Heart Failure-Like Reaction Is Likely Involved in the Feeding Behaviour of Blood-Sucking Leeches

Medicinal leeches have been utilized in therapy for thousands of years. However, the adaptation physiology between leeches and hosts is not fully understand. To disclose the molecular mechanisms of adaptation between leech and host, the body transcriptomes of hunger and fed blood-sucking Poecilobdella javanica, Haemadipsa cavatuses, and Hirudo nipponia leeches were obtained by RNA sequencing, after comparison, a stratified unigenes group was obtained, which closely correlated to body distension. In the group, Rfamide receptor decreased significantly (P < 0.05) while serotonin receptor increased significantly (P < 0.05). Moreover, four KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways, including cardiac muscle contraction, complement and coagulation cascades, renin-angiotensin system, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were significantly enriched. The unigenes annotation, neuroregulators correlation analysis and induced function of the KEGG pathways, were consistently supported the same result as: vasoconstriction and systole reaction enhance in hunger leeches and vice versa vasodilation and diastole increase in fed leeches, meanwhile, Interspecific comparison and correlative analyses of physiological function showed that the strongest reaction of induced heart failure from four KEGG occur in strongest reaction of systole in hungry P. javanica and in strongest reaction of diastole in fed H. nipponia. Overall, heart failure is likely a physiological function involved in feeding behaviour.

Virtual reality-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for the treatment of anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction:a randomised clinical trial

Background The presence of mental health conditions is pervasive in patients who experienced acute myocardial infarction(AMI),significantly disrupting their recovery.Providing timely and easily accessible psychological interventions using virtual reality-based cognitive-behavioural therapy(VR-CBT)could potentially improve both acute and long-term symptoms affecting their mental health.Aims We aim to examine the effectiveness of VR-CBT on anxiety symptoms in patients with AMI who were admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)during the acute stage of their illness.Methods In this single-blind randomised clinical trial,participants with anxiety symptoms who were admitted to the ICU due to AMI were continuously recruited from December 2022 to February 2023.Patients who were Han Chinese aged 18-75 years were randomly assigned(1:1)via block randomisation to either the VR-CBT group to receive VR-CBT in addition to standard mental health support,or the control group to receive standard mental health support only.VR-CBT consisted of four modules and was delivered at the bedside over a 1-week period.Assessments were done at baseline,immediately after treatment and at 3-month follow-up.The intention-to-treat analysis began in June 2023.The primary outcome measure was the changes in anxiety symptoms as assessed by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAM-A).Results Among 148 randomised participants,70 were assigned to the VR-CBT group and 78 to the control group.The 1-week VR-CBT intervention plus standard mental health support significantly reduced the anxiety symptoms compared with standard mental health support alone in terms of HAM-A scores at both post intervention(Cohen’s d=−1.27(95%confidence interval(CI):−1.64 to−0.90,p<0.001)and 3-month follow-up(Cohen’s d=−0.37(95%CI:−0.72 to−0.01,p=0.024).Of the 70 participants who received VR-CBT,62(88.6%)completed the entire intervention.Cybersickness was the main reported adverse event(n=5).Conclusions Our results indicate that VR-CBT can significantly reduce post-AMI anxiety at the acute stage of the illness;the improvement was maintained at the 3-month follow-up.Trial registration number The trial was registered at www.chictr.org.cn with the identifier:ChiCTR2200066435.

Pregnancy stressors and postpartum symptoms of depression and anxiety:the moderating role of a cognitivebehavioural therapy(CBT)intervention

Background Little is known about the association between stressors(especially positive stressors)during pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety.Aims We investigated the association between positive and negative stress events during different stages of pregnancy and postpartum mental health outcomes among low-income pregnant women with symptoms of anxiety in Pakistan and evaluated whether an intervention based on cognitive behavioural therapy(CBT)had a regulatory effect.Methods Participants were 621 pregnant Pakistani women with mild anxiety.Using the Pregnancy Experience Scale-Brief Version,six scores were created to assess positive and negative stressors.We performed a multivariate linear regression to examine whether these six scores,measured both at baseline and in the third trimester,were associated with postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms.The effect of the intervention on this relationship was examined by adding an interaction term to the regression model.Results Hassles frequency measured in the third trimester was positively associated with depression(B=0.22,95%confidence interval(Cl):0.09 to 0.36)and anxiety(B=0.19,95%Cl:0.08to 0.30).At the same timepoint,uplifts intensity was negatively associated with symptoms of depression(B=-0.82,95%Cl:1.46 to-0.18)and anxiety(B=-0.70,95%Cl:-1.25 to-0.15),whereas hassles intensity was positively related to symptoms of depression(B=1.02,95%Cl:0.36 to 1.67)and anxiety(B=0.90,95%Cl:0.34 to 1.47).The intensity ratio of hassles to uplifts reported in the third trimester was positively related to both depression(B=1.40,95%Cl:0.59 to 2.20)and anxiety(B=1.26,95%Cl:0.57 to 1.96).The intervention strengthened the overall positive effects of uplfts and the negative effects of hassles.Pregnancy experiences at baseline during early pregnancy to mid-pregnancy were not associated with mental health outcomes.Conclusions Stressors in the third trimester but not earlier in pregnancy were associated with postpartum symptoms of anxiety and depression.The CBT intervention modified the association between pregnancy stressors and postpartum mental health outcomes.Programmes that promote positive experiences and reduce negative experiences,especially in late pregnancy,may mitigate postpartum mental health consequences.

Mechanical behaviours of bedded sandstone under hydromechanical coupling

The combination of the dipping effect and hydromechanical(H-M)coupling effect can easily lead to water inrush disasters in water-rich roadways with different dip angles in coal mines.Therefore,H-M coupling tests of bedded sandstones under identical osmotic pressure and various confining pressures were conducted.Then,the evolution curves of stress-strain,permeability and damage,macro-and mesoscopic failure characteristics were obtained.Subsequently,the mechanical behaviour was characterized,and finally the failure mechanism was revealed.The results showed that:(1)The failure of the sandstone with the bedding angle of 45°or 60°was the structure-dominant type,while that with the bedding angle of 0°,30°or 90°was the force-dominant type.(2)When the bedding angle was in the range of(0°,30°)or(45°,90°),the confining pressure played a dominant role in influencing the peak strength.However,withinβ∈(30°,45°),the bedding effect played a dominant role in the peak strength.(3)With the increase in bedding angle,the cohesion increased first,then decreased and finally increased,while the internal friction angle was the opposite.(4)When the bedding angle was 0°or 30°,the“water wedging”effect and the“bedding buckling”effect would lead to the forking or converging shear failure.When the bedding angle was 45°or 60°,the sliding friction effect would lead to the shear slipping failure.When the bedding angle was 90°,the combination of the“bedding buckling”effect and shear effect would lead to the mixed tension-shear failure.The above conclusions obtained are helpful for the prevention of water inrush disasters in water-rich roadways with different dips in coal mines.

When Fleeing Matters:Differences in Escape Behaviours of Three Northeast Asian Anurans

Prey species may have their own optimal escape strategy to balance predation risks and the energetic cost of fleeing.Some species have an advantage when maintaining a short fleeing distance,while others may favour an earlier escape based on microhabitat,size,or body condition.Here,we examined the escape behaviour of the three syntopic Northeast Asian anuran species:Mongolian toads(Strauchbufo raddei),Amur brown frogs(Rana amurensis),and Japanese treefrogs(Dryophytes japonicus)in Mongolia,Russia,China and DPR Korea.We examined flight initiation distance(FID;the distance from a potential predator to the point when the individual starts to flee)and distance fled(DF;distance between flight initiation and flight termination points)of each species and the effects of microhabitat,sex,and body size.Strauchbufo raddei and R.amurensis had a longer FID than D.japonicus,and S.raddei also had a longer DF than D.japonicus.These trends remained similar when dividing FID and DF by a size proxy(snout-vent length)for all individuals.This suggests that the treefrog D.japonicus used a strategy to stay immobile even when they were detected,and the toad S.raddei reacted quicker and more sensitively to predators despite the presence of toxin.Female S.raddei had a significantly longer FID than males suggesting that females are more sensitive to predation risk in this species,but body size was not significant for any of the three species.Our results indicate that the three sympatric species have different escaping strategies,likely related to differences in physiology and crypticity.

Suicidal Behaviours in Sickle Cell Patients at the Douala Sickle Cell Care Centre in Cameroon

Introduction: Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary disease that combines physical and psychological manifestations, including suicidal tendencies. So far, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted on suicidal behaviours among people with sickle cell disease in Cameroon. This is what justifies our study on the prevalence and factors related to suicidal behaviors in our study population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study of 171 sickle cell patients aged from 12 years upwards who came to the sickle cell disease care service of the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, over a period of 6 months, that is, from 1 January to 31 June 2022. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with questions on suicidal behaviours based on the “MINI” (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). The data were processed using the SPSS 26.0 software. The related factors were studied in both a bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Female sickle cell patients accounted for 60.2% of the sample. The mean age was 23.36 ± 8.42 years. Suicidal ideation was prevalent in 56% of cases and 13% attempted suicide. The factors most associated with suicidal ideation were: primary level of education (OR = 0.08 (0.09 - 0.79);p = 0.03), feeling unworthy of life (OR = 0.40 (0.08 - 1.96);p = 0.02), not often being considered by those around them (OR = 2.97 (1.26 - 6.99);p = 0.01), lack of family support (OR = 0.34 (0.15 - 0.77);p = 0.01). Meanwhile, the factors associated with suicide attempts were: the fact of being rarely exposed to suicide-related media (OR = 4.17 (1.40 - 71.80);p = 0.03), and a constant feeling of sadness when returning home (OR = 18.02 (1.59 - 20.55);p = 0.01). Conclusion: More than half of sickle cell patients had had suicidal thoughts and 1/6 had made at least one suicide attempt, women and young adults being the most concerned. It is therefore necessary to ensure optimum psychological care for patients with sickle cell disease.

Tailoring the microstructure of Mg-Al-Sn-RE alloy via friction stir processing and the impact on its electrochemical discharge behaviour as the anode for Mg-air battery

Constructing the magnesium alloy with fine grains,low density of dislocations,and weak crystal orientation is of crucial importance to enhance its comprehensive performance as the anode for Mg-air battery.However,this unique microstructure can hardly be achieved with conventional plastic deformation such as rolling or extrusion.Herein,we tailor the microstructure of Mg-Al-Sn-RE alloy by using the friction stir processing,which obviously refines the grains without increasing dislocation density or strengthening crystal orientation.The Mg-air battery with the processed Mg-Al-Sn-RE alloy as the anode exhibits higher discharge voltages and capacities than that employing the untreated anode.Furthermore,the impact of friction stir processing on the electrochemical discharge behaviour of Mg-Al-Sn-RE anode and the corresponding mechanism are also analysed according to microstructure characterization and electrochemical response.

Modelling the viscoplastic behaviour of Callovo-Oxfordian claystone with consideration of damage effect

In order to evaluate the performance of deep geological disposal of radioactive waste,an underground research laboratory(URL)was constructed by Andra in the Callovo-Oxfordian(COx)claystone formation at the Meuse/Haute-Marne(MHM).The construction of URL induced the excavation damage of host formations,and the ventilation in the galleries desaturated the host formation close to the gallery wall.Moreover,it is expected that the mechanical behaviour of COx claystone is time-dependent.This study presents a constitutive model developed to describe the viscoplastic behaviour of unsaturated and damaged COx claystone.In this model,the unsaturation effect is considered by adopting the Bishop effective stress and the van Genuchten(VG)water retention model.In terms of the viscoplastic behaviour,the nonstationary flow surface(NSFS)theory for unsaturated soils is used with consideration of the coupled effects of strain rate and suction on the yield stress.A progressive hardening law is adopted.Meanwhile,a non-associated flow rule is used,which is similar to that in Barcelona basic model(BBM).In addition,to describe the damage effect induced by suction change and viscoplastic loading,a damage function is defined based on the crack volume proportion.This damage function contains two variables:unsaturated effective stress and viscoplastic volumetric strain,with the related parameters determined based on the mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP)tests.For the model validation,different tests on COx claystone under different loading paths are simulated.Comparisons between experimental and simulated results indicated that the present model is able to well describe the viscoplastic behaviour of damaged COx claystone,including swelling/shrinkage,triaxial extension and compression,and triaxial creep.

Material point method simulation of hydro-mechanical behaviour in twophase porous geomaterials: A state-of-the-art review

The material point method(MPM)has been gaining increasing popularity as an appropriate approach to the solution of coupled hydro-mechanical problems involving large deformation.In this paper,we survey the current state-of-the-art in the MPM simulation of hydro-mechanical behaviour in two-phase porous geomaterials.The review covers the recent advances and developments in the MPM and their extensions to capture the coupled hydro-mechanical problems involving large deformations.The focus of this review is aiming at providing a clear picture of what has or has not been developed or implemented for simulating two-phase coupled large deformation problems,which will provide some direct reference for both practitioners and researchers.

Cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception,behavioural intention and INTERHEART risk stratification among middle-aged adults in Malaysia

Objective:To investigate the interrelationship between cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception,behavioural intention,and INTERHEART risk stratification in a middle-aged adult population in Malaysia.Methods:A cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted during November 2022 and January 2023.Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception of cardiovascular diseases,behavioural intention towards adopting healthy habits,and INTERHEART risk stratification score(IHRS)based on established risk factors.A total of 602 respondents were included in the final analysis.Data were analysed with independent t-test/one-way ANOVA or Mann-Whitney/Kruskal-Wallis to test the differences,Pearson correlation or linear regression test to analyze the association of independent and dependent variables.Results:There was a significant positive correlation between medical knowledge related to cardiovascular disease(CVD)and knowledge related to CVD risk prevention,risk perception,behavioural intention and IHRS(P<0.05,Pearson correlation).Notably,individuals with higher IHRS tended to have lower knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention,risk perception,and behavioural intention.Males,laborers,active/former smokers,individuals with lower household income and educational levels,those involved in occupations not related to the healthcare sector,and those who did not receive the CVD health brochure or are unaware of health self-assessment tools are likely to have lower levels of knowledge,risk perception,and poorer behavioural intention regarding cardiovascular health(P<0.05,one-way ANOVA).While educational level,smoking status,awareness about CVD poster,self-assessment tools were repeatedly significantly associated with knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention,risk perception,behavioral intention and/or IHRS(P<0.05,linear regression).Conclusions:These findings underscore the importance of promoting cardiovascular health awareness and risk perception among middle-aged adults to foster positive BI and reduce CVD risk.Tailored interventions targeting specific risk factors identified by INTERHEART may enhance risk stratification accuracy and facilitate targeted preventive strategies.

Train post‑derailment behaviours and containment methods:a review

Railway accidents,particularly serious derailments,can lead to catastrophic consequences.Therefore,it is essential to prevent derailment escalation to reduce the likelihood of severe derailments.Train post-derailment behaviours and containment methods play a critical role in preventing derailment escalation and providing passive safety protection and accident prevention in the event of a derailment.However,despite the increasing attention on this field from academia and industry in recent years,there is a lack of systematic exploration and summarization of emerging applications and containment methods in train post-derailment research.For this reason,this paper presents a comprehensive review of existing studies on train post-derailment behaviours,encompassing various topics such as post-derailment contact-impact models,dynamic modelling and simulation techniques,and the primary factors influencing post-derailment behaviours.Significantly,this review introduces and elucidates substitute guidance mechanisms(SGMs),which serve as railway-specific passive safety protection and accident prevention measures.The various types of SGMs are depicted,and their ongoing developments and applications are explored in depth.The review additionally points out several unresolved challenges including the adverse effects of SGMs,and proposes future research directions to advance the theoretical understanding and practical application of train post-derailment behaviours and containment methods.This review seeks to be a valuable reference for railway industry professionals in preventing catastrophic derailment consequences through post-derailment containment methods.

The Analysis of Human Behaviour and Evacuation in a Fire Situation in a Building for Higher Education

The paper presents the analysis of a human evacuation from a higher education building located in Iassy,Romania,by means of engineering techniques to approach fire safety.Because in Romania(as in other European countries)fire safety design of buildings is prescriptive and not performance-based,a fire safety engineering approach arouse great interest in many countries such as the U.S.A.,Australia,New Zealand,England,Sweden,Finland,etc.This paper is based on the assumption of starting a fire in the space of a hall for festivities,located on the ground floor of the building,near two human evacuation routes;We consider two building evacuation scenarios:two exits and,respectively,just one exit(assuming that the second would be accidentally blocked).

Determinants of Online Buying Behaviour of Social Media Users in Cameroon

Online shopping in Cameroon is growing rapidly and gaining considerable ground.The phenomenon is relatively new as compared to the traditional brick-and-mortar store(serving customers face-to-face in a building rather than online).As the world faces digital transformations,businesses in Cameroon are seeking new ways to reach their customers and create favourable environments to effectively carryout online purchase.This study examines the factors that affect consumer online buying behaviour in Cameroon.Three theories guided this investigation:the Technology Acceptance Model(Davis,1989),Diffusion of Innovations Theory(Rogers,1995),and Uses and Gratifications Theory(Katz&Blumler,1974).The study focuses on students of the University of Buea who carry out online shopping.Purposive sampling is used,and data are collected from 365 respondents through a questionnaire with open and closed ended questions.Analysis of data is done with the use of the Statistical Package for Social Scientists(SPSS)Version 21 to determine the types of products consumers buy online;the degree to which consumer trust and satisfaction affect consumer loyalty;and the specific social,economic,and market factors that affect online buying behaviour.Findings indicate that:Consumers mostly buy fashion items(74.3%),electronics(44.7%),cosmetics(37.3%),and house equipment(34%)online.Consumers will repeat purchase from a marketer if they trust and are satisfied with the product and service quality(81.1%);hence,they will also encourage others to buy.If they are dissatisfied,they will not repeat purchase from the online store.Advertisement(76.1%),attractive pricing/discount(71.7%),product quality(71%),service quality(64.1%),convenience(72.3%),available income/money(49.6%),word of mouth recommendation(41.9%),and personal motivation(62.7%)constitute the major factors that affect consumer online buying behaviour.Results of the hypotheses testing show that:H1=Consumers buy more of fashion items online(X^(2)=9.950;df=16;p=0.869);H2=There is a significant relationship between trust and satisfaction and consumers online buying behaviour(X^(2)=270.765;df=16;p=0.000);and H3=Social,economic,and market factors significantly affect consumer online buying behaviour(X^(2)=106.328;df=16;p=0.000).The study recommends online marketers to develop their marketing strategies towards customer orientation and focus on the ease of use of their online shopping services.

A novel model of drug cue-induced behaviours in rhesus macaque subjected to chronic ketamine exposure

To the Editor,Non-human primate(NHP)models are advantageous for mimicking human addiction with high behavioural validity.1 However,current NHP drug addiction models(eg,self-administration)often require a comprehensive behavioural training paradigm,relatively expensive apparatus and invasive surgical procedures.

The Impact of Behavioural Insights on Effective Prescription of Antibiotics by Doctors: A Case Study from Latifa Hospital for Women and Children, Dubai Health Authority

Introduction: Wise prescription of antibiotics is an ethical duty of physicians in view of rising antimicrobial resistance in the community, it should be balanced between the health requirements of the patients and resulting long-term antibiotics resistance. Overuse of antimicrobials is a major cause of emerging resistance to antimicrobials. There are multiple factors in the community that influence the physician’s antibiotic prescriptions. Methods: This is a systematic case-control study on antibiotics prescription for paediatric patients attending Latifa Hospital for Women and Children (LWCH), Dubai Health Authority, to know the effects of behavioral interventions on rates of inappropriate antimicrobials prescription by doctors in the Paediatric Emergency Department. Results: The results of our study showed the effectiveness of behavioral insights by peer comparison in antibiotic use among paediatricians in Latifa Hospital had a statistical significance (P = 0.0038). The rate of the prescription decreased from 41% to 21%, a difference of 20%. Conclusion: The study concluded behavioural intervention is an effective measure in reducing the improper prescription of antibiotics in the hospital setting.

Social experience promotes the exploratory behaviour in Java Sparrows

Personality widely exists in diverse animal taxa.Such inter-individual variance in behaviour is supposed to be influenced by social context.However,it remains unknown whether the experience of social life has any carryover effects on the subsequent expression of personality.Here,we examined exploratory behaviour in caged Java Sparrows(Lonchura oryzivora)using exploration assays.Birds were assigned to live in either a solitary or a social context for four weeks.We compared the expressions of exploration before and after the treatments,and found that birds showed higher exploration tendencies after than before social life,while the isolated birds were consistent in their exploratory behaviours.Different living experience led to differences in the exploration activities for birds without significant differences in exploration before.Our results indicate that social experience can make birds more proactive.

The mediating role of sleep qualityon the relationship between internet gaming disorder and perceived stress and suicidal behaviour among Indian medical students

Background In the recent digital era,individuals with internet gaming disorder(IGD)have reported a much higher prevalence of poor sleep quality,perceived stress and suicidal behaviour.However,the underlying mechanisms for these psychological problems remain unknown.Aims The primary aims of this study were to explore the mediating role of sleep quality on the relationship between IGD and the health outcomes of perceived stress and suicidal behaviour and to assess the prevalence and risk factors for IGD among medical students.Methods A cross-sectional study enrolling 795 medical students from two medical colleges in a rural area of North India was conducted from April to May 2022.The study participants were chosen using a stratified random sampling approach.A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data,including sociodemographic and personal information and gaming characteristics.The study also included the Gaming Disorder and Hazardous Gaming Scale,the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index,the Perceived Stress Scale-10 and the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised to measure IGD,sleep quality,perceived stress and suicidal behaviour,respectively.Multiple logistic regression for the risk factors and Pearson's correlation test for the relationship between variables were used.Hayes'PROCESS macro for SPSS was employed to carry out mediation analysis.Results Among the 348 gamers with a mean age of 21.03(SD 3.27)years,the prevalence of IGD was 15.23%(95%confidence interval:11.6%to 19.4%).In the correlational analysis,small to large(r:0.32-0.72)significant relationships between scores of IGD and other health outcomes were established.The indirect effect(B=0.300)via sleep quality accounted for 30.55%of the total effect(B=0.982)of IGD on perceived stress(partially mediated),while sleep quality(B=0.174)accounted for 27.93%of the total effect(B=0.623)of IGD on suicidal behaviour(partially mediated).The factors of being male,living in a single-parent family,using the internet for other than academic purposes(1-3 hours and more than 3 hours/day),playing games for more than 3 hours/day and playing games with violent content were associated with IGD symptoms.

Chinese herbal medicine combined with cognitive–behavioural therapy for avoidant paruresis:a controlled trial

Background Avoidant paruresis is a common clinical condition in urology and psychosomatic medicine.However,it has limited treatment options that are safe and effective with few side effects.Aims Our study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the Chinese herbal Yangxin Tongquan decoction combined with cognitive-behavioural therapy(CBT)for avoidant paruresis.Methods Sixty-eight patients with avoidant paruresis were divided into a treatment group(33 patients)and a control group(35 patients).The control group was assigned 10 weeks of CBT and systematic desensitisation.In addition to CBT and systematic desensitisation,the treatment group was given the Chinese herbal Yangxin Tongquan decoction during the 10-week study.The Shy Bladder Syndrome Scale(SBS)and the Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)were administered before and after treatment to measure any change.Results The overall efficacy in the treatment group(n=30)was 80.0%vs 62.5%in the control group(n=33).Comparing pretreatment and post-treatment measures,both groups showed improvement in SBS scores and SAS scores(treatment group:t_((SBS))=8.397,p_((SBS))<0.001,t_((SAS))=8.216,p_((SAS))<0.001;control group:t_((SBS))=6.802,p_((SBS))<0.001,t_((SAS))=5.171,p_((SAS))<0.001).Moreover,both groups’SBS and SAS scores changed significantly over time(SBS scores:F_(time)=118.299,p<0.001;SAS scores:F_(time)=92.114,p<0.001).However,the treatment group performed better than the control group(SBS scores:F_(time*group)=5.709,p=0.020;SAS scores:F_(time*group)=7.235,p=0.009).Conclusions The Chinese herbal Yangxin Tongquan decoction combined with cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy positively affects the treatment of avoidant paruresis without significant adverse effects.

Oxygen Availability Affects Behavioural Thermoregulation of Turtle Embryos

Extending recent findings that reptile embryos seek optimal temperatures inside eggs for thermoregulation,our study demonstrates that this thermoregulatory behaviour can be affected by the amount of oxygen available to an embryo.We exposed embryos of a freshwater turtle(Mauremys reevesii)to two heat sources(an optimal temperature of 30°C and a high temperature of 33°C)under three different oxygen levels–hypoxia(12%O2),normoxia(21%O2)and hyperoxia(30%O2)–and quantified the interactive effects of temperature and oxygen availability on embryonic thermoregulatory behaviour.Our results demonstrated that,in both thermal treatments,embryos exposed to hypoxia did not move as close to the heat source and therefore selected lower temperatures than those exposed to normoxia or hyperoxia.Embryos may select low temperatures under hypoxic conditions to decrease oxygen consumption and therefore alleviate the negative impact of hypoxic stress.

Shear behaviours and roughness degeneration based on a quantified rock joint surface description

The asperity wear of rock joints significantly affects their shear behaviour.This study discusses the wear damage of the asperities on the joint surface,highlighting the roughness degradation characteristics during the shear process.The direct shear experiment of artificial specimens containing rock joints was conducted under different normal stresses based on three-dimensional scanning technology.These experimental results showed the contribution of joint wear to roughness degeneration,such as the height,zone,and volume of asperity degeneration.The wear coefficient of the rock joint was obtained based on the volume wear of asperities in the laboratory experiment.The functional relationship between the friction coefficient and wear coefficient is subsequently determined.To quantitatively analyse the wear damage of a joint surface,a calculation method for determining the wear depth of the rock joint after shearing was proposed based on wear theory.The relationship between the ultimate dilation and wear depth was analysed.A coefficient m,which can describe the damage degree of the joint surface,and a prediction method of joint surface roughness after shearing are established.Good agreement between analytical predictions and measured values demonstrates the capability of the developed model.Lastly,the sensitivity factors on the wear depth are explored.