Changes In Composition Research Articles

Chemistry module for the Earth system model

Abstract The description of the new version of the INM–RSHU chemistry–climate model, created on the basis of the climate model INMCM6.0 is presented. A special feature of the new version of the chemistry–climate model is the complete unification of the model structure with the basic core of the INMCM6.0 climate model. The transport of chemically active species in the atmosphere is performed on the same grid and by the same methods as the transport of meteorological parameters and aerosol. Chemical transformations are added as local processes at each grid point of the model, correcting the changes in tropospheric and stratospheric concentrations of chemically active species caused by dynamical processes. The model was tested using the results of calculations of changes in the chemical composition of the atmosphere over the last 20 years of the 20th century, performed with a version of the model with a resolution of 4 × 5 degrees in latitude and longitude.

Novel fabrication of polyethylene glycol/ceramic composite pellets with an excellent phase change shape stable trait and their potential applications for greenhouse insulation

Organic solid–liquid phase change materials (PCMs) face challenges in practical applications due to their susceptibility to leakage during phase transitions. To address this issue, we constructed the polyethylene glycol (PEG)/ceramic pellets (CPs) composite phase change shape stable materials (PCSHs) with thermal energy storage capability, thermal stability, and a firm texture using the melting impregnation method. The PCSHs exhibit remarkable shape stability in the leakage test due to the capillary action and surface tension generated by the micropore structure on their surface. They also can convert light energy into heat and store it as latent heat, achieving an optimal photothermal conversion efficiency of 45.21 % and a maximum melting enthalpy of 13.33 kJ/kg at a PEG loading of ∼ 12 %. An outdoor greenhouse insulation simulation experiment confirmed that the PCSHs can maintain soil temperatures above 30 °C for over 30 min after illumination ceases. This work presents a facile synthesis strategy for shape-stable PCMs with potential applications in greenhouse insulation.

Longitudinal changes in regional fat and muscle composition and cardiometabolic biomarkers over 5 years of hormone therapy in transgender individuals.

Longitudinal studies investigating hormone therapy in transgender individuals are rare and often limited to 1- to 2-year follow-up periods. We examined changes in body composition, muscle volumes, and fat distribution as well as muscle strength, arterial stiffness, and cardiometabolic biomarkers in both transgender men (TM; n=17, age 25±5 years) and transgender women (TW; n=16, age 28±5 years) at baseline and after 1 and 5-6 years of hormone therapy in a longitudinal prospective cohort design. Whole-body and regional fat and muscle volumes were analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging, and blood samples were taken. Skeletal muscle size increased in TM (21% after 6 years) and decreased in TW (7% after 5 years). Muscle strength increased 18% after 6 years in TM (p=0.003) but was statistically unchanged in TW. Muscle fat infiltration changed (p<0.05) almost completely toward the affirmed sex phenotype after 1 year of therapy in both TM and TW. The most notable changes in fat volume distribution were that TW increased total adiposity but decreased visceral fat volume, whereas TM showed increased visceral fat (70%) and liver fat but relatively stable total adipose tissue levels. Although arterial stiffness and blood pressure did not change, there was a significant increase in triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels and a decrease in HDL levels in TM after 6 years. These unique longitudinal data underscore the importance of continued clinical monitoring of the long-term health effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy in both TW and, perhaps especially, TM.

The Impact of Complementary Feeding on Fecal Microbiota in Exclusively Breast-Fed Infants with Cystic Fibrosis (A Descriptive Study)

Background/Objectives: Early life gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in shaping immunity, metabolism, and overall health outcomes. This is relevant in healthy infants but may be even more crucial in infants with chronic devastating diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF). While the introduction of solid foods in healthy infants modifies the composition of colonic microbiota, less knowledge is available on those with CF. The aim of this descriptive observational study was to assess the composition of fecal microbiota in six exclusively breast-fed infants with CF, and then explore the changes induced upon the introduction of different foods. Methods: two types of fecal samples were collected from each subject: one during the exclusive-breastfeeding period, and the other after incorporating each new food in the ad libitum diet. The microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results: Wide heterogenicity in the composition at the phylum level (variable proportions of Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, and the absence of Bacteroidota in all subjects) was found, and different enterotypes were characterized in each subject by the main presence of one genus: Bifidobacterium in Subject 1 (relative abundance of 54.4%), Klebsiella in Subject 3 (49.1%), Veillonella in Subjects 4 and 5 (32.7% and 36.9%, respectively), and Clostridium in Subject 6 (48.9%). The transition to complementary feeding induced variable changes in microbiota composition, suggesting a subject-specific response and highlighting the importance of inter-individual variation. Conclusions: Further studies are required to identify which foods contribute to shaping colonic microbiota in the most favorable way for patients with CF using a personalized approach.

A Metabolomics Strategy Combining Countercurrent Separation and qNMR for the Comprehensive Chemical Evaluation of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Processing.

Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) is commonly used in traditional medicine as both raw and processed forms. Raw PMR was prepared into processed PMR via processing procedure; however, there is a lack of standardized protocols ensuring the completeness of processing. This aims to develop a strategy based on a metabolomics approach for the comprehensive chemical profiling and comparison of raw and processed PMR and establish a basis for PMR processing standardization. Methanol extracts of raw and processed PMR were fractionated by centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) with an optimized two-phase solvent system based on the partition coefficient calculated from the shake-flask method to produce primary (1°Ms)- and secondary metabolites (2°Ms)-enriched fractions. These fractions were profiled by 1D and 2D and selective 1D NMR experiments, spectral fitting, and comparison with reference standards. The profiled compounds were quantified via quantitative 1H NMR (qHNMR) to show the chemical changes, which were correlated with changes in antioxidant effects on H2452 cells. A CPC method was developed to efficiently separate 1°Ms- and 2°Ms-enriched fractions. This method achieved high purity of the major stilbene in PMR in a single run. qHNMR effectively quantified four 2°Ms and twenty-one 1°Ms in both raw and processed PMR, including meso-butane-2,3-diol, which was first reported from processed PMR. Changes in chemical composition of PMR because of processing are highly correlated to the increase of antioxidant activity. A convenient and cost-effective strategy for the comprehensive chemical profiling of raw and processed PMR was developed by combining countercurrent separation and qHNMR. This approach will contribute to the standardization of medicinal herbal materials.

Novel Strategies for Lung Cancer Interventional Diagnostics

Lung cancer is a major global health issue, with 2.21 million cases and 1.80 million deaths reported in 2020. It is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Most lung cancers have been linked to tobacco use, with changes in cigarette composition over the years contributing to shifts in cancer types and tumor locations within the lungs. Additionally, there is a growing incidence of lung cancer among never-smokers, particularly in East Asia, which is expected to increase the global burden of the disease. The classification of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) into distinct subtypes is crucial for treatment efficacy and patient safety, especially as different subtypes respond differently to chemotherapy. For instance, certain chemotherapeutic agents are more effective for adenocarcinoma than for squamous carcinoma, which has led to the exclusion of squamous carcinoma from treatments like Bevacizumab due to safety concerns. This necessitates accurate histological diagnosis, which requires sufficient tissue samples from biopsies. However, acquiring adequate tissue is challenging due to the complex nature of lung tumors, patient comorbidities, and potential complications from biopsy procedures, such as bleeding, pneumothorax, and the purported risk of local recurrence. The need for improved diagnostic techniques has led to the development of advanced technologies like electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB), radial endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS), and robotic bronchoscopy. ENB and rEBUS have enhanced the accuracy and safety of lung biopsies, particularly for peripheral lesions, but both have limitations, such as the dependency on the presence of a bronchus sign. Robotic bronchoscopy, which builds on ENB, offers greater maneuverability and stability, improving diagnostic yields. Additionally, new imaging adjuncts, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and augmented fluoroscopy, further enhance the precision of these procedures by providing real-time, high-resolution imaging. These advancements are crucial as lung cancer is increasingly being detected at earlier stages due to screening programs, which require minimally invasive, accurate diagnostic methods to improve patient outcomes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current challenges in lung cancer diagnostics and the innovative technological advancements in this rapidly evolving field, which represents an increasingly exciting career path for aspiring pulmonologists.

Temporal Changes in Faecal Microbiota Composition and Diversity in Dairy Cows Supplemented with a Lactobacillus-Based Direct-Fed Microbial

The rumen microbiota of dairy cows plays a crucial role in fermenting fibrous material, essential for nutrient extraction and overall productivity, detoxification of anti-nutritional toxic compounds, synthesis of vital nutrients, and is essential for optimal animal health. This study investigated the impact of Lentilactobacillus-, Lactocaseibacillus-, and Lacticaseibacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) supplementation on dairy cows’ faecal microbial composition and diversity. The study was carried out on a commercial dairy farm using 50 Holstein-Friesian cows randomly assigned into control (CON) and treatment (TRT) groups. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum every two months from September 2021 to January 2023. The bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS-1 regions were amplified, sequenced, and analysed. Microbial diversity was assessed through alpha- and beta-diversity metrics. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was performed to identify which taxa were driving the changes seen in the microbiota over time and treatment. Bacteroidaceae were the most prevalent bacterial family, followed by Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae in both CON and TRT cows. Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota were the dominant three fungal phyla in the faeces of both CON and TRT cows. Bacterial genera Fructilactobacillus was abundant in the CON and Absicoccus in the TRT groups. Fungal taxa Chaetothryriales_incertae_sedis and Pseudomentella were absent in the faeces of TRT cows. Significant temporal and specific taxonomic differences were observed between the CON and TRT groups. The study’s findings underscore the dynamic nature of microbial communities and the importance of targeted dietary interventions. Further research is necessary to elucidate these microbial shifts, long-term impacts, and functional implications, aiming to optimise ruminant nutrition and enhance dairy cow performance.

Looking for the optimal harvest time of red grapes with an enzymatic electrochemical multisensory system

The timing of the grape harvest is a critical decision for winemakers, as it greatly impacts the quality and organoleptic characteristics of the resulting red wines. One key indicator for determining the optimal harvest time is the phenolic content of the grapes. As the berries ripen, phenolic compounds in the grape skin cells migrate from the seeds to the pulp and finally to the skin. However, monitoring these phenolic changes, particularly in the seeds, presents a challenge. This research addresses this problem by developing a novel technique to track the phenolic composition of seeds during ripening. The objective is to provide a reliable method for winemakers to monitor the phenolic evolution and improve harvest decision-making.In this study, a multisensory system consisting of four electrochemical enzymatic carbon paste sensors, modified with tyrosinase and electrocatalytic materials (AuNPs, lutetium phthalocyanine, and nickel oxide nanoparticles), was employed to analyze the phenolic content in grape seed extracts. The system monitored weekly changes in the phenolic composition of the seeds from three red grape varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Prieto Picudo—during their ripening from veraison to being overripe. Using voltammetric techniques, the electrochemical responses were characterized by shifts in peak positions and intensity changes, reflecting the oxidation/reduction of phenols. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated the ability of the array of sensors to discriminate phenolic changes across ripening stages, while Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression provided robust correlation models between the electrochemical responses and seed phenolic content, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.93 to 0.99. The developed methodology successfully tracked phenolic changes, offering a promising tool for monitoring grape seed maturation and assisting in determining the optimal harvest time.

The assessment of the composition of the microbiota of the facial skin in patients with seborrheic dermatitis and metabolic syndrome

Our study revealed associations with dysregulation of the community of commensals connected with seborrheic dermatitis, metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus.The aim of the study was to identify the association of the severity of SD and changes in the bacterial composition of the skin microbiota in patients with facial SD, with facial SD and metabolic syndrome and in patients with facial SD with MS and type 2 diabetes mellitus.Material and methods.The study included 90 patients with seborrheic dermatitis, divided into 3 groups . The severity of the disease was determined by SEDASI score . Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on the criteria of NCEP ATP III. The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was established according to the diagnostic criteria of diabetes mellitus and other glycemic disorders . A modified Leming-Notman dense medium was used to isolate yeast fungi of Malassezia spp. The cultures were obtained according to the Gold’s method. The species identification from clinical isolates was carried out using the mass spectrometry method on the MALDI-TOF MS "Biotyper RTC" device.Results.Significant changes in the number of bacterial species were observed in patients with moderate to severe diabetes mellitus. We found that the colonization of microorganisms on the facial skin significantly increased in patients of groups 2 and 3, compared with group 1. Among the isolated staphylococci in patients of groups 2 and 3, the growth of S. аureus, S. epidermidis, and S. hominis prevailed.Conclusion.The severity of the duration and widespread lesions on the facial skin in patients with seborrheic dermatitis, metabolic syndrome and with seborrheic dermatitis, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus are interrelated with dysbiosis of the microbiota. The growth of microorganisms in patients with seborrheic dermatitis and impaired carbohydrate metabolism is associated with severe facial SD and plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Dynamic Shifts in Antibiotic Residues and Gut Microbiome Following Tilmicosin Administration to Silkie Chickens

Tilmicosin, an antibiotic widely used in animal husbandry to prevent and treat bacterial infections, raises concerns due to its residual accumulation, which impacts both animal health and food safety. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of tilmicosin clearance patterns in different tissues, assessed physiological impacts through blood biochemistry, and investigated changes in gut microbial composition with 16S rRNA sequencing of the tilmicosin-treated Silkie chickens. Initially, we observed rapid peaks in tilmicosin residues in all tissues within 1 day after treatment, but complete metabolism took longer, extending beyond 9 days. Moreover, tilmicosin treatment significantly decreased serum levels of total bile acid, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid, while increasing the levels of direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, and glutathione peroxidase at day 3, followed by a decrease from day 5 onwards. The effects of tilmicosin use on microbial composition and diversity lasted for an extended period, with the relative abundance of Proteobacteria remaining significantly different between the control and tilmicosin-treated groups at 120 days. Additionally, correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between Mucispirillum_schaedleri and tilmicosin residue in all tissues, while Parabbacteroide_distasonis, Faecalibacterium_prausnitzii, and others exhibited negative correlations with tilmicosin residue. Overall, our study indicates a significant correlation between intestinal microbes and antibiotic residues, providing a theoretical basis for guiding the withdrawal period after antibiotic use.

Resveratrol Butyrate Esters Reduce Hypertension in a Juvenile Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease Exacerbated by Microplastics

Background: Resveratrol is recognized as a promising nutraceutical with antihypertensive and prebiotic properties; however, its bioavailability in vivo is limited. To enhance its bioactivity, we developed resveratrol butyrate esters (RBEs). This study investigates whether RBEs can mitigate hypertension induced by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and exacerbated by microplastics (MPs) exposure in juvenile rats. Methods: Three-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were fed either regular chow or 0.5% adenine chow for three weeks. The adenine-fed CKD rats (N = 8 per group) received either 5 μM MPs (10 mg/L) or MPs combined with RBE (25 mg/L) in their drinking water from weeks 3 to 9. Results: Our results indicate that MP exposure worsened CKD-induced hypertension, while RBE treatment resulted in a reduction in systolic BP by 15 mmHg (155 ± 2 mmHg vs. 140 ± 1 mmHg, p &lt; 0.05). The combined exposure to adenine and MPs was associated with nitric oxide (NO) deficiency, which RBE treatment alleviated. Additionally, our findings revealed that RBE modulated both the classical and nonclassical renin–angiotensin system (RAS), contributing to its protective effects. We also observed changes in gut microbiota composition, increased butyric acid levels, and elevated renal GPR41 expression associated with RBE treatment. Conclusions: In conclusion, in this juvenile rat model of combined CKD and MP exposure, RBE demonstrates antihypertensive effects by modulating NO levels, the RAS, gut microbiota, and their metabolites.

Effect of Composition Change of Ammonium Sulfide Mother Liquor on Corrosion Resistance of CoCrNi Medium-Entropy Alloy

Effect of Composition Change of Ammonium Sulfide Mother Liquor on Corrosion Resistance of CoCrNi Medium-Entropy Alloy

Intensive grazing confounds the patterns of plant compositional change along a soil pH gradient, not an aridity gradient, in the Mongolian steppe

AbstractAridity, edaphic variables and livestock grazing are major drivers of plant community composition across arid rangelands. Accumulated knowledge exists on the impact of each driver on community composition. Although previous studies have demonstrated changes in direct grazing impacts on ecosystem functions and community composition at different aridity levels, ranging from mesic to arid grasslands, whether a regional‐scale and continuous spatial pattern of plant compositional change along a gradient of aridity or edaphic variables is altered by grazing remains controversial. We compared the determinants and patterns of compositional changes with/without highly intensive grazing in the semi‐arid/arid regions of Mongolia. The compositional changes based on Bray–Curtis dissimilarity were investigated using generalized dissimilarity modeling, including geographic distance, aridity, soil pH and soil texture as independent variables. Aridity consistently had a significant impact on community composition, regardless of the region and presence/absence of grazing. However, a difference in response patterns was observed between the regions. The compositional change was steeper at the upper (drier) limit of aridity than at the lower limit in the arid region. This pattern indicates the vulnerability of plant communities to aridity shifts owing to future climate change, especially in the desert steppe of Mongolia, although the predictions of shifts in aridity are not accurate. In addition, regardless of the region, the effects of soil pH on the community composition were eliminated by the presence of grazing. Grazing may homogenize community composition by not reflecting the spatial heterogeneity of soil pH or nutrient availability via selective herbivory. Despite the potential indirect impacts of climate change on community composition via soil pH, the observations for only plant communities under intensive grazing might overlook regional biodiversity changes caused by global change drivers.

Study of physiological reactions in healthy individuals in different microclimate: a pilot study

Introduction. Studying the influence of meteorological and heliophysical factors on the human body is an urgent problem in restorative medicine. Aim. To study the characteristics of the microclimatic zones of the territory of the village of Arkhipo-Osipovka, the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory and the physiological parameters of healthy volunteers before and after the terrainkur in order to assess the effectiveness of its individual routes. Materials and methods. Bioclimatic zoning of the territory of the SKK “Vulan” was carried out, the village of Arkhipo-Osipovka, the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory, according to standard methods in October 2023. In October 2023, a clinical study was conducted with the participation of 12 healthy volunteers, using a cross-sectional study design. All study participants went through a standard health path route every day in different microclimatic zones, before and after which a psychophysiological study was carried out, heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed, microcirculation and composition body weight using the bioimpedance method. Results and discussion. It was revealed that the psychophysiological state of the volunteers was characterized by overstrain of regulatory systems (the median indicator of activity of regulatory systems in all zones was 7.0); after the health path, statistically significant changes in HRV, hemodynamic parameters, microcirculation and body composition were noted (p 0.05). However, the rate of increase or decrease in indicators was heterogeneous in different microclimates (p 0.05). According to the results of the cluster analysis, the circulation regime was associated with indicators of HRV and microcirculation, and ambient temperature with HRV and body composition. When analyzing the body’s adaptive response to the influence of climatic factors and identified microclimatic zones, the same type of nonspecific response of the body of healthy volunteers to physical activity was recorded, but the degree of severity of this response was different. Conclusion. The introduction of bioclimatic zoning in sanatorium-resort organizations will allow optimizing health path techniques, due to the possibility of dosing the climatic load, by determining the optimal location, time of year and microclimate for conducting sanatorium-resort treatment.

A potential gateway to understanding liver disease development: peripartum lipid fluctuations in dairy cows

Current lifestyles are leading to a worldwide increase in metabolic liver diseases that favor the development of liver disease. Changes in hepatocytes are caused by altered lipid concentrations, oxidative stress or toxicity by individual lipids. The complexity of the underlying processes and differences of the pathology to proposed rodent models makes the development of an effective targeted therapy difficult. The lipid mobilization that occurs in dairy cows in the postpartum period could be a natural model for the metabolic stress commonly observed in the development of liver diseases. We therefore used gas chromatography and histopathological staining techniques to analyze lipid patterns in diparous and multiparous cows during the peripartum period. The most striking change in lipid composition is the homogenous increase in palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) content in all cows around the time of calving, with multiparous cows exhibiting consistently higher C16:1n7 levels by the end of the study. Elevated C16:1n7 levels have a potential key role in the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and tumorigenesis in the liver. Changes in C16:1n7, therefore, support the idea that lipid mobilization in dairy cows could serve as model for various liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or NASH development.

Exploring the regenerative capacity of the spleen following irradiation

IntroductionHaematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is commonly used to treat patients with haematological disorders. Myeloablative conditioning is an important preparation for patients receiving haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) or haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). While widely successful, HSCT is still associated with high rates of mortality. The recovery time between complete myeloablation and haematopoietic recovery is a large factor in the recovery rate. Successful engraftment of HSC is also directly correlated with the number of HSC niches available. This highlights the importance of the haematopoietic niche and its recovery from myeloablation as an important therapeutic target.MethodsThis murine model study specifically considers changes in spleen tissue architecture and cellular composition involving stromal and vascular cells that occur following lethal irradiation.ResultsSpleen recovered fully between 4- and 8-weeks after irradiation due to reconstitution by HSPC from bone marrow. Specific temporal changes in spleen architecture were identified, and these were linked to the cell types that constitute the white pulp, red pulp and marginal zones. Mesenchymal stromal cells returned before endothelial cells, and reticular cell types recovered more quickly in spleen following irradiation. Losses in gp38+ fibroblastic reticular cells and MAdCAM-1+ marginal reticular cells were associated with loss of the white pulp in the first 4 weeks following irradiation. White pulp was restored following recovery of supporting reticular cells.DiscussionThis study tests how spleen regeneration following a lethal dose of irradiation can be influenced by co-infusion of bone marrow HSPC together with either neonatal spleen stromal cells, or cells of the stromal STX3 line. Both the infusion of neonatal spleen stromal cells and STX3 stromal cells hastened recovery of both mesenchymal and vascular compartments. Following neonatal spleen stromal cell infusion, endothelial cells increased early, but a delay in structural reformation of distinct red and white pulp areas was found. Results from this study show that spleen regeneration can be influenced and even hastened through cellular therapy. Neonatal spleen stromal cells, co-infused together with HSPC following irradiation conditioning, represent a potential therapeutic opportunity for hastening spleen regeneration.

Effect of blood flow restriction training on insulin resistance in men with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction. Metabolic syndrome is defined as a pathological condition characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose tolerance. Insulin resistance is hypothesized to underlie metabolic syndrome. Modern studies, including Mendelian randomization, have demonstrated that muscle strength and muscle mass may play an important role in the mechanisms of insulin resistance. Aim. To establish the relationship between relative upper limb muscle strength and triglyceride/glucose index, and to evaluate the effects of different resistance exercise regimens on alternative measures of insulin resistance in men with metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods. At the first stage of the study, 216 men aged from 25 to 50 years were examined. The relative muscle strength of the upper limbs in the bench press exercise and the triglyceride/glucose index were assessed. At the second stage, a randomized controlled trial was conducted, for which 60 men who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Men with metabolic syndrome were divided into three groups: low-intensity strength training with blood flow restriction (n = 20), high-intensity strength training (n = 20), low-intensity strength training without blood flow restriction (n = 20). Training was carried out 2 times a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the study, the triglycerides/glucose index, the ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoproteins, and the combination of the triglycerides/glucose index with body mass index were assessed. Results and discussion. It was found that the relative muscle strength of the upper limbs was inversely proportional to the triglycerides/glucose index (r = –0.52; p 0.05) in the examined men. After 12 weeks of resistance training, statistically significant reductions in triglyceride/glucose index, triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein ratio, and triglyceride/glucose index/body mass index combination were found for the low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction and high-intensity resistance training groups (both, p 0,01). Changes in body composition, an increase in the proportion of muscle fibers I and IIa and a decrease in the proportion of muscle fibers IIx, an increase in the activity of glucose transporters, and a decrease in systemic inflammation are the main potential mechanisms for the beneficial effects of resistance training, including in combination with blood flow restriction, on insulin resistance in men with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion. There is an inverse relationship between muscle strength and triglycerides/glucose index; resistance training is an effective and safe tool for reducing alternative indicators of insulin resistance and can be included in comprehensive correction programs for men with metabolic syndrome.

Acetamiprid Exposure Disrupts Gut Microbiota in Adult and Larval Worker Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

Acetamiprid is a third-generation neonicotinoid insecticide that is now widely employed for the protection of crops grown in outdoor environments. This is because it is considerably less toxic to pollinating insects than other neonicotinoids. Previous studies have shown that acetamiprid has direct physiological effects on adult and larval bees. However, its effects on the potentially healthy gut microbiota of honeybees have not been fully elucidated. To further investigate the effects, adult and larval worker honeybees were exposed to sucrose solutions containing acetamiprid at concentrations of 0, 5, and 25 mg/L for a period of 7 days (adults) and 4 days (larvae). The results showed that acetamiprid exposure significantly disrupted the honeybees’ intestinal microbiota. In adults, acetamiprid exposure led to a significant increase in the relative abundance of Commensalibacter, while the Bifidobacterium and Gilliamella levels decreased. In larvae, we observed significant changes in the microbial composition, notably a marked reduction in Bombella. Further analysis demonstrated that alterations in the gut microbiota of honeybee larvae were associated with disturbances in metabolic pathways that regulate energy metabolism and neurometabolism. These results suggest that acetamiprid affects bee health not only through direct physiological effects, but also through changes in the gut microbiota, which in turn affect the metabolic and immune function of bees. This study underscores the need to evaluate pesticides’ risks from a microbiological standpoint and offers crucial insights into how acetamiprid impacts bee health by modifying the gut microbiota. These insights support the more comprehensive assessment of acetamiprid and similar pesticides regarding bee health.

Influence of surface chemical modifications on enhancing the aging behavior of capacitor biaxially-oriented polypropylene thin film

Modern power electronic systems require appropriate metallized polypropylene capacitors (MPCs) to operate in harsh environments. Due to their limited operating capabilities, commercial biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films—the primary component of MPCs—are susceptible to degradation in high electric fields and at high temperatures. In order to enhance the aging behavior of BOPP, this work proposes one-sided phosphorylation at optimum and excessive acid concentrations of 8 % and 15 % for 24 hours at a [high] temperature of 60 °C. The proposed surface modifications' success in enhancing the aging behaviors of BOPP is confirmed by DC electrothermal aging. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis reveals changes in surface morphology resulting from phosphorylation. The changes in crystal structure of the original and phosphorylated samples are evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average crystallite size, dislocation density, and microstrain during aging are also characterized using the Williamson-Hall (W-H) analysis method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is used to identify changes in the chemical composition and functional groups resulting from phosphorylation and aging, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to analyze changes in the surface chemical elements of the original, phosphorylated, and aged samples. The charge-thermally stimulated discharge (C-TSD) technique and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) are used to verify the electrical performance. Mechanical properties, including thermal stability, are measured using the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) technique. The results indicated that the optimized phosphorylation improved the BOPP film's electrical and mechanical properties. As a result, the surface charge stability was found to increase under thermally stimulated discharge by 74 % and the dielectric constant by 2 %, while the dielectric losses decreased by 20.2 %. Under aging, for the first time, the dielectric constant was found to increase by 4.8 %, while dielectric losses decreased by 8.9 %. In return, deformation resistance, ductility, and lower energy dissipation demonstrated enhanced mechanical performance.

Fabrication of Papillary Composite Microstructured Aluminum Surfaces by Laser Shock Imprinting and Ablation

Laser shock ablation is incorporated into laser shock imprinting for the fabrication of papillary composite microstructures on aluminum surfaces. The primary papillary structures are fabricated using laser shock imprinting. Subsequently, secondary structures were fabricated on the surface of these primary structures using laser shock ablation, forming composite papillary microstructures. The influence of various laser shock ablation process parameters on the formation effect of these papillary composite microstructure surfaces was investigated. The results indicate that both laser shock energy and shock frequency affect the integrity of the secondary microstructure coverage on the material surface, the height of the composite microstructure, and the surface morphology. Through comparative optimization, the optimal process parameters were determined to be 675 mJ of energy and one shock ablation. Additionally, the differences in the flow behavior of metallic materials between the center and the periphery of the beam spot, caused by the shock wave, were analyzed. The wettability of the composite microstructure aluminum surface was also explored. The variation mechanism of wettability was explained by detecting changes in the contact angle on the aluminum surface at different time intervals and analyzing changes in surface chemical composition before and after aging. Specifically, after laser shock ablation, the aluminum surface contains a large number of polar groups, making it hydrophilic. During aging treatment, these polar groups continuously adsorb non-polar alkyl organic compounds, eventually leading to hydrophobicity, with a stabilized average surface contact angle of 143°. Fluorination treatment can further achieve superhydrophobicity, with a contact angle of 151° achieved shortly after processing the composite microstructure aluminum surface.