Late Stage Research Articles

Association of Age at Menarche with General and Abdominal Obesity in Young Women.

Background and Objectives: Age at menarche is related to various biological and socioeconomic factors in childhood. The aim of the study was to examine the association of age at menarche with general and abdominal obesity in young women. Materials and Methods: A transversal anthropometric survey was conducted with 102 females from 21 to 25 years of age. The surveyed traits included height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC). General obesity was assessed using the body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity by WC, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). A retrospective method was used for collecting age at menarche data. Results: The average age at menarche is 12.80 years. Early menarcheal age (<12 years) is detected in 25.5% of young females, while late onset of menarche (>14 years) is recorded for 20.6% of subjects. Early menarche age subjects exhibit significantly higher BMI, WC and WHtR in comparison with their late menarche age peers. There is a significant negative correlation between BMI, WC and WHtR values and menarcheal age. Late age at menarche is associated with higher probability of underweight status (BMI < 18.5 and/or WHtR < 0.4). Conclusions: Age at menarche has a negative correlation with general and abdominal obesity. Young women with early age at menarche show statistically higher values of BMI, WC and WHtR, while those with late menarcheal age show greater susceptibility to becoming underweight.

Spiral decorated shawls in Late Iron Age Finland

Spiral decorated shawls in Late Iron Age Finland (c. AD 800–1200) were elaborate and special garments with strong connections to identity. In prior research, richly decorated shawls from female graves have been reconstructed for ancient costumes. In this study, we trace the sensorial properties of shawls using microarchaeological methods, experimental archaeology and reconstructions. Examples from female graves, male graves and a child’s grave are included for examining the similarities and differences between spiral decoration techniques. In a broader context, we discuss the use and meanings of shawls in both life and death.

The long and winding road

In this paper we address the biography of a set of copper nails recovered in 1998 from a Late Iron Age structure located at the archaeological site of Puig de Sa Morisca (Mallorca, Spain). The archaeometric and typological analyses conducted on these nails allowed us to relate them to nautical technology, as well as to approach the origin of the raw materials and the production processes involved in their manufacture. The biographical information obtained from these studies has been crucial to address the extensive mobility of these copper nails through the Western Mediterranean during the Iron Age, as well as to approach their fluid nature and association with different communities of practice, assemblages and appropriation phenomena.

Hypogene Alteration of Base–Metal Mineralization at the Václav Vein (Březové Hory Deposit, Příbram, Czech Republic): The Result of Recurrent Infiltration of Oxidized Fluids

The Václav vein (Březové Hory deposit, Příbram ore area, Czech Republic) is a base–metal vein containing minor Cu-Zn-Pb-Ag-Sb sulfidic mineralization in a usually hematitized gangue. A detailed mineralogical study using an electron microprobe revealed a complicated multistage evolution of the vein. Early siderite and Fe-rich dolomite were strongly replaced by assemblages of hematite+rhodochrosite and hematite+kutnohorite/Mn-rich dolomite, respectively. In addition, siderite also experienced strong silicification. These changes were associated with the dissolution of associated sulfides (sphalerite, galena). The following portion of the vein contains low-Mn dolomite and calcite gangue with Zn-rich chlorite, wittichenite, tetrahedrite-group minerals, chalcopyrite, bornite, and djurleite, again showing common replacement textures in case of sulfides. The latest stage was characterized by the input of Ag and Hg, giving rise to Ag-Cu sulfides, native silver (partly Hg-rich), balkanite, and (meta)cinnabar. We explain the formation of hematite-bearing oxidized assemblages at the expense of pre-existing “normal” Příbram mineralization due to repeated episodic infiltration of oxygenated surface waters during the vein evolution. Episodic mixing of ore fluids with surface waters was suggested from previous stable isotope and fluid inclusion studies in the Příbram ore area. Our mineralogical study thus strengthens this genetic scenario, illustrates the dynamics of fluid movement during the evolution of a distinct ore vein structure, and shows that the low content of ore minerals cannot be necessarily a primary feature of a vein.

Identification of subsurface archaeology at Mutaredh, United Arab Emirates, using ground penetrating radar

The United Arab Emirates holds great historical importance, as evidenced by many archaeological sites, such as the Jebel Hafit Tombs and the Hili Archeological Park in Al Ain. At the western edge of Mutaredh Oasis, a major new archaeological site was discovered in 2023 during a construction project. Several important archeological features have been documented, including an earthen mosque and boundary walls, Iron Age irrigation systems, and a circular stone tomb dating to the Bronze Age. However, the eastern edge of the Mutaredh site has remained unexplored to date. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has been proven to be a successful method in mapping archaeological remains. Accordingly, a high-resolution GPR survey was carried out to identify the continuity of the unearthed archeological elements and delineate new unexplored features. A comprehensive 3D model of buried archaeological features was constructed using the acquired high-resolution GPR data in the eastern part of the Mutaredh site. Several selected anomalies have been observed, similar to the uncovered features in the western part of the Mutaredh site and structures documented in other nearby archaeological sites. The geometry and extension of these anomalies have enabled the possible identification of a further two Bronze Age circular tombs, as well as the delineation of a system of water channels (falaj), and irrigation networks with tree pits from the Iron Age. Moreover, walls probably belonging to the Late Islamic Age are identified. These findings suggest that Mutaredh has been a site of intensive human activity from the Bronze Age through to the Late Islamic period. Given the density of identified anomalies, further significant features are anticipated to lie buried in the immediate surrounding areas, promising continued insights into the area’s rich archaeological heritage. The findings of this study may guide archaeologists to specific locations and assist in selecting the most appropriate excavation techniques for the verification stage.

Effects of Treadmill Walking and Overground Walking in Young Children With Non-progressive Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Introduction Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are responsible for childhood brain dysfunction and developmental disability. Physical therapists are important team members in providing a beneficial impact on the gross motor function of children with NDDs. Early intervention provides a beneficial effect on the improvement of gross motor function; however, most of the studies on treadmill training were in late age and the effect of early treadmill walking along with conventional physiotherapy was not studied. Hence, the objective of the present study was to compare the effect of overground walking with treadmill walking in young children aged 12-36 months with non-progressive NDDs. Methodology An experimental study was performed for one year on diagnosed cases of non-progressive NDD. A total of 36 children with non-progressive NDD were recruited for the study between the ages of 12 and 36 months of either gender and were allocated into treadmill walking and overground walking groups. The intervention was given for eight consecutive weeks, four days per week, and for 20-25 minutes per day. The children were assessed using Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) and Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-2 (PDMS-2) for both stationary and locomotion components. Results The comparison of both the groups with PDMS-2 (stationary) at baseline, follow-up, and post intervention reported mean values of 25.56 ± 12.16, 27.22 ± 11.74, and 28.44 ± 11.72, respectively, in the overground walking group and 28.72 ± 8.96, 29.72 ± 9.46, and 31.33 ± 8.85 in the treadmill walking group, respectively, with statistically significant results (p = 0.0022). Additionally, the comparison of both the groups with PDMS-2 (locomotion) reported mean values of 35.78 ± 24.02, 39.11 ± 23.21, and 43.00 ± 23.58, respectively, in the overground walking group and 39.67 ± 22.28, 43.17 ± 22.94, and 46.61 ± 24.16 in the treadmill walking group, respectively, with statistically significant results (p = 0.020). Moreover, the comparison of both the groups with total GMFM-66 reported mean values of 16.97 ± 14.52, 18.35 ± 14.88, and 20.49 ± 16.86, respectively, in the overground walking group and 18.52 ± 14.28, 21.66 ± 15.76, and 25.92 ± 16.95 in the treadmill walking group with statistically significant results (p = 0.0118). Conclusion The present study concluded that between both the groups, a statistically significant difference was observed for PDMS-2 (stationary and locomotion)and GMFM-66 after a scheduled intervention of eight weeks. Hence, walking should be carried out as a part of therapy in early intervention and further studies can be performed to determine the long-term effect of these interventions and their role in the prevention of secondary complications.

Adolescent close friendships, self-perceived social acceptance, and peer-rated likeability as predictors of wellbeing in young adulthood

IntroductionLinks between interpersonal relationships and physical and psychological functioning have been well-established in the literature. During adolescence, success or distress in peer relationships may have distinct effects on different aspects of wellbeing. The present study aims to examine the ways in which different adolescent peer relationship contexts (i.e., close friendship quality, social acceptance, and likability from peers) can predict outcomes relevant to adult wellbeing (i.e., social anxiety, depression, aggression, social integration, romantic insecurity, job satisfaction, and physical health). Further, the study considers how different developmental stages of adolescence may impact links between peer relationships and wellbeing outcomes.MethodPeer relationship contexts were assessed in early (ages 13–14) and late (ages 17–18) adolescence. Markers of wellbeing were measured in young adulthood (ages 28–30). A path analysis was used to examine whether the developmental timing of adolescent peer relationship contexts could predict wellbeing in young adulthood.ResultsResults suggest that, across adolescence, broader perceived social acceptance may be a more robust predictor of adult wellbeing compared to close friendship quality and peer likability. When examined at early and late adolescence separately, early adolescent social acceptance and late adolescent close friendship quality best predicted outcomes of adult wellbeing.DiscussionImplications and considerations for future research are discussed.

På höjderna och i stadens utkant. Gravfält och gravgårdar i det äldsta Sigtuna

This article discusses late Viking Age mortuary practices in the town of Sigtuna during the early urban phase (c. 980–1100 AD) with focus on the so-called graveyards (Sw. gravgårdar): cemeteries where the dead were inhumed mainly in accordance with Christian customs, but that lacked churches. It aims to trace cultural, social, or religious communities among the early town dwellers based on an analysis of their burial rituals, in combination with results of osteological and bioarcheological studies of their physical remains. The paper shows that burial customs varied within the early townscape: the dead were laid to rest under visible grave constructions in exposed topographical locations, as well as on flat-ground cemeteries in lower terrain close to the settlement area or at early churchyards. Moreover, diversity in mortuary customs, sex and age distribution, gender division, and diet can be detected between individual cemeteries, indicating that they were used by different urban groups that to some extent parted from their dead in different ways. The results of bioarcheological analyses indicate a heterogenous early urban population, comprising people from the Mälaren area, and also from distant regions. The burial customs reflect this specific urban situation, bearing witness to both long-distance contacts and roots in local mortuary traditions.

A new species and genus of Lower Jurassic rhynchonellide (Brachiopoda) from Livari (Rumija Mountain, Montenegro): taxonomic implications of the shell microstructure

ABSTRACT A new rhynchonellide brachiopod genus and species, Skadarirhynchia semicostata gen. et sp. nov., is described from the late Pliensbachian of Livari, Rumija Mountain, southeastern Montenegro. It occurs in shallow-water brachiopod-crinoid packstone beds (bioclastic limestones) of the periplatform facies of the Dinaric Carbonate Platform. Stratigraphy is constrained by means of 87Sr/86Sr dating indicating a late Pliensbachian age, and by the fact that the brachiopod beds lie immediately below the Toarcian marly limestones, which is consistent with the regional stratigraphical position. The new species has a circular to roundly pentagonal outline and semicostate shells with 10‒12 strong angular ribs. Internally, it shows reduced dental plates, narrow and thin hinge plates inclined dorsally with small crural bases, crescent-like and laterally convex, and hamiform crura. The shell microstructure of the new taxon is characterised by a homogeneous secondary layer (a single layer with no sublayers) built of rhombic fibres that are typically of coarse-fibrous type (eurinoid pattern) 35‒50 μm wide and 20‒30 μm thick. Other co-occurring rhynchonellide species such as Prionorhynchia fraasi and Cuneirhynchia dalmasi are also described. Shell microstructures for the genus Cuneirhynchia are presented.

Palaeoenvironmental Analysis of the Southern Part of the Danube–Tisza Interfluve (Hungary): The Northern Loess Wall of Katymár and the Hay Meadows and Loess Banks of Hajós

This study presents a comprehensive palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the southern part of the Danube–Tisza interfluve in the Carpathian Basin from the Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene, addressing the region’s response to global climate forcings and local environmental factors based on multi-proxy analyses of two key protected areas: the Katymár brickyard and the hay meadows and loess banks of Hajós. By integrating radiocarbon-dated malacological, macrobotanical, pollen, phytolith, geochemical, and sedimentological analyses, it was possible to provide a picture of past climate–ecosystem interactions. The Katymár North sequence provides an extended chronology from Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS3, ca. 36,000 cal BP) through the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and into the Early Holocene, while the Hajós sequence offers high-resolution data for the LGM–Holocene transition. By the late Ice Age, humidity and surface moisture superseded temperature as primary palaeoecological limiting factors, promoting ecotone-like forest–steppe environments during cooling periods.

Anatomy of a 300-million-year old fjord in Namibia

Namibia is remarkable in terms of its network of approximately 300-million-year-old fjords, cut by Gondwanan glaciers at high palaeolatitudes during the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age (LPIA). A classic suite of structures is preserved on Proterozoic bedrock, including striations, roches moutonnées and other subglacial features within many of these palaeovalleys. Some palaeovalleys are plastered with comparatively thin diamictites (a few metres) of presumed subglacial origin, in turn capped by ice marginal delta successions (tens of metres). Close examination of deposits in the outer Orutanda Fjord palaeovalley reveals an architecture that shows departure from this trend. There, boulder-bearing diamictites pass laterally into highly contorted heterolithic successions comprising folded and faulted sandstones, siltstones and shales. Aerial imagery from UAVs in tandem with traditional field observations permits mapping of assemblages of soft-sediment deformation structures (tight to recumbent folds, deformation bands, faults, sheath folds) together with spatial mapping of the long-axis of boulders in diamictite. Collectively, this assemblage of structures points towards subglacial deformation, and hence an origin as a “deforming bed” beneath a glacier. Whilst several open questions remain regarding the precise deformation mechanisms, the concept of glacial re-advances into a deeply incised palaeovalley is proposed, by direct analogy to similar stratigraphic architectures in the LPIA record of South America.

Forgotten and Found: Neglected Omphalocele - Vital Role of Imaging

Abstract Background Omphalocele is a congenital abnormality of the abdominal wall consisting of protrusion of the abdominal contents at the base of the umbilical cord. It is associated with genetic and structural defects, which significantly affect its prognosis and survival outcomes. Case Presentation Prenatal diagnosis of this condition is crucial for apt management; however, we present two cases of neglected and giant omphaloceles in early childhood. It is usually a disease of neonatal age, and presentation at such a late age is quite rare. The management of such cases is quite challenging, and multiple strategies have been described. In our case, the giant omphalocele was managed with an external surgical skin closure system as a component of a staged closure strategy. Conclusion The expert surgical technique played a decisive role, allowing the coordination of a multidisciplinary team, which was crucial for optimal management.

Paleozoic-Mesozoic multistage tectonic evolution of the North Qilian Shan revealed by detrital zircon U-Pb and fission-track double dating

Knowledge of the tectonic history of the North Qilian Shan contributes to our understanding of the formation of the Tibetan Plateau. However, when the North Qilian Shan were formed has been controversial. We report new detrital zircon U-Pb (n = 899) and double dating fission track and U-Pb (n = 450) results from nine samples of Lower Cretaceous and Oligocene sandstone units, integrating with published geochronology and thermochronology data in order to reconstruct the evolution history of the North Qilian Shan. Nine samples from this unit show detrital zircon fission track age populations that center at: 636–603, 495, 406–331, 290–266, 247–224, 193–151, and 144–102 Ma. These fission track data are older than their corresponding depositional ages, suggesting that the fission track ages are unreset and record magmatic-related cooling or exhumation stages of the North Qilian Shan since the Late Neoproterozoic. Deconvolved fission track peak ages document major cooling events associated with the opening of the North Qilian Ocean at 636–603 Ma. Late Cambrian peak age (495 Ma) is attributed to the early phase of the subduction of the North Qilian Ocean. The Devonian period exhibited a cooling phase between 406 and 381 Ma, corresponding to the collision event between the Qaidam terrane, Central Qilian Shan, and Alxa Block. The peak age of 331 Ma signifies the cooling event associated with the subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The peak ages during the Early-Middle Permian period (290–266 Ma) provide evidence of significant exhumation events that occurred during the Late Paleozoic era. These events were linked to the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean to the south and the Paleo-Asian Ocean to the north. The Triassic peak ages (247–224 Ma) unveil exhumation signals in the North Qilian Shan region that were generated by the far-field effect of the collision between the Qiangtang and Kunlun terranes. During the Jurassic (193–151 Ma) and the Early Cretaceous periods (144–102 Ma), the exhumation of the North Qilian Shan region was a consequence of the subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean and the collision between the Lhasa and Qiangtang blocks, respectively. The peak ages of the Xinminpu Formation in the Early Cretaceous (123–121 Ma) are in close proximity to their depositional age (125–105 Ma), indicating that the North Qilian Shan underwent rapid exhumation during this period. The peak ages observed in the Oligocene Baiyanghe Formation (31–24 Ma) from 144 to 102 Ma, indicate that it has been influenced by the recycled sediments originating from the Cretaceous Xinminpu Formation. The North Qilian Shan gradually emerged during the late Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, providing the foundation for its subsequent reactivation in the Cenozoic era. The multi-stage cooling or exhumation events of North Qilian Shan since Late Neoproterozoic reflect the complex formation process of the northeastern margin of Tibetan Plateau.

Sedimentary organic matter and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Santana Group (Lower Cretaceous), Araripe Basin, Northeast Brazil

Depositional controls of the Santana Group in the Araripe Basin are still being debated. The main controversial subject is their marine influence and paleoenvironmental evolution. In this study, palynofacies analysis was performed on 59 samples from one core drilled at Sítio Romualdo in the Araripe Basin to investigate sedimentary organic matter. Three palynofacies associations (structureless, continental particles, and aquatic + opaque) were identified. The Santana Group consist of Barbalha, Crato, Ipubi and Romualdo formations. Based on palynofacies associations we conclude that the depositional setting of the Barbalha Formation reflects a fluvially-fed lacustrine system under oxic conditions. The Crato Formation, associated with tidal flats, coastal lakes, and lagoons within an open bay environment, represents a bayhead delta system. The Ipubi Formation corresponds to a coastal plain typical of sabkha paleoenvironments, characterized by low energy under reducing conditions, during drier climate conditions. The Romualdo Formation records mainly an estuarine paleoenvironment characterized by dysoxic to anoxic conditions. The presence of palynomorph groups typifies a late Aptian age for the Santana Group, which is based on the range of guide species marked mainly by the presence of Sergipea variverrucata biozone (P-270), as well as the occurrence of Complicatisaccus cearensis and Equisetosporites maculosus. The identification of marine palynomorphs (dinoflagellate cysts Subtilisphaera and foraminiferal test linings) are indicative of several, local marine incursions.

Paleontology of Pennsylvanian transgressive deposits in northwestern Precordillera, San Juan province, Argentina

In central-western Argentina, sedimentological and paleontological studies have identified changes in sea levels during the Pennsylvanian period. After the late Serpukhovian-early Bashkirian postglacial transgression, two main flooding events occurred. Among these, Pennsylvanian transgressions 1 and 2 are considered the most significant. New palynological samples recovered from the T1 transgression in Puesto Volcán, western Precordillera (San Juan province) reveal the presence of the Raistrickia densa-Convolutispora muriornata (DM) Biozone. The palynofloras are characterized by the recognition of Ahrensisporites cristatus, Lundbladispora spp., Raistrickia densa, Spelaeotriletes ybertii, and monosaccate pollen grains. The composition of the assemblages includes some taeniate pollen grains suggesting their assignment to the Subzone B. A new orthoconic cephalopod was also identified in the same stratigraphic interval, which adds to the invertebrate faunal record and confirms the marine environment. Imprints of foliage of Fedekurtzia argentina complete the paleofloristic assemblage. A late Bashkirian-earliest Moscovian age is suggested according to the well constrained radiometric control of the palynostratigraphy in the region.

Widespread coastal upwelling along the marginal Yangtze Platform (South China) during the early Cambrian: Implications for hyper-enrichment of organic matter

Early Cambrian Earth history witnessed significant changes in marine environments and biological evolution contemporaneous with extensive accumulation of organic-rich shale. However, major factors controlling hyper-enrichment of organic matter (OM) of lower Cambrian shale deposits remain controversial. Black shale of the lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation (NTT) of the Marginal Yangtze Platform (South China) deposited during the Cambrian middle Age 2 are especially organic-rich, with total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations of as much as 13.0 wt%. Geochemical evidence suggests that cool, dry paleo-climatic conditions that prevailed on the Yangtze Platform during the Cambrian Fortunian-late Age 2, induced vigorous coastal upwelling. Paleo-productivity level assessments indicate that the magnitude of primary productivity contemporaneous with deposition of the NTT shale deposits exceeded that of modern upwelling systems (e.g., Peruvian Margin). The widespread occurrence of phosphate nodules within these deposits and decreased Co-EF × Mn-EF values of associated lower Cambrian black shale successions deposited along the margin of the Yangtze carbonate platform suggest extensive coastal upwelling. Widespread and strong coastal upwelling in tandem with elevated surface water primary productivity and anoxic (even euxinic) bottom water conditions are manifested by deposition of OM hyper-enriched black shale during Cambrian Fortunian to middle Age 2 time. However, weakened seasonal upwelling that appears to have prevailed during the late Cambrian Age 2 was accompanied by accumulation of NTT shale deposits of diminished TOC content. In summary, this study provides robust evidence of extensive coastal upwelling along the Marginal Yangtze Platform during early Cambrian time that favored accumulation of OM hyper-enriched shale. These results help to elucidate the distribution of high-quality lower Cambrian natural gas source rocks in South China.

A Differential Protein Study on Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid at Different Stages of Silicosis.

In this study, by comparing the difference in protein expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid between silicosis patients in different stages and healthy controls, the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis was discussed, and a new idea for the prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis was provided. The lung lavage fluid was pretreated by 10 K ultrafiltration tube, Agilent 1100 conventional liquid phase separation, strong cation exchange column (SCX) HPLC pre-separation, and C18 reverse phase chromatography desalting purification, and protein was labeled with isotope. GO, KEGG pathway, and PPI analysis of differential proteins were conducted by bioinformatics, and protein types and corresponding signal pathways were obtained. Thermo Q-Exactive mass spectrometry identified 943 proteins. T-test analysis was used to evaluate the different significance of the results, and the different protein of each group was obtained by screening with the Ratio≥1.2 or Ratio≤0.83 and P<0.05. We found that there are 16 kinds of protein throughout the process of silicosis. There are different expressions of protein in stages Ⅲ/control, stages Ⅱ/control, stage Ⅰ/control, stages Ⅲ/ stages Ⅱ, stages Ⅲ/ stage Ⅰ and stages Ⅱ/ stage Ⅰ groups. The results of ontology enrichment analysis of total differential protein genes show that KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of differential protein suggested that there were nine pathways related to silicosis. The main biological changes in the early stage of silicosis are glycolysis or gluconeogenesis, autoimmunity, carbon metabolism, phagocytosis, etc., and microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 may be involved in the early stage of silicosis. The main biological changes in the late stage of silicosis are autoimmunity, intercellular adhesion, etc. Calcium hippocampus binding protein may participate in the biological changes in the late stage of silicosis. It provides a new idea to understand the pathogenesis of silicosis and also raises new questions for follow-up research.

Human anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins protect yeast cells from aging induced oxidative stress

Aging is a degenerative, biological, and time-dependent process that affects all organisms. Yeast aging is a physiological phenomenon characterized by the progressive transformation of yeast cells, resulting in modifications to their viability and vitality. Aging in yeast cells is comparable to that in higher organisms in some respects; however, due to their straightforward and well-characterized genetic makeup, these cells present unique advantages when it comes to researching the aging process. Here, we assessed the impact of human anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins on aging using a yeast model. The findings clearly showed that these proteins exhibited remarkable anti-aging properties in yeast cells. Our data indicate that the presence of both proteins enhanced the reproductive survival of aging cells, likely by effecting the components functioning as both pro- and anti-oxidants, depending on the stage of yeast cell lifespan. Both proteins partially protected yeast cells from aging-related morphological deformations and cellular damage during the aging period. In particular, Bcl-xL expressing yeast cells reached the maximum activity levels for almost all of the major antioxidant enzymes and the total antioxidant status on the 8th day of lifespan and could provide effective protection at the latest stage of the investigated aging period. The chemometric data analysis of IR spectra confirmed the findings of the morphological and biochemical analyses. In this regard, specifically, understanding the mechanism of action on the cellular redox state of Bcl-xL in yeast may facilitate comprehension of its indirect antioxidant function in higher eukaryotes.

Novel age constraints on offshore islets around Taiwan with implications for the Northern Taiwan Volcanic Zone

Determining the exact age of volcanic activity in the Northern Taiwan Volcanic Zone (NTVZ) is essential for comprehending Taiwan's tectonic evolution. The timing and duration of the volcanic processes that formed the NTVZ remain uncertain despite the availability of geochronological, geochemical, and geophysical data. While extensive efforts have been directed towards investigating the age of the Tatun Volcanic Group, the primary feature of the NTVZ, many other aspects require further examination. This study concentrates on two offshore islets in the northern region of the NTVZ. We present new 40Ar/39Ar ages of 0.252 ± 0.018 Ma for a lava flow, representing an early stage of volcanic activity, and 0.118 ± 0.012 Ma for a dike, representing the latest stage of volcanic activity around Pengjia Islet. A sample collected from Mianhua Islet did not yield a reasonable age due to high uncertainty, likely attributable to young and low radiogenic argon. Field observations support the interpretation that volcanic activity on both islets is considerably younger than previously estimated. This study corroborates the hypothesis from geophysical studies that submarine NTVZ features to record a potentially active magmatic reservoir offshore of northern Taiwan. By refining our understanding of spatio-temporal patterns in volcanic activity, this study contributes to volcanic hazard assessment in Taiwan and surrounding areas.

Treatment-Resistant Mood Disorders.

The objective of the study was to explore the presentation of symptoms in patients suffering from treatment-resistant mood disorder (TRMD), and associated clinical features, including age, gender, and comorbid conditions, that lead towards the development of treatment-resistant mood disorder. Furthermore, the study analyses the available psychotherapeutic treatment modalities and evidence-based non-medical treatment approaches for TRMD. The current study utilized a systematic review approach where 37 articles were studied and three articles were theoretically sampled to authenticate and signify the findings. PRISMA guidelines were followed and the review was conducted by searching social sciences databases and electronic libraries including Google Scholar, Sage Journal, and Science Direct (1990-2020). The results suggested that psychotherapeutic interventions including cognitive behavior therapy, mindful-based cognitive therapy; and interpersonal and social rhythm therapeutic interventions are efficacious modalities for treatment when in augmentation with psychopharmacological treatment. Bipolar diathesis and comorbid conditions of anxiety and personality disorders are possible causal factors in developing the condition of treatment resistance in mood disorders. The prevalence rate of TRMD is more common in females and in late adulthood. The analysis also suggests that there are numerous risk factors contributing to making a mood disorder treatment-resistant over a period of time; the most observed conditions were physical and psychological comorbidity, inaccurate diagnosis, lack of proper medical treatment, illness severity, and late age diagnosis. In evidence-based non-medical treatment approaches aerobics demonstrated promising results in improving the condition of complex mood disorders. It was concluded that psychotherapeutic interventions in augmentation with pharmacological modalities enhance the efficacy of treatment.