High Amounts Research Articles

Aggression in a Cohort of Male Methamphetamine (METH) Users With and Without Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Use History in Malaysia

ABSTRACT Methamphetamine (METH) consumption is associated with aggression. Decoction derived from the kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) leaf has been used as a METH substitute in Southeast Asia. Given its perceived benefit, we investigated the relationship between kratom use and aggression in a treatment sample of METH users with and without kratom use history. Four hundred and three male METH users participated in this cross-sectional study. A semi-structured questionnaire and several objective clinical measures were administered. Results indicate that there were no significant differences in aggression and its dimensions between METH users with and without kratom use history. However, two distinct Clusters (1 and 2) of METH users with kratom use history were studied. Users in Cluster 1 were characterized by a higher quantity and frequency of daily kratom use, longer duration of kratom use, and use of kratom at a younger age. Users in Cluster 2 exhibited the opposite characteristics. Kratom dependence and the first age of kratom use were identified as risk factors for aggression in Cluster 1. The frequency of daily kratom use appeared as a protective factor against aggression in Cluster 2. The results offer partial support to the instrumental kratom use concept; lower frequency (1 to 3 times) of kratom use may potentially minimize aggression in METH users presenting with mild to moderate kratom dependence.

Phytoecdysteroids: Quantification in Selected Plant Species and Evaluation of Some Effects on Gastric Smooth Muscles

Phytoecdysteroids (PEs) are naturally occurring steroid compounds, that have recently gained significant attention, due to their diverse biological activities and high therapeutic potential. The aim of the present study was to quantify some PEs including 20-hydroxyecdysterone (20-HE), ponasterone A (PA), and turkesterone (TU) in selected plant foods and Rhaponticum carthamoides extract. Furthermore, the effects of 20-HE, TU, and R. carthamoides extract, were investigated with in vitro methods using isolated smooth muscle tissues. The levels of 20-HE in the analyzed samples exhibited significant differences, with kaniwa seed extract containing the highest amount, followed by spinach leaf extract, quinoa seed extract, and asparagus stem extract. The in vitro analyses suggested that R. carthamoides extract exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on smooth muscle cells, with low doses promoting contraction and higher doses inducing relaxation. Additionally, the extract demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on ACh-induced contractions, while 20-HE enhanced the contractile response. The current findings highlighted phytoecdysteroids’ potential for modifying gastrointestinal motility.

The Age pigment lipofuscin causes oxidative stress, lysosomal dysfunction, and pyroptotic cell death

Accumulation of the age pigment lipofuscin represents a ubiquitous hallmark of the aging process. However, our knowledge about cellular effects of lipofuscin accumulation is potentially flawed, because previous research mainly utilized highly artificial methods of lipofuscin generation. In order to address this tremendous problem, we developed a convenient protocol for isolation of authentic lipofuscin from human and equine cardiac tissue in high purity and quantity. Isolated lipofuscin aggregates contained elevated concentrations of proline and metals such as calcium or iron. The material was readily incorporated by fibroblasts and caused cell death at low concentrations (LC50 = 5.0 μg/mL) via a pyroptosis-like pathway. Lipofuscin boosted mitochondrial ROS production and caused lysosomal dysfunction by lysosomal membrane permeabilization leading to reduced lysosome quantity and impaired cathepsin D activity. In conclusion, this is the first study utilizing authentic lipofuscin to experimentally validate the concept of the lysosomal-mitochondrial axis theory of aging and cell death.

Mineral concentration in citrus peel flours

Citrus fruits are known for their health benefits but managing processing waste is a challenge. Extracting bioactive compounds from these residues to create new products is promising, but mineral analysis is essential for food safety. The objective of this study was to analyze how the methodology for obtaining flour from sweet passion fruit peel, Tahiti lime, Murcott tangerine, and pearl pineapple influences the amounts of minerals Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, and to determine the presence of these minerals in flours according to the defined limits. Maceration demonstrated a significant reduction in mineral content, such as iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and chromium, in the flours of lime and tangerine peels and passion fruit albedo. There was an increase in mineral levels after this process, such as zinc in passion fruit flavedo flour and manganese in tangerine and pineapple peels. Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr were respectively determined in 100g-1 in flours, from lime peel: 3,696mg; 1,273mg; 22,834mg, 0.422mg; 1104.945 μg; tangerine peel: 1,322mg; 2,560mg; 13,571mg; 0.236mg; passion fruit albedo: 8,596mg; 6,480mg; 76,003mg; 1,031mg; passion fruit flavedo 8,609mg; 3,363mg; 86,167mg; 2,317mg; in pineapple skin: 12,181mg; 0.704mg; 71,018mg; *mg; 2224.215 μg. Cr was not determined in the flours: albedo and flavedo from passion fruit, and tangerine and Cu from pineapple peel. Flours are sources of minerals but must be consumed with caution due to high quantities that can exceed the maximum tolerable intake limits.

Cost-effectiveness of oral versus injectable disease modifying therapies in relapsing multiple sclerosis: a systematic review analysis

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive neurological autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. There are two types of drugs used to treat this disease: injectable and oral drugs. The present study aimed at systematically reviewing the cost effectiveness of oral versus injectable drugs.MethodsThe researchers searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to find relevant studies. After removing the duplicates, two authors independently assessed the records. The studies that had conducted full economic evaluations of oral versus injectable drugs in MS patients were included. The Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) tool was also used to assess the quality of the studies.ResultsThirty studies that had conducted the economic analysis of oral versus injectable therapies in MS patients were included in this review. The QHES scores for all records were generally high (≥ 77) and they were of good quality. The lowest and highest levels of incremental net monetary benefit were respectively obtained through the comparison of Fingolimod and Alemtuzumab (-1,419,333) and the comparison of Teriflunomide and Interferon β-1a (1,792,810). The amount of INMB (incremental net monetary benefit) in the comparisons between oral and injectable drugs showed that the highest and lowest amount of INMB calculated between) Fingolimod and injectable drugs, respectively, compared to (interferon β-1a) 98,253 and (Ocrelizumab) -212,417, the highest amount in dimethyl fumarate is also against (peginterferon β-1a) 191,470 and the lowest against (alemtuzumab) -124,333, Teriflunomide against injectable drugs is the highest against (peginterferon β-1a) 89,956 and the lowest (Ocrelizumab) − 194,169, as well as Cladribine compared to injectable drugs, the highest was compared to (interferon β-1a) 236,430 and the lowest (Ocrelizumab) was 23,965.ConclusionA large number of health economic evaluations of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in MS were available at the international level, the comparison of which was difficult and sometimes contradictory. However, despite the difference in the results, Cladribine tablets were cost-effective in all studies compared with injectable drugs. In addition, the present study could be of great importance for policymakers and other beneficiaries regarding the cost-effectiveness of the aforementioned drugs.

Motivational profiles in instrumental music learning: Perspectives on self-determination theory

This study examined the motivation of child and adolescent music students to learn instruments in five Austrian music schools using a person-centered approach. Drawing on self-determination theory, two autonomous and controlled forms of motivational regulation were surveyed. The results of a cluster analysis ( N = 616) were used to construct four motivational profiles: one autonomously motivated type (high quality), one overall highly motivated type (high quantity), one moderately autonomously motivated type (low quality), and one type with poor quantity motivation. The clusters showed differences in the support required to meet music students’ basic psychological needs in music lessons, which are essential determinants in the development of autonomous motivation, in the individual activity preferences associated with playing an instrument, and in the tendency to stop playing an instrument. No differences were found between the instrument groups and gender. This study provides theoretical and practical implications of a person-centered approach to music-related motivation research.

Sargassum beaching on mangrove sediments shifts microbial and crab metabolisms and enhances blue carbon storage

AbstractBenthic metabolism and net carbon accumulation in mangroves sediments strongly depend on the quantity and quality of organic matter (OM) supplied, including material brought by coastal waters such as the macroalgae Sargassum spp. Mesocosms were used to assess the effect of eutrophication by Sargassum on mangrove sediments. The concentration of fatty acids (FAs), organic carbon and its carbon isotopic signature, and the sediments–air CO2 fluxes were used to follow the evolution of sedimentary OM in surface and subsurface sediments for 60 d. Sargassum beaching shifted microbial and crab metabolism, leading to a preferential degradation of the labile fraction of OM from both Sargassum (δ13C = −17.7‰ and high concentration of essential FAs) and mangrove leaves (δ13C: −28.9‰ and high concentrations of 18:2ω6 and 18:3ω3). Fatty acids composition of crabs hepatopancreas revealed they preferentially fed on Sargassum and these invertebrates also increased the particulate OM tidal export. In addition, microbial activity at the sediment surface was enhanced, as revealed by strong production of branched FAs and higher CO2 fluxes in mesocosms containing Sargassum. However, Sargassum beaching also increased the transfer and preservation of more refractory OM from mangrove leaves found in higher quantity in subsurface sediments (6–8 cm) after 60 d. Inputs of macroalgae induced a negative priming effect and enhanced the preservation of blue carbon in the sediments. This negative priming effect was enhanced by crab activities. These biotic interactions that include microbial communities apparently make mangrove efficient in storing carbon in a context of growing eutrophication of the tropical ocean.

Analisis Pengelolaan Limbah Bahan Berbahaya dan Beracun (B3) di Industri Perhotelan Kota Jambi

This research aims to identify the type and amount of B3 waste, identify B3 waste management based on Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021, as well as the SWOT strategy for B3 waste management in the Jambi City hotel industry. The research method is a mixed method. Data collection techniques were carried out by means of open interviews using questionnaires, documentation and literature studies. This research used two types of informants, namely 5 experts and 36 hotel staff, with a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. The results of this research are the type of B3 waste in hotels, namely used oil with the highest amount, namely 0.786 tonnes, and the smallest amount, namely used cloth, amounting to 0.009 tonnes. The research results also found that the hotels that produced the most B3 waste were 5-star hotels, amounting to 0.752 tons. The stages of B3 waste management implemented in the hotel industry are the reduction stage and the storage stage. In the SWOT diagram, it is in quadrant II, namely a combination of strategies between strengths and threats (ST strategy), namely central government regulations, administrative sanctions for hotels, reducing the use of B3 waste in hotels, preparing TPS for B3 waste not mixed with other waste, the government working together. with third parties for B3 waste management, inviting the public to protect the environment.

The effect of high levels of Glycyrrhiza glabra powder on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immunity, intestinal microbial flora, intestinal morphology and breast muscle fatty acid profile in broilers

In order to investigate the effect of licorice medicinal plant on performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile of breast muscle, intestinal microbial flora, blood constitutes and immunity of broiler chickens, an experiment using a completely randomized design with 3 treatments, 4 replications, 10 chicks per repetition and a total of 120 pieces of one-day-old male broiler chickens of commercial strain Ross 308 were performed for 42 days. Experimental treatments included three different levels of licorice (0, 300 and 400 mg/kg feed). Data was analyzed using SAS statistical software and averages were compared at the 5% probability level with Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that although variation in feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion ratio was not significant in any of the rearing periods (P≥0.05), the highest feed consumption, weight gain and the best feed conversion ratio was observed in the final period of chickens were fed with Diet containing 400mg/kg licorice. Also, according to the data, the best European index was related to this treatment. In addition, the use of two levels of licorice had no significant effect on carcass characteristics or intestinal microbial flora; however, the highest increase in body weight and the lowest number of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria were observed at the higher level of licorice. However, these high levels did not lead to a decrease in abdominal fat. According to the results obtained, different levels of licorice led to a significant reduction of harmful fats such as cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL and LDL (P<0.05). Furthermore, although the level of HDL was not significant (P≥ 0.05), its highest amount was seen at high levels of licorice. In addition, the lowest amount of total protein, albumin and globulin was observed at the level of 400 mg/kg of licorice. According to these results, although the amount of glucose was lowest its level was not significant (P≥0.05), Also, the use of this same level of licorice had no significant effect on the function of the humoral immune system in response to antigen injection (SRBC Antibody against sheep red blood cell) or antibody titer against Newcastle virus and influenza (P≥0.05). Nevertheless, according to the data, the highest antibody titer against Newcastle virus and SRBC antigen was associated with this treatment. These results also showed that high levels of licorice led to an increase in the number of Bifidobacterium. Villi width and crypt depth decreased at the high dose of licorice, but the ratio of villi length to crypt depth increased. In addition, the use of different levels of licorice could not reduce the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids compared to the control group. Therefore, based on the results of this research, it is recommended to use the level of 400 mg/kg of licorice to supplement the diet of broilers of Ross 308 strain.

Cognitive status and demographics modify the association between subjective cognition and amyloid.

This study examined the effect of cognitive status, education, and sex on the association between subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers in non-demented older adults. Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project participants (n = 129), dementia or stroke free, completed fasting lumbar puncture, SCD assessment, and cognitive assessment. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for AD were analyzed. Linear regression models related SCD to CSF AD biomarkers and follow-up models assessed interactions of SCD × cognitive status, sex, reading level, and education on AD biomarkers. In main effect models, higher SCD was associated with more amyloidosis (p-values <0.004). SCD was not associated with tau, p-tau, or neurofilament light (NFL) levels (p-values >0.38). SCD score interacted with cognitive status (p < 0.02), sex (p = 0.03), and education (p-values <0.005) on amyloidosis. In stratified models, higher SCD was associated with more amyloid in cognitively unimpaired (p-values <0.003), men (p = 0.0003), and higher education. No SCD score × reading-level interaction was found (p-values >0.51) though SCD related to amyloid markers in the higher reading-level group (p-values <0.004). Higher SCD was associated with greater cerebral amyloid accumulation, one of the earliest pathological AD changes. SCD appears most useful in detecting early AD-related brain changes prior to objective cognitive impairment, in men, and those with higher quantity and quality of education and highlight the importance of considering these factors.

Quantifying the sweetness intensity and impact of aroma in honey from four floral sources.

Unlike many commercial sweeteners for which sweetness dose-response curves have been constructed, honey's sweetness has yet to be quantified. Honey differs from most commercial sweeteners in that it has a robust aroma; this aroma may impact its perceived sweetness. This study quantified the sweetness intensity and the impact of aroma on the perceived sweetness of four different honey varieties (clover, wildflower, alfalfa, and orange) compared to sucrose. Each sweetener evaluated was diluted to six concentrations in water ranging from 12.5g/L to 125g/L. Panelists (n=55) rated the sweetness intensities with and without aroma, in replicate, on the Global Sensory Intensity Scale. Additionally, the volatile organic compounds in the honey samples were profiled using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Honey and sugar were equivalently sweet at a given concentration (g/L), with aroma present (p=0.251). Additionally, honey and sugar were not equivalently sweet without aroma; aroma significantly increased sweetness intensities for all sweeteners (p=0.042) and especially honeys. In a 100g/L solution, the aromas in honey increased its sweetness by 23%-43%, depending on the floral source. Compounds with sweet aroma characteristics were identified at high concentrations in all honey samples using GC/MS analysis, including furfural, benzaldehyde, benzene acetaldehyde, and dimethyl sulfide. Additionally, (S)-limonene and toluene were present in high quantities in the orange and alfalfa samples. This study can inform appropriate honey usage levels and identify major volatiles that may enhance sweetness. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Honey sweetness has not been determined quantitatively, despite the widespread use of honey among consumers and product formulators. Sweetness enhancement by honey aroma volatiles may support a reduction in added sugars while maintaining sweetness intensity.

Occurrence of pesticide residues and associated ecological risks assessment in water and sediment from selected dams in northern Ghana.

Pesticides are chemicals used to enhance crop production. However, their residues can persist and accumulate in various environmental settings. This study assessed the occurrence of pesticide residues and ecological risks in surface water and sediment from the Libga and Builpela dams in northern Ghana. A total of 42 pesticides were analysed. Toxic units were used to assess the acute risk to sediment-dwelling organisms and aquatic biota. Risk quotients were employed to assess the chronic risk to aquatic organisms. Chlorpyrifos, atrazine, profenofos, and chlorfenvinphos were the main chemicals found in surface water. The concentrations were highest near the Builpela dam (0.413μg/L, 2.927μg/L, 0.304μg/L, 0.692μg/L, 0.073μg/L, 0.290μg/L, 0.06μg/L, and absent in the Libga dam). In the sediment, the organophosphates pyrimiphos-methyl and chlorpyrifos were found at high concentrations. They were found in higher quantities in the Libga dam (0.554mg/kg and 0.052mg/kg, respectively) and Builpela dam (0.051mg/kg and 0.043mg/kg, respectively). For organochlorines, p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDD were the main residues detected at high concentrations. However, concentrations were higher for p,p'-DDD at Builpela than for p,p'-DDE. Additionally, high concentrations of atrazine were detected in this study. The toxic units showed a high acute risk for organisms that live in sediment as a result of chlorpyrifosfos and chlorfenvinphos residues. Similarly, pirimiphos-methyl and chlorfenvinphos, followed by chlorpyrifos, contributed to high acute risk in aquatic invertebrates. Risk quotients showed that both dams had a high long-term risk for aquatic life; however, the risk was higher at the Builpela dam due to Pirimiphos-methyl and Chlorfenvinphos. Ghana's pesticide regulations are less comprehensive and enforcement is often weaker in protecting aquatic organisms. It is recommended to enforce strict limits on pesticide residues. Additionally, there is a need to regularly review and update these regulations based on new scientific data to protect aquatic ecosystems.

Indoor laboratory experiments for beach litter spectroradiometric analyses.

Marine pollution is a growing global issue, impacting both marine ecosystem and human health. High quantities of debris, mainly composed by plastic items, have been identified both in the coastal area and in the sea environment. Remote sensing techniques represent an useful tool (complementary to the in-situ campaigns) to monitor litter in the coastal environment, especially if the spectral signatures of the debris are known. In this framework, harvested beach litter (plastic items especially) were collected from two sandy beaches. The samples were spectrally characterised by implementing two indoor laboratory experiments with the aim to infer the best wavelengths to be used for beach litter detection via the spectral angle mapper index. Due to lack of a scientific protocol concerning the spectral data acquisition, two experimental setups were carried out to simulate the direct and diffuse illumination conditions. For around 30% of the samples, the spectral signatures are influenced by the two experimental setups. Outcomes suggest that for the majority of the samples green, blue, red-edge and some infrared bands are suitable for the beach litter detection.

Al-Ti-C (CNTs) master alloys improve room temperature and high-temperature mechanical properties of ZL205A alloy

The insufficient high-temperature properties of Al-Cu alloys represent a significant obstacle to their further development. The use of master alloy refiners can enhance the mechanical properties while refining the grains. This paper describes the preparation and characterization of Al-Ti-C (CNTs) master alloys containing submicron TiC particles through the aluminum melt reaction method, utilizing graphite powders (GPs) and (CNTs) as carbon sources,respectively.The effects of these two types of intermediate alloys on the microstructures and high-temperature mechanical properties of the ZL205A alloy were investigated at varying additive amounts. The results indicate that the Al-Ti-C (CNTs) master alloys contain TiC particles measuring up to 183 nm and 480 nm, respectively, with the Al-Ti-CNTs demonstrating a superior effect on the refinement of the ZL205A alloy. The optimal mechanical properties were achieved upon the addition of 0.3 wt% of the master alloy to the ZL205A alloy. The mechanical properties improved from 341.53 MPa (yield strength), 371.68 MPa (tensile strength), and 3.3 % elongation without the addition of master alloys to 413.20 MPa, 471.82 MPa, and 11.2 % with the addition of Al-Ti-CNTs and to 440.85 MPa, 492.61 MPa, and 10.8 % with the addition of Al-Ti-C, respectively.At a high temperature of 300°C, the mechanical properties of the ZL205A alloy improved from 144.0 MPa and 10.8 % (Al-Ti-C) to 174.87 MPa and 11.2 %, and 195.1 MPa and 13.8 % (Al-Ti-CNTs). The TiC particles generated in situ under a different carbon sources demonstrated distinct mechanisms in the grain refinement of the ZL205A alloy. TiC (GPa) with a larger size primarily impeded the further growth of grains, while TiC (CNTs) promoted the formation of crystalline nuclei and heterogeneous nucleation sites, thereby achieving grain refinement. Large-sized TiC particles prepared using graphite as the carbon source hindered further grain growth, whereas TiC produced using carbon nanotubes promoted the formation of nuclei and heterogeneous nucleation sites, resulting in grain refinement. In addition, both types of TiC particles contribute to the densification and strengthening of the ZL205A alloy through fine grain strengthening, precipitation strengthening, Orowan strengthening, load transfer strengthening, the pinning effect, and thermal mismatch strengthening. However,TiC(CNTs) exhibits a greater contribution to strength due to its high quantity and small size.

GC-MS/HPLC Profiling and Sono-maceration Mediated Extraction of Osbeckia parvifolia Polyphenols: In Silico and In Vitro Analysis on Anti-Proliferative activity in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines.

Osbeckia parvifolia, an endemic edible plant of Western Ghats, was investigated in the present study for its polyphenolic compounds, including content, constituents, extraction through an ultrasonic-assisted maceration technique and therapeutic potential in biomedical applications. The methanolic extract (OPM) exhibited an IC50 value of 1.25 µg/mL against 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts also strongly inhibited 5-lipoxygenase, especially OPM (84.93%), which was comparable to standard curcumin. OPM also elicited cytotoxicity in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells (93.80%), surpassing paclitaxel. Bio-accessibility analysis demonstrated that the release of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential were very high (above 100%), revealing the possibility of synergistic efficacy of polyphenolic complexes in drug development. Gas Chromatography -Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed 22 bioactive polyphenolic compounds in OPM, such as epicatechin, quercetin, and psoralidin. This was confirmed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and High-Pressure Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analyses, which revealed a high quantity of catechin (37.45 mg/g). Molecular docking revealed the significant binding affinity of these proteins for the ovarian oncoproteins PI3K (-8.52 kcal/mol) and Casp-8 (-8.41 kcal/mol). Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) profiling indicated the favorable pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds, supporting their candidacy in drug formulations against ovarian cancer.

Introducing a specified on-line multimodal prehabilitation approach for total knee replacement surgery candidates using data from the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory field-based, pre-post, mixed methods implementation pilot study.

Individuals waiting for total-knee-replacement surgery are at risk of developing morbidities and frailty which may affect their postoperative recovery. Multi-modal prehabilitation could mitigate these unintentional effects. To implement and evaluate a specified online multi-modal prehabilitation intervention in patients waiting for total-knee-replacement surgery in a large urban acute hospital trust. A non-randomised, pre/post analysis implementation pilot with a nested qualitative study was conducted and is reported following the standards for implementation studies (StaRI) guidance. Of 35 listed cases, 12 (34%) were eligible, recruited, and completed an 8-week multi-modal online intervention incorporating 5 modalities (i) cardiovascular exercise, (ii) strength/balance function, (iii) smoking cessation, (iv) opioid use, (v) nutritional intake. Interventions were specified using the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System, where rehabilitation treatment theory accounts for discrete treatment components. Two participated in an online qualitative interview post-intervention. Process evaluation included intervention fidelity, eligibility/recruitment/retention rates, and clinical outcomes included knee function, frailty, gait velocity, anxiety/depression, and quality of life. Five participants (42%) completed the intervention and were retained at follow-up. The intervention was delivered online at specified doses, frequency/durations indicative of high respective adherence, quantity, and exposure fidelity. There was significant improvement in median oxford knee score (p = 0.015), gait velocity (p = 0.040) and anxiety (p = 0.023). The interview revealed 5 themes; surgery preconceptions, motivation, acceptability, postoperative experiences, and future recommendations confirming acceptance of the intervention by virtue of adhering to the treatment exposure delivered as planned. The specified multi-modal prehabilitation was acceptable, implementable, and demonstrated evidence of preliminary efficacy. Further experimental pilot work that represents the spectrum of frailty, obesity, quality of life, and comorbidities associated with total-knee-replacement surgery is indicated.

Understory growth of Paris polyphylla accumulates a reservoir of secondary metabolites of plants.

Paris polyphylla is an important traditional medicinal plant of the Himalayan region. It is extensively used for the production of natural steroidal saponins and flavonoids. Although seed dormancy of wild plants can be broken to be artificially maintained and regenerated through micropropagation in the laboratory, the success of secondary metabolite production in higher quantities and the synthesis of superior plant metabolites have been very limited. In this study, we present differential metabolic profiling of P. polyphylla plants maintained for 8 years in natural and greenhouse conditions. Untargeted profiling of the metabolites through ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), followed by statistical analysis, identified secondary metabolites that were enriched in the naturally occurring plant roots compared with the greenhouse plant roots. A multivariate statistical analysis revealed the differential distribution of the compounds between the two groups. Overall, we identified 1,182 secondary metabolites, with 116 metabolites being differentially upregulated and 256 metabolites being downregulated. Moreover, 810 metabolites showed no significant variation under both growing conditions. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the naturally forest-grown P. polyphylla plants were significantly enriched in steroidal saponins, lipids, vitamins, flavonoids, and flavonols. An analysis of the top 10 differentially upregulated secondary metabolites indicated a significantly enriched quantity of spirost-5-en-3,12-diol and kaempferol synthesis pathways, which are known to reduce the effect of free radicals scavengers inside the cell. In addition, veratramine alkaloids were also enriched under natural conditions. Our findings indicated that naturally maintained P. polyphylla plants are suitable for the extraction of medicinally important compounds. Our study established a causal relationship between the metabolic composition of the roots and their natural growth condition. This study highlighted the importance of environmental conditions in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites of plants.

ANALISIS KINERJA DINAS MATERIEL DAN SENJATA TNI ANGKATAN LAUT MELALUI PENDEKATAN BUDAYA ORGANISASI DAN KOMPETENSI YANG DIMODERASI AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT

The Indonesian Navy's weapons and electronics materials service has a very strategic function in the Indonesian Navy. one of its functions is to carry out planning and continuous evaluation of activities in the field of electronics and weapons including ammunition material, navigation, electronic instruments, drones, simulators, sensors, controls and weapons, sensors, controls and weapons. The type of research used in this research is qualitative. The location of this research is the Indonesian Navy's weapons and electronics materials service, Subdiharsewaco Disharkap Koarmada I, Subdiharsewaco Disharkap Koarmada II, Subdiharsewaco Disharkap Koarmada III, Disharsewaco Disharkap Kolinlamil, Subdisren Disharmat Kormar. The analysis tool used is NVIVO 12. The results of the research are that the planning and budget proposed by Dissenlekal are in accordance with Dissenlekal's needs, but with the automatic adjustment, planning cannot reach 100%. The organizational culture of the Indonesian Navy's weapons and electronics materiel service reflects a good, positive, supportive and inclusive work environment. The competency of personnel in this organization is very good, with in-depth knowledge and high skills. The performance of personnel in this organization is very good, with high quality and quantity of work, consistent punctuality, and strong occupational safety awareness and compliance. Organizational culture and competence influence organizational performance. The Indonesian Navy's weapons and electronics materials service has strong adaptability in dealing with budget changes resulting from the automatic adjustment program. The existence of automatic adjustments affects organizational performance but is not significant. With a good organizational culture and competence, good performance will result despite automatic adjustments.

New insight into a simple high-yielding method for the production of fully folded and functional recombinant human CCL5

Chemokines are proteins important for a range of biological processes from cell-directed migration (chemotaxis) to cell activation and differentiation. Chemokine C-C ligand 5 (CCL5) is an important pro-inflammatory chemokine attracting immune cells towards inflammatory sites through interaction with its receptors CCR1/3/5. Recombinant production of large quantities of CCL5 in Escherichia coli is challenging due to formation of inclusion bodies which necessitates refolding, often leading to low recovery of biologically active protein. To combat this, we have developed a method for CCL5 production that utilises the purification of SUMO tagged CCL5 from E. coli SHuffle cells avoiding the need to reform disulfide bonds through inclusion body purification and yields high quantities of CCL5 (~ 25 mg/L). We demonstrated that the CCL5 produced was fully functional by assessing well-established cellular changes triggered by CCL5 binding to CCR5, including receptor phosphorylation and internalisation, intracellular signalling leading to calcium flux, as well as cell migration. Overall, we demonstrate that the use of solubility tags, SHuffle cells and low pH dialysis constitutes an approach that increases purification yields of active CCL5 with low endotoxin contamination for biological studies.

Enhanced Biological Potential and Phytochemical Profiling of Phoenix Dactylifera Leaves (Deglet Nour and Alig) by Kombucha Fermentation: Focus on Polyphenols, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Cytotoxic Activities.

The date palm, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera, is an important cultural and economic source of wealth in southern Tunisia. It produces considerable agricultural waste, including palm leaves, the disposal of which is often a challenge. Our study addresses the sustainable conversion of date palm leaves into a valuable product through kombucha fermentation, focusing on two widely used varieties in Tunisia: Deglet Nour and Alig. HPLC-RI analysis showed a significant difference in the fermentation process between the treated samples, which is reflected in the highest sugar consumption and metabolite production in Alig palm. Unfermented and fermented date palm leaves were sequentially extracted with solvents of increasing polarity to evaluate their chemical composition and bioactivity. The results showed that kombucha fermentation significantly increased the total phenolic content, with the highest amounts in the ethyl acetate fraction. In terms of antioxidant activity, the ethyl acetate extracts showed a high percentage inhibitory activity (82.76%) against the DPPH radical found in fermented Palm Alig, which also exhibited the most important antidiabetic capacity (resulting in an IC50 value of 20 µg/mL). The chemical analyses resulted in the detection of 19 compounds by HPLC-DAD and 50 volatiles by GC-MS, which are mainly found in kombucha extracts.