bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic cancer challenge in 52 Asian countries: age-centric insights and the role of modifiable risk factors (1990-2019)
Authors: Xiang Xin , Chen Xuejie , He Yue , Wang Yiwei , Xia Weitong , Ye Shuyu , Wang Sidan , Xiao Yi , Li Quansi , Wang Xiaoyan , Luo Weiwei , Li Jingbo
Published: October 2023

Background

Pancreatic cancer is renowned for its elevated incidence and mortality rates on a global scale. The disease burden of pancreatic cancer is anticipated to increase, particularly in Asia, due to its vast and rapidly aging population.

Methods

Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 were analyzed for pancreatic cancer burden across 52 countries in Asia, including the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) for pancreatic cancer, with a focus on risk factors such as high body mass index (BMI), elevated fasting plasma glucose, and smoking. We applied the Estimated Annual Percentage Change, the Age–Period–Cohort model, and decomposition analysis to evaluate incidence trends and effects.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, both incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer in Asia significantly increased, with an average annual standardized incidence rate change of 1.73%. Males consistently exhibited higher rates than females, with smoking as a key risk factor. Central Asia reported the highest rates, and South Asia the lowest. The incidence rose with age, peaking in those aged 70~74. The disease burden increased in all age groups, particularly in populations aged 55 and above, representing 84.41% of total cases in 2019, up from 79.01% in 1990. Pancreatic cancer ranked the fifth in incidence among six major gastrointestinal tumors but presented a significant growth rate of mortality and DALY.

Conclusion

With the growing, aging population in Asia, the pancreatic cancer burden is projected to escalate, bringing a significant public health challenge. Hence, comprehensive public health strategies emphasizing early detection, risk modification, and optimized treatment of pancreatic cancer are imperative.
Quercetagetin alleviates zearalenone-induced liver injury in rabbits through Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Fengyang , Wang Fengxia , Tang Zhaohong , Yang Xinyu , Liu Yanhua , Zhao Man , Liu Shudong , Han Shuaijuan , Zhang Zhisheng , Chen Baojiang
Published: October 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the alleviative effect of quercetagetin (QG) on zearalenone (ZEN)-induced liver injury in rabbits.

Methods: Ninety 41-day-old healthy Hyla rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups, including a control (fed with basic diet), ZEN addition group (fed with basic diet + 600 μg/kg ZEN), and ZEN + QG addition group (fed with basic diet + 600 μg/kg ZEN + 100 mg/kg QG), with 30 rabbits per group. The duration of the experiment was 28 days.

Results: The results revealed no significant differences in the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, the gain to feed ratio and the liver, kidney and spleen organ indexes (p > 0.05) between the rabbits across the three groups. However, the sacculus rotundus index of the rabbits in the control group was significantly higher than that in the ZEN + QG group (p < 0.05). The intake of ZEN-contaminated diet also significantly increased the activities or levels of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bile acid (TBA), total bilirubin, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-4 (IL-4) and enhanced the abundance of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3) mRNA in the blood or liver tissue in ZEN group, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the activities or levels of immunoglobulin A, complement 3, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase, interleukin-10, and the abundance of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Supplementing the diet with QG still maintained significantly higher levels of TBA and IL-4, and the abundance of GSH-Px, HSP70, IL-4, and Caspase-3 mRNA in the blood and liver of rabbits in the ZEN + QG group than in the control group (p < 0.05). At the same time, the other indicators were restored to levels in the control group (p > 0.05).

Discussion: In conclusion, QG alleviated the ZEN-induced oxidative damage and liver injury caused by inflammatory reaction through the Keap1-Nrf2-antioxidant response element (ARE) signal pathway, which protected the liver. This study revealed the alleviative effect of QG on the hepatotoxicity of ZEN in rabbits for the first time, providing a new perspective for applying QG and developing a ZEN antidote.
Temperature- and chemical-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish
Authors: Toni Mattia , Arena Chiara , Cioni Carla , Tedeschi Gabriella
Published: October 2023

Throughout their lives, humans encounter a plethora of substances capable of inducing neurotoxic effects, including drugs, heavy metals and pesticides. Neurotoxicity manifests when exposure to these chemicals disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system, and some neurotoxic agents have been linked to neurodegenerative pathologies such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The growing concern surrounding the neurotoxic impacts of both naturally occurring and man-made toxic substances necessitates the identification of animal models for rapid testing across a wide spectrum of substances and concentrations, and the utilization of tools capable of detecting nervous system alterations spanning from the molecular level up to the behavioural one. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is gaining prominence in the field of neuroscience due to its versatility. The possibility of analysing all developmental stages (embryo, larva and adult), applying the most common “omics” approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, etc.) and conducting a wide range of behavioural tests makes zebrafish an excellent model for neurotoxicity studies. This review delves into the main experimental approaches adopted and the main markers analysed in neurotoxicity studies in zebrafish, showing that neurotoxic phenomena can be triggered not only by exposure to chemical substances but also by fluctuations in temperature. The findings presented here serve as a valuable resource for the study of neurotoxicity in zebrafish and define new scenarios in ecotoxicology suggesting that alterations in temperature can synergistically compound the neurotoxic effects of chemical substances, intensifying their detrimental impact on fish populations.
Identification of Puccinia striiformis races from the spring wheat crop in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Ma Jinbiao , Awais Muhammad , Chen Li , Yang Hong , Lai Hanlin , Shen Yuyang , Wang Huiqing , Li Guangkuo , Gao Haifeng
Published: October 2023

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a foliar disease that affects both winter and spring wheat crops in Xinjiang, China, which is linked to Central Asia. Race identification of Pst from spring wheat in Xinjiang was not done before. In this study, a total of 216 isolates were recovered from stripe rust samples of spring wheat in the region in 2021 and multiplied using the susceptible cultivar Mingxian 169. These isolates were tested on the Chinese set of 19 wheat differential lines for identifying Pst races. A total of 46 races were identified. Races Suwon-11-1, Suwon11-12, and CYR32 had high frequencies in the spring wheat region. The frequencies of virulence factors on differentials “Fulhard” and “Early Premium” were high (>95%), whereas the virulence factor to differential “Triticum spelta var. Album” (Yr5) was not detected, while virulence to other differentials showed variable frequency within different counties. The predominant races in winter wheat in the same season were also detected from spring wheat cultivars, indicating Pst spreading from winter wheat to spring wheat crops. Deploying resistance genes in spring and winter wheat cultivars is critical for control stripe rust.
The impact of perceived school climate on exercise behavior engagement among obese adolescents: a dual mediation effect test of exercise benefits and perseverance qualities
Authors: Yin Yao , Zhang Chong , Chen Zhibo , Qi Yufei , Qiu Cheng
Published: October 2023

Introduction

This study explores the relationship between perceived school climate and exercise behavior among obese adolescents, as well as the multiple mediating effects of perseverance qualities and exercise benefits.

Methods

A survey was conducted on 586 obese adolescents in Beijing, with an age range of 13–18 years old and an average age of 15.40 ± 1.824, among who 337 were male, 249 were female, 303 were high school students and 238 were middle school students. A standard scale was used to evaluate perceived school climate, exercise benefits, perseverance qualities, and exercise behaviors. The data was analyzed by independent samples t-test, bivariate correlation analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, and structural equation model (SEM).

Results

(1) Perceived school climate among obese adolescents positively predicted exercise behavior (Z = 2.870, p < 0.01), perseverance qualities (Z = 3.107, p < 0.01) and exercise benefits (Z = 4.290, p < 0.001); perseverance qualities positively predicted exercise behavior in obese adolescents (Z = 4.431, p < 0.001); exercise benefits positively predicted the obese adolescents’ exercise behavior (Z = 4.267, p < 0.001). (2) Perseverance qualities (Z = 2.282, 95% CI [0.032, 0.191], [0.028, 0.179]) and exercise benefits (Z = 2.518, 95% CI [0.060, 0.287], [0.053, 0.271]) play a mediating role in the obese adolescents’ perceived school climate and exercise behavior, respectively. These two factors have parallel multiple mediating effects between obese adolescents’ perceived school climate and exercise behavior, with mediating effects accounting for 16 and 25%, respectively. The mediating effect of exercise benefits is greater than that of perseverance qualities. (3) There is no difference in the specific indirect effects of perseverance qualities and exercise benefits (Z = −0.800, 95% CI [− 0.198, 0.064], [−0.190, 0.068]).

Conclusion

Obese adolescents’ perception of school climate can effectively enhance their motivation to participate in exercise behavior and indirectly influence exercise behavior through exercise benefits and perseverance qualities, cultivate good physical exercise behavior among obese adolescents, and effectively prevent and intervene in the occurrence of obesity.
Remote, tablet-based assessment of gaze following: a nationwide infant twin study
Authors: Shic Frederick , Dommer Kelsey Jackson , Benton Jessica , Li Beibin , Snider James C. , Nyström Par , Falck-Ytter Terje
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Much of our understanding of infant psychological development relies on an in-person, laboratory-based assessment. This limits research generalizability, scalability, and equity in access. One solution is the development of new, remotely deployed assessment tools that do not require real-time experimenter supervision.

Methods

The current nationwide (Sweden) infant twin study assessed participants remotely via their caregiver's tablets (N = 104, ages 3 to 17 months). To anchor our findings in previous research, we used a gaze-following task where experimental and age effects are well established.

Results

Closely mimicking results from conventional eye tracking, we found that a full head movement elicited more gaze following than isolated eye movements. Furthermore, predictably, we found that older infants followed gaze more frequently than younger infants. Finally, while we found no indication of genetic contributions to gaze-following accuracy, the latency to disengage from the gaze cue and orient toward a target was significantly more similar in monozygotic twins than in dizygotic twins, an indicative of heritability.

Discussion

Together, these results highlight the potential of remote assessment of infants' psychological development, which can improve generalizability, inclusion, and scalability in developmental research.
The resilience of emergency and critical care nurses: a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis
Authors: Liu Shuyang , Zhang Yu , Liu Yue , Han Peng , Zhuang Yugang , Jiang Jinxia
Published: October 2023

Background

Due to the unique work environment, emergency and critical care departments nurses face high job pressure, often resulting in burnout and a high turnover rate. Public health emergencies such as the Corona Virus Disease 2019 pandemic tend to exacerbate these problems further. Therefore, improving the resilience of nurses is crucial to enhance their retention rates.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on the resilience of emergency and critical nurses were conducted to provide a reference for clinical managers to develop strategies for improving the resilience of nurses.

Methods

Following databases were searched for relevant studies: CINAHL Plus, Elsevier, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, OVID, Pubmed, Science Direct, LWW and Web of Science, China National Knowledge Network (CNKI), Wanfang Database (CECDB), VIP Database, and Sinomed. Google Scholar and Opengrey were used to search for gray literature. The literature search period was from the establishment of the database to April 2023. The systematic review of qualitative studies followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach, including critical appraisal using the JBI Checklist and synthesis through meta-synthesis. Confidence of evidence was assessed with JBI’s ConQual process.

Results

A total of 12 articles were identified, with 59 main results and 9 new integrated categories. Also, 3 themes, i.e., risk factors, protective factors, and personal growth, and 9 sub-themes, i.e., working pressure, negative emotion, an organizational issue, active learning, sense of occupational benefit, social support, self-cognition and regulation, learn to adapt, and self-actualization, were formed.

Conclusion

The resilience of emergency and critical care nurses depends on various factors. Managers should prioritize the mental health of nurses and implement measures to enhance their resilience through social support, team building, and psychological capital development. Additionally, management models can be updated based on domestic and international experience to improve nurses’ job involvement, optimize nursing quality, and promote the advancement of the nursing profession.
The impostor phenomenon among doctoral students: a scoping review
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Li Wanhe
Published: October 2023

Emerging evidence suggests that the Impostor Phenomenon (IP) among doctoral students is a serious problem worldwide academic. Although previous studies demonstrate that IP can endanger doctoral students’ academic advancement and psychological well-being, limited studies systematically and comprehensively explore the IP among those population. Thus, the fundamental goal of this study is to conduct a scoping review of IP among doctoral students so as to clarify the reality of their situation. Systematic searches were conducted using 5 databases: Springer, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and JSTOR for empirical studies published from 1978 to 2023. Two reviewers independently carried out the literature search, study selection, data extraction and assessment of study; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Thirty empirical studies covering four specific domains were include in current research, including the characteristics of IP among doctoral students, factors contributing to IP among doctoral students, correlation of IP with doctoral students’ mental illness, and measurement of IP. The findings of this study may provide insight to improving the comprehension of IP among doctoral students and establishing the groundwork for future research in this field.
Does the cowl make the monk? The effect of military and Red Cross uniforms on empathy for pain, sense of agency and moral behaviors
Authors: Pech Guillaume P. , Caspar Emilie A.
Published: October 2023

According to the embodied cognition framework, cognitive functions are not confined to the brain but are also shaped by the mutual interactions between the brain, body, and external environment. In this regard, a theory developed in 2012, called enclothed cognition, suggests an effect on wearing specific clothing on various psychological processes. However, the neuro-cognitive mechanisms underlying the impact of clothing on behavior have received less systematic investigation. The present study examined the influence of clothing on prosocial behaviors, and focused on sense of agency, and empathy for pain as neuro-cognitive processes of interest. Participants (40 in total) wore civilian, military, and Red Cross uniforms. They were paired up and assigned as either agents or victims. Agents had the option to administer real electric shocks to victims for a monetary reward of +€0.05. They could choose to shock freely (free condition) or follow the experimenter’s instructions (coerced condition). We measured prosocial behavior by counting the number of shocks prevented, neural empathic response using electroencephalography with the P3 and the LPP, and sense of agency through an implicit method based on interval estimates. Findings showed that wearing the Red Cross uniform led to more prosocial behavior compared to civilian clothing. The Red Cross uniform also increased neural response to pain when participants witnessed shocks, compared to civilian or military clothing. Moreover, wearing a military uniform increased the sense of agency in the free condition, as compared to civilian clothing. This study broadens our knowledge on the impact of enclothed cognition on cognitive and psychological processes.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction is linked with an improved Cognitive Reflection Test score
Authors: Lachaud Léa , Jacquet Baptiste , Bourlier Maxime , Baratgin Jean
Published: October 2023

Initially, dual-process theories suggested that the existence of two different cognitive systems explained why many participants do not find the correct answer in many reasoning tasks. The Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) is one such task. It contains three questions with incorrect answers (typically associated with intuition and thus system 1 which processes information automatically) and correct answers (typically associated with deliberate thinking and thus system 2 which involves the conscious processing of information). More recent theories suggest system 1 is responsible for both incorrect and correct responses, with system 2 being used to resolve the conflict between these different intuitions. Since mindfulness training improves self-regulation and cognitive flexibility, we believe it could improve CRT scores by reducing the relative weight of initial intuitions by strengthening alternative intuitions, thus increasing the probability of triggering deliberate reasoning. To test this hypothesis, we recruited 36 participants, all registered in the same Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training. Of those 36 participants, 18 answered the CRT before the training and 18 answered it after 8 weeks of training. Results show that participants who followed MBSR training had better CRT scores than those without training. This is coherent with our hypothesis that mindfulness training could reduce the relative weight of initial intuitions and facilitate deliberate thinking.
Court-ordered inpatient psychiatric care in Switzerland: determinants of length of stay and treatment outcome
Authors: Weber Kerstin , Morier Sandrine , Lesaffre Lise , Menu Christophe , Bertschy Philippe , Herrmann François R. , Giannakopoulos Panteleimon
Published: October 2023

Introduction

In several European countries, offenders with decreased or abolished responsibility and high risk of recidivism due to long-lasting mental disorders are compulsory admitted for court-ordered treatments (COT) that take place in high and medium-security hospitals. As a rule, length of stay in these structures is very long implying major restrictions for the inmate and high societal cost. Despite intensive research, the predictors of length of stay and treatment outcome in long stay forensic services is still matter of debate.

Methods

We report here a detailed analysis of the demographic, psychiatric and offense predictors of length of stay and discharge locations of 204 mentally disordered offenders convicted to COT in a new medium-security forensic psychiatry clinic in Geneva, Switzerland. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were performed to determine time to release. Length of stay was predicted by Cox regressions, and discharge locations were predicted by multinomial logistic regressions.

Results

The typical inpatient was a 35-age single male re-offender, submitted to COT after a conviction for physical violence (78.9%) or property violation (64.2%), with drug trafficking (52.9%), in relation to psychotic (67.2%), antisocial or borderline personality disorder (35.8%) with comorbid substance use disorders (60.3%). Sex offenses were found in 24.5% of cases and were associated with Cluster B personality disorders. The median length of stay was of 2.5 years and was independent of demographic variables, severity of crime recidivism and psychiatric diagnosis. Longer COT at admission, and type of offense (in particular drug traffic and sexual violence) predicted longer stays. At discharge, 32.8% of cases were transferred to sheltered educational housing, 23.1% to open low-security wards, while 30.6% returned to regular prisons and 9.7% to their country of origin.

Discussion

Younger age and conviction for property violation rather than physical violence increased the chances to be discharged to sheltered educational housing. Longer COT at admission, personality disorders, and conviction for sexual offense increased the risk to return to prison. These data suggest that sex offenses determine not only longer stays under COT but also drastically decreases the chance of freedom for inmates with Cluster B personality disorders.
Metabolomic biomarkers in autism: identification of complex dysregulations of cellular bioenergetics
Authors: Smith Alan M. , Donley Elizabeth L. R. , Ney Denise M. , Amaral David G. , Burrier Robert E. , Natowicz Marvin R.
Published: October 2023

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD or autism) is a phenotypically and etiologically heterogeneous condition. Identifying biomarkers of clinically significant metabolic subtypes of autism could improve understanding of its underlying pathophysiology and potentially lead to more targeted interventions. We hypothesized that the application of metabolite-based biomarker techniques using decision thresholds derived from quantitative measurements could identify autism-associated subpopulations. Metabolomic profiling was carried out in a case–control study of 499 autistic and 209 typically developing (TYP) children, ages 18–48 months, enrolled in the Children’s Autism Metabolome Project (CAMP; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02548442). Fifty-four metabolites, associated with amino acid, organic acid, acylcarnitine and purine metabolism as well as microbiome-associated metabolites, were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Using quantitative thresholds, the concentrations of 4 metabolites and 149 ratios of metabolites were identified as biomarkers, each identifying subpopulations of 4.5–11% of the CAMP autistic population. A subset of 42 biomarkers could identify CAMP autistic individuals with 72% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Many participants were identified by several metabolic biomarkers. Using hierarchical clustering, 30 clusters of biomarkers were created based on participants’ biomarker profiles. Metabolic changes associated with the clusters suggest that altered regulation of cellular metabolism, especially of mitochondrial bioenergetics, were common metabolic phenotypes in this cohort of autistic participants. Autism severity and cognitive and developmental impairment were associated with increased lactate, many lactate containing ratios, and the number of biomarker clusters a participant displayed. These studies provide evidence that metabolic phenotyping is feasible and that defined autistic subgroups can lead to enhanced understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and potentially suggest pathways for targeted metabolic treatments.
Dose-dependent QTc interval prolongation under haloperidol and pipamperone in the management of delirium in a naturalistic setting
Authors: Bohny Philipp , Boettger Soenke , Jenewein Josef
Published: October 2023

Objective

Delirium is an acute, life-threatening neuropsychiatric disorder frequently occurring among hospitalized patients. Antipsychotic medications are often recommended for delirium management but are associated with cardiovascular risks. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and magnitude of QTc interval prolongation and clinically relevant side effects occurring in delirium patients managed with haloperidol and/or pipamperone.

Methods

This descriptive retrospective cohort study evaluated 102 elderly (mean age: 73.2 years) inpatients with delirium treated with either haloperidol, pipamperone, a combination of both, or neither in a naturalistic setting over the course of up to 20 days or until the end of delirium.

Results

A total of 86.3% of patients were treated with haloperidol and/or pipamperone at a mean daily haloperidol-equipotent dose of 1.2 ± 1 mg. Non-cardiovascular side effects were registered in 2.9% of all patients and correlated with higher scores on the Delirium Observation Screening Scale. They did not occur more frequently under antipsychotic treatment. The frequency of QTc interval prolongation was comparably common among all groups, but prolongation magnitude was higher under antipsychotic treatment. It was positively correlated with antipsychotic dosage and the total number of QTc interval-prolonging substances administered. Critical QTc interval prolongation was registered in 21.6% (n = 19) of patients in the group treated with antipsychotics compared to 14.3% (n = 2) of patients in the unmedicated group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Polypharmacy was associated with a higher risk of critical QTc interval prolongation and increased mortality during delirium.

Conclusion

Delirium treatment with haloperidol and/or pipamperone was not associated with a higher risk of QTc-interval prolongation in this naturalistic patient sample but was greater in magnitude and correlated with equipotent dosage and the number of QT interval-prolonging substances used. Polypharmacy was associated with higher mortality and increased risk of critical QTc prolongation.
Development and validation of risk prediction model for premenstrual syndrome in nurses: results from the nurses-based the TARGET cohort study
Authors: Li Li , Lv Xiaoyan , Li Yuxin , Zhang Xinyue , Li Mengli , Cao Yingjuan
Published: October 2023

Objective

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) stands as a significant concern within the realm gynecological disorders, profoundly impacting women of childbearing age in China. However, the elusive nature of its risk factors necessitates investigation. This study, therefore, is dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of PMS by focusing on nurses, a cohort with unique occupational stressors, to develop and validate a predictive model for assessing the risk of PMS.

Methods

This investigation employed a multi-center cross-sectional analysis drawing upon data from the TARGET Nurses’ health cohort. Utilizing online survey versions of the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), a comprehensive dataset encompassing physiological, social, psychological, occupational, and behavioral variables was collected from 18,645 participants. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for PMS. Furthermore, a refined variable selection process was executed, combining the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) method with 10-fold cross-validation. The visualization of the risk prediction model was achieved through a nomogram, and its performance was evaluated using the C index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the calibration curves.

Results

Among the diverse variables explored, this study identified several noteworthy predictors of PMS in nurses, including tea or coffee consumption, sleep quality, menstrual cycle regularity, intermenstrual bleeding episodes, dysmenorrhea severity, experiences of workplace bullying, trait coping style, anxiety, depression and perceived stress levels. The prediction model exhibited robust discriminatory power, with an area under the curve of 0.765 for the training set and 0.769 for the test set. Furthermore, the calibration curve underscored the model’s high degree of alignment with observed outcomes.

Conclusion

The developed model showcases exceptional accuracy in identifying nurses at risk of PMS. This early alert system holds potential to significantly enhance nurses’ well-being and underscore the importance of professional support.
Health policy considerations for combining exercise prescription into noncommunicable diseases treatment: a narrative literature review
Authors: Tao Dan , Awan-Scully Roger , Ash Garrett I. , Gu Yaodong , Pei Zhong , Gao Yang , Cole Alistair , Supriya Rashmi , Sun Yan , Xu Rui , Baker Julien S.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

In this review, we aim to highlight the evidence base for the benefits of exercise in relation to the treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), draw on the Health Triangular Policy Framework to outline the principal facilitators and barriers for implementing exercise in health policy, and make concrete suggestions for action.

Methods

Literature review and framework analysis were conducted to deal with the research questions.

Results

Exercise prescription is a safe solution for noncommunicable diseases prevention and treatment that enables physicians to provide and instruct patients how to apply exercise as an important aspect of disease treatment and management. Combining exercise prescription within routine care, in inpatient and outpatient settings, will improve patients’ life quality and fitness levels.

Conclusion

Inserting exercise prescription into the healthcare system would improve population health status and healthy lifestyles. The suggestions outlined in this study need combined efforts from the medical profession, governments, and policymakers to facilitate practice into reality in the healthcare arena.
Social networks and the mental health among Chinese older adults: the mediating role of loneliness and moderating role of Internet use
Authors: Tian Jiayin , Li Haohao
Published: October 2023

Background

Although a large body of research suggests that social networks from family and friends are important factors in protecting the mental health of older adults, we know little about the mediating and moderating mechanisms behind this relationship. Using China as an example, this study aims to investigate a comprehensive model that includes social networks, loneliness, Internet use, and mental health outcomes in the older population.

Methods

We analyzed data from 7,648 Chinese older people over 60 using the 2018 CLASS survey. We studied how various social networks affect their mental health. Using SPSS’s PROCESS macro, we first employed descriptive statistics to examine the characteristics of the participants and calculate the correlations of core variables. Then, we assessed whether loneliness mediated this relationship and tested the moderated mediation effect of Internet use. Our findings shed light on these complex dynamics.

Results

The statistics indicate a positive correlation between social networks and mental health. Furthermore, mediation models revealed that loneliness moderates the relationship between social networks and mental health. In addition, moderated mediation models revealed that Internet use played a distinct function in the family networks model compared to the friend networks model. Internet use moderates explicitly the effects of family networks on loneliness and friend networks on mental health.

Conclusion

The findings emphasize the importance of differentiating the types of social networks to understand their impact on older adults well-being, encouraging policymakers, medical professionals, and families to adopt more targeted approaches when devising policy interventions and medical strategies, especially for older individuals with insufficient social support. Additionally, we urge governments to recognize the varying types of social networks among older populations and harness the protective effects of Internet technology on their well-being within a digital society.
Effects of leisure activities and general health on the survival of older people: a cohort study in China
Authors: Cai Jianping , Hu Tingfa , Zhou Lv , Jiang Hongye , Gao Yumeng
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aimed to examine the influence of physical and cognitive leisure activities on the survival of older adults in China, while also exploring the potential mediating and moderating effects of general health.

Methods

This study utilized the China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) datasets spanning from 2008 to 2018, and 10,347 eligible participants were included. The primary study outcome was all-cause mortality, and independent variables included physical leisure activities (PLA), cognitive leisure activities (CLA), and self-rated general health. Three sets of covariates were adjusted, including socio-demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and health status.

Results

The longest survival time was the older people participating in PLA & CLA (mean = 50.31 months), while those participating in neither exhibited the lowest (mean = 29.60 months). Significant differences in survival status were observed in different types of leisure activities participation (Log-rank test, Chi-square = 576.80, p < 0.001). Cox regression indicated that PLA (HR = 0.705, 95% CI: 0.651–0.764), CLA (HR = 0.872, 95% CI: 0.816–0.933), and the both PLA & CLA (HR = 0.700, 95% CI: 0.656–0.747) were protective factors for the survival. Additionally, general health significantly moderated the relationship between PLA and reduced mortality risk (Coefficient = −0.089, p = 0.042). While CLA indirectly influenced the survival through general health (Coefficient = −0.023, p < 0.001). For the older people participating in PLA and CLA, general health played mediating (Coefficient = −0.031, p < 0.001) and moderating (Coefficient = −0.026, p = 0.013) role in the relationship between leisure activities and survival.

Conclusion

Leisure activities and self-rated general health were important predictors of survival of the older adults, and general health exhibited a mediator and moderator in the relationship between leisure activities and survival status.
Gene Locus Mapping and Candidate Gene Screening for Branched Spike and Its Associated Traits of the Ynbs Mutant in Barley
Authors: Zhou Hongbin , He Junyu , Wang Mengyue , Wang Xintian , Chen Shengwei
Published: October 2023

The Ynbs (Yunnan branched-spike) mutant of naked barley with a branched spike displays some special traits, such as more degenerated multiple spikelets per spike and florets per multiple spikelets and a lower seed-setting rate. However, there is still a lack of understanding the loci of the trait. In the present study, the Ynbs mutant was crossed with Baodamai8 to breed F2 and F2:5 populations. The F2 and F2:5 populations were successively employed to map the loci for a branched spike, triplicate (or multiple) spikelet number per spike (T(M)SNS), degenerated triplicate (or multiple) spikelet number per spike (DT(M)SNS) and floret number per triplicate (or multiple) spikelet (FNT(M)S). The genetic interval mapped through the F2:5 population was flanked by markers HvSSR4 and HVSSR20, and, within that, mapped through the F2 population. The genetic distance of the branched-spike locus to HVSSR20 locus, T(M)SNS, FNT(M)S), and DT(M)SNS is 1.86 centiMorgan (cM), 0.27 cM, and 0.73 cM, respectively. The Morex genome sequence defined by markers HvSSR4 and HVSSR20 harbored 18 genes, among which HORVU.MOREX.r3.2HG0114260 belonged to the AP2/ERF domain transcription factor gene superfamily. In the Ynbs mutant, the C base at site 232 of the code domain sequence of the gene was substituted with T, leading to the substitution of arginine with cysteine at site 78 in the DNA-binding domain of the encoded protein. The gene harbors a new allele mutant in the Ynbs mutant and exhibits a pleiotropy in the development of a branched spike, spikelet, and floret. The results provide valuable information for elucidating the development mechanism of barley young spike.
The Fusion Impact of Compost, Biochar, and Polymer on Sandy Soil Properties and Bean Productivity
Authors: Kheir Ahmed M. S. , Govind Ajit , Zoghdan Medhat G. , Khalifa Tamer H. , Aboelsoud Hesham M. , Shabana Mahmoud M. A.
Published: October 2023

Two of the most significant issues confronting arid and semi-arid countries are soil degradation and the need to reclaim sandy soils and improve their properties to enhance the agricultural area and ensure food security. Many attempts to improve sandy soil properties have been attempted using soil amendments, but further research is needed to explore the combined impact of cost-effective amendments. To that purpose, we investigated the impact of various soil amendments, including single and combination applications of synthetic Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), compost, and biochar, on sandy soil physiochemical characteristics and bean (Vicia faba L.) production and quality throughout three growing seasons. In a randomized complete block design with three replicates per treatment, different treatments such as control (without application), lower dose of SAP (SAP1), higher dose of SAP (SAP2), biochar, compost, SAP1 plus biochar, SAP1 plus compost, SAP2 plus biochar, SAP2 plus compost, and biochar plus compost were used. The combined treatments, such as SAP2 plus biochar (T8), SAP2 plus compost (T9), and biochar plus compost (T10), improved soil physiochemical characteristics and crop production significantly. Application of T10 decreased soil bulk density by 15%, 17%, and 13% while increasing soil available water by 10%, 6%, and 3% over the first, second, and third growing seasons, respectively, compared to untreated soil (T1). The application of treatment (T9) surpassed other treatments in terms of yield, quality, and economic return, significantly increasing the seed yield by 24%, 26%, and 27% for the first, second, and third season compared with untreated soil. The higher rate of polymer combined with compost could be considered a cost-effective soil amendment to improve sandy soil productivity in arid and semi-arid regions.
Enhancing Efficiency of Enzymatic-Assisted Extraction Method for Evaluating Bioactive Compound Analysis in Mulberry: An Optimization Approach
Authors: Tizón Alba Ainara , Aliaño-González María José , Palma Miguel , Fernández Barbero Gerardo , Carrera Ceferino
Published: October 2023

The present investigation endeavors to optimize a method based on enzyme-assisted extraction for the efficient retrieval of bioactive compounds from mulberry, leveraging its notable health-promoting properties. A combined approach of Plackett–Burman design followed by Box–Behnken design was employed for determining the crucial extraction parameters and subsequently, refining the process. Optimal conditions consisted of heating 0.15 g of mulberry at 40 °C, using 15 mL of 70% EtOH as a solvent at pH 4, 38.46 enzyme units per g of sample, and shaking at 200 rpm. The optimum extraction time study revealed that 5 min of extraction was sufficient to reach the maximum concentration of the bioactive compound. The repeatability and intermediate precision assessment exhibited a coefficient of variation below 5%. Among the diverse mulberry varieties scrutinized, Morus nigra showed the highest anthocyanin content (27.90 ± 2.14 mg/100 g), while Morus rubra showed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (121.10 ± 19.56 mg/100 g). Moreover, the extracted compounds showcased significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Research on Jujube-Fruit-Yield-Increasing Technology Based on Local Thermal Damage of Jujube Bark
Authors: Ran Junhui , Zhang Jiajia , Wang Xufeng , Liu Yuanjie , Hu Can , Xing Jianfei , Sun Beibei
Published: October 2023

Girdling is an important means of improving the yield and quality of jujube trees, but this measure can easily cause injury, or even death, to jujube trees. A technology for increasing yield and improving quality, based on local thermal damage of jujube bark, is proposed to address a series of issues in current jujube-tree-girdling technology. First, we measured the thermophysical parameters of jujube bark and established a heat-transfer model for jujube bark. Then, in order to investigate the impact of local thermal damage on jujube-tree yield and fruit quality, local heating experiments were conducted on jujube-tree bark, using the heat-transfer model. The experimental results indicated that heating the jujube bark at a certain temperature for an appropriate time can effectively improve the yield and quality of jujube fruit. Compared with traditional girdling techniques, this method has less impact on the health of jujube trees and does not form permanent wounds on them. The research results provide new ideas for exploring sustainable yield-increase methods for fruit trees.
Stakeholder Challenges and Opportunities of GPS Shock Collars to Achieve Optimum Welfare in a Conservation or Farm Setting
Authors: McCormick Iris Alexandra , Stokes Jessica Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Virtual fences for livestock facilitated by a GPS shock collar (GPS-SC) and phone app were introduced to the UK in cattle herd trials in 2020. Technology which uses aversive shocks to control livestock movement on farms and in other settings poses a significant risk to livestock welfare. There are currently no welfare protocols in place in the UK to ensure the ethical use of GPS-SCs. The objective of this study was to understand how GPS-SCs were being used in practice in the UK and gather data to assist researchers and policymakers in the future research and development of a welfare protocol for the UK. We studied how the technology performs in terms of welfare challenges and opportunities, covering extensive livestock production, conservation settings, “rewilding”, and regenerative farming practices, where the technology is currently being applied. Semistructured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders. In-depth interviews (n = 8) supported the previous literature that the use of GPS-SCs in restricted grazing settings poses a risk to animal welfare. This is due to the wavering virtual fence boundary line (which is affected by satellite movements), a lack of visual markers, and, in some “rewilding” and conservation settings, livestock keepers, which require training and support to enable optimal welfare in practice and prevent misuse of the technology. Results also indicated that there are opportunities for enhancing livestock welfare with GPS-SCs in very extensive farm settings, where targeted care can be facilitated by using the data to monitor and track livestock using GPS-SCs, and which can also prevent cattle injury or fatality through virtual pastures designed to protect livestock from hazards such as roads or bogs. Future research is needed to focus on minimising shocks in the training period and to better understand the value of visual electric fences in the training process.
Heterologous Production in the Synechocystis Chassis Suggests the Biosynthetic Pathway of Astaxanthin in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Liang Hanyu , Chen Hongjuan , Liu Xinya , Wang Zihan , Li Pengfu , Lu Shan
Published: October 2023

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid species with the highest antioxidant capability. Its natural resource is very rare. The biosynthesis of astaxanthin from β-carotene includes a hydroxylation step and a ketolation step, for which the corresponding enzymes have been characterized in a few species. However, the sequence of these two reactions is unclear, and may vary with different organisms. In this study, we aimed to elucidate this sequence in Synechocystis, which is an ideal cyanobacterial synthetic biology chassis. We first silenced the endogenous carotene oxygenase gene SyneCrtO to avoid its possible interference in the carotenoid metabolic network. We then introduced the β-carotene ketolase gene from Haematococcus pluvialis (HpBKT) and the CrtZ-type carotene β-hydroxylase gene from Pantoea agglomerans (PaCrtZ) to this δCrtO strain. Our pigment analysis demonstrated that both the endogenous CrtR-type carotene hydroxylase SyneCrtR and HpBKT have the preference to use β-carotene as their substrate for hydroxylation and ketolation reactions to produce zeaxanthin and canthaxanthin, respectively. However, the endogenous SyneCrtR is not able to further catalyze the 3,3′-hydroxylation of canthaxanthin to generate astaxanthin. From our results, a higher accumulation of canthaxanthin and a much lower level of astaxanthin, as confirmed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis, were detected in our transgenic BKT+/CrtZ+/δCrtO cells. Therefore, we proposed that the bottleneck for the heterologous production of astaxanthin in Synechocystis might exist at the hydroxylation step, which requires a comprehensive screening or genetic engineering for the corresponding carotene hydroxylase to enable the industrial production of astaxanthin.
Simplified Method for Nonlinear Seismic Response Analysis of Corroded Pile-Supported Wharf
Authors: Refani Afif Navir , Nagao Takashi
Published: October 2023

Fiber-based finite element analysis (FB-FEA) has been widely recognized for its ability to reproduce experimental results and is also a reliable method for evaluating the nonlinear seismic response of pile-supported wharves (PSWs). Design practice often employs frame analysis (FA) due to its easy implementation. To precisely reproduce the nonlinear seismic response of PSW using FA, it is necessary to configure mechanical properties such as the hinge property correctly. However, it is unclear whether the hinge properties proposed in previous studies can be applied to PSWs with spun piles. In this study, a novel FA method was developed to investigate the nonlinear seismic response of PSWs with corroded spun piles considering PC bar area reduction, deteriorated material properties, the bending stiffness reduction factor, and the moment–curvature relationship of the spun pile. The nonlinear seismic response of corroded PSWs was determined by performing pushover analysis using three methods: FA using the method of the previous study (FA-1), the proposed FA method (FA-2), and FB-FEA. As regards PSW foundations, vertical pile and batter pile configurations were considered. The pushover analysis results were compared in terms of several parameters, such as the natural period, plastic hinge formation, and load capacity of the corroded PSWs. The FA-2 results agreed very well with the FB-FEA results, while the FA-1 results were less precise with respect to the natural periods and load capacities of corroded PSWs. The results indicated that the bending stiffness reduction factor, moment–curvature relationship, and axial load–bending moment (P–M) capacity of the corroded spun piles should be appropriately defined. Corrosion had greater negative impacts on the compressive axial load and bending moment capacities of the spun pile than on its tensile axial load capacity.