Low Activity Research Articles

Maladaptive health factors as potential mediators for the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and cardiovascular disease: A sex-stratified analysis in the U.S. adult population

ObjectivesThis study examined sex differences for health risk factors as potential mediators in the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). MethodsSecondary data from the 2012–2013 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Wave 3 was used. This cross-sectional survey contains a nationally representative sample of 36,309 U.S. adults (nfemales = 20,447, Mage = 47.16, 95% CI = [46.74, 47,57]; nmales = 15,682, Mage = 45.88, 95% CI = [45.42, 46.34]). Natural effect models and logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate health risk factors (smoking, substance use, low physical activity, high body mass index [BMI], binge eating, and multiple health risk factors) as potential mediators for the PTSD-CVD relationship in females and males. ResultsHigh BMI (indirect AOR = 1.05, 95% CI = [1.02, 1.07]) and substance use (indirect AOR = 0.93, 95% CI = [0.88, 0.98], p = 0.005) were potential mediators in females and males respectively. Binge eating, smoking, and low physical activity were not mediators in either sex. The number of health risk factors was also a potential mediator in females (indirect AOR = 1.12, 95% CI = [1.07, 1.19], p = <0.001) though not males (indirect AOR = 1.09, 95% CI = [1.00, 1.19], p = .059). ConclusionsThe results inform prevention strategies, such as screening for health risk factors to mitigate the adverse effect of PTSD on CVD risk. Findings also inform important directions for future longitudinal research to establish causal pathways.

Assessment of antimicrobial activity of Meliponula ferrugica in pathogenic wound samples

Background: Honey is a naturally occurring sweet material that bees make from nectar from flowers, secretions from plant parts, or excretions from plants that suck insects from plant parts. Honey’s antibacterial and antifungal qualities are widely known, and it has been used to heal burns, surgical wounds, and decubitus ulcers. Honey instantly sterilizes wounds affected by Staphylococcus aureus. The honey’s ability to fight bacteria can be ascertained by the nectar’s origin. Many antibiotic resistances among the bacteria that cause infections in humans have directly evolved as a result of the use of antibiotics in clinical practice. Methods: This study found that Bergey’s manual of determinative bacteriology can be used to identify Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. According to the study’s findings, honey has a capacity to neutralise Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus that have been isolated from infected wounds. Honey’s antibacterial characteristics account for a significant portion of its antibacterial activity. Results: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were both susceptible to the antibacterial activity of the honey sample. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited lower activity compared to Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: The results of this investigation show that Bergey’s handbook of determinative bacteriology can be used to identify Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to the study’s findings, honey has the ability to neutralise Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus that have been isolated from infected wounds.

Oxytocin receptor function regulates neural signatures of pair bonding and fidelity in the nucleus accumbens.

The formation of enduring relationships dramatically influences future behavior, promoting affiliation between familiar individuals. How such attachments are encoded to elicit and reinforce specific social behaviors in distinct ethological contexts remains unknown. Signaling via the oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) facilitates social reward as well as pair bond formation between mates in socially monogamous prairie voles 1-9 . How Oxtr function influences activity in the NAc during pair bonding to promote affiliative behavior with partners and rejection of other potential mates has not been determined. Using longitudinal in vivo fiber photometry in wild-type prairie voles and those lacking Oxtr, we demonstrate that Oxtr function sex-specifically regulates pair bonding behaviors and associated activity in the NAc. Oxtr function influences prosocial behavior in females in a state-dependent manner. Females lacking Oxtr demonstrate reduced prosocial behaviors and lower activity in the NAc during initial chemosensory investigation of novel males. Upon pair bonding, affiliative behavior with partners and neural activity in the NAc during these interactions increase, but these changes do not require Oxtr function. Conversely, males lacking Oxtr display increased prosocial investigation of novel females. Using the altered patterns of behavior and activity in the NAc of males lacking Oxtr during their first interactions with a female, we can predict their future preference for a partner or stranger days later. These results demonstrate that Oxtr function sex-specifically influences the early development of pair bonds by modulating prosociality and the neural processing of sensory cues and social interactions with novel individuals, unmasking underlying sex differences in the neural pathways regulating the formation of long-term relationships.

Differential Effects of In Vitro Simulated Digestion on Antioxidant Activity and Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds in Purple Rice Bran Extracts.

Pigmented rice varieties are abundant in phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds are modified in the gastrointestinal tract. After in vitro simulated digestion, changes in antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins) in purple rice brans (Hom Nil and Riceberry) were compared with undigested crude extracts. The digestion method was conducted following the INFOGEST protocol. Antioxidant activity was determined using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assays. The bioaccessibility index (BI) was calculated from the ratio of digested to undigested soluble phenolic content. Overall results showed that the in vitro simulated digested rice brans had lower antioxidant activity and lower total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents. However, the concentration of sinapic acid was stable, while other phenolic acids (gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic, ρ-coumaric, and ferulic acids) degraded after the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases. The BI of sinapic, gallic, vanillic, and ferulic acids remained stable, and the BI of quercetin was resistant to digestion. Conversely, anthocyanins degraded during the intestinal phase. In conclusion, selective phenolic compounds are lost along the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting that controlled food delivery is of further interest.

2D equivalent linear ground response analysis for randomized site profiles

AbstractLocal soil conditions play a crucial role in shaping ground surface responses and impacting the intensity of ground shaking. In this study, the influence of different site profiles on computed ground motion was investigated using a 2D equivalent linear analysis approach. Four distinct site profiles: sand, clay, sand-clay-sand-clay, and clay-sand-clay-sand profiles were considered. The results were presented using multiple metrics, including surface acceleration, displacement, modulus decreasing ratio, and coherence analysis. Notably, the clay profile significantly influenced ground motion, while the sand profile exhibited relatively lower seismic activity. This suggests that softer sites significantly influence ground motion, leading to potentially high levels of shaking.

The Photodynamic Antibacterial Activity Properties of a Series of Indium(III) Porphyrins and their Gold and Silver Nanoparticle Conjugates

AbstractIn(III) tetraarylporphyrin complexes with 4‐thiomethylphenyl (1‐InPor), thien‐3‐yl (2‐InPor), thien‐2‐yl (3‐InPor) and 5‐bromothien‐2‐yl (4‐InPor) meso‐aryl rings have been synthesized and characterized. The complexes have been conjugated to gold and silver nanoparticles (AuNPs and AgNPs). The photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) activities of 1–4‐InPor and their AuNP and AgNP conjugates have been investigated against both planktonic bacteria and biofilms of Gram‐(+) S. aureus and Gram‐(−) E. coli. 2.5 μg.mL−1 solutions of 1–4‐InPor exhibited favorable PACT activities against planktonic S. aureus with high Log10 reduction values in the 4.28–7.69 range upon 75 min photoirradiation with a Thorlabs M625L3 LED (240 mW.cm−2) mounted onto the illumination chamber of a Modulight 7710 medical laser system to provide a dose at the well‐plate of 86 mJ.cm−2.min−1. In contrast, low values in the 1.4–1.9 range were obtained against E. coli with 10 μg.mL−1 solutions. 1–4‐InPor exhibited relatively low PACT activity against the biofilm cells of S. aureus and E. coli. Conjugation of 1–4‐InPor to AgNPs and AuNPs significantly enhanced the PACT activities. This is demonstrated by the complete eradication of planktonic S. aureus at shorter irradiation times with high Log10 values&gt;7.69 and moderate Log10 values&gt;2 against planktonic E. coli for the meso‐thienylporphyrin conjugates.

Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib or Elsubrutinib Alone or in Combination for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Phase 2 Randomized Controlled Trial.

The 48-week, phase 2 SLEek study (NCT03978520) evaluated the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib (Janus kinase inhibitor) and elsubrutinib (Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor) alone or in combination (ABBV-599) in adults with moderately to severely active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients were randomized 1:1:1:1:1 to once-daily (QD) ABBV-599 high dose (HD; elsubrutinib 60mg + upadacitinib 30mg), ABBV-599 low dose (LD; elsubrutinib 60mg + upadacitinib 15mg), elsubrutinib 60mg, upadacitinib 30mg, or placebo. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving both SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI-4) and glucocorticoid dose ≤10mg QD at week 24. Additional assessments through week 48 included British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) and Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) responses, number of flares, time to first flare, and adverse events. The study enrolled 341 patients. The ABBV-599LD and elsubrutinib arms were discontinued after a planned interim analysis showed lack of efficacy (no safety concerns). More patients achieved the primary endpoint with upadacitinib (54.8%; P=0.028) and ABBV-599HD (48.5%; P=0.081) versus placebo (37.3%). SRI-4, BICLA, and LLDAS response rates were higher for both upadacitinib and ABBV-599HD versus placebo at weeks 24 and 48. Flares were reduced and time to first flare through week 48 was substantially delayed with both upadacitinib and ABBV-599HD versus placebo. No new safety signals were observed beyond those previously reported for upadacitinib or elsubrutinib. Upadacitinib 30mg alone or in combination with elsubrutinib (ABBV-599HD) demonstrated significant improvements in SLE disease activity, reduced flares and were well tolerated through 48 weeks.

ISAba1-mediated intrinsic chromosomal oxacillinase amplification confers carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii

Tandem amplification of carbapenemase genes increases gene copy number and enhances carbapenem resistance. These amplifications are often heterogeneous, transient, and located on plasmids, which also contribute to heteroresistance. Amplification of encoding genes is especially important for enzymes with low hydrolysis activity, which are often overlooked. Here, we reported an intrinsic oxacillinase oxaAb amplification flanked by ISAba1. The amplification is in the chromosome and contains up to 25 repeats. We provided genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic evidence that the amplification resulted in oxacillinase overproduction. Notably, no point mutations of oxaAb were found during the amplification process. Strains of Acinetobacter baumannii with intrinsic amplified or external transformed ISAba1-oxaAb exhibited higher meropenem hydrolysis activity. Furthermore, the number of repeats in the amplification decreased gradually over a period of 21 d cultured with carbapenem withdrawal. However, upon re-exposure to meropenem, the ISAba1 flanked oxaAb responded rapidly, with repeat numbers reaching or exceeding pre-carbapenem withdrawal levels within 24 h. Taken together, these findings suggest that ISAba1-mediated gene amplification and overproduction of intrinsic low-activity oxacillinase oxaAb resulted in carbapenem resistance.

The association of back pain with physical inactivity and hypothyroidism in pregnant women.

During pregnancy, structural and functional changes usually occur in the body, which has various consequences, including lower back pain (LBP) and hypothyroidism. One of the risk factors for these problems is physical inactivity. This study aimed to investigate the association of back pain and physical inactivity, weight gain, and hypothyroidism in pregnant women. In this cohort study, 420 pregnant women (26.333 ± 5.820 years old) were included. At first, participants answered this question: "Do you have any plans for pregnancy in the next month?" If the answer was yes, further evaluations were performed. The physical activity and pain intensity were measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-S) and Visual Analogue Scale. Serum TSH was measured by automated chemiluminescence and commercial kits. Measurements were conducted before, the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy. Women reporting LBP were less engaged in physical activities and weight gained in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy was significantly higher than pregnant women without LBP (p< 0.05). TSH level and weight gained in pregnant women with low physical activity level was significantly higher than pregnant women with moderate and high physical activity (p< 0.05) (without significant difference in TSH and BMI). The physical inactivity (before: OR: 1.11 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.22; first trimester: OR: 1.09 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.59; second trimester: OR: 0.92 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.31; third trimester: OR: 1.12 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.39), TSH (OR: 0.85 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.29), and weight gain (second trimester: OR: 0.87 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.59; third trimester: OR: 1.44 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.98; p< 0.05) did predict increased pain intensity. Using health-oriented approaches to increase physical activity and normalize thyroid function and weight gain during pregnancy can have beneficial effects on LBP.

Associations of Physical Activity and Heart Rate Variability from a Two-Week ECG Monitor with Cognitive Function and Dementia: The ARIC Neurocognitive Study.

Low physical activity (PA) measured by accelerometers and low heart rate variability (HRV) measured from short-term ECG recordings are associated with worse cognitive function. Wearable long-term ECG monitors are now widely used, and some devices also include an accelerometer. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether PA or HRV measured from long-term ECG monitors was associated with cognitive function among older adults. A total of 1590 ARIC participants had free-living PA and HRV measured over 14 days using the Zio® XT Patch [aged 72-94 years, 58% female, 32% Black]. Cognitive function was measured by cognitive factor scores and adjudicated dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) status. Adjusted linear or multinomial regression models examined whether higher PA or higher HRV was cross-sectionally associated with higher factor scores or lower odds of MCI/dementia. Each 1-unit increase in the total amount of PA was associated with higher global cognition (β = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.16-0.44) and executive function scores (β = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.22-0.53) and lower odds of MCI (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.22-0.67) or dementia (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.74). HRV (i.e., SDNN and rMSSD) was not associated with cognitive function. More research is needed to define the role of wearable ECG monitors as a tool for digital phenotyping of dementia.

Synthesis of n‐Propanol from CO2 Electroreduction on Bicontinuous Cu2O/Cu Nanodomains

Abstractn‐propanol is an important pharmaceutical and pesticide intermediate. To produce n‐propanol by electrochemical reduction of CO2 is a promising way, but is largely restricted by the very low selectivity and activity. How to promote the coupling of *C1 and *C2 intermediates to form the *C3 intermediate for n‐propanol formation is challenging. Here, we propose the construction of bicontinuous structure of Cu2O/Cu electrocatalyst, which consists of ultra‐small Cu2O nanodomains, Cu nanodomains and large amounts of grain boundaries between Cu2O and Cu nanodomains. The n‐propanol current density is as high as 101.6 mA cm−2 at the applied potential of −1.1 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode in flow cell, with the Faradaic efficiency up to 12.1 %. Moreover, the catalyst keeps relatively stable during electrochemical CO2 reduction process. Experimental studies and theoretical calculations reveal that the bicontinuous structure of Cu2O/Cu can facilitate the *CO formation, *CO‐*CO coupling and *CO‐*OCCO coupling for the final generation of n‐propanol.

Comprehensive analysis of the equatorial ionization anomaly based on global ionospheric maps with a high spatiotemporal resolution

The Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA), a manifestation of Ionospheric plasma irregularities, is closely linked to the equatorial fountain, influenced by solar activity and Earth’s geomagnetic field. While previous studies on EIA have predominantly focused on specific regional analyses using TEC data from GPS stations, revealing correlations between peaks, discrepancies with models, and temporal variations, there exists a gap in comprehensive global statistics, consideration of different solar activity years, and exploration of EIA characteristics across various local time scales. To address these, this study employs high spatiotemporal data from the Global Ionospheric Map (GIM) to comprehensively analyze EIA across different periods of the day during high solar activity in 2014 and low solar activity in 2020. The study delves into the subtle variations of EIA under different solar activity levels and seasonal conditions, focusing on changes in occurrence rate, intensity, and geomagnetic latitude positions concerning longitude, month, and local time. Our study reveals several findings: (1) EIA exhibited more frequent and intense trends during high solar activity years, with higher occurrence rates and intensity observed during the equinoxes; (2) EIA exhibits significant variations across different longitudes and local times, showing systematic patterns in its occurrence rates over time; (3) The crest-to-trough TEC Ratio (CTR) effectively characterizes nighttime EIA intensity, while the crest-to-trough TEC Difference (CTD) is suitable for representing daytime EIA intensity; (4) The temporal changes in EIA positions may be related to electric fields and wind patterns, while differences in longitudes are attributed to variations in the geomagnetic field.

In vitro and In vivo Antioxidant Effect of Mango, Coconut and Cotton Seed Oils on Hydrogen Peroxide- Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

This study is aimed at determining the antioxidant activity of Mango kernel oil (MKO), Coconut oil (CCO) and Cotton seed oil (CSO) in vitro and in vivo. Antioxidant parameters demonstrated by five spectrophotometric methods such as: DPPH, FRAP, MCA, HRSA and SRSA was determined in the oils. Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), catalase activity (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated in the serum of the Wistar rats. The antioxidant assay of the oils showed Coconut oil (75.67±0.21 %) was able to neutralize the DPPH radical more than the other oils followed by Cotton seed oil (38.70±0.23 %) and Mango kernel oil (31.56±0.24 %). Coconut oil exhibited the highest FRAP activity at (1.04 mMolFe2+) while the Cotton seed oil displayed significantly lower (P&lt; 0.05) FRAP activity at (0.18±0.00 mMolFe2+). The Metal chelating activity (MCA) of Coconut oil (52.72±0.24 %) was found to be significantly higher than Mango and Cotton seed oils, Superoxide radical scavenging activity showed Coconut oil (62.36±0.01 %) having a relatively high ability to scavenge superoxide radicals better than the other oils with the standard glutathione being significantly higher (81.36±0.07 %). The result of the in vivo study showed the mean values for the SOD of MKO (118.10±5.39 IU/L), CCO (120.53±4.53 IU/L) and CSO (108.80±3.33 IU/L), CAT of MKO (108.93±11.60 IU/L), CCO (96.85±11.69 IU/L) and CSO (88.28±10.66 IU/L) and MDA of MKO (0.25±0.07 mmol/L), CCO (0.24±0.14 mmol/L) and CSO (0.31±0.02 mmol/L). The oils markedly reduced the amount of MDA while significantly increasing the activities of both CAT and SOD content.

Challenges in Chemical Vapour Deposition of Graphene on Metallurgical Alloys Exemplified for NiTi Shape Memory Alloys

Atomically-thin two-dimensional (2D) materials like graphene have been suggested as ultimately thin corrosion barriers and functional coatings for modern metallurgical alloys. The challenges of chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of such 2D materials, particularly graphene, on modern metallurgical alloys are discussed and reviewed here, focusing on the key problems with the metallurgical alloys’ often limited catalytic activity towards 2D materials growth and the key need to preserve the metallurgical alloys’ bulk properties during the high temperature 2D materials CVD processes. Using graphene CVD on NiTi (Nitinol) shape memory alloys as a case study, we illustrate the constraints arising from low catalytic activity and tendency to form oxides due the Ti in the NiTi alloy in terms of graphene growth results. We show that, by using a scalable low-temperature CVD process at 650 to 750 °C, we can deposit fully covering carbon films on the NiTi, albeit at limited structural quality. Notably, we also demonstrate that our CVD process does not degrade the bulk microstructure of the NiTi during carbon deposition and, importantly, leaves the crystallographic shape memory effect evolution intact. This underscores the potential of CVD for depositing graphene films on NiTi alloys while emphasizing the necessity for further exploration of CVD conditions to achieve high-quality graphene deposits akin to those on prior widely investigated dedicated (often sacrificial) high-purity metal substrates such as Ni.

Seismicity and state of stress in NE Arabia

Eastern Arabia exhibits low seismic activity although damaging earthquakes are historically known. Despite the proximity to convergent plate boundaries in the Arabia–Eurasia collision zone, the state of stress in northern Oman with its persistent topography of the Oman Mountains (OM) remains enigmatic. We have revised the earthquake catalogue of northern Oman and confirm the detection and location accuracy of the permanent network by comparison with a temporarily densified network across the OM. For the first time, we infer focal mechanisms (FM) for earthquakes in Oman from P-wave polarities. Seismic activity is high in the Northern OM but diminishes rapidly south of 24.5° N. In the Central and Eastern OM, low-magnitude earthquakes occur along topography bounding faults with mostly transtensional FM. Offshore, seismicity follows NE-trending lines in extension of the Semail Gap and the Masirah Fault Zones, up to the Makran trench. Except for an isolated patch of repeated small-magnitude earthquakes, the western Makran trench is seismically quiet. Inversion of FM confirms a NE–SW direction of maximum horizontal stress that aligns with Arabia–Eurasia convergence. In the Central and Eastern OM, maximum horizontal and vertical stresses are balanced. The topography of the OM appears, therefore, not to be generally sustained by compressional forces.

N-Pyrazolyl- and N-Triazolylamines and -Ureas as Antileishmanial and Antitrypanosomal Drugs.

Three types of modifications of antileishmanial pyrazole lead compounds 7 and 8 were conducted to expand understanding of the relationships between structural features and antileishmanial/antitrypanosomal activity: (1) the pyrazole core was retained or replaced by a 1,2,4-triazole ring; (2) various aryl moieties including 2-fluorophenyl, pyridin-3-yl and pyrazin-2-yl rings were attached at 3-position of the core azole; (3) either arylmethylamino or ureido substituents were introduced at 5-position of the azole core. The synthesis followed established routes starting with esters 9 or 15 and anhydride 21. The synthesized 3-arylpyrazoles and 3-aryl-1,2,4-triazoles had only very low antileishmanial activity. The 2-fluorophenyl-substituted pyrazole 18c revealed the highest antileishmanial activity of this series of compounds, but its IC50 value (20 μM) still indicates low activity. However, low micromolar antitrypanosomal activity was detected for the pyridin-3-yl-substituted pyrazoles 12b (IC50=4.7 μM) and 14a (IC50=2.1 μM). Their IC50 values are comparable with the IC50 values of the reference compounds benznidazole and nifurtimox. Whereas only low unspecific cytotoxicity at the primary peritoneal mouse macrophages (PMM) was detected, considerable cytotoxicity at MRC-5 human fibroblast cells was found for both pyrazoles 12b an 14a. The activity of pyrazole 12b against T. cruzi is 4-fold higher than its unspecific MRC-5 cytotoxicity.

Interaction between Enzymatic Detergent and Textile Metals/Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

aims: This research examines the interactions between metal (Ag) and metal oxide (TiO2 and ZnO) nanoparticles and amylase, cellulase, protease, and lipase as detergent enzymes and their impacts on enzyme activity. background: Nanoparticles are used in industrial products, such as textiles, to induce novel properties, such as antibacterial, antistatic, UV blocking, self-cleaning properties, wrinkle resistance, and water and oil repellent. On the other hand, using enzymes (protease, lipase, amylase, and cellulase) is widespread in detergent industries for washing conditions. objective: The interactions between metal (Ag) and metal oxide (TiO2 and ZnO) nanoparticles and detergent enzymes method: Using a central composite design, a total of 320 experiments under different conditions were conducted to determine the extent of change in enzyme activity. result: Results indicate that lipase had the lowest activity under interaction with silver nanoparticles, while cellulase and protease were most affected by interactions with AgNPs and a-TiO2. The surface response of the examined parameters showed the most effect from the interaction time and temperature and the enzyme/nanoparticle ratio and temperature parameters. conclusion: Further investigations into the effects of nanomaterials and enzymes on the physiology and chemistry of surfaces are suggested. This research results demonstrate that in nanoparticle and enzyme interface, physical, chemical, and biological difference is made in both. The outcome can be used to improve nanoparticle and detergent enzyme interactions in washing surroundings, aiming to retain nanoparticles and enzyme traits. other: -

Investigation of muscle activation during kinetic chain based exercises in individuals with and without forward head posture.

The Band Pull-Apart (BPA) exercise is used to strengthen the periscapular muscles. It was recently stated that the lower extremity and trunk movements should be included in the shoulder rehabilitation programs to optimize an effective energy transfer throughout the kinetic chain. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of kinetic chain based BPA exercise on the muscle activations of the sternocleidomasteideous (SCM) and the trapezius muscles in individuals with and without forward head posture (FHP). Eighteen individuals with FHP and 18 individuals without FHP were included. Photographic measurements were made to identify individuals with FHP. The muscle activations of SCM, Upper Trapezius (UT), Middle Trapezius (MT), and Lower Trapezius (LT) were measured with surface EMG. BPA exercise was performed in the standing, unipedal standing, squat, unipedal squat, and Bulgarian split squat (BSS). There was no Group × Exercise interaction for the SCM, UT, MT, LT muscle activations, or for the UT/MT and UT/LT ratios (p> 0.05). While there was a difference in the activation of all muscles between individuals with and without FHP (p< 0.05), both ratios were similar (p> 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between exercises for SCM, MT, and LT muscle activations (p< 0.000 for these muscles), UT/MT (p< 0.000) and UT/LT ratios (p= 0.004). SCM muscle activation in squat was lower than activation in standing (Mean Difference (MD) = 2.5% Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contractions (MVIC); p= 0.004) and in unipedal standing (MD = 2.1% MVIC; p= 0.002). MT muscle activation in squat was higher than activation in standing (MD = 9.7% MVIC), unipedal standing (MD = 7.8% MVIC), unipedal squat (MD = 6.9% MVIC) and BSS (MD = 9.4% MVIC; p< 0.000 for these positions). LT muscle activation in the squat was higher than activation in the standing (MD = 8.5% MVIC) and unipedal squat (MD = 8.1% MVIC; p< 0.004 for these positions). UT/MT ratio in the squat was lower than standing (MD = 0.3), unipedal standing (MD = 0.2) and BSS (MD = 0.3; p< 0.000 for these positions). UT/LT ratio in squat was lower than unipedal squat (MD = 0.5) and BSS (MD = 0.6; p= 0.002; for these positions). Performing the BPA exercise in the squat position is suggested in cases where lower SCM and UT muscle activation, lower UT/MT, and UT/LT ratios and higher MT and LT muscle activations are needed for individuals with and without FHP.

Formation processes of iron-based layered hydroxide in acid mine drainage and its implications for in-situ arsenate immobilization: Insights and mechanisms

The immobilization of arsenate in transformed minerals depends on their states in acid mine drainage (AMD). In this study, an iron-based layer hydroxide mineral was derived from the transformation of ferrihydrite under co-existing Mg2+ ions in AMD. The immobilization behavior of arsenate on the mineralized LDHm and pre-prepared LDHad was distinguished. 99 % immobilization efficiency was achieved from the mineralized LDHm, maintaining stability without subsequent releases, across initial arsenate concentrations ranging from 10 to 60 mg/L. LDHm outperformed the pre-prepared LDHad, which was synthesized from AMD for arsenate adsorption. Electron energy loss spectroscopy line profiles revealed predominant incorporation of arsenate in the LDHm structure, supported by higher bulk As signals within LDHm. Density functional theory calculations indicated primary arsenate incorporation into LDHm, forming stable bonds with lower energy activation barriers. Importantly, LDHm exhibited a superior electron rearrangement configuration, resulting in enhanced electron state activity and affinity for arsenate. In contrast, arsenate adsorption predominantly occurred on the pre-prepared LDHad, with notable As signals detected particularly at the edges. Adsorption energy evaluation indicated arsenate preference for bonding to Fe3+ sites on LDHad. These findings provide important insights into the role of stable LDH-like minerals for long-term arsenate immobilization in the natural AMD attenuation processes.

Physical activity information-seeking behaviour and barriers in a sample of university undergraduate emerging adults: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundAccess to physical activity information provides opportunities for enduring and relevant messaging regarding physical activity. This may be a potential vehicle to optimise physical activity participation among emerging adults. This study aimed to characterise the physical activity information-seeking behaviour in a sample of university undergraduate emerging adults.MethodsFive hundred and seventy-five undergraduate students (age = 21.7 ± 1.9 years) participated in the study. Respondents’ physical activity information-seeking behaviour was obtained using an adapted instrument, while physical activity and barriers were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Exercise Benefits and Barrier Scale.ResultsThree hundred and fifty-one respondents (61%) of respondents sought physical activity information. The majority of these individuals (73.8%) sought physical activity information using social media. After identifying and controlling for confounders including engaging in physical activity programmes and faculty of study, having low physical activity levels was associated with a < 1 likelihood of seeking physical activity information compared to having high physical activity levels (odds ratio = 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.27–0.87; p = 0.015). However, there was no association between barriers to physical activity and physical activity information-seeking behaviour (odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.81–1.69; p = 0.40).ConclusionUndergraduate emerging adults seek physical activity information using social media to enhance their physical appearance and health.