Phase Of Cycle Research Articles

Model of “secular” cycle of financial capital accumulation

Crises hitting the world economy since the end of the previous century need a deeper explanation than effects of numerous sudden shocks. According to G. Arrighi’s theory, they manifest the final phase of North-American cycle of capital accumulation. Although analytically promising, the theory doesn’t meet broad recognition. A reason could be its weak formalization. This article addresses this problem by developing a mathematical model of capital growth rates. They are measured by nominal yield and interest rates which represent increments of capital in its general, financial form. If capital level follows a logistic path then its growth rate should be described by logistic differential equation. The model is brought to data on government bonds yields in Great Britain in XVIII– XIX centuries and USA — in XX century up to now. The study provides evidence for the pivotal role of financial-capital accumulation in systemic cycles and its S-shaped form. Besides, it reveals importance of trade balance in specifying cycle phases of domestic and global capital expansion.

7241 Catamenial Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Abstract Disclosure: L. Javed: None. A. Rehan: None. L. Hashim: None. J. Lim: None. Introduction: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common cause of hospitalization and readmission in patients with diabetes mellitus. Etiologies are generally due to medication non-adherence, trauma, infection, or other precipitating illness. In approximately 10% of DKA cases, no discernible precipitating cause can be determined. The word catamenial is derived from a Greek word meaning monthly. It is used to describe the monthly occurrence of menstruation. Catamenial hyperglycemia is a phenomenon in which blood glucose levels change with the different phases in the menstrual cycle. This can precipitate recurrent, unexplained episodes of DKA. Here, we present a similar case. Case description:A 19-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes, gastroparesis, hypertension, dysmenorrhea and cyclical vomiting disorder presented with unrelenting nausea and vomiting for one day. Other symptoms included abdominal & chest pain that the patient attributed to premenstrual symptoms. She is afebrile, doesn’t have any other symptoms of infection and no recent sick contacts. She is compliant with her home insulin regimen of Insulin detemir 20 units BID and pre meal 8 units insulin aspart. Further interrogation reveals she has regular menstrual cycles and has been hospitalized three times in the last three months due to DKA coinciding with premenstrual symptoms, specifically severe abdominal pain and vomiting, typically starting five days before the onset of her menstrual cycle. She is hemodynamically stable and physical exam is significant for mid epigastric tenderness. Significant labs: WBC 16.52 (N<11 K/mm3), glucose 457 mg/dl, anion gap 23, K 4.1 (mmol/L), bicarbonate 18 (≥19 mmol/L), lactate 3.2 (N ≤ 1.9 mmol/L), beta hydroxybutyarate 4.0 (N ≤ 0.27 mmol/L), trop T 6 (N<10 ng/L), BHCG negative . Hba1c a month ago was 9.6%. Infectious work up was negative. EKG showed no signs of ischemia. She was treated per DKA protocol which results in resolution of symptoms and normalization of labs. Since no other precipitating factors for DKA are identified, and her symptoms corresponded with her menstrual periods, she is given a diagnosis of Catamenial DKA and scheduled for regular follow up in endocrinology clinic. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering the association betweenmenstrual cycle phases and blood sugar levels as a possible trigger, underscoring the role of a thorough menstrual history in patients presenting with DKA. The impact of menstrual cycle fluctuations on glycemic control varies among patients however glucose profiles seem to be consistent across cycles for each individual woman. This highlights the need for personalized management strategies including patient education and adjustment of insulin during these periods. Addressing this adequately will improve overall glycemic control, reduce hospitalizations, and help improve the quality of life. Presentation: 6/1/2024

An updated multi-criteria decision-making method for the sustainable renovation of buildings including environmental, economic and social life-cycle metrics

The ambitious targets of carbon emission reduction set worldwide for the coming years entail the commitment of structural engineers towards the sustainable renovation of existing buildings. The life cycle thinking (LCT) approach offers a holistic perspective for the design of sustainable retrofitting strategies. It envisages the reduction of the environmental impact at all building life cycle phases, while also addressing economic and social issues. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches support the choice of optimal retrofitting solutions, thus being relevant tools for boosting the actual adoption of LCT in current practices. In this study, a previously proposed MCDM approach is enriched with additional LCT-inspired decision parameters (module D beyond-life impacts, environmental payback period, invasiveness), and is then scrutinised and discussed through its application to a case-study building. Four integrated retrofitting scenarios are investigated using state-of-art seismic loss and energy performance assessment methods, including four different types of exoskeletons, made of timber, steel, and concrete. The end-to-end integrated assessment shows that the inclusion of additional LCT-inspired decision criteria effectively favours LCT-based retrofitting interventions over more traditional ones.

Super-resolved analysis of colocalization between replication and transcription along the cell cycle in a model of oncogene activation

To understand how oncogenes affect genome organization, it is essential to visualize fundamental processes such as DNA replication and transcription at high resolution in intact cells. At the same time, it is important to determine the progression of the cell along the cell cycle, as cell cycle regulation is crucial for the control of cell proliferation and oncogenesis. Here, we present a super-resolution imaging-based method to analyze single cell nuclei sorted according to specific phases of the cell cycle. The sorting is based on the evaluation of the number and the intensity of pixels in the replication foci image and the colocalization analysis is based on image cross-correlation spectroscopy (ICCS). We evaluate the colocalization between replication and transcription, at different cell cycle phases, in a model of PML-RARα oncogene activation. We find that colocalization between replication and transcription is higher in cells in early S phase compared to cells in middle and late S phase. When we turn on the PML-RARα oncogene, this colocalization pattern is preserved but we detect an increase of colocalization between replication and transcription in the early S phase which points to an effect of the PML-RARα oncogene on the coordination between replication and transcription.

TianTan vaccinia virus-based EBV vaccines targeting both latent and lytic antigens elicits potent immunity against lethal EBV challenge in humanized mice

ABSTRACT Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection has been related to multiple epithelial cancers and lymphomas. Current efforts in developing a prophylactic EBV vaccine have focused on inducing neutralizing antibodies. However, given the lifelong and persistent nature of EBV infection following primary infection, it is rationalized that an ideal vaccine should elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses targeting multiple stages of the EBV lifecycle. This study used a DNA vector and a TianTan vaccinia virus to express key EBV antigens, including BZLF1, EBNA1, EBNA3B, and gH/gL, to generate multi-antigen vaccines. The multi-antigen vaccine expressing all four antigens and the multi-antigen vaccine expressing BZLF1, EBNA1, and EBNA3B showed comparable protection effects and prevented 100% and 80% of humanized mice, respectively, from EBV-induced fatal B cell lymphoma by activating BZLF1, EBNA1, and EBNA3B specific T cell. The vaccine expressing lytic protein BZLF1 elicited stronger T cell responses and conferred superior protection compared to vaccines targeting single latent EBNA1 or EBNA3B. The vaccine solely expressing gH/gL exhibited no T cell protective effects in our humanized mice model. Our study implicates the potential of EBV vaccines that induce potent cellular responses targeting both latent and lytic phases of the EBV life cycle in the prevention of EBV-induced B cell lymphoma.

Early menstrual cycle impacts of oestrogen and progesterone on the timing of the fertile window.

What is the effect of oestrogen and progesterone at the beginning of the menstrual cycle in delaying entry into the fertile window? Both oestrogen and progesterone contribute to a delay in the onset of the fertile window. Oestrogen enhances cervical mucus secretion while progesterone inhibits it. Observational study. Daily observation of 220 menstrual cycles contributed by 88 women with no known menstrual cycle disorder. Women recorded cervical mucus daily and collected first-morning urine samples for analysis of oestrone-3-glucuronide, pregnanediol-3-alpha-glucuronide (PDG), FHS, and LH. They underwent serial ovarian ultrasound examinations. The main outcome measure was the timing within the cycle of the onset of the fertile window, as identified by the appearance of mucus felt or seen at the vulva. Low oestrogen secretion and persistent progesterone secretion during the first week of the menstrual cycle both negatively affect mucus secretion. Doubling oestrogen approximately doubled the odds of entering the fertile window (OR: 1.82 95% CI=1.23; 2.69). Increasing PDG from below 1.5 to 4µg/mg creatinine was associated with a 2-fold decrease in the odds of entering the fertile window (OR: 0.51 95% CI=0.31; 0.82). Prolonged progesterone secretion during the first week of the menstrual cycle was also statistically significantly associated with higher LH secretion. Finally, the later onset of the fertile window was associated with statistically significant persistently elevated LH secretion during the luteal phase of the previous menstrual cycle. This post hoc study was conducted to assess the potential impact of residual progesterone secretion at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. It was conducted on an existing data set because of the scarcity of data available to answer the question. Analysis with other datasets with similar hormone results would be useful to confirm these findings. This study provides evidence for residual progesterone secretion in the early latency phase of some menstrual cycles, which may delay the onset of the fertile window. This progesterone secretion may be supported by subtly increased LH secretion during the few days before and after the onset of menses, which may relate to follicular waves in the luteal phase. Persistent progesterone secretion should be considered in predicting the onset of the fertile window and in assessing ovulatory dysfunction. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. No funding was provided for this secondary data analysis. N/A.

Role of the Kölliker-Fuse/Parabrachial Complex in generation of post-inspiratory vagal and sympathetic nerve activities.

In the rat, the activity of laryngeal adductor muscles, the crural diaphragm, and sympathetic vasomotor neurons is entrained to the post-inspiratory (post-I) phase of the respiratory cycle, a mechanism thought to enhance cardiorespiratory efficiency. The identity of the central neurons responsible for transmitting respiratory activity to these outputs remains unresolved. Here we explore the contribution of the Kölliker-Fuse/Parabrachial nuclei (KF-PBN) in the generation of post-I activity in vagal and sympathetic outputs under steady-state conditions and during acute hypoxemia, a condition that potently recruits post-I activity. In artificially ventilated, vagotomised and urethane-anesthetised rats, bilateral KF-PBN inhibition by microinjection of the GABAA receptor agonist isoguvacine evoked stereotypical responses on respiratory pattern, characterised by a reduction in phrenic nerve burst amplitude, a modest lengthening of inspiratory time, and an increase in breath-to-breath variability, while post-I vagal nerve activity was abolished and post-I sympathetic nerve activity diminished. During acute hypoxemia, KF-PBN inhibition attenuated tachypnoeic responses and completely abolished post-I vagal activity while preserving respiratory-sympathetic coupling. Furthermore, KF-PBN inhibition disrupted the decline in respiratory frequency that normally follows resumption of oxygenation. These findings suggest that the KF-PBN is a critical hub for the distribution of post-I activities to vagal and sympathetic outputs and is an important contributor to the dynamic adjustments to respiratory patterns that occur in response to acute hypoxia. While KF-PBN appears essential for post-I vagal activity, it only partially contributes to post-I sympathetic nerve activity, suggesting the contribution of multiple neural pathways to respiratory-sympathetic coupling.

The solar wind heavy ion composition in the ascending phases of the solar cycles 23 and 25

The approximately 11-year solar cycle has been shown to impact the heavy ion composition of the solar wind, even when accounting for streams of differing speeds; however, the heavy ion composition observed between the same specific phases of a past solar cycle and the current cycle has rarely, if ever, been compared. Here, we compare the heavy ion composition of the solar wind, as measured in situ during the solar cycle 23 and 25 ascending phases. We examine the mean iron and oxygen charge state composition and the O7+/O6+ ratio in multiple ranges of associated bulk wind speeds. Then, we compare the iron and oxygen charge state composition and relative abundance of iron to oxygen in the traditionally defined fast and slow solar wind. Finally, to determine the impact of individual ion contributions on the solar wind iron abundance, we examine individual ratios of iron and oxygen ions. Although the charge state composition remained broadly similar between these two ascending phases, both the O7+/O6+ ratio and iron fractionation in fast-speed streams were higher in the solar cycle 25 ascending phase than they were during the solar cycle 23 ascending phase, suggesting that equatorial coronal hole fields more frequently reconnected with helmet streamers or active regions in the latter of the two ascending phases; however, more work will need to be done to connect these observations back to their coronal origins. The individual ion ratios used in this work provided a spectrum to analyze the aggregate elemental abundances, and this work, as a whole, is an important step in determining how conditions in the corona may vary between solar cycles between the same phases.

How does Public Financial Management (PFM) influence health system efficiency: A scoping review.

Effective Public Financial Management (PFM) approaches are imperative in the quest for efficiency in health service delivery. Reviews conducted in this area have assessed the impact of PFM approaches on health system efficiency but have left out the mechanisms through which PFM influences efficiency. This scoping review aims to synthesize evidence on the mechanisms by which PFM influences health system efficiency. We searched databases of PubMed and Google Scholar and websites of the World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank and Overseas Development Institute (ODI) for peer-reviewed and grey literature articles that provided data on the relationship between PFM and health system efficiency. Three reviewers screened the articles for eligibility with the inclusion criteria. Data on PFM and health system efficiency was charted and summarized. We then reported the mechanisms by which PFM influence efficiency. PFM processes and structures influence health system efficiency by influencing; the alignment of resources to health system needs, the cost of inputs, the motivation of health workers, and the input mix. The entire budget process influences health system efficiency. However, most of the findings are drawn from studies that focused on aspects of the budget process. Studies that look at PFM in totality will help explore other cross-cutting issues within sections of the budget cycle; they will also bring out the relationship between the different phases of the budget cycle.

TLR-2 and TLR-4 mRNA expression in different grades of histopathological lesions of equine endometrium from follicular phase.

Increased synthesis and deposition of collagen(COL) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of equine endometrium contributes to endometrosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are transmembrane receptors involved in the innate immune response, recognized for their role in antigen recognition and previously associated with equine endometritis. The TLRs not only recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns but also regulate inflammations, fibrosis and cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between TLR expression at different stages of Kenney and Doig's (K-D) grading and COL1 expression during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. Forty samples of endometrial tissues were collected post-mortem from mares on the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle (10 samples of each K-D category). Relative mRNA transcription of TLR-2, TLR-4 and COL1A2 genes was assessed using qPCR, and COL1 protein expression by Western blot analysis. The COL1A2 transcription increased in category IIB when compared to categories I, IIA and III endometria (p < .01). The relative protein abundance of COL1 showed no significant differences between endometrial categories (p > .05). As for the TLRs mRNA transcription, TLR-2/-4 transcripts increased in IIA when compared to the other K-D endometria categories (p < .05). Our findings suggest that TLRs may be involved in the initiation of the endometrial inflammatory response. Additional studies are needed to explore TLRs' potential role as diagnostic markers for monitoring inflammation progression and fibrosis development, as well as their involvement in the mechanisms underlying fibrotic pathways.

Menstrual and oral contraceptive pill cycles minimally influence vascular function and associated cellular regulation in premenopausal females.

Historical exclusion of females in research has been, in part, due to the perceived influence of natural menstrual (NAT) and oral contraceptive pill (OCP) cycles on vascular outcomes. NAT and OCP cycle phases may influence brachial artery (BA) endothelial function, however, findings are mixed. Minimal research has examined arterial stiffness, smooth muscle, and lower limb endothelial function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of NAT and OCP cycles on cardiovascular outcomes and cellular regulation. Forty-nine premenopausal females (n = 17 NAT, n = 17 second generation OCP, n = 15 third generation OCP) participated in two randomized order visits in the low (LH, early follicular/placebo) and high (HH, midluteal/active) hormone cycle phases. BA and superficial femoral artery (SFA) endothelial function [flow-mediated dilation (FMD) test], smooth muscle function (nitroglycerine-mediated dilation test), and carotid and peripheral (pulse wave velocity) arterial stiffness were assessed. Cultured female human endothelial cells were exposed to participant serum for 24 h to examine endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and estrogen receptor-α (ERα) protein content. BA FMD was elevated in the HH vs. LH phase, regardless of group (HH, 7.7 ± 3.5%; LH, 7.0 ± 3.3%; P = 0.02); however, allometric scaling for baseline diameter resulted in no phase effect (HH, 7.6 ± 2.6%; LH, 7.1 ± 2.6%; P = 0.052, d = 0.35). SFA FMD, BA, and SFA smooth muscle function, arterial stiffness, and eNOS and ERα protein content were unaffected. NAT and OCP phases examined have minimal influence on vascular outcomes and ERα-eNOS pathway, apart from a small effect on BA endothelial function partially explained by differences in baseline artery diameter. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Comprehensive evaluation of the cardiovascular system in naturally cycling and second and third generation OCP users indicates no major influence of hormonal phases examined on endothelial function and smooth muscle function in the arteries of the upper and lower limbs, arterial stiffness, or underlying cellular mechanisms. Study findings challenge the historical exclusion of female participants due to potentially confounding hormonal cycles; researchers are encouraged to consider the hormonal environment in future study design.

Effect of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) seed extracts on the cyclicity and reproductive hormones of female Wistar rats

Introduction: Despite the traditional use of Cucurbita pepo seed in pregnancy, its effects on female reproduction remain scarce. This study evaluated the impacts of n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and aqueous ethanol extracts of C. pepo seed on the cyclicity and reproductive hormones of female Wistar rats. Methods: Ten groups of four rats received seed extracts or tween 80 orally for 21 days: A (control)= 0.5 mL tween 80 (vehicle); B, C, &amp; D= 142.86, 285.71, and 428.57 mg/kg nHE; E, F, &amp; G= 142.86, 285.71, 428.57 mg/kg of DCM; and H, I, &amp; J= 142.86, 285.71, 428.57 mg/kg of aqueous ethanol extracts, respectively. Vaginal cytology monitored the estrous cycle daily, and blood samples were obtained for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone at various oestrus cycle phases. Results: Compared to the control, the estrous cycle phases did not change significantly (P&gt;0.05). FSH levels significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) with DCM and aqueous ethanol extracts of C. pepo seed during proestrus and estrus phases compared to the control. A significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in LH was observed with n-hexane, DCM, and aqueous ethanol extracts during all estrous cycle phases compared to the control. All extracts significantly increased estrogen levels (P&lt;0.05) during all phases. DCM and aqueous ethanol extracts reduced substantially the estrus-phase progesterone. Conclusion: Cucurbita pepo may stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in female reproduction. Further studies should be conducted using various phytoestrogen compounds to gain useful knowledge about the effectiveness, safety, and long-term effects of C. pepo seed extracts in regulating hormonal balance.

Spatially restricted ecto-5'-nucleotidase expression promotes the growth of uterine leiomyomas by modulating Akt activity.

Found in as many as 80% of women, uterine leiomyomas are a frequent cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility. Despite their significant clinical impact, the mechanisms responsible for driving leiomyoma growth remain poorly understood. After obtaining IRB permission, expression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E, CD73) was assessed in matched specimens of myometrium and leiomyoma by real-time qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Adenosine concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked assay. Primary cultures were used to assess the impact of adenosine and/or adenosine receptor agonists on proliferation, apoptosis, and patterns of intracellular signaling invitro. When compared to matched specimens of healthy myometrium, uterine leiomyomas were characterized by reduced CD73 expression. Largely limited to thin-walled vascular structures and the pseudocapsule of leiomyomas despite diffuse myometrial distribution. Restricted intra-tumoral CD73 expression was accompanied by decreased levels of intra-tumoral adenosine. Invitro, incubation of primary leiomyoma cultures with adenosine or its hydrolysis-resistant analog 2-chloro-adenosine (2-CL-AD) inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, and reduced proportion of myocytes in S- and G2-M phases of the cell cycle. Decreased proliferation was accompanied by reduced expression of phospho-Akt, phospho-Cdk2-Tyr15, and phospho-Histone H3. Enforced expression of the A2B adenosine receptor (ADORA2B) and ADORA2B-selective agonists similarly suppressed proliferation and inhibited Akt phosphorylation. Collectively, these observations broadly implicate CD73 and reducedextracellular concentrations ofadenosine as key regulators of leiomyoma growth and potentiallyidentify novel strategies for clinically managing these common tumors.

Comprehensive Dynamic 3-Dimensional Analysis of the Tricuspid Valve in Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation: Implications for Prophylactic Tricuspid Valve Intervention

ObjectivesUnderstanding of changes in tricuspid annulus (TA) during secondary or functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is currently limited and its surgical management relies on limited 2-dimensional (2D) imaging. The aims of the study were to: 1) track and measure changes in TA using 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography during complete cardiac cycle in patients with functional TR when compared to no TR, and 2) compare TAPSE derived from 2D and 3D coordinates as a measure of RV function when compared to standard method of fractional area change (FAC). DesignIntraoperative 3D echocardiography data was collected prospectively followed by post processing software analysis to track and reconstruct changes throughout the cardiac cycle. SettingData was collected from 108 patients undergoing left sided heart surgery at two large academic centers – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI between from November 2018 to April 2020. ParticipantsFinal dataset (n=92) included two groups: no significant functional tricuspid regurgitation (NTR) group (n=74), defined as ≤ mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and TA < 35 mm, and a significant functional TR (FTR) group (n=18), defined as ≥ moderate TR. Interventions3D TEE datasets were analyzed, and the motion of TA coordinates was tracked during complete cardiac cycle in 2D and 3D planes using post-processing and software analysis. Computational modeling of TA motion was performed using computer-aided design. In further analysis, reconstructed and 3D printed models of TV were developed for the two groups. Measurements and Main ResultsPatients in FTR group had larger TA size during the cardiac cycle with less overall excursion and reduced annular dynamism. 3D motion of TA for lateral (L), anterolateral (AL) and posterolateral (PL) coordinates was lower in FTR group compared to NTR group [(18±6.8 vs 13.6±8.5, p=0.02), (15.2±5.5 vs 11.3±6.0, p=0.009) and (17.6±6.6 vs 12.3±5.2, p=0.002) respectively]. TAPSE derived from 3D planes was more accurate for RV function assessment (AUC 0.704, p = 0.011) than 2D TAPSE (AUC 0.625, p = 0.129). Finally, in the FTR group, the anteroseptal-posterolateral (AS-PL) diameter was consistently larger during all phases of cardiac cycle, in comparison with septo-lateral (S-L) diameter. Conclusion3D echocardiographic assessment of TA helps better understand its geometry and dynamism in functional TR, and is more accurate than 2D measurements for RV function assessment.

Assessing the ionospheric scintillations occurrence on L-band in the southern Mediterranean sector

We assess the ionospheric scintillation occurrence on Global Navigation Satellite Signals (GNSSs) over the Mediterranean sector under the rising phase of the current solar cycle. To the scope, we leverage on a network of three Ionospheric Scintillation Monitoring Receivers (ISMRs), being part of the electronic Space Weather upper atmosphere (eSWua: eswua.ingv.it) system (Pica et al., 2021). Such ISMRs are located in Lampedusa Island (Italy, Lat: 35.52°N–Lon: 12.63°E), Chania (Crete, Greece, Lat: 35.52°N, Lon: 24.04°E) and Nicosia (Cyprus, Lat: 35.18°N–Lon: 33.38°E). To our knowledge, this is the first thorough assessment of the scintillation patterns in the Southern Mediterranean sector, aimed at depicting how small-scale irregularities that form in the area can potentially affect the GNSS-based positioning and related application and services. We analyse the period from January 2021 to December 2023, reporting that the bulk of the scintillation occurrence is due to small-scale irregularities forming in the southernmost area of the field of view of the network. Irregularities of such a scale are formed during the evolution of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability featuring the Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPB), which may spill-over in the field of view (FoV) of the receivers, i.e. at low elevation angles in the southernmost azimuthal range. As observations at low elevation angles are subject to multipath mimic weak to moderate scintillation conditions, we focus exclusively on severe amplitude scintillation occurrence (S4 > 0.7) in the azimuthal range 110–250°, w.r.t the FoV of the receivers, subsequently reaching down to the Saharian ionosphere. To further confirm the nature of the detected GNSS scintillation occurrence, we compare the results with the Swarm Level-2 Ionospheric Bubble Index (IBI) evaluated within the same period. In the context of the April 2023 geomagnetic storm, a worst-case scenario is also documented, illustrating the potential impact of ionospheric disturbances associated with EPBs in the Southern Mediterranean area.

PvuII-ESR1 gene polymorphism in premenstrual dysphoric disorder in South Indian women

Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition that affects nearly 3–9% of the women in the reproductive age during the luteal phase of each menstrual cycle characterized by symptoms varying in severity and affecting the quality of life. Earlier research studies conducted have reported independent relationships between PvuII-ESR1-polymorphism and psychological traits in PMDD and risk for cognitive, behavioral, and affective symptoms. However, as the studies are few in number and the results are not consistent, there is a need for our study to link between the PvuII-ESR1gene and PMDD. Methodology: All nonpregnant women aged between 18 and 45 years and attending the OBG or Medicine or Psychiatry OPD for a routine health checkup were recruited into the study. The cross-sectional study recruited 35 samples each in the control and PMDD groups using a validated screening PMDD Assessment Scale Questionnaire (PMDDASQ). Mann–Whitney’s U test and Chi-square test were used to calculate P values for the continuous and categorical variables. Tetra-primer–amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the PvuII-ESR1gene polymorphism after isolation of genomic DNA from the whole blood. Results: Data-Analysis Pak tool and Med-Calc software were used for data analysis. The PvuII-ESR1 genotype distribution was in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in both PMDD and controls. The PMDDASQ scoring showed a significance with P ≤ 0.05. Pearson’s Chi-Squared test performed for genotypes and alleles did not show any significant association with the phenotype. Conclusion: PvuII-ESR1 SNP (T/C rs2234693) does not show any association with phenotype between the control and PMDD. However, PMDDAS questionnaire can be used to differentiate the women who are controls from PMDD.

Influence of menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive phases on strength performance, neuromuscular fatigue, and perceived exertion.

The primary aim of the study was to assess differences in strength performance, neuromuscular fatigue, and perceived exertion across phases of the menstrual cycle [MC; early follicular (eFP), late follicular (lFP), and mid-luteal phase (mLP)] and oral contraceptives [OCs; active pill phase (aPP) and nonactive pill phase (nPP)]. The secondary aim was to analyze the influence of fluctuating serum 17β-estradiol and progesterone concentrations on these parameters in naturally menstruating women. Thirty-four women (21 with a natural MC and 13 using OCs) completed three or two experimental sessions, respectively. Mean propulsive velocity (MPVmean) and total number of repetitions (REPtotal) were assessed during a power [3 × 8 at 60% 1RM (one-repetition maximum)] and hypertrophy squat loading (3 sets to failure at 70% 1RM), respectively. Changes in bench press and squat MPV at 60% 1RM in response to the loadings were used as surrogates for nonlocal and local fatigue, respectively. Total blood lactate accumulation (BLAA) and markers of perceived exertion were assessed in each session. No significant differences between any of the MC or OC phases were observed for MPVmean, REPtotal, nonlocal and local fatigue, and markers of perceived exertion (all P > 0.050). A higher intraindividual 17β-estradiol concentration was significantly associated with a lower MPVmean (P = 0.019). BLAA was significantly higher in the lFP than in the mLP (P = 0.019) and negatively associated with the intraindividual progesterone concentration (P = 0.005). Although 17β-estradiol may negatively influence the MPV, it appears that fluctuations of both sex hormones across the MC and OC phases are not prominent enough to induce significant or practically relevant changes in the assessed parameters.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although a high intraindividual 17β-estradiol concentration was associated with a lower movement velocity, markers of strength performance and surrogates for nonlocal and local fatigue remained unaffected by MC and OC phases. Blood lactate accumulation was significantly reduced in the mLP. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the impact of the MC phases varies greatly among individuals. Individuals with high fluctuations in sex hormone concentrations may experience relevant changes in the assessed parameters.

Mira Variables Based on Emission Lines in LAMOST DR9

We present a sample of 335 Mira variables, extracted from DR9 of the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) survey. These variables are characterized by the Balmer emissions (Hδ, Hγ, Hβ, and Hα) and the metal emissions (Fe i λ λ 4202, 4308, 4376, and Mg i λ4571) observed in M giant spectra. We distinguished oxygen-rich stars from carbon-rich stars through the identification of carbon molecular bands present in the optical spectra. For the oxygen-rich stars we examined multiple attributes, such as the link between line strength and bolometric luminosity, and the connection between atmospheric parameters and their periods. We observed that Fe i λ λ 4202, 4308 showed a significantly gradual progression, which can be postulated to trace the fluorescent emission resulting from pulsation shocks. Regarding the correlation between T eff and the period, T eff remains relatively constant over varying periods, with no clear trend, while both log g and [Fe/H] show a decreasing trend within a period range of 450 days, and this decreasing of the log g trend is consistent with the results in the literature. To shed more light on the variations of Balmer lines, we showcase time-series spectra for two objects, demonstrating that the Balmer lines reach their peak intensity during the brightest phase of the stellar cycle.

Effects Of Resistance Exercise On Appetite And Energy Intake During Different Phases Of Menstrual Cycle

Effects Of Resistance Exercise On Appetite And Energy Intake During Different Phases Of Menstrual Cycle

Novel Empress SARANI Optimization Algorithm to solve the Electrical Energy -Active Power Loss Reduction and Voltage Stability Enhancement

; This paper proposes Pomarine jaeger Optimization (PJO) algorithm, Tiger hunting Optimization (THO) Algorithm, Desert Reynard and Vixen Inspired Optimization (DRVIO) Algorithm, Lonchodidae optimization (LO) algorithm, Caracal optimization (CO) algorithm, Barasingha optimization (BO) algorithm, Amur leopard optimization (AO) algorithm and Empress SARANI Optimization Algorithm to solve the active power loss reduction problem. Regular actions of Pomarine jaeger have been emulated to model the PJO procedure. In THO algorithm, how the Tiger moves to capture the prey is imitated and formulated. In DRVIO algorithm, Desert Reynard and Vixen burrowing capability and spurt tactic from desolate slayers are imitated to formulate the algorithm. LO algorithm emulates the physiognomies of convergent progression, track reliance, populace development and rivalry in the growth of the Lonchodidae populace in environment. In CO approach, Caracal assaults the designated quarry and then quests the quarry in a dashing procedure. BO algorithm stimulated by the Barasingha existence capability in the slayer subjugated atmosphere. AO algorithm imitates the Amur leopard behaviour. Movement paths, stalking, breeding and death are the some phases in the Amur leopard life cycle. Empress SARANI Optimization Algorithm is designed by integrating Parastylotermes Empress inspired optimization (PEIO) algorithm, Dryocopus martius optimization (DMO) algorithm, Ostrya Carpinifolia Search Optimization (OCSO) Algorithm, Hermitage Activities Inspired optimization (HAIO) algorithm with SARANI algorithm. Validity of Empress SARANI Optimization Algorithm is verified in 24 benchmark functions, IEEE and Practical systems. Real power loss (MW) obtained by projected algorithms for IEEE 57 bus system is PJO-21.99, THO-22.79, DRVIO-21.79, LO-23.16, CO-23.92, BO-22.81, AO- 24.89 and Empress SARANI- 20.91. For IEEE 300 bus system is PJO-395.153, THO-397.398, DRVIO-394.208, LO-398.192, CO-398.397, BO-395.209, AO-399.884 and Empress SARANI-389.217. For IEEE 354 bus system is PJO-336.108, THO-339.563, DRVIO-339.099, LO-340.164, CO-340.592, BO 338.906, AO-342.184 and Empress SARANI-334.098. For practical system - WDN 220 KV is PJO-29. 008, THO-30. 929, DRVIO-28. 519, LO-31.265, CO-31. 893, BO-29.872, AO-32.899, Empress SARANI-26.101