Coagulation indices and fibrinogen degradation products as predictive biomarkers for tumor-node-metastasis staging and metastasis in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is a prevalent malignancy with a substantial health burden and high mortality rate,despite advances in prevention,early detection,and treatment.Compared with the global average,Asia,notably China,reports disproportionately high GC incidences.The disease often progresses asymptoma-tically in the early stages,leading to delayed diagnosis and compromised out-comes.Thus,it is crucial to identify early diagnostic biomarkers and enhance treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality.METHODS Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 148 patients with GC treated at the Civil Aviation Shanghai Hospital between December 2022 and December 2023.The associations of coagulation indices-partial thromboplastin time(APTT),prothrombin time(PT),thrombin time(TT),fibrinogen,fibrinogen degradation products(FDP),fasting blood glucose,and D-dimer(D-D)with TNM stage and distant metastasis were examined.RESULTS Prolongation of APTT,PT,and TT was significantly correlated with the GC TNM stage.Hence,abnormal coagulation system activation was closely related to disease progression.Elevated FDP and D-D were significantly associated with distant metastasis in GC(P<0.05),suggesting that increased fibrinolytic activity contributes to increased metastatic risk.CONCLUSION Our Results reveal coagulation indices,FDPs as GC biomarkers,reflecting abnormal coagulation/fibrinolysis,aiding disease progression,metastasis prediction,and helping clinicians assess thrombotic risk for early intervention and personalized treatment plans.

Passive activity enhances residual control ability in patients with complete spinal cord injury

Patients with complete spinal cord injury retain the potential for volitional muscle activity in muscles located below the spinal injury level.However,because of prolonged inactivity,initial attempts to activate these muscles may not effectively engage any of the remaining neurons in the descending pathway.A previous study unexpectedly found that a brief clinical round of passive activity significantly increased volitional muscle activation,as measured by surface electromyography.In this study,we further explored the effect of passive activity on surface electromyographic signals during volitional control tasks among individuals with complete spinal cord injury.Eleven patients with chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury were recruited.Surface electromyography data from eight major leg muscles were acquired and compared before and after the passive activity protocol.The results indicated that the passive activity led to an increased number of activated volitional muscles and an increased frequency of activation.Although the cumulative root mean square of surface electromyography amplitude for volitional control of movement showed a slight increase after passive activity,the difference was not statistically significant.These findings suggest that brief passive activity may enhance the ability to initiate volitional muscle activity during surface electromyography tasks and underscore the potential of passive activity for improving residual motor control among patients with motor complete spinal cord injury.

Glutamatergic CYLD deletion leads to aberrant excitatory activity in the basolateral amygdala:association with enhanced cued fear expression

Neuronal activity,synaptic transmission,and molecular changes in the basolateral amygdala play critical roles in fear memory.Cylindromatosis(CYLD)is a deubiquitinase that negatively regulates the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway.CYLD is well studied in non-neuronal cells,yet underinvestigated in the brain,where it is highly expressed.Emerging studies have shown involvement of CYLD in the remodeling of glutamatergic synapses,neuroinflammation,fear memory,and anxiety-and autism-like behaviors.However,the precise role of CYLD in glutamatergic neurons is largely unknown.Here,we first proposed involvement of CYLD in cued fear expression.We next constructed transgenic model mice with specific deletion of Cyld from glutamatergic neurons.Our results show that glutamatergic CYLD deficiency exaggerated the expression of cued fear in only male mice.Further,loss of CYLD in glutamatergic neurons resulted in enhanced neuronal activation,impaired excitatory synaptic transmission,and altered levels of glutamate receptors accompanied by over-activation of microglia in the basolateral amygdala of male mice.Altogether,our study suggests a critical role of glutamatergic CYLD in maintaining normal neuronal,synaptic,and microglial activation.This may contribute,at least in part,to cued fear expression.

Deciphering Water Oxidation Catalysts:The Dominant Role of Surface Chemistry over Reconstruction Degree in Activity Promotion

Water splitting hinges crucially on the availability of electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction.The surface reconstruction has been widely observed in perovskite catalysts,and the reconstruction degree has been often correlated with the activity enhancement.Here,a systematic study on the roles of Fe substitution in activation of perovskite LaNiO_(3)is reported.The substituting Fe content influences both current change tendency and surface reconstruction degree.LaNi_(0.9)Fe_(0.1)O_(3)is found exhibiting a volcano-peak intrinsic activity in both pristine and reconstructed among all substituted perovskites in the LaNi_(1-x)Fe_(x)O_(3)(x=0.00,0.10,0.25,0.50,0.75,1.00)series.The reconstructed LaNi_(0.9)Fe_(0.1)O_(3)shows a higher intrinsic activity than most reported NiFe-based catalysts.Besides,density functional theory calculations reveal that Fe substitution can lower the O 2p level,which thus stabilize lattice oxygen in LaNi0.9Fe0.1O3 and ensure its long-term stability.Furthermore,it is vital interesting that activity of the reconstructed catalysts relied more on the surface chemistry rather than the reconstruction degree.The effect of Fe on the degree of surface reconstruction of the perovskite is decoupled from that on its activity enhancement after surface reconstruction.This finding showcases the importance to customize the surface chemistry of reconstructed catalysts for water oxidation.

Association between physical activity and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Lifestyle plays an important role in preventing and managing gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).In response to the conflicting results in previous studies,we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate this association.Methods:Relevant studies published until January 2023 were retrieved from 6 databases,and the prevalence of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux(GER)or GERD was determined from the original studies.A random effects model was employed to meta-analyze the association by computing the pooled relative risk(RR)with 95%confidence intervals(95%CIs).Furthermore,subgroup and dose-response analyses were performed to explore subgroup differences and the association between cumulative physical activity(PA)time and GERD.Results:This meta-analysis included 33 studies comprising 242,850 participants.A significant negative association was observed between PA and the prevalence of symptomatic GER(RR=0.74,95%CI:0.66-0.83;p<0.01)or GERD(RR=0.80,95%CI:0.76-0.84;p<0.01),suggesting that engaging in PA might confer a protective benefit against GERD.Subgroup analyses consistently indicated the presence of this association across nearly all subgroups,particularly among the older individuals(RR_(<40 years):RR_(≥40 years)=0.85:0.69,p<0.01)and smokers(RR_(smoker):RR_(non-smoker)=0.67:0.82,p=0.03).Furthermore,a dose-response analysis revealed that individuals who engaged in 150 min of PA per week had a 72.09%lower risk of developing GERD.Conclusion:Maintaining high levels of PA decreased the risk of GERD,particularly among older adults and smokers.Meeting the recommended PA level of 150 min per week may significantly decrease the prevalence of GERD.

利用凝固曲线分析与手工法检测快速识别1例Fibrinogen Longmont

Fibrinogen Longmont是异常纤维蛋白原血症中比较独特的一种,既往常因光学法异常而磁珠法正常的检测结果被发现。通过一个案例我们观察到Fibrinogen Longmont患者的凝固曲线与典型的低纤维蛋白原血浆凝固曲线存在明显区别:手工法检测可明显观测到凝块的透明特性;样本血浆与正常血浆的混合实验也出现明显的抑制效应。这些实验室表现可能有助于Fibrinogen Longmont的筛查。

Association of physical activity with risk of chronic kidney disease in China:A population-based cohort study

Background:Information on the association between physical activity(PA)and the risk of chronic kidney disease(CKD)is limited.We aimed to explore the associations of total,domain-specific,and intensity-specific PA with CKD and its subtypes in China.Methods:The study included 475,376 adults from the China Kadoorie Biobank aged 30-79 years during 2004-2008 at baseline.An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information about PA,which was quantified as metabolic equivalent of task hours per day(MET-h/day)and categorized into 4 groups based on quartiles.Cox regression was used to analyze the association between PA and CKD risk.Results:During a median follow-up of 12.1 years,5415 incident CKD cases were documented,including 1159 incident diabetic kidney disease(DKD)cases and 362 incident hypertensive nephropathy(HTN)cases.Total PA was inversely associated with CKD risk,with an adjusted hazard ratio(HR,95%confidence interval(95%CI))of 0.83(0.75-0.92)for incident CKD in the highest quartile of total PA as compared with participants in the lowest quartile.Similar results were observed for risk of DKD and HTN,and the corresponding HRs(95%CIs)were 0.75(0.58-0.97)for DKD risk and 0.56(0.37-0.85)for HTN risk.Increased nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA were significantly associated with a decreased risk of CKD,with HRs(95%CIs)of 0.80(0.73-0.88),0.85(0.77-0.94),and 0.85(0.76-0.95)in the highest quartile,respectively.Conclusion:PA,including nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA,was inversely associated with the risk of CKD,including DKD,HTN,and other CKD,and such associations were dose dependent.

Association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity with incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based cohort study

Purpose:The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity(PA)with the risk of incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based prospective cohort study.Methods:Altogether,88,000 participants(mean age=62.2±7.9 years,mean±SD)were included from the UK Biobank.Sleep duration(short:<6 h/day;normal:6-8 h/day;long:>8 h/day)and PA of different intensities were measured using a wrist-won accelerometer over a 7-day period between 2013 and 2015.PA was classified according to the median or World Health Organization-recommendation:total volume of PA(high,low),moderate-to-vigorous PA(MVPA)(recommended,not recommended),and light-intensity PA(high,low).Incidence of type 2diabetes was ascertained using hospital records or death registries.Results:During a median follow-up of 7.0 years,1615 incident type 2 diabetes cases were documented.Compared with normal sleep duration,short(hazard ratio(HR)=1.21,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.03-1.41)but not long sleep duration(HR=1.01,95%CI:0.89-1.15)was associated with excessive type 2 diabetes risk.This increased risk among short sleepers seems to be protected against by PA.Compared with normal sleepers with high or recommended PA,short sleepers with low volume of PA(HR=1.81,95%CI:1.46-2.25),not recommended(below the World Health Organization-recommended level of)MVPA(HR=1.92,95%CI:1.55-2.36),or low light-intensity PA(HR=1.49,95%CI:1.13-1.90)had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes,while short sleepers with a high volume of PA(HR=1.14,95%CI:0.88-1.49),recommended MVPA(HR=1.02,95%CI:0.71-1.48),or high light-intensity PA(HR=1.14,95%CI:0.92-1.41)did not.Conclusion:Accelerometer-measured short but not long sleep duration was associated with a higher risk of incident type 2 diabetes.A higher level of PA,regardless of intensity,potentially ameliorates this excessive risk.

The association of diet quality and physical activity with cardiovascular disease and mortality in 85,545 older Australians:A longitudinal study

Background:A quality diet and an active lifestyle are both important cornerstones of cardiovascular disease(CVD)prevention.However,despite their interlinked effects on metabolic health,the 2 behaviors are rarely considered jointly,particularly within the context of CVD prevention.We examined the independent,interactive,and joint associations of diet and physical activity with CVD hospitalization,CVD mortality,and all-cause mortality.Methods:CVD-free Australian participants aged 4574 years(n=85,545)reported physical activity,diet,sociodemographic,and lifestyle characteristics at baseline(20062009)and follow-up(20122015),and data were linked to hospitalization and death registries(03/31/2019 for CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality and 12/08/2017 for CVD mortality).Diet quality was categorized as low,medium,and high based on meeting dietary recommendations.Physical activity was operationalized as(a)total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA)as per guidelines,and(b)the composition of MVPA as the ratio of vigorous-intensity physical activity(VPA)to total MVPA.We used a left-truncated cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model using time-varying covariates.Results:During a median of 10.7 years of follow-up,6576 participants were admitted to the hospital for CVD and 6581 died from all causes(876 from CVD during 9.3 years).A high-quality diet was associated with a 17%lower risk of all-cause mortality than a low-quality diet,and the highest MVPA category(compared with the lowest)was associated with a 44%and 48%lower risk of CVD and all-cause mortality,respectively.Multiplicative interactions between diet and physical activity were non-significant.For all outcomes,the lowest risk combinations involved a high-quality diet and the highest MVPA categories.Accounting for total MVPA,some VPA was associated with further risk reduction of CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality.Conclusion:For CVD prevention and longevity,one should adhere to both a healthy diet and an active lifestyle and incorporate some VPA when possible.

Association of daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity with body fat among U.S.adults

Background:Prolonged sitting and reduced physical activity lead to low energy expenditures.However,little is known about the joint impact of daily sitting time and physical activity on body fat distribution.We investigated the independent and joint associations of daily sitting time and physical activity with body fat among adults.Methods:This was a cross-sectional analysis of U.S.nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey2011-2018 among adults aged 20 years or older.Daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity(LTPA)were self-reported using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.Body fat(total and trunk fat percentage)was determined via dual X-ray absorptiometry.Results:Among 10,808 adults,about 54.6%spent 6 h/day or more sitting;more than one-half reported no LTPA(inactive)or less than 150 min/week LTPA(insufficiently active)with only 43.3%reported 150 min/week or more LTPA(active)in the past week.After fully adjusting for sociodemographic data,lifestyle behaviors,and chronic conditions,prolonged sitting time and low levels of LTPA were associated with higher total and trunk fat percentages in both sexes.When stratifying by LTPA,the association between daily sitting time and body fat appeared to be stronger in those who were inactive/insuufficiently active.In the joint analyses,inactive/insuufficiently active adults who reported sitting more than 8 h/day had the highest total(female:3.99%(95%confidence interval(95%CI):3.09%-4.88%);male:3.79%(95%CI:2.75%-4.82%))and trunk body fat percentages(female:4.21%(95%CI:3.09%-5.32%);male:4.07%(95%CI:2.95%-5.19%))when compared with those who were active and sitting less than 4 h/day.Conclusion:Prolonged daily sitting time was associated with increased body fat among U.S.adults.The higher body fat associated with 6 h/day sitting may not be offset by achieving recommended levels of physical activity.

Interaction between inflammatory bowel disease,physical activity,and myokines:Assessment of serum irisin levels

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis,showed a wide spectrum of intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations,which rendered the patients physically inactive and impaired their quality of life.It has been found that physical activity is a non-pharmacological intervention that improves the quality of life for those patients.Irisin is one member of the myokines secreted by muscle contraction during exercise and could be used as an antiinflammatory biomarker in assessing the physical activity of IBD patients.In addition,experimental studies showed that exogenous irisin significantly decreased the inflammatory markers and the histological changes of the intestinal mucosa observed in experimental colitis.Furthermore,irisin produces changes in the diversity of the microbiota.Therefore,endogenous or exogenous irisin,via its anti-inflammatory effects,will improve the health of IBD patients and will limit the barriers to physical activity in patients with IBD.

Structure and immunomodulatory activity of Lentinus edodes polysaccharides modified by probiotic fermentation

Plant-based fermentations provide an untapped source for novel biotechnological applications.In this study,a probiotic named Lactobacillus fermentum 21828 was introduced to ferment Lentinus edodes.Polysaccharides were extracted from fermented and non-fermented L.edodes and purified via DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100.The components designated F-LEP-2a and NF-LEP-2a were analyzed by FT-IR,HPGPC,HPAEC,SEM,GC-MS and NMR.The results revealed that probiotic fermentation increased the molecular weight from 1.16×10^(4) Da to 1.87×10^(4) Da and altered the proportions of glucose,galactose and mannose,in which glucose increased from 45.94%to 48.16%.Methylation analysis and NMR spectra indicated that F-LEP-2a and NF-LEP-2a had similar linkage patterns.Furthermore,their immunomodulatory activities were evaluated with immunosuppressive mice.NF-LEP and F-LEP improved immune organ indices,immunoglobulin(Ig G and Ig M)and cytokines concentrations;restored the antioxidation capacity of liver;and maintained the balance of gut microbiota.F-LEP displayed better moderating effects on the spleen index,immunoglobulin,cytokines and the diversity of gut microbiota than NF-LEP(200,400 mg/kg).Our study provides an efficient and environment-friendly way for the structural modification of polysaccharides,which helps to enhance their biological activity and promote their wide application in food,medicine and other fields.

Associations of daily sedentary behavior,physical activity,and sleep with irritable bowel syndrome:A prospective analysis of 362,193 participants

Background:Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)substantially affects quality of life and requires early prevention.This study aimed to elucidate the relationships between IBS and daily behaviors,including sedentary behavior(SB),physical activity(PA),and sleep.In particular,it seeks to identify healthy behaviors to reduce IBS risk,which previous studies have rarely addressed.Methods:Daily behaviors were retrieved from self-reported data of 362,193 eligible UK Biobank participants.Incident cases were determined by self-report or health care data according to RomeⅣcriteria.Results:A total of 345,388 participants were IBS-free at baseline,during a median follow-up of 8.45 years,19,885 incident IBS cases were recorded.When examined individually,SB and shorter(≤7 h/day)or longer(>7 h/day)sleep duration were each positively associated with increased IBS risk,and PA was associated with lower IBS risk.The isotemporal substitution model suggested that replacing SB with other activities could provide further protective effects against IBS risk.Among people sleeping≤7 h/day,replacing 1 h of SB with equivalent light PA,vigorous PA,or sleep was associated with 8.1%(95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.901-0.937),5.8%(95%CI:0.896-0.991),and 9.2%(95%CI:0.885-0.932)reduced IBS risk,respectively.For people sleeping>7 h/day,light and vigorous PA were associated with a 4.8%(95%CI:0.926-0.978)and a 12.0%(95%CI:0.815-0.949)lower IBS risk,respectively.These benefits were mostly independent of genetic risk for IBS.Conclusion:SB and unhealthy sleep duration are risk factors for IBS.A promising way to mitigate IBS risk for individuals sleeping≤7 h/day and for those sleeping>7 h/day appears to be by replacing SB with adequate sleep or vigorous PA,respectively,regardless of the genetic predisposition of IBS.

Shifting the Paradigm:A Fresh Look at Physical Activity Frequency and Its Impact on Mental Health,Life Satisfaction,and Self-Rated Health in Adolescents

As adolescent mental health problems are becoming a more serious issue globally,this paper explores the relationship of physical activity in adolescents and its frequency on mental health as well as examines the mediating effects of life satisfaction and self-rated health in order to provide a reference for the promotion of mental health in adolescents.A sample of 3578 Chinese high school students completed questionnaires assessing their mental health,physical activity frequency,life satisfaction,and self-rated health.The mean SCL-90 value for adolescents was found to be 1.629%,and 24.73%of adolescents had varying degrees of mental health issue.Increased physical activity frequency is positively associated with improved mental health(p<0.001).Additionally,life satisfaction and self-rated health were found to play significant mediating roles in the relationship between physical activity frequency and mental health.Specifically,low-frequency physical activity had the most pronounced mediating effect on mental health through life satisfaction,while high-frequency physical activity exerted the most significant mediating effect on mental health through self-rated health.These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity among adolescents and highlight the distinct pathways through which physical activity frequency can influence mental health outcomes.Further research is needed to explore these relationships in diverse populations and settings,as well as to develop targeted intervention.

Combining systemic inflammatory response index and albumin fibrinogen ratio to predict early serious complications and prognosis after resectable gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer has a high incidence and fatality rate,and surgery is the preferred course of treatment.Nonetheless,patient survival rates are still low,and the incidence of major postoperative complications cannot be disregarded.The systemic inflammatory response,nutritional level,and coagulation status are key factors affecting the postoperative recovery and prognosis of gastric cancer patients.The systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI)and the albumin fibrinogen ratio(AFR)are two valuable comprehensive indicators of the severity and prognosis of systemic inflammation in various medical conditions.AIM To assess the clinical importance and prognostic significance of the SIRI scores and the AFR on early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery.METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinicopathological characteristics and relevant laboratory indices of 568 gastric cancer patients from January 2018 to December 2019.We calculated and compared two indicators of inflammation and then examined the diagnostic ability of combined SIRI and AFR values for serious early postoperative complications.We scored the patients and categorized them into three groups based on their SIRI and AFR levels.COX analysis was used to compare the three groups of patients the prognostic value of various preoperative SIRI-AFR scores for 5-year overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS).RESULTS SIRI-AFR scores were an independent risk factor for prognosis[OS:P=0.004;hazards ratio(HR)=3.134;DFS:P<0.001;HR=3.543]and had the highest diagnostic power(area under the curve:0.779;95%confidence interval:0.737-0.820)for early serious complications in patients with gastric cancer.The tumor-node-metastasis stage(P=0.001),perioperative transfusion(P=0.044),positive carcinoembryonic antigen(P=0.014)findings,and major postoperative complications(P=0.011)were factors associated with prognosis.CONCLUSION Preoperative SIRI and AFR values were significantly associated with early postoperative survival and the occurrence of severe complications in gastric cancer patients.

Coupling Analysis of Multiple Machine Learning Models for Human Activity Recognition

Artificial intelligence(AI)technology has become integral in the realm of medicine and healthcare,particularly in human activity recognition(HAR)applications such as fitness and rehabilitation tracking.This study introduces a robust coupling analysis framework that integrates four AI-enabled models,combining both machine learning(ML)and deep learning(DL)approaches to evaluate their effectiveness in HAR.The analytical dataset comprises 561 features sourced from the UCI-HAR database,forming the foundation for training the models.Additionally,the MHEALTH database is employed to replicate the modeling process for comparative purposes,while inclusion of the WISDM database,renowned for its challenging features,supports the framework’s resilience and adaptability.The ML-based models employ the methodologies including adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system(ANFIS),support vector machine(SVM),and random forest(RF),for data training.In contrast,a DL-based model utilizes one-dimensional convolution neural network(1dCNN)to automate feature extraction.Furthermore,the recursive feature elimination(RFE)algorithm,which drives an ML-based estimator to eliminate low-participation features,helps identify the optimal features for enhancing model performance.The best accuracies of the ANFIS,SVM,RF,and 1dCNN models with meticulous featuring process achieve around 90%,96%,91%,and 93%,respectively.Comparative analysis using the MHEALTH dataset showcases the 1dCNN model’s remarkable perfect accuracy(100%),while the RF,SVM,and ANFIS models equipped with selected features achieve accuracies of 99.8%,99.7%,and 96.5%,respectively.Finally,when applied to the WISDM dataset,the DL-based and ML-based models attain accuracies of 91.4%and 87.3%,respectively,aligning with prior research findings.In conclusion,the proposed framework yields HAR models with commendable performance metrics,exhibiting its suitability for integration into the healthcare services system through AI-driven applications.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Lawsonia inermis Leaf Extracts from Burkina Faso

Lawsonia inermis is a hairless plant growing in various regions of North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. It possesses many medicinal attributes, including curative properties against infectious dermatoses. This study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical profile of the crude ethanolic extract of the plant leaves and its fractions as well as their antimicrobial activities. The phytochemical profile was performed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, the phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric and the aluminum trichloride methods. Antimicrobial activity was tested using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. The presence of flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and triterpenes was revealed. GC-MS detected twelve compounds main compounds consisting of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and phenolic and terpenoid compounds among twenty-seven components. HPLC also detected high contents of phenolic acids and flavonoids. The most abundant triterpene and sterols were ursolic acid (around 43.14 g/100g DW, 13.9 g/100g dry weight (DW), and 0.68 g/100g DW) in the crude ethanolic extract of leaves (FeLi), hexane fraction (FHLi) and dichloromethane fraction (FDLi), respectively and, β-sitosterol in FeLi (56.7 mg/100g DW), FHLi (10.55 g/100g DW), FDLi (106.1 mg/100g DW) and butanol fraction (FBLi) (357.4 mg/100g DW). Among the flavonoids, rutin = 3.24 g/100g and quercetin = 0.63 g/100g in the ethanolic extract, rutin = 15.73 g/100g in the dichloromethane fraction, and rutin = 0.23 g/100g) in the aqueous fraction;and among phenolic compounds, caffeic acid (37.65 g/100g DW) and vanillic acid (22.70 g/100g DW) were the most important in the ethyl acetate fraction (FAeLi). All organic fractions exhibited interesting antibacterial and antifungal activities against the tested strains, with the best activity recorded with the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions. The leaf extracts’ phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity support the use of Lawsonia inermis against infectious skin diseases.

“Active Feedback” Fitbit-Based Physical Activity and Sleep Hygiene Intervention for Memory Assessment Service (MAS) Patients with Cognitive Deficits: Feasibility, Acceptability, Sleep Quality, Stress, and Wellbeing Outcomes

Research Background: Compared to the general population, people experiencing age-related cognitive decline are more likely to have low levels of physical activity and sleep problems. Sufficient physical activity and quality sleep are protective factors against cognitive decline and poor health and can improve coping with stressors. The “Active Feedback” intervention comprises a wearable activity and sleep tracker (Fitbit), access to Fitbit software healthy lifestyle software apps;one session with Memory Assessment Service (MAS) staff providing physical activity and sleep hygiene advice and two further engagement, discussion, and feedback sessions. Purpose/Aim: This study investigates the acceptability and feasibility of Active Feedback and the effect on stress, mental wellbeing, and sleep quality, and the links between these factors. Methods: An open-label patient cohort design with no control group was used. Pre-intervention, 4-week and 8-week intervention assessments were performed using participant self-report measures: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), and Sleep Conditioning Index (SCI). Twenty-five participants completed an eight-week three-session intervention (18 males and 7 females), with the age range of 66 - 84 years old, and average age of 73.8 years (SD = 5.09). Fifteen participants had a diagnosis of MCI, ten participants did not. Results: There were non-significant improvements in SCI scores from 21.0 (SD = 8.84) to 21.6 (SD = 6.20) at 8 weeks, PSS scores from 17.5 (SD = 5.89) to 17.0 (SD = 6.20) at 8 weeks, and WEMWBS scores from 46.9 (SD = 9.23) to 48.8 (SD = 9.69) at 8 weeks. There were negative correlations between WEMWBS and PSS. Conclusion: Active Feedback intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable. Active Feedback could be enhanced to include motivational interviewing and goal setting.

Total Alkaloid Content, Total Phenolic Content, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, and Preliminary Antiglycemic Potential of the Methanol Extract from Mozambican Wild Fruits of Vangueria infausta

This study investigated the antioxidant activity and alpha-amylase inhibitory potential of the methanolic extract from Vangueria infausta fruits with the aim of exploring its therapeutic and nutritional applications. Bioactive compounds such as total phenolics (TPC) and total alkaloids (TAC) were analyzed. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, Ferrozine, Phosphomolybdate, and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, while alpha-amylase inhibitory activity was determined using the 3,5-Dinitrosalicylic Acid (DNSA) and 2-chloro-p-nitrophenyl-α-D-maltotrioside (CNPG3) methods. The results revealed significant variations in antioxidant activity across the methods used, with IC50 values ranging from 318.42 to 1255.56 µg/mL. Alpha-amylase inhibition was also significant, with IC50 values ranging from 140.85 to 121.06 µg/mL. The TPC was found to be 95.6 mg of gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of dry powder, and the TAC was 0.188 mg of atropine equivalent per 100 g of dry powder. These findings suggest that Vangueria infausta possesses promising antioxidant and alpha-amylase inhibitory potential, indicating its potential application in antioxidant therapies and in the management of carbohydrate digestion.

Physical activity volume,frequency,and intensity:Associations with hypertension and obesity over 21 years in Australian women

Background:Optimal patterns of accrual of recommended levels of physical activity(PA)for prevention of hypertension and obesity are not known.The overall aim of this study was to investigate whether different patterns of accumulation of PA are differentially associated with hypertension and obesity in Australian women over 21 years.Specifically,we investigated whether,for the same weekly volume of PA,the number of sessions(frequency)and vigorousness of PA(intensity)were associated with a reduction in the occurrence of hypertension and obesity in women.Methods:Data from the 1973-1978 and 1946-1951 cohorts of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were analyzed(n=20,588;12%-16%with a Bachelor's or higher degree).Self-reported PA,hypertension,height,and weight were collected using mail surveys every 3 years from 1998/2000 to 2019/2021.Generalized Estimating Equation models with a 3-year lag model were used to investigate the association of PA volume(metabolic equivalent min/week)(none;33-499;500-999;≥1000,weekly frequency(none;1-2 times;3-4times;5-7 times;≥8 times),and the proportion of vigorous PA to total volume of PA(none;0%;1%-33%;34%-66%;67%-100%)with odds of hypertension and obesity from 2000 to 2021.Results:The cumulative incidence of hypertension was 6%in the 1973-1978 and 23%in the 1946-1951 cohort;27%of women in the 1973-1978;and 15%in the 1946-1951 cohort developed obesity over the period.Overall,a higher volume of PA was associated with reduced odds of hypertension and obesity.When the volume of PA was considered,the odds of hypertension did not vary according to the frequency or intensity of PA.However,increased proportion of vigorous PA to the total volume of PA was associated with a small additional reduction in the risk of obe sity.Conclusion:PA volume appears to be more important than the pattern of accumulation for the prevention of hypertension and obesity.Incorporating more sessions,particularly of vigorous-intensity PA,may provide extra benefits for the prevention of obesity.