Monitoring Bioindication of Plankton through the Analysis of the Fourier Spectra of the Underwater Digital Holographic Sensor Data

The study presents a bioindication complex and a technology of the experiment based on a submersible digital holographic camera with advanced monitoring capabilities for the study of plankton and its behavioral characteristics in situ. Additional mechanical and software options expand the capabilities of the digital holographic camera, thus making it possible to adapt the depth of the holographing scene to the parameters of the plankton habitat, perform automatic registration of the "zero" frame and automatic calibration, and carry out natural experiments with plankton photostimulation. The paper considers the results of a long-term digital holographic experiment on the biotesting of the water area in Arctic latitudes. It shows additional possibilities arising during the spectral processing of long time series of plankton parameters obtained during monitoring measurements by a submersible digital holographic camera. In particular, information on the rhythmic components of the ecosystem and behavioral characteristics of plankton, which can be used as a marker of the ecosystem well-being disturbance, is thus obtained.

A review of factors influencing sensitive skin: an emphasis on built environment characteristics

Background

Sensitive skin (SS) is a condition characterized by hyperreactivity. Impacting around 37 percent of the worldwide population and exerting an influence on the quality of life for affected individuals. Its prevalence rate has increased due to factors such as elevating stress levels and deteriorating environmental conditions. The exposome factors influencing SS have extended from demographic, biological attributes, and lifestyle to external environments. Built environments (BEs) have demonstrated as root drivers for changes in behaviors and environmental exposure which have the potential to trigger SS, but the review of the associations between BEs and SS is currently lacking.

Objective

This review aims to achieve two primary objectives: (1) Examine exposome factors that exert influence on SS at the individual and environmental levels. (2) Develop a theoretical framework that establishes a connection between BEs and SS, thereby offering valuable insights into the impact of the built environment on this condition.

Methods

An extensive literature search was carried out across multiple fields, including sociology, epidemiology, basic medicine, clinical medicine, and environmental research, with a focus on SS. To identify pertinent references, renowned databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI were utilized.

Results

SS is the outcome of interactions between individual attributes and environmental factors. These influencing factors can be categorized into five distinct classes: (1) demographic and socioeconomic characteristics including age, gender, and race; (2) physiological and biological attributes such as emotional changes, skin types, sleep disorders, and menstrual cycles in women; (3) behavioral factors, such as spicy diet, cosmetic use, alcohol consumption, and physical exercise; (4) natural environmental features, including climate conditions and air pollution; (5) built environmental features such as population density, green space availability, road network density, and access to public transportation, also have the potential to affect the condition.

Conclusion

The importance of interdisciplinary integration lies in its ability to ascertain whether and how BEs are impacting SS. By elucidating the role of BEs in conjunction with other factors in the onset of SS, we can provide guidance for future research endeavors and the formulation of interventions aimed at mitigating the prevalence of SS.

Study on the drunkenness of Chinese Baijiu with representative flavor based on behavioral characteristics

The essential role of drunkenness on the healthy development of Chinese Baijiu was studied in this research. This study revealed the effects of Baijiu on the behaviors of mice and evaluated the degree of drunkenness of soy sauce-, strong-, light-, and light and soy sauce-flavored Baijiu. The parameters obtained from the open field test were transformed into the behavioral drunkenness index by mathematical statistical analysis and the drunkenness-associated key compounds of Baijiu were analyzed. The results showed that strong- and light-flavored Baijiu presented higher levels of drunkenness and sobriety than soy sauce-flavored Baijiu. Interestingly, light and soy sauce-flavored Baijiu showed low drunkenness but a high sobriety degree. Specifically, the degree of drunkenness was positively correlated with fusel alcohol and aldehydes but negatively correlated with esters and acids. This study will enrich references for Baijiu behavior studies and lay a foundation for the research and development of healthy Baijiu.

Estimating Changes in Population Size and Behavioral Characteristics in Men Who Have Sex With Men Between 2014 and 2019: Longitudinal Study

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for HIV infection. Accurate estimation of the population size and monitoring the risk sexual behavioral change of MSM is of great importance to develop targeted HIV prevention and interventions.

Objective

The goal of the research was accurate estimation of the population size and monitoring the risk sexual behavioral change of MSM.

Methods

Street interception investigation methods were conducted among males aged 16 years and older in selected sites in Shenzhen in 2014 and 2019. A population survey was used to estimate the population size of MSM. Logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate the difference in behavioral characteristics in MSM from 2014 to 2019.

Results

In this study, we surveyed 10,170 participants in 2014, of whom 448 (4.41%, 95% CI 4.01%-4.80%) participants were men who have ever had sex with another man (MSMe) and 229 (2.25%, 95% CI 1.96%-2.54%) were men who had sex with another man in the previous 6 months (MSMa). A total of 10,226 participants were surveyed in 2019, of which 500 (4.90%, 95% CI 4.47%-5.31%) and 208 (2.03%, 95% CI 1.76%-2.31%) participants were MSMe and MSMa, respectively. The results showed that the population size of MSM who are active (MSMa) in Shenzhen was 155,469 (2.29%, 95% CI 2.28%-2.30%) in 2014 and 167,337 (2.05%, 95% CI 2.04%-2.06%) in 2019. It was estimated that there were about 12,005,445 (2.04%, 95% CI 2.04%-2.04%) MSMa in China in 2019. Compared with 2014, the MSMa in 2019 were more likely to seek sex partners through mobile phone apps and less likely to have male and female sex partners in addition to having inconsistent condom use and more than 6 sex partners in the previous 6 months.

Conclusions

In Shenzhen, the proportion of MSMa among the general male population was lower in 2019 than in 2014, and the prevalence of HIV risk behavior was reduced in 2019. Although the preferred platform to find male sex partners among MSM has changed, intervention with high–HIV risk MSM could still help to reduce HIV risk behaviors among the whole MSM group. Because MSM prefer to seek sex partners through mobile phone apps, further study is needed to strengthen internet interventions with high–HIV risk MSM to curb the spread of HIV.

Influences of Substrate Grain Size on the Burrowing Behavior of Juvenile Meretrix meretrix

The substrate is the key environmental factor that affects the growth, survival, population and distribution of dwelling mollusks in mudflat settings. To clarify the effect of the substrate grain size on soft substrate preference, burrowing ability and behavior during the selection process of juvenile Meretrix meretrix, four different grain size substrates (coarse sand, medium sand, fine sand, and natural substrate) were set up for comparison. The results indicated that: (1) the burrowing ability of juvenile specimens in fine sand was the strongest; (2) the degree (from high to low) of the juvenile’s preference for the four substrates was in the order of fine sand > natural substrate > medium sand > coarse sand; and (3) the selection process of the substrate by the juveniles could be divided into four stages: preparation, selection, burrowing and end stages. These stages showed the behavioral characteristics of a longer selection time and higher percentage of movement in coarse sand. Therefore, our results demonstrated that sea areas or ponds with fine sand as the main component are more suitable for stock enhancement with M. meretrix. These results provide basic data for habitat selection and suitability evaluations for the aquaculture of M. meretrix.

Do Self-Compassion Factors Affect Value-Based Behavior Promotion for Adolescents? The Context of Behavioral Activation

Behavioral activation has been shown to engender improvement of depressive symptoms. Behavioral activation specifically addresses behavioral patterns that maintain depressive symptoms and increases activation of rewarding behaviors based on a person’s own values. Nevertheless, behaving according to those values can be difficult. Consequently, discussing reduction in barriers to activation of value-based behaviors is important. Self-compassion might promote value-based behavior when a person confronts some obstacle. We evaluated differences in self-compassion and behavioral characteristics at high and low levels of value-based behaviors. Furthermore, we examined relations of self-compassion to value-based behaviors while considering activation, avoidance, and positive reinforcement in the context of behavioral activation. All 800 university student participants (415 women, 385 men; mean age=20.47years; age range 18–24years) in this study completed assessments. Descriptive statistics, MANOVA, and stepwise regression analysis relations elucidated their value-based behavior, self-compassion, and behavioral characteristics. Results suggest that participants who behaved according to values had high levels of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Results of stepwise regression analyses suggest as a new finding that positive components of self-compassion (self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness) are related to value-based behaviors even when behavioral factors are considered in the context of behavioral activation.

Study of Relationship between Learning and Behavioral Parameters in Mature Male Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

A study of mature male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) was carried out to determine the relationships between learning ability, and behavioral parameters. In individuals with low behavioral scores of aggression, sociability, and mobility, the levels of learning, training, and skill retention were significantly higher than in individuals with higher behavioral scores. At the same time, individuals with a high level of anxiety were characterized with enhanced level of learning, training and skill stability.

Correlates of Infrequent Plain Water Intake Among US High School Students: National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2017

PURPOSE

To examine factors associated with frequency of plain water (ie, tap, bottled, and unflavored sparkling water) intake among US high school students.

DESIGN

Quantitative, cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The 2017 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey data.

SUBJECTS

US high school students with plain water intake data (N = 10 698).

MEASURES

The outcome was plain water intake. Exposure variables were demographics, academic grades, and behavioral characteristics.

ANALYSIS

We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with infrequent plain water intake (<3 vs ≥3 times/day).

RESULTS

Overall, 48.7% of high school students reported drinking plain water <3 times/day. Factors associated with infrequent plain water intake were younger age (≤15 years; aOR = 1.20, CI = 1.05-1.37); earning mostly D/F grades (aOR = 1.37, CI = 1.07-1.77); consuming regular soda 1 to 6 times/week (aOR = 1.92, CI = 1.67-2.20) or ≥1 time/day (aOR = 3.23, CI = 2.65-3.94), sports drinks 1 to 6 times/week (aOR = 1.30, CI = 1.14-1.49), milk <2 glasses/day (aOR = 1.51, CI = 1.31-1.73), fruits <2 times/day (aOR = 1.92, CI = 1.66-2.22), and vegetables <3 times/day (aOR = 2.42, CI = 2.04-2.89); and being physically active ≥60 minutes/day on <5 days/week (aOR = 1.83, CI = 1.60-2.08). Students with obesity were less likely to have infrequent water intake (aOR = 0.63, CI = 0.53-0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

Infrequent plain water intake was associated with younger age, poor academic grades, poor dietary behaviors, and physical inactivity. These findings can inform intervention efforts to increase water intake to promote healthy lifestyles among adolescents.

Inferring Opinions and Behavioral Characteristics of Gay Men with Large Scale Multilingual Text from Blued

Gay men in many countries are increasingly using geosocial networking applications (GSN apps), thus offering new opportunities for understanding them. This paper provides a comprehensive content analysis of posts and opinions on Blued, the world's largest gay social networking dating app, to infer and compare opinions and behavioral characteristics of gay men in different countries. Machine learning and linguistic programming approaches were used to extract themes and analyze sentiments of posts. The results show that the majority of posts are related to daily life activities, and less are related to sensitive topics. While most posts are positive or neutral, negative emotions, including anxiety, anger, and sadness, are mainly distributed in posts related to self-identification and sexual behaviors in China and to relationships in other countries. Voting items indicate that only 50.52% of the participants will take regular HIV tests while 50.2% would have casual sex when they are single. Additionally, 35.8% of the participants may try drugs when invited by friends. Our findings suggest an opportunity and necessity for researchers and public health practitioners to use open source data on GSN apps and other social medias to inform HIV interventions and to promote social inclusion for sexual minorities.

Familial Resemblance in Body Shape and Composition, Metabolic Syndrome, Physical Activity and Physical Fitness: A Summary of Research in Portuguese Families and Siblings

We report a summary of Portuguese families and siblings research under the umbrella of the Portuguese Healthy Family Project. Families lived in mainland Portugal, as well as in the Azores and Madeira islands. All samples comprise children and adolescents (9-20 years) and their parents (27-57 years). Recruitment procedures and phenotypes were detailed. Familial resemblance in body shape and composition, metabolic syndrome, physical fitness, physical activity and sedentary behaviors are presented, as well as future research avenues.

23-year dynamics (1994-2016) relationships to its health, behavioral characteristics and prevention of cardiovascular diseases among women 25-44 years in Russia /Siberia

AIM

To determine the 23-year dynamics (1994-2016) of attitudes toward one's health, behavioral characteristics and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in an open population among women 25-44 years old in Russia / Siberia (Novosibirsk).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the framework of the third screening of the MONICA program for the study of trends and control of cardiovascular diseases and the MONICA-psychosocial (MOPSY) subprogram, in 1994 a random representative sample of women aged 25-64 years of age from one from the districts of Novosibirsk (n = 870, the average age is 45.4±0.4 years); in the age group 25-44 years - 284 persons. In 2016 years. in the framework of screening studies on the budgetary issue of NIITPM No. gos. reg. 01201282292, a random representative sample of women aged 25-44 years old in the same district of Novosibirsk (n = 540) was examined. Attitude to their health, behavioral characteristics and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases were studied using the "Knowledge and attitude to their health" scale, validated for the Russian population under the WHO "MONICA" program. The chi-square test (x2) was used to calculate the indices. The criterion of statistical significance was the reliability of the result at p<0.05.

RESULTS

The analysis showed that in the open population among women aged 25-44 years, there is a positive dynamics in assessing their health (21% and 50.7%, respectively). But, despite this, 50% of women negatively assess their health and 96% note the probability of getting a serious illness for 5-10 years. Most women believe in the ability of medicine to successfully prevent and treat heart disease, but the proportion of people using health resources for preventive purposes remains extremely low and does not exceed 10%. In the open population among women aged 25-44 years for 23 years there is an increase in stress in the workplace and the trend of growth in changes in marital status. Recorded in the period 1994-2016 gg. changes in the behavior of women associated with health: increased the proportion of people who gave up smoking and regularly doing physical exercises, and improved eating behavior.

CONCLUSION

It was found that among women aged 25-44 years there is a positive dynamics in relation to the prevention of behavioral risk factors for CVD. But despite this, half of women negatively assess their health and use health resources only slightly.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women in Aguascalientes City, Mexico: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

We determined the seroprevalence and correlates of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in Aguascalientes City, Mexico.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Pregnant women were enrolled in the central Mexican city of Aguascalientes.

PARTICIPANTS

We studied 338 pregnant women who attended prenatal care in 3 public health centres.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Women were examined for IgG/IgM antibodies to T. gondii by using commercially available enzyme immunoassays, and an avidity test. Multiple analyses were used to determine the association of T. gondii seropositivity with the characteristics of the pregnant women.

RESULTS

Of the 338 pregnant women studied, 21 (6.2%) had IgG antibodies to T. gondii, and 1 (4.8%) of them was also positive for IgM antibodies to T. gondii. Avidity of IgG antibodies to T. gondii was high in the IgM-positive sample. Logistic regression analysis of sociodemographic, behavioural and housing variables showed that T. gondii seropositivity was associated with white ethnicity (OR=149.4; 95% CI 10.8 to 2054.1; p<0.01), not washing hands before eating (OR=6.41; 95% CI 1.73 to 23.6; p=0.005) and use of latrine (OR=37.6; 95% CI 4.63 to 306.31; p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrate that pregnant women in Aguascalientes City have a low seroprevalence of T. gondii infection. However, this low prevalence indicates that most pregnant women are at risk for a primary infection. Factors associated with T. gondii exposure found in this study, including food hygiene, may be useful to determine preventive measures against T. gondii infection and its sequelae.

Crying and behavioral characteristics in premature infants

The aims of this study were to analyze 1) whether there was the relationship between the neonatal behavioral characteristics and amount of crying in premature infants at term age, and 2) what kind of difference between infants with high levels of crying and cry less on neonatal behavioral characteristics using the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). The study participants consisted of 69 healthy low birth-weight infants who were admitted to the NICU at the Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan. This study analyzed the relationship between NBAS scores measured neonatal behavioral performance and crying at term age. This study results indicate that there was significant statistical negative correlation between the amount of total daily crying and Habituation, Range of state, Regulation of state, and Autonomic stability cluster scores and some individual items scores (Response decrement to light, Response decrement to tactile of foot, Alert responsiveness, Examiner persistence, Motor maturity, Irritability, General irritability, Cuddliness, Consolability, Self-quieting activity, and State regulation). The high levels crying group also showed higher responsivity than less crying group in the items of Peak of excitement, Rapidity of build-up, Irritability and General irritability. In conclusion, neonatal behavioral characteristics such as poor inhibit discrete stimuli while asleep, hyper-responsivity and poor state regulation abilities were risk factors of high levels of crying.