Objective:To study the morphology,biochemistry and bioactivity of the epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of Christella parasitica(C.parasitica)(L.) H.Lev.Methods: Morphological studies on epidermal glands we...Objective:To study the morphology,biochemistry and bioactivity of the epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of Christella parasitica(C.parasitica)(L.) H.Lev.Methods: Morphological studies on epidermal glands were earned out by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope.To prepare the extract,the shade-dried fronds of glandular morphotype were soaked in acetone.For antibacterial studies paper disc method was followed by using various pathogenic bacteria.Results:Detailed micromorphological,phytochemical and bioactivity studies on a medicinal fern C.parasitica(L.) H.Lev.showed its inlraspecific variation in antibacterial activity.The presence or absence of the epidermal glands was the key factor for antibacterial activity in the morphovariants of this species.The epidermal glands were orange-coloured,stalked and elongated ones of about 84.2μm×45μm,and distributed on the undersurface of cosla,coslules and veins in croziers,young and mature leaves.Frequency of glands varied from 15/cm on costa in mature leaves to 140/cm on costules in croziers.The acetone extract of the glands showed antibacterial activities and also toxic effect against mosquito larvae and tadpoles of frog.Preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPLC studies of the gland extract showed the presence of various kinds of terpenoids,alkaloids,tannins,saponins and flavonoids in it.Conclusions:The present study shows that epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of C. parasitica(L.) H.Lev.have several bioactive compounds and such rare moiphovariant should be conserved in nature.The next step is to isolate the pure compounds and to screen the bioactivity of individual compounds of the epidermal glands.展开更多
The H-K-ATPase (HKA), a potassium-dependent proton transporter in the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) plays an important role in acid-base homeostasis. The OMCD contains two HKA isoforms;gastric (HKAα1), domin...The H-K-ATPase (HKA), a potassium-dependent proton transporter in the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) plays an important role in acid-base homeostasis. The OMCD contains two HKA isoforms;gastric (HKAα1), dominant under normal dietary conditions (ND), and colonic (HKAα2), induced under a K-free diet (KD). The enzymatic activity (EA) of HKA in the OMCD is incompletely understood. The focus of the present study is elucidating the EA of the HKA in HKAα1 and HKAα2 knockout (KO) mice under ND and KD. KO mice were subjected to ND or KD for 10 days. Ten OMCD tubules were extracted, half placed in potassium-free media (Solution 2), half in potassium-containing media (Solution 3). Fluorescence measurements are based on the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP, coupled with the oxidation of NADH. ADP is determined by a decrease in NADH fluorescence. In K presence, NADH fluorescence of HKAα1 KO mice read 13.5 ± 0.7 ppm for ND and 10.3 ± 0.2 ppm for KD, indicating stimulation of the colonic isoform. HKAα2 KO mice averaged 6.8 ± 0.3 ppm for ND and 5.4 ± 0.3 ppm for KD in solution 2 (p p α2 isoform. A significant difference in ATP production in HKAα2 KO mice is likely due to enhanced EA of H-ATPase under potassium depletion.展开更多
Using the latest available artificial intelligence (AI) technology, an advanced algorithm LIVERFAStTM has been used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of machine learning (ML) biomarker algorithms to assess liver dam...Using the latest available artificial intelligence (AI) technology, an advanced algorithm LIVERFAStTM has been used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of machine learning (ML) biomarker algorithms to assess liver damage. Prevalence of NAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and resulting NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) are constantly increasing worldwide, creating challenges for screening as the diagnosis for NASH requires invasive liver biopsy. Key issues in NAFLD patients are the differentiation of NASH from simple steatosis and identification of advanced hepatic fibrosis. In this prospective study, the staging of three different lesions of the liver to diagnose fatty liver was analyzed using a proprietary ML algorithm LIVERFAStTM developed with a database of 2862 unique medical assessments of biomarkers, where 1027 assessments were used to train the algorithm and 1835 constituted the validation set. Data of 13,068 patients who underwent the LIVERFAStTM test for evaluation of fatty liver disease were analysed. Data evaluation revealed 11% of the patients exhibited significant fibrosis with fibrosis scores 0.6 - 1.00. Approximately 7% of the population had severe hepatic inflammation. Steatosis was observed in most patients, 63%, whereas severe steatosis S3 was observed in 20%. Using modified SAF (Steatosis, Activity and Fibrosis) scores obtained using the LIVERFAStTM algorithm, NAFLD was detected in 13.41% of the patients (Sx > 0, Ay 0). Approximately 1.91% (Sx > 0, Ay = 2, Fz > 0) of the patients showed NAFLD or NASH scorings while 1.08% had confirmed NASH (Sx > 0, Ay > 2, Fz = 1 - 2) and 1.49% had advanced NASH (Sx > 0, Ay > 2, Fz = 3 - 4). The modified SAF scoring system generated by LIVERFAStTM provides a simple and convenient evaluation of NAFLD and NASH in a cohort of Southeast Asians. This system may lead to the use of noninvasive liver tests in extended populations for more accurate diagnosis of liver pathology, prediction of clinical path of individuals at all stages of liver diseases, and provision of an efficient system for therapeutic interventions.展开更多
In 2025,I had the honor of delivering keynote speeches at the conferences of the International Society for Diet and Activity Methods in Toronto,Canada,and the International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physica...In 2025,I had the honor of delivering keynote speeches at the conferences of the International Society for Diet and Activity Methods in Toronto,Canada,and the International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity in Auckland,Aotearoa,New Zealand.These opportunities prompted deep reflection on scientific research in general,and on physical activity and health research specifically.展开更多
Objective:To explore the immunomodulatory properties of 80% ethanol extract and butanol fraction of Gentiana olivieri(G. olivieri) Griseb on Balb/C mice.Methods:The study was performed with basic models of immunomodul...Objective:To explore the immunomodulatory properties of 80% ethanol extract and butanol fraction of Gentiana olivieri(G. olivieri) Griseb on Balb/C mice.Methods:The study was performed with basic models of immunomodulation such as the humoral antibody response(hemoglutination antibody titres), cell mediated immune response(delayed type hypersensitivity and in vivocarbon clearance or phagocytosis). Ethanol(80%) extract of flowering aerial parts of G.olivieriand its butanol fraction were administered p.o.(orally) to the mice. Levamisole, 2.5 mg/kg was used as standard drug.Results:There was a potentiation of immune response to sheep red blood cells by cellular and humoral mediated mechanisms comparable to levamisole(2.5 mg/kg) by both 80% ethanol extract and the butanol fraction at doses of 50-200 mg/kg in male Balb/C mice. Both significantly(P<0.01) potentiated the humoral immune response in cyclophosphamide(250 mg/kg)immunosupressed mice at 100 and 200 mg/kg of each extract and fraction as compared to control.The potentiation of delayed type hypersensitivity response was statistically significant(P<0.01) at200 mg/kg of ethanol extract and 100, 200 mg/kg of butanol fraction as compared to control. The phagocytosis was significant at 200 mg/kg with butanol fraction ofG. olivieri.Conclusions:The results reveal the immunostimulant effects of plantG. olivieriin mice by acting through cellular and humoral immunity in experimental models of immunity in mice. Butanol fraction is the most effective at a dose level of 200 mg/kg.展开更多
Background:Depression is prevalent among female college students,with eating behavior potentially related to this issue.This study examines the relationship between eating behavior and depression,focusing on the role ...Background:Depression is prevalent among female college students,with eating behavior potentially related to this issue.This study examines the relationship between eating behavior and depression,focusing on the role of social appearance anxiety and physical activity.Methods:We recruited 2161 female college students from nine universities in China via convenience sampling.Data was collected via an online questionnaire.Eating behavior was assessed via the Eating Behavior Scale short form(EBS-SF),depression was measured via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale(CES-D),social appearance anxiety was evaluated via the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale,and physical activity was assessed via a single-item question.Descriptive statistics were analyzed via SPSS 26.0,and moderated mediation analysis was conducted via PROCESS version 3.5.Results:Unhealthy eating behavior was significantly associated with higher levels of depression(β=0.285,p<0.001).Social appearance anxiety mediated this relationship,accounting for 46%of the total effect(β=0.132,95%CI=[0.108,0.158]).The interaction effect between eating behavior and physical activity was significantly and negatively correlated with depression(β=−0.052,p<0.01).The association between eating behavior and depression was stronger under conditions of low physical activity(β=0.210,p<0.001)than under conditions of high physical activity(β=0.105,p<0.001).Conclusions:Integrating nutritional guidance,body image acceptance training,and exercise promotion into campus mental health programs is crucial for addressing depression in female college students.Future research should use longitudinal designs and broader participant ranges to increase the general applicability of the findings.展开更多
The intrinsic pressure framework,which treats self-propelling force as an external force,provides a convenient and consistent description of mechanical equilibrium in active matter.However,direct experimental evidence...The intrinsic pressure framework,which treats self-propelling force as an external force,provides a convenient and consistent description of mechanical equilibrium in active matter.However,direct experimental evidence is still lacking.To validate this framework,here we employ a programmable robotic platform,where a single light-controlled wheeled robot travels in an activity landscape.Our experiments quantitatively demonstrate that the intrinsic pressure difference across the activity interface is balanced by the emerged polarization force.This result unambiguously confirms the theoretical predictions,thus validating the intrinsic pressure framework and laying the experimental foundation for the intrinsic pressure-based mechanical description of dry active matter.展开更多
Objective:To isolate and analyse the chemical composition in the essential oils and free radical scavenging activity of different crude extracts from the fresh and dry leaves of vegetable plants of Lactuca sativa L.(L...Objective:To isolate and analyse the chemical composition in the essential oils and free radical scavenging activity of different crude extracts from the fresh and dry leaves of vegetable plants of Lactuca sativa L.(L.sativa).Methods:The essential oils and volatile chemical constituents were isolated from the fresh and dry leaves of L.sativa(lettuce)grown in Sultanate of Oman by hydro distillation method.The antioxidant activity of the crude extracts was carried out by well established free radical scavenging activity(DPPH)method.Results:About 20 chemical compounds of different concentration representing 83.07%and 79.88%respectively were isolated and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy in the essential oils isolated from the fresh and dry leaves asα-pinene(5.11%and 4.05%).γ-cymene(2.07%and 1.92%),thymol(11.55%and 10.73%),durenol(52.00%and 49.79%),α-terpinene(1.66%and 1.34%),thymol acetate(0.99%and 0.67%),caryophyllene(2.11%and 1.98%),spathulenol(3.09%and 2.98%).camphene(4.11%and3.65%),limonene(1.28%and 1.11%)representing these major chemical compounds.However,some other minor chemical constituents were also isolated and identified from the essential oil of lettuce including p-pinene,α-terpinolene,linalool,4-terpineol,α-terpineol,o-methylthymol,L-alloaromadendrene and viridiflorene.Conclusions:The chemical consliluents in the essential oils from the locally grown lettuce were identified in the following classes or groups of chemical compounds such as monoterpenes,sesquiterpenes volatile organic compounds and their oxygenated hydrocarbons.Therefore,the essential oils and the crude extracts from Omani vegetable species of lettuce are active candidates which would be used as antioxidant,antifungal or antimicrobial agents in new drugs preparation for therapy of infectious diseases.展开更多
In a series of experiments,Phelps et al.1provided novel data linking moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA),gut microbiota composition changes and the release of the short chain fatty acid (SCFA) formate,and en...In a series of experiments,Phelps et al.1provided novel data linking moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA),gut microbiota composition changes and the release of the short chain fatty acid (SCFA) formate,and enhanced antitumor immunity via the transcription factor Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in cytotoxic CD8+T cells.These data support the growing awareness that the clinical benefits of MVPA are achieved at least in part through enhanced immunity with support from the gut microbiome.展开更多
Lymphatic vessel networks have been identified in the meninges of mice,non-human primates,and humans[1].Meningeal lymphatic vessels(mLVs),composed of meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells(mLECs),are present in both ze...Lymphatic vessel networks have been identified in the meninges of mice,non-human primates,and humans[1].Meningeal lymphatic vessels(mLVs),composed of meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells(mLECs),are present in both zebrafish and mammals,although their anatomical distributions differ;they reside in the dura mater in mice,but are situated within the meninges in zebrafish[2].Moreover,the lymphatic marker genes expressed in these vessels differ between species[2].展开更多
Active inflammation in“inactive”progressive multiple sclerosis:Traditionally,the distinction between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis(PMS)has been framed as an inflammatory v...Active inflammation in“inactive”progressive multiple sclerosis:Traditionally,the distinction between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis(PMS)has been framed as an inflammatory versus degenerative dichotomy.This was based on a broad misconception regarding essentially all neurodegenerative conditions,depicting the degenerative process as passive and immune-independent occurring as a late byproduct of active inflammation in the central nervous system(CNS),which is(solely)systemically driven.展开更多
[Objectives]To explore the antibacterial activity of Gouteng Foot Bath Concentrated Liquid.[Methods]The inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Candida albicans,and Trichophyton rubrum was d...[Objectives]To explore the antibacterial activity of Gouteng Foot Bath Concentrated Liquid.[Methods]The inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Candida albicans,and Trichophyton rubrum was determined using the mycelial growth rate method.The inhibitory effects of different concentrations of Gouteng Concentrated Liquid on these four microbial strains were analyzed.[Results]Gouteng Foot Bath Concentrated Liquid showed certain antibacterial activity against the above bacteria,and the antibacterial activity against S.aureus,T.rubrum and C.albicans was more significant.[Conclusions]This study provides experimental evidence supporting the application of Gouteng(Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis)in antimicrobial foot care products.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the antibacterial activity of henna(Lawsonia inermis Linn) obtained from different regions of Oman against a wide array of micro-organisms.Methods:fresh henna samples were obtained from differ...Objective:To investigate the antibacterial activity of henna(Lawsonia inermis Linn) obtained from different regions of Oman against a wide array of micro-organisms.Methods:fresh henna samples were obtained from different regions of Oman as leaves and seeds,100 g fresh and dry leaves and SO g of fresh and dry seeds were separately soaked in 500 mL of ethanol for three days,respectively,with frequent agitation.The mixture was filtered,and the crude extract was collected.The crude extract was then heated,at 48 ℃ in a water bath to evaporate its liquid content.The dry crude henna extract was then tested for its antibacterial activity using well-diffusion antibiotic susceptibility technique.Henna extracts were investigated for their antibacterial activity at different concentrations against a wide array of different micro-organisms including a laboratory standard bacterial strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa(NCTC 10662)(A aeruginosa) and eleven fresh clinical isolates of P.aeruginosa obtained from patients attending the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital(SQUH).2-Hydroxy-p-Nathoqinone-Tech(2-HPNT, MW=174.16,C_(10)H_40_3) was included as control(at 50%concentration) along with the henna samples tested.Results:Henna samples demonstrated antibacterial activity against all isolates but the highest susceptibility was against P.aeruginosa with henna samples obtained from Al-sharqyia region.Conclusions:Omani henna from Al-sharqyia region demonstrates high in vitro anti-P. aeruginosa activity compared with many henna samples from different regions of Oman.展开更多
We analyze correlations and patterns of oxidative activity of 3D DNA at DNA fluorescence in complete sets of chromosomes in neutrophils of peripheral blood. Fluorescence of DNA is registered by method of flow cytometr...We analyze correlations and patterns of oxidative activity of 3D DNA at DNA fluorescence in complete sets of chromosomes in neutrophils of peripheral blood. Fluorescence of DNA is registered by method of flow cytometry with nanometer spatial resolution. Experimental data present fluorescence of many ten thousands of cells, from different parts of body in each population, in various blood samples. Data is presented in histograms as frequency distributions of flashes in the dependence on their intensity. Normalized frequency distribution of information in these histograms is used as probabilistic measure for definition of Shannon entropy. Data analysis shows that for this measure of Shannon entropy common sum of entropy, i.e. total entropy E, for any histogram is invariant and has identical trends of changes all values of E (r) = lnr at reduction of rank r of histogram. This invariance reflects informational homeostasis of chromosomes activity inside cells in multi-scale networks of entropy, for varied ranks r. Shannon entropy in multi-scale DNA networks has much more dense packing of correlations than in “small world” networks. As the rule, networks of entropy differ by the mix of normal D 2 and abnormal D > 2 fractal dimensions for varied ranks r, the new types of fractal patterns and hinges for various topology (fractal dimension) at different states of health. We show that all distributions of information entropy are divided on three classes, which associated in diagnostics with a good health or dominants of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. This classification based on switching of stability at transcritical bifurcation in homeostasis regulation. We defined many ways for homeostasis regulation, coincidences and switching patterns in branching sequences, the averages of Hölder for deviations of entropy from homeostasis at different states of health, with various saturation levels the noises of entropy at activity of all chromosomes in support regulation of homeostasis.展开更多
In vitro antifungal activity of the acetone, methanol and chloroform extracts of four lichen species viz, Bulbothirx setschwanensis, Everniastrum nepalense, Heterodermia diademata, Parmelaria thomsonii were investigat...In vitro antifungal activity of the acetone, methanol and chloroform extracts of four lichen species viz, Bulbothirx setschwanensis, Everniastrum nepalense, Heterodermia diademata, Parmelaria thomsonii were investigated against seven plant pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. roseum and Penicillium citrinum) with reference to commercially available synthetic antifungal drug Ketoconazole (positive control). Lichen secondary metabolites were extracted using Soxhlet extractor and were further recovered through gentle evaporation of solvents in rotatory evaporator. Antifungal activity was analysed employing BauerKirby disc diffusion assay. Acetone and methanol extracts of lichenized fungi were found more effective against tested plant pathogenic fungi. Principal component analysis concluded that though, Ketoconazole was effective against four of the tested plant pathogenic fungi, acetone and methanol extracts of lichens were comparatively more effective against some broad spectrum plant pathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. roseum).展开更多
Human Activity Recognition(HAR)is a novel area for computer vision.It has a great impact on healthcare,smart environments,and surveillance while is able to automatically detect human behavior.It plays a vital role in ...Human Activity Recognition(HAR)is a novel area for computer vision.It has a great impact on healthcare,smart environments,and surveillance while is able to automatically detect human behavior.It plays a vital role in many applications,such as smart home,healthcare,human computer interaction,sports analysis,and especially,intelligent surveillance.In this paper,we propose a robust and efficient HAR system by leveraging deep learning paradigms,including pre-trained models,CNN architectures,and their average-weighted fusion.However,due to the diversity of human actions and various environmental influences,as well as a lack of data and resources,achieving high recognition accuracy remain elusive.In this work,a weighted average ensemble technique is employed to fuse three deep learning models:EfficientNet,ResNet50,and a custom CNN.The results of this study indicate that using a weighted average ensemble strategy for developing more effective HAR models may be a promising idea for detection and classification of human activities.Experiments by using the benchmark dataset proved that the proposed weighted ensemble approach outperformed existing approaches in terms of accuracy and other key performance measures.The combined average-weighted ensemble of pre-trained and CNN models obtained an accuracy of 98%,compared to 97%,96%,and 95%for the customized CNN,EfficientNet,and ResNet50 models,respectively.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilav...Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilavonoids,tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of sorghum grains were determined.Results:Total phenols,total flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity in raw sorghum were ranged from 109.21 to 116.70,45.91 to 54.69,1.39 to 21.79 mg/100 g,1.74 to 5.25,0.54 to 1.19 mg/kg and 21.72%to 27.69%and 25.29%to 31.97%,respectively. The above measured compounds were significantly decreased after soaking.p-Hydroxybenzoic acid,vanillic acid,syringic acid and cinnamic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Dorado variety.While ferulic acid,p-coumaric acid,gallic acid and caffeic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Shandaweel-6.On the other hand,protocatechuic acid represents the major phenolic acids in Giza-15.Regarding flavonoids components,Dorado was the highest variety in kampferol and naringenin while Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in luteolin, apigenin,hypersoid,quercelin and christen.Finally,Giza-15 was the highest variety in catechin. Phenolic acids,flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities were decreased after soaking. Conclusions:Sorghum varieties have moderate quantities from total phenols,total flavonoids, tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity which decreased after soaking.展开更多
The controlling and influencing effects of the joint action of plates surrounding China on strong earthquakes in Chinese mainland are discussed, and the characteristics of seismic activities in the West of China and n...The controlling and influencing effects of the joint action of plates surrounding China on strong earthquakes in Chinese mainland are discussed, and the characteristics of seismic activities in the West of China and neighboring regions are further studied. The results show that the seismic activity in the West of China and neighboring regions not only has the characteristics of high tide and low tide alternation but also has the characteristics of rising in one region while falling in another, and the rise and fall of seismicity are in some proportion. The above characteristics are useful for the prediction of main body region of strong earthquakes in Chinese mainland, especially for the judgement of the ending time of the high tide period.展开更多
Background: Self-efficacy has been identified as an important determinant of youth's behavior change including physical activity(PA) participation. However, the dimensionality check of a PA self-efficacy scale has...Background: Self-efficacy has been identified as an important determinant of youth's behavior change including physical activity(PA) participation. However, the dimensionality check of a PA self-efficacy scale has rarely been conducted in China. The current study aims to examine(1) the unidimensionality of a shortened Chinese version of PA self-efficacy scale(S-PASESC);(2) the measurement invariance of S-PASESC across gender and levels of education;(3) the latent factor mean difference between gender and levels of education;(4) the direct effects of self-efficacy on PA by different gender and education levels; and(5) the comparisons of the direct effects of self-efficacy on PA across gender and education levels.Methods: The participants were 5 th through 11 th grade public school students recruited from 7 cities located in different geographic regions of China. The final data include a total of 3003 participants(49.7% boys) who have completed the scales.Results: Confirmatory factor analysis(CFA) test supported the unidimensionality of S-PASESC. The S-PASESC is invariant across gender and 3 levels of education at both configural, full metric, and full scalar levels. Findings from latent mean comparisons showed that boys reported higher PA self-efficacy than girls. Students' perceived PA self-efficacy tend to decrease from elementary to high school. Finally, self-efficacy positively related to PA by groups of different gender and education levels and the relationship between self-efficacy and PA is stronger among middle school boys than girls.Conclusion: Findings suggest S-PASESC is a valid scale for measuring Chinese students' PA self-efficacy.展开更多
The bottom aquaculture of yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) has developed rapidly in the north of Yellow Sea, China, but not without accompanying productivity problems. We, therefore, conducted field surveys to ...The bottom aquaculture of yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) has developed rapidly in the north of Yellow Sea, China, but not without accompanying productivity problems. We, therefore, conducted field surveys to investigate factors related to growth and mortality rates of bottom-cultured scallops after release. Specifically, we focused on the effects of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and three key enzymes involved in antioxidant and metabolic function:glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Across summer and winter, we also measured the relative mRNA expression of GPT and SOD to understand their seasonal variation in the scallops, along with how such variation correlated to growth and mortality. Results show that bottom cultured scallops experienced mass mortality during the first six months post-release. During winter (December), scallops grew more rapidly and suffered less mortality than in summer (August). The observed lower performance probably resulted from less advantageous environmental factors during the summer seasons, such as high temperature and low dissolved oxygen. These environmental stressors enhance protein consumption while decreasing energetic resources in scallops. Furthermore, scallops in summer exhibited high antioxidant levels that probably competed for energy with process integral to growth and survival. These negative factors combined to elevate mortality rates. In conclusion, we provided evidence suggesting correlations between metabolic/antioxidant activity and growth and mortality of bottom-cultured yesso scallops. These correlations implied us an accurate method to estimate the performance of bottom culture system. Suggestions about innovative aquaculture techniques were also discussed in the study. Our results might provide a possible guideline to the improvement of bottom culture techniques for this commercially valuable seafood species.展开更多
文摘Objective:To study the morphology,biochemistry and bioactivity of the epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of Christella parasitica(C.parasitica)(L.) H.Lev.Methods: Morphological studies on epidermal glands were earned out by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope.To prepare the extract,the shade-dried fronds of glandular morphotype were soaked in acetone.For antibacterial studies paper disc method was followed by using various pathogenic bacteria.Results:Detailed micromorphological,phytochemical and bioactivity studies on a medicinal fern C.parasitica(L.) H.Lev.showed its inlraspecific variation in antibacterial activity.The presence or absence of the epidermal glands was the key factor for antibacterial activity in the morphovariants of this species.The epidermal glands were orange-coloured,stalked and elongated ones of about 84.2μm×45μm,and distributed on the undersurface of cosla,coslules and veins in croziers,young and mature leaves.Frequency of glands varied from 15/cm on costa in mature leaves to 140/cm on costules in croziers.The acetone extract of the glands showed antibacterial activities and also toxic effect against mosquito larvae and tadpoles of frog.Preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPLC studies of the gland extract showed the presence of various kinds of terpenoids,alkaloids,tannins,saponins and flavonoids in it.Conclusions:The present study shows that epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of C. parasitica(L.) H.Lev.have several bioactive compounds and such rare moiphovariant should be conserved in nature.The next step is to isolate the pure compounds and to screen the bioactivity of individual compounds of the epidermal glands.
文摘The H-K-ATPase (HKA), a potassium-dependent proton transporter in the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) plays an important role in acid-base homeostasis. The OMCD contains two HKA isoforms;gastric (HKAα1), dominant under normal dietary conditions (ND), and colonic (HKAα2), induced under a K-free diet (KD). The enzymatic activity (EA) of HKA in the OMCD is incompletely understood. The focus of the present study is elucidating the EA of the HKA in HKAα1 and HKAα2 knockout (KO) mice under ND and KD. KO mice were subjected to ND or KD for 10 days. Ten OMCD tubules were extracted, half placed in potassium-free media (Solution 2), half in potassium-containing media (Solution 3). Fluorescence measurements are based on the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP, coupled with the oxidation of NADH. ADP is determined by a decrease in NADH fluorescence. In K presence, NADH fluorescence of HKAα1 KO mice read 13.5 ± 0.7 ppm for ND and 10.3 ± 0.2 ppm for KD, indicating stimulation of the colonic isoform. HKAα2 KO mice averaged 6.8 ± 0.3 ppm for ND and 5.4 ± 0.3 ppm for KD in solution 2 (p p α2 isoform. A significant difference in ATP production in HKAα2 KO mice is likely due to enhanced EA of H-ATPase under potassium depletion.
文摘Using the latest available artificial intelligence (AI) technology, an advanced algorithm LIVERFAStTM has been used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of machine learning (ML) biomarker algorithms to assess liver damage. Prevalence of NAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and resulting NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) are constantly increasing worldwide, creating challenges for screening as the diagnosis for NASH requires invasive liver biopsy. Key issues in NAFLD patients are the differentiation of NASH from simple steatosis and identification of advanced hepatic fibrosis. In this prospective study, the staging of three different lesions of the liver to diagnose fatty liver was analyzed using a proprietary ML algorithm LIVERFAStTM developed with a database of 2862 unique medical assessments of biomarkers, where 1027 assessments were used to train the algorithm and 1835 constituted the validation set. Data of 13,068 patients who underwent the LIVERFAStTM test for evaluation of fatty liver disease were analysed. Data evaluation revealed 11% of the patients exhibited significant fibrosis with fibrosis scores 0.6 - 1.00. Approximately 7% of the population had severe hepatic inflammation. Steatosis was observed in most patients, 63%, whereas severe steatosis S3 was observed in 20%. Using modified SAF (Steatosis, Activity and Fibrosis) scores obtained using the LIVERFAStTM algorithm, NAFLD was detected in 13.41% of the patients (Sx > 0, Ay 0). Approximately 1.91% (Sx > 0, Ay = 2, Fz > 0) of the patients showed NAFLD or NASH scorings while 1.08% had confirmed NASH (Sx > 0, Ay > 2, Fz = 1 - 2) and 1.49% had advanced NASH (Sx > 0, Ay > 2, Fz = 3 - 4). The modified SAF scoring system generated by LIVERFAStTM provides a simple and convenient evaluation of NAFLD and NASH in a cohort of Southeast Asians. This system may lead to the use of noninvasive liver tests in extended populations for more accurate diagnosis of liver pathology, prediction of clinical path of individuals at all stages of liver diseases, and provision of an efficient system for therapeutic interventions.
文摘In 2025,I had the honor of delivering keynote speeches at the conferences of the International Society for Diet and Activity Methods in Toronto,Canada,and the International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity in Auckland,Aotearoa,New Zealand.These opportunities prompted deep reflection on scientific research in general,and on physical activity and health research specifically.
基金financially supported by Goverment of India(grant No.SR/FT/LS-0083/2008)
文摘Objective:To explore the immunomodulatory properties of 80% ethanol extract and butanol fraction of Gentiana olivieri(G. olivieri) Griseb on Balb/C mice.Methods:The study was performed with basic models of immunomodulation such as the humoral antibody response(hemoglutination antibody titres), cell mediated immune response(delayed type hypersensitivity and in vivocarbon clearance or phagocytosis). Ethanol(80%) extract of flowering aerial parts of G.olivieriand its butanol fraction were administered p.o.(orally) to the mice. Levamisole, 2.5 mg/kg was used as standard drug.Results:There was a potentiation of immune response to sheep red blood cells by cellular and humoral mediated mechanisms comparable to levamisole(2.5 mg/kg) by both 80% ethanol extract and the butanol fraction at doses of 50-200 mg/kg in male Balb/C mice. Both significantly(P<0.01) potentiated the humoral immune response in cyclophosphamide(250 mg/kg)immunosupressed mice at 100 and 200 mg/kg of each extract and fraction as compared to control.The potentiation of delayed type hypersensitivity response was statistically significant(P<0.01) at200 mg/kg of ethanol extract and 100, 200 mg/kg of butanol fraction as compared to control. The phagocytosis was significant at 200 mg/kg with butanol fraction ofG. olivieri.Conclusions:The results reveal the immunostimulant effects of plantG. olivieriin mice by acting through cellular and humoral immunity in experimental models of immunity in mice. Butanol fraction is the most effective at a dose level of 200 mg/kg.
文摘Background:Depression is prevalent among female college students,with eating behavior potentially related to this issue.This study examines the relationship between eating behavior and depression,focusing on the role of social appearance anxiety and physical activity.Methods:We recruited 2161 female college students from nine universities in China via convenience sampling.Data was collected via an online questionnaire.Eating behavior was assessed via the Eating Behavior Scale short form(EBS-SF),depression was measured via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale(CES-D),social appearance anxiety was evaluated via the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale,and physical activity was assessed via a single-item question.Descriptive statistics were analyzed via SPSS 26.0,and moderated mediation analysis was conducted via PROCESS version 3.5.Results:Unhealthy eating behavior was significantly associated with higher levels of depression(β=0.285,p<0.001).Social appearance anxiety mediated this relationship,accounting for 46%of the total effect(β=0.132,95%CI=[0.108,0.158]).The interaction effect between eating behavior and physical activity was significantly and negatively correlated with depression(β=−0.052,p<0.01).The association between eating behavior and depression was stronger under conditions of low physical activity(β=0.210,p<0.001)than under conditions of high physical activity(β=0.105,p<0.001).Conclusions:Integrating nutritional guidance,body image acceptance training,and exercise promotion into campus mental health programs is crucial for addressing depression in female college students.Future research should use longitudinal designs and broader participant ranges to increase the general applicability of the findings.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.T2325027,12274448,T2350007,12404239,12174041,12325405,12090054,and T2221001)the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No.2022YFF0503504)。
文摘The intrinsic pressure framework,which treats self-propelling force as an external force,provides a convenient and consistent description of mechanical equilibrium in active matter.However,direct experimental evidence is still lacking.To validate this framework,here we employ a programmable robotic platform,where a single light-controlled wheeled robot travels in an activity landscape.Our experiments quantitatively demonstrate that the intrinsic pressure difference across the activity interface is balanced by the emerged polarization force.This result unambiguously confirms the theoretical predictions,thus validating the intrinsic pressure framework and laying the experimental foundation for the intrinsic pressure-based mechanical description of dry active matter.
基金Supported by Central Instrument Laboratory,College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences,Sultan Qaboos University,Grant No.507/SOP/OB/1/2013
文摘Objective:To isolate and analyse the chemical composition in the essential oils and free radical scavenging activity of different crude extracts from the fresh and dry leaves of vegetable plants of Lactuca sativa L.(L.sativa).Methods:The essential oils and volatile chemical constituents were isolated from the fresh and dry leaves of L.sativa(lettuce)grown in Sultanate of Oman by hydro distillation method.The antioxidant activity of the crude extracts was carried out by well established free radical scavenging activity(DPPH)method.Results:About 20 chemical compounds of different concentration representing 83.07%and 79.88%respectively were isolated and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy in the essential oils isolated from the fresh and dry leaves asα-pinene(5.11%and 4.05%).γ-cymene(2.07%and 1.92%),thymol(11.55%and 10.73%),durenol(52.00%and 49.79%),α-terpinene(1.66%and 1.34%),thymol acetate(0.99%and 0.67%),caryophyllene(2.11%and 1.98%),spathulenol(3.09%and 2.98%).camphene(4.11%and3.65%),limonene(1.28%and 1.11%)representing these major chemical compounds.However,some other minor chemical constituents were also isolated and identified from the essential oil of lettuce including p-pinene,α-terpinolene,linalool,4-terpineol,α-terpineol,o-methylthymol,L-alloaromadendrene and viridiflorene.Conclusions:The chemical consliluents in the essential oils from the locally grown lettuce were identified in the following classes or groups of chemical compounds such as monoterpenes,sesquiterpenes volatile organic compounds and their oxygenated hydrocarbons.Therefore,the essential oils and the crude extracts from Omani vegetable species of lettuce are active candidates which would be used as antioxidant,antifungal or antimicrobial agents in new drugs preparation for therapy of infectious diseases.
文摘In a series of experiments,Phelps et al.1provided novel data linking moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA),gut microbiota composition changes and the release of the short chain fatty acid (SCFA) formate,and enhanced antitumor immunity via the transcription factor Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in cytotoxic CD8+T cells.These data support the growing awareness that the clinical benefits of MVPA are achieved at least in part through enhanced immunity with support from the gut microbiome.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32220103006 and 82271524).
文摘Lymphatic vessel networks have been identified in the meninges of mice,non-human primates,and humans[1].Meningeal lymphatic vessels(mLVs),composed of meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells(mLECs),are present in both zebrafish and mammals,although their anatomical distributions differ;they reside in the dura mater in mice,but are situated within the meninges in zebrafish[2].Moreover,the lymphatic marker genes expressed in these vessels differ between species[2].
文摘Active inflammation in“inactive”progressive multiple sclerosis:Traditionally,the distinction between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis(PMS)has been framed as an inflammatory versus degenerative dichotomy.This was based on a broad misconception regarding essentially all neurodegenerative conditions,depicting the degenerative process as passive and immune-independent occurring as a late byproduct of active inflammation in the central nervous system(CNS),which is(solely)systemically driven.
基金Supported by Guizhou Province Science and Technology Planning Program for Industrial Enterprises above Designated Size Without R&D Activities(QKTY[2024]No.456).
文摘[Objectives]To explore the antibacterial activity of Gouteng Foot Bath Concentrated Liquid.[Methods]The inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Candida albicans,and Trichophyton rubrum was determined using the mycelial growth rate method.The inhibitory effects of different concentrations of Gouteng Concentrated Liquid on these four microbial strains were analyzed.[Results]Gouteng Foot Bath Concentrated Liquid showed certain antibacterial activity against the above bacteria,and the antibacterial activity against S.aureus,T.rubrum and C.albicans was more significant.[Conclusions]This study provides experimental evidence supporting the application of Gouteng(Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis)in antimicrobial foot care products.
基金Supported by Sultan Qaboos University(Grant No.IG/MED/ANAT/06/01)
文摘Objective:To investigate the antibacterial activity of henna(Lawsonia inermis Linn) obtained from different regions of Oman against a wide array of micro-organisms.Methods:fresh henna samples were obtained from different regions of Oman as leaves and seeds,100 g fresh and dry leaves and SO g of fresh and dry seeds were separately soaked in 500 mL of ethanol for three days,respectively,with frequent agitation.The mixture was filtered,and the crude extract was collected.The crude extract was then heated,at 48 ℃ in a water bath to evaporate its liquid content.The dry crude henna extract was then tested for its antibacterial activity using well-diffusion antibiotic susceptibility technique.Henna extracts were investigated for their antibacterial activity at different concentrations against a wide array of different micro-organisms including a laboratory standard bacterial strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa(NCTC 10662)(A aeruginosa) and eleven fresh clinical isolates of P.aeruginosa obtained from patients attending the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital(SQUH).2-Hydroxy-p-Nathoqinone-Tech(2-HPNT, MW=174.16,C_(10)H_40_3) was included as control(at 50%concentration) along with the henna samples tested.Results:Henna samples demonstrated antibacterial activity against all isolates but the highest susceptibility was against P.aeruginosa with henna samples obtained from Al-sharqyia region.Conclusions:Omani henna from Al-sharqyia region demonstrates high in vitro anti-P. aeruginosa activity compared with many henna samples from different regions of Oman.
文摘We analyze correlations and patterns of oxidative activity of 3D DNA at DNA fluorescence in complete sets of chromosomes in neutrophils of peripheral blood. Fluorescence of DNA is registered by method of flow cytometry with nanometer spatial resolution. Experimental data present fluorescence of many ten thousands of cells, from different parts of body in each population, in various blood samples. Data is presented in histograms as frequency distributions of flashes in the dependence on their intensity. Normalized frequency distribution of information in these histograms is used as probabilistic measure for definition of Shannon entropy. Data analysis shows that for this measure of Shannon entropy common sum of entropy, i.e. total entropy E, for any histogram is invariant and has identical trends of changes all values of E (r) = lnr at reduction of rank r of histogram. This invariance reflects informational homeostasis of chromosomes activity inside cells in multi-scale networks of entropy, for varied ranks r. Shannon entropy in multi-scale DNA networks has much more dense packing of correlations than in “small world” networks. As the rule, networks of entropy differ by the mix of normal D 2 and abnormal D > 2 fractal dimensions for varied ranks r, the new types of fractal patterns and hinges for various topology (fractal dimension) at different states of health. We show that all distributions of information entropy are divided on three classes, which associated in diagnostics with a good health or dominants of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. This classification based on switching of stability at transcritical bifurcation in homeostasis regulation. We defined many ways for homeostasis regulation, coincidences and switching patterns in branching sequences, the averages of Hölder for deviations of entropy from homeostasis at different states of health, with various saturation levels the noises of entropy at activity of all chromosomes in support regulation of homeostasis.
文摘In vitro antifungal activity of the acetone, methanol and chloroform extracts of four lichen species viz, Bulbothirx setschwanensis, Everniastrum nepalense, Heterodermia diademata, Parmelaria thomsonii were investigated against seven plant pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. roseum and Penicillium citrinum) with reference to commercially available synthetic antifungal drug Ketoconazole (positive control). Lichen secondary metabolites were extracted using Soxhlet extractor and were further recovered through gentle evaporation of solvents in rotatory evaporator. Antifungal activity was analysed employing BauerKirby disc diffusion assay. Acetone and methanol extracts of lichenized fungi were found more effective against tested plant pathogenic fungi. Principal component analysis concluded that though, Ketoconazole was effective against four of the tested plant pathogenic fungi, acetone and methanol extracts of lichens were comparatively more effective against some broad spectrum plant pathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. roseum).
基金supported by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number(PNURSP2026R765),Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘Human Activity Recognition(HAR)is a novel area for computer vision.It has a great impact on healthcare,smart environments,and surveillance while is able to automatically detect human behavior.It plays a vital role in many applications,such as smart home,healthcare,human computer interaction,sports analysis,and especially,intelligent surveillance.In this paper,we propose a robust and efficient HAR system by leveraging deep learning paradigms,including pre-trained models,CNN architectures,and their average-weighted fusion.However,due to the diversity of human actions and various environmental influences,as well as a lack of data and resources,achieving high recognition accuracy remain elusive.In this work,a weighted average ensemble technique is employed to fuse three deep learning models:EfficientNet,ResNet50,and a custom CNN.The results of this study indicate that using a weighted average ensemble strategy for developing more effective HAR models may be a promising idea for detection and classification of human activities.Experiments by using the benchmark dataset proved that the proposed weighted ensemble approach outperformed existing approaches in terms of accuracy and other key performance measures.The combined average-weighted ensemble of pre-trained and CNN models obtained an accuracy of 98%,compared to 97%,96%,and 95%for the customized CNN,EfficientNet,and ResNet50 models,respectively.
基金financially supported by Department of Biochemistry,Faculty of Agriculture.Cario University,and Food Technology Research Institute(FTRI)
文摘Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilavonoids,tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of sorghum grains were determined.Results:Total phenols,total flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity in raw sorghum were ranged from 109.21 to 116.70,45.91 to 54.69,1.39 to 21.79 mg/100 g,1.74 to 5.25,0.54 to 1.19 mg/kg and 21.72%to 27.69%and 25.29%to 31.97%,respectively. The above measured compounds were significantly decreased after soaking.p-Hydroxybenzoic acid,vanillic acid,syringic acid and cinnamic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Dorado variety.While ferulic acid,p-coumaric acid,gallic acid and caffeic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Shandaweel-6.On the other hand,protocatechuic acid represents the major phenolic acids in Giza-15.Regarding flavonoids components,Dorado was the highest variety in kampferol and naringenin while Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in luteolin, apigenin,hypersoid,quercelin and christen.Finally,Giza-15 was the highest variety in catechin. Phenolic acids,flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities were decreased after soaking. Conclusions:Sorghum varieties have moderate quantities from total phenols,total flavonoids, tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity which decreased after soaking.
文摘The controlling and influencing effects of the joint action of plates surrounding China on strong earthquakes in Chinese mainland are discussed, and the characteristics of seismic activities in the West of China and neighboring regions are further studied. The results show that the seismic activity in the West of China and neighboring regions not only has the characteristics of high tide and low tide alternation but also has the characteristics of rising in one region while falling in another, and the rise and fall of seismicity are in some proportion. The above characteristics are useful for the prediction of main body region of strong earthquakes in Chinese mainland, especially for the judgement of the ending time of the high tide period.
基金supported by a grant from the National Social Science Foundation of China (No. 13CTY031)
文摘Background: Self-efficacy has been identified as an important determinant of youth's behavior change including physical activity(PA) participation. However, the dimensionality check of a PA self-efficacy scale has rarely been conducted in China. The current study aims to examine(1) the unidimensionality of a shortened Chinese version of PA self-efficacy scale(S-PASESC);(2) the measurement invariance of S-PASESC across gender and levels of education;(3) the latent factor mean difference between gender and levels of education;(4) the direct effects of self-efficacy on PA by different gender and education levels; and(5) the comparisons of the direct effects of self-efficacy on PA across gender and education levels.Methods: The participants were 5 th through 11 th grade public school students recruited from 7 cities located in different geographic regions of China. The final data include a total of 3003 participants(49.7% boys) who have completed the scales.Results: Confirmatory factor analysis(CFA) test supported the unidimensionality of S-PASESC. The S-PASESC is invariant across gender and 3 levels of education at both configural, full metric, and full scalar levels. Findings from latent mean comparisons showed that boys reported higher PA self-efficacy than girls. Students' perceived PA self-efficacy tend to decrease from elementary to high school. Finally, self-efficacy positively related to PA by groups of different gender and education levels and the relationship between self-efficacy and PA is stronger among middle school boys than girls.Conclusion: Findings suggest S-PASESC is a valid scale for measuring Chinese students' PA self-efficacy.
基金Supported by the Earmarked Fund for Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System(No.CARS-48)the Taishan-Scholar Climbing Program of Shandong Provincethe Key Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.KFZD-SW-106)
文摘The bottom aquaculture of yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) has developed rapidly in the north of Yellow Sea, China, but not without accompanying productivity problems. We, therefore, conducted field surveys to investigate factors related to growth and mortality rates of bottom-cultured scallops after release. Specifically, we focused on the effects of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and three key enzymes involved in antioxidant and metabolic function:glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Across summer and winter, we also measured the relative mRNA expression of GPT and SOD to understand their seasonal variation in the scallops, along with how such variation correlated to growth and mortality. Results show that bottom cultured scallops experienced mass mortality during the first six months post-release. During winter (December), scallops grew more rapidly and suffered less mortality than in summer (August). The observed lower performance probably resulted from less advantageous environmental factors during the summer seasons, such as high temperature and low dissolved oxygen. These environmental stressors enhance protein consumption while decreasing energetic resources in scallops. Furthermore, scallops in summer exhibited high antioxidant levels that probably competed for energy with process integral to growth and survival. These negative factors combined to elevate mortality rates. In conclusion, we provided evidence suggesting correlations between metabolic/antioxidant activity and growth and mortality of bottom-cultured yesso scallops. These correlations implied us an accurate method to estimate the performance of bottom culture system. Suggestions about innovative aquaculture techniques were also discussed in the study. Our results might provide a possible guideline to the improvement of bottom culture techniques for this commercially valuable seafood species.
