bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Androgen receptor coordinates muscle metabolic and contractile functions
Authors: Ghaibour Kamar , Schuh Mélanie , Souali‐Crespo Sirine , Chambon Céline , Charlot Anouk , Rizk Joe , Rovito Daniela , Rerra Anna‐Isavella , Cai Qingshuang , Messaddeq Nadia , Zoll Joffrey , Duteil Delphine , Metzger Daniel
Published: May 2023

Background

Androgens are anabolic steroid hormones that exert their function by binding to the androgen receptor (AR). We have previously established that AR deficiency in limb muscles impairs sarcomere myofibrillar organization and decreases muscle strength in male mice. However, despite numerous studies performed in men and rodents, the signalling pathways controlled by androgens via their receptor in skeletal muscles remain poorly understood.

Methods

Male ARskm−/y (n = 7–12) and female ARskm−/− mice (n = 9), in which AR is selectively ablated in myofibres of musculoskeletal tissue, and male AR(i)skm−/y, in which AR is selectively ablated in post‐mitotic skeletal muscle myofibres (n = 6), were generated. Longitudinal monitoring of body weight, blood glucose, insulin, lipids and lipoproteins was performed, alongside metabolomic analyses. Glucose metabolism was evaluated in C2C12 cells treated with 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the anti‐androgen flutamide (n = 6). Histological analyses on macroscopic and ultrastructural levels of longitudinal and transversal muscle sections were conducted. The transcriptome of gastrocnemius muscles from control and ARskm−/y mice was analysed at the age of 9 weeks (P < 0.05, 2138 differentially expressed genes) and validated by RT‐qPCR analysis. The AR (4691 peaks with false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.1) and H3K4me2 (47 225 peaks with FDR < 0.05) cistromes in limb muscles were determined in 11‐week‐old wild‐type mice.

Results

We show that disrupting the androgen/AR axis impairs in vivo glycolytic activity and fastens the development of type 2 diabetes in male, but not in female mice. In agreement, treatment with DHT increases glycolysis in C2C12 myotubes by 30%, whereas flutamide has an opposite effect. Fatty acids are less efficiently metabolized in skeletal muscles of ARskm−/y mice and accumulate in cytoplasm, despite increased transcript levels of genes encoding key enzymes of beta‐oxidation and mitochondrial content. Impaired glucose and fatty acid metabolism in AR‐deficient muscle fibres is associated with 30% increased lysine and branched‐chain amino acid catabolism, decreased polyamine biosynthesis and disrupted glutamate transamination. This metabolic switch generates ammonia (2‐fold increase) and oxidative stress (30% increased H2O2 levels), which impacts mitochondrial functions and causes necrosis in <1% fibres. We unravel that AR directly activates the transcription of genes involved in glycolysis, oxidative metabolism and muscle contraction.

Conclusions

Our study provides important insights into diseases caused by impaired AR function in musculoskeletal system and delivers a deeper understanding of skeletal muscle pathophysiological dynamics that is instrumental to develop effective treatment for muscle disorders.
Muscle size and density are independently associated with death after hip fracture: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Ling , Yang Minghui , Ge Yufeng , Liu Yandong , Su Yongbin , Guo Zhe , Huang Pengju , Geng Jian , Wang Gang , Blake Glen M. , He Bo , Yin Lu , Cheng Xiaoguang , Wu Xinbao , Engelke Klaus , Vlug Annegreet G.
Published: May 2023

Background

Mortality following hip fracture is high and incompletely understood. We hypothesize that hip musculature size and quality are related to mortality following hip fracture. This study aims to investigate the associations of hip muscle area and density from hip CT with death following hip fracture as well as assess the dependence of this association on time after hip fracture.

Methods

In this secondary analysis of the prospectively collected CT images and data from the Chinese Second Hip Fracture Evaluation, 459 patients were enrolled between May 2015 and June 2016 and followed up for a median of 4.5 years. Muscle cross‐sectional area and density were measured of the gluteus maximus (G.MaxM) and gluteus medius and minimus (G.Med/MinM) and aBMD of the proximal femur. The Goutallier classification (GC) was used for qualitatively assessing muscle fat infiltration. Separate Cox models were used to predict mortality risk adjusted for covariates.

Results

At the end of the follow‐up, 85 patients were lost, 81 patients (64% women) had died, and 293 (71% women) survived. The mean age of non‐surviving patients at death (82.0 ± 8.1 years) was higher than that of the surviving patients (74.4 ± 9.9 years). The Parker Mobility Score and the American Society of Anesthesiologists scores of the patients that died were respectively lower and higher compared to the surviving patients. Hip fracture patients received different surgical procedures, and no significant difference in the percentage of hip arthroplasty was observed between the dead and the surviving patients (P = 0.11). The cumulative survival was significantly lower for patients with low G.MaxM area and density and low G.Med/MinM density, independent of age and clinical risk scores. The GC grades were not associated with the mortality after hip fracture. Muscle density of both G.MaxM (adj. HR 1.83; 95% CI, 1.06–3.17) and G.Med/MinM (adj. HR 1.98; 95% CI, 1.14–3.46) was associated with mortality in the 1st year after hip fracture. G.MaxM area (adj. HR 2.11; 95% CI, 1.08–4.14) was associated with mortality in the 2nd and later years after hip fracture.

Conclusion

Our results for the first time show that hip muscle size and density are associated with mortality in older hip fracture patients, independent of age and clinical risk scores. This is an important finding to better understand the factors contributing to the high mortality in older hip fracture patients and to develop better future risk prediction scores that include muscle parameters.
Association of muscle wasting with mortality risk among adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Zhou Huan‐Huan , Liao Yuxiao , Peng Zhao , Liu Fang , Wang Qi , Yang Wei
Published: May 2023

The relationship between muscle wasting and mortality risk in the general population remains unclear. Our study was conducted to examine and quantify the associations between muscle wasting and all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality risks. PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched until 22 March 2023 for main data sources and references of retrieved relevant articles. Prospective studies investigating the associations of muscle wasting with risks of all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in the general population were eligible. A random‐effect model was used to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the lowest versus normal categories of muscle mass. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression were performed to investigate the potential sources of heterogeneities among studies. Dose–response analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between muscle mass and mortality risk. Forty‐nine prospective studies were included in the meta‐analysis. A total of 61 055 deaths were ascertained among 878 349 participants during the 2.5‐ to 32‐year follow‐up. Muscle wasting was associated with higher mortality risks of all causes (RR = 1.36, 95% CI, 1.28 to 1.44, I2 = 94.9%, 49 studies), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (RR = 1.29, 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.58, I2 = 88.1%, 8 studies), cancer (RR = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.27, I2 = 38.7%, 3 studies) and respiratory disease (RR = 1.36, 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.67, I2 = 62.8%, 3 studies). Subgroup analyses revealed that muscle wasting, regardless of muscle strength, was significantly associated with a higher all‐cause mortality risk. Meta‐regression showed that risks of muscle wasting‐related all‐cause mortality (P = 0.06) and CVD mortality (P = 0.09) were lower in studies with longer follow‐ups. An approximately inverse linear dose–response relationship was observed between mid‐arm muscle circumference and all‐cause mortality risk (P < 0.01 for non‐linearity). Muscle wasting was associated with higher mortality risks of all causes, CVD, cancer and respiratory disease in the general population. Early detection and treatment for muscle wasting might be crucial for reducing mortality risk and promoting healthy longevity.
Developing time management with preclinical dental students via a preclinical exercise in an organization
Authors: Patterson Rita C , Jones Jeffrey R
Published: May 2023

Purpose/objectives

Developing time management is an important aspect of a dental student's passage to clinical care and in their growth as a professional. Suitable time management and preparedness can potentially impact the prognosis of a successful dental appointment. The objective of this study was to determine if a time management exercise could be effective to increase students’ preparedness, organization, time management, and reflection during simulated clinical care prior to transitioning to the dental clinic.

Methods

Students completed five‐time management exercises during the term preceding their entrance into the predoctoral restorative clinic which included appointment planning and organization, and reflection once finished. Pre‐ and post‐term surveys were used to determine the impact of the experience. Quantitative data was analyzed using a paired t‐test and the qualitative data was thematically coded by the researchers.

Results

Students reported a statistically significant increase in their self‐confidence of clinical readiness after completion of the time management series, and all students completed the surveys. The themes indicated by students through their comments in the post‐survey question regarding the experience were as follows: planning and preparation, time management, the practice of procedures, concern about workload, faculty encouragement, and unclear. Most students also reported the exercise to be beneficial for their predoctoral clinical appointments.

Conclusions

It was determined that the time management exercises were effective for the students as they transitioned to treating patients in the predoctoral clinic and can be used for future classes to increase their success.
Expression pattern of long non‐coding RNAs MALAT1 and MEG3 in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Genena Shaimaa El Sayed Ramadan , Fadhil Maher Mishaal , Mansour Manal Monir , Attwa Asrar Helal Mahrous , Khalil Marwa Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed
Published: May 2023

Background

COVID‐19 is a novel infectious disease for which no specific treatment exists. It is likely that a combination of genetic and non‐genetic factors predispose to it. Expression levels of genes that are involved in the interaction with SARS‐CoV‐2 or the host response are thought to play a role in disease susceptibility and severity. It is crucial to explore biomarkers for disease severity and outcome. Herein, we studied the expression levels and effects of long non‐coding metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (lnc‐MALAT1) and long non‐coding maternally expressed gene 3 (lnc‐MEG3) in COVID‐19 patients. The study enrolled 35 hospitalized and 35 non‐hospitalized COVID‐19 patients, and 35 healthy controls. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan, complete blood count (CBC), ferritin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), D‐dimer and analysis of lnc‐MALAT1 and lnc‐MEG3 expression were done.

Results

There was a significant relation between ferritin, CRP, D‐dimer levels, oxygen saturation, CT‐CORADS score and disease severity. Lnc‐MALAT1 was significantly higher but lnc‐MEG3 was significantly lower in patients vs. controls, and in hospitalized vs. non‐hospitalized patients. Elevated MALAT1 and reduced MEG3 levels were significantly associated with more elevated ferritin, CRP, D‐dimer levels, lower oxygen saturation, higher CT‐CORADS score and poor survival. Moreover, MALAT1 and MEG3 levels displayed higher sensitivity and specificity as predictors of COVID‐19 severity compared with other prognostic biochemical markers such as ferritin, CRP, and D‐dimer.

Conclusions

MALAT1 levels are higher, whereas MEG3 levels are lower in COVID‐19 patients. Both are linked to disease severity and mortality and could emerge as predictive biomarkers for COVID‐19 severity and therapeutic targets.
Synthesis, spectral characteristics and molecular structure of 2H‐1,3,5‐oxadiazine‐2,4(3H)‐diimine derivatives
Authors: Pokotylo Ihor O. , Zadorozhnii Pavlo V. , Kiselev Vadym V. , Kharchenko Aleksandr V.
Published: May 2023

In this work, we report the synthesis of 2H‐1,3,5‐oxadiazine‐2,4(3H)‐diimine derivatives based on acylated thioureas. The method for the preparation of 1,3,5‐oxadiazine derivatives is based on the reaction of dehydrosulfurization of the starting acylated thioureas under the action of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) followed by the [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of another DCC molecule to the resulting intermediate carbodiimide. The structure of the obtained derivatives of 1,3,5‐oxadiazine was confirmed by 1H, 13C NMR, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and x‐ray diffraction analysis.
Feeling safe versus being safe: Perceptions of safety versus actual disease exposure across the entire health care team
Authors: Boitet Laurence M. , Meese Katherine A. , Colón‐López Alejandra , Sweeney Katherine L. , Rogers David A.
Published: May 2023

As supply chains experienced disruptions early in the COVID‐19 pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) quickly became scarce. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of perceptions of inadequate PPE, fear of COVID‐19 infection, and self‐reported direct COVID‐19 exposure on health care workers. Data to assess distress, resilience, social‐ecological factors, and work and nonwork‐related stressors were collected from June to July 2020 at a large medical center. Stressors were analyzed by role using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis. Our data indicate that job role influenced fear of infection and perceptions of inadequate PPE in the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Perceived organizational support was also related to perceptions of inadequate PPE supply. Interestingly, work location, rather than job role, was predictive of direct COVID‐19 exposure. Our data highlight a disconnect between the perception of safety in the health care setting with real risk of exposure to infectious disease. This study suggests that leaders in health care should focus on cultivating supportive organizational cultures, assessing both perceived and actual safety, and provide adequate training in safety practices may improve preparedness and organizational trust during times of both certainty and crisis particularly for clinical workers with less education and training.
Tomoelastography and Pancreatic Extracellular Volume Fraction Derived From MRI for Predicting Clinically Relevant Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula
Authors: Zhu Liang , Sun Zhaoyong , Dai Menghua , Wu Huanwen , Wang Xuan , Xu Jia , Xue Huadan , Jin Zhengyu , Nickel Marcel Dominik , Guo Jing , Sack Ingolf
Published: May 2023

Background

Pancreatic stiffness and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) are potential imaging biomarkers for pancreatic fibrosis. Clinically relevant postoperative fistula (CR‐POPF) is one of the most severe complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Which imaging biomarker performs better for predicting the risk of CR‐POPF remains unknown.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ECV and tomoelastography‐derived pancreatic stiffness for predicting the risk of CR‐POPF in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Study type

Prospective.

Population

Eighty patients who underwent multiparametric pancreatic MRI before pancreaticoduodenectomy, among whom 16 developed CR‐POPF and 64 did not.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T/tomoelastography and precontrast and postcontrast T1 mapping of the pancreas.

Assessment

Pancreatic stiffness was measured on the tomographic c‐map, and pancreatic ECV was calculated from precontrast and postcontrast T1 maps. Pancreatic stiffness and ECV were compared with histological fibrosis grading (F0‐F3). The optimal cutoff values for predicting CR‐POPF were determined, and the correlation between CR‐POPF and imaging parameters was evaluated.

Statistical tests

The Spearman's rank correlation and multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and logistic regression analysis was performed. A double‐sided P < 0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference.

Results

Pancreatic stiffness and ECV both showed a significantly positive correlation with histological pancreatic fibrosis (r = 0.73 and 0.56, respectively). Patients with advanced pancreatic fibrosis had significantly higher pancreatic stiffness and ECV compared to those with no/mild fibrosis. Pancreatic stiffness and ECV were also correlated with each other (r = 0.58). Lower pancreatic stiffness (<1.38 m/sec), lower ECV (<0.28), nondilated main pancreatic duct (<3 mm) and pathological diagnosis other than pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were associated with higher risk of CR‐POPF at univariate analysis, and pancreatic stiffness was independently associated with CR‐POPF at multivariate analysis (odds ratio: 18.59, 95% confidence interval: 4.45, 77.69).

Data Conclusion

Pancreatic stiffness and ECV were associated with histological fibrosis grading, and pancreatic stiffness was an independent predictor for CR‐POPF.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

5
Anti‐EBV antibodies: Roles in diagnosis, pathogenesis, and antiviral therapy
Authors: Xie Chu , Zhong Lan‐Yi , Bu Guo‐Long , Zhao Ge‐Xin , Yuan Bo‐Yu , Liu Yuan‐Tao , Sun Cong , Zeng Mu‐Sheng
Published: May 2023

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection is prevalent in global population and associated with multiple malignancies and autoimmune diseases. During the infection, EBV‐harbored or infected cell‐expressing antigen could elicit a variety of antibodies with significant role in viral host response and pathogenesis. These antibodies have been extensively evaluated and found to be valuable in predicting disease diagnosis and prognosis, exploring disease mechanisms, and developing antiviral agents. In this review, we discuss the versatile roles of EBV antibodies as important biomarkers for EBV‐related diseases, potential driving factors of autoimmunity, and promising therapeutic agents for viral infection and pathogenesis.
2023 HRS/APHRS/LAHRS guideline on cardiac physiologic pacing for the avoidance and mitigation of heart failure
Authors: Chung Mina K. , Patton Kristen K. , Lau Chu‐Pak , Dal Forno Alexander R. J. , Al‐Khatib Sana M. , Arora Vanita , Birgersdotter‐Green Ulrika Maria , Cha Yong‐Mei , Chung Eugene H. , Cronin Edmond M. , Curtis Anne B. , Cygankiewicz Iwona , Dandamudi Gopi , Dubin Anne M. , Ensch Douglas P. , Glotzer Taya V. , Gold Michael R. , Goldberger Zachary D. , Gopinathannair Rakesh , Gorodeski Eiran Z. , Gutierrez Alejandra , Guzman Juan C. , Huang Weijian , Imrey Peter B. , Indik Julia H. , Karim Saima , Karpawich Peter P. , Khaykin Yaariv , Kiehl Erich L. , Kron Jordana , Kutyifa Valentina , Link Mark S. , Marine Joseph E. , Mullens Wilfried , Park Seung‐Jung , Parkash Ratika , Patete Manuel F. , Pathak Rajeev Kumar , Perona Carlos A. , Rickard John , Schoenfeld Mark H. , Seow Swee‐Chong , Shen Win‐Kuang , Shoda Morio , Singh Jagmeet P. , Slotwiner David J. , Sridhar Arun Raghav M. , Srivatsa Uma N. , Stecker Eric C. , Tanawuttiwat Tanyanan , Tang W. H. Wilson , Tapias Carlos Andres , Tracy Cynthia M. , Upadhyay Gaurav A. , Varma Niraj , Vernooy Kevin , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi , Worsnick Sarah Ann , Zareba Wojciech , Zeitler Emily P. ,   Document Reviewers, Lopez‐Cabanillas Nestor , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Hua Wei , Ikeda Takanori , Mackall Judith A. , Mason Pamela K. , McLeod Christopher J. , Mela Theofanie , Moore Jeremy P. , Racenet Laurel Kay
Published: May 2023

Cardiac physiologic pacing (CPP), encompassing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and conduction system pacing (CSP), has emerged as a pacing therapy strategy that may mitigate or prevent the development of heart failure (HF) in patients with ventricular dyssynchrony or pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy. This clinical practice guideline is intended to provide guidance on indications for CRT for HF therapy and CPP in patients with pacemaker indications or HF, patient selection, pre‐procedure evaluation and preparation, implant procedure management, follow‐up evaluation and optimization of CPP response, and use in pediatric populations. Gaps in knowledge, pointing to new directions for future research, are also identified.
Identification and characterization of ι‐carrageenase from macroalgae‐associated bacterium Microbulbifer sp. YNDZ01
Authors: Zhang Qian , Gui Yuanyuan , Zhao Luying , Zhang Ao , Fu Liping , Cao Zhe , Li Jiang
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

In the present study, the ι‐carrageenase gene, Car1293, was obtained from the genome of Microbulbifer sp. YNDZ01, which was isolated from the surface of macroalgae. To date, there are few studies on ι‐carrageenase and the anti‐inflammatory activity of ι‐carrageenan oligosaccharides (CGOS). To enhance our perspective on ι‐carrageenase and ι‐carrageen oligosaccharides, the sequence, protein structure, enzymatic properties, enzymatic digestion products and anti‐inflammatory activity of the gene were investigated.

RESULTS

The gene length of Car1293 is 2,589 bp, encoding an enzyme with 862 amino acids, which shares 34% similarity with any previously reported ι‐carrageenase. The spatial structure of Car1293 consists of many α‐helices with a β‐fold binding module located at its terminus, and eight binding sites were found in the binding module as a result of docking with CGOS‐DP4 ligand. The optimum temperature and pH for the activity of recombinant Car1293 toward ι‐carrageenan were 50 °C and 6.0, respectively. The hydrolysates of Car1293 are mainly degree of polymerization (DP)8, with minor products showing DP2, DP4, and DP6. The enzymatic hydrolysates CGOS‐DP8 showed prominent anti‐inflammatory activity, which was greater than that of the positive control l‐monomethylarginine in lipopolysaccharide‐induced RAW264.7 macrophages. It inhibited nitric oxide production, as well as significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 secretion.

CONCLUSION

The ι‐carrageenase sequence encoded by Car1293 is novel and can hydrolyze carrageenan into CGOS‐DP8 that has a significant anti‐inflammatory effect. The present study fills a gap in the research on the biological activity of oligosaccharides in ι‐carrageenan and provides promising data for the development of natural anti‐inflammatory agent. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Anti‐oomycete ability of scopolamine against Phytophthora infestans, a terrible pathogen of potato late blight
Authors: Zhu Zhiming , Xiong Ziwen , Zou Wenjin , Shi Zhiwen , Li Shanying , Zhang Xinze , Liu Shicheng , Liu Yi , Luo Xunguang , Ren Jie , Zhu Zhenglin , Dong Pan
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Phytophthora infestans causes late blight, threatening potato production. The tropane alkaloid scopolamine from some industrial plants (Datura, Atropa, etc.) has a broad‐spectrum bacteriostatic effect, but its effect on P. infestans is unknown.

RESULTS

In the present study, scopolamine inhibited the mycelial growth of phytopathogenic oomycete P. infestans, and the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 4.25 g L−1. The sporangia germination rates were 61.43%, 16.16%, and 3.99% at concentrations of zero (control), 0.5 IC50, and IC50, respectively. The sporangia viability of P. infestans was significantly reduced after scopolamine treatment through propidium iodide and fluorescein diacetate staining, speculating that scopolamine destroyed cell membrane integrity. The detached potato tuber experiment demonstrated that scopolamine lessened the pathogenicity of P. infestans in potato tubers. Under stress conditions, scopolamine showed good inhibition of P. infestans, indicating that scopolamine could be used in multiple adverse conditions. The combination effect of scopolamine and the chemical pesticide Infinito on P. infestans was more effective than the use of scopolamine or Infinito alone. Moreover, transcriptome analysis suggested that scopolamine leaded to a downregulation of most P. infestans genes, functioning in cell growth, cell metabolism, and pathogenicity.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study to detect scopolamine inhibitory activity against P. infestans. Also, our findings highlight the potential of scopolamine as an eco‐friendly option for controlling late blight in the future. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Adding genistein or luteolin decreased the yield of citrinin and without reducing pigments in yam solid‐fermentation by Monascus
Authors: Yang Haiyun , Peng Zhiqing , Xie Liuming , Xie Jianhua , Huang Zhibing
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Chinese yam fermented by Monascus, namely red mold dioscorea (RMD), has the potential of treating diseases. However, the production of citrinin limits the application of RMD. In the present study, the fermentation process of Monascus was optimized by adding genistein or luteolin to reduce citrinin yield.

RESULTS

The results showed that citrinin in 25 g of Huai Shan yam was reduced by 48% and 72% without affecting the pigment yield by adding 0.2 g of luteolin or genistein, respectively, to a 250‐mL conical flask after fermentation for 18 days at 28 °C, whereas the addition of luteolin increased the content of yellow pigment by 1.3‐fold. Under optimal conditions, citrinin in 20 g of iron bar yam decreased by 55% and 74% after adding 0.2 g of luteolin or genistein. Luteolin also increased yellow pigment content by 1.2‐fold. Ultra HPLC coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was used for the preliminary analysis of Monascus fermentation products. It was found that the amino acid types in RMD are similar to those in yams, but there are fewer polysaccharides and fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the present study showed that the addition of genistein or luteolin could reduce citrinin on the premise of increasing pigment yield, which laid a foundation for the better use of yams in Monascus fermentation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Composition, functional properties and safety of honey: a review
Authors: Wang Hong , Li Lantao , Lin Xiaohui , Bai Weidong , Xiao Gengsheng , Liu Gongliang
Published: May 2023

Honey has been used not only as a food source but also for medicinal purposes. Recent studies have indicated that honey exhibits antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic and anti‐obesity properties, as well as anticancer, anti‐atherosclerotic, hypotensive, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities. These health benefits of honey could be attributed to its wide range of nutritional components, including polysaccharides and polyphenols, which have been proven to possess various beneficial properties. It is notable that the composition of honey can also be affected by nectar, season, geography and storage condition. Moreover, the safety of honey requires caution to avoid any potential safety incidents. Therefore, this review aims to provide recent research regarding the chemical composition, biological activities and safety of honey, which might be attributed to comprehensive utilization of honey. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
TiO2 nanoparticles combined with polystyrene nanoplastics aggravated reproductive toxicity in female mice via exacerbating intestinal barrier disruption
Authors: Zhang Jinfeng , Zou Yuying , Hu Liehai , Zhao Yu , Fen Yueying , Xu Hengyi
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), a widely used food additive in the food industry, have been shown to aggravate the progress of metabolic diseases. Nanoplastics (NPLs) are an emerging contaminant widely present in the food system and have been shown to induce ovarian disorders in mammals. Noteworthy, they can be ingested by humans through ‘contaminated’ food, whereas the potential toxicity of NPLs and TiO2 NPs combined remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the potential effects and mechanisms of co‐exposure to polystyrene (PS) NPLs and TiO2 NPs on the ovary in female mice.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that the co‐exposure of TiO2 NPs and PS NPLs caused significant injury to ovarian structure and function, but individual exposure had no effect. Moreover, compared to the TiO2 NPs group, co‐exposure aggravated the intestinal barrier damage in mice, increasing the bioaccumulation of TiO2 NPs in the ovary. After being supplemented with the oxidative stress inhibitor N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine, the expression of ovarian antioxidant genes increased, and the ovarian structural and functional injury in co‐exposure mice reverted to normal levels.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that co‐exposure to PS NPLs and TiO2 NPs can cause more severe female reproductive dysfunction and deepens the toxicological insights between NPLs and NPs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessing social perceptions of rewilding approaches in Spain using traditional domestic livestock
Authors: Pérez‐Barbería F. Javier , Gordon Iain J.
Published: May 2023

Rewilding is habitat restoration that attempts to return ecosystems to their state before human alterations were imposed. Rewilding might involve actions that are not desired by society. As a result, a compromised form of rewilding has been proposed that is generally known as rewilding lite, which involves some human intervention to achieve the goals of a more natural state of ecosystems that were historically disturbed by anthropogenic influences. Rewilding lite is gaining traction in Europe where marginal agriculture areas are being abandoned. We addressed a variant that we called livestock rewilding (LR) based on the use of herbivorous livestock species to restore ecological functions and trophic complexity (functional integrity) in abandoned agricultural landscapes. Our objective was to assess societal attitudes and awareness of LR in Spain based on the answers of 1,036 respondents of a self‐selecting questionnaire of 27 closed‐ended questions addressed to the general public using snowball sampling, conducted between March and July 2021. Seventy‐five percent of the respondents supported LR but only on the condition of imposing minimum hazards to people, crops, and property. Ranchers were the least likely societal group to support LR (58%). Women had the greatest enthusiasm for LR (79% women vs. 71% men). Horses, donkeys, and goats were the most preferred species to be included in LR programs, with pigs as the least popular after cattle and sheep. There was support for the removal of excess individuals of rewilded livestock and for the use of their meat for human consumption, especially among male respondents. Respondents were reticent to accept mortality in LR populations caused by natural stochastic events and discriminated between livestock species for population control methods. Respondents preferred non‐lethal methods of population control; involving hunters was a second choice. Some hunters were reluctant to participate in population control of rewilded livestock, especially if they had to pay, and were reticent to shoot equids but keen to shoot goats. There was general support among Spanish respondents for LR, though there were significant differences between societal groups in attitudes towards the type, species, and intensity of management required to minimize hazards to people's health, crops, and the environment. Livestock rewilding is a plausible tool for the restoration of trophic complexity in abandoned agricultural land in Spain that could be used to circumvent the introduction of allochthonous wild species.
Demographic history of the Punjab urial and implications for its management
Authors: Bajwa Amna Arshad , Shehzad Wasim , Islam Saher , Imran Muhammad , Ashraf Kamran , Khan Arman , Zahoor Muhammad Yasir , Rashid Muhammad Imran , Khan Waseem Ahmad , Rehman Habib Ur , Orozco‐Terwengel Pablo
Published: May 2023

The Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) is endemic to Northern Punjab, Pakistan, and is categorized as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. The urial population has declined by 30% over the last 3 generations. We used non‐invasive fecal samples to identify individuals and estimate population size of Punjab urial in the Kalabagh Game Reserve, Pakistan. We genotyped samples using 12 microsatellite markers to assess genetic variation, population structure, and demographic changes. Microsatellite analysis revealed high levels of genetic variation in urials in terms of expected and observed heterozygosity and allelic diversity. The population structure of the Punjab urial in the Kalabagh Game Reserve, based solely on microsatellite variation using Bayesian clustering, indicated 3 different clusters in the reserve. Results revealed that the urial population may be facing inbreeding pressure because its ancestral effective population size has declined from between 20,000 and 50,000 to ≤1,000 animals today. This reduction has partly occurred because of a bottleneck that occurred about 10,000 years ago. Results also indicate that 1 urial population cluster has the signature of a bottleneck, which may be due to population isolation. The 3 urial clusters are small and broadly dispersed in a large territory, meaning they could be extirpated without any opportunity for natural re‐population through dispersion. The results of our study support a management strategy that encourages maintaining connectivity between urial localities within the Kalabagh Game Reserve, increased diversity so the effective population size may recover from the historical decline, and the use of data generated here as a baseline of urial genetic diversity in the reserve for monitoring diversity over the long term.
I personally like it: Preference for minority endorsement in the early stage of the consumer decision journey
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Huang Minxue , Yu Zhengdong , Cai Wenpei
Published: May 2023

Consumers engage in word‐of‐mouth pervasively, and strategies such as different endorsement types are commonly used to facilitate word‐of‐mouth diffusion. Prior work on endorsement has highlighted the advantage of the majority (e.g., everyone likes it) in persuasion so that companies usually use it to shape consumers' preference, but is the majority endorsement more effective than the minority endorsement (e.g., I personally like it)? This research demonstrates that the persuasiveness of majority or minority endorsement depends on the stages of the consumer decision journey. Minority endorsement can be more influential than majority endorsement in the early stage of the consumer decision journey. This paper theorizes and demonstrates that this effect occurs because minority endorsement emphasizes differentiation from the group and does not have any conformity pressure, which could satisfy consumers' pronounced need for decision autonomy in the early stage. In contrast, majority endorsement is more effective in the late stage because consumers regard it as social proof and can better meet consumers' salient need for decision control. These findings identify psychological needs in the consumer decision journey, contribute to the research on social influence, and provide managerial insights for marketers on when and how to adopt different strategies to influence consumers.
Bring it on! Package shape signaling dominant male body promotes healthy food consumption for male consumers
Authors: Qian Da , Yan Haifeng , Pan Li , Li Ou
Published: May 2023

Although the effects of product packaging on food healthiness and product/brand anthropomorphism on consumer response have been extensively studied, there has been little attention paid to how anthropomorphizing the package could potentially bias consumers' perception of food healthiness and subsequent consumption. Drawing on theory from evolutionary psychology, the current paper proposes that package signaling a dominant male body (vs. nondominant package) promoted healthy food consumption among males rather than female consumers. In a field study (Study 1), preliminary real‐world evidence was collected that showed that both genders perceived food as healthier when it was packaged in a dominant (vs. nondominant) package. However, in terms of food content satisfaction, only males reported more satisfaction when exposed to the dominant (vs. nondominant) package, and this effect was not observed for unhealthy food. Next, two lab experiments directly assessed the impact of package dominance on male consumers' purchase intention of healthy food products and found that intrasexual competition underlies such effect (Studies 2 and 3). These findings were contingent on individual differences in competitive mindset (Study 4); competitive (vs. cooperative) consumers were more inclined to pay a premium for healthy food within dominant package. Our work adds to the growing body of literature on anthropomorphic package by highlighting the influential role of package dominance on healthy food consumption. Marketers selling healthy food may adopt a dominant (i.e., V‐shaped package) to communicate the product's healthiness and promote consumption for male consumers.
Development and Validation of the Dystonia‐Pain Classification System: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Listik Clarice , Listik Eduardo , de Paiva Santos Rolim Flávia , Meneses Cury Portela Denise Maria , Perez Lloret Santiago , de Alves Araújo Natália Rebeca , Carvalho Pedro Rubens Araújo , Santos Graziele Costa , Limongi João Carlos Papaterra , Cardoso Francisco , Mylius Veit , Brugger Florian , Fernandes Ana Mercia , Reis Barbosa Egberto , Jacobsen Teixeira Manoel , Ferraz Henrique Ballalai , Camargos Sarah Teixeira ,   Pain in Dystonia Study Group, Cury Rubens Gisbert , de Andrade Daniel Ciampi
Published: May 2023

Background

Dystonia is associated with disabling nonmotor symptoms like chronic pain (CP), which is prevalent in dystonia and significantly impacts the quality of life (QoL). There is no validated tool for assessing CP in dystonia, which substantially hampers pain management.

Objective

The aim was to develop a CP classification and scoring system for dystonia.

Methods

A multidisciplinary group was established to develop the Dystonia‐Pain Classification System (Dystonia‐PCS). The classification of CP as related or unrelated to dystonia was followed by the assessment of pain severity score, encompassing pain intensity, frequency, and impact on daily living. Then, consecutive patients with inherited/idiopathic dystonia of different spatial distribution were recruited in a cross‐sectional multicenter validation study. Dystonia‐PCS was compared to validated pain, mood, QoL, and dystonia scales (Brief Pain Inventory, Douleur Neuropathique‐4 questionnaire, European QoL‐5 Dimensions‐3 Level Version, and Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale).

Results

CP was present in 81 of 123 recruited patients, being directly related to dystonia in 82.7%, aggravated by dystonia in 8.8%, and nonrelated to dystonia in 7.5%. Dystonia‐PCS had excellent intra‐rater (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ‐ ICC: 0.941) and inter‐rater (ICC: 0.867) reliability. In addition, pain severity score correlated with European QoL‐5 Dimensions‐3 Level Version's pain subscore (r = 0.635, P < 0.001) and the Brief Pain Inventory's severity and interference scores (r = 0.553, P < 0.001 and r = 0.609, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Dystonia‐PCS is a reliable tool to categorize and quantify CP impact in dystonia and will help improve clinical trial design and management of CP in patients affected by this disorder. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A bounded dynamical network of curves and the stability of its steady states
Authors: Dassios Ioannis , Tzounas Georgios , Milano Federico
Published: May 2023

In this article, we study the dynamic behavior of a network that consists of curves that are in motion and bounded. We first focus on the construction of the model which is a system of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs). This system is subject to four conditions: angle and intersection conditions between the curves at the point that they meet and angle and intersection conditions between the curves and the boundary from which the network is bounded. Then, we define a linear operator and study the stability of the steady states of the corresponding boundary value problem (BVP).
Optimal and heuristic policies for production and inventory controls in dual supply chains with fluctuating demands
Authors: Lin Bing , Chen Shaoxiang , Bhatnagar Rohit
Published: May 2023

In the context of fast‐fashion business, we study the joint control of production, inventory, and unilateral transshipment in dual supply chains in which one supply chain is a responsive supply chain for fashion products and the other is an efficient supply chain for basic products in a fluctuating demand environment (FDE). Our research focuses on: (1) formulating an appropriate model for this complex problem; (2) characterizing the structured optimal policy, which can be used to develop effective heuristic policies; and (3) generalizing our studies for more applications. To address these issues, we formulate a discrete‐time finite‐horizon stochastic dynamic program model in which FDE is represented by a world state evolving in accordance with the discrete‐time Markov chain. The supply chain for the fashion product is modeled by a two‐stage tandem production system with a make‐to‐stock (MTS) stage for the fabric and a subsequent MTS stage for finished fashions. In parallel, the supply chain for the basic products is also modeled by a two‐stage tandem production system with a MTS stage for the fabric and a subsequent make‐to‐order (MTO) stage for finished basics. Further, the two supply chains are coupled via the unilateral transshipment of fabric with random transshipment time. By value iteration, we characterize the optimal policy for the single‐product problem with a set of monotone switching surfaces. The results are extended to the multi‐product multi‐supplier case. Further, based on the structure of the optimal policy, we develop a heuristic policy for the multi‐dimensional dynamic program model. From a practice perspective, we demonstrate the value of transshipment and controlled transshipment, analytically and numerically, and therefore justify the establishment of two separate local manufacturing bases in dual supply chains. Additionally, to achieve both quick response and efficiency, we show that the total cost can be reduced significantly if sufficient fabric is prepared just in time (JIT) for in‐season production at the beginning of a season.
Does mission concreteness make a difference in nonprofit performance? Automated text analysis approach to the importance of concrete mission statements
Authors: Baek Young Min , Ihm Jennifer , Kang Chul Hee
Published: May 2023

Mission statements are important for the performance of nonprofit organizations (NPOs), but many of them are not concrete enough to influence nonprofit performance and prior research has studied the concreteness of mission statements in two divergent ways. We investigated how the two aspects of concrete mission statement influence internal and external stakeholders of NPOs differently and affect nonprofit performance. We first conducted an automated text analysis to determine the relationship between the concreteness of the 100 largest US NPOs' mission statements and organizational performance (Study 1). To validate the measure of the automated text analysis and reveal the relationship between the two aspects of concrete mission statements, we additionally conducted randomized controlled experiments with 76 professionals in the nonprofit field who were in charge of evaluating organizational performance (Study 2). Results of both studies suggest that concrete mission statements are positively related to organizational performance and that nonprofit professionals' perceived concreteness of mission statements drives their prediction of higher organizational performance. Theoretical and practical implications for the concreteness of NPOs' mission statements are discussed.
Enhancing the education of paediatric nurses: A positive step towards achieving sustainable development goals
Authors: Nkurunziza Aimable , Katende Godfrey , Uwimana Philomene , Moreland Patricia J. , Rosa William E. , Umwangange Marie Louise , Kayiranga Dieudonne , Rugema Joselyne , Mukeshimana Madeleine
Published: May 2023

Aim

The aim of this discursive paper was to describe and expound on how paediatric nurses will be able to address the needs of children and adolescents through the lens of selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Rwanda.

Design

A discursive analysis of SDGs relating to the roles of paediatric nurses in the context of Rwanda.

Methods

A discursive method using SDGs as a guiding framework is used in this paper. We drew on our own experiences and supported them with the available literature.

Results

A collection of contextually relevant examples of how paediatric nurses will be able to address the needs of children and adolescents through the lens of selected SDGs in Rwanda was discussed. The selected SDGs expounded on were: no poverty, good health and well‐being, quality of education, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals.

Conclusions

There is no doubt that the paediatric nurses in Rwanda play undeniable key roles in attaining SDGs and their targets. Thus, there is a need to train more paediatric nurses with the support of the interdisciplinary partners. Collaboratively, this is possible in the bid to ensure equitable and accessible care to the current and future generations.

Public contribution

This discursive paper is intended to inform the different stakeholders in nursing practice, research, education and policy to support and invest in the advanced education of paediatric nurses for attainment of the SDGs.
A phenomenological study of the beliefs of family caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS on adherence to antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Yiryuo Lilian , Osman Wahab , Kpekura Stephen
Published: May 2023

Aim

To explore the beliefs of family caregivers on adherence to Anti‐Retroviral Therapy (ART) among children living with HIV/AIDS that received care at St. Joseph's Hospital, Jirapa, Ghana.

Design

A qualitative phenomenological design was employed for this study.

Method

Data was gathered using a semi‐structured in‐depth interview guide from 13 family caregivers of children with HIV/AIDS on ART. Analysis was done using the reflexive thematic analysis approach.

Results

Three major themes were generated during the analysis: “Beliefs regarding the effectiveness of ART”; “Beliefs regarding taking ART”; and “Beliefs regarding other treatments for HIV/AIDS”. Most caregivers believed that the ARTs were effective and improved their children's health, especially when adhered to strictly. Some, however, believed in praying to God for healing, and the use of local/herbal to augment ARTs.

Conclusion

Family caregivers generally hold positive beliefs about ARTs and its effectiveness for their children. Some, however, believe in spirits, prayers, and herbal/local treatment in addition to ARTs.