Juxtapose of System Performance for Food Calorie Estimation Using IoT and Web-based Indagation

A rudimentary aspect of human life is the health of an individual,and most commonly the wellbeing is impacted in a colossal manner through the consumption of food. The intake of calories therefore is a crucial aspect that must be meticulously monitored. Various health gremlins can be largely circumvented when there is a substantial balance in the number of calories ingested versus the quantity of calories expended.The food calorie estimation is a popular domain of research in recent times and is meticulously analyzed through various image processing and machine learning techniques. However,the need to scrutinize and evaluate the calorie estimation through various platforms and algorithmic approaches aids in providing a deeper insight on the bottlenecks involved,and in improvising the bariatric health of an individual. This paper pivots on comprehending a juxtaposed approach of food calorie estimation through the use of employing Convolution Neural Network(CNN)incorporated in Internet of Things(IoT),and using the Django framework in Python,along with query rule-based training to analyze the subsequent actions to be followed post the consumption of food calories in the constructed webpage. The comparative analysis of the food calorie estimate implemented in both platforms is analyzed for the swiftness of identification,error rate and classification accuracy to appropriately determine the optimal method of use. The simulation results for IoT are carried out using the Raspberry Pi4B model,while the Anaconda prompt is used to run the server holding the web page.

Calorie restriction potentiates epigallocatechin-3-gallate-mediated Nrf2 activation in hepatocytes of aged rats

Objective:To explore the combinatorial effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)and calorie restriction on activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),a transcription factor involved in the antioxidant defense system of aged rats.Methods:Aged male Wistar rats were calorie-restricted and treated with EGCG orally for 45 days.The initial body weight of aged rats was recorded,and the final body weight was measured at the end of the experimental period.Serum lipid and lipoprotein status,oxidative stress markers such as free radicals and malondialdehyde levels,and reduced glutathione were assessed.In addition,RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses were performed.Results:Calorie restriction potentiated the effect of EGCG on enhancing antioxidant status,improving the levels of serum lipid and lipoproteins,upregulating Nrf2 and Bcl2,and downregulating Keap1,cullin3,Bax and cytochrome c in aged rats.Conclusions:Calorie restriction can promote EGCG-mediated Nrf2 activation in aged rats.This preliminary finding paves the way for a combinatory approach to replenishing the antioxidant status during aging,thereby reducing the risk for age-associated degenerative diseases.

Very low calorie ketogenic diet and common rheumatic disorders:A case report

BACKGROUND The scientific literature provides evidence that nutritional ketosis can be an important support in the treatment of pathologies in which inflammation is present,as recent studies have shown that ketone bodies have anti-inflammatory activity in numerous diseases,including rheumatic diseases.We report the case of a 22-year-old woman with class I obesity and juvenile idiopathic arthritis who started treatment with a very low calorie ketogenic diet(VLCKD).CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 22-year-old woman diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age 4 years and with a body mass index(BMI)of 30.8 kg/m2,waist circumference(WC)80 cm,fat mass(FM)28.1 kg,free FM 45.7 kg,and visceral adipose tissue(VAT)3.5 kg,assessed on bioimpedance analysis.She was treated using a commercial VLCKD weight-loss program(PNK®method);this program provides high-biological-value protein preparations and natural foods.Each protein preparation contains 15 g protein,4 g carbohydrate,3 g fat,and 50 mg omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid,with an energy content of 90–120 kcal.After four months on the program,the BMI was 28.6 kg/m2,WC 73 cm,FM 23.2 kg,free FM 41.9 kg,and VAT 2.9 kg.CONCLUSION VLCKD enabled the patient to reach her target weight and to reduce her joint pain and headaches.Laboratory inflammatory indices also normalized.

University Student Sample Is Unable to Accurately Assess Their Calorie Needs: Implications for Weight Management and Menu Labeling

National surveys have shown that over 80% of adults do not know their recommended calorie levels. Lack of knowledge about calorie needs could be contributing to the high prevalence of obesity in the US. Young adulthood is a crucial period for the development of dietary behaviors that continue into later adulthood and influence the risk of obesity and chronic disease. This study examined university students’ knowledge of their recommended calorie needs. Subjects (N = 153) were students at Texas Tech University in Fall 2010. Students were given a survey to assess perceived daily calorie need (PDCN) and perceived daily calorie intake (PDCI). Their recommended daily calorie needs (RDCN) and actual calorie intakes (ACI) were determined using MyPyramid.gov. PDCN, PDCI, RDCN, and ACI were compared to determine students’ ability to accurately estimate and consume recommended daily calorie levels. The range of their PDCN was 120 kcal to 10,000 kcal. Only 19.7% of students estimated their RDCN accurately. There were significant differences between PDCN and RDCN (t [152] = ?3.223, P = 0.002);PDCI and ACI (t [114] = 3.246, P = 0.002);and ACI and RDCN (t [114] = ?5.6, P = 0.000). Nearly 40% of these university students were overweight. BMI had a significant effect (P = 0.001) on students’ estimation of their RDCN as students with underweight/normal BMI were more accurate. Nutrition education programs focused on calorie needs should be implemented with university students so they will be able to effectively use calorie information on food labels and menus for weight management.

Pivotal role of SIRT6 in calorie restriction, aging and inflammation

Background The aggravating trend of aging population has brought us with great medical challenges. Calorie restriction （CR） has various beneficial effects on health, including lifespan prolongation and functional im- provement of multiple organisms. SIRT6, a member of the Sirtuin family of NAD^＋-dependent histone deacetylases, has been shown to play a key role in mediating the effects of CR. Aim Here we show how CR-triggered SIRT6-de- pendent pathways affect aging and the critical role of SIRT6 on inflammation. Methods 24-month-old mice were fed under ad libitum （AL） or CR condition for 6 months to determine the effects of CR. In addition, we took low glucose （LG） cultured WI38 human fibroblasts as a model to mimic CR in vitro. Further more, we stably overex- pressed or knockdown SIRT6 in WI38 to identify the role of SIRT6 in cell senescence and inflammation. Results Aged mice with CR had improved renal pathology and enhanced SIRT6 expression compared with AL group. In ad- dition, compared with normal glucose （NG） group, LG group had prolonged lifespan and increased expression of SIRT6. Furthermore, increased SA-β-gal positive cells were observed in SIRT6-deficient cells while the overexpres- sion of SIRT6 could delay the replicative senescence effectively. NF-KB was involved in the SIRT6 mediated lon- gevity control. SIRT6 overexpressed WI38 had low translocate rate of NF-KB into the nucleus and SIRT6 could at- tenuate the NF-KB signaling by deacetylating the RelA subunit of NF-KB complex. Conclusion In this study, we show that CR prevents age-dependent renal insufficiency by up-regulation of SIRT6. CR-triggered SIRT6 activation suppresses NF-KB signaling via preventing nuclear translocation of NF-KB. Here we identified the beneficial effects of CR on renal aging and determined the crucial role of SIRT6 on CR-mediated lifespan extension.

A disregard for calories during sampling: Exploring the “samples don’t count” effect

Product sampling is an important part of food retailing promotion. We explore how food sampling affects individuals’ total caloric estimates of a consumption episode. In a field study, at a small self-serve frozen yogurt store, 144 participants were randomly assigned to either a control or samples’ condition. Analysis of variance showed that individuals who had no or one sample overestimated the number of calories they were consuming, while those who had two or more samples underestimated their caloric intake.

Changes Induced by Physical Activity, Weight Loss and Calorie Restriction in Body Composition, Lipoproteins and Functional Capacity in Obese Congolese Women

Background. The effects of physical exercises combined with a low-calorie diet on weight loss, body composition, lipoproteins profile, and physical fitness had been well described. However, Central Africa’s studies investigating these kinds of diets and exercise regimens are lacking. Objective. To investigate the effects of adding 14-weeks exercises to a hypocaloric diet on changes in body composition, lipoproteins concentrations, and physical capacities in obese Congolese women. Population and Methods. In total, 34 obese women aged 30 - 39 years (mean age: 33.7 ± 2.4 years) assigned to 14-weeks training program and low energy ketogenic diet. Body composition was assessed using classic methods and impedancemetry. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting serum insulin were assessing using enzymatic colorimetric and radioim-munoradiometric methods. HOMA-IR and lipoproteins concentrations were assessed using standardized laboratory methods. VO2peak was measured on a treadmill during a progressive exercise test. Speed, cadence and stride length were measured along the 10-m level walkway. Muscular endurance was measured using the tests of sit-up and inflections-extensions of elbows. All the variables of the study were assessed at the beginning, in the 7-weeks, and in the 14-weeks of training methods. Results. Declines in body weight (16%), percent fat (12.1%), fat weight (26.4%), abdominal fat (34.2%), and waist circumference (10.4%) were found. A significant decrease in FPG (13%), fasting serum insulin (60.9%), HOMA-IR (64.7%), total cholesterol (12.2%), LDL-cholesterol (20.3%), triglycerides (92.8%), and VLDL-triglycerides (17.5%) was shown. In contrast, significant increase in HDL-cholesterol (27.13%) was found. The peak oxygen consumption VO2peak relative to body weight improved more in the 14-weeks training program (13.4%). Obese women exhibited higher values in the 14-weeks training program for speed gait (16.5%), cadence (9.1%), and stride length (15.7%) during normal walk and rapid walk. Weight loss combined with a low-calorie diet and 14-weeks training program improved significantly muscular endurance capacities. Conclusion. Exercise added to hypocaloric diet leads to decreases in body composition, to improve in insulin sensitivity, to enhancement of VO2peak and functional fitness. This may be helpful for the treatment of the metabolic complications of abdominal obesity.

Age-related driving mechanisms of retinal diseases and neuroprotection by transcription factor EB-targeted therapy

Retinal aging has been recognized as a significant risk factor for various retinal disorders,including diabetic retinopathy,age-related macular degeneration,and glaucoma,following a growing understanding of the molecular underpinnings of their development.This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of retinal aging and investigates potential neuroprotective approaches,focusing on the activation of transcription factor EB.Recent meta-analyses have demonstrated promising outcomes of transcription factor EB-targeted strategies,such as exercise,calorie restriction,rapamycin,and metformin,in patients and animal models of these common retinal diseases.The review critically assesses the role of transcription factor EB in retinal biology during aging,its neuroprotective effects,and its therapeutic potential for retinal disorders.The impact of transcription factor EB on retinal aging is cell-specific,influencing metabolic reprogramming and energy homeostasis in retinal neurons through the regulation of mitochondrial quality control and nutrient-sensing pathways.In vascular endothelial cells,transcription factor EB controls important processes,including endothelial cell proliferation,endothelial tube formation,and nitric oxide levels,thereby influencing the inner blood-retinal barrier,angiogenesis,and retinal microvasculature.Additionally,transcription factor EB affects vascular smooth muscle cells,inhibiting vascular calcification and atherogenesis.In retinal pigment epithelial cells,transcription factor EB modulates functions such as autophagy,lysosomal dynamics,and clearance of the aging pigment lipofuscin,thereby promoting photoreceptor survival and regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A expression involved in neovascularization.These cell-specific functions of transcription factor EB significantly impact retinal aging mechanisms encompassing proteostasis,neuronal synapse plasticity,energy metabolism,microvasculature,and inflammation,ultimately offering protection against retinal aging and diseases.The review emphasizes transcription factor EB as a potential therapeutic target for retinal diseases.Therefore,it is imperative to obtain well-controlled direct experimental evidence to confirm the efficacy of transcription factor EB modulation in retinal diseases while minimizing its risk of adverse effects.

Combined CNN-LSTM Deep Learning Algorithms for Recognizing Human Physical Activities in Large and Distributed Manners:A Recommendation System

Recognizing human activity(HAR)from data in a smartphone sensor plays an important role in the field of health to prevent chronic diseases.Daily and weekly physical activities are recorded on the smartphone and tell the user whether he is moving well or not.Typically,smartphones and their associated sensing devices operate in distributed and unstable environments.Therefore,collecting their data and extracting useful information is a significant challenge.In this context,the aimof this paper is twofold:The first is to analyze human behavior based on the recognition of physical activities.Using the results of physical activity detection and classification,the second part aims to develop a health recommendation system to notify smartphone users about their healthy physical behavior related to their physical activities.This system is based on the calculation of calories burned by each user during physical activities.In this way,conclusions can be drawn about a person’s physical behavior by estimating the number of calories burned after evaluating data collected daily or even weekly following a series of physical workouts.To identify and classify human behavior our methodology is based on artificial intelligence models specifically deep learning techniques like Long Short-Term Memory(LSTM),stacked LSTM,and bidirectional LSTM.Since human activity data contains both spatial and temporal information,we proposed,in this paper,to use of an architecture allowing the extraction of the two types of information simultaneously.While Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN)has an architecture designed for spatial information,our idea is to combine CNN with LSTM to increase classification accuracy by taking into consideration the extraction of both spatial and temporal data.The results obtained achieved an accuracy of 96%.On the other side,the data learned by these algorithms is prone to error and uncertainty.To overcome this constraint and improve performance(96%),we proposed to use the fusion mechanisms.The last combines deep learning classifiers tomodel non-accurate and ambiguous data to obtain synthetic information to aid in decision-making.The Voting and Dempster-Shafer(DS)approaches are employed.The results showed that fused classifiers based on DS theory outperformed individual classifiers(96%)with the highest accuracy level of 98%.Also,the findings disclosed that participants engaging in physical activities are healthy,showcasing a disparity in the distribution of physical activities between men and women.

Calorie control increased vaspin levels of serum and periepididymal adipose tissue in diet-induced obese rats in association with serum free fatty acid and tumor necrosis factor alpha

Background Vaspin was recently identified as a novel adipokine that is predominantly secreted from adipose tissue and exerts insulin-sensitizing effects. This study was undertaken to elucidate the regulative effects of calorie control on the expression of vaspin and its potential mechanism.Methods Diet-induced obese Sprague Dawley （SD） rats were adopted as experimental models and accepted interventions of various ingestions and pioglitazone. Various differentiated stages of cultured 3T3-L1 cells were dealt with pioglitazone or TNFα in vitro for 48 hours to further verify findings in animal experiments.Results The rats were successfully induced into an obese experimental model with hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and increased serum free fatty acid and TNFa by 12-week high-fat diet. It was found that depending on whether the rats were fed by a high-fat diet or a basal diet, there was extremely higher vaspin in the periepididymal fat pad than in subcutaneous adipose tissues by 16 weeks. Vaspin in sera and the periepididymal fat pad was much lower in rats with a high-fat diet than those with a basal diet （all P 〈0.05）, but vaspin in subcutaneous fat tissues was prone to increase in rats with a high-fat diet. A 4-week calorie restriction or pioglitazone on the obese rats resulted in a partial recovery of vaspin levels in sera and periepididymal adipose tissues, especially the latter revealed a more obvious superiority and increased vaspin levels of subcutaneous adipose. Surprisingly, the treatment of 4-week high-fat diet on non-obese rats did not significantly depress vaspin of sera and periepididymal adipose tissues. However, it is unknown if re-feeding generated the effect on vaspin levels of obese and non-obese rats on sera or adipose tissues. The correlation analysis showed that vaspin levels of serum and periepididymal fat tissues were negatively correlated with serum FFA, TNFα and insulin; meanwhile, there was a positive correlation between serum vaspin and vaspin of periepididymal fat tissues. Pioglitazone enhanced vaspin levels in cultured 3T3-L1 cells and supernatant in various differentiated stages, and this effect became more and more obvious along with the change of preadipocytes into mature fat cells. Administration of TNFα caused suppression on vaspin expression in differentiated stages of 3T3-L1 cells.Conclusions The present data indicated that a long-term high-fat diet could induce obesity metabolic syndrome in SD rats and finally lead to lower vaspin of sera and periepididymal fat, while pioglitazone and chronic calorie-control ingestion could enhance the production of vaspin. It was undoubtedly demonstrated that vaspin expression was strongly associated with insulin sensitivity, serum FFA, and TNFα.

Determination of calorie and protein intake among acute and sub-acute traumatic brain injury patients

Purpose:Malnutrition is a common problem among hospitalized patients,especially among traumatic brain injury(TBI)patients.It is developed from hypermetabolism and the condition may worsen under the circumstance of underfeeding or incompatible dietary management.However,the data of nutrient intake especially calorie and protein among TBI patients were scarce.Hence,this study aimed to determine the calorie and protein intake among acute and sub-acute TBI patients receiving medical nutrition therapy in hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah,Terengganu.Methods:This observational study involved 50 patients recruited from the neurosurgical ward.Method of 24 h dietary recall was utilized and combined with self-administered food diaries for 2-8 days.Food consumptions including calorie intake and protein intake were analyzed using Nutritionist PRO™(Woodinville,USA)and manual calculation based on the Malaysian food composition database(2015).Results:Patients consisted of 56%males and 44%females with the median age of 28.0(IQR=22.8-36.5)years,of which 92%were diagnosed as mild TBI and the remaining(8%)as moderate TBI.The Glasgow coma scale(GCS)was adopted to classify TBI severity with the score 13-15 being mild and 9-12 being moderate.The median length of hospital stay was 2(IQR=2.0e3.3)days.Calorie and protein intake improved significantly from day 1 to discharge day.However,the intake during discharge day was still considered as suboptimal,i.e.75%of calorie requirement,whilst the median protein intake was only 61.3%relative to protein requirement.Moreover,the average percentages of calorie and protein intakes throughout hospitalization were remarkably lower,i.e.52.2%and 41.0%,respectively.Conclusion:Although the calorie and protein intakes had increased from baseline,hospitalized TBI patients were still at a risk to develop malnutrition as the average intakes were considerably low as compared to their requirements.Optimum nutrient intakes especially calorie and protein are crucial to ensure optimum recovery process as well as to minimize risks of infection and complications.

The ATP Level in the mPFC Mediates the Antidepressant Effect of Calorie Restriction

Food deprivation can rescue obesity and overweight-induced mood disorders,and promote mood performance in normal subjects.Animal studies and clinical research have revealed the antidepressant-like effect of calorie restriction,but little is known about the mechanism of calorie restriction-induced mood modification.Previous studies have found that astrocytes modulate depressive-like behaviors.Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 2(IP3R2)is the predominant isoform in mediating astrocyte Ca2+signals and its genetic knockout mice are widely used to study astrocyte function in vivo.In this study,we showed that deletion of IP3R2 blocked the antidepressant-like effect induced by calorie restriction.In vivo microdialysis experiments demonstrated that calorie restriction induced an increase in ATP level in the medial prefrontal cortex(mPFC)in naïve mice but this effect disappeared in IP3R2-knockout mice,suggesting a role of astrocytic ATP in the calorie restriction-induced antidepressant effect.Further experiments showed that systemic administration and local infusion of ATP into the mPFC induced an antidepressant effect,whereas decreasing ATP by Apyrase in the mPFC blocked calorie restriction-induced antidepressant regulation.Together,these findings support a role for astrocytic ATP in the antidepressant–like effect caused by calorie restriction.

Mediating effect of acarbose on neurotransmitters in mental disorders: a review

Acarbose is used to control postpran-dial blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance,since it improves insulin re-sistance and reduces blood lipids and cardiovascular com-plications.However,in recent years,many studies have found that acarbose can mediate and regulate a variety of neurotransmitter-related diseases,although the mech-anisms are not clear.Therefore,this paper analyzes the clinical effect of acarbose and its mediating effect on neu-rotransmitters of mental disorders through insulin,brain-gut axis,and calorie restriction,to provide a reference for the new clinical applications of acarbose.

New Mathematical Modelling on BMR and Weight Prediction for Ghanaians

Background: Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the quantum of calories needed for optimum body function when at rest. This has long been an indicator of one’s health and the basis for determining the metabolic age of individuals. Many scholastic projects have led to the establishment of mathematical models and inventions that measure the BMR and other body composition parameters. However, existing computations have limitations as they do not offer accurate results for Ghanaians. Aim: The purpose of the study was to model BMR metrics that are most suitable for Ghanaians and to investigate the effect of caloric difference on weight, Lean Body Mass (LBM) and % fat composition that can be implemented with Information Technology. Research Methods and Procedures: This was an experimental study that adopted a quantitative approach. BMR and body composition were measured in a sample of 242 Ghanaian adults (141 males and 101 females) from 19 to 30 years of age. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impendence analysis (BIA) in all participants. Each participant was under study for 7 days. A simple linear regression model was used to examine associations between BMR/calorie intake and total body weight and LBM. Results: There was a significant statistical relation between BMR and LBM and between BMR and weight of both men and women. Equations for BMR and weight were established for males and females. Furthermore, caloric intake differences affected changes in total weight as well as differences in % fat composition. Caloric intake however did not affect the difference in LBM. Conclusion: Caloric difference had an impact on total body weight and Lean Body Mass. The model derived from the study predicts weight change and BMR of Ghanaians from 19 to 30 years of age. It is termed the Health and Age Monitoring System (HAMS).

Mechanism for development of malnutrition in primary biliary cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that is associated with impaired biliary excretion processes.Along with the development of cholestasis,there is a deficient flow of bile acids into the intestinal lumen causing malnutrition(MN)that is manifested in deficiencies of both macro-and micronutrients.The mechanism for development of trophological insufficiency is multifactorial.However,the trigger of MN in PBC is impaired enterohepatic circulation of bile acids.The ingress of bile acids with a detergent effect into the general bloodstream,followed by elimination via the kidneys and skin,triggers a cascade of metabolic disturbances,which leads to the gradual development and progression of calorie MN.The latter gradually transforms into protein-calorie MN(PСM)(as marasmus)due to the insufficient entry of bile acids into the duodenum,which is accompanied by a decrease in the emulsification,hydrolysis,and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins,as well as disturbance of intestinal motility and bacterial overgrowth.Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies complement PСM with vitamin and mineral MN.The development of hepatocellular failure enhances the progression of PСM due to the impaired protein synthetic function of hepatocytes in the advanced stage of PBC,which results in deficiency of not only the somatic but also the visceral pool of proteins.A mixed PСM form of marasmus and kwashiorkor develops.Early recognition of energy,protein,micronutrient,and macronutrient deficiencies is of great importance because timely nutritional support can improve liver function and quality of life in patients with PBC.In this case,it is important to know what type(energy,proteincalorie,vitamin,and vitamin-mineral)and form(marasmus,marasmuskwashiorkor)of MN is present in the patient and how it is associated with the stage of the disease.Therefore,it is recommended to screen all patients with PBC for MN,from the early asymptomatic stage of the disease in order to identify and avoid preventable complications,such as fatigue,malaise,performance decrement,sarcopenia,osteoporosis,and hepatic encephalopathy,which will be able to provide appropriate nutritional support for correction of the trophological status.

Intermittent energy restriction in type 2 diabetes: A short discussion of medication management

AIM To discuss type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) medication changes required during the popular 5:2 intermittent energy restriction(IER) diet. METHODS A search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and Cochrane library for original research articles investigating the use of very low calorie diets(VLCD) in people with T2 DM. The search terms used included "VLCD" or "very low energy diet" or "very low energy restriction" or "IER" or "intermittent fasting" or "calorie restriction" or "diabetes mellitus type 2" and "type 2 diabetes". Reference lists of selected articles were also screened for relevant publications. Only research articles written in English, which also included an explanation of medication changes were included. A recent pilot trial using the 5:2 IER method, conducted by our research group, will also be summarized.RESULTS A total of 8 studies were found that investigated the use of VLCD in T2 DM and discussed medication management. Overall these studies indicate that the use of a VLCD for people with T2 DM usually require the cessation of medication to prevent hypoglycemia. Therefore, the 5:2 IER method will also require medication changes, but as seen in our pilot trial, may not require total cessation of medication, rather a cessation on the 2 IER days only. CONCLUSION Guidelines outlined here can be used in the initial stages of a 2-d IER diet, but extensive blood glucose monitoring is still required to make the necessary individual reductions to medications in response to weight loss.

Insufficiency of Cellular Energy (ICE) May Precede Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease and Be Treatable via the Alternative Cellular Energy (ACE) Pathway

The term neurodegeneration emphasizes the destruction of neuronal cells as the primary explanation of many major neurological illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease. Specialized functioning of cells requires more cellular energy than is needed for basic cell survival. Cells can acquire energy both from the metabolism of food and from the alternative cellular energy (ACE) pathway. The ACE pathway is an added dynamic (kinetic) quality of the body’s fluids occurring from the absorption of an external force termed KELEA (Kinetic Energy Limiting Electrostatic Attraction). KELEA is attracted to separated electrical charges and is seemingly partially released as the charges become more closely linked. As suggested elsewhere, the fluctuating electrical activity in the brain may attract KELEA from the environment and, thereby, contribute to the body’s ACE pathway. Certain illnesses affecting the brain may impede this proposed antenna function of the brain, leading to a systemic insufficiency of cellular energy (ICE). Furthermore, individual neurons may derive some of the energy for their own activities from the repetitive depolarization of the cell. This may explain why hyper-excitability of neurons can occur in response to cell damage. This adaptive mechanism is unlikely to be sustainable, however, especially if there is a continuing need to synthesize neurotransmitters and membrane ion channels. The energy deficient neurons would then become quiescent and, although remaining viable, would not perform their intended specialized functions. Actual cell death would not necessarily occur till much later in the disease process. The distinction between quiescent and degenerated cells is important since the ACE pathway can be enhanced by several means, including the regular consumption of KELEA activated water. This, in turn, may improve the proposed antenna function of individual neurons, leading to a sustained restoration of specialized function via the ACE pathway. This paper explores this novel concept and provides a rationale for clinical testing of KELEA activated water in patients with neurological and psychiatric illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Elevated Concentrations of Dietarily-Important Trace Elements and Macronutrients in Edible Leaves and Grain of 27 Cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i>L. Walp.) Genotypes: Implications for Human Nutrition and Health

Legumes are a good source of calories, protein and mineral nutrients for human nutrition and health. In this study, the edible leaves and grain of 27 field-grown cowpea genotypes were assessed for trace elements and macronutrient den-sity at Manga in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Ghana in 2005 and 2006, using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The genotypes differed markedly in their accumulation of trace elements and major nutrients in edible leaves and grain. Except for P, the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, S and Na were much higher in edible cowpea leaves than grain in 2005. A similar pattern was observed for Ca, Mg, S, Na in 2006. However, more dramatic variations were found in the micronutrient concentrations between edible cowpea leaves and grain. The levels of the trace elements Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and B were sometimes 2- to 20-fold greater in leaves than grain of cowpea. Furthermore, there were strong genotypic differences in mineral density of cowpea leaves and grain. For the major nutrients, for example, IT93K-2045-29 and IT90K-59 accumulated greater concentrations of P, K, Ca, S and Na in both edible leaves and grain in 2006, while ITH98-46, which showed the least macronutrient density, exhibited the highest concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and B in edible leaves, as well as Fe, Cu and Mn in grain. These results have implications for cowpea breeding, as well as for human nutrition and health.

Humans have intestinal bacteria that degrade the plant cell walls in herbivores

The cell walls of plants are mainly made of cellulose and contain a large number of calories.However,the main component,cellulose,is an indigestible plant fiber that is thought to be difficult for humans to use as energy.Herbivores acquire energy through the degradation of cell wall-derived dietary fiber by microorganisms in the digestive tract.Herbivores,especially horses,have a highly developed cecum and large intestine,and plants are fermented for their efficient use with the help of microorganisms.Humans also have an intestinal tract with a wide lumen on the proximal side of the large intestine,in which fermentation occurs.The digestive process of horses is similar to that of humans,and many of the intestinal bacteria found in horses that degrade plants are also found in humans.Therefore,it is thought that humans also obtain a certain amount of energy from cell wall-derived dietary fiber.However,the intake of dietary fiber by modern humans is low;thus,the amount of calories derived from indigestible plant fiber is considered to be very low.Cellulose in the plant cell wall is often accompanied by hemicellulose,pectin,lignin,suberin,and other materials.These materials are hard to degrade,and cellulose is therefore difficult for animals to utilize.If the cell wall can be degraded to some extent by cooking,it is thought that humans can obtain calories from cell wall-derived dietary fiber.If humans can use the calories from the cell wall for their diet,it may compensate for human food shortages.

Determination of thermal parameters for waste liquid and gas fluidized-bed incinerator

Equations are established for calculation of dense and dilute phase zone combustion temperatures, quantity of auxiliary fuel and thermal efficiency for a fluidized bed incinerator with coal burnt as auxiliary fuel, waste liquid burnt in dense phase zone and waste gas burnt in dilute phase zone while there is a heat transfer, thereby providing theoretical basis for design of waste liquid and gas fluidized bed incinerators.