The Effect of Macronutrient Restrictions on Gut Microbiome and Biochemical Parameters of Wistar Albino Rats

Macronutrients serve as a source of energy for both gut microbiota and its host. An increase or decrease in macronutrients can either increase or decrease the composition of gut microbiota, leading to gut dysbiosis which has been implicated in many diseases state including non-communicable diseases. To achieve this, seven diets were formulated by restricting 60% of each macronutrient. These diets were fed on 42 albino rats (Wistar), divided into 7 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 was fed on a normal laboratory chow diet (ND), group 2 received a fat-restricted diet (FRD), group 3 received a protein-restricted diet, (PFD), group 4 received a carbohydrate-restricted diet (CRD), group 5 received a protein and fat-restricted diet (PFRD), group 6 re-ceived a carbohydrate and fat-restricted diet (CFRD) and group 7 received a carbohydrate and protein-restricted diet (CPRD). Feed and water intake were given ad libitum and daily weight and food intake were recorded. The experiment went on for 4 weeks after which animals were sacrificed and intestinal content and blood were collected for analysis (gut microbial composition, glucose, insulin levels, serum lipid, and enzyme). Compared to the control group results showed a decrease in Bacteroides (40.50 - 14.00 CFU), HDL (68.20 - 40.40 mg/dl), and AST (66.62 - 64.74 U/L) in FRD. An increase in AST (66.6 - 69.43 U/L), Bifidobacterial (59.50 - 92.00 CFU) and decreased Bacteroides (40.5 - 19.5 CFU) for PRD was also recorded. CRD reduced Lactobacillus (73 - 33.5 CFU), total bacterial count (129 - 48 CFU), HDL (68.2 - 30.8 mg/dl), and cholesterol (121.44 - 88.65 mg/dl) whereas intestinal composition of E. coli (30.5 - 51.5 CFU) increased. PFRD increased Lactobacillus (73.00 - 102.5 CFU), Bifidobacterial (59.5 - 100 CFU), HDL (68.2 - 74.7 mg/dl), and Triglyceride (111.67 - 146.67 mg/dl) concentration. Meanwhile, a reduction in Bifidobacterial (59.5 - 41.5 CFU), and an increasing of AST (66.62 - 70.30 U/l) were recorded for CFRD. However, Bacteroides (40.5 69.5 CFU), LDL (30.95 - 41.98 mg/dl) increased and Bifidobacterial (59.5 - 38.00 CFU) and HDL (68.2 - 53.5 mg/dl) decreased for CPRD. This work, therefore, concludes that macronutrient restriction causes significant changes in serum marker and enzyme profile, and gut microbial composition which can cause gut dysbiosis and later on could expose the host to inflammatory diseases in the long run.

Changes and Restrictions

The development of the United States of America in its history over the past more than 200 years demonstrates that, the strategic line of thought of this nation is rather clear. In other words, America is a "nation that is never content. " This can be seen from its development from thirteen colonies to a big power stretching cross two oceans, then the only superpower in today’s world. The words and deeds of U. S. important political figures and public opinions as well reveal that at pre-

Modelling the Violation of Restrictions Pertaining to Deforestation in a Given Land Right

This paper develops a model that could be used to visualize and predict the violation of restrictions in a given forest. The violation of restriction in this case is assumed to be the difference in areal extent between two forest cover scenes with time;termed “deforestation”. It analyses the relationship in forest cover changes overtime in Ganye Forest Reserve and Glide Cross Country Farm in Adamawa state, Nigeria. Cadastral maps of the forest reserve and farmland were used as the base maps, while the satellite images served as the spatio-temporal data. Landsat ETM+ images of 2003, 2008 and 2013 were used to identify, determine and estimate the violation of restrictions. The result shows that the violation of restrictions could be reliably determined for both the forest reserve and farmland and forecast made in order to predict future occurrence. It also revealed a continuous deforestation in the forest reserve, while in the farmland regeneration of forest stock was noticed. This information is very vital for forest management, planning and decision making in a viable land administration domain.

Necessary Conditions for Optimal Control of Diffusions with Hard Terminal State Restrictions

Necessary conditions are proved for certain problems of optimal control of diffusions where hard end constraints occur. The main results apply to several dimensional problems, where some of the state equations involve Brownian motions, but not the equations corresponding to states being hard restricted at the terminal time. The necessary conditions are stated in terms of weak variations. Two versions of necessary conditions are given, one version involving solutions of variational equations, the other one involving first order adjoint equations.

Measuring the Social Net Benefits of COVID-19 Restrictions: The Case of Reduced Vehicle Use in a Pollution-Prone Region of Utah

A number of natural experiments have recently found that COVID-19 restrictions imposed in nations worldwide are correlated with short-term reductions—in some cases dramatic reductions—in mobile-source air pollutants. Noticeably absent from these studies are estimates of the social net benefits associated with the changes in human behavior underlying the pandemic-induced effects. Using readily available data provided by the state of Utah and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Co-Benefits Risk Assessment Health Impacts Screening and Mapping Tool (COBRA), we find that daily social net benefit was positive during a pandemic-induced shutdown from March to April, 2020 in Utah’s Wasatch Front region solely when COBRA’s “high” health benefit estimate from combined reductions in PM2.5 and NOx concentrations are weighed against the region’s “low” vehicle-trip cost estimate. All other scenarios correspond with negative net benefit estimates, i.e., when high and low benefit estimates of reductions solely in PM2.5 concentrations as well as for combined reductions in PM2.5 and NOx concentrations are weighed against the region’s high vehicle-trip cost estimate. Generally speaking, social net benefits are higher for two of the Wasatch Front’s four counties.

Imposing Restrictions on Hazardous Substances in Plastics

With the support of the Academic Division of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a task force headed by Prof. DUAN Xue, a CAS Member from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, has conducted studies on the development of safe plastics.

Should There Be Legal Restrictions on Children’s Names?

A recent spate of controversial names have steered public debate toward people＇s rights when naming their children.In late 2017,the story of a newborn girl in Xi＇an named＂Wang Zherongyao,＂or King of Glorly,after a popular online game,went viral.

Effects of restrictions on maternal feed intake on the immune indexes of umbilical cord blood and liver Toll-like receptor signaling pathways in fetal goats during pregnancy

Background: Liver has important immune function during fetal development and after birth.However,the effect of maternal malnutrition on immune function of the fetal liver is rarely reported.In this study,twelve pregnant goats(Xiangdong black goat,at d 45 of gestation) were assigned to the control group(fed 100% of nutritional requirements) and the restriction group(fed 60% of the intake of the control group) during gestation from d 55 to100.Fetal goats were harvested at d 100 of gestation and immune indexes and amino acid profiles of the umbilical cord blood and liver Toll-like receptors(TLRs) signaling pathways were measured.Results: Maternal body weight in the restriction group was lower than the control group(P < 0.05).Maternal feed intake restriction decreased(P < 0.05) heart weight,heart index,alkaline phosphatase and serum amyloid protein A in the umbilical cord blood(UCB).Moreover,only histidine was decreased in the restricted group(P = 0.084),and there were no differences in other amino acids contents in the UCB between the two groups(P > 0.05).The TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression in the fetal liver in the restriction group was greater(P < 0.05) than that in the control group.Furthermore,the mRNA expression levels of myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyD88),TNF receptor associated factor 6,nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1,NFKB inhibitor alpha,IFN-β,TGF-β,TNF-α and IL-1β in the restricted group were upregulated(P < 0.05),and the expression of TLR3(P = 0.099) tended to be higher in the restricted group.However,protein levels of TLR2,TLR4,IκBα,phosphorylated IκBα,phosphorylated IκBα/total IκBα,TRIF and MyD88 were not affected(P > 0.05) by maternal intake restriction.Conclusions: These results revealed that the restriction of maternal feed intake influenced the development of heart and hepatic protein synthesis at the acute phase of fetal goats and upregulated the mRNA expression of genes involved in MyD88-dependent signaling pathways and of target cytokines.

Assessing the Effect of Global Travel and Contact Restrictions on Mitigating the COVID-19 Pandemic

Travel restrictions and physical distancing have been implemented across the world to mitigate the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,but studies are needed to understand their effectiveness across regions and time.Based on the population mobility metrics derived from mobile phone geolocation data across 135 countries or territories during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020,we built a metapopulation epidemiological model to measure the effect of travel and contact restrictions on containing COVID-19 outbreaks across regions.We found that if these interventions had not been deployed,the cumulative number of cases could have shown a 97-fold(interquartile range 79–116)increase,as of May 31,2020.However,their effectiveness depended upon the timing,duration,and intensity of the interventions,with variations in case severity seen across populations,regions,and seasons.Additionally,before effective vaccines are widely available and herd immunity is achieved,our results emphasize that a certain degree of physical distancing at the relaxation of the intervention stage will likely be needed to avoid rapid resurgences and subsequent lockdowns.

Improvement of the Preliminary Test Estimator When Stochastic Restrictions are Available in Linear Regression Model

Ridge type estimators are used to estimate regression parameters in a multiple linear regression model when multicolinearity exists among predictor variables. When different estimators are available, preliminary test estimation procedure is adopted to select a suitable estimator. In this paper, two ridge estimators, the Stochastic Restricted Liu Estimator and Liu Estimator are combined to define a new preliminary test estimator, namely the Preliminary Test Stochastic Restricted Liu Estimator (PTSRLE). The stochastic properties of the proposed estimator are derived, and the performance of PTSRLE is compared with SRLE in the sense of mean square error matrix (MSEM) and scalar mean square error (SMSE) for the two cases in which the stochastic restrictions are correct and not correct. Moreover the SMSE of PTSRLE based on Wald (WA), Likelihood Ratio (LR) and Lagrangian Multiplier (LM) tests are derived, and the performance of PTSRLE is compared using WA, LR and LM tests as a function of the shrinkage parameter d with respect to the SMSE. Finally a numerical example is given to illustrate some of the theoretical findings.

Restrictions on Purely Kinetic K-Essence

We restrict purely kinetic k-essence.Assuming that the equation of state is a power law of the kinetic energy,i.e.w=w0Xα,we find thatαmust be positive to obtain accelerated phases,constrained from the conditions for stability and causality.In this case the k-essence behaves like a phantom.We also study the evolutions of the equation of state and the speed of sound with numerical simulations.

Urban Land Use Efficiency and Contributing Factors in the Yangtze River Delta Under Increasing Environmental Restrictions in China

Evaluating urban land use efficiency(ULUE) provides insights into the interactions between land use systems and their external environment. Specifically, changes in ULUE are important for monitoring urban transformation in developing countries. In this study, using a traditional input-output index model, we incorporated slack-based measurements and undesirable outputs into a SBM-UN(slack-based measure-undesirable) model to investigate ULUE within the context of increasing environmental restrictions in China. The model was used to estimate the ULUE of 26 cities in the highly developed urban agglomeration of the Yangtze River Delta from 2000 to2018. The average ULUE in the Yangtze River Delta was relatively low compared to that of developed city regions in the European Union(EU) and North America and exhibited a U-shaped curve over the study period. Incorporating undesirable outputs, such as environmental pollution, into the model reduced ULUE by 19.06%. ULUE varied spatially, with the kernel density estimation exhibiting a bimodal distribution. Efficiency decomposition analysis showed that scale efficiency made a greater contribution to ULUE than pure technical efficiency. Based on our findings, recommended approaches to improve ULUE include optimizing factor allocation, reducing undesirable outputs, and increasing the effective output per land unit. The study suggests that ULUE and the SBM-UN model are useful planning tools for sustainable urban development.

Quadratic Loss of Isotonic Normal Means under Simultaneous Order Restrictions

For two normal populations with unknown means μ and unknown variances σ2, assume that there are simple order restrictions among the means and variances: μ1 < μ2 and σ12 >σ22 > 0. This case is said to be simultaneous order restriction by Shi (Maximum likelihood estimation of means and variances from normal populations under simultaneous order restrictions, J. Multivariate Anal., 50(1994), 282-293.) and an iterative algorithm of computing the order restricted maximum likelihood estimates of μi and σi2 was given in that paper. This paper shows that the restricted maximum likelihood estimate of μi has smaller mean square loss than the usual estimate xi under some conditions.

A Matrix Inequality for the Inversions of the Restrictions of a Positive Definite Hermitian Matrix

We exploit the theory of reproducing kernels to deduce a matrix inequality for the inverse of the restriction of a positive definite Hermitian matrix.

Geometric regulation of collective cell tangential ordering migration

Collective cell migration is a coordinated movement of multi-cell systems essential for various processes throughout life.The collective motions often occur under spatial restrictions,hallmarked by the collective rotation of epithelial cells confined in circular substrates.Here,we aim to explore how geometric shapes of confinement regulate this collective cell movement.We develop quantitative methods for cell velocity orientation analysis,and find that boundary cells exhibit stronger tangential ordering migration than inner cells in circular pattern.Furthermore,decreased tangential ordering movement capability of collective cells in triangular and square patterns are observed,due to the disturbance of cell motion at unsmooth corners of these patterns.On the other hand,the collective cell rotation is slightly affected by a convex defect of the circular pattern,while almost hindered with a concave defect,also resulting from different smoothness features of their boundaries.Numerical simulations employing cell Potts model well reproduce and extend experimental observations.Together,our results highlight the importance of boundary smoothness in the regulation of collective cell tangential ordering migration.

气象观测场在汽车试验场中的应用研究

汽车试验场作为汽车开展道路测试的重要场所,用于验证汽车产品的品质以及可靠性。除了场地道路外,气象条件作为汽车道路测试的重要一环,在《GB/T12534-1990汽车道路试验方法通则》中也有明确要求,如:试验时应是无雨无雾天气,相对湿度小于95%,气温0-40℃,风速不大于3m/s。同时气象条件也作为试验场道路管控的重要依据,实时风速、雨量、能见度等信息为场地管理者发布限速、限行、封场等通知提供必要参考依据,直接影响道路测试安全管控的及时性。因此,文章从气象观测场的建设、气象服务、异常天气道路管控等方面开展气象观测场在汽车试验场中的应用研究。

Flowering on Time： Multilayered Restrictions on FT in Plants

The successful transition from vegetative to reproductive growth directly influences plant biomass and fitness. The regulation of flowering time has been investigated for over two decades, with several molecular modules having been characterized, functioning in the photoperiod, vernalization, autonomous, aging, or phytohormone pathways. Although the upstream components of these flowering pathways differ among plant species, most endogenous and external cues are ultimately integrated to control a highly conserved protein, FLOWERING LOCUS T （FT）, to ensure that flowering is initiated at an appropriate time.

The Impacts of Trade Restrictions on World Agricultural Price Volatility during the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic,countries applied trade restrictions to insulate their domestic markets from the world market.However,these trade policies could have amplified international market price fluctuations.This paper explores the effects of trade restrictions on international agricultural price volatility.A theoretical model is developed to quantify how trade policies amplify the initial shock.Using panel data covering 71 countries from January 2020 to July 2021,we examine empirically the effects of trade policies on world agricultural price volatility.The results show that trade distortions further induced volatility of world agricultural prices by around 22 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic.The multiplier effects are much more substantial in agricultural exporting countries than in importing countries.Large countries like China and the US could make significant contributions to stabilizing world prices by limiting the extent of unilateral trade policy interventions.

Effects of maternal methyl donor intake during pregnancy on ileum methylation and function in an intrauterine growth restriction pig model

Background Intrauterine growth retardation(IUGR)affects intestinal growth,morphology,and function,which leads to poor growth performance and high mortality.The present study explored whether maternal dietary methyl donor(MET)supplementation alleviates IUGR and enhances offspring’s growth performance by improving intestinal growth,function,and DNA methylation of the ileum in a porcine IUGR model.Methods Forty multiparous sows were allocated to the control or MET diet groups from mating until delivery.After farrowing,8 pairs of IUGR and normal birth weight piglets from 8 litters were selected for sampling before suckling colostrum.Results The results showed that maternal MET supplementation tended to decrease the IUGR incidence and increased the average weaning weight of piglets.Moreover,maternal MET supplementation significantly reduced the plasma concentrations of isoleucine,cysteine,urea,and total amino acids in sows and newborn pig-lets.It also increased lactase and sucrase activity in the jejunum of newborn piglets.MET addition resulted in lower ileal methionine synthase activity and increased betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase activity in the ileum of newborn piglets.DNA methylation analysis of the ileum showed that MET supplementation increased the methyla-tion level of DNA CpG sites in the ileum of newborn piglets.Down-regulated differentially methylated genes were enriched in folic acid binding,insulin receptor signaling pathway,and endothelial cell proliferation.In contrast,up-regulated methylated genes were enriched in growth hormone receptor signaling pathway and nitric oxide biosyn-thetic process.Conclusions Maternal MET supplementation can reduce the incidence of IUGR and increase the weaning litter weight of piglets,which may be associated with better intestinal function and methylation status.

Concerns about the application of resistance exercise with blood-flow restriction and thrombosis risk in hemodialysis patients

Background:Hemodialysis(HD) per se is a risk factor for thrombosis.Considering the growing body of evidence on blood-flow restriction(BFR) exercise in HD patients,identification of possible risk factors related to the prothrombotic agent D-dimer is required for the safety and feasibility of this training model.The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors associated with higher D-dimer levels and to determine the acute effect of resistance exercise(RE) with BFR on this molecule.Methods:Two hundred and six HD patients volunteered for this study(all with a glomerular filtration rate of <15 mL/min/1.73 m2).The RE+BFR session consisted of 50% arterial occlusion pressure during 50 min sessions of HD(intradialytic exercise).RE repetitions included concentric and eccentric lifting phases(each lasting 2 s) and were supervised by a strength and conditioning specialist.Results:Several variables were associated with elevated levels of D-dimer,including higher blood glucose,citrate use,recent cardiovascular events,recent intercurrents,higher inflammatory status,catheter as vascular access,older patients(>70 years old),and HD vintage.Furthermore,RE+BFR significantly increases D-dimer after 4 h.Patients with borderline baseline D-dimer levels(400-490 ng/mL) displayed increased risk of elevating D-dimer over the normal range(≥500 ng/mL).Conclusion:These results identified factors associated with a heightened prothrombotic state and may assist in the screening process for HD patients who wish to undergo RE+BFR.D-dimer and/or other fibrinolysis factors should be assessed at baseline and throughout the protocol as a precautionary measure to maximize safety during RE+BFR.