Activation Parameters Research Articles

Dynamic changes in the hippocampal neuronal circuits activity following acute stress revealed by miniature fluorescence microscopy imaging

Coordinated activity of neuronal ensembles is a basis for information processing in the brain. Recent development of miniscope imaging technology enabled recordings of neuronal circuits activity in vivo in freely behaving animals. Acute stress is believed to affect various hippocampal functions, especially memory. In the current study, we utilized miniscope imaging to investigate the hippocampal neuronal circuits properties in a mouse as function of time and immediately in response to an acute stress, induced by passive restraint, 3 h and 10 days after. Comprehensive quantitative analysis of network activity changes at the neuronal ensembles level revealed highly stable neuronal activity parameters, which exhibited a rapid and robust shift in response to acute stress stimulation. This shift was accompanied by the restructuring of the pairwise-correlated neuronal pairs. Remarkably, we discovered that ensembles activity characteristics returned to the initial state following recovery period, demonstrating hippocampal homeostatic stability at the neuronal circuits level. Obtained results provide an evidence about hippocampal neuronal ensembles activity in response to acute stress over time.

Delta corticomedullary apparent diffusion coefficient on MRI as a biomarker for prognosis in IgA nephropathy

Objectives To explore the association of the cortico-medullary difference in apparent diffusion coefficient (ΔADC) with clinicopathological parameters of disease activity at the time of biopsy, and with the prognositic risk stratification in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients. Methods We included 112 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN who measured ΔADC. Patients underwent a kidney biopsy and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging within one week of the biopsy. Clinicopathological characteristics were compared according to different ΔADC levels. The effect of ΔADC on eGFR and kidney fibrosis was explored using multivariate regression and ROC analysis. An individual’s 5-year risk probability of progressing to ESKD or decreasing of eGFR > 50% was calculated by the guidelines-recommended international risk-prediction tool in IgAN. The effect of ΔADC on prognostic risk stratification was assessed. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) was used to evaluate the model performance. Results The average ΔADC was 168.89 ± 85.1 x10−6 mm2/s. ΔADC levels decreased significantly with increasing chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages (p = 0.0038). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that ΔADC was positively correlated with eGFR, hemoglobin, serum albumin, while negatively correlated with levels of serum creatine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), T score of Oxford classification and Lee grades (p < 0.05). Moreover, we showed that ΔADC was independently associated with eGFR (β = 0.04, 95% CI = [0.003, 0.077], p = 0.033) demonstrated by a backward stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis. Besides, ΔADC, a combination of ΔADC and eGFR showed an AUC of 0.776 (60% sensitivity and 85.3% specificity) and an AUC of 0.875 (100% sensitivity and 69.6% specificity) respectively for evaluating kidney interstitial fibrosis (IF) severity. Furthermore, ΔADC showed an AUC of 0.792 (95% CI 0.677-0.906) for differentiating higher progression risk categories from lower categories (specificity = 91.6%, sensitivity = 58.8%). The low-ΔADC group (≤ median value 167.1 × 10−6 mm2/s) was associated with 7.509-fold higher likelihood of higher progression risk compared to the high-ΔADC group (>167.1 × 10−6 mm2/s) in a fully-adjusted model. And reclassification analyses confirmed that the final adjusted model improved NRI. Conclusions ΔADC was significantly associated with kidney function and enabled a reliable evaluation of kidney IF severity in IgAN patients. Low ΔADC can predict a high 5-year kidney progression risk in IgAN, independent of important clinical factors. Moreover, the predictive ability to identify patients at high risk of severe kidney fibrosis and adverse progression estimates with satisfactory accuracy, facilitating ΔADC a promising and noninvasive tool in complementarily evaluating disease activity and the prognostic risk stratification in patients with IgAN.

New Evidence of Holocene Faulting Activity and Strike-Slip Rate of the Eastern Segment of the Sunan–Qilian Fault from UAV-Based Photogrammetry and Radiocarbon Dating, NE Tibetan Plateau

The eastern segment of the Sunan-Qilian Fault (ES-SQF) is located within the seismic gap between the 1927 M8.0 Gulang earthquake and the 1932 M7.6 Changma earthquake in China. It also aligns with the extension direction of the largest surface rupture zone associated with the 2022 Mw6.7 Menyuan earthquake. Understanding the activity parameters of this fault is essential for interpreting strain distribution patterns in the central–western segment of the Qilian–Haiyuan fault zone, located along the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, and for evaluating the seismic hazards in the region. High-resolution Google Earth satellite imagery and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)-based photogrammetry provide favorable conditions for detailed mapping and the study of typical landforms along the ES-SQF. Combined with field geological surveys, the ES-SQF is identified as a continuous, singular-fault structure extending approximately 68 km in length. The fault trends in the WNW direction and along its trace, distinctive features, such as ridges, gullies, and terraces, show clear evidence of synchronous left lateral displacement. This study investigates the Qingsha River and the Dongzhong River. High-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from UAV imagery were used to conduct a detailed mapping of faulted landforms. An analysis of stripping trench profiles and radiocarbon dating of collected samples indicates that the most recent surface-rupturing seismic event in the area occurred between 3500 and 2328 y BP, pointing to the existence of an active fault from the Holocene epoch. Using the LaDiCaoz program to restore and measure displaced terraces at the study site, combined with geomorphological sample collection and testing, we estimated the fault’s slip rate since the Holocene to be approximately 2.0 ± 0.3 mm/y. Therefore, the ES-SQF plays a critical role in strain distribution across the central–western segment of the Qilian–Haiyuan fault zone. Together with the Tuolaishan fault, it accommodates and dissipates the left lateral shear deformation in this region. Based on the slip rate and the elapsed time since the last event, it is estimated that a seismic moment equivalent to Mw 7.5 has been accumulated on the ES-SQF. Additionally, with the significant Coulomb stress loading on the ES-SQF caused by the 2016 Mw 5.9 and 2022 Mw 6.7 Menyuan earthquakes, there is a potential for large earthquakes to occur in the future. Our results also indicate that high-resolution remote sensing imagery can facilitate detailed studies of active tectonics.

The U.S. Model of Insuring Development Investments Against Political Risks: Tracking Transformative Changes

The paper tracks the trajectory of transformation in the U.S. model of insuring development investments against political risks. First it outlines a novel normative context for providing political risk insurance (PRI), which took shape in the United States in 2018. Then, it compares the numerical parameters of insurance activities by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) over FY 2020–2024 with those of its predecessor, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) in FY 2015–2019, analyzing and explaining the main changes in the scope and geographical priorities of PRI coverage. Finally, the paper unveils the substance of debates around the DFC’s reauthorization which have so far resulted in an increased securitization of development investment support, including political risk insurance.

Quantification of gait characteristics and muscle activation in patients with chronic ankle instability during walking on sand: A randomized crossover trial.

Limited evidence exists regarding the movement control patterns of individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) during sand walking. This study aimed to analyze gait characteristics and muscle activation in patients with CAI while walking on sand. This study recruited 30 participants, including 15 patients with CAI and 15 healthy controls. Patients with CAI were selected based on having experienced at least a lateral ankle sprain within 12 months before recruitment. They also had to scoring ≤ 27 on the Cumberland ankle instability tool. This study was conducted using a randomized crossover trial. All participants were asked to walk three times each at their natural speed on both sand and paving blocks for a distance of 50m. There was at least a week between each trial. The lower limb gait kinematics, spatiotemporal, and muscle activity parameters while walking on sand and paving blocks were compared between both groups. Significant differences in knee angle were observed between 60.83% and 75.34% of the gait cycle during walking on sand in the patients with CAI. Regarding spatiotemporal parameters, cadence (P = .001) and stride length (P = .049) showed significant differences as the main effect. In the CAI group, the recruitment threshold for the peroneus longus muscle was significantly lower during walking on sand than on paving blocks (P < .001). In contrast, the motor unit action potential (MUAP) was significantly higher (P < .001). For the tibialis anterior muscle, the recruitment threshold and number of motor units were significantly lower during walking on sand than on paving blocks (P = .006 and P = .003, respectively), and the MUAP was significantly higher (P < .001). During walking on sand, patients with CAI exhibited increased knee flexion angle, stride length, and MUAP, along with decreased cadence and recruitment thresholds. These results suggest that sand can influence gait characteristics and muscle activation in patients with CAI. Our findings indicate that gait characteristics and muscle activation changes in patients with CAI could potentially benefit CAI rehabilitation.

Guanidine Derivative ADS1017, a Potent Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonist with Promising Analgesic Activity and Satisfactory Safety Profile.

In this study, we selected 12 guanidine derivatives from the previously described ligand library and determined their affinity at histamine H3 and H4 receptors (H3R and H4R, respectively). Moreover, we also checked their intrinsic activity toward H3R and muscarinic M1, M2, and M4 receptors (M1R, M2R, and M4R, respectively). Since ADS1017 has been proved to be the most selective and highly potent H3 antagonist in our series, we chose it as the lead structure for further biological evaluation. To extend the study of its in vivo efficacy, we proposed an alternative synthetic route that resulted in an increased yield. Interestingly, ADS1017 showed a broad spectrum of analgesic activity in both nociceptive and neuropathic pain models. Finally, as a result of comprehensive analysis of its off-target activity and ADMETox parameters, we confirmed the moderate selectivity of ADS1017 and its promising drug-like properties.

Parameters of oculomotor activity and cerebral hemodynamics in students with different types of autonomic reactivity while performing cognitive tasks

BACKGROUND: At the current state of human development, with the high rates of knowledge accumulation and accelerated social and technical evolution, studying the psychophysiological features of cognitive activity within a limited time is essential. AIM: To examine oculomotor activity and cerebral hemodynamics parameters in students with different types of autonomic reactivity while performing cognitive tasks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 110 students of the Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov (mean age, 19.0±0.5 years). To identify specific features of cognitive activity in various timing conditions, the type of autonomic nervous system reactivity was determined. Eye movements were tracked when solving cognitive tasks at various timing conditions. A rheoencephalogram was simultaneously recorded to assess cerebral hemodynamics. The efficiency of cognitive activity was assessed in various timing conditions with consideration of the identified individual typological features. RESULTS: The participants demonstrated different efficiency levels of cognitive activity when performing cognitive tasks at various timing conditions. Students with a sympathetic-tone type of autonomic reactivity revealed the most efficient and rapid processing of visual information under a time-constraint setting owing to the presence of a more stable relationship between oculomotor activity and cerebral hemodynamics parameters. Participants with parasympathetic-tone reactivity showed the lowest success rates in cognitive activity and the least stable relationships between oculomotor activity and cerebral hemodynamics. CONCLUSIONS: Young individuals with different types of autonomic reactivity exhibited general and specific alterations in cerebral hemodynamics and oculomotor activity when performing cognitive tasks under a time-constraint setting. They showed different efficiency levels of cognitive activity. Thus, human cognitive abilities under stress depend on the reactivity type of the nervous system. The specific changes in oculomotor reactions and cerebral hemodynamics parameters may be considered success markers of cognitive activity. The most successful cognitive activity under limited time conditions is ensured with a more stable statistical relationship between cerebral hemodynamics and oculomotor activity parameters. This is reflected in a stable factor model of visual cognitive activity, regardless of time limitations.

Comparison of physical-chemical parameters of fresh and dehydrated amazonian fruits pulps from different regions

The Amazon forest has several native species of fruit plants that have economic, technological and functional potential. The fruits tucumã, buriti and peach palm, although well known regionally, are economically underutilized. For prospecting the fruits valorization in the Amazon and its industrialization, it is necessary to address the variation in the chemical composition of the fruits which contribute to many desirable qualities of foods, including attributes of texture, structure, mouthfeel, flavor, and color. This work contributes with data on the physicochemical characterization, including the proximate composition, pH, acidity, water activity, and colorimetric parameters, in the pulp and flour of tucuma, buritit and pupunha fruits collected in three regions of the state of Amazonas. The results obtained demonstrated significant differences between the same fruits from different regions mainly in relation to macronutrients lipids, protein and carbohydrates and also to color parameters, which contribute to many desirable quality attributes of foods. Considering the lipid content, in the tucumã pulp it varied from 22 % to 32.91%, in the buriti pulp from 20.31% to 27.72% and in the peach palm pulp from 2.12% to 5.55%. For the other parameters analyzed, significant differences were also observed in the fruits collected in different regions. To use these fruits in new business opportunities related to food production, the variability in the chemical composition on pulps and flours reported here should be taken into account and mitigated for production of standardized food on an enlarged scale.

Structure-optimized sgRNA selection with PlatinumCRISPr for efficient Cas9 generation of knockouts.

A single guide RNA (sgRNA) directs Cas9 nuclease for gene-specific scission of double-stranded DNA. High Cas9 activity is essential for efficient gene editing to generate gene deletions and gene replacements by homologous recombination. However, cleavage efficiency is below 50% for more than half of randomly selected sgRNA sequences in human cell culture screens or model organisms. We used in vitro assays to determine intrinsic molecular parameters for maximal sgRNA activity including correct folding of sgRNAs and Cas9 structural information. From the comparison of over 10 data sets, we find major constraints in sgRNA design originating from defective secondary structure of the sgRNA, sequence context of the seed region, GC context, and detrimental motifs, but we also find considerable variation among different prediction tools when applied to different data sets. To aid selection of efficient sgRNAs, we developed web-based PlatinumCRISPr, an sgRNA design tool to evaluate base-pairing and sequence composition parameters for optimal design of highly efficient sgRNAs for Cas9 genome editing. We applied this tool to select sgRNAs to efficiently generate gene deletions in Drosophila Ythdc1 and Ythdf, that bind to N 6 methylated adenosines (m6A) in mRNA. However, we discovered that generating small deletions with sgRNAs and Cas9 leads to ectopic reinsertion of the deleted DNA fragment elsewhere in the genome. These insertions can be removed by standard genetic recombination and chromosome exchange. These new insights into sgRNA design and the mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing advance the efficient use of this technique for safer applications in humans.

Small molecules against viruses causing hemorrhagic fevers in Russia

This review is devoted to small molecules (compounds with molecular weights of up to 800–900 Da) that show activity against viruses causing hemorrhagic fevers. Despite the wide occurrence of hemorrhagic fevers, effective medications for their prevention and treatment are virtually absent. Currently, the search for a new drug to fight these viruses is still a relevant task, since the synthetic nucleoside ribavirin used in clinical practice is not sufficiently effective. The review presents compounds that have antiviral action against the causative agents or alleviate symptoms of three acute infectious diseases occurring in Russia: Omsk hemorrhagic fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The structures and activity parameters (half maximal inhibitory concentration) of the compounds are given and hypothesized mechanisms of their action are considered. The data published during the whole period of studies of these diseases are summarized. &lt;br&gt;The bibliography includes 160 references.

Ricinus communis leaves extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in hydrochloric acid solution

The eco-friendliness of Ricinus communis leaves extract as an inhibitor for carbon steel (CS) corrosion was evaluated using weight loss (WL) as a chemical technique, and some electrochemical methods like AC electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Tafel polarization (PP), and electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM). The data acquired showed that the higher the dose of the extract, the higher the protection efficiency (% IE), which increases with increasing temperature from 80.5 at 25 °C to 91.4 % at 45 °C. Using adsorption isotherms, adsorption factors were determined. Activation parameters were calculated and discussed based on Arrhenius and transition state principles. The adsorption procedure of Ricinus communis leaves extract on CS surface was found to be spontaneous and follows Langmuir's isotherm. This extract is a mixed type according to polarization data. Based on EIS data, it was shown that the extract of Ricinus communis leaves decreased the capacitance double layer (Cdl) from 539 to 74 μF cm−2 while enhancing the charge transfer resistance (Rct) from 70 to 430.5 Ω cm2. Surface analysis was done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure the degree of surface roughness, film formation, and adsorbed groups on the CS surface. According to these tests, a layer of extract molecules forms on the CS surface.

Continuous characterisation of exacerbation pathophysiology using wearable technologies in free-living outpatients with COPD: a prospective observational cohort study

The most recent exacerbation of COPD (ECOPD) classification criteria relies in part on changes in respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Despite this paradigm shift, a thorough understanding of exacerbation patterns is still lacking, as is the identification of physiological exacerbation biomarkers. Using a convenience sampling approach, this prospective observational cohort study was conducted between February 2023 and January 2024. Continuous measurements of daytime/overnight respiratory (primary outcome), cardiovascular, autonomic, activity and sleep-related parameters were collected by a wearable biometric wristband and ring over 21 consecutive days in free-living outpatients experiencing and receiving treatment (≤3 days) for a current exacerbation from the home environment. The EXACT-PRO questionnaire served as the validated reference for daily symptom burden and to identify 'recovered' versus 'persistent worsening' participants. Unadjusted and adjusted (for age, sex, FEV1) linear mixed-effects models were fitted to estimate associations between each physiological parameter with daily EXACT-PRO score (points, pts), in all, 'recovered', and 'persistent worsening' participants. Results are presented as point estimates with 95% CIs. In 21 participants with COPD (43% female, mean age 66.8, BMI 27.7kg/m2, FEV1 36.3% predicted; 85.7% with GOLD 3-4 disease), significant associations in unadjusted models with daily EXACT-PRO score included RR variability (-1.45 [-2.84,-0.073] pts/breath/min) but not RR, daily step count (-0.56 [-0.82,-0.31] pts/1000 steps), and sleep efficiency (-0.12 [-0.20,-0.037] pts/%asleep). In 'recovered' participants (n=10), significant associations included nighttime HR, movement intensity and nightly SpO2. In 'persistent worsening' participants (n=11), significant associations included HR variability, nightly RR variability, nightly SpO2, sleep efficiency, and skin temperature. Similar results were found in adjusted models. This study provides a prospective continuous characterisation of exacerbations of COPD using remotely collected, ambulatory/free-living data. The physiological patterns presented may contribute to the understanding of exacerbations and may enhance the development of effective remote monitoring solutions. University hospital (MUHC-CAS) grant.

Terminalia bellirica fruit shell extract by microwave assisted extraction as a green inhibitor for mild steel acid corrosion: insight from chemical, electrochemical and computational studies

In the current study, the corrosion protection role of ethanol extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit shell on Mild Steel (MS) in 0.5 M HCl solution was studied by using weight loss, Tafel plot, AC impedance and surface techniques. The existence of functional groups in the plant extract was confirmed with the aid of FT-IR spectroscopy technique. The presence of 31.12% of gallic acid in the Terminalia bellirica fruit shell extract was complemented with HPLC and LCMS results. The surface coverage and protection efficiency of Terminalia bellirica fruit shell extract were enhanced with its concentration and declined with solution temperature. The activation parameters such as activation enthalpy, entropy and change in Gibb’s free energy are related to adsorption process were calculated and discussed. The adsorption of Terminalia bellirica fruit shell extract was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption model. The process of adsorption of inhibitor molecules on the metal surface can be verified by using UV–Visible spectroscopy technique. The potentiodynamic polarization and impedance results suggest that, Terminalia bellirica fruit shell extract functioned by adsorption at metal (MS)-Corrodent (0.5 M HCl) interface, which blocks the both cathodic and anodic half reactions of the MS corrosion process. Theoretical approach by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and quantum chemical study support the experimental findings and adsorption of extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit shell molecules on MS surface.

Applicable Descriptors under Weak Metal‐Oxygen d–p Interaction for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

AbstractThe oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a crucial role in water electrolysis and renewable energy conversion processes. Descriptors are utilized to elucidate the structure‐performance relationships of OER catalytic materials, yet each descriptor exhibits specificity to particular systems. Currently, there is a lack of effective descriptors to describe the relationship between electronic structure and OER performance in ionic systems. This study reveals for the first time that widely used OER descriptors, the d‐band center and charge transfer energy, are limited in their effectiveness for oxide systems dominated by ionic bonds, in which ionic interactions significantly enhance or suppress the catalytic activity. Furthermore, composite descriptors tailored for ionic systems are proposed, with findings extended to complex multi‐component and high‐entropy oxides. The results indicate that the metal d‐band unoccupied states parameter and the active states parameter can serve as effective OER descriptors for ionic catalytic materials. This work addresses the gap in OER descriptors for ionic systems, offering a new theoretical foundation and guidance for the development of efficient OER catalytic materials.

Heliospheric Effect on Solar Activity Parameters during Maximum Phase of Solar Cycle 24 (2012–2015)

The time series of daily data on solar activity proxies, namely the sunspot number (SSN), sunspot area (SSA), solar radio flux (F10.7), modified coronal index (MCI), solar flare index (FI), and cosmic ray intensity (CRI), were analyzed to understand the solar activity modulations and short-term periodicities therein. Rieger-type and other short-term periods include the solar rotational period that covers the maximum activity phase period (maximum phase of solar cycle 24). The wavelet power spectra and Periodogram of SSN, SSA, F10.7, MCI, FI, and CRI exhibited a significant short-term period. The heliospheric effects exist for a particular period (∼27 days) and they are related to the solar activity phenomena. The cross-correlation coefficients and time lags between the CRI and solar activity parameters were estimated to be ∼200, 46, 281, 39, and 47 days for SSN, SSA, F10.7, MCI, and FI respectively during the time series 2012–2015 (maximum phase of solar cycle 24).

Effects of Ancylostoma ceylanicum Infection on Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity in Tissues of Mesocricetus auratus

Aim: The present research aims to study the effects of Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection on lactate dehydrogenase activity in the tissues of Mesocricetus auratus. Methodology: In the current investigation, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a hookworm was infected in the host, a hamster Mesocricetus auratus experimentally in laboratory conditions in Hyderabad from 1992 to 1996. The infected host was then studied using the parameters of Lactate dehydrogenase activity in various tissues. The Lactate Dehydrogenase content in M. auratus was investigated biochemically in both the infected and control samples. Results: The results revealed increased levels of Lactate dehydrogenase in the intestinal and muscle tissue of the infected host. Decreased LDH content in the liver, kidney, spleen, lungs, brain and serum was found in the infected host of Lactate Dehydrogenase as the anaerobic conditions prevail in the intestinal region of the host infected with hookworm infection. Conclusion: The present paper reveals the Lactate dehydrogenase content in Mesocricetus auratus infected with Ancylostoma ceylanicum as compared to control and its significance.

Improved CO2 capture capacity of waste sawmill dust derived activated carbon employing novel high-pressure CO2 activation

The porosity of activated carbon is significantly influenced by both the precursor biomass and the activation parameters. Waste sawmill wood (WSW) dust, an abundantly available precursor from the furniture manufacturing, construction, carpentry, and shipbuilding industries, was collected, dried, pulverized, carbonized, and activated using steam and a novel high-pressure CO2 activation approach. Activation was performed in a tubular furnace at 800 °C with a pure CO2 flow for 90 min at 1 MPa pressure (WSW-A800-CO2-90 min-1 MPa). Another activated carbon sample was synthesized from the same precursor at atmospheric pressure using steam flow at 700 °C for 20 min (WSW-A700-Steam-20 min). XRD and FTIR analyses were conducted to compare the structural information of both samples. Additionally, the thermal characteristics of the samples were determined by measuring their specific heat capacities. N2 and CO2 adsorption experiments were performed to investigate the porous properties and CO2 capture capacities of the synthesized samples. The activated carbon synthesized in a pressurized CO2 environment produced a BET surface area of 684 m2/g, while steam activation achieved a BET surface area of 947 m2/g. Interestingly, despite the lower surface area of the CO2-activated sample, it exhibited a higher CO2 adsorption capacity (106.29 mg/g at 5 °C and 110 kPa) compared to the steam-activated carbon due to its unique pore size distribution. The experimental CO2 adsorption data were also correlated with Langmuir, Freundlich, and modified Dubinin-Astakhov (D-A) models to elucidate the CO2 capture parameters, such as isosteric heat of adsorption, activation energy, and Gibbs free energy.

Relationship between actigraphy-derived physical activity, sedentary behaviours and sleep parameters in preschool girls and boys: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of the study was to examine associations between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time with sleep quality and quantity among preschool girls and boys using objective methods. Children (5-6 years old) attending kindergarten were recruited (n = 676). Measures included accelerometer-derived 24-hr activity and sleep for seven consecutive days. Longer time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with higher sleep efficiency both in boys (p < 0.0001) and girls (p = 0447), and with lower Sleep Fragmentation Index in boys (p = 0.0042) and girls (p = 0.0494). Moreover, among boys, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was inversely associated with wakefulness after sleep onset (p = 0.0006), number of awakenings (p = 0.0081) and Fragmentation Index (p = 0.0041), while in girls with sleep duration (p = 0.0405), Movement Index (p = 0.0128) and Sleep Fragmentation Index (p = 0.0494). Longer time spent sedentary was associated with lower sleep efficiency, and higher wakefulness after sleep onset, number of awakenings, Movement Index and Sleep Fragmentation Index-all with p < 0.0001. Furthermore, sedentary time was inversely associated with sleep duration both in boys (p < 0.0001) and girls (p = 0.0006), and directly associated with Fragmentation Index but only in boys (p = 0.0069). Meeting the recommended level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with better sleep efficiency, lower wakefulness after sleep onset and number of awakenings among boys. All sleep-related variables showed significant differences between quartile groups according to sedentary time (p < 0.05) in both the total group and the boys. The sedentary time had the strongest, negative effect on sleep-related parameters in preschool children, therefore sedentary time reduction may contribute more to improving sleep quality than increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Electrochemical study and modeling of an innovative pyrazole carboxamide derivative as an inhibitor for carbon steel corrosion in acidic environment.

The impact of N,1-dibenzyl-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-carboxamide (BPC) on the carbon steel (CS) corrosion in hydrochloric acid (1M) was studied in this work, considering concentration and temperature effects. Electrochemical investigation indicated that BPC functions as a mixed-type inhibitor. For an optimal BPC concentration of 125ppm, the inhibition efficiency of 91.55% was obtained at 298K. According to adsorption isotherm of Langmuir, the BPC adheres to the CS with standard adsorption free energy (ΔG°ads) of - 26.76kJmol-1. Furthermore, the calculation of dissolution activation parameters revealed an increase in energy (Ea) from 46.48 to 94.97kJmol-1, an elevation in the enthalpy (∆Ha) from 43.89 to 92.37kJmol-1, and a rise in the entropy (∆Sa) from - 91.17 to 51.43Jmol-1K-1 in the presence of 125ppm of BPC. The experimental results were confirmed by quantum chemistry calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) and molecular simulations using the Monte Carlo method. These theoretical approaches also allowed for a comparison of the inhibitory performances of BPC with its protonated form, BPCH, the latter being found more effective. Moreover, the study of the radial distribution function g(r) predicted that the nature of the bond formed with the steel surface is of a chemical type.

Localization and expression analysis of sperm-specific glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase in bull spermatozoa with contrasting sperm motility.

Poor sperm motility leading to male infertility has become a profound crisis to be addressed in this contemporary era. In many cases, the origin of poor sperm motility remains unexplained. Few studies reported the indispensable role of sperm-specific glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDHS) in sperm motility, however, studies on GAPDHS are severely confined. The present study aimed to assess the localization patterns, expression levels, and enzyme activity of GAPDHS in normal and asthenozoospermic bulls and to examine their association with sperm functional parameters. The bull semen samples were classified into high-motile and low-motile groups (n=7 per each group) based on the ejaculate rejection rate. Sperm kinetic parameters were assessed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and intracellular calcium levels were measured through flow cytometry. Subsequently, GAPDHS localization was observed via immunocytochemistry. The expression levels and enzyme activity of GAPDHS were estimated using western blotting and a GAPDHS activity assay kit. Sperm viability, MMP, ROS, and live sperm intracellular calcium levels did not differ significantly between high and low motile groups. A significant positive correlation was found between MMP and sperm viability, whereas no significant association was found between MMP and sperm progressive motility. The GAPDHS was localized in the principal piece, head-midpiece junction, and at the acrosome region of bull sperm. GAPDHS localization intensity, expression levels, and enzyme activity were found significantly (p<0.05) higher in the high motile group than in low motile group. Furthermore, we noticed a significant positive correlation between GAPDHS activity and sperm kinetic parameters. The analysis of GAPDHS localization patterns, expression levels, and enzyme activity indicated its potential role in sperm motility, suggesting that GAPDHS could serve as a candidate biomarker for sperm motility and male fertility.