Decline In Quality Research Articles

Standardized Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Congenital Aniridia.

Congenital aniridia is a rare panocular disorder that is associated with varying degrees of impairment of visual acuity. The COST Action (CA18116) developed a survey (aniridia-net.eu) to assess patient-reported experiences with congenital aniridia and its impacts on vision and daily life. Here, we correlate the survey responses of German patients with congenital aniridia with clinical ophthalmology data acquired at the Homburger Aniridia Center. The patients completed the German-language version of a 20-point ANIRIDIA-NET survey. The survey included demographic information, the most common symptoms caused by the disease, difficulties caused by visual impairment in various life situations, and the frequency of using visual aids in daily life. As for clinical data, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) as well as corneal, lens, and glaucoma status were collected. A total of 71 participants, 27 (38.0%) children and 44 (61.7%) adults, completed the questionnaire, with an age range of 28.8 ± 20.2 years (6 - 78 years). Among them, 55 (77.4%) reported daily light sensitivity, 34 (47.8%) experienced dry eyes, 17 (23.9%) had fluctuating vision, 11 (15.4%) reported eye pain, and 5 (7.0%) experienced daily watering eyes. Older patients reported significantly more eye complaints than children (p < 0,001). Notably, patients with more advanced aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK) exhibited a discernibly lower quality of life (ρ = 0.28, p = 0.027). Similarly, cataract surgery early in life was associated with a more pronounced decline in quality of life (ρ = - 0.36, p = 0.002). Thirty-five (49.2%) patients never needed assistance for their commute to school/work, 27 (38.0%) and 22 (30.9%) never needed assistance for their daily routines at home or various social activities, respectively. Regarding the use of visual aids, 39 (24.9%) reported that they always used visual aids at work or school, 24 (33.8%) during social activities, and 32 (45.1%) during free time activities. Although congenital aniridia is associated with reduced visual acuity, the majority of affected individuals, especially during childhood, report that they were able to manage personal communication and various life situations independently and without significant difficulties, despite their eye-related issues. Visual aids serve as crucial support for them during their transition into adulthood and as they age. Symptoms of congenital aniridia subjects, described by the ANIRIDIA-NET survey, correlated well with clinical findings. Therefore, the questionnaire may provide important information for the treating ophthalmologist for follow-up examination of these patients and improvement in their life quality.

Application of a Modified Ecological Quality Monitoring Method in the Southeastern Hilly Region of China

The southeastern hilly region of China is ecologically significant but highly vulnerable to climate change and human activities. This study developed a Modified Remote Sensing Ecological Index (MRSEI) using satellite imagery and Human Footprint data to assess ecological quality across 14 cities surrounding the Wuyi Mountains. We applied Sen’s slope analysis, the Mann–Kendall test, and spatial autocorrelation to evaluate spatiotemporal ecological changes from 2000 to 2020, and used partial correlation analysis to explore the drivers of these changes. The main findings are as follows: (1) Ecological quality generally improved over the study period, with significant year-to-year fluctuations. The eastern region, characterized by higher altitudes, consistently exhibited better ecological quality than the western region. The area of low-quality ecological zones significantly decreased, while Ji’an, Ganzhou, Heyuan, and Meizhou saw the most notable improvements. In contrast, urban areas experienced a marked decline in ecological quality. (2) The region is undergoing warming and wetting trends. Increased precipitation, especially in the western and northern regions, improved ecological quality, except in urban areas, where it heightened flood risks. Rising temperatures had mixed effects: they enhanced ecological quality in high-altitude areas (~516 m) but negatively impacted low-altitude regions (~262 m) due to intensified heat stress. (3) Although industrial restructuring reduced environmental pressure, rapid population growth and urban expansion created new ecological challenges. This study provides an innovative method for the ecological monitoring of hilly regions, effectively integrating human activity and climatic factors into ecological assessments. The findings offer valuable insights for sustainable development and ecological management in similar sensitive regions.

Ecosystem Services Trade-Offs in the Chaohu Lake Basin Based on Land-Use Scenario Simulations

Amid global environmental degradation, understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics and trade-offs of ecosystem services (ESs) under varying land-use scenarios is critical for advancing the sustainable development of social–ecological systems. This study analyzed the Chaohu Lake Basin (CLB), focusing on four scenarios: natural development (ND), economic priority (ED), ecological protection (EP), and sustainable development (SD). Using the PLUS model and multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA), land-use changes for 2030 were simulated, and their effects on ESs were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. The ND scenario led to significant declines in cropland (3.73%) and forest areas (0.18%), primarily due to construction land expansion. The EP scenario curbed construction land growth, promoted ecosystem recovery, and slightly increased cropland by 0.05%. The SD scenario achieved a balance between ecological and economic goals, maintaining relative stability in ES provision. Between 2010 and 2020, construction land expansion, mainly concentrated in central Hefei City, led to a marked decline in habitat quality (HQ) and landscape aesthetics (LA), whereas water yield (WY) and soil retention (SR) improved. K-means clustering analysis identified seven ecosystem service bundles (ESBs), revealing significant spatial heterogeneity. Bundles 4 through 7, concentrated in mountainous and water regions, offered high biodiversity maintenance and ecological regulation. In contrast, critical ES areas in the ND and ED scenarios faced significant encroachment, resulting in diminished ecological functions. The SD scenario effectively mitigated these impacts, maintaining stable ES provision and ESB distribution. This study highlights the profound effects of different land-use scenarios on ESs, offering insights into sustainable planning and ecological restoration strategies in the CLB and comparable regions.

Falling Sperm Counts in the Past 40 Years among Western Men: A Review Article

Background: Recently so many studies have documented a concerning decline in semen quality among men in Western countries over the past few decades. This decline, characterized by reduced sperm concentration, motility and morphology, has been linked to a range of potential factors. Lifestyle changes, such as increased obesity rates, sedentary lifestyle and exposure to environmental pollutants are believed to contribute significantly. Additionally, factors such as poor diet, high levels of stress and exposure to endocrine disrupting chemical may also play a role. This deterioration in semen quality raises a concern about male infertility. The purpose of this review is to address the main disorders of semen quality, its aetiologies and steps which are essential to overcome the issues. Further research is crucial to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of low quality semen on the reproductive health. J Com Med Col Teachers Asso July 2024; 28(2): 96-99

Evolution and Predictive Analysis of Spatiotemporal Patterns of Habitat Quality in the Turpan–Hami Basin

The expansion of urban areas and unsustainable land use associated with human activities have brought about a decline in habitat quality (HQ), especially in arid regions with fragile ecosystems. A precise prediction of land use and habitat quality changes across different scenarios is crucial for the sustainable maintenance of ecological diversity. In this article, the InVEST model was employed to assess both the quality and degradation levels of habitats in the Turpan–Hami Basin (THB) spanning 1990~2020. Additionally, the InVEST-PLUS coupling model was employed to forecast habitat conditions under three different scenarios in 2050. Specifically, it involved the comparison of land use changes and spatial distribution of HQ across natural development (ND) scenarios, town development (UD) scenarios, and ecological protection (EP) scenarios, along with the analysis of hot spots of HQ spanning 1990~2050. The outcomes revealed the following: (1) The primary land use in the THB was categorized as unused land, alongside notable expansions in cultivated land, grassland, and built-up land. Conversely, there was a considerable decline observed in forests, water bodies, and unused land spanning 1990~2020. (2) The HQ within the THB exhibited evident spatial clustering characteristics. Between 1990 and 2020, areas with low HQ accounted for over 85%, areas with unchanged HQ constituted 88.19%, areas experiencing deteriorated HQ comprised approximately 5.02%, and areas displaying improved HQ encompassed around 6.79%. (3) Through the comparison of HQ for the ND, UD, and EP scenarios in 2050, it was observed that the average HQ under the EP scenario ranked highest, exhibiting the lowest degree of degradation on average. This indicates that the EP scenario is most advantageous for preserving HQ. Conclusively, this research provides valuable viewpoints for making decisions aimed at enhancing HQ in ecologically fragile arid regions.

The role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in exercise-induced skeletal muscle adaptation

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this narrative review is to offer an updated perspective on the current research on the glycoprotein Osteoprotegerin (OPG), including its potential therapeutic impact and mechanisms of action, and interaction with bone and muscle tissues. Content As health and social care advances people are living longer, with projections suggesting that in 2050 there will be 2 billion people who are aged over 60 years. Yet musculoskeletal health still declines into older age and as a result there is an increase in the proportion of older populations that spend more time with persistent disabilities. Although physical exercise is repeatedly demonstrated to minimise detrimental effects of ageing, it is not always a feasible intervention, and other directions must be considered. Summary and outlook OPG, a glycoprotein decoy receptor for the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL) is a key regulator of bone formation yet emerging evidence has presented its potential to offer positive outcomes in regard to the preservation of skeletal muscle mass and function. Animal models have shown that OPG levels increase during exercise, and independently acts to restore losses of muscle strength and reduce bone resorption. Interventions to increase circulating OPG alongside exercise may act as a therapeutic target to combat the decline in quality of life in older age in humans. Further research is needed on the mechanisms of its action and interaction in humans in combination with exercise.

MELD score predicts outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure: A longitudinal evaluation.

Advanced heart failure (AHF) is characterized by recurrent episodes of haemodynamic instability and frequent hospitalizations, leading to a progressive decline in quality of life and high mortality rates. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and its variations in predicting adverse outcomes [death, urgent heart transplant, and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant] among patients with AHF to assess the clinical associations of the MELD score in this population and to compare the efficacy of this tool with other prognostic scores in AHF. In this longitudinal prospective study, 162 patients with advanced heart failure (AHF) were enrolled; all patients included in the study were receiving the maximum tolerated medical therapy according to guidelines. The MELD score was measured at baseline and every 6months during follow-up. All patients underwent echocardiographic assessment and cardiopulmonary testing, which included the evaluation of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and the minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope. The mean age of the study group was 57.7±11.6years. There were 26 deaths, 5 urgent transplants, and 1 LVAD implantation during a follow-up period of 31.4±15.6months. The mean New York Heart Association (NYHA) class was 2.8±0.5, ejection fraction (EF) was 26.3±6.5%, the mean VO2max was 11.7±3.5mL/kg/min. Multiple regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between the MELD score and NT-proBNP (β=0.215; P=0.041) and furosemide dosage (β=0.187; P=0.040). Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between the MELD score and TAPSE (β=-0.204; P=0.047). Multivariate Cox regression on combined outcome shows a HR of 1.094 (95% CI 1.003-1.196) for unit increase in MELD considered as a continuous variable. The predictive role is independent by the effect of covariates considered in the analysis such as age, sex, NYHA class, EF, TAPSE, PASP, VO2max, NT-proBNP, MELD score worsening, and NT-proBNP increase. Changes in MELD score percentage, considered as a dichotomous variable (≤100% and >100%), were found to be predictors of mortality, urgent heart transplant and LVAD implant. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.887 for MELD score and composite outcome of death, urgent transplant, and need for LVAD. The predictive performance of MELD was even superior compared with MELD-Na, MELD-XI, MAGGIC risk score, and MECKI. The MELD score and its longitudinal changes are effective predictors of adverse outcomes in AHF.

First report of Stenocarpella macrospora causing Diplodia leaf streak disease of maize in Yunnan Province, China.

Maize (Zea mays. L) is cultivated globally as a staple food crop, animal feed, and biofuel. However, persistent diseases in maize have led significant yield losses and a decline in grain quality (Yang et al., 2017). In August 2024, long and narrow lesions were observed on the leaves of maize growing in a field in Luoping County, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China (24° 94' 87" N, 101° 32' 24" E). The incidence of the disease was investigated to be about 15-30% in different varieties of maize planting areas in seven townships. Initial symptoms appeared as yellow to tan stripes, with the lesions measuring 3 to 48 mm in width and 45 to 560 mm in length. In severe cases, the lesions expanded, leading to complete leaf necrosis, which caused significant damage to maize production. Dark brown sub-epidermal pycnidia and conidia were observed on the necrotic leaf tissue. The pycnidia were globose or sac-like structures, with short and narrow conidiophores. The newly formed conidia are narrow, non-septate, and have transparent cytoplasm. The conidia are subcylindrical to narrowly ellipsoid, straight, curved, or occasionally irregular, measuring 38 to 86 × 7.2 to 12.3 µm. They are 0-3-septate, smooth-walled, pale brown, apex obtuse, base truncate. Therefore, 80 individual conidia were picked under a dissecting microscope, transferred to PDA plates containing antibiotics (10 mg/L rifampicin and ampicillin) followed by incubation at 28°C for 7 days (Fei et al., 2019). After seven days, the colonies of all isolates were turned grey and downy. Based on the maize leaf symptoms and the morphological characteristics of the pycnidia and conidia, the fungus was tentatively identified as Stenocarpella spp. (Luna et al., 2016). To confirm the identity of all isolates, DNA was extracted from 10 randomly selected isolates using the cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the translation elongation factor 1α (TEF-1α) gene were amplified using the primer pairs ITS-1/ITS-4 and EF-1/EF-2, respectively, and then sequenced (Lamprecht et al., 2011). After comparison, the two target sequences of 10 isolates were consistent. BLASTn analysis revealed 99.27% and 100.00% homology with the two target sequences of Stenocarpella macrospora (syn. = Diplodia macrospora) (GQ259128.1, MG934504.1). Based on phylogenetic analysis of two targets, the isolate MS01 was clustered on the same evolutionary branch with S. macrospora. The two target sequences of isolate MS01 was submitted to GenBank under the accession numbers PQ241617.1 and PQ243292.1. To confirm the pathogenicity, a suspension (1 × 106 spores /mL) of isolate MS01 conidial was sprayed onto nine healthy leaves of maize plants in vitro and three pots cultivated with the plants (five plants per pot) in vivo. Plant treated with sterilized water served as control group. The treated plants were incubated at 28°C, 90% relative humidity with alternating light-dark cycles (i.e. 12 h shifts) for 3-10 days. At the same time, the conidial suspension was injected and inoculated onto maize ears, with water used as a blank control. Each treatment contained 3ears, 10 µL of the suspension was applied to each seed treatment. Inoculated leaves developed brown spots that gradually expanded into streak lesions extending toward the ends of the leaves, similar to those observed in the field. Additionally, the maize seeds become also moldy, whereas the control leaves and ears remained symptomless. The same pathogen was re-isolated from the infected leaves and ears, confirming Koch's postulates. Previously, S. macrospora and S. maydis have been reported in many countries across North, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, where maize is grown commercially. These pathogens are known to infect maize ears, stalks, and leaves of maize and also can produce mycotoxins (Romero et al., 2015; Snyman et al., 2011). To our knowledge, S. macrospora causing dry rot and ear rot of maize has been reported in China, but it is mostly found in quarantine at the time of importation (Tai et al., 1979; Shan et al., 2024). This is the first report of S. macrospora causing Diplodia leaf streak disease of maize in Yunnan Province, China. Since Stenocarpella spp. is one of the most destructive diseases of maize globally, the results of this study provide a foundation for developing effective prevention, control, and quarantine strategies for managing this disease.

A Preliminary Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Chembarambakkam Lake, Tamil Nadu, South India

Chembarambakkam Lake, an important freshwater reservoir in Chennai that provides drinking water to the city, has noticed a decline in water quality as a result of heavy metal pollution. This study aimed to evaluate the heavy metal contamination in the environment of Chembarambakkam Lake with a health risk assessment. This study involved a comprehensive analysis of toxic heavy metal levels in five waters, sediments, and commercially available freshwater fish samples, considering their bioaccumulation and potential risks to human health. We observed lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) concentrations in water, sediments, and various fish species, including tilapia (Mozambique Tilapia), wild carp (Hemiculter leucisulus), pearl-spot (Etroplus maculatus), spotted barb (Barbodes binotatus), and snakehead murrel (Channa Striate). The results indicated that, in order of prominence, the metals in the water were Cu &gt; Zn &gt; Pb &gt; Cd, whereas those found in sediments were Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Cd. The metal concentration in the sediments varied between Cd (0.52–0.82 µg/g), Cu (13.75–38.07 µg/g), Pb (1.30–3.74 µg/g), and Zn (12.60–61.12 µg/g). Similarly, the metal concentrations in the water varied between Cd (0.63–0.72 µg/L), Cu (5.35–55.17 µg/L), Pb (BDL–12.39 µg/L), and Zn (0.62–1.49 µg/L). The order of metals in the fish was Zn &gt; Cd &gt; Cu &gt; Pb. The Cd concentration ranged from 0.3 to 0.60 µg/g, Cu was from BDL to 0.72 µg/g, Pb was from BDL–0.68 µg/g, and Zn was from 13.32–48.48 µg/g. The Cd and Zn concentrations were consistently the highest across the fish, sediment, and water samples. These findings shed light on the health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in Chembarambakkam Lake and suggest the need for potential bioremediation approaches.

Multi-omics revealed that DCP1A and SPDL1 determine embryogenesis defects in postovulatory ageing oocytes.

Growing evidence indicates that the deterioration of egg quality caused by postovulatory ageing significantly hampers embryonic development. However, the molecular mechanisms by which postovulatory ageing leads to a decline in oocyte quality have not been fully characterized. In this study, we observed an accelerated decay of maternal mRNAs through RNA-seq analyses in postovulatory-aged (PostOA) oocytes. We noted that these downregulated mRNAs should be degraded during the 2-cell stage. Proteomic analyses revealed that the degradation of maternal mRNAs is associated with the accumulation of DCP1A. The injection of exogenous Dcp1a mRNA or siRNA into MII stage oocytes proved that DCP1A could accelerate the degradation of maternal mRNAs. Additionally, we also found that SPDL1 is crucial for maintaining spindle/chromosome structure and chromosome euploidy in PostOA oocytes. Spdl1-mRNA injection remarkably recovered the meiotic defects in PostOA oocytes. Collectively, our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying postovulatory ageing.

Advances in the detection technology of vegetable soil borne fungi and bacteria

Soil borne diseases are one of the most serious diseases which often results the decline of vegetables quality and loss of production. Moreover, it is difficult for plants to exhibit disease symptoms in the early stages attributing to strong concealment of soil borne pathogens. Therefore, early detection of pathogens and their physiological races plays an important role in reducing the harm of pathogens associated with diseases of vegetable crops. The traditional diagnostic techniques relied on the time consuming and less accurate methods like disease symptom observation, microscopic diagnosis, and culture techniques etc. The development of molecular biology technology has brought revolutionary changes to the diagnosis of vegetable soil borne diseases, improving the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis. This paper reviews the various molecular detection techniques for vegetable soil borne pathogens (PCR, nested-PCR, multiplex PCR, etc.) and their physiological races (host identification, DNA molecular markers, transposon detection, etc.), explains the advantages and disadvantages of each detection technique. Furthermore, the paper comprehensively introduces the application of molecular detection technology for soil borne pathogen detection in soil, plants, and seeds. Finally, we put forward important perspectives for the future development of rapid detection methods, aiming to promote rapid diagnosis of soil pathogenic microorganisms and provide guidance for the control of biological risks.

Effectiveness of Self-care Support Program on the Quality of Life and Resilience of Family Caregivers of Stroke Patient; A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Family caregivers of stroke patients often experience a decline in quality of life (QOL) and resilience due to the challenges posed by the patient's disability, inadequate support systems, and difficulty adapting to the new circumstances. Objectives: This study investigated the impact of a self-care support program (SSP) for stroke patients and their family caregivers on improving their QOL and resilience. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in Beesat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, in 2022, involving stroke patients and their family caregivers. A total of 80 patients and 80 family caregivers were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group received the SSP, which included four weeks of continuous face-to-face and telephone follow-up. The control group followed the routine care program provided by the neurology ward. The patients' quality of life was assessed using the stroke specific quality of life (SS-QOL) tool, while family caregivers' QOL and resilience were evaluated using the Short Form-12 and Sixbey 2005 tools, respectively, both before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square, paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and Fisher's exact test. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Among patients, the difference in the control group's total QOL score before and after the intervention was not statistically significant (P = 0.065), with scores of 83.77 ± 3.39 and 86.70 ± 8.25, respectively. Conversely, in the intervention group, the total QOL score significantly improved from 83.95 ± 1.43 to 119.72 ± 4.54 (P &lt; 0.0001). For family caregivers, the total QOL score in the control group showed no significant improvement, increasing from 17.30 ± 1.60 to 18.17 ± 2.45 (P = 0.096). However, the intervention group experienced a significant increase in QOL scores, from 17.70 ± 1.11 to 25.37 ± 2.31 (P &lt; 0.0001). Additionally, the resilience score in the control group slightly decreased from 129.15 ± 3.40 to 124.25 ± 5.31 (P = 0.12). In contrast, the resilience score in the intervention group increased significantly, from 130.25 ± 2.81 to 194.20 ± 2.15 (P &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the SSP in improving the QOL of stroke patients and their family caregivers while significantly enhancing the resilience of family caregivers. It is recommended that medical and treatment teams prioritize involving family caregivers in care plans for debilitating diseases such as stroke and consider integrating SSPs into standard care protocols.

Radar-based elderly fall detection using SPWVD and ResNet Network

Abstract Falls in the elderly population present substantial health risks, often resulting in morbidity and a decline in quality of life. Conventional fall detection methods, including wearable devices and cameras, are hindered by issues such as variable lighting conditions and privacy considerations. Radarbased fall detection has emerged as a promising alternative, providing an unobtrusive method. This study aims to classify fall detection using Smoothed Pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution (SPWVD) images and ResNet-50 model. For this, an online publicly available radar database comprising 15 subjects is utilized. Radar signals is processed into SPWVD timefrequency representation images for analysis. The SPWVD images is fed into the ResNet-50 model. Experiments are performed and performance is evaluated using 10- fold cross validation. The proposed approach is able to distinguish elderly fall. Using ResNet-50 model, the approach yields a maximum average classification f-measure, area under curve score, precision and, sensitivity of 67.15%, 52.31%, 50.55% and, 99.88%, respectively. Hence, the proposed framework holds promise for accurately and efficiently detecting falls among the elderly population within their private environments.

Protective effect of trehalose on sperm chromatin condensation failure and semen quality decline in BDE-209-exposed mice.

BDE-209 exposure induced male reproductive toxicity with sperm quality decline. However, the role of autophagy in this was unclear. The purpose was to evaluate the protective effect and its potential mechanism of trehalose (Tre, autophagy inducer) on reproductive damage during spermiogenesis induced by BDE-209. We used 2% w/v Tre and 75mg/kg/d BDE-209 cotreated mice for 42 days. GC-2 spd cells were cotreated with Tre, chloroquine (CQ, inhibition of autophagic flux), compound C (CC, AMPK inhibitor), and BDE-209. Tre intake significantly recovered decrease in sexual organ ratio and poor sperm quality in BDE-209-exposed mice. Supplementation with Tre rescued sperm head malformation by improving aberrant histone-protamine exchange in BDE-209-exposed mice. However, Tre intake couldn't restore the acrosome biogenesis. In addition, Tre supplementation improved testicular damage induced by BDE-209. BDE-209 blocked autophagic flux with increased P62 and LC3BⅡ/Ⅰ levels. Mechanistically, CQ treatment aggravated elevation of P62 and LC3BⅡ/Ⅰ levels induced by BDE-209, otherwise, CC and Tre treatments inhibited the rise in p-AMPK, p-ULK1, P62 and LC3BⅡ/Ⅰ levels induced by BDE-209. Tre supplementation improved reproductive injury in BDE-209-exposed mice by regulating autophagic flow via AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathways, which providing a new theoretical basis and possible therapeutic targets for male reproductive toxicity.

Ginkgo biloba extract alleviates deltamethrin-induced testicular injury by upregulating SKP2 and inhibiting Beclin1-independent autophagy

BackgroundMale infertility is a worldwide concern that is associated with a decline in sperm quality. Environmental pollutants such as deltamethrin (DM) have harmful effects on male reproductive organs. By maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis, ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) can alleviate male reproductive dysfunction. However, research on the mechanisms by which GBE alleviates reproductive toxicity induced by DM is limited. PurposeIn this study, we investigated whether GBE can alleviate DM-induced testicular and Sertoli cell reproductive toxicity by modulating SKP2 and Beclin1, thus providing a theoretical basis for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Study DesignWe explored the role of GBE in mitigating DM-induced testicular damage, with a specific focus on the intricate involvement of ubiquitination and autophagy. MethodsAn experimental model was constructed using ICR male mice and the TM4 cell line. Tissue, cellular, and sperm morphological changes were observed through methods such as Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, Periodate-Schiff (PAS) staining, ultrastructural observation, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Enzyme and hormone levels were measured, and gene and protein levels were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting techniques. ResultsIn vivo experiments showed that DM exposure led to decreased sex hormone levels, increased seminiferous tubule diameter and impaired spermatogenesis. Meanwhile, DM exposure was found to decrease ubiquitination levels, leading to mitochondrial damage and further escalation of mitochondrial autophagy. Furthermore, in the DM-induced cell model, the upregulation of Beclin1 expression was associated with the inhibition of the ubiquitin‒proteasome system (UPS) and SKP2, thereby exacerbating autophagy. However, GBE has demonstrated notable efficacy in alleviating the reproductive toxicity induced by DM. ConclusionOur findings highlighted that SKP2 is a key regulator of Beclin1-independent autophagy and that GBE exerts therapeutic effects by upregulating SKP2 and inhibiting Beclin1 activation, which ameliorates autophagy and reduces DM-induced testicular damage.

Relationship between soil conditions and road quality degradation

Abstract Roads are one of the infrastructures that are greatly needed by the community. One component of the road pavement structure is the subgrade. Road damage may be caused by a decrease in the quality of the subgrade. Therefore, this study aims to explain the relationship between soil conditions and the decline in road quality. The location of the study is on Jalan Lampur-Munggu, Lampur Village, Sungai Selan District, Central Bangka Regency. This study was conducted at STA 0+000 to STA 1+285 which were divided into 52 segments where the length of each segment was 25 m. Soil condition data was taken at 10 points. The results of the study showed that the road pavement condition index value obtained was 44.7, which is in the poor category. Furthermore, the California Bearing Ratio value for the soil conditions obtained was 8.08%, which is classified as quite good. It can be concluded for this case that the degradation in road quality is not affected by the California Bearing Ratio value of the subgrade. However, it is better to still consider other factors of soil conditions that can accelerate road damage.

The Effect of Vegetable Oil and Shea Butter Coating on the Physical Characteristics and Protein Content of Chicken Eggs Stored under Room Temperature at Different Storage Length

Chicken eggs are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, containing all essential amino acids. They can complement other food proteins with lower biological values. This study explored the effectiveness of vegetable oil (olive oil) and shea butter in preserving the internal quality of eggs under room temperature. Ninety (90) White Leghorn eggs were sourced from the TANUVAS poultry farm and divided into three groups (T1- vegetable oil, T2- shea butter and T3- control) of 30 eggs each. The first two groups received treatments with olive oil and shea butter respectively, while the third served as the control group. The eggs in each treatment group were stored at room temperature for six weeks. Weekly assessment s of the physical and protein content was measured using the Haugh unit and the Biuret Method for protein concentration. The eggs showed less weight loss in the treated groups at T1 (vegetable oil) and T2 (shea butter) compared to the control group (T3). The vegetable oil-coated-eggs maintained their quality more than 43 days compared to those coated with shea butter and the untreated ones. Internally, both albumen height and Haugh unit values decreased over the storage time, with the vegetable-oil-treated eggs retaining quality for the longest duration, followed by the shea butter treated group. Eggs in the control group showed decline in quality after 22 days. Protein levels in the albumen decreased in all groups with storage, but the vegetable oil and shea butter coated groups recorded led to less reduction in protein content than the control group. The study indicates that olive oil and shea butter can effectively preserve the physical and protein content of chicken eggs under different storage conditions, with olive oil demonstrating a greater efficacy upto 43 days. These findings support the use of these natural oils as alternative preservatives for prolong egg storage in regions where refrigeration is not feasible.

Quality of Life Priorities of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivors Enrolled in EORTC Studies, and a Comparison of Instruments

ABSTRACTPurposeSurvivors of childhood cancer can suffer from long‐term sequelae or decline in quality of life (QoL), for which careful and standardized selection of outcome measures become more important. This study aims to assess different QoL‐related outcomes using three distinct questionnaires in an international study, identify the priorities of childhood ALL survivors via the administered questionnaires, and investigate potential interrelationships among QoL domains across the questionnaires.MethodsChildhood ALL survivors treated according to the EORTC CLG treatment protocols 58741, 58831/2, and 58881 were recruited in Belgium and France and answered self‐report QoL questionnaires, including the Short‐Form Health Survey 12 (SF12), the Quality‐of‐Life Systemic Inventory (QLSI), and the Impact of Cancer for Childhood Cancer Survivors (IOC‐CS). To explore which scales overlapped or were novel, Pearson correlations were used to explore associations. In addition, based on the QLSI, we checked whether each of the top priorities of childhood ALL survivors were covered by the SF12 or IOC‐CS, by mapping their scales quantitatively and qualitatively.ResultsQoL data for 186 survivors were provided. Priority areas, as assessed by the QLSI, were vitality, physical abilities, memory, overall physical health, sleep, interaction with friends, love life. Love life was an important source of happiness (for 42%), and for some reported as the domain they were unhappiest in (13%). Quantitative mapping shows moderate correlations between the SF12 scales and IOC‐CS scales: life challenges, body and health, thinking and memory, and socializing. Qualitative mapping highlighted additional important domains, specifically family, romantic and friendship relationships, and sleep and memory.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the measures complement each other, but are less valuable in isolation for ALL survivors. Using a cancer survivorship measure, combined with some additional items covering priorities might provide a more holistic picture.

LE BIEN-ETRE EMOTIONNEL DES PARENTS DENFANTS AUTISTES

The impact of autism on parents quality of life is an undeniable clinical reality. Quality of life, a multidimensional concept, encompasses various interdependent domains that can be assessed. Evaluating the emotional well-being of parents of autistic children, particularly as a function of the childs age, has become a major concern. The challenges associated with raising and caring for an autistic child can lead to chronic stress, sleep disturbances, relationship difficulties, and a decline in overall quality of life for parents. This study is situated within this dynamic, seeking to understand how the childs development influences the emotional well-being of their parents, and thus to identify risk factors associated with increased psychological distress. The results will not only allow for the identification of the specific needs of these parents but also for the development of personalized support strategies to prevent mental health disorders and improve the quality of life of parents. Objective: We are specifically interested in the emotional well-being of parents of autistic children. Method: We explored the relationship between parental emotional well-being and the childs age by collecting data from 50 parents (25 mothers and 25 fathers) using the Beach Quality of Life Scale. Results: Our results reveal a significant correlation between the childs age and the level of parental emotional well-being, suggesting that the childs age could significantly influence the parental experience. Conclusion: These results highlight the crucial importance of implementing appropriate supports to accompany parents of autistic children, particularly those with younger children who may benefit from specific resources to cope with developmental challenges.

Interdisciplinary studies on a distribution property of tomato fruit: What is the initial abnormal response of their chilling injury occurrence?

Tomatoes develop chilling injury after low-temperature storage, which is often indicated by ion leakage from the tissues caused by cell membrane damage. However, the chilling injury causes a decline in tomato quality, which was already serious due to ion leakage. This study assumed that other physiological reactions precede cell membrane damage in tomatoes exposed to chilling stress. This hypothesis was investigated by measuring several physical, chemical and physiological parameters of tomatoes. Using samples stored at 2 or 5°С without chilling injury-induced cell membrane damage, this study confirmed other abnormal physiological reactions, such as ethylene production, respiration, electrochemical resistance in extracellular fluids, gene expression of heat shock protein, succinic acid content, and others. The obtained information can help clarify the initial response of chilling injury and is useful to determine the distribution property of tomatoes for avoiding chilling injury-induced cell membrane damage.