7-day Period Research Articles

Overwintering under ice: A novel observation for an Australian freshwater turtle.

Frozen water bodies provide a physiological challenge to fauna by physically limiting access to atmospheric oxygen. To tolerate low temperatures, reptiles use brumation as a physiological strategy in winter. Cryptodira vary in their tolerance to freezing conditions but the extent of tolerance in pleurodirans is largely unknown. Australia's freshwater turtles inhabit warmer regions with less severe winters and have well-developed mechanisms to cope with high temperatures and drying waterbodies, rather than extreme cold tolerance. Chelodina longicollis is a widespread Australian freshwater turtle species that tolerates high temperatures and desiccation during hot, dry periods while also undergoing brumation during winter months. Despite extensive research, limited observations exist on their behaviour during severe winter periods at the extremes of their range. In an 11-month tracking study, we monitored adult C. longicollis, noting their movements, locations, and temperature weekly. We observed an adult female C. longicollis which, during a seven-month period within a single creek pool, survived brumation in extreme cold water including a 15-day period of total freezing of the surface water. After the ice melted following a rain event, the turtle was recaptured alive. This marks the first observation of brumation for an Australian chelid species under ice.

Parental Mediation to Reduce Device Addiction in Children with Emotional Disorders: A Case Study

Objective: This case study aims to provide direct nursing care to children experiencing emotional disturbances due to gadget addiction through parental mediation in the city of Banjar. Method: The research methodology employed in this study is descriptive analysis, utilizing a case study approach to provide an objective assessment of the client's condition. The study focused solely on one subject, Patient An. R, who experienced emotional issues stemming from gadget addiction in Banjar City. The initial day involved conducting an assessment to determine the extent of gadget addiction and the client's emotional disturbances, educating the family on parental mediation techniques, and conducting a physical examination, which revealed no issues. Subsequent days involved monitoring changes in the client's device use intensity and emotional state. The final day assessed the effectiveness of the parental mediation intervention implemented by the family through data collection methods including interviews, observation, physical examinations, and documentation reviews. Results: The findings from the case study review phase indicated that the client exhibited emotional disturbances due to gadget addiction. The intervention utilized to reduce gadget addiction involved parental mediation, employing parental strategies to monitor device usage. Over a 3-day period, the child was encouraged to reduce daily device use duration, resulting in a successful reduction from 3-5 hours per day to 1-2 hours per day. Conclusion: Following the 3-day parental mediation intervention from June 18–20, 2023, the client's device use intensity aligned with the desired outcomes. Positive changes observed included decreased behavior of ignoring family members, enhanced communication among family members, and a reduction in aggressive behavior. Evaluation results indicated the resolution of one nursing diagnosis as planned. Despite the client's emotional disorder due to gadget addiction, the intervention had a positive impact, significantly reducing device usage from 3-5 hours to 1-2 hours per day.

Effect of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances and Filgrastim on Body Weight A Murine Model

Aim: The aim was to assess how orthodontic treatment and Filgrastim injections affect body weight in Wistar albino rats during and after treatment. Materials and Methods: Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) was induced using the appliances, followed by a 14-day healing period after their removal. This study adopted a "split-mouth design," with OTM occurring exclusively on the left side of the mouths of 55 male Wistar albino rats, divided into five groups: A (no Filgrastim during active OTM, n = 12), B (Filgrastim during active OTM, n = 11), C (no Filgrastim during active OTM and healing, n = 11), D (Filgrastim during active OTM and healing, n = 11), and E (no Filgrastim during active OTM and healing, n = 10). Filgrastim (10 µg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally three times weekly throughout the trial. A force of 100 grams was applied mesially to the first molar using a fixed orthodontic device. Results: Rats exhibited significant body weight reduction (p < 0.05) after the first week, followed by gradual, slight weight recovery post-appliance removal. However, their final weight did not return to baseline. Conclusion: Orthodontic intervention significantly reduced rat body weight, with Filgrastim showing minimal to no effect.

Effect of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances and Filgrastim on Body Weight A Murine Model

Aim: The aim was to assess how orthodontic treatment and Filgrastim injections affect body weight in Wistar albino rats during and after treatment. Materials and Methods: Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) was induced using the appliances, followed by a 14-day healing period after their removal. This study adopted a "split-mouth design," with OTM occurring exclusively on the left side of the mouths of 55 male Wistar albino rats, divided into five groups: A (no Filgrastim during active OTM, n = 12), B (Filgrastim during active OTM, n = 11), C (no Filgrastim during active OTM and healing, n = 11), D (Filgrastim during active OTM and healing, n = 11), and E (no Filgrastim during active OTM and healing, n = 10). Filgrastim (10 µg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally three times weekly throughout the trial. A force of 100 grams was applied mesially to the first molar using a fixed orthodontic device. Results: Rats exhibited significant body weight reduction (p < 0.05) after the first week, followed by gradual, slight weight recovery post-appliance removal. However, their final weight did not return to baseline. Conclusion: Orthodontic intervention significantly reduced rat body weight, with Filgrastim showing minimal to no effect.

EFFECT OF PAXHERBAL BITTERS ON INFLAMMATION AND ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN MALE WISTAR RATS FED A HIGH FRUCTOSE DIET

Modern diets are often high in fructose, and this has been associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Herbal remedies like Paxherbal bitters have been suggested as possible remedies. This study aims at determining if the co-administration of Paxherbal bitters could prevent the inflammation and oxidative stress, which occurs when male Wistar rats are fed a high fructose diet. Twenty male Wistar rats, approximately 200g each, were divided into four groups: the control, high fructose diet with fructose water (HFD+FW), HFD+FW with Atorvastatin, and HFD+FW with Paxherbal bitters, groups. After a 28-day experimental period, blood samples were assessed for high-sensitive C-reactive protein (HsCRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), using standard methods. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS-20 package. Results has shown that rats on the high fructose diet, displayed significantly (P<0.05) elevated HsCRP (0.63±0.04 mg/dl) and MDA (0.32±0.01 µM) levels, compared to control levels (0.27±0.01 mg/dl; 0.10±0.01 µM). Both Atorvastatin and Paxherbal bitters significantly (P<0.05) prevented the elevation of HsCRP, while only Paxherbal bitters significantly (P<0.05) prevented the increase in MDA level (0.13±0.02 µM) compared to the level seen in the HFD+FW group. The high fructose diet significantly (P<0.05) reduced the TAC in the rats, but Atorvastatin and Paxherbal bitters preserved the TAC (0.38±0.03 µmol/ml; 0.49±0.04 µmol/ml) of their respective groups compared to that of the negative control group (0.21±0.06 µmol/ml). This study shows that Paxherbal bitters prevented the inflammation and oxidative stress induced by a high fructose intake, suggesting its co-administration, has some preventive therapeutic role.

Biodegradation by Cancer Cells of Magnetite Nanoflowers with and without Encapsulation in PS-b-PAA Block Copolymer Micelles.

Magnetomicelles were produced by the self-assembly of magnetite iron oxide nanoflowers and the amphiphilic poly(styrene)-b-poly(acrylic acid) block copolymer to deliver a multifunctional theranostic agent. Their bioprocessing by cancer cells was investigated in a three-dimensional spheroid model over a 13-day period and compared with nonencapsulated magnetic nanoflowers. A degradation process was identified and monitored at various scales, exploiting different physicochemical fingerprints. At a collective level, measurements were conducted using magnetic, photothermal, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. At the nanoscale, transmission electron microscopy was employed to identify the morphological integrity of the structures, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to analyze the degradation at the crystalline phase and chemical levels. All of these measurements converge to demonstrate that the encapsulation of magnetic nanoparticles in micelles effectively mitigates their degradation compared to individual nonencapsulated magnetic nanoflowers. This protective effect consequently resulted in better maintenance of their therapeutic photothermal potential. The structural degradation of magnetomicelles occurred through the formation of an oxidized iron phase in ferritin from the magnetic nanoparticles, leaving behind empty spherical polymeric ghost shells. These results underscore the significance of encapsulation of iron oxides in micelles in preserving nanomaterial integrity and regulating degradation, even under challenging physicochemical conditions within cancer cells.

Striking Long Term Beneficial Effects of Single Dose Psilocybin and Psychedelic Mushroom Extract in the SAPAP3 Rodent Model of OCD-Like Excessive Self-Grooming.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a highly prevalent disorder that causes serious disability. Available treatments leave 40% or more of people with OCD significantly symptomatic. There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Mice that carry a homozygous deletion of the SAPAP3 gene (SAPAP3 KO) manifest a phenotype of excessive self-grooming, tic-like head-body twitches and anxiety. These behaviors closely resemble pathological self-grooming behaviors observed in humans in conditions that overlap with OCD. Following a preliminary report that the tryptaminergic psychedelic, psilocybin, may reduce symptoms in patients with OCD, we undertook a randomized controlled trial of psilocybin in 50 SAPAP3 KO mice (28 male, 22 female). Mice that fulfilled inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to a single intraperitoneal injection of psilocybin (4.4 mg/kg), psychedelic mushroom extract (encompassing the same psilocybin dose) or vehicle control and were evaluated after 2, 4 and 21 days by a rater blind to treatment allocation for grooming characteristics, head-body twitches, anxiety and other behavioral features. Mice treated with vehicle (n=18) manifested a 118.71 + 95.96 % increase in total self-grooming (the primary outcome measure) over the 21-day observation period. In contrast, total self-grooming decreased by 14.60% + 17.90% in mice treated with psilocybin (n=16) and by 19.20 + 20.05% in mice treated with psychedelic mushroom extract (n=16) (p=.001 for effect of time; p=.0001 for time X treatment interaction). 5 mice were dropped from the vehicle group because they developed skin lesions; 4 from the psilocybin group and none from the psychedelic mushroom extract group. Secondary outcome measures such as head-body twitches and anxiety all showed a significant improvement over 21 days. Notably, in mice that responded to psilocybin (n=12) and psychedelic mushroom extract (n=13), the beneficial effect of a single treatment persisted up to 7 weeks. Mice initially treated with vehicle and non-responsive, showed a clear and lasting therapeutic response when treated with a single dose of psilocybin or psychedelic mushroom extract and followed for a further 3 weeks. While equivalent to psilocybin in overall effect on self-grooming, psychedelic mushroom extract showed superior effects in alleviating head-body twitches and anxiety. These findings strongly justify clinical trials of psilocybin in the treatment of OCD and further studies aimed at elucidating mechanisms that underlie the long-term effects to alleviate excessive self-grooming observed in this study.

A Study of Effects of Different Organic Origin Liquid Seaweed Doses on Germination Radicle and Plumule Growth in Winter Cereal Species

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of liquid seaweed on seed germination and radicle and plumule growth in some winter cereal species (Triticale (T), Barley (B) and Wheat (W)) were investigated. In the study, 6 different doses (Control (D0), 1000 ppm L-1 (D1), 2000 ppm L-1 (D2), 4000 ppm L-1 (D3), 8000 ppm L-1 (D4) and 16000 ppm L-1 (D5)) of seaweed were used. Germination index (number day-1), radicle and plumule fresh weight (g), radicle and plumule dry weight (g) and germinated seed number (number) were measured during the 14-day development period of cereal species at all seaweed doses. According to the study findings, apart from "number of germinated seeds in cereal species" and "germination index in species x dose interaction"; significant differences were found between the average values of all the properties examined in the grain types, fertilizer doses and species x dose interactions. Wheat among cereals had the highest values with regard to radicle dry weight and radicle fresh weight. D2 dose from the doses of seaweed fertilizer form has the highest values in germinated seed number, radicle dry weight, plumule dry weight, and radicle fresh weight, while D5 dose was the lowest. In terms of species x dose interaction, radicle fresh weight was found to be high in T x D1 interaction. Germinated seed number and plumule fresh weight were found to be high in H x D0 interaction. Germinated seed number and radicle dry weight were found to be high in W x D2 interaction. As a result, in the germination study with liquid seaweed, D2 dose for wheat, D1 and D2 doses for triticale, D0, D1 and D2 doses for barley were found as encouraging.

Romantic relationships and type 2 diabetes: The role of invisible social control.

This study aimed to determine whether invisible social control provided by a romantic partner is associated with improved objective glucose outcomes for patients with Type 2 diabetes. Social control reflects a partner's attempt to modify or influence a patient's health behaviors. We hypothesized that the best outcome for all continuous glucose monitoring measures would be captured by an interaction condition reflecting invisible social control. Patients with Type 2 diabetes and their partners (N = 63 couples) completed an 8-day daily diary period between 2016 and 2017. Self-report measures of social control receipt and provision were obtained each evening from patients and partners and patients wore a continuous glucose monitor throughout the diary period. Outcomes of daily glucose mean, standard deviation, time in range, and coefficient of variation were computed and two-way interactions between social control receipt and social control provision were probed and plotted. The two-way interaction significantly predicted daily glucose mean, standard deviation, and time in range, such that when patients reported no social control receipt, but partners reported social control provision, patients showed improvements in objective glucose measures. We found no significant effect for coefficient of variation. This study was the first to use an invisible social control framework to examine the daily dyadic associations between partner social control provision, patient social control receipt, and four objectively measured continuous glucose monitoring outcomes. Findings suggest that the visibility of social control provided by a romantic partner may be predictive of glycemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of Acute Ingestion of Guarana (Paullinia Cupana) on Soccer Player Performance: A Randomized, Cross-over, Placebo-Controlled Study

Objective To investigate the acute effects of ingesting a beverage containing guarana (Paullinia cupana) seed powder on performance during field tests related to physical capacities that are determinants of soccer performance, such as lower limb power, sprint, agility, and the capacity to carry out intermittent exercise. Methods The study was conducted using a randomized, crossover, and counterbalanced design, with a beverage containing guarana or placebo administered in a double-blind manner. Twenty-seven under-17 soccer players of a professional soccer club performed a battery of tests 60 min after the ingestion of guarana (3 g of the fruit seed powder) or placebo. Trials were performed with a 7-day washout period. The battery of tests included a countermovement jump test, sprints of 10 and 20 m, an Illinois agility test, and a Yo–Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIR1). Results Guarana ingestion did not improve countermovement jump, sprints, or agility (p > 0.05). However, guarana ingestion increased the distance covered in the YYIR1, compared with placebo ingestion (p = 0.01). Conclusion Acute ingestion of guarana improves the capacity to perform intermittent exercise in soccer players but seems to be ineffective to improve lower limb power, sprint, and agility.

Protective evaluation of the commercialized porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus vaccines in piglets challenged by NADC34-like strain.

In China, the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has undergone several variations over the decades and contributed to the diversity of the clinical epidemic PRRSV strains. This has complicated the prevention and control of PRRS. In particular, the efficacy of the currently available commercial vaccines against the highly pathogenic NADC34-like strains is unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the protection efficacy of three commercial PRRS modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines derived from classical PRRS VR2332 MLV and R98 MLV against challenge with a heterologous NADC34-like PRRSV strain, JS2021NADC34, which has high pathogenicity in pigs. PRRSV- and antibody-free piglets were immunized with the PRRS VR2332 MLV vaccine or either of two R98 MLV vaccines (from different manufacturers) and were challenged with the JS2021NADC34 strain 28 days after immunization. Rectal temperature, clinical symptoms, viremia and viral shedding from the nose, gross lesions in the thymus and lungs, microscopic lesions and viral distribution in the lungs, as well as the humoral immune response and mortality rates were recorded over a 14-day post-challenge period. The results showed that PRRS VR2332 MLV had better efficacy against the JS2021NADC34 challenge than PRRS R98 MLV, with vaccinated piglets in the former group showing transient and mild symptoms, mild pathological lesions in the lungs, mild thymic atrophy, and low viral levels in sera and nasal swabs, as well as better growth performance and a 100% survival rate. In contrast, two PRRS R98 MLVs exhibited limited efficacy against the JS2021NADC34 challenge, with the piglets in two R98 groups showing obvious clinical symptoms and pathological changes in the lungs and thymus; moreover, there were two deaths caused by PRRS in two R98 groups, respectively. Despite this, the mortality rate was lower than that of the unvaccinated piglets that were challenged with JS2021NADC34. The cumulative results demonstrate that PRRS VR2332 MLV was partly effective against the highly pathogenic PRRSV NADC34-like strain based on the observations over the 14-day post-challenge period. Thus, it might be a viable option among the commercially available vaccines for control of NADC34-like virus infections in swine herds.

Yeast peptides alleviate lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal barrier damage in rabbits involving Toll-like receptor signaling pathway modulation and gut microbiota regulation.

Yeast peptides have garnered attention as valuable nutritional modifiers due to their potential health benefits. However, the precise mechanisms underlying their effects remain elusive. This study aims to explore the potential of yeast peptides, when added to diets, to mitigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal damage and microbiota alterations in rabbits. A total of 160 35-day-old Hyla line rabbits (0.96 ± 0.06 kg) were randomly assigned to 4 groups. These groups constituted a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: basal diet (CON), 100 mg/kg yeast peptide diet (YP), LPS challenge + basal diet (LPS), LPS challenge +100 mg/kg yeast peptide diet (L-YP). The experiment spanned 35 days, encompassing a 7-day pre-feeding period and a 28-day formal trial. The results indicated that yeast peptides mitigated the intestinal barrier damage induced by LPS, as evidenced by a significant reduction in serum Diamine oxidase and D-lactic acid levels in rabbits in the L-YP group compared to the LPS group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the jejunum, the L-YP group exhibited a significantly higher villus height compared to the LPS group (p < 0.05). In comparison to the LPS group, the L-YP rabbits significantly upregulated the expression of Claudin-1, Occludin-1 and ZO-1 in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the YP group significantly reduced the levels of rabbit jejunal inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) and decreased the relative mRNA expression of jejunal signaling pathway-associated inflammatory factors such as TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB and IL-1β (p < 0.05). Additionally, notable changes in the hindgut also included the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) of the YP group was significantly higher than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). 16S RNA sequencing revealed a substantial impact of yeast peptides on the composition of the cecal microbiota. Correlation analyses indicated potential associations of specific gut microbiota with jejunal inflammatory factors, tight junction proteins, and SCFA. In conclusion, yeast peptides have shown promise in mitigating LPS-induced intestinal barrier damage in rabbits through their anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of the gut microbiota, and maintenance of intestinal tight junctions.

A 28-Day Repeated Oral Administration Study of Mechanically Fibrillated Cellulose Nanofibers According to OECD TG407.

The impact of oral administration of mechanically fibrillated cellulose nanofibers (fib-CNF), a commonly used nanofiber, on toxicity and health remains unclear, despite reports of the safety and beneficial effects of chitin-based nanofibers. Thus, evaluating the oral toxicity of fib-CNF in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 407 (TG407) is essential. This study aimed to assess the safety of orally administered fib-CNF through an acute toxicity study in rats, following the OECD TG407 guidelines for 4 weeks. CNF "BiNFi-s" FMa-10005, derived from mechanically fibrillated pulp cellulose, was administered via gavage to male and female Crl:CD(SD) rats at doses of 50, 150, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day for 28 days, with a control group receiving water for injection. The study evaluated the toxic effects of repeated administration, and the rats were monitored for an additional 14 days post-administration to assess recovery from any toxic effects. The results showed no mortality in either sex during the administration period, and no toxicological effects related to the test substance were observed in various assessments, including general condition and behavioral function observations, urinalysis, hematological examination, blood biochemical examination, necropsy findings, organ weights, and histopathological examination. Notably, only female rats treated with 1000 mg/kg/day of CNF exhibited a consistent reduction in body weight during the 14-day recovery period after the end of treatment. They also showed a slight decrease in pituitary and liver weights. However, hematological and blood biochemical tests did not reveal significant differences, suggesting a potential weight-suppressive effect of CNF ingestion.

Comparison of Two Intravenous Propofol Doses after Jugular Administration for Short Non-Surgical Procedures in Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans).

This study compares the effects of two different doses of propofol administered intravenously (IV), in the jugular vein, to red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). In this crossover study, 5 or 10 mg/kg propofol was administered to six Trachemys scripta elegans after cannulation of the jugular vein. Each turtle received each dose, G1 (5 mg/kg IV) and G2 (10 mg/kg IV), after a 7-day washout period. The parameters evaluated were heart rate, palpebral reflex, cloacal reflex, muscle relaxation, ease of handling, sensitivity to anterior and posterior pinch stimuli, and possibility of intubation. Additionally, respiratory rate was measured when possible, and the times from propofol administration to full recovery and from intubation to extubation were recorded. None of the turtles in G1 could be intubated, and this dose provided little relaxation and ease of handling, with a duration of effect until full recovery of 12.16 ± 8.32 (SD) min for this group. In G2, five out of the six turtles could be intubated, and the duration of effect was 32.33 ± 5.85 (SD) min. Heart rates were influenced by manipulation for catheter placement. There were statistically significant differences (p value ≤ 0.05) between the two groups in muscle relaxation degree, handling, cloacal reflex, and possibility of intubation. The 5 mg/kg propofol dose was not sufficient to induce anesthesia, even when administered in the jugular vein, in red-eared sliders. A dose of 10 mg/kg IV or higher should be used.

National Long-Term Trends in Postoperative Opioid Prescribing in Ambulatory Urology Procedures.

With more than 60% of urological procedures performed in ambulatory settings, it is imperative to understand the current trends in postoperative narcotic prescriptions and their adherence to the guidelines. We studied postoperative opioid-prescribing patterns after selected common urology ambulatory procedures. A retrospective cohort was derived from a 10% random sample of enrollees within the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus for Academics database from 2015 to 2021. Patient-level baseline characteristics were collected in the year preceding the index date. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used to compare patient characteristics from opioid and nonopioid cohorts and those who utilized opioids ≤ 7 days and > 7 days postprocedurally. Trends of opioid and nonopioid use were also investigated and compared. Between 2015 to 2021, 17,817 patients underwent urological ambulatory procedures, of which the majority (90.9%) were endoscopic procedures. Of those, 4077 (22%) were prescribed opioids and 978 (5.4%) patients were given prescription nonopioid (ie, ketorolac) medication. From 2015 to 2021, there was an overall decrease in prescription of opioids from 32% to 19%. The acute fulfillment (within 7 days of the procedure) of opioids had notably declined; however, there is a slight increase in the fulfillment of opioids beyond 7 days. Within the 7-day postsurgical period after ambulatory procedures, narcotic prescribing habits among urologists are congruent with current initiatives to reduce narcotic use in the setting of the opioid pandemic. However, beyond the 7-day postsurgical period, further guidelines are needed to guide narcotic prescribing habits.

Association between language discordance and unplanned hospital readmissions or emergency department revisits: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objectiveStudies conflict about whether language discordance increases rates of hospital readmissions or emergency department (ED) revisits for adult and paediatric patients. The literature was systematically reviewed to investigate...

Design and Construction of an Anaerobic Digester for the Ingestion of Waste from the Cocoa Industry in Nigeria

The Anaerobic Digester designed and constructed for waste ingestion from the Nigerian cocoa industry aims to harness abundant renewable energy from crop residues like cocoa rinds and groundnuts. This study evaluates the biogas potential of these sources in contributing to the country&amp;apos;s overall energy needs, emphasizing the imperative for environmental sustainability. Focusing on reducing fossil energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing environmental impact, the project advocates for a shift towards biogas for day-to-day energy requirements, presenting direct cost savings. The utilization of fossil fuel-derived energy is known to contribute to temperature increase, greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, and ground-level air pollution, all of which can be mitigated through biogas utilization. This initiative involves the design and construction of a 0.24m&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;3&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; pilot plastic fossil plant for biogas generation, aiming to &amp;quot;green&amp;quot; various applications, including domestic and industrial usage as well as transportation. The digester, constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, demonstrates leak-free operation, further supporting its potential for long-term sustainability. Results from a 28-day retention period show a cumulative biogas yield, with a daily assessment indicating a gas yield of 0.0496 m&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;3&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; on the 12th day. The study highlights the positive and negative influences of temperature inequality gradients ≥34°C≤38°C on biogas production. This comprehensive research contributes valuable insights for the sustainable management of waste and the utilization of biogas as a viable alternative energy source.

Switching from cigarettes to IQOS: the relative importance of IQOS-associated reward, reinforcement and abstinence relief

IntroductionThis study investigated whether IQOS, a heated tobacco product, can fully substitute for combustible cigarettes and the factors that promote substitution.MethodsAdults who smoked cigarettes daily (N=90; 21–65 years) completed a...

Testing the Impact of Variations in Administration on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10).

Self-report measures are useful in psychological research and practice, but scores may be impacted by administration methods. This study investigated whether changing the recall period (from 30 to 7 days) and response option order (from ascending to descending) alters the score distribution of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Participants were presented with the K10 with either different recall periods or different response option orders. There was weak evidence of lower mean K10 scores when using a 7-day recall period than when using the 30-day recall period (B = 1.96, 95% CI [0.04-3.90]) but no evidence of a change in the estimated prevalence of very high psychological distress. Presenting the response options in ascending order did not affect mean scores, but there was weak evidence of reduced prevalence of very high distress relative to the descending order (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.60, 95% CI [0.36-0.98]). These findings suggest that varying the administration method may result in minor differences in population estimates of very high psychological distress when using the K10.

Aloe vera and tea polyphenols composite coating delays passion fruit senescence by promoting phenolic and flavonoid accumulation

Passion fruits are highly perishable during postharvest storage and transportation, prompting the exploration of natural preservatives. This study investigates the synergistic effects of Aloe vera (ALV) and tea polyphenols (TP) coatings on quality retention, ripening modulation, and associated regulatory mechanisms in stored “golden” passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) at 10 °C. The application of a composite coating comprising 40 % ALV and 0.1 g/L TP led to notable improvements in fruit preservation over a 28-day storage period. At the day of 28, quantitatively, the ALV + TP treatment reduced weight loss by 41.60 %, shrinkage index by 28.13 %, and decay index by 50 %, significantly outperforming the control and individual treatments; the treated fruits exhibited enhanced firmness, reduced ethylene production, and the respiration peak was delayed about 6 days. Metabolomic analysis revealed pronounced alterations in key metabolic pathways, notably phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis. Specifically, significant increases in metabolites such as phenolic acids (Feruloylmalic acid and Acropyrone) and flavonoids (Okanin-4’-O-glucoside, Apigenin-8-C-Arabinoside, Quercetin-3-O- (2’-O-galloyl) galactoside, and Catechin callate) were observed. Concurrently, transcript levels of key biosynthetic genes including cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (PeC4H), 4-coumarate-coenzyme a ligase (PeC4L), hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (PeHCT) and flavonol synthase (PeFLS) were significantly up-regulated by ALV + TP coating, indicating a robust activation of these pathways. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the ALV + TP composite coating as an environmentally friendly strategy for enhancing postharvest quality by promoting the accumulation of beneficial phenolic acids and flavonoids in passion fruits.