Functional Aspects Research Articles

Online advertisements with scarcity messages and the association with attitudes for functional and symbolic aspects of vitamins and supplements

Purpose Scarcity appeals in advertising can increase consumer purchase intentions. This study aims to examine the impact of different online scarcity message appeals and the association with consumer attitudes for functional and symbolic aspects of vitamins and supplements. Design/methodology/approach This survey of 789 participants evaluated the scarcity appeals of high-demand message, limited-time message, low-stock message and countdown timer and the association with consumer attitudes for functional and symbolic aspects of vitamins and supplements. Findings The results showed that high-demand messages as compared to regular advertising messages was significantly associated with increased functional and symbolic scale scores. African Americans, Hispanics and Asian/Asian Americans were each significantly associated with increased functional and symbolic scale scores as compared whites. Advertising deception of veracity was significantly negatively associated with symbolic scale score but not associated with functional scale score. Advertising deception of ethical was significantly positively associated with symbolic scale score but not associated with functional scale score. Practical implications In conclusion, high-demand messages may be a particularly useful type of scarcity appeal to use in online advertising for vitamins and supplements. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of online advertising message scarcity types and how they are associated with consumers attitudes for functional and symbolic aspects of vitamins and supplements.

Environmental Impact of Polyurethane-Based Aerogel Production: Influence of Solvents and Solids Content

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts associated with the synthesis of polyurethane (PUR) aerogels. The synthesis process incorporates various solvents and solids contents into the formulation, with the primary objective of enhancing the physical properties of the aerogels for broad industrial applications. Nine experimental scenarios were explored, grouped into two sets based on the variables studied. A detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of all formulated PUR aerogels. The findings indicate that a solvent solution of 100% ethyl acetate (EtOAc) results in lower environmental impacts compared to other tested formulations. Notably, a solvent solution comprising 75% acetonitrile (ACN) and 25% EtOAc exhibited the highest environmental Key Performance Indicator (εKPI) among the tested material formulations, closely followed by the PUR aerogel obtained using acetone as a solvent. Furthermore, this study underscores the necessity of performing an integrated LCA that considers both environmental and functional aspects. While reducing the solids content is environmentally advantageous, it may present challenges in terms of material functionality. This is illustrated by the PUR aerogel synthesized with the lowest solids content of 3.2 wt.%, which demonstrated high deformability, thereby complicating the determination of a reliable Young’s modulus for analysis.

A Digital Health Model for School-Based Implementation to Improve Parent and Child Outcomes: Comparison of Active Versus Light-Touch Coaching Effects.

Online or app-based parenting interventions have become more widely available in recent years. However, challenges related to poor engagement and high attrition have been noted in the literature, and there are important questions regarding ways to enhance parental engagement and improve treatment outcomes through digital health, including through the addition of therapeutic coaches. The current study evaluated differences in the effects of active versus "light-touch" coaching implementations of an enhanced version of Family Check-Up Online (FCU-O) on parent/family and child-level outcomes from pre-treatment to 2-month follow-up assessments. The enhanced version of the FCU-O was adapted to support families in coping with pandemic-related stressors to prevent youth behavioral and emotional problems during middle school and included app-based modules designed to support effective parenting practices as well as virtual coaching. In the "active-coach" condition, parenting coaches were active in efforts to arrange coaching sessions with parents as they worked through the app-based modules, while in the light-touch intervention, parent-coaches enrolled participants in the context of a one-time support session but did not actively pursue families to schedule additional sessions. Parents in the active-coach condition exhibited greater engagement with both the app and coaching sessions than parents in the light-touch condition. Further, stronger improvements in several aspects of parenting and child functioning were observed in the active-coach versus light-touch conditions. However, parents in the light-touch condition showed reductions in stress and comparable levels of dosage when using the app. Implications for prevention and accessibility of digital health interventions are discussed.

Relationships of post-stroke fatigue with mobility, recovery, performance, and participation-related outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Effective post-stroke mobility, recovery, performance, and participation are key goals for stroke survivors. However, these outcomes may be hindered by post-stroke fatigue (PSF), which can affect numerous aspects of post-stroke mobility, recovery, performance, functioning, community participation, and return to work. This review aimed to assess the scientific evidence on the relationship between PSF and mobility function, functional recovery, functional performance, and participation-related outcomes among stroke survivors. A comprehensive search of Cochrane Central, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (WoS) databases was conducted from inception to December 2023. Observational, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the National Institute of Health's quality assessment tool, while the risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. A total of 28 studies (n = 2,495 participants, 1,626 men, mean age ranging from 52.5 ± 9.5 to 71.1 ± 9.9 years) were included. The data analysis was conducted using narrative and quantitative synthesis. Fixed and random effects meta-analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between PSF and relevant outcomes. Chronic PSF was found to have significant negative correlations with mobility (meta r = -0.106, p < 0.001), balance performance (meta r = -0.172; 95%; p = 0.004), and quality of life (meta r = -0.647; p < 0.001). It also showed significant positive correlations with stroke impairment (meta r = 0.144, p < 0.001) and disability (meta r = 0.480, p < 0.001). Additionally, exertion/acute PSF had significantly negative correlations with walking economy (meta r = -0.627, p < 0.001) and walking endurance (meta r = -0.421, p = 0.022). The certainty of evidence was deemed moderate for these relationships. Our findings indicate that higher levels of PSF are associated with poorer mobility, balance, and participation, as well as greater disability and stroke impairment. Future studies, especially prospective longitudinal and randomized controlled trials, are warranted to substantiate our findings. PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42023492045.

In silico Analysis and Characterization of the F5H Gene Family in Sorghum bicolor and Its Role in Lignin Production

Ferulate 5-hydroxylase (F5H), a cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase, catalyzes the hydroxylation of coniferaldehyde, a crucial step in the formation of syringyl lignin monomer (S). However, evolutionary divergence, expression patterns under abiotic stress conditions (ABA, PEG and NaOH) and lignin content-related features of the F5H gene family in Sorghum bicolor have not been explored. This study envisaged mining of Sorghum genomic data leading to the identification of 61 SbF5H genes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the phylogenetic evolutionary relations, gene structures, conserved motifs, physicochemical properties, and promoter cis-acting elements related to these genes and their encoded proteins. Based on the gene structural and phylogenetic features, these 61 SbF5Hs were grouped into 4 subclasses. The in silico expression analysis revealed higher accumulation of SbF5H1 transcripts in embryo and in root under stress conditions. Similarly, Other SbF5H genes have shown expression in stem and root, thus indicating SbF5H genes involvement in Sorghum lignin biosynthesis. By exploring into the functional aspects of the F5H gene, our study sought to shed light on its significance in influencing not only the chemical makeup of lignin but also the resultant plant phenotypes. This insight into the molecular mechanisms governing lignin biosynthesis can have implications for bioenergy production and crop improvement.

Use of the ECG-Controlled Six-Minute Walk Test to Assess Exercise Capacity: a Comparative Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION. In clinical practice, stress tests are carried out to draw up an individual patient rehabilitation plan, assess tolerance and optimize the load, and evaluate its clinical effectiveness. The Six-minute walk test (6MWT), in the presence of contraindications to the bicycle ergometer test or the impossibility of performing it, is a tool for assessing the response of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to the load being performed. There is no description in the literature of the relationship between the distance traveled during 6MWT and the peak metabolic equivalent (MET) assessed during the bicycle ergometer test. AIM. Study the relationship between 6MWT indicators and the results of bicycle ergometer test in patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS. During the examination, 56 patients underwent a symptom limited bicycle ergometer test and 6MWT, the peak MET and the distance traveled during 6MWT, as well as changes in the ECG during both tests were assessed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The average values of maximum heart rate during the bicycle ergometer test and ECG-controlled 6MWT did not differ significantly. The distance in meters during 6MWT and the power of the exercise performed during bicycle ergometer test in MET have a significant relationship, which indicates the comparability of the data from these tests as a criterion of exercise tolerance. CONCLUSION. The use of 6MWT and bicycle ergometer test allows us to assess various aspects of cardiorespiratory function and physical fitness in patients undergoing a cardiac rehabilitation program. Further study of the possibility of using ECG-controlled 6MWT in the early stages of rehabilitation is necessary to create the most effective and safe physical training for patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction.

A Conceptual Framework for the Development of Effective Serious Games for Learning

Currently, the interest in using serious games as a tool for learning and teaching in traditional educational processes has increased significantly. Therefore, serious games for learning are gaining increasing attention from researchers and domain experts (educators), as they are both looking for methods and tools to improve the quality of learning. Even though there are many existing design frameworks, models, and methodologies that offer valuable insights into the possibilities and limitations of serious games for learning, they focus mostly on high-level aspects and requirements of these games. Therefore, they do not fully help in understanding how such aspects can be concretely fulfilled. In this research, we investigate, characterize, and categorize the functional requirements and aspects needed for developing effective serious games for learning. This investigation aims to construct a conceptual framework to fill the gap in the current design frameworks. The proposed conceptual framework is used to understand the game´s structure and behavior with a focus on both aspects of serious games (educational and entertainment aspects), in other words, providing a way to think about the relationships between serious game components and the learning objectives of the game. The main contributions of the proposed conceptual framework are to facilitate and support the design and development process of these games as well as to enhance the collaborative work within a multidisciplinary development team. Finally, to show the feasibility and applicability of the conceptual framework, a practical example is presented to demonstrate the use of this framework. Furthermore, we conducted an evaluation process for implementing the conceptual model. The evaluation shows promising results in helping participants, particularly those with gaming experience, to understand and identify the roles of each component in the game and recognize the game's learning objectives. This will eventually lead to design and develop effective learning games in a flexible and easy-to-use way.

Multiplane Spectroscopic Whole‐Body Photoacoustic Computed Tomography of Small Animals In Vivo

AbstractTo understand complex biological process and disease progression, it is essential to comprehensively track biodynamics across entire organisms. The invaluable tracking tool, photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT), provides insights into structural, functional, and molecular aspects of living tissues. However, current small‐animal PACT systems suffer from low temporal/spatial resolution and a restricted field of view, and they are limited in the biological information they can provide, hindering research on whole‐body biodynamics. Here, it is demonstrated a continuous rotary‐scanning PACT system for rapid monitoring of various parameters within the relatively large torso of a small animal. In this PACT system, a hemispherical transducer array is continuously rotated at high speed, enabling a 3D scan of an entire mouse body in just 54 s, with a spatial resolution of 172–212 µm. The rapid rotary scanning allows us to not only image whole‐body structures but also to monitor pharmacokinetics and changes in hemoglobin oxygen saturation in living animals. This approach holds great promise for advancing the understanding of in vivo biological dynamics, opening up a new avenue of preclinical research in areas such as metabolic diseases and drug delivery.

Impact of pre-treatment counselling on decisional regret of prostate cancer survivors: Cross-sectional analysis of patient-reported experience following diagnosis or treatment.

Prostate cancer (PCa) impacts patient lives beyond oncologic concerns alone. PCa survivorship entails all impacts of PCa, from time of diagnosis to end of life. This may include decision regret (DR). We aimed to determine survivor experiences from a functional perspective throughout survivorship. Our cross-sectional survey was circulated to all members of the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group. Questions explored patient understanding of functional impacts concerning treatment. Survey items included binary and Likert scale questions, and an open-answered question asking how care may be improved. Responses were used to identify predictors of DR. A total of 514 patients received our survey with a response rate of 23.7% (n=122). Most survivors were offered radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiation therapy, at 73.0% and 63.9%, respectively; 14.9% reported lacking understanding of treatment impact on erections. Similarly, 11.5% reported lacking understanding of treatment on urinary continence. Predictors of DR included treatment with RP and low pre-treatment understanding of potential erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence. PCa survivors are at high risk of DR, particularly those who undergo treatment with RP and those who identify as having low pre-treatment understanding of potential ED and urinary incontinence. Virtual care did not impact DR. Results highlight the importance of thorough counselling on functional aspects of PCa management prior to treatment.

ФОРМУВАННЯ ЛОГІСТИЧНОЇ ПІДСИСТЕМИ ДИСТРИБУЦІЇ ПРОДУКЦІЇ

The article highlights the transformational trends of the market environment, under which the product distribution model is gaining more and more importance. The explanation for this is the need for manufacturers and sellers to adapt to the needs of consumers and increase the efficiency of their satisfaction, to build systems of distribution and exchange of goods, to develop integrative inter-industry and inter-sectoral connections, to improve the quality of institutional relations. It was concluded that the issue of product distribution and the formation of its logistics subsystem is the object of numerous scientific studies, the main emphasis of which is given to the processes of marketing, technical-technological, information-communication and other support, while adhering to the interests of all market participants – manufacturers, sellers, consumers. The functional aspects of the formation of the logistics subsystem of product distribution have been determined. The distribution system unites a number of product supply chains and thereby qualitatively responds to changes in consumer preferences and ensures a high degree of their satisfaction. The establishment of product distribution has clear signs of creating a complete management system using mechanisms and approaches that primarily take into account technological and information and communication transformations. The characteristics of the fundamental differences of the logistics subsystem from other elements of enterprise management in the context of the features of product distribution are given. The speed of movement of products from the producer to the consumer, while often bypassing the retailer, becomes a decisive factor in establishing stable commodity-money relations. Accordingly, the formation of the logistics subsystem should take into account the numerous features of product distribution and become part of the general mechanism of enterprise management.

Metabolomics: Implication in cardiovascular research and diseases.

Cellular metabolism influences all aspects of cellular function and is crucial for overall organismal health. Metabolic disorders related to cardiovascular health can lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Moreover, associated comorbidities may also damage cardiovascular metabolism, exacerbating CVD and perpetuating a vicious cycle. Given the prominent role of metabolic alterations in CVD, metabolomics has emerged as an imperative technique enabling a comprehensive assessment of metabolites and metabolic architecture within the body. Metabolite profile and metabolic pathways help to deepen and broaden our understanding of complex genomic landscape and pathophysiology of CVD. Here in this review, we aim to overview the experimental and clinical applications of metabolomics in pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and management of various CVD plus future perspectives and limitations.

Evaluation of somatosensory bedside testing and neurodynamics of the trigeminal nerve in craniofacial pain: A matched case–control study

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to investigate whether trigeminal somatosensory function and mechanosensitivity differ between groups with craniofacial neuropathic pain (CNP), non-neuropathic craniofacial pain (NNP), and healthy controls (HC). Methods Thirty-three participants were categorized into these groups, matched for age and sex. The study evaluated pain intensity, the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS), and various trigeminal somatosensory tests, including vibration, pressure pain, thermal detection, cold pain, and neurodynamic tests of the trigeminal nerve. Results Cold pain thresholds differed significantly among the three groups CNP, NNP, and HC (p = .047). No difference was found in vibration detection, pressure pain threshold, and thermal detection. Trigeminal nerve mechanosensitivity was significantly different among the three groups (p = .03), particularly between groups CNP and HC (p = .01). Conclusion Differences in aspects of trigeminal somatosensory function, including cold pain and trigeminal mechanosensitivity, exist between subjects with chronic craniofacial pain and HC. This implies that a clinical classification system for neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation could be valuable in evaluating patients.

9209 Functional Evaluation Of Novel CYP21A2 Variants: Expanding The Genetic Basis Of Non-classic CAH

Abstract Disclosure: A. Matveeva: None. Y. Xu: None. V. Tardy-Guidollet: None. A.V. Pandey: None. Introduction: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) comprises a group of autosomal recessive genetic disorders affecting the production of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and gonadocorticoids. In approximately 95% of cases, CAH results from a deficiency in CYP21A2. A Non-Classic form of CAH (NC-CAH) arises when CYP21A2 activity decreases to 20-50% of the normal level, occurring at an estimated frequency of 1 in 200 - 1000 individuals. The clinical picture is characterized by the accumulation of androgen precursors, causing hirsutism, acne, metabolic syndrome, menstrual irregularities, infertility in females, and androgenic alopecia, oligospermia in males. Methods: We selected mutations from CYP21A2 sequence data of patients with NC-CAH symptoms admitted to CHU Lyon, France (L49V, A81T, R125G, I161T, L199F, L289H, L289F, V306D, L462P). Additional variants were selected from the SNP databases (dbSNP, gnomAD, ClinVar) based on a high frequency in humans (H393Q, P387L, T201A, S203G S274Y, S494N, R76K, Leu10del). All variants underwent in silico assessment considering evolutionary, structural, and functional aspects (ConSurf, Predict SNP2, CADD, DANN, FATHMM, FunSeq2, GWAVA, PANTHER, SNPs&amp;GO, PhD-SNP, SIFT, SNAP, Meta-SNP, Polyphen2, HDIV, DUET). The CYP21A2 proteins carrying the mutations were overexpressed in HEK 293T cells. We evaluated CYP21A2 enzyme activities by measuring the conversion of 14C-Progesterone into 11-deoxycortisol by thin layer chromatography and autoradiography. Samples were tested in duplicates, using the activity of WT CYP21A2 as a control. Results: Computational analysis revealed that A81T, R125G, I161T, and L289H substitutions significantly impair protein structure, while other variants showed moderate effects. Except for L199F, all patient-derived variants exhibited reduced 21-hydroxylase (CYP21A2) activity associated with NC-CAH phenotypes. Variants from databases did not demonstrate a significant loss of function related to CAH. Conclusion: In this study we investigate the pathogenicity of uncharacterized CYP21A2 variants in relation to non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH), contributing to a better understanding of associated phenotypes. The findings, particularly the identification of novel mutations and the assessment of their impact on CYP21A2 activity, hold promise for improving diagnosis and treatment strategies aimed at mitigating severe outcomes of NC-CAH, such as miscarriages or irreversible alopecia. It also raises awareness among heterozygous carriers, assisting in family planning and medical decisions. Presentation: 6/1/2024

8368 Functional Evaluation Of Novel CYP21A2 Variants: Expanding The Genetic Basis Of Non-classic CAH

Abstract Disclosure: A. Matveeva: None. Y. Xu: None. V. Tardy-Guidollet: None. A.V. Pandey: None. Introduction: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) comprises a group of autosomal recessive genetic disorders affecting the production of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and gonadocorticoids. In approximately 95% of cases, CAH results from a deficiency in CYP21A2. A Non-Classic form of CAH (NC-CAH) arises when CYP21A2 activity decreases to 20-50% of the normal level, occurring at an estimated frequency of 1 in 200 - 1000 individuals. The clinical picture is characterized by the accumulation of androgen precursors, causing hirsutism, acne, metabolic syndrome, menstrual irregularities, infertility in females, and androgenic alopecia, oligospermia in males. Methods: We selected mutations from CYP21A2 sequence data of patients with NC-CAH symptoms admitted to CHU Lyon, France (L49V, A81T, R125G, I161T, L199F, L289H, L289F, V306D, L462P). Additional variants were selected from the SNP databases (dbSNP, gnomAD, ClinVar) based on a high frequency in humans (H393Q, P387L, T201A, S203G S274Y, S494N, R76K, Leu10del). All variants underwent in silico assessment considering evolutionary, structural, and functional aspects (ConSurf, Predict SNP2, CADD, DANN, FATHMM, FunSeq2, GWAVA, PANTHER, SNPs&amp;GO, PhD-SNP, SIFT, SNAP, Meta-SNP, Polyphen2, HDIV, DUET). The CYP21A2 proteins carrying the mutations were overexpressed in HEK 293T cells. We evaluated CYP21A2 enzyme activities by measuring the conversion of 14C-Progesterone into 11-deoxycortisol by thin layer chromatography and autoradiography. Samples were tested in duplicates, using the activity of WT CYP21A2 as a control. Results: Computational analysis revealed that A81T, R125G, I161T, and L289H substitutions significantly impair protein structure, while other variants showed moderate effects. Except for L199F, all patient-derived variants exhibited reduced 21-hydroxylase (CYP21A2) activity associated with NC-CAH phenotypes. Variants from databases did not demonstrate a significant loss of function related to CAH. Conclusion: In this study we investigate the pathogenicity of uncharacterized CYP21A2 variants in relation to non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH), contributing to a better understanding of associated phenotypes. The findings, particularly the identification of novel mutations and the assessment of their impact on CYP21A2 activity, hold promise for improving diagnosis and treatment strategies aimed at mitigating severe outcomes of NC-CAH, such as miscarriages or irreversible alopecia. It also raises awareness among heterozygous carriers, assisting in family planning and medical decisions. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Quality of Life in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Baaquba City

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease that significantly impacts the quality of life (QoL) of elderly individuals, often leading to severe disability. Specific Background: KOA, a prevalent condition primarily affecting middle-aged women, is exacerbated by risk factors like obesity, genetics, and reduced physical activity. Knowledge Gap: Despite existing studies on KOA, there is limited research on its impact on QoL in the Iraqi context, particularly in Baqubah City. Aims: The study evaluated the quality of life (QoL) of KOA patients in Baqubah, Iraq, considering physical, psychological, social, and functional aspects, and identifying influencing factors. Results: Data were collected from 374 patients at Baqubah Teaching Hospital, using a structured and validated HRQOL questionnaire. The study revealed that KOA patients experienced a significantly reduced QoL, especially in the physical and functional domains. Females and those with a longer illness duration reported worse outcomes. Obesity and overweight were found to be common among patients, further exacerbating the disease. Novelty: This study evaluates KOA's impact on QoL in Baqubah, revealing high prevalence and significant negative effects on daily activities. Implications: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance the quality of life for KOA patients in Baqubah, focusing on weight management, physiotherapy, and improved public health strategies. Highlights: KOA severely impairs physical and functional quality of life in patients. Obesity and inactivity are key modifiable risk factors for KOA. Women and long-term sufferers face greater QoL challenges. Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis, Quality of Life, Risk Factors, Obesity, Baqubah

Theoretical Dimension of Modern Designers’ Conceptual Forms of Creativity

The aim of the article is to identify key characteristics of artistic and design practices interaction; to define directions of conceptual design development based on the results of analysing scientific and theoretical foundations of conceptualism as a special form of the artists’ creativity in the 20th century. Results. It is demonstrated that the focus of modern designers on conceptual forms of creativity is explained by the fact that they contribute to forming unique authors’ projects of aesthetic and value content, innovative searches in the context of cultural and civilisational shifts. A conceptual costume of the beginning of the 21st century is a kind of mediator between art practices of conceptual art and design practices in the sphere of project culture, synthesising social and psychological aspects of fashion, social and symbolic functions of clothing. A conceptual design narrativises philosophical, artistic and technological aspects of design, enriching design products with an expressive metaphoricity. It is revealed that in modern art history a clear definition of the term system of the conceptual direction in design has not been formed till now. The research of this complex phenomenon, synthesised by fashion and artistic clothing design, requires a complex interdisciplinary approach. The conceptual costume is studied as an art-design object from the standpoint of global and local tendencies in the society development, which declare certain worldview values in the form of a visual metaphor. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the theoretical understanding of the conceptual costume grounds on the interaction of design with culture and art as a special space of its direct functioning, which makes it possible to form project conceptualism as a special methodology. Conclusions. The authors’ concepts in the costume are extrapolated in different ways: as visual quotations or metaphors; as a transformation of the art object idea into the form of the costume. Actually, they need in-depth and detailed studying.

Cascade effects of a parenting-focused program for divorced families on three health-related outcomes in emerging adulthood.

Using data from a 15-year longitudinal follow-up of a randomized controlled trial of a parenting-focused preventive intervention for divorced families (N = 240) with children aged 9-12, the current study examined alternative cascading pathways through which the intervention led to improvements in offspring's perceived health problems, BMI, and cigarette smoking in emerging adulthood. It was hypothesized that the program would lead to improvements in these health-related outcomes during emerging adulthood through progressive associations between program-induced changes in parenting and offspring outcomes, including mental health problems, substance use, and competencies. Intervention-induced improvements in positive parenting at posttest led to improvements in mental health problems in late childhood/early adolescence, which led to lower levels of mental health and substance use problems as well as higher levels of competencies in adolescence, which led to improvements in the health-related outcomes. Academic performance predicted all three health-related outcomes and other aspects of adolescent functioning showed different relations across outcomes. Results highlight the potential for intervention effects of preventive parenting interventions in childhood to cascade over time to affect health-related outcomes in emerging adulthood.

Improvements to mood, stress and loneliness following 12-week multivitamin supplementation in older adults: a randomised, placebo-controlled, trial.

Research has indicated the potential for multivitamin-mineral (MVM) supplementation to improve aspects of wellbeing and cognitive function in older adults via a range of biological mechanisms. However, outside of cognitive function and mood, this research rarely assesses other outcomes that are pertinent to the daily lives of older adults. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a MVM supplement on meaningful outcomes of everyday functioning in older adults. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel groups trial investigated the effects of 12-week MVM supplementation on measures of wellbeing, mood, and memory; physical health and activity; and social interaction and loneliness. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks in a sample of 228 (124 female) older adults ( > 70 years). MVM supplementation had no effect on the primary outcome of wellbeing (p = 0.29 in males, p = 0.421 in females), but led to increased feelings of friendliness in females (p = 0.045). In males, following MVM, there were lower levels of prolonged stress reactivity (p = 0.007), lower overall stress reactivity (p = 0.019), and lower emotional loneliness (p = 0.042). This study provides novel evidence of increased friendliness and decreased stress reactivity and loneliness following MVM supplementation in older adults. These findings support the exploration of broader functions pertinent to aspects of daily living in older adults. Sex differences in response highlight the importance of exploring effects in men and women separately and support a recommendation for the inclusion of diverse samples in future research that are representative of the population.

Mechanism of enhanced salt tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by CRZ1 overexpression

Achieving high-gravity fermentation in the industrial production of fuel ethanol, and enhancing the fermentation efficiency of high-salt raw materials, such as waste molasses, can significantly reduce wastewater output and process costs. Therefore, the development of hyperosmotic-tolerant industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, capable of resisting high-salt stress, offers both environmental and economic benefits. Our previous study highlighted the potential of CRZ1 overexpression as a strategy to improve the yeast strain’s resistance to high-salt stress, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unexplored. The fermentation capabilities of the CRZ1-overexpressing strain, KCR3, and its parental strain, KF7, were evaluated under condition of 1.25 M NaCl at 35 °C. Compared to KF7, KCR3 showed an 81% increase in glucose consumption (129.25 ± 0.83 g/L) and a 105% increase in ethanol production (47.59 ± 0.93 g/L), with a yield of 0.37 g/g. Comparative transcriptomic analysis showed that under high-salt stress, KCR3 exhibited significantly upregulated expression of genes associated with ion transport, stress response, gluconeogenesis, and the utilization of alternative carbon sources, while genes related to glycolysis and the biosynthesis of ribosomes, amino acids, and fatty acids were notably downregulated compared to KF7. Crz1 likely expands its influence by regulating the expression of numerous transcription factors, thereby impacting genes involved in multiple aspects of cellular function. The study revealed the regulatory mechanism of Crz1 under high-salt stress, thereby providing guidance for the construction of salt-tolerant strains.

Altered Protein Palmitoylation as Disease Mechanism in Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Palmitoylation, a lipid-based posttranslational protein modification, plays a crucial role in regulating various aspects of neuronal function through altering protein membrane-targeting, stabilities, and protein-protein interaction profiles. Disruption of palmitoylation has recently garnered attention as disease mechanism in neurodegeneration. Many proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and associated neuronal dysfunction, including but not limited to amyloid precursor protein, β-secretase (BACE1), postsynaptic density protein 95, Fyn, synaptotagmin-11, mutant huntingtin, and mutant superoxide dismutase 1, undergo palmitoylation, and recent evidence suggests that altered palmitoylation contributes to the pathological characteristics of these proteins and associated disruption of cellular processes. In addition, dysfunction of enzymes that catalyze palmitoylation and depalmitoylation has been connected to the development of neurological disorders. This review highlights some of the latest advances in our understanding of palmitoylation regulation in neurodegenerative diseases and explores potential therapeutic implications.