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.

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.

Physical exercise and synaptic protection in human and pre-clinical models of multiple sclerosis

In multiple sclerosis,only immunomodulato ry and immunosuppressive drugs are recognized as disease-modifying therapies.Howeve r,in recent years,several data from pre-clinical and clinical studies suggested a possible role of physical exe rcise as disease-modifying therapy in multiple sclerosis.Current evidence is sparse and often conflicting,and the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and antinflammatory role of exercise in multiple sclerosis have not been fully elucidated.Data,mainly derived from pre-clinical studies,suggest that exe rcise could enhance longterm potentiation and thus neuroplasticity,could reduce neuroinflammation and synaptopathy,and dampen astrogliosis and microgliosis.In humans,most trials focused on direct clinical and MRI outcomes,as investigating synaptic,neuroinflammato ry,and pathological changes is not straightfo rward compared to animal models.The present review analyzed current evidence and limitations in research concerning the potential disease-modifying therapy effects of exercise in multiple sclerosis in animal models and human studies.

In-situ AFM and quasi-in-situ studies for localized corrosion in Mg-9Al-1Fe-(Gd) alloys under 3.5 wt.% NaCl environment

Revealing the localized corrosion process of Mg alloy is considered as one of the most significant ways for improving its corrosion resistance.The reliable monitor should be high distinguishability and real-time in liquid environment.Herein,Mg-9Al-1Fe and Mg-9Al-1Fe-1Gd alloys were designed to highlight the impact of intermetallic on the corrosion behaviour.In-situ AFM with a special electrolyte circulation system and quasi-in-situ SEM observation were used to monitor the corrosion process of the designed alloys.SEM-EDS and TEM-SAED were applied to identify the intermetallic in the designed alloys,and their volta potentials were measured by SKPFM.According to the real-time and real-space in-situ AFM monitor,the corrosion process consisted of dissolution of anodicα-Mg phase,accumulation of corrosion products around cathodic phase and shedding of some fine cathodic phase.Then,the localized corrosion process of Mg alloy was revealed combined with the results of the monitor of corrosion process and Volta potential difference.

Microstructure,Corrosion and Mechanical Properties of Medium-Thick 6061-T6 Alloy/T2 Pure Cu Dissimilar Joints Produced by Double Side Friction Stir Z Shape Lap-Butt Welding

A novel double side friction stir Z shape lap-butt welding(DS-FSZW)process was proposed to achieve excellent mechanical properties of Al/Cu medium-thick dissimilar joints.The influence of welding parameters on weld microstructure and properties of DS-FSZW joint were systematically investigated.It indicated that defect-free medium-thick Al/Cu DS-FSZW joint could be achieved under an optimal welding parameter.DS-FSZW joint was prone to form void defects in the bottom of the second-pass weld.The recrystallization mechanisms at the top and middle of the weld nugget zone(WNZ)were continuous dynamic recrystallization(CDRX)and geometric dynamic recrystallization(GDRX).While the major recrystallization mechanism at the bottom of the WNZ was GDRX.DS-FSZW joint of the optimal welding condition with 850 r/min-400 mm/min was produced with a continuous thin and crack-free IMCs layer at the Al/Cu interface,and the maximum tensile strength of this joint is 160.57 MPa,which is equivalent to 65.54%of pure Cu base material.Moreover,the corrosion resistance of Al/Cu DS-FSZW joints also achieved its maximum value at the optimal welding parameter of 850 r/min-400 mm/min.It demonstrates that the DS-FSZW process can simultaneously produce medium-thick Al/Cu joints with excellent mechanical performance and corrosion resistance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Smoking of Carica papaya in Nigeria:The rationale,the public health effects and policies for intervention

Psychoactive substance use is characterized by the habitual use of substances that have significant effects in altering the activities of neurotransmitters in certain regions of the brain.Consequently,these alterations manifest as cognitive,emotional,perceptual and behavioural changes in affected individuals[1].

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.

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.

Four-function model analysis of nonsuicidal self-injury-related posts on Sina Weibo

To the editor:Non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI)is defined as direct,repetitive self-injury to bodily tissues without suicidal intent. The estimated prevalence of NsSI among adolescents is 17.2%worldwide with a comparable rate observed in China. As a behavioural addiction, NSSI poses a significant suicide risk,and is emerging as a major mental health problem among adolescents.To unravel this puzzle,the four-function model(FFM)distinguishes between interpersonal and intrapersonal functions,as well as positive and negative reinforcement functions,proving relatively comprehensive among various theoretical models.

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.

MicroRNA-451a is a candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for major depressive disorder

Background Increasing evidence supports the role of microRNAs(miRNAs)in major depressive disorder(MDD),but the pathophysiological mechanism remains elusive.Aims To explore the mechanism of microRNA-451a(miR-451a)in the pathology and behaviours of depression.Methods Abnormal miRNAs such as miR-451a reported previously in the serum of patients with MDD were screened and then confirmed in a mouse model of depression induced by chronic restraint stress(CRS).Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice had miR-451a overexpression in the medial prefrontal cortex(mPFC)via adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vectors encoding a pri-mmu-miR-451a-GFP fusion protein followed by behavioural and pathological analyses.Finally,molecular biological experiments were conducted to investigate the potential mechanism of miR-451a against depression.Results The serum levels of miRNA-451awere significantly lower in patients with MDD,with a negative correlation with the Hamilton Depression Scale scores.Additionally,a negative association between serum miR-451a and behavioural despair or anhedonia was observed in CRS mice.Notably,miR-451a expression was significantly downregulated in the mPFC of CRS-susceptible mice.Overexpressing miR-451a in the mPFC reversed the loss of dendritic spines and the depression-like phenotype of CRS mice.Mechanistically,miR-451a could inhibit CRS-induced corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 expression via targeting transcription factor 2,subsequently protecting dendritic spine plasticity.Conclusions Together,these results highlighted miR-451a as a candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for MDD.

Preparation and Characterization of Biobased Dehydroabietyl Polyethylene Glycol Glycidyl Ether-Grafted Hydroxyethyl Cellulose with High Emulsifying Property

Dehydroabietyl polyethylene glycol glycidyl ether-grafted hydroxyethyl cellulose(HEC)polymer surfactant(DA(EO)5GE-g-HEC)was prepared using ring-opening polymerization with biobased rosin and hydroxyethyl cellulose as feedstocks.Dehydroabietyl polyethylene glycol glycidyl ether(DA(EO)5GE)was formed by condensation of dehydroabietyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether(Rosin derivative:DA(EO)5H)and epichlorohydrin.The grafting degree of DA(EO)5GE-g-HEC was manipulated by adjusting the mass ratio of HEC and DA(EO)5GE and confirmed by EA.According to the formula,when m(HEC)/m(DA(EO)2GE)was 1:1~1:5,the grafting rate of DA(EO)5GE in DA(EO)5GE-g-HEC varied from 34.43%to 38.33%.The surface activity and foam properties of DA(EO)5GE-g-HEC aqueous solution were studied.The results showed that with the increase in grafting rate,the critical micellar concentration(CMC)in aqueous solution changed from 1.28 to 0.96 g/L.The results of the thermogravimetric analysis showed that the temperature range of the main stage of mass loss of DA(EO)5GE-g-HEC was 310°C~410°C,and the thermal decomposition processes of the samples with five mass ratios were similar.An oil in water emulsion was prepared by choosing cyclohexane as the oil phase and DA(EO)5GE-g-HEC as the emulsifier.The effect of DA(EO)5GE-g-HEC mass fraction on emulsion particle size and stability was analyzed.The results suggested that when the oil-water ratio was 8:2 with 0.4%emulsifier,the emulsion droplets were the smallest in terms of particle size and were the most stable.The rheological test results showed that the apparent viscosity decreased with the increase in shear rate and showed a typical elastic gel phenomenon.

Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight(MALDI-TOF)-Mass Spectrometry and^(13)C-NMR-Identified New Compounds in Paraberlinia bifoliolata(Ekop-Beli)Bark Tannins

Extracts of plant origin,particularly tannins,are attracting growing interest for the sustainable development of materials in the industrial sector.The discovery of new tannins is therefore necessary.The aim of this work was to contribute to the understanding of the properties of Paraberlinia bifoliolata tannin by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectroscopy MALDI-TOF/MS and Carbon 13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance(13C NMR).The chemical composition of tannin extracted from Paraberlinia bifoliolata bark was determined,as was the mechanical strength of the resin hardened with Acacia nilotica extracts.Yield by successive water extraction was 35%.MALDI-TOF/MS analysis revealed the presence of three new compounds in this tannin,previously unknown in this family of extracts.These are 3-hydroxyproline acid,N-methyl-4-hydroxypipecolic acid and N-methyl-5-dihydroxypipecolic acid.The identification of the above molecules means that this tannin can be used for industrial applications,as a resin in the manufacture of particleboard and in the formulation of green corrosion inhibitors.This information is reinforced by 13C NMR spectrometry,which indicates the presence of several polyflavonoid units,confirming the condensed nature of the tannin.Thermomechanical analysis of the resin formed by the purified tannin of Paraberlinia bifoliolata to which a vegetal biohardener has been added provided a Modulus of Elasticity(MOE)value of 4840 MPa at 150℃,confirming its possible use as a binder resin in the manufacture of wood panels as well as for the formulation of a corrosion inhibitor.

Publication behaviour and(dis)qualification of chief editors in Turkish national Social Sciences journals

Purpose:This study investigated the publication behaviour of 573 chief editors managing 432 Social Sciences journals in Turkey.Direct inquiries into editorial qualifications are rare,and this research aims to shed light on editors’scientific leadership capabilities.Design/methodology/approach:This study contrasts insider publication behaviour in national journals with international articles in journals indexed by the Web of Science(WOS)and Scopus.It argues that editors demonstrating a consistent ability to publish in competitive WOS and Scopus indexed journals signal high qualifications,while editors with persistent insider behaviour and strong local orientation signal low qualification.Scientific leadership capability is measured by first-authored publications.Correlation and various regression tests are conducted to identify significant determinants of publication behaviour.Findings:International publications are rare and concentrated on a few individuals,while insider publications are endemic and constitute nearly 40%of all national articles.Editors publish 3.2 insider papers and 8.1 national papers for every SSCI article.62%(58%)of the editors have no SSCI(Scopus)article,53%(63%)do not have a single lead-authored WOS(Scopus)article,and 89%publish at least one insider paper.Only a minority consistently publish in international journals;a fifth of the editors have three or more SSCI publications,and a quarter have three or more Scopus articles.Editors with foreign Ph.D.degrees are the most qualified and internationally oriented,whereas non-mobile editors are the most underqualified and underperform other editors by every measure.Illustrating the overall lack of qualification,nearly half of the professor editors and the majority of the WOS and Scopus indexed journal editors have no record of SSCI or Scopus publications.Research limitations:This research relies on local settings that encourage national publications at the expense of international journals.Findings should be evaluated in light of this setting and bearing in mind that narrow localities are more prone to peer favouritism.Practical implications:Incompetent and nepotistic editors pose an imminent threat to Turkish national literature.A lasting solution would likely include the dismissal and replacement of unqualified editors,as well as delisting and closure of dozens of journals that operate in questionable ways and serve little scientific purpose.Originality/value:To my knowledge,this is the first study to document the publication behaviour of national journal chief editors.

The Experience and Impact of a Fitbit-Based Physical Activity and Sleep Hygiene Intervention for Older Adults Experiencing Cognitive Decline

Objectives: This study aimed to understand the experience and impact of a physical activity and sleep wrist-worn tracker (Fitbit)-based healthy lifestyle intervention for older patients attending a memory assessment service, who are experiencing cognitive impairment but do not receive a dementia diagnosis. Methods: A qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of thirteen participants recruited from a memory assessment service. Thematic analysis, that was data driven and inductive, was undertaken to analyse the data. Results: Two global themes were developed. “Understanding exercise and sleep as part of my lifestyle” was made up of themes representing how participants viewed exercise and sleep as part of their lifestyles in terms of acknowledging the positive impacts and the barriers to exercise and sleep. The second global theme “Understanding my experience of the healthy lifestyle intervention” was made up of themes that identified the positive impact of the intervention regarding improving health and wellbeing, enabling validation of proactive behaviours and motivation to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviours, so promoting positive behaviour change. Conclusion: Patients experiencing age-related cognitive impairment, applied and benefited from a healthy lifestyle Fitbit-based intervention to facilitate and promote physical activity, better sleep hygiene and healthy lifestyles.

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.