Significant Differences In Activity Research Articles

Effects of Pain Relief Through Minimal Exercise Intervention in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain.

We aimed to minimize the frequency of exercise intervention and test the efficacy of pain relief. We also investigated the mechanism of neuropathic pain to determine the best frequency of pain relief for neuropathic pain. The chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model was randomly divided into three groups: exercise (Ex), No-Ex, and normal. The treadmill exercise intervention was administered, and the 50% withdrawal threshold was assessed using the Von Frey Test. Ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) activation was determined through immunohistochemistry. In the brain, we examined the increased expression of β-endorphin/met-enkephalin in the gray matter of the midbrain aqueduct. Co-expression of CCR2, IBA1, and Neu-N was observed in the spinal cord dorsal horn by immunofluorescence staining. The 50% pain response threshold was significantly lower in the Ex group than in the No-Ex group at five weeks post-CCI, indicating a high analgesic effect. In the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, IBA1 and GFAP were significantly decreased in the Ex group than in the No-Ex group at five weeks post-CCI. However, no significant difference in activation of BDNF, CCR2, and TRAF6 was observed. In the midbrain, the Ex group showed a significant increase compared to the No-Ex group. In summary, our results suggest that in minimal-exercise intervention, neuropathic pain relief is achieved by activation of the descending pain inhibitory system in the midbrain.

Psychophysiological and Psychological Responses of Teenage Students Conducting Computer Programming Activities Combined with Horticultural Activities

This study investigated whether coding (computer programming) and horticultural activities alone and combined have psychophysiological and psychological effects. Compulsory computer programming has been required in elementary schools in South Korea since 2018. A total of 34 participants, who were students between the ages of 11 and 16 years were involved in the study. Participants undertook the following activities in random order: connecting components, coding, horticultural activities, and combining coding and horticultural activities (run program, horticultural activities, and coding modifications). Brain waves were measured during the activity, and a subjective self-report evaluation was conducted at the end of each activity. In a spectral edge frequency of 50% of the alpha spectrum band, which indicates a comfortable, stable, and relaxed state, there was a significant difference in the left prefrontal pole when participants performed a combination of coding and horticultural activities (P < 0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in the coding activities based on horticultural activities (P < 0.05, P < 0.001), with a relatively low beta, indicating attention and alertness; relative mid beta, indicating active awareness; ratio of SMR to theta, indicating focused attention; and the ratio of mid beta to theta, indicating concentrated focus. It is judged that activities involving plant engagement can contribute to comfort, stability, focused attention, and positive effects in response to active stimuli. As a result of a subjective evaluation, it was found that horticultural activities had a positive effect on participants’ emotions (P < 0.01). This study demonstrates that horticulture-based coding activities have a positive impact on physiological relaxation and cognitive enhancement, and are also associated with subjectively reported positive emotions.

Operando Spectroscopy to Understand Dynamic Structural Changes of Solid Catalysts.

Solid materials like heterogeneous catalysts are highly dynamic and continuously tend to change when exposed to the reaction environment. To understand the catalyst system under true reaction conditions,operando spectroscopy is the key to unravel small changes, which can ultimately lead to a significant difference in catalytic activity and selectivity. This was also the topic of the 7th International Congress on Operando Spectroscopy in Switzerland in 2023. In this article, we discuss various examples to introduce and demonstrate the importance of this area, including examples from emission control for clean air (e.g. CO oxidation), oxidation catalysis in the chemical industry (e.g. oxidation of isobutene), future power-to-X processes (electrocatalysis, CO2 hydrogenation to methanol), and non-oxidative conversion of methane. All of these processes are equally relevant to the chemical industry. Complementary operando techniques such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and Raman spectroscopy were utilized to derive the ultimate structure of the catalyst. The variety of conditions requires distinctly different operando cells that can reach a temperature range of 400-1000 °C and pressures up to 40 bar. The best compromise for both the spectroscopy and the catalytic reaction is needed. As an outlook, we highlight emerging methods such as modulation-excitation spectroscopy (MES) or quick-extended X-ray absorption fine structure (QEXAFS) and X-ray photon in/out techniques, which can provide better sensitivity or extend X-ray based operando studies.

The impact of virtual reality scenes on stress response characteristics of individuals with different personality traits

Virtual reality based physical stress (VRPS) paradigms could eliminate the influence of social factors on participants, and it may be a desirable tool to explore the impact of personality traits on stress levels. In this study, we attempt to explore the effects of VRPS on stress response among individuals with different personality traits. Forty male participants with an average age of 22.79 ± 0.41 years were divided into two groups based on Harm Avoidance (HA) scores of Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ), referred to as the Low-HA group and the High-HA group. The stress levels of the participants were assessed using salivary α-amylase (sAA) activity and heart rate variability (HRV) indices pre- and post-stress. The influence of personality traits on stress response among different groups was analyzed. VRPS significantly affected the sAA activity and HRV indicators of both groups. During and after stress, there were significant differences in sAA activity and HRV indicators between the two groups. The sAA levels and HRV indices of the Low-HA group were lower than those of the High-HA group. Furthermore, sAA levels and HRV indices were correlated with the scores of TPQ. VRPS scenarios elicit different stress responses on individuals with different harm avoidance personality traits. Stress evaluation based on VR scenarios presents potential in personality trait assessments, particularly for distinguishing between individuals with low and high HA tendencies.

Evaluation of dentalplaque reduction using microcurrent-emitting toothbrushes in orthodontic patients: a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of microcurrent-emitting toothbrushes (MCTs) and ordinary toothbrushes in reducing the dental plaque index (PI) and dental caries activity among orthodontic patients. The evaluation was performed using a crossover study design involving 22 orthodontic patients randomly assigned to the MCT or ordinary toothbrush groups. The participants used the designated toothbrush for 4weeks and had a 1-week wash-out time before crossover to the other toothbrush. PI (Attin's index) and dental caries activity were measured at baseline and at the end of each 4-week period. Additionally, patients completed questionnaires to assess patient satisfaction for "freshness in mouth" and "cleansing degree." The results showed that the MCT group had a significant reduction in PI (p = 0.009), whereas the ordinary toothbrush group did not (p = 0.595). There was no significant difference in the dental caries activity between the two groups (p > 0.05). Patient satisfaction assessment revealed that 65% patients in the MCT group had more than "fair" experience of freshness, in contrast to 50% of patients in the ordinary toothbrush group. Satisfaction with cleansing degree was similar in both groups. Overall, these findings suggest that MCTs are more effective in reducing dental PI than ordinary toothbrushes.

Physiological and molecular mechanism of Populus pseudo-cathayana × Populus deltoides response to Hyphantria cunea

Populus pseudo-cathayana × Populus deltoides is a crucial artificial forest tree species in Northeast China. The presence of the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) poses a significant threat to these poplar trees, causing substantial economic and ecological damage. This study conducted an insect-feeding experiment with fall webworm on P. pseudo-cathayana × P. deltoides, examining poplar's physiological indicators, transcriptome, and metabolome under different lengths of feeding times. Results revealed significant differences in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, total phenolic content, and flavonoids at different feeding durations. Transcriptomic analysis identified numerous differentially expressed genes, including AP2/ERF, MYB, and WRKY transcription factor families exhibiting the highest expression variations. Differential metabolite analysis highlighted flavonoids and phenolic acid compounds of poplar's leaves as the most abundant in our insect-feeding experiment. Enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment in the plant hormone signal transduction and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. The contents of jasmonic acid and jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine increased with prolonged fall webworm feeding. Furthermore, the accumulation of dihydrokaempferol, catechin, kaempferol, and naringenin in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway varied significantly among different samples, suggesting their crucial role in response to pest infestation. These findings provide novel insights into how poplar responds to fall webworm infestation.

Effect of Macro and Microalgae Addition on Nutritional, Physicochemical, Sensorial, and Functional Properties of a Vegetable Cream.

Algae are a booming resource in the food industry due to their several health benefits. This study assesses the impact of the combined use of selected macro- and microalgae to improve the nutritional profile and the labeling of a vegetable cream by the introduction of nutrition and health claims. As macroalgae, two Ascophyllum nodosum L., one natural (An) and one smoked (AnS), were selected for their high iodine concentration and flavor notes. A new strain of Chlorella vulgaris, golden (CvG), was selected as the microalgae, which is rich in proteins and has a neutral sensorial profile (golden color and mild flavor). In this study, two vegetable creams were compared. The control (CTRL) versus one enriched with a mixture of macroalgae and microalgae (CV-AN). Sensory, physicochemical, and functional properties of both vegetable creams were evaluated. The bioactivity assessed was the effect of iodine as a health claim and antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. CV-AN vegetable cream showed significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for protein content, iodine value, and antioxidant activity, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) in antihypertensive activity or sensory panel. The incorporation of these algae resulted in a vegetable cream with a better nutritional profile and sensory acceptability comparable to the control, offering protein and iodine source claims in the labeling.

Lactobacillus acidophilus VB1 co-aggregates and inhibits biofilm formation of chronic otitis media-associated pathogens.

This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus, alone and in combination with ciprofloxacin, against otitis media-associated bacteria. L. acidophilus cells were isolated from Vitalactic B (VB), a commercially available probiotic product containing two lactobacilli species, L. acidophilus and Lactiplantibacillus (formerly Lactobacillus) plantarum. The pathogenic bacterial samples were provided by Al-Shams Medical Laboratory (Baqubah, Iraq). Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing for 16 antibiotics were performed using the VITEK2 system. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ciprofloxacin was also determined. The antimicrobial activity of L. acidophilus VB1 cell-free supernatant (La-CFS) was evaluated alone and in combination with ciprofloxacin using a checkerboard assay. Our data showed significant differences in the synergistic activity when La-CFS was combined with ciprofloxacin, in comparison to the use of each compound alone, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa SM17 and Proteus mirabilis SM42. However, an antagonistic effect was observed for the combination against Staphylococcus aureus SM23 and Klebsiella pneumoniae SM9. L. acidophilus VB1 was shown to significantly co-aggregate with the pathogenic bacteria, and the highest co-aggregation percentage was observed after 24h of incubation. The anti-biofilm activities of CFS and biosurfactant (BS) of L. acidophilus VB1 were evaluated, and we found that the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration that inhibits 50% of bacterial biofilm (MBIC50) of La-CFS was significantly lower than MBIC50 of La-BS against the tested pathogenic bacterial species. Lactobacillus acidophilus, isolated from Vitane Vitalactic B capsules, demonstrated promising antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against otitis media pathogens, highlighting its potential as an effective complementary/alternative therapeutic strategy to control bacterial ear infections.

Activity of propyl-propane-thiosulfinate and propyl-propane-thiosulfonate against carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

Organosulfur compounds derived from plants of the Allium genus, such as propyl-propane-thiosulfinate (PTS) and propyl-propane-thiosulfonate (PTSO), have been proposed as an alternative in antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to compare the activity of these substances with other antibiotics against clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant (CAR-R) and carbapenem-susceptible (CAR-S) Gram-negative bacteria. A total of 126 clinical isolates of CAR-R and 155 CAR-S bacteria were selected, including Enterobacterales, A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa. The antibiotic susceptibility of all isolates was assessed using the microdilution and Kirby-Bauer methods for PTS, PTSO, amoxicillin/clavulanate, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime, imipenem, ciprofloxacin, and amikacin. Both PTS and PTSO demonstrated in vitro bactericidal activity against CAR-R Enterobacteriaceae and A. baumannii, with no significant difference in activity compared to their response against CAR-S isolates. However, both compounds were less active against P. aeruginosa than against any of the other bacteria, regardless of their resistance to carbapenems. In all cases, the minimum inhibitory concentration values of PTSO were significantly lower than those of PTS. These findings offer valuable information about the potential antibacterial use of these substances, particularly against infections that currently have limited therapeutic options.

Neural Respiratory Drive During Different Dyspnea Relief Positions and Breathing Exercises in Individuals With COPD.

When the work load of the respiratory muscles increases and/or their capacity decreases in individuals with COPD, respiratory muscle activation increases to maintain gas exchange and respiratory mechanics, and perception of dyspnea occurs. The present study aimed to compare diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscle activation during normal breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and breathing control in different dyspnea relief positions, supine and side lying. A cross-sectional study design was used. Sixteen individuals with COPD age between 40-75 y were included. Pulmonary function was evaluated by spirometry, muscle activation by surface electromyography, and dyspnea by the modified Borg scale. Muscle activation was measured in the diaphragm, scalene, sternocleidomastoid, and parasternal muscles. The evaluation was made in the dyspnea relief positions (sitting leaning forward, sitting leaning forward at a table, leaning forward with back against a wall, standing leaning forward, and high lying), seated erect, supine, and side lying. There were significant differences between the 8 positions (P < .001). There was no significant difference in muscle activation between sitting leaning forward and sitting leaning forward at a table position with analyzing post hoc test results (P > .99 for each muscle). However, muscle activation was lower in these 2 positions than in the other positions (P < .001 for each muscle). Muscle activation was greater in the supine position than in the other positions (P < .001 for each muscle). No difference was observed in muscle activation between the seated erect, leaning forward with back against a wall, standing leaning forward, high-lying, or side-lying positions (P > .05 for each muscle with a minimum P value of .09). The use of sitting leaning forward and sitting leaning forward at a table positions together with breathing control may help people with COPD to achieve more effective dyspnea relief and greater energy efficiency.

Hemocompatibility Evaluation of a Novel Ambulatory Pulmonary Assist System Using a Lightweight Axial-Flow Pump.

The Pulmonary Assist System (PAS) is currently under development as a wearable respiratory assist system. In this study, the hemocompatibility of the PAS's axial-flow mechanical pump (AFP) was compared to other contemporary mechanical pumps in an acute ovine model. The PAS was attached to a normal sheep in a venovenous configuration using one of three pumps: 1) AFP, 2) ReliantHeart HeartAssist 5 (control), or 3) Abbott Pedimag (control) (n = 5 each). Each sheep was supported on the PAS for 12 hours with two L/minute of blood flow and four L/minute of sweep gas. Hemolysis, coagulation, inflammation, and platelet activation and loss were compared among the groups. In this study, the plasma-free hemoglobin (pfHb) was less than 10 mg/dl in all groups. The pfHb was significantly lower in the AFP group compared to other groups. There was no significant clot formation in the pumps and oxygenators in all groups. Furthermore, no significant differences in coagulation (oxygenator resistance, fibrinopeptide A), inflammation (white blood cell counts, IL-8), and platelet activation and loss (p-selectin, platelet counts) were observed among the groups (all, p > 0.05). This study demonstrates equivalent hemocompatibility of the PAS's AFP to other contemporary mechanical pumps with a reduced level of hemolysis on startup.

The maintenance of complex visual scenes in working memory may require activation of working memory manipulation circuits in the dlPFC: A preliminary report

AbstractPast research has shown that the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (dlPFC) are implicated in both emotional processing as well as cognitive processing,1,2,3 in addition to working memory4, 5. Exactly how these disparate processes interact with one another within the dlPFC is less understood. To explore this, we designed a task that looked at working memory performance during fMRI under both emotional and nonemotional conditions, and tested it in this preliminary report. Participants were asked to complete three tasks (letters, neutral images, emotional images) of the Sternberg Sorting Task under one of two trial conditions (sort or maintain). Regions of interest consisted of the left and right dlPFC as defined by brain masks based on NeuroSynth6. Results showed a significant main effect of the ‘sort’ condition on reaction speed for all three trial types, as well as a main effect of task type (letters) on accuracy. In addition, a significant interaction was found between trial type (sort) and task type (letters), but not for either of the picture tasks. Although preliminary, these results reveal a discrepancy between BOLD signal and behavioral data, with no significant difference in BOLD activity during image trials being displayed, despite longer response times for every condition. While these initial results show that the dlPFC is implicated in nonemotional cognitive processing, more research is needed to explain the lack of BOLD activation seen here for similar emotionally valanced tasks, possibly indicating the involvement of other brain networks.

Characterization of Betalain Content and Antioxidant Activity Variation Dynamics in Table Beets (Beta vulgaris L.) with Differently Colored Roots

Antioxidant properties, betalain profiles and biochemical composition were studied in table beets with maroon and yellow root colors. Features of dynamic changes during the growing season were described. Significant differences in antioxidant activity were found in table beet accessions with differently colored roots. Negative dynamics of antioxidant activity were observed in all accessions. Statistically significant differences were registered among the accessions in the total amounts of phenolic compounds, chlorophylls, and betalains. The group of maroon accessions demonstrated strong positive correlations between their antioxidant activity and total phenolics (r = 0.91), antioxidant activity and betacyanins (r = 0.80), and between betacyanins and phenolics (r = 0.90). The antioxidant activity in the accessions with yellow roots was associated with chlorophyll b (r = 0.85), ascorbic acid (r = 0.83), and total phenolics (r = 0.83). The data are presented on the structure of betalains in two table beet groups contrasting in their root color. The results of the study made it possible to identify key components in the biochemical profile of differently colored beetroots, associated with their high antioxidant activity. Dynamic changes were shown for the antioxidant activity and fractional composition of betalains in table beet during its growing season, and a conclusion was made concerning the higher nutritional value of maroon cultivars.

Postoperative Activity Restrictions After Slings: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Restricting activity after midurethral slings is an unproven practice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of postoperative activity restriction on satisfaction and outcomes after slings. This was a multicenter, 2-arm, noninferiority randomized controlled trial. Patients aged 18-85 years undergoing treatment with a midurethral sling were randomized 1:1 to postoperative activity restriction or liberal activity. Restrictions included avoidance of strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. The liberal group was allowed to resume activity at their discretion. Our primary outcome was satisfaction with postoperative instruction at 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes included surgical failure, mesh exposure rates, and other adverse events. In total, 158 patients were randomized with 80 to the liberal group and 78 to the restricted group. At 2 weeks, 54 (80.6%) of patients in the liberal group and 48 (73.9%) of patients in the restricted group were satisfied. We found statistical evidence supporting the hypothesis that postoperative liberal activity instruction is noninferior to activity restriction with regard to patient satisfaction (P = 0.0281). There was no significant difference in strenuous activity at 2 weeks (P = 0.0824). The liberal group reported significantly more moderate activity at 2 weeks (P = 0.0384) and more strenuous activity at 6 weeks and 6 months (P = 0.0171, P = 0.0118, respectively). The rate of recurrent or persistent stress incontinence for liberal versus restricted groups was 18.52% versus 23.53% (P = 0.635). There were no statistically significant differences in complication rates. Postoperative liberal activity was noninferior to activity restriction with regard to patients' satisfaction. There was no evidence supporting a statistically significant association between postoperative instruction and negative surgical outcomes.

Evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of ceftriaxone regimens: 1 g twice daily versus 2 g once daily in a murine model of Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia.

Ceftriaxone is administered in regimens of either 2 g once-daily or 1 g twice-daily for the treatment of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Previous clinical study suggests the 2 g once-daily regimen is more effective, but comparison of antimicrobial efficacy between are lacking. To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of these two ceftriaxone regimens against S. pneumoniae using a murine model of pneumonia. The study employed three S. pneumoniae isolates with ceftriaxone MICs of 1, 2 and 4 mg/L and two human-simulated regimens based on the blood concentration of ceftriaxone (1 g twice-daily and 2 g once-daily). Antimicrobial activity was quantified based on the change in bacterial counts (Δlog10 cfu/lungs) observed in treated mice after 24 h, relative to the control mice at 0 h. The human-simulated 2 g once-daily regimen of ceftriaxone exhibited significantly higher antimicrobial activity against S. pneumoniae isolates with MICs of 1 and 2 mg/L compared with the 1 g twice-daily regimen (1 mg/L, -5.14 ± 0.19 Δlog10 cfu/lungs versus -3.47 ± 0.17 Δlog10 cfu/lungs, P < 0.001; 2 mg/L, -3.41 ± 0.31 Δ log10 cfu/lungs versus -2.71 ± 0.37 Δlog10 cfu/lungs, P = 0.027). No significant difference in antimicrobial activity was observed against the S. pneumoniae isolate with a MIC of 4 mg/L between the two regimens (-0.33 ± 0.18 Δlog10 cfu/lungs versus -0.42 ± 0.37 Δlog10 cfu/lungs, P = 0.684). 2 g once-daily regimen of ceftriaxone is more effective for treating pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae, with MICs of ≤2 mg/L.

Prefrontal cortical activity during uneven terrain walking in younger and older adults.

Walking in complex environments increases the cognitive demand of locomotor control; however, our understanding of the neural mechanisms contributing to walking on uneven terrain is limited. We used a novel method for altering terrain unevenness on a treadmill to investigate the association between terrain unevenness and cortical activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region known to be involved in various cognitive functions. Prefrontal cortical activity was measured with functional near infrared spectroscopy while participants walked on a novel custom-made terrain treadmill surface across four different terrains: flat, low, medium, and high levels of unevenness. The assessments were conducted in younger adults, older adults with better mobility function and older adults with worse mobility function. Mobility function was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery. The primary hypothesis was that increasing the unevenness of the terrain would result in greater prefrontal cortical activation in all groups. Secondary hypotheses were that heightened prefrontal cortical activation would be observed in the older groups relative to the younger group, and that prefrontal cortical activation would plateau at higher levels of terrain unevenness for the older adults with worse mobility function, as predicted by the Compensation Related Utilization of Neural Circuits Hypothesis. The results revealed a significant main effect of terrain, indicating a significant increase in prefrontal cortical activation with increasing terrain unevenness during walking in all groups. A significant main effect of group revealed that prefrontal cortical activation was higher in older adults with better mobility function compared to younger adults and older adults with worse mobility function in all pooled terrains, but there was no significant difference in prefrontal cortical activation between older adults with worse mobility function and younger adults. Contrary to our hypothesis, the older group with better mobility function displayed a sustained increase in activation but the other groups did not, suggestive of neural compensation. Additional findings were that task-related increases in prefrontal cortical activation during walking were lateralized to the right hemisphere in older adults with better mobility function but were bilateral in older adults with worse mobility function and younger adults. These findings support that compared to walking on a flat surface, walking on uneven terrain surfaces increases demand on cognitive control resources as measured by prefrontal cortical activation.

Physical Activity of Undergraduate Students in Medicine and Physiotherapy Programmes in a Nigerian Medical University

Background: There appears to be dearth of empirical data to ascertain the physical activity level of Nigerian undergraduate students, especially among medical students. Hence, there would be need to investigate the physical activity level of students in a Nigeria university community. Aim: The aims of the study were to assess and compare the physical activity of undergraduate students studying Medicine and Physiotherapy. Methods: Two hundred and sixteen undergraduate students studying Medicine and Physiotherapy were recruited using Stratified sampling technique. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered to each student and the data generated was used to compute the Physical activity scores of each participant. Descriptive statistics and Inferential statistics of ANOVA and Independent t-test (student) were used to compare physical activity of the students. Results: The results obtained from this study showed skewness in the mean Physical Activity of students at different studying levels due to some that are physically hyperactive. There was no significant difference in the overall Physical Activity of students studying medicine and physiotherapy. However, there were significant differences in the vigorous physical activity of the students (F= 2.54, p = 0.04). The mean vigorous physical activity of 500 level students studying physiotherapy was significantly higher than that of the 400 level students studying in both programmes (p=0.003 and p = 0.032 respectively). There were no significant differences between in the vigorous activity of the final year students in physiotherapy and medicines; and between male and female, although, the sitting PA of female undergraduate students was significantly higher that of male. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the total physical activity of students studying medicine and physiotherapy. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the physical activity of male and female students, excluding that of sitting component of physical activity score which was higher for the later.

Evaluation of a method to fluorescently label platelets for in-human recovery and survival studies.

Platelets for transfusion are evaluated for in vivo quality using recovery and survival measurements in healthy human subjects. Radiolabelling is the standard for tracing platelets post-transfusion but imposes logistical and technical limitations. This study investigates the in vitro feasibility of labelling platelets with the calcein family of fluorescent dyes as an alternative to radioisotopes or biotin. Protocols for radiolabelling were adapted for use with calcein acetoxymethyl ester (CAM) and biotin. Labelled platelets were analysed by flow cytometry and evaluated for activation and function. We tested feasibility for labelling without manipulation of platelets and for multiplexing of samples. Labelling at 2 μg CAM/1010 platelets resulted in >99% of CAM+ platelets. There was no significant difference in activation or aggregation between CAM-labelled or biotinylated platelets and vehicle controls although %CD62P+ was significantly lower in platelets that were not processed for labelling. Addition of CAM to the platelet storage bag labelled >95% of platelets. Platelet populations labelled with different dyes could be distinguished by flow cytometry. These data provide a rationale for further development of CAM and other fluorescent dyes as tools for measuring post-transfusion kinetics of platelets.

Abstract PO1-03-06: Older patients with Early Stage Triple Negative Breast Cancer: The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center experience

Abstract INTRODUCTION Approximately 15% cases of TNBC are diagnosed in individuals over the age of 70. Older patients remain under-represented in clinical trials. We conducted a retrospective review of patients 70 years of age and older with stage I-III TNBC who were treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), with the goal of describing the clinical practice patterns and outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective record review of patients 70 years of age and older with a diagnosis of stage I-III TNBC between January 2015-December 2019 was performed. We report the data on the utilization of systemic chemotherapy and survival analyses. We compared patient characteristics by chemotherapy type using Wilcoxon rank sum test, Pearson’s Chi-squared test, and Fisher’s exact test. Overall Survival (OS), Breast Cancer Specific Survival (BCSS), and Recurrence Free BCSS (RF-BCSS) were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. All statistical analyses were conducted using R. RESULTS A total of 147 patients were included. The median age was 75 years (range 70-96). The number of patients with stage I, II, and III disease was 64 (44%), 66 (45%), 17 (12%), respectively. Twenty-five (18%) patients underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment. Out of total patients, 93 (63%) patients received systemic Chemotherapy (C) while 54 (37%) received no chemotherapy (NC). Patients receiving C were younger (median age 74 years with C vs. 78 years with NC, p&amp;lt; 0.001) and had a higher disease stage (Stage II-III: 66% (C) vs. 41% (NC), p=0.005). There were no significant differences in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) difficulty between both arms. Amongst, Instrumental ADL (IADL) assessment, patients in the NC group reported statistically significant greater difficulty with meal preparation (17% in NC and 4.3% in C, p=0.016). The most common reasons for not receiving chemotherapy were low-risk disease i.e. pT1aN0 or microinvasive (33%), patient preference (29%), and frailty per the treating oncologist (19%). Rate of mastectomy was higher in the NC group (35% in NC vs. 20% in C, p=0.029). Among the 32 patients who had radiation data, breast irradiation rates were higher in the C group (70% in C and 17% in NC, p=0.003). Thirty patients (20%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and 65 (44%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy was the most common NAC (n=17, 57%). Patients who received Cyclophosphamide-Methotrexate-5-Fluorouracil (CMF) were older (age ≥75 years: 51% (CMF) vs. 17% (ACT),p=0.010), more likely treated in an adjuvant setting (87% CMF vs. 61% ACT, p=0.017), had earlier-stage disease (Stage 1: 54% (CMF) vs. 26% (ACT), p=0.028), and reported more ADL (31% in CMF vs. 0% in ACT, p=0.002) and IADL difficulties (31% CMF vs 4.3% in ACT, p=0.021). The use of Docetaxel/Cyclophosphamide (TC) and platinum-based regimens was low (8% and 5%, respectively). In the univariate analysis between the C and NC groups, there was no difference in OS (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.78, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.42-1.43; p=0.4), BCSS (HR 1.39, 95% CI 0.57-3.39; p=0.5), and RF-BCSS (HR 1.60, 95% CI 0.67-3.83; p=0.3). There was no difference in OS (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.23-1.55; p=0.3), BCSS (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.17-1.32; p=0.2), and RF-BCSS (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.30-1.73; p=0.5) in patients receiving CMF vs. ACT. CONCLUSIONS In our single institutional experience, we observed that two-thirds of older patients with early-stage TNBC received systemic polychemotherapy. A third of patients with NC were very low risk (pT1a or microinvasive disease) which could explain lack of chemotherapy benefit in our study population. Use of CMF was more prevalent in patients aged ≥75, stage I disease, ADL/IADL difficulties, and in the adjuvant setting. We observed no difference in survival outcomes between the two chemotherapy regimens. CMF remains an efficacious option and a potentially viable alternative to ACT in TNBC, especially in the setting of early stage and advanced age. Citation Format: Jasmeet Singh, Diana Lake, West Dente-Ferguson, Yuan Chen, Fiona Erlich, Beatriz Korc-Grodzicki, Mark Robson, Larry Norton, W. Iris Zhi. Older patients with Early Stage Triple Negative Breast Cancer: The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-03-06.

Comparative Analysis of Antioxidants in Moringa Leaves and Soursop Leaves

Antioxidants are chemical compounds that can donate one or more electrons to free radicals, so antioxidants function to neutralize free radicals. Antioxidants delay and inhibit cell damage through their properties that can neutralize free radicals. Several studies have reported that M.oleifera has antioxidant activity to various pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. Moringa oleifera or better known as Moringa is a plant that is widely used by the community to overcome various disease complaints. In addition to Moringa leaves, Soursop leaves (Annona muricata L) also have high antioxidant content in their leaves so that these plants can be divided into synthetic antioxidants and natural antioxidants. The use of synthetic antioxidants is currently decreasing due to consideration of the negative effects on health such as liver damage and can cause carcinogens so that their use is replaced by natural antioxidants. The natural antioxidants in question are compounds found in natural materials such as Moringa leaves and Soursop leaves. The type of research used in this study is experimental research by testing the comparison of antioxidant compound activity between Moringa leaves and Soursop leaves using the DPPH method. Moringa leaves had antioxidant activity of 141.34 ppm, while Soursop leaves had antioxidant activity of 82.39 ppm. There is no significant difference in antioxidant activity between Moringa leaves and Soursop leaves.