Low Activity Research Articles

Lack variation of low slow-wave activity over time in the frontal region in NREM sleep may be associated with dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease.

Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (DYS) adversely affects the quality of life of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. However, few studies have focused on the relationship between DYS and sleep and electroencephalography (EEG). Our study aimed to establish the objective physiological indicators assessed by polysomnography (PSG) that are associated with DYS in PD patients. We enrolled 122 patients with PD, divided into two groups: PD with DYS (n = 27) and PD without DYS group (non-DYS, n = 95). The demographics and clinical characteristics and sleep assessment in the two groups were collected. More importantly, overnight six-channel PSG parameters were compared in the two groups. We also compared different bands and brain regions of average power spectral density within each group. Compared with the non-DYS group, the DYS group tended to have a significantly higher percentage of nonrapid eye movement sleep (NREM). Gender, levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD), rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (min), and the NREM percentage were positively correlated with the occurrence of DYS. After adjusting for gender, disease duration, LEDD, taking amantadine or not, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), NREM%, N3%, and REM (min), the percentage of NREM sleep (p = 0.035), female (p = 0.002), and LEDD (p = 0.005), and REM sleep time (min) (p = 0.012) were still associated with DYS. There was no significant difference in whole-night different bands of average power spectral density between two groups. There was no significant difference in normalized average power spectral density of slow wave activity (SWA) (0.5-2 Hz, 0.5-4 Hz, and 2-4 Hz) of early and late NREM sleep in the DYS group. Dynamic normalized average power spectral density of SWA of low-frequency (0.5-2 Hz) reduction in the frontal region (p = 0.013) was associated with DYS in logistic regression after adjusting for confounding factors. PD patients with DYS have substantial sleep structure variations. Higher NREM percentage and less REM percentage were observed in PD patients with DYS. Dynamic normalized average power spectral density of low-frequency (0.5-2 Hz) SWA reduction in the frontal area could be a new electrophysiological marker of DYS in PD.

Novel control strategy employing anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic/aerobic/anoxic mode to enhance endogenous denitrification and anammox for municipal wastewater treatment

Anaerobic/Aerobic/Anoxic (AnOA) process utilizes endogenous denitrification to remove nitrogen. However, low endogenous denitrification activity critically restricts its application owing to insufficient carbon sources. In this study, a novel control strategy employing anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic/aerobic/anoxic (AOAOA) mode was introduced to treat low Carbon/Nitrogen (C/N) ratio municipal wastewater over 262 days. The concentration of total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) was only 3.9 ± 2.0 mg/L in the effluent, with a high nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) of 94.3 %. The relative abundance of Candidatus Competibacter increased from 1.2 % to 2.3 %, ensuring an efficient endogenous denitrification process. Additionally, Candidatus Brocadia enriched from 0.02 % to 0.6 %, contributing to 63.1 % nitrogen removal during the anoxic stage in Phase Ⅲ. This study presents a promising approach for enhancing endogenous denitrification and anammox in the AnOA process, contributing to sustainable wastewater treatment.

Differential expression of cardiometabolic and inflammation markers and signaling pathways between overweight/obese Qatari adults with high and low plasma salivary α-amylase activity

BackgroundThe relationship between salivary α-amylase activity (sAAa) and susceptibility to cardiovascular disorders lacks a definitive consensus in available studies. To fill this knowledge gap, the present study endeavors to investigate this association among overweight/obese otherwise healthy Qatari adults. The study specifically categorizes participants based on their sAAa into high and low subgroups, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the potential link between sAAa levels and cardiovascular and inflammation markers in this population.MethodsPlasma samples of 264 Qatari overweight/obese (Ow/Ob) participants were used to quantify the sAAa and to profile the proteins germane to cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, metabolism, and organ damage in low sAAa (LsAAa) and high sAAa (HsAAa) subjects using the Olink technology. Comprehensive statistical tools as well as chemometric and enrichments analyses were used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and their associated signaling pathways and cellular functions.ResultsA total of ten DEPs were detected, among them five were upregulated (QPCT, LCN2, PON2, DPP7, CRKL) while five were down regulated in the LsAAa subgroup compared to the HsAAa subgroup (ARG1, CTSH, SERPINB6, OSMR, ALDH3A). Functional enrichment analysis highlighted several relevant signaling pathways and cellular functions enriched in the DEPs, including myocardial dysfunction, disorder of blood pressure, myocardial infraction, apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, hypertension, chronic inflammatory disorder, immunes-mediated inflammatory disease, inflammatory response, activation of leukocytes and activation of phagocytes.ConclusionOur study unveils substantial alterations within numerous canonical pathways and cellular or molecular functions that bear relevance to cardiometabolic disorders among Ow/Ob Qatari adults exhibiting LsAAa and HsAAa in the plasma. A more comprehensive exploration of these proteins and their associated pathways and functions offers the prospect of elucidating the mechanistic underpinnings inherent in the documented relationship between sAAa and metabolic disorders.

Relationships Between Hepatic Steatosis and Frailty Differ by HIV Serostatus

Background: Frailty is associated with obesity-related comorbidities, but the relationship with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people with HIV has been incompletely described. Our objective was to assess the associations between NAFLD and frailty. Methods: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. NAFLD was defined as a liver/spleen ratio <1.0 on abdominal computed tomography scans; frailty was defined by the frailty phenotype as having 3 of the following: weakness, slowness, weight loss, exhaustion, and low physical activity. Results: Men without (n = 200) and with HIV (n = 292) were included. NAFLD prevalence was 21% vs 16% and frailty 12% vs 17%, respectively. Among men with NAFLD, frailty was more prevalent in men without HIV (21% vs 11%). In multivariate analysis, NAFLD was significantly associated with frailty after controlling for significant variables. Men without HIV and NAFLD had 2.6 times higher probability [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2– to 5.7] of frailty relative to men with neither HIV nor NAFLD. This association was not seen in men with HIV. The probability of frailty was higher among men without HIV with NAFLD (27% vs 10% in men without NAFLD) but lower among men with HIV with NAFLD (14% vs 19% in men without NAFLD). No significant relationships were found in longitudinal analyses. Conclusions: NAFLD was independently associated with frailty among men without HIV but not men with HIV, despite increased prevalence of frailty among men with HIV. The mechanisms of the muscle–liver–adipose tissue axis underlying NAFLD might differ by HIV serostatus.

An in-silico approach to the dynamics of proliferation potential in stem cells and the study of different therapies in cases of ovarian dysfunction

A discrete mathematical model based on ordinary differential equations and the associated continuous model formed by a partial differential equation, which simulate the generational and temporal evolution of a stem cell population, are proposed. The model parameters are the maximum proliferation potential and the rates of mitosis, death events and telomerase activity. The mean proliferation potential at each point in time is suggested as an indicator of population ageing. The model is applied on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), with different telomerase activity rates, in a range of variation of maximum proliferation potential in healthy individuals, to study the temporal evolution of ageing. HSCs express telomerase, however not at levels that are sufficient for maintaining constant telomere length with aging [1] (Zimmermann and Martens, 2008; Flores et al., 2008). Women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) are known to have low telomerase activity in granulosa cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (Xu et al., 2017). Extrapolating this to haematopoietic stem cells, the mathematical model shows the differences in proliferation potential of the cell populations when telomerase expression is activated using sexual steroids, though the endogenous promoter or with gene therapy using exogenous, stronger promoters within the adeno-associated virus. In the first case, proliferation potential of cells from POI condition increases, but when adeno-associated viruses are used, the proliferation potential reaches the levels of healthy cell populations.

Simultaneous recycling of flavonone and polymethoxyflavonoids from Chenpi processing residue based on their complementary action on glycolipid lowering activity: Innovative combination use of yeast and aqueous two-phase system

This study aimed at recycling flavonoids with glycolipid lowering activity from Chenpi processing residue produced by essential oil extraction. The crude Chenpi flavonoids obtained by ethanol reflux mainly contained flavonone (hesperidin) and polymethoxyflavonoids (nobiletin, tangeretin, sinensetin, and isosinensetin), which complementally exerted strong glycolipid lowering activity as revealed by digestive enzyme inhibitory activity, molecular docking and network pharmacology. The reducing sugar and water-soluble impurities were efficiently removed by yeast fermentation and aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) extraction, respectively. The optimal combination use of yeast (2 % w/v, CN36) and ATPS formed by 22 % (w/w) (NH4)2SO4 and 25 % (w/w) ethanol improved flavonoid purity to 60.25 %, enriched flavonone and polymethoxyflavonoids by 6.69-fold, and enhanced digestive enzyme inhibitory activity, which was superior to the use of individual yeast or ATPS, unoptimized combination, macroporous resin (XAD-16), and ethyl acetate. This study was the first to develop a recyclable biophysical method for simultaneous enrichment of flavonone and polymethoxyflavonoids.

The Effect of the Surrounding Matrix on Spin Transition Nanoparticles: How Shell Characteristics Alter Core Elastic Properties in Core‐Shell Particles

A surrounding matrix is known to alter nanoparticle spin transitions, the solid state structural phase changes associated with transitions between high spin (HS) and low spin(LS) states. To better quantify how the spin transition solid and surrounding matrix interact, several series of core‐shell particles were prepared based on RbxCo[Fe(CN)6]z∙nH2O, RbCoFe‐PBA, as spin transition core with isostructural shells of different compositions and thicknesses. Synchrotron PXRD through the thermal high HS to LS, the LS to photoexcited high spin (PXHS), and thermal PXHS to LS transitions, show the activation energy is lowered as shells become thicker and stiffer. Calorimetry data coupled with transition state theory analysis indicate the core stiffens in the core‐shell particles relative to the uncoated particles. The conclusion is supported by microstrain analysis that shows stiffer shells limit the extent to which the core distorts as individual sites transition, leading to the lower activation energy. Finally, differences in lattice mismatch with different shell materials are shown to alter the mechanism by which the transition progresses.

Enhancing the Performance of PNN-PHT Perovskite Ferroelectric via Configurational Entropy Strategy: Component Design, Electric Properties, and Mechanism Analysis

The traditional approach to designing ferroelectrics through phase boundaries has limitations in regulating polarization configuration and achieving significant performance enhancements. In contrast, the concept of high-entropy materials has emerged as a promising strategy for designing new materials with enhanced properties. Herein, by incorporating the high configurational entropy (Sconfig) strategy, the investigation explored the influence of Sconfig on the electrical properties of PNN-PHT piezoceramics. The results demonstrated that high Sconfig values were highly beneficial in improving the piezoelectric properties and significantly influenced the microstructure and grain size. The increase in Sconfig value was found to be positively correlated with the Rayleigh coefficient (α), dielectric loss (tanδ), and frequency dispersion (γ), while inversely correlated with the coercive electric field (Ec). By exploring the mechanism via Raman and simulation analyses, it was discovered that high Sconfig induces enhanced disorder, increased lattice distortion, and sharp volume changes. This ultimately resulted in a richer phase structure, reducing the potential energy barriers and leading to a lower activation energy (Ea) required for polarization switching. This finding provides novel strategies and directions for the development of high-voltage and high-coercive-field materials, holding promise for designing piezoelectric devices with enhanced power density and precision.

Epimerization of Glucose to Rare Sugars using Beta Zeolite-Supported MoOx Catalysts

Epimerization of abundant monosaccharides derived from lignocellulosic biomass offers an attractive approach for the synthesis of rare sugars. Molybdenum-based catalysts demonstrate excellent glucose-mannose epimerization performance, but most studies have neglected the synthesis of other sugar epimers and the pathways of their formation. Here, reduced Beta zeolite supported MoOx catalysts (Mo/Beta) with 1.5-10wt% Mo loading are examined for glucose epimerization in water, specifically focusing on the formation of the rare sugars allose and altrose. The physicochemical structure and the catalytic activity of the catalyst were examined in detail, and the reaction mechanisms for the epimer formation were probed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that 5wt% Mo/Beta achieved a near-equilibrium mannose yield of 30% from glucose within 10min at reaction temperatures below 140°C, exhibiting a relatively low activation energy (∼67kJmol-1). At elevated reaction temperatures (≥ 120ºC), the rare sugars allose and altrose accumulated to combined yields of 24% at 140°C. An isotope labelling study using NMR spectroscopy corroborated the catalysis to involve 1,2-carbon shifts that elicit the formation of rare sugars at sufficiently high temperatures. Evaluation of catalyst reuse and regeneration indicated that supported MoOx had higher stability than that of MoO3, but the stability of the Mo/Beta catalysts under hydrothermal conditions leaves room for improvement.

Harvesting low-cost gold-based catalysts from e-waste by a cationic covalent triazine organic framework for 4-nitrophenol reduction

Gold (Au)-based catalysts are commonly used for the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol, however, the high cost of Au has limited their widespread application. Therefore, developing affordable Au-based catalysts is highly desirable yet challenging. Herein, we synthesized a cationic covalent triazine framework to recover Au from e-waste, leading to the creation of cost-effective Au NPs@iCTF-TPM catalysts. Adsorption experiments demonstrate that cationic iCTF-TPM exhibits exceptional Au adsorption capabilities, with a maximum capacity of 1919 mg g−1. Notably, the iCTF-TPM selectively recovers Au from the e-waste leaching solution, achieving 99 % removal of Au within just 5 min. Moreover, the adsorbed AuCl4− can be self-reduced to form fine Au nanoparticles, resulting in the formation of Au NPs@iCTF-TPM catalysts. Remarkably, Au NPs@iCTF-TPM could convert 4-nitrophenol to 4-nitroaniline with a low activation energy of 26.15kJ mol−1 and a high rate constant of 1.73 × 10−2 s−1. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy indicates that the high catalytic activity is primarily due to the generation of active hydrogen radicals facilitated by Au NPs@iCTF-TPM. This study opens new avenues for developing low-cost Au-based catalysts from e-waste leaching solutions.

CoMo/g-C3N4 as a highly effective, reusable, non-noble metal-based catalyst for H2 production via NaBH4 hydrolysis focused on stationary application under mild conditions: A kinetic study

Among hydrogen storage chemicals for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), sodium borohydride stands out for yielding exceptionally pure hydrogen. This study synthesized cobalt-molybdenum catalysts supported on g-C3N4 using an ultrasonic-assisted impregnation method. Various CoMo/g-C3N4 catalysts with different CoMo mass ratios were created, all showing high hydrogen production and complete NaBH4 conversion under mild conditions. Catalytic activity depends on the cobalt-molybdenum mass ratio, with optimal performance at a 1:1 ratio (w/w), maintaining up to 83% activity over 5 cycles. The effect of operating conditions on hydrogen release was explored, resulting in the rate law: rH2 = 1.708 × 10-3 [NaBH4]1.25 [Catalyst dosage]1.39 [NaOH]0.44 at 298 K, with a low activation energy of 22.9 kJ mol−1. Molybdenum's promoting effect prevented significant deactivation of the cobalt catalyst, ensuring complete NaBH4 conversion to H2 and good stability over multiple cycles.

A quick parameter configuration tool for SCHISM’s ocean transport simulation of radioactive materials

Abstract A quick tool capable of processing output files generated by the SCHISM particle tracking module has been developed to handle complex data processing procedures and conduct parameter sensitivity testing. This tool performs calculations, considering the influence of half-lives and partition coefficients, for the conversion of activity concentrations, plots particle diffusion trajectories, conducts statistical analyses of regional particle amounts, and presents activity concentration within the defined area. Using the IAEA MODARIA program as an example, this study investigates the transport of radioactive 137Cs in the ocean following the Fukushima accident on March 11, 2011. A three-year diffusion simulation was conducted by incorporating data such as ocean currents, wind fields, and tides. The calculated results demonstrate a high level of consistency with measurements, and the calculated results in the low activity concentration fall within the variability range reported in the literature.

Associations of Patient Activation with Outcomes Among Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: A Retrospective, Longitudinal, Observational Study.

Patient activation, defined as an individual's readiness, willingness, and ability to manage their own health and health care, is associated with healthy behaviors and improved outcomes. Patients undergoing in-center hemodialysis (HD) have low activation, but the association of patient activation with clinical outcomes among dialysis patients is unclear. We investigated the association between patient activation and outcomes in HD patients. This cohort included 925 prevalent, in-center HD patients among 10 facilities in a mid-sized dialysis provider. All patients who completed the Patient Activation Measure 13-item (PAM-13) survey during a previous study were included, and their records were cross-referenced with data from the electronic heath system. Patients were followed for 180 days after completion of the survey for the primary outcomes of time to (1) death and (2) time to hospitalization. Markers of non-adherence during the month before and the month after completion of the PAM survey were examined as secondary outcomes, including (1) serum potassium >5.0 mEq/L; (2) serum phosphorus >5.5 mg/dL; (3) missed dialysis treatment due to absence (not hospitalization); and (4) interdialytic weight gain >4.0%. Univariate and adjusted regression models were fit to estimate associations of a 3-point increment in PAM-13 score with the outcomes of interest; adjustment factors comprised age, sex, dialysis vintage, serum albumin, diabetes, and hospitalization history. A 3-point increment in PAM score was associated with lower hazard of death (univariate HR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.94; adjusted HR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.85-0.96), but not with hospitalization (univariate HR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.96-1.02; adjusted HR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.96-1.02). Higher scores were associated with increased odds of having high phosphorus levels in the unadjusted analysis, but this was attenuated and not significant in adjusted models. There were no significant relationships between a 3-point increment in PAM score and any of the other secondary outcomes in univariate and adjusted analyses. In a cohort of prevalent, in-center HD patients, low activation was associated with mortality but not with hospitalization or measures of non-adherence.

Antioxidant and Antiaging Properties of Ethanolic Ripe Sesoot Fruit Extract

Skin aging can be characterized by changes in skin, such as the appearance of wrinkles and loss of skin moisture. Some elements that might lead to cell damages and aging are free radicals through the increase of the activities of hyaluronidase and tyrosinase. Bioactive compounds found in sesoot (Garcinia picrorhiza Miq.) are known for their antioxidant properties, which may reduce excessive amounts of free radicals in the body and act as an antiaging agent by inhibiting hyaluronidase and tyrosinase activities. This study aimed to examine the antioxidant, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-tyrosinase properties found in Ethanolic Extract Ripe Sesoot (EERS). The ethanol extract of ripe sesoot fruit obtained from LIPI, Bogor Botanical Garden was used for the antioxidant and antiaging assays conducted at PT Aretha Medika Utama in December 2016. The activity of antioxidants was measured as the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) of the EERS, while the antiaging assays were performed through the inhibition activity of hyaluronidase and tyrosinase. Results indicated that the EERS has a higher FRAP activity (17.58 μM Fe (II)/μg) than xanthone (2.54 μM Fe (II)/μg) at the highest concentration of sample of 5,000 µg/mL. The anti-hyaluronidase of the EERS exhibited lower activity (IC50 of 619.21±12.15 µg/mL) than xanthone (IC50 of 365.55±25.10 µg/mL) and the tyrosinase inhibitory assay demonstrated a lower activity of EERS (IC50 of 1060.68±12.81 µg/mL) compared to xanthone (IC50 of 218.33±9.73 µg/mL). To conclude, EERS shows antioxidant and antiaging properties.

Pengaruh Media Pembelajaran Teachmint dan Keaktifan Belajar Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Kelas X pada Mata Pelajaran Ekonomi di SMA Negeri 4 Sumatera Barat

This research aims to analyze the influence of Teachmint learning media and active learning on the learning outcomes of class X students in economics subjects at SMA Negeri 4 West Sumatra. The type of research used was quantitative with a sample of 71 students consisting of 35 experimental class students and 36 control class students. The research instrument used tests of validity, reliability, level of difficulty, discrimination, normality, homogeneity, and two-way ANOVA with the help of SPSS 18.0. The results of the research show: (1) The economic learning outcomes of students taught using Teachmint media are higher than conventional media, (2) The learning outcomes of students with high activity who are taught by Teachmint are higher than conventional, (3) The learning outcomes of students with low activity who are taught Teachmint is higher than conventional, (4) There is an interaction between learning media and active learning on students' economic learning outcomes.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Lepechinia rufocampii Epling & Mathias essential oil from the highlands of Ecuador

The chemical composition, antioxidant andantimicrobial activities of the essential oil from leaves and flowers of Lepechinia rufocampii Epling & Mathias were studied. GC-FID and GC-MS analyses allowed the identification and quantification of 122 constituents, representing 98.7% of the essential oil. Aliphatic compounds, mainly methyl ketones (62.4%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (19.5%) were found to be the most abundant compounds, while oxygenated monoterpenes were the minor. The most abundant compounds were undecan-2-one (34.6%), nonan-2-one (21.1%), and (E)-caryophyllene (8.3%). Antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The essential oil had a low scavenging effect and it showed ferric reducing activity. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was observed against pathogenic bacteria and a pathogenic yeast. The essential oil showed very good activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar, but low activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The MIC value of the essential oil varied from 1.04-33.05 μL/mL, with the lowest for Salmonella enterica serovar.

Fragility Fracture of Proximal Tibia in A Wheelchair-Bound 54-Year-Old Female Patient

Sedentary behavior is one of the risk factors of fracture, in which mild activity was found to be inversely associated with hip, vertebral, and total fracture. Other study also found non-linear association of fracture risk with lower and higher physical activity was associated with higher risk of any fracture compared to a mean physical activity. In this study, we reported a 54-year-old wheelchair bound female with fracture on the proximal tibia cause by low-energy trauma. This research underscores the importance of early identification of fracture risk factors, especially in vulnerable populations such as older adults who are wheelchair-bound. Early interventions that include lifestyle changes, increased physical activity, and nutritional management are essential to prevent further fractures and improve bone health. Identifying the risk of fractures on elderly patient may be beneficial for prevention of fractures especially in wheelchair-bound elderly individual.

Antioxidant Compounds and Activities of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Decoction Residues from Cordial and Juice Production

Roselle is a popular plant in Malaysia, especially for its use in food and beverage production. The calyces of the roselle plant are commonly decocted to make roselle juice and cordial, resulting in a significant amount of waste in the form of decocted calyces. Surprisingly, these decocted calyces retain their dark red colour and are still intact although soften. However, to date, there is no research on the antioxidant compounds and activities of roselle decoction residues from cordial and juice production have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of the roselle decoction residues. The roselle decoction residues were evaluated for colour, Delta E (∆E), pH, total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing ability assay (FRAP), and ferrous ion chelating (FIC). All assays were also correlated and show positive effect among themselves. The decocted residues reported were still in acidic conditions ranged of pH 2 to 4. The decocted cordial residue (DCR) showed similar colour with control or fresh roselle calyx (FRC), and a bit duller in decocted juice residue (DJR). The DCR showed similar and slightly lower antioxidant content and activity of TAC, TPC, TFC, DPPH, FRAP and FIC to FRC but much better than DJR. Therefore, the DCR were still rich in anthocyanin contents and had good antioxidant activity without having colour changes. These residues have the capacity to be converted to wealth and could be an alternative source for natural antioxidants. Further research is needed to explore their potential applications in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. By harnessing the potential of roselle decoction residues, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to food and beverage production.

PROBLEMS OF JUDICIAL ACTS REVIEW IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

The work is devoted to studying the problems of reviewing court decisions of lower courts by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This article examines the control of higher courts over lower courts' activities in the system to ensure the rule of law in case consideration and decision-making. The procedure of reviewing judicial decisions by a higher court that have become effective and those that are not effective in the order of cassation and supervisory review, as well as representations of the President of the Supreme Court, and protests of the Prosecutor General of Kazakhstan, are investigated. Problems of citizens' implementation of their constitutional rights to judicial protection and appeals against court decisions are highlighted. The grounds for reviewing judicial acts that have entered into force, the range of subjects entitled to apply for review, criteria for the admissibility of appealing judicial acts as well as procedure for preliminary consideration of complaints and protest by a judge alone is shown. The analysis of these issues allows us to conclude that the current grounds and procedure for reviewing judicial decisions of the appeal and cassation courts based on the submissions of the Chairman of the Supreme Court and the Attorney General of the Republic of Kazakhstan firstly hinder the realization of citizens' constitutional right to judicial protection, including the right to appeal against judicial decisions, and secondly prevent the formation of consistency in judicial practice. The lack of guidance to lower courts on reviewing judicial decisions by way of cassation and supervision has once again convinced courts of their inability to achieve consistency in the interpretation and application of law, as well as failure to contribute effectively to citizens' exercise of the right to justice. The paper provides a critical analysis of judges, lawyers, and legal experts on the current process for the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan to review appeals and cassation court decisions. At the end of the paper, the author draws conclusions and makes suggestions regarding the enhancement of the constitutional right to judicial protection and uniformity in court practice.

Brain electrical activity in female Major Depressive Disorder patients

Background: Quantitative EEG provides insight to the brain activity associated with depressive illness. Frontal asymmetry and changes of slow wave frequencies brain activity have been found as the characteristic features of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Objective: To assess the brain activity by power spectral analysis of EEG in female patients with MDD. Methods: This observational study was carried on 20 female MDD patients (age 20-40 years) enrolled from the Department of Psychiatry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka. Twenty (20) healthy volunteers of the same age were considered the control group. For the study, EEG was recorded for 3 minutes in eye closed position by EEG data acquisition device, EEG Traveler BrainTech 32+ CMEEG-01, India. Power spectral analysis of EEG data was done by BT40 analysis software. For statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test was done. Results: Significantly higher Absolute power of delta and theta brain wave, and lower alpha and beta brain wave activity was observed in female MDD patients compared to control in all most all electrodes in all cortical regions. Conclusion: MDD patients showed low excitable brain state and characteristic feature of high slow frequency wave and low fast frequency wave in MDD which can be diagnosed by quantitative EEG analysis. J Bangladesh Soc Physiol 2023;18(2): 53-62