Behavior Index Research Articles

Production of sorbet with persimmon using green pea aquafaba: physicochemical characterization and bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds

Abstract The purpose of this study was to valorize green pea cooking water (aquafaba) as a foaming agent in sorbet samples using with persimmon. Significant amount (22.34% ±1.22) of protein was determined in GPA (green pea aquafaba) at 10 Brix as a dry basis. GPA was added to the homogeneous puree mixture in varying concentrations (2.5, – 5, – 7.5, – 10 and 15%) and sorbet was produced in ice cream machine. The results showed that protein and dietary fiber content increased with the increasing of GPA. While the L value increased with increasing of GPA, the overrun improved from 8 to 51%. According to the experimental data, the Herschel–Bulkley model was fitted to samples, and the flow behavior index values varied between 0.29 and 0.37 (R 2 > 0.97). Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (CUPRAC and DPPH) of the resulting sorbet samples were also determined. Moreover, bioaccessibility of phenolics and antioxidant activities were also determined using in vitro digestion. All of the bioactive parameters are positively affected at sorbet samples. Using GPA as a foaming agent improved the overrun as well as bioactive characteristics of the sorbets. It can be said that 10% GPA gives better results, especially when considering overrun and sensory evaluation.

Exploring the entrepreneurial behavior of vegetable growers: influential factors and implications for agricultural development

IntroductionEntrepreneurship in agricultural sector is a key enabler of rural development and economic growth. This research delves into the entrepreneurial behavior of vegetable growers involved in polyhouse protected farming and focuses on the factors that influence their entrepreneurial pursuits.MethodsThe research employed a mixed sampling methodology and the data collection was done by personally interviews. Whereas, data were analyzed using various statistical techniques including Entrepreneurial behavior index computation and Kendall’s tau correlation.ResultsThe results of the study reveal noteworthy associations between factors such as farm income, experience in protected cultivation, area allocated for polyhouse cultivation and extension contact with entrepreneurial behavior. Notably, income consistently demonstrated a positive correlation with all aspects of entrepreneurial behavior, while experience and extension contact also exhibited significant positive relationships. Conversely, education level displayed a negative correlation with risk-taking ability but a positive correlation with other dimensions such as cosmopoliteness and innovativeness. However, family size and gender did not demonstrate significant associations with entrepreneurial behavior.DiscussionThe findings underscored the intricate nature of entrepreneurial behavior among vegetable growers which necessitate tailored interventions to foster entrepreneurship in this sector. The research recommends policy measures like financial incentives, enhanced access to extension services and promoting collaboration among polyhouse cultivators to encourage entrepreneurship. These initiatives aim to overcome financial barriers, improve technical knowledge and address structural challenges, ultimately fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and agricultural development.

Effects of Lutjanus erythropterus Protein on Depression-like Behavior and Gut Microbiota in Stressed Juvenile Mice.

Lutjanus erythropterus protein (Lep) exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, but its antidepressant activity is unknown. This study used a 44-day chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model to determine whether Lep has a beneficial effect through the gut-brain axis in 3-week-old male C57BL/6 mice. Gavaging with Lep solution alleviated the depression-like behavior and anxiety symptoms in CUMS growing mice. Administration of Lep decreased serum IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and restored colonic mucosal damage. In addition, Lep improved the disturbance of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) secretion in the gut-brain axis. Pearson analysis revealed that gut short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) concentration significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with mucosal damage scores and the depression-like behavior index. Lep was able to prevent the gut SCFA enrichment. Lep upregulated gut Muribaculaceae and downregulated SCFA-producing bacteria by replenishing deficient amino acid (AA) (tryptophan, alanine, aspartate, glutamate) and decreased (p < 0.01) the gene abundance of the AA metabolism pathway of SCFA-producing bacteria, thereby preventing gut SCFA enrichment and alleviating associated depression-like behavior. These findings indicate that Lep could attenuate depression in CUMS juvenile mice via the gut microbiota-SCFA-brain axis.

Influence of Added Cellulose Nanocrystals on the Rheology of Polymers.

The interactions between cellulose nanocrystals and six different polymers (three anionic, two non-ionic, and one cationic) were investigated using rheological measurements of aqueous solutions of nanocrystals and polymers. The experimental viscosity data could be described adequately by a power-law model. The variations in power-law parameters (consistency index and flow behavior index) with concentrations of nanocrystals and polymers were determined for different combinations of nanocrystals and polymers. The interactions between nanocrystals and the following polymers: anionic sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and non-ionic guar gum, were found to be strong in that the consistency index increased substantially with the addition of nanocrystals to polymer solutions. The interaction between nanocrystals and non-ionic polymer polyethylene oxide was moderate. Depending on the concentrations of nanocrystals and polymer, the consistency index both increased and decreased upon the addition of nanocrystals to polymer solution. The interactions between nanocrystals and the following polymers: anionic xanthan gum, anionic polyacrylamide, and cationic quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxyethyl cellulose, were found to be weak. The changes in rheological properties with nanocrystal addition to these polymer solutions were found to be small or negligible.

Mechanism of starch multi-scale structural in determining the textural properties and formability of starch pearls

Starch pearls are widely used in bubble tea and desserts, yet the mechanistic understanding of the formation process of their textural properties remain unclear. To investigate the relationship between the multi-scale structure of starch and the textural properties of starch pearls, analyses of fine structure, crystal structure, rheological behavior, and textural profiling were conducted. The results showed that starch gels with a higher content of short-chain amylose (100 < X ≤ 1000) exhibited weaker formability during starch pearl preparation, leading to a lower flow behavior index (n*). This, in turn, positively influenced the hardness and resilience of the starch pearls. Cassava, potato, and yam starch pearls contained a large amount of long-chain amylopectin (24 < X ≤ 100) and long-chain amylose (5000 < X ≤ 20,000). The high proportion of long chains resulted in a weaker ordered structure, leading to increased peak viscosities and final viscosities and a higher consistency coefficient (k*). This structural feature enhanced the formability stability, viscosity, and chewability of starch pearls. Our findings reveal that variations in starch multi-scale structure significantly influence the textural quality and formability of starch pearls, providing valuable insights for optimizing starch selection and processing techniques in the food industry.

Clinical Significance of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II in Children With Developmental Disabilities.

This study compared adaptive functioning measured by the Korean version of Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (K-VABS-II), in preschool children with developmental disabilities (DD) and those with typical development (TD). We also examined the correlation of K-VABS-II adaptive profiles with developmental and behavioral assessments. Two hundred preschool children (73 females and 127 males, mean age 54.7±9.1 months) were recruited from special educational centers, community-based daycare centers, and kindergartens. Eighty-one with DD comprising 61 with autism spectrum disorder, 63 with intellectual disability, 12 with language disorder, and 119 with TD were included. Their developmental profiles were measured by the Psychoeducational Profile-Revised (PEP-R), Preschool Receptive-Expressive Language Scale (PRES), K-VABS-II, Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and the Korean version of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (K-CARS). The parent completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). The K-VABS-II Adaptive Behavior Composite and all domain scores of K-VABS-II differed significantly between children with DD and TD (all p<0.001). In most domains, K-VABS-II had moderate-to-strong correlations with PEP-R, PRES, K-CARS, and SRS. The Maladaptive Behavior Index domain of K-VABS-II had moderate correlations with behavioral assessments, including CBCL and ABC. These findings suggest that K-VABS-II is useful in evaluating developmental levels and adaptive and maladaptive behaviors of preschool children with DD. K-VABS-II also had significant correlations with cognitive, language, social, and behavioral assessments.

Assessment of neurotoxicity of gadolinium nanocomposite

Introduction. A promising area of nanotoxicology is the study of the effects of gadolinium nanoparticles on a living organism, which will allow achieving high image contrast when performing MRI with a significantly smaller amount of the injected substance. This is possible using high-molecular compounds, for example, arabinogalactan of Siberian larch, which has a stabilizing effect for nanoparticles. Materials and methods. Experimental studies were performed on ninety six mongrel white male rats weighing 180–240 g, divided into 3 groups (one control and two experimental). A water-based solution was used as the exposed substance, which included gadolinium nanoparticles, as well as a nanostabilizing matrix – the natural polysaccharide arabinogalactan. The solution was administered orally for 10 days in two doses – 500 and 5000 mcg of gadolinium per 1 kg of animal body weight. After the introduction, some of the animals were withdrawn from the experiment and made up the early examination period, the remaining part of the animals were left to survive for 6 months and made up the long-term examination period, and subsequently were also withdrawn from the experiment. The work used a set of studies aimed at determining neurotoxicity – the “Open Field” test, EEG examination, morphological and morphometric methods. Results. The structural and functional features of the effect of gadolinium nanocomposite on the central nervous system were expressed in an increase in the number of degeneratively altered neurons when administered a solution at a dose of 500 mcg of gadolinium per 1 kg of animal body weight in the early period of examination, while indices reflecting approximate research activity, behaviour and EEG indices, compared with the control, did not changed. Limitations. When studying the effects of gadolinium nanoparticles encapsulated in the polysaccharide arabinogalactan on 96 outbred male rats, which is sufficient to use a set of methods to determine the functional state of the central nervous system and structural changes in nervous tissue. Conclusion. Thus, the subacute effect of gadolinium nanoparticles encapsulated in the arabinogalactan matrix causes structural changes in the nervous tissue, while functional changes in the central nervous system were not observed.

Investigation of Rheological and Flow Properties of Buckwheat Dough with and Without Xanthan and Guar Gums for Optimized 3D Food Printing Across Temperature Variations.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a gluten-free crop valued for its protein, fiber, and essential minerals. This study investigates the rheological properties of buckwheat (BW) dough, both with and without the addition of gums (no gum, guar (GG), xanthan (XG)), at varying barrel temperatures (25, 55, and 85 °C) of the rheometer and at different water content levels (45, 50, and 55% w/w) to optimize dough formulations for 3D food printing. Using high shear stress capillary tests, the consistency coefficient (K) and flow behavior index (n) were measured. The results indicated that GG significantly increases the apparent viscosity of buckwheat dough across shear rates ranging from 200 to 2000 s-1, under all temperature and water content conditions. XG also enhanced viscosity but to a lesser extent at moderate temperatures (55 °C, 85 °C). All BW dough formulations exhibited a non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior, crucial for 3D printing applications. In addition, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to analyze the extrusion process of BW dough formulations (50% W, 50% W + XG, and 50% W + GG), focusing on shear rate, viscosity, and pressure distribution. The simulations demonstrated that shear rates increased as the dough moved through the nozzle, while viscosity decreased, facilitating extrusion. However, gum-added formulations required higher pressures for extrusion, indicating an increased difficulty in dough flow. The study highlights the complex interactions between temperature, water content, and additive type on the rheological properties of buckwheat dough, while also incorporating CFD simulations to analyze the extrusion process. These insights provide a foundation for developing nutrient-dense, gluten-free 3D-printed foods tailored to specific dietary needs.

The Impact of Increased Physical Activity at School on the Nutritional Behavior and BMI of 13-Year-Olds.

Background/Objectives: Diet and physical activity (PA) significantly impact health. Unfortunately, a worrying trend of decreasing PA among children and adolescents, accompanied by unhealthy nutritional behavior, is observed worldwide. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional behavior and body mass index (BMI) of adolescents aged 13 years in groups of extended and standard PA at school. Methods: The study was conducted in six schools among adolescents born in 2007 (n = 213), in two groups of standard and extended PA at school (SPA and EPA), wherein each group received 4 and 10 h of physical education lessons per week, respectively. Their height and body mass were measured. BMI was calculated and compared with percentile charts. A questionnaire was used to assess nutritional behavior and extracurricular physical activity. Results: Approximately 62% of adolescents had a normal body weight, with SPA 58%, EPA 64%, overweight 13.63%, SPA 13.75%, EPA 13.50%, obesity 14.13%, SPA 19.25%, EPA 9%, and underweight 11.17%, SPA 8.85%, and EPA 13.50%. Among the potential health-promoting foods, dishes, and beverages, fruits and vegetables were the most frequently consumed items, whereas fish and legume dishes were the least consumed. Butter, white bread, sweets, cheeses, cold cuts, and sausages were all consumed very often. Fast food and lard were the least frequently consumed items. Conclusions: A significant proportion of 13-year-olds were overweight or obese. Extended PA had a beneficial effect on BMI, but it had little effect on nutritional behavior among the studied adolescents. The adolescents exhibited moderate nutritional behaviors; however, it was more favorable in those exposed to extended PA at school than those exposed to standard PA. It is possible to argue that extending organized PA at school leads to increased PA during leisure time. It is recommended to increase PA for adolescents by doubling the mandatory number of physical education lessons or other sports activities in the school curriculum.

Rheological, microbiological, and in vitro digestive properties of Kefir produced with different Kefir grains and commercial starter cultures.

This research investigates the production of kefir using Turkish and Kazakh kefir grains and commercial starter cultures, followed by storage at 4 °C for 30 days. The study monitors the rheological properties and microbiological characteristics of kefir on the 1st, 15th, and 30th days of storage, as well as during dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Kefir samples were passed through a dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal model simulating the digestive processes of the mouth, stomach, and small intestine which was designed in laboratory conditions. Kefir from Turkish kefir grain exhibited the lowest average titratable acidity, apparent viscosity, and flow behavior index, while kefir from Kazakh kefir grain had the highest average pH. Over the storage period, pH and flow behavior index decreased, while titratable acidity, viscosity, and consistency coefficient increased. The kefir samples showed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow characteristics. The acetic acid bacteria and Leuconostoc counts of kefir samples produced with commercial starter cultures were higher than those produced with kefir grains, while yeast counts were higher in kefir samples produced with kefir grains. During storage and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, the number of microorganisms in kefir samples decreased. Turkish kefir grain resulted in the lowest reduction (%) of microorganism counts during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. These findings shed light on the rheological, microbiological, and in vitro digestive properties of kefir during storage, which may contribute to improving the quality and health benefits of kefir products. The present study revealed that the kefir produced with kefir grains had a lower decrease in the viability of microorganisms compared to the kefir produced with starter culture after passage through the gastrointestinal model, so kefir produced with kefir grains may be more preferred due to its possible health benefits.

Lower limb strength and depression: a national cross-sectional study of an elderly population in China.

The relationship between lower limb strength and depression in the elderly remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate this relationship using representative samples from China. A total of 3421 elderly people aged 60 and above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were included. Five Times Sit-to-Stand (5TSTS) test was used to group the strength of lower limbs, and subjects' demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviour and health index were evaluated. After adjusting the related variables, the relationship between lower limb strength and depression was determined by logistic regression model, and whether the relationship between lower limb strength and depression was related to different ages was further studied. There were 1222 (35.7%) participants suffering from depression. Higher lower limb strength was associated with a lower likelihood of depression. Compared to the weakest group (Q1), those with stronger lower limb strength had significantly lower adjusted odds ratio (OR) for depression: OR ranged from 0.722 (95% CI: 0.589-0.886) to 0.446 (95% CI: 0.359-0.553). The relationship between lower limb strength and depression varied by age. This cross-sectional study cannot establish causality. Additionally, depression assessment relied on self-reports, which may introduce bias. Future longitudinal studies should consider other psychological and social factors to comprehensively understand the determinants of depression in the elderly. There is a correlation between lower limb strength and depression, that is, the incidence of depressive symptoms in the elderly with better lower limb strength is lower, and this significant correlation has been proved in both sexes and almost all age groups.

Chasing Schottky–Mott: Metal-first non-alloyed contacts to β-Ga2O3 for interface quality and minimal surface modification

Metal-first non-alloyed ohmic and Schottky contacts are fabricated on β-Ga2O3 with a range of metal work functions (ϕM). The resulting ohmic contacts are of high quality with a contact resistance (Rc) as low as 0.069 ± 0.003 Ω mm. Measurements of the barrier heights (ϕB) indicate that metal-first processing, which preserves the as-grown/bare-substrate surface, also partially un-pins the Fermi-level in (010) and (2¯01) oriented Ga2O3. Depth-resolved XPS (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) measurements of the oxidation state throughout the contact metal at the contact–Ga2O3 interface indicate that most non-alloyed contact metals are at least partially oxidized by room temperature redox reactions with the underlying Ga2O3, with metals with a lower ϕM also demonstrating the greatest level of oxidation. As oxidation has been previously observed to enhance a metal’s work function, this may imply that to-date observations of indices of surface behavior &amp;lt;&amp;lt; 1 on β-Ga2O3, which have been attributed to severe Fermi-level pinning, may need to be corrected to account for this partial oxidation in addition to other surface modifications during device processing demonstrated in this work.

Experimental study of steel single skin, double skin and dual tubes stub columns filled with rubberized concrete

This experimental study investigates the performance of rubberized concrete-filled dual steel tubular (RuCFDST) short columns under concentric compression, addressing a gap in existing literature. While previous studies focused on single- and double-skin circular steel tube stub columns, the specific behavior of RuCFDST columns remains largely unexplored. The study compares RuCFDST columns with rubberized concrete-filled steel tubes (RuCFST) and rubberized concrete-filled double-skin steel tubes (RuCFDSST). A total of eighteen specimens were experimentally tested, which consisted of three single-tube configuration, three double-skin configuration, and twelve dual tube configuration. The investigation covers rubberized concrete preparation, material testing, precise measurements, test setup, and result analysis. Key parameters include rubberized ratio (0 %, 10 %, 20 %, and 30 %) and concrete mix variations. The results provide insights into failure modes, load-shortening behavior, ductility, and strength index, with comparisons to the design predictions based on the European standard EC4. The inclusion of rubberized concrete enhances ductility, while RuCFDST columns show promise in combining sustainability and strength. The study also evaluates design predictions, revealing good agreement for lower rubberized content but indicating deviations for higher ratios, suggesting the need for refined design approaches in such cases.

Influence of physical forms of non-forage diet on growth performance, feeding behavior, rumen and blood indices, and nutrient digestibility in fattening goats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical forms (PF) of a non-forage fiber-based fattening diet on the growth performance, feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, blood, and rumen indices in male Beetal goats. Thirty male goats with an average body weight (BW) of 32 ± 1 kg were assigned to one of three dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. The treatments were as follows: (1) Pelleted (P) diet, where all ingredients were ground to 2 mm and then pelleted; (2) Texturized (TX) diet, where all ingredients, except whole corn grain, were ground to 2 mm, pelleted, and then mixed with whole corn grains; and (3) Unprocessed conventional mix (UCM), where all ingredients were mixed without any mechanical processing. The experimental duration was 12-week, two weeks for dietary adaptation, nine weeks for growth data collection, and one week for evaluation of nutrients digestibility. Daily dry matter intake (DMI) and DMI as a percentage of BW were higher (P < 0.05) in the P diet compared to the TX diet. The male goats fed with the UCM exhibited higher (P < 0.05) average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio than TX and P diet. The ruminal pH tended to be higher (P < 0.05) in the goats fed the UCM compared to those fed the TX and P diets. The odds of having a fecal consistency score of 3 or more were 16.4 times (2.18–123.97) greater in the P diet and 9.1 times (1.15–72.16) in the TX diet than in the UCM. The intake of DM, NDF, feeding and total rumination time, were higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed UCM than those fed P and TX diets. The digestibility of NDF and EE were higher (P < 0.05) in the UCM and TX than in the P diet. These findings suggest that incorporating an unprocessed diet composed of whole corn grain and soyhulls can lead to enhanced growth performance, improved feeding behavior, and better nutrient utilization.

Physicochemical Factors Affecting the Rheology and Stability of Peach Puree Dispersions

The rheological properties and sedimentation phenomena in fruit purees are of particular importance for the food industry and product acceptance by consumers. The aim of this study was to correlate the phase separation with the underlying mechanisms. First, the influence of soluble solids content and temperature on the flow properties of peach puree was determined. Furthermore, considering the fruit puree matrix as a colloidal dispersion, the sedimentation rate, particle size and zeta potential were also determined. The peach puree samples exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, which was effectively described by the power law model. Both the flow consistency coefficient and apparent viscosity increased as the concentration rose. On the contrary, viscosity decreased as temperature increased. In addition, there was no significant effect of temperature on the flow behavior index. Low zeta potential values resulted in sedimentation as expressed by the phase separation index, and the highest sedimentation rate was observed for the sample with the lowest sucrose content.

Primary care severe asthma registry project-phase 1: e-Delphi results for registry entry and indices of clinician behaviour

Primary care severe asthma registry project-phase 1: e-Delphi results for registry entry and indices of clinician behaviour

Effect of protein-phenolic acid complexes on ice cream structure and meltdown behavior

This study focused on understanding the effects of protein-phenolic acid complexes on structural changes and meltdown behavior in ice cream. Three phenolic acids (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, and gallic acid) at two concentrations (2 and 10 mg/g) were individually investigated. Compared to control ice cream, 2 and 10 mg/g phenolic acid increased the induction time for the first drip by 175–200% and 200–292%, respectively. Ice cream with gallic acid and vanillic acid at 10 mg/g exhibited the lowest meltdown rates compared to other treatments. Addition of phenolic acids caused reduction of ice cream pH (4.92–6.13), overrun (23.11–69.02%), consistency coefficient (9.47–175.56 Pa sn), and melting enthalpy (154,320–193,330 J/kg), while increasing the apparent viscosity (478.37–8770.17 mPa s), flow behavior index (0.42–0.62), and fat globule size (2.22–10.53 μm). Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of a model ice cream mix indicated the presence of protein-phenolic acid interactions. Microscope images of ice cream samples treated with SDS and EDTA further suggested that protein-phenolic acid interactions help create fat aggregation. These findings indicate that addition of phenolic acid to an ice cream mix affects its microstructure by generating protein-phenolic acid complexes that cause protein-mediated fat aggregation, altering the ice cream's viscosity properties and resulting in a lower meltdown rate.

Characterization of Hydrocolloids Extracted from Fenugreek and Sweet Basil Seeds and Their Effect on Rheological Properties of Wheat Starch Paste

Starch-hydrocolloid systems are crucial texturizing agents, ingredients and additives in many food products. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of extraction temperature on the composition and properties of hydrocolloids extracted from milled fenugreek and sweet basil seeds, as well as the effect of the obtained non-starch polysaccharide preparations on the rheological properties of wheat starch paste. Hydrocolloids were extracted from milled seeds of fenugreek and sweet basil at room temperature (PFRT and PSBRT, respectively) and at 70 °C (PF70 and PSB70, respectively), with the extraction yields ranging from 32 to 47%. Extracted hydrocolloids contained polysaccharides (mainly high molar mass galactomannan) and protein. Preparations extracted at 70 °C from fenugreek (PF70) and sweet basil (PSB70) seeds were characterized by a higher content of polyphenols (16.2% and 50.9%, respectively), as well as higher antioxidant properties compared to preparations extracted at room temperature (PFRT and PSBRT). The 6% share of the fenugreek and sweet basil seed preparations obtained by extraction at room temperature increased the consistency index and reduced the flow behavior index compared to the starch paste without the preparations. The share of fenugreek seed and sweet basil preparations increased (p &lt; 0.05) the tan δ parameter of the starch paste compared to the starch paste without the preparations.

Association between the risk of aberrant driving behavior and sleep disorder indices: A pilot study involving urban taxi drivers

Aberrant driving behaviors (ADBs) may degrade road safety and pose significant dangers to both drivers and the public. Taxi drivers, who regularly work in complex urban environments for extended periods, are at a higher risk of ADBs. While many studies have focused on the development of ADBs, limited research has examined impacts of sleep-related factors. In this study, we investigated associations between the occurrence of ADBs and sleep-disordered indices. Thirty-one taxi drivers were recruited and monitored over four consecutive days and nights, with daytime driving behaviors tracked after nighttime sleep was assessed. The severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was measured using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) through hospital-based polysomnography, while sleep-disordered indices were recorded at home using wearable devices. Driving behavioral data were collected via navigation software. Statistical regression models were used to explore relationships between ADBs and sleep-disordered indices. Key findings include that drivers with severe OSA exhibited significantly higher ADB event frequencies per kilometer compared to those without severe OSA. Home-based sleep-disordered indices, such as higher cyclic variation of the heart rate index (CVHRI) and chest effort index (CEI), were significantly associated with an increased frequency of ADB events the following day, with respective beta coefficients of 0.062 and 0.111. These associations remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Our findings suggest a strong link between sleep-disordered indices and the occurrence of ADBs among taxi drivers, emphasizing the importance of addressing sleep health to reduce ADB risks.

Comparison of forced and voluntary exercise types on male rat brain monoamine levels, anxiety-like behaviour, and physiological indexes under light and dark phases

PurposePhysical exercise improves physical and mental health; however, the differences between voluntary and forced exercise protocols are unclear. In addition, knowledge regarding the consequences of differences in testing timing, such as light and dark phases, in response to exercise type is limited. We investigated the effects of chronic forced and voluntary wheel running on the changes in brain monoamine levels (5-HT: serotonin, DA: dopamine, NA: noradrenaline), anxiety-like behaviours, and physiological stress responses in the light and dark phases. MethodsAdult male Wistar rats were equally and randomly assigned to four groups: sedentary control, voluntary exercise (free running on a wheel, V-EX), voluntary limited exercise (wheel available only 1 h/day, VL-EX), and forced exercise (running on a motorised wheel, F-EX). Each group was further divided into dark- or light-experimental condition groups. After 4 weeks, the rats underwent an open-field test. The monoamines and their metabolite levels were measured in the major neural cell bodies and the projection areas related to behaviour, cognition, anxiety, and stress in the brain. ResultsAdrenal hypertrophy and elevated body temperature, except during the exercise period, were observed in the F-EX rats that exhibited anxiety-like behaviour. The levels of monoamines and their metabolites, particularly the 5-HTergic and DAergic systems, in specific areas, were significantly altered in the rats in the V-EX group compared to those in the VL-EX and other groups. These differences were observed only in the dark phase. ConclusionThe results suggest that V-EX mainly stimulates the 5-HTergic and DAergic systems, while F-EX induces physiological stress and increases anxiety-like behaviour during the dark phase. This study highlights the importance of accounting for exercise types and light/dark phases in behavioural neuroscience experiments.