Variability In Composition Research Articles

Red Yeast Rice or Lovastatin? A Comparative Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy Through a Multifaceted Approach

ABSTRACTThe increasing use of red yeast rice (RYR) as a natural supplement to manage blood cholesterol levels is driven by its active compound, monacolin K (MK), which is chemically identical to the statin drug lovastatin (LOV). Despite its growing popularity, concerns persists regarding the safety and efficacy of RYR compared to pure statins. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, pharmacological effects, and safety profile of various RYR samples in comparison with LOV. RYR samples with different MK content were analyzed using HPLC‐DAD to quantify monacolins and other bioactive compounds. The inhibitory activity on HMG‐CoA reductase was assessed through an enzymatic assay, while pharmacokinetic properties were predicted using in vitro simulated digestion and in silico models. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated in intestinal, hepatic, renal, and skeletal muscle cell models. Additionally, the transcriptional levels of muscle damage‐related target genes were evaluated by qRT‐PCR in skeletal muscle cells treated with a selection of RYR samples. Significant variability in the phytochemical composition of RYR samples was observed, particularly in the content of secondary monacolins, triterpenes, and polyphenols. The RYR phytocomplex exhibited superior inhibition of HMG‐CoA reductase activity compared to isolated LOV, suggesting synergistic effects between secondary monacolins and other compounds. Molecular insights revealed that RYR samples had a lower impact on muscle cells than LOV, as reflected also by cell viability. These findings suggest that RYR could serve as a safe alternative to purified statins. However, further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind the synergistic activity of the phytocomplex and to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of this natural product.

Integrated approach to predicting habitat suitability and evaluating quality variations of Notopterygium franchetii under climate change.

The impact of climate change on medicinal plants has significantly altered their suitable environments, thereby affecting the quality of herbal medicines. Notopterygium franchetii (N. franchetii), a medicinal plant intricately linked to its natural habitat, exhibits substantial quality variations influenced by the ecological conditions of its native region. In this study, comprehensive field surveys were conducted to gather occurrence records and samples of N. franchetii. The Maxent model and ArcGIS software were employed to predict the suitable habitats of N. franchetii during different time periods. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to establish the chemical fingerprints of 21 sample batches. Fourteen common peaks were subjected to cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The findings revealed quality variations correlated with their geographic origins, identifying peaks 10, 1, 14, 3, and 4 as crucial for quality differentiation. The study indicates that precipitation, temperature, and altitude significantly influence the distribution of N. franchetii. Under current climate conditions, the suitable habitat area for N. franchetii is estimated to be approximately 94,637.33 km2. However, projections under three future climate scenarios suggest a declining trend in suitable habitat areas. A quality zoning map of N. franchetii was developed, integrating a correlation model between chemical composition and environmental variables with the spatial analysis and visualization capabilities of ArcGIS. The high-quality regions for N. franchetii are predominantly located in the Gannan, Linxia, Dingxi, Longnan, and Wuwei districts. These research outcomes offer a valuable reference for identifying suitable cultivation areas and assessing the quality of N. franchetii in Gansu Province.

Recovery and Size-Tuning of Amorphous Silica from Geothermal Scales in Batangas, Philippines

Scale deposits in geothermal power plants are well-known potential sources of minerals. Extensive research in mineral recovery is crucial due to the considerable variability in scale composition and geochemistry based on location. Geothermal scales from Batangas, Philippines, were used to synthesize size-modified amorphous silica (SiO2) via sol-gel method. Initial analyses employing x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH measurements confirmed that the scale is rich in silica and salts at neutral pH. Then, the effect of varying scale concentration, precipitation pH, and aging time on the particle size distribution of recovered amorphous silica were investigated. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) for particle size analysis (PSA) revealed that the sample with 2.5% (w/v) scale precursor in NaOH and precipitated until pH 10 had the lowest average cumulant diameter (1.66 μm). Moreover, the synergy of precipitation pH and aging time was found to significantly affect the polydispersity index and cumulative diameter of precipitated SiO2 based on 23 factorial ANOVA at 0.05 significance level. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the precipitates were amorphous SiO2 with spherical morphology. This study proves the viability of utilizing geothermal scales from Batangas, Philippines for the synthesis of amorphous SiO2 with controlled particle size, which is a potential filler for composite materials.

Alteration of twilight sky brightness profile by light pollution

The phenomenon of twilight has been stipulated as naturally dependent on the variables of solar depression, aerosol concentration and ozone composition. The unique color spectrum of twilight is attributed by ozone layer and aerosol, whereas its brightness is heavily relying on the altitude of sun below horizon. While all the natural dependence is being researched extensively, the impact of light pollution on the brightness of the twilight is not being explored thoroughly. The objective of this study is to find out the alteration of light pollution towards the natural behavior of twilight sky brightness. Total of 84 data of twilight brightness was collected from 2014 until 2022 using Sky Quality Meter, and the specific location with profile classified as urban, suburban and pristine is investigated to study the impact of light pollution on twilight brightness. The result demonstrates that the stability of twilight brightness, which naturally factored by solar depression within the range of 18°, discovered to be heavy influenced by the zenith light pollution of the location sky, as evidenced by location that has zenith pollution of 17.11, 19.77, and 21.39, has horizontal twilight brightness of 14.84, 19.55 and 21.2 and solar depression during brightness stability at 11.5°, 15.67° and 17.49°.

Assessment of Albariño (<i>Vitis vinifera</i> sp.) plasticity to local climate in the Atlantic eastern coastal terroir of Uruguay

Plasticity is typically used in biology to describe the ability of an organism to adapt to changes in its environment. Within a viticulture production system under similar management practices, studying the plasticity of a specific cultivar under different local climatic conditions can enhance our understanding of the grape typicity and, consequently, the wine style of a region. This work aims to assess the performance of Albariño vines grown in different mesoclimates within the emerging wine region along Uruguay’s Atlantic coast. The study was conducted in a commercial vineyard in Garzón, Maldonado Department, a key location in this developing wine region. Temperature sensors were installed in each of the four Albariño plots, situated in two contrasting topographic positions relative to Atlantic Ocean exposure, to assess mesoclimate and the ocean’s influences on grapevine plasticity. Agronomic measurements were taken to assess the performance of Albariño under the local climatic conditions. The multivariate analysis of yield and berry composition variables with ocean exposure and seasonal climate has identified three key findings: 1) the Albariño cultivar has shown strong potential for cultivation in eastern Uruguay due to its favourable agronomic and oenological performance, 2) vineyard ocean exposure has a greater effect on berry composition at harvest than on yield, contributing 70.7 % and 63.4 % of the total variability, respectively as observed from the Principal Component Analysis, 3) the correlations between berry composition and ocean exposure are stronger under warmer and drier conditions. Understanding the plasticity of Albariño under different local climatic conditions is valuable for sustainable production systems, provided both production and high quality are maintained. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate cultivars and understanding the local climate for the future success of vineyards.

Seasonal and diurnal variations in leaf aroma volatiles of Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & Eberm as evidenced from metabolite profiling, histochemical and ultrastructural analyses.

Though the leaves of Cinnamomum tamala is extensively employed in culinary applications due to its rich aroma and therapeutic properties, the produce exhibits variability in composition and contents of leaf essential oil due to fluctuations in climatic conditions and harvesting time. This work evaluated the impact of seasonal and diurnal variations on the composition and contents of aroma volatiles in the mature leaves of C. tamala. In summer, the profile of aroma volatile was dominated by phenylpropanoids (112.96±24.11μg/g of freeze-dried leaf tissue) while in winter monoterpenes (58.45±8.194μg/g of freeze-dried leaf tissue) acquired the dominance. The variability in the contents of primary metabolites was shown to be influenced by the harvesting season and time. Organic acids and sugars showed highest accumulation in leaves harvested during summer evening and winter morning, respectively. Histochemical study showed the presence of lipids and terpenes in the secretory cells as revealed through sudan III and NaDi staining. The ontogeny of secretory oil cells that accumulate essential oil were elucidated through ultrastructural study.

Inventory of Shallow-Water Fouling Invertebrates of Long Island, New York

Invasive marine invertebrates are increasingly recognized as a potential disturbance to coastal ecosystems. We sought to better document the taxonomic composition of subtidal communities around Long Island to obtain a baseline that can be used to monitor current and future invasions of non-indigenous species. We placed settlement blocks at 18 sites along the coast of Long Island, New York, for three months. After recovering blocks at 12 sites, we analyzed the taxonomic composition of fouling communities on the blocks. We observed 64 invertebrate and 3 algal taxa, with large variation in taxon richness among sites. Multivariate analyses revealed that although taxon composition was significantly dissimilar between north and south shores, variation in dissimilarity did not differ significantly between shores. The high variability in taxon composition observed among sites indicates that additional research is needed to expand our knowledge of invertebrate diversity in the waters surrounding Long Island. Adding more sites and replicate blocks within sites could improve future sampling designs. This research will benefit continuing efforts to monitor, manage, and prevent the establishment of marine invasive species.

Microbiome dynamics: Defenses against foodborne threat

The gut microbiome is a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms inhabiting the human gastrointestinal tract, playing a crucial role in health and disease. This review examines inter-individual variability in gut microbiota composition and the impact of diet, genetics, and environmental factors on microbial diversity. It explores how probiotics and bacteriocins can serve as therapeutic agents against foodborne pathogens, offering alternatives or synergists to traditional antibiotics. The mechanisms through which probiotics interact with pathogens and the therapeutic potential of bacteriocins are analyzed. Emphasizing the need for further research, this review underscores the importance of elucidating gut microbiome interactions to improve health and disease management strategies.

A multi-modal single-cell and spatial expression map of metastatic breast cancer biopsies across clinicopathological features.

Although metastatic disease is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, its tumor microenvironment remains poorly characterized due to technical and biospecimen limitations. In this study, we assembled a multi-modal spatial and cellular map of 67 tumor biopsies from 60 patients with metastatic breast cancer across diverse clinicopathological features and nine anatomic sites with detailed clinical annotations. We combined single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing for all biopsies with a panel of four spatial expression assays (Slide-seq, MERFISH, ExSeq and CODEX) and H&E staining of consecutive serial sections from up to 15 of these biopsies. We leveraged the coupled measurements to provide reference points for the utility and integration of different experimental techniques and used them to assess variability in cell type composition and expression as well as emerging spatial expression characteristics across clinicopathological and methodological diversity. Finally, we assessed spatial expression and co-localization features of macrophage populations, characterized three distinct spatial phenotypes of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and identified expression programs associated with local T cell infiltration versus exclusion, showcasing the potential of clinically relevant discovery in such maps.

The bioherbicide Verticllium nonalfalfae effectively removes Ailanthus altissima but leaves many other nonnative plants

Abstract Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle readily exploits disturbances, grows quickly into dense monocultures, and suppresses native plant species. The vascular wilt pathogen, Verticillium nonalfalfae Inderb., native to the eastern U.S., has been proposed as a biocontrol agent for the invasive A. altissima. Studies consistently demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the bioherbicide, but they also note that the selective nature of the fungus does not preclude other invasive plants that commonly co-occur with A. altissima from occupying the site. We quantified the standing plant community and seedbank at several sites across Virginia five years after inoculation with V. nonalfalfae to understand which species are present or being naturally recruited. A. altissima remained dominant in untreated areas but was nearly eradicated from the treatment plots. Other nonnative species made up a large portion of the plant community and seedbank across all study areas, with no differences in their respective cover and count between treatments. While variability in plant community composition is high and site-specific context is important for establishing effective management strategies, planting native species and mitigating other invasives will be crucial to ensuring native species successfully establish in bioherbicide-treated areas.

Gendered socio-economic and mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among adults living in selected informal settlements in Kenya: an intersectional analysis

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic had devastating socio-economic and health effects, including mental health. This study examines the intersectionality between gender and mental health outcomes among Kenyan adults in informal settlements of Nairobi, Kisumu, and Kilifi Counties during the COVID-19 crisis. This is necessary to inform mental health response in case of another pandemic.MethodsWe analyzed data collected in a longitudinal survey between July 2020 (fourth round) and February 2021 (fifth round). The data covered COVID-19-related effects on job loss, food insecurity, access to health services, and mental health. Participants were randomly sampled from existing cohorts at the Population Council. The outcomes of interest were depressive and anxiety disorders, combined into a binary composite outcome variable. Descriptive statistics included means for continuous variables and frequencies and proportions for categorical variables. Chi-square tests were used to examine the differences between groups. The relationship between the gendered COVID-19 socio-economic effects and participants’ mental health was examined using modified Poisson regression.ResultsA total of 4,050 participants were interviewed, 66% female and median age 38 [interquartile range (IQR): 29–46]. Complete income loss was strongly associated with negative mental health outcomes in multiple intersections with varied magnitudes. The association was larger among older females (≥50 years) (PR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.17–1.51, p < 0.001) than older males (PR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.17–1.27, p < 0.001). Partial loss of income was protective against negative mental health outcomes among young males (18–29 years) (PR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.76–0.87, p < 0.001) but linked to negative outcomes among middle-aged males (30–49 years old) (PR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.12–1.16, p < 0.001). Skipping meals was associated with negative mental health outcomes for both genders particularly the married (married male: PR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.22–1.83, p < 0.001; married female: PR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.26–1.60, p < 0.001).ConclusionWe observed significant gender differences in the prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the importance of socio-economic factors and health services access in shaping mental health outcomes. Interventions targeting pandemic-related mental health issues should be gender-sensitive and address economic vulnerabilities such as job losses and food insecurity. Policies to mitigate these effects, especially for at-risk groups are crucial for reducing mental health burden in future crises.

Interrogating the environmental and social correlates of health risk behaviours in West Africa

Abstract Background Despite the high incidences of health risk behaviors (HRBs) in sub-Saharan Africa, studies on the contextual determinants of HRBs across countries are generally lacking, concentrated on isolated countries and often focus solely on specific health behaviors. Thus, this study investigated the environmental and social correlates of HRBs in West Africa. Methods Data was from post-2015 Demographic and Health Surveys in three West African countries of Benin, Mali and Nigeria. A composite outcome variable of health risk behaviors (HRBs) was derived from variables of tobacco smoking, intimate partner violence, overweight/obesity and risky sexual behaviors. The contextual variables were normalized difference vegetation index, precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures, region of residence and population Density. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi square test, geographical mapping, and multilevel logistic regression. Results The engagement in HRBs varied from 42.65% in Nigeria to 42.88% in Benin and 51.06% in Mali as there are spatial variations in the engagement in HRBs within different regions of these countries. There also existed significant variations in HRBs regarding age, education, employment status, wealth index, household size, place of residence, and region of residence in the three countries. In the contextual models of environmental and social factors, population density significantly increased odds of HRBs in the three countries, maximum temperature significantly increased odds of HRBs in Benin and Mali, while precipitation significantly increased odds of HRBs in Nigeria and Mali. Other factors which significantly increased odds of HRBs across the three countries were increase in age, wealth index, households with 9+ persons, and regions of residence. Conclusions These findings suggest that among other things, changes in lifestyles regarding the different HRBs should be emphasized in specific contextual situations Key messages • There are variations in engagement in health risk behaviours across the countries. • Cliamte variables influence engagement in health risk behaviours.

Evidence of association between gender and physical fitness in physically active people in Colombia

Abstract Background Physical Condition (PC) is an important health marker (Colley, 2019), as a predictor of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, among other causes (Cruz, 2018). Aim To perform association tests between gender (G) and CP in physically active people in Colombia. This study is observational cross-sectional, 1,503 people participated, 1,019 Women (W) (68.6%) and 485 Men (M) (31.4%) in Colombia, mean age 52±16.2 in W and 42±17.8 in M. Data were analyzed with Rstudio v2022.12.0. The statistical protocol was: 1- Empirical distribution. 2- Normality tests with Kolmogorov-Smirnov. 3- Tests of independence with Chi-square (χ²). The mean (X¯), percentage (%) and standard deviation (±) were taken into account. PC was measured in body composition variables; Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI) and Abdominal Circumference (AC), Grip Strength (GS) and Maximal Oxygen Consumption (Vo2max). Results In W, 38.3% (27.2±1.37) were overweight (Ow) and 19.1% (33.0±2.83) obese (Ob), 69.6% (90.9±8.14) cardiovascular risk (CVR) for AC and 50.4% (32±4.73) risk for BAI. Regarding GS 43.4% (15.8±6.38) is weak and 54.6% (27.7±4.98) Vo2max is low. In M 35.6% (26.9±1.48) presented Ow and 10.6% (32.7±2.39) in Ob, 39.7% (98.4±6.8) with Rcv by AC and 24.3% (29.7±3.45) at risk by BAI. As for GS 41.5% (27.1±6.39) are weak and 32.3% (33.3±6.33) under Vo2max. According to independence tests with χ² there is association between the G and BMI (χ²=1452.1, df = 1427, p-value=0. 315), G and AC (χ²=394.9, df = 382, p-value=0. 313), G and Vo2max (χ²=155.5, df = 6, p-value<2. 2e-16), G and BAI (χ²=2970.3, df = 1502, p-value<2.2e-16), G and GS (χ²=6015.5, df = 1502, p-value<2.2e-16). This project has been approved by the bioethics committee. Conclusions Test of independence with (χ²), being a non-homogeneous sample, there is a strong association between G and PC with BMI, BAI, AC, GS and Vo2max, each variable depending on the others, evidencing higher Rcv in women with respect to men. Key messages • Several studies consider Physical Condition (PC) is an important health marker (Colley, 2019), as a predictor of morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease, among other causes (Cruz, 2018). • There is a strong association between G and the levels of BMI, BAI, AC, SG and Vo2max variables, each variable depending on the others, showing a higher Rcv in women compared to men.

Assessment of right ventricular dysfunction in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline and trastuzumab treatment

Abstract Background Anthracyclines and trastuzumab continue to be within the most popular systemic agents used in breast cancer treatment. Nonetheless, their cardiotoxic effects contribute to significant morbidity and mortality, which have been extensively studied and acknowledged. Left ventricular impairment and remodeling due to chemo- and target-therapy induced cardiotoxicity has been well described. However, effects on right ventricular function have not been fully elucidated and are incompletely understood. Purpose We aim to comprehensively assess right ventricular function in breast cancer patients before and during treatment with anthracyclines and trastuzumab. Methods We prospectively evaluated echocardiographic right ventricle (RV) parameters in 160 women (median age 48, IQR 43.00 - 57.00) diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing treatment with doxorubicin, trastuzumab or its combination. These patients were referred to a national cardiac reference centre to assess cancer therapy related cardiovascular dysfunction (CTRCD) risk. Two-dimensional echocardiography with speckle tracking imaging of left ventricle (LV) and RV was performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Right ventricular function was assessed with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), S’wave of the tricuspid annulus (S'), fractional area change (FAC), and free wall strain (RV-FWS). We designed a composite variable of right ventricular dysfunction constituted by any decrease in systolic function as evidenced by standard cutoff values of TAPSE, FAC, S’wave and RV-FWS. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Categorical values were compared using either the Fisher’s exact test or Chi-squared test and differences between means were assessed with the Kruskal-Wallis test or the Wilcoxon test as appropriate. Results TAPSE and S’ were significantly reduced from baseline, at 3 and 6 months, respectively (TAPSE: 21.62 ± 2.22, 21.00 ± 1.83, 20.72 ± 1.99, P=<0.001; S’:12.16 ± 1.91, 11.70 ± 1.76, 11.51 ± 1.53, P = 0.012) (Table 1). There were no significant changes in right ventricular echocardiographic parameters comparing patients with and without CTRCD, nevertheless, a notable proportion in both groups was observed (see Table 2). Conclusions There is a progressive decline in right ventricular systolic function over treatment with anthracyclines and trastuzumab. Even though RV dysfunction does not significantly differ between patients with or without cardiotoxicity, the high proportion observed highlights the need for comprehensive echocardiographic assessments.

E-Brachy: New dosimetry package for electronic brachytherapy sources.

Large reported variability in the material composition and geometrical components of the Xoft electronic high-dose-rate brachytherapy Causes inter-source discrepancy in the source output. This variability is due to the manual manufacturing and assembly of thesources. This study aimed to develop a dosimetry software tool called E-Brachy to characterize the Xoft source and quantify the discrepancies in its photon spectrum and dosimetricproperties. E-Brachy is based on the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit and consists of two parts. In part one, the geometry and material composition for the source received in the computer-aided design format from the vendor were converted to the geometry description markup language format using the GUIMesh Python tool and integrated into the E-Brachy software. There was a large variation in material composition and thickness for some of the tube components. The simulation started from electrons and resulted in x-ray generations in the anode region. Multithreading, a track length estimation, and the uniform bremsstrahlung splitting variance reduction techniques were used to decrease the simulation time and increase the x-ray production. The photon energy, position, and momentum were saved into a phase space file as the photon exited the source, but before interacting with the external environment. The obtained x-ray energy spectrum was compared with measurements from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In part two, by sampling from the generated photons, the dose rates and dosimetric parameters according to the TG-43 protocol were calculated for model S7500 and compared to the ones previously calculated for model S700 source, which were deemed identical by themanufacturer. The material composition that resulted in the most similar spectrum as the measured NIST spectrum with Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.99 and a calculated Euclidean difference of keV was chosen for further dosimetric analysis of the model S7500 source. Characteristic peaks showed the presence of tungsten, yttrium, and silver in the source components. Differences in dose rates between the two source models surpassed 20% for polar angles , reaching a peak at cm and . The differences in the radial dose function values were within 5%. The relative difference in percentage between the anisotropy function values of the two models was closer to 0 for smaller values, but at higher polar angles, they increased to 300%. A software package called E-Brachy was successfully developed for the characterization and dosimetry of Xoft electronic brachytherapy sources. E-Brachy can be combined with spectral measurements to investigate the inter- and intra-source variability. The software package was tested by comparing the simulated spectra from the S7500 Xoft source model with NIST measurements and its TG-43 parameters with the S700 model. The TG-43 parameters between the two sources significantly exceed the recommendations ofTG-56.

The influence of physical exercise on adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors: mediating effects of parent–child relationships, self-esteem, and self-control

BackgroundExternalizing problem behaviors can significantly and negatively impact adolescents’ learning, daily life, and future socialization. While physical exercise is believed to inhibit adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors, the extent of its effect and the mediating mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsThis study is based on data from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). The CFPS project employed the Externalizing Problem Behaviors Scale (EPBS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Self-Control Scale (SCS) to measure adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors, self-esteem, and self-control. Additionally, physical exercise was measured by collecting data on the time and frequency of adolescents’ physical exercise. Parent-child relationships were evaluated using a composite variable that included four dimensions: frequency of quarrels, frequency of heart-to-heart talks, parental awareness of their children’s whereabouts, and children’s trust in their parents. Based on data collection and variable construction, this study employed multiple linear regression, propensity score matching, and quantile regression to analyze the impact of physical exercise on adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors and the heterogeneity of these effects. Additionally, the Bootstrap mediation effect test was employed to explore the mediating roles of parent-child relationships, self-esteem, and self-control in this process.ResultsThe analysis demonstrates that physical exercise significantly inhibits adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors (β = −0.095, p < 0.01), although the effect varies significantly among different populations. Compared to males (β = −0.077, p < 0.1), rural residents (β = −0.065, p > 0.1), individuals with poorer family economic status (β = −0.080, p < 0.1), and those with more severe problem behaviors (τ = 0.75, β = −0.086, p < 0.05), physical exercise yields a more pronounced inhibitory effect on females (β = −0.113, p < 0.01), urban residents (β = −0.134, p < 0.01), individuals with better family economic status (β = −0.115, p < 0.01), and those with milder problem behaviors (τ = 0.25, β = −0.112, p < 0.01). Furthermore, through enhancements in parent-child relationships (CI: -0.015; -0.002), self-esteem (CI: -0.019; -0.003), and self-control (CI: -0.055; -0.025), physical exercise indirectly mitigates adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors.ConclusionPhysical exercise significantly reduces adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors, with effects differing across various groups. Parent-child relationships, self-esteem, and self-control mediate this relationship, underscoring the positive influence of exercise on adolescent behavior.

The Effects of Alloy Composition and Surface Integrity on the Machinability of Austenitic Stainless Steels 304 and 304L

Austenitic stainless steels, such as 304 and 304L, are extensively utilized in diverse industries due to their favorable properties, including biocompatibility, high durability, ductility, toughness at cryogenic temperatures, and excellent corrosion resistance. Additionally, these steels exhibit notable resistance to fatigue and oxidation. Despite these advantages, they are challenging to machine due to characteristics such as high work hardening, built-up edge formation, and low heat conductivity. The material 304L distinguishes itself from material 304 through its lower carbon content, making it more resistance to corrosion. 304L is experiencing a consistent rise in industrial demand. It is anticipated that this advanced material will progressively supersede 304 in various applications. The variability in alloy compositions and surface integrity of blanks can influence the tool wear and may even lead to abrupt tool breakage, necessitating supervision during machining operations. This study delves into the correlation between the alloy compositions, micro structure, surface integrity, and machinability of these special steels, focusing on turning processes. Various blanks of 304 and 304L in the form of bars, sourced from different manufacturers, were utilized in the study. These blanks exhibited slight variations in alloy composition (albeit within the standard range) and differed in the state of surface integrity characterized by variations in microstructure, grain size, microhardness, and residual stress. All blanks (across this array of materials) were subjected to turning using the same tool specifications and sets of machining parameters for comparative analysis. Various machinability indicators, including cutting forces, surface roughness, burr formation, tool wear, and chip morphology, were thoroughly examined. The findings highlight that the key factors influencing machinability include the microhardness of the surface and the residual stress state in the subsurface of the bars before the turning process. In contrast, changing the alloy composition within the standard range has hardly any effect on the machinability of these steels. The machinability of the examined specimens was adversely affected when the hardness exceeded 350 HV from the surface up to 2 mm below the surface and simultaneously the surface compressive residual stress exceeded −130 MPa.

Effects of Harvest Time and Acacia crassicarpa Age on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Apis mellifera L. Honey in Tropical Indonesian Forests

The comprehensive understanding of the physicochemical profile of monofloral honey derived from Acacia crassicarpa, specifically in the Indonesian tropical forest ecosystem, has not been fully explored. The physicochemical characteristics of honey significantly influence its quality and consumer acceptance. Harvest time and the age of Acacia plants, which are suspected to affect honey’s physicochemical properties, are this study’s focal points. Our objective is to analyze the impact of harvest time and Acacia age on the physicochemical characteristics of honey. Using a complete randomized block design, treatments were administered at 14, 21, and 30 days of harvest within three Acacia age groups: 3, 8, and 18 months. The honey composition was assessed following the Indonesian National Standard 8664:2018 procedure. The statistical analysis determined the optimal harvest period for honey by assessing its physicochemical properties and comparing them to the Indonesian National Standard 8664:2018 procedure (SNI 8664:2018 standards). One-way analysis of variance evaluated the effects of harvest time and plant age on composition, followed by a least significant difference tests to identify significant differences between harvest times. Results indicate a significant influence of harvest time and Acacia age on all honey composition variables, including diastase enzyme activity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, moisture level, sugar content, and acidity (P<0.01). Our findings suggest optimal honey harvest at 30 days, aligning with the 8th and 18th months of A. crassicarpa. Most variables met SNI 8664:2018 standards, except acidity levels. Further investigation is needed to discern the causes of acidity in Apis mellifera honey from Indonesian peat swamp forests.

Iodine-Based Dual-Energy Computed Tomography After Mechanical Thrombectomy Predicts Secondary Neurologic Decline from Cerebral Edema After Severe Stroke.

Patients with severe stroke are at high risk of secondary neurologic decline (ND) from the development of malignant cerebral edema (MCE). However, early infarcts are hard to diagnose on conventional head computed tomography (CT). We hypothesize that high-energy (190keV) virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI) from dual-energy CT (DECT) imaging enables earlier detection of ND from MCE. Consecutive patients with severe stroke with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores > 15 and DECT within 10h of mechanical thrombectomy from May 2020 to March 2022 were included. We excluded patients with parenchymal hematoma type 2 transformation. Retrospective analysis of clinical and novel variables included the VMI Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), total iodine content, and VMI infarct volume. The primary outcome was secondary ND, defined using a composite outcome variable of clinical worsening (increase in NIHSS score ≥ 4 or decrease in Glasgow Coma Scale score > 2) or malignant radiographical edema (midline shift ≥ 5mm at the level of the septum pellucidum). Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon's test were used for univariate analysis. Logistic regression was used to develop prediction models for categorical outcomes. Eighty-four patients with severe stroke with a median age of 67.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 57-78) years and an NIHSS score of 22 (IQR 18-25) were included. Twenty-nine patients had ND. The VMI ASPECTS, total iodine content, and VMI infarct volume were associated with ND. The VMI ASPECTS, VMI infarct volume, and total iodine content were predictors of ND after adjusting for age, sex, initial NIHSS score, and tissue plasminogen activator administration, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.691 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.572-0.810), 0.877 (95% CI 0.800-0.954), and 0.845 (95% CI 0.750-0.940). By including all three predictors, the model achieved an AUROC of 0.903 (95% CI 0.84-0.97) and was cross-validated by the leave one out method, with an AUROC of 0.827. The VMI ASPECTS and VMI infarct volume from DECT are superior to the conventional CT ASPECTS and are novel predictors for secondary ND due to MCE after severe stroke. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04189471.

Effect of the 16S rRNA Gene Hypervariable Region on the Microbiome Taxonomic Profile and Diversity in the Endangered Fish Totoaba macdonaldi

Understanding the intricate dynamics of fish microbiota through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing is pivotal for ecological insights and effective disease management. However, this approach faces challenges including the co-amplification of host mitochondrial sequences and the variability in bacterial composition influenced by the selected 16S rRNA gene regions. To overcome these limitations, we conducted a comprehensive investigation to identify the most suitable 16S rRNA region for bacterial microbial analysis in endangered fish Totoaba macdonaldi, an endemic species of significant ecological and economic importance in Mexico. Targeting four distinct hypervariable regions (V1–V2, V2–V3, V3–V4, and V5–V7) of the 16S rRNA gene, we determined the microbial composition within the distal intestine. A total of 40 microbiomes were sequenced. Our findings underscore the critical impact of region selection on the accuracy of microbiota analysis. The V3–V4 region detected the highest number of bacterial taxa and exhibited significantly higher alpha diversity indices, demonstrating the highest taxonomic resolution. This study emphasizes the necessity of meticulous 16S rRNA region selection for fish microbiota analysis, particularly in native species of ecological and economic significance such as the endangered T. macdonaldi, where information is limited. Such optimization enhances the reliability and applicability of microbiota studies in fisheries management and conservation efforts.