.03-12.4)and 5.5(95%CI,1.4-21.4),respectively. For males having moderate-and severe-WG,the odds ratio for MetS outcome was respectively 3.0(95%CI, 1.6-5.5)and 5.2(95%CI,2.6-10.2). CONCLUSION:For early-middle-aged healthy adults with a five-year weight gain over 5%,the severity of weight gain is related to the risk for developing metabolic syndrome.

A case study of excessive vibrations inside buildings due to an underground railway:Experimental tests and theoretical analysis

Excessive vibrations inside buildings in the Lihu New Village caused by the Shenzhen Metro Line 2 underground railway were investigated by conducting analyses of the tunnel,the track irregularities,the stiffness of the fastening system,and the vibrations of the track system and the building at different speeds.A numerical simulation based on the dynamic coupling theory of the vehicle-track system was used to verify the experimental results.Suitable countermeasures were investigated.The results show that rail corrugation is the primary reason for the excessive vibration,and an increase in the stiffness of the vertical fastening system is the secondary reason.The solution was to eliminate the rail corrugation using rail grinding and decrease the vertical stiffness by changing the fastening system.The results of this study provide references for solving vibration problems caused by rail lines.

Life Cycle Assessment-based method of Excessive Commodity Packaging on Energy Conservation and Emissions Reduction

Based on a Life Cycle Assessment model, the effect of the whole life cycle of excessive commodity packaging on the environment was analyzed by eBalance Evaluation LCA software from production through circulation. The cost evaluation system and environment impact model of its three main processes, that is, material production, product machining and waste manufacturing, were established to identify the main environmental impact corresponding indicators and the influence on energy conservation and emissions reduction of excessive packaging life cycle. And packaging of moon-cakes was taken as an example to analyze the difference between the ordinary packaging and excessive packaging of moon-cakes in terms of life cycle assessment and costs analysis. Meanwhile some measures are put forward to conserve energy and reduce emissions.

Outcome of cesarean delivery in women with excessive weight gain during pregnancy

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of excessive weight gain during pregnancy on the outcome of cesarean delivery. It was a cohort study comparing the outcome of cesarean delivery between 56 pregnant women with excessive weight gain during pregnancy and 75 pregnant women with no excessive weight gain during pregnancy, consecutively recruited at the Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Cameroon. In women delivered by cesarean section, excessive weight gain during pregnancy was found to predispose to: time interval from parietal incision to fetal extraction of more than five minutes, duration of cesarean section more than 60 minutes, blood loss more than 1000 ml during surgery, post-operative maternal complications, especially sepsis, fetal weight >3.5 kg and macrosomia. A systematic screening of excessive weight gain should be offered to all pregnant women, so as to prevent the adverse effects of excessive gestational weight gain on cesarean outcome.

Characterization of A-site excessive perovskite La_(0.7-x)Sm_(x+0.02)Ca_(0.3)CrO_(3-δ)

La0.7-xSmx＋0.02Ca0.3CrO3-δ （0≤x≤0.4） powders with A-site excessive perovskite structure were synthesized by auto-ignition process and characterized. X-ray diffraction （XRD） patterns of samples after sintering at 1400℃ for 4 h were indexed as tetragonal structure. The relative densities were all above 96% although decreased slightly with the increasing content of samarium, indicating that the excessive A-site element was helpful to enhance their sinterability. Conductivities of the specimens in air increased with increasing content of samarium. The conductivity of La0.6Sm0.12Ca0.3CrO3_swas 33.6 S/cm in air at 700℃ which was about 1.7 times as high as that of La0.7Ca0.3CrO3-δ （20.1 S/cm）. Average thermal expansion coefficients （TECS） of the specimens increased from 11.06×10^-6 to 12.72×10^-6 K^-1 when x increased from 0 to 0.4, and they were close to that of Y doped ZrO2 （YSZ）.La0.7-xSmx＋0.02Ca0.3CrO3-δ （0.1≤x≤0.3） were good choices for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells （IT-SOFCs） interconnect materials.

Managing excess PbI_(2)for efficient perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have attracted much attention due to their low cost,high efficiency and easy processing.Recently,You et al.achieved a record efficiency of 26.1%(certified 25.6%)in PSCs with excellent stability[1].Excess PbI_(2) in perovskite films was converted into inactive(PbI_(2))2RbCl to avoid its detrimental effect to device stability,while maintaining its positive effect to device efficiency.

Safety Evaluation of Excessive Intake of <i>Lactococcus lactis</i>Subsp. <i>lactis</i>JCM 5805: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Trial

Background/Aims: Administration of a lactic acid bacterial strain, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis JCM 5805 (LC-Plasma), is reported to prevent viral infection via activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in mouse and human studies. As it is assumed that LC-Plasma is taken in excess when it is commercially provided as a supplement, we conducted a trial using capsules to give 250 mg LC-Plasma (5 times the effective anti-viral dose) every day for four weeks to healthy volunteers to investigate the safety of excessive intake of LC-Plasma. Trial Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted. Methods: Forty healthy subjects were randomly assigned to the LC-Plasma group (daily intake of five capsules containing 50 mg heat-killed LC-Plasma cells per capsule) or the placebo group (daily intake of five placebo capsules with no LC-Plasma). Physical, hematological, biochemical and urinary examinations and medical interviews were used to evaluate safety. Results: No abnormal differences were observed after excessive intake of LC-Plasma capsules when compared to the intake of placebo capsules. Conclusions: There are no safety concerns associated with the excessive intake of heat-killed LC-Plasma capsules.

Excessive participation in on-line internet action games by two American teenagers: Case report, description of extent of overuse, and adverse consequences

In the past 15 years, there have been more than 40 articles in the medical literature about excessive participation in on-line internet action games by adolescents and young adults. The following case reports provide detailed information on two boys, ages 16 and 20 years respectively, who are compulsive and enthusiastic internet gamers, to the exclusion of family communication, school activities, academic performance, participation in sports and dating. They have not mastered any of the usual goals of adolescent development.

Original Research: Pupillary Constriction Velocity and Latency to Predict Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Background: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is common in adults. A need exists for an easier and faster objective clinical measures of EDS. The autonomic nervous system controls pupil size and prior pupillometry studies have demonstrated associations with sleepiness. We used a novel portable device to assess pupillometry and prospectively evaluated a sleep clinic cohort. Methods: Following IRB approval Pupillometry (The ForSiteTM, NeurOptics, Irvine, CA), was performed on 113 sleep clinic patients. Constriction and dilation velocity and latencies, minimum and maximum aperture were obtained along with Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS), 10 point Visual Analog Scale (VAS), BMI, gender, age and AHI. Three sets of measures were obtained and analyzed with ANOVA, t-test, Linear Regression and Pearson correlation coefficients (SAS, Cary, NC). Results: Both constriction velocity and latency correlated with VAS (n = 88, r = 0.28, p = 0.007 and r = 0.31, p = 0.004). Only constriction velocity correlated with AHI (n = 78, r = -0.27, p = 0.016). Multivariate linear regression which includes VAS and age predicted constriction velocity (r = 0.36, p = 0.002) and latency (r = 0.38, p = 0.001). Using Pearson correlation, AHI and VAS combined were associated with constriction velocity (-0.273 (0.016), and 0.284 (0.007), respectively). Using a maximum constriction velocity threshold value (age adjusted) of 2.8, VAS ≥ 6 was predicted with a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 84%. Conclusions: Pupillary constriction velocity and latency predict self-reported VAS state of sleepiness. While both are affected by age, only constriction velocity is affected by apnea severity. These data suggest that a portable pupillometer may provide a method to identify individuals with abnormal sleepiness.