Quality Markers Research Articles

The effects of positive visualization with and without sound on sleep actigraphy measures in a small sample of tinnitus patients

BackgroundTinnitus is a common oto-neurological disorder associated with sleep disturbances. This research explored visualization and visualization reinforced with nature sounds as an acute therapy for sleep disturbance in people with tinnitus.MethodsTwelve adults with bothersome tinnitus and sleep disturbances participated in a randomized cross-over design in which measurements of tinnitus perception (rating scales), anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), attention (Attention and Performance Self-Assessment), and sleep quality (sleep diary and actigraphy—automated estimates of total sleep time, sleep onset latency, sleep fragmentation, and wake after sleep onset) were undertaken at baseline and repeated with therapy. The visualization task was 30 min in duration and was performed every night before sleep. The visualization with sound reinforcement task added nature sounds played overnight.ResultsSleep onset latency analyzed using the sleep diary normalized actigraphy was significantly reduced with both interventions (visualization reduced by 60 min and visualization with sound reinforcement reduced by 70 min). None of the other sleep quality markers demonstrated a statistically significant change. Self-reported attention ability significantly improved with visualization. Of the participants, 90% were able to consistently complete actigraphy measures over the 3 weeks of the study, and 75% kept sleep diaries.ConclusionSleep onset time was reduced with visualization.

Untargeted metabolomics and machine learning unveil quality and authenticity interactions in grated Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese

The chemical composition of Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) hard cheese can be significantly affected by different factors across the dairy supply chain, including ripening, altimetric zone, and rind inclusion levels in grated hard cheeses. The present study proposes an untargeted metabolomics approach combined with machine learning chemometrics to evaluate the combined effect of these three critical parameters. Specifically, ripening was found to exert a pivotal role in defining the signature of PR cheeses, with amino acids and lipid derivatives that exhibited their role as key discriminant compounds. In parallel, a random forest classifier was used to predict the rind inclusion levels (> 18%) in grated cheeses and to authenticate the specific effect of altimetry dairy production, achieving a high prediction ability in both model performances (i.e., ∼60% and > 90%, respectively). Overall, these results open a novel perspective to identifying quality and authenticity markers metabolites in cheese.

Single Versus Second Observer vs Artificial Intelligence to Increase the ADENOMA Detection Rate of Colonoscopy—A Network Analysis

Background and AimsScreening colonoscopy has significantly contributed to the reduction of the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its associated mortality, with adenoma detection rate (ADR) as the quality marker. To increase the ADR, various solutions have been proposed including the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and employing second observers during colonoscopies. In the interest of AI improving ADR independently, without a second observer, and the operational similarity between AI and second observer, this network meta-analysis aims at evaluating the effectiveness of AI, second observer, and a single observer in improving ADR.MethodsWe searched the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science Core Collection, Korean Citation Index, SciELO, Global Index Medicus, and Cochrane. A direct head-to-head comparator analysis and network meta-analysis were performed using the random-effects model. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsWe analyzed 26 studies, involving 22,560 subjects. In the direct comparative analysis, AI demonstrated higher ADR (OR: 0.668, 95% CI 0.595–0.749, p < 0.001) than single observer. Dual observer demonstrated a higher ADR (OR: 0.771, 95% CI 0.688–0.865, p < 0.001) than single operator. In network meta-analysis, results were consistent on the network meta-analysis, maintaining consistency. No statistical difference was noted when comparing AI to second observer. (RR 1.1 (0.9–1.2, p = 0.3). Results were consistent when evaluating only RCTs. Net ranking provided higher score to AI followed by second observer followed by single observer.ConclusionArtificial Intelligence and second-observer colonoscopy showed superior success in Adenoma Detection Rate when compared to single-observer colonoscopy. Although not statistically significant, net ranking model favors the superiority of AI to the second observer.

MRI-based vertebral bone quality score in cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a comparison with cervical spondylotic myelopathy using propensity score matching

BACKGROUNDBone mineral density plays a key role in the assessment of operative instrumentation complications and clinical outcomes. The MRI-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score has been introduced as a novel marker of bone quality. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between VBQ score and patients associated with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). PURPOSEThe aims of the study were (1) to reveal bone mineral density between cervical OPLL and cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) group by VBQ score, (2) to compare the VBQ score of cervical OPLL between male and female group, (3) to explore the relationship between segmental VBQ scores associated with OPLL. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLEConsecutive series of 425 patients at a single academic institution. OUTCOME MEASURESMRI based measurements of C2–C7 VBQ scores. METHODSPreoperative noncontrast T1-weighted MRIs of the cervical spine was used to measure the VBQ score. The VBQ score was defined as the mean value of the signal intensity of the vertebrae divided by that of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space at the cisterna magna. Patients with cervical OPLL and CSM were matched based on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, medication history, diet habit, smoking, alcohol consumption via propensity score matching (PSM). Normality of each VBQ score was tested by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Wilcoxon's rank-sum test was used to compare matched cohorts. Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare the VBQ scores between segments. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with the development of cervical OPLL. RESULTSA total of 425 patients were assessed. For final analysis, 135 paired patients were compared between the cervical OPLL and CSM groups, and 22 paired patients were compared between male and female group associated with cervical OPLL. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, BMI, comorbidity, medication history, diet habit, smoking, alcohol between the matched cohorts. OPLL group was associated with lower VBQ score compared with CSM group at C3, while there were no differences in VBQ score for the other levels between the two groups. There were no differences between male and female group associated with OPLL in C2–C7 VBQ scores. VBQ scores of cervical OPLL are variable between segments, with significantly lower scores at C6, C7 compared with C1–C5. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI was correlated with the development of OPLL (regression coefficient, 0.162; 95% confidence interval, 0.010–0.037). Additional risk factors included hypertension, calcium supple history and smoking. CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrates that cervical OPLL is associated with lower VBQ score at C3, with no differences for the other levels when compared with CSM derived from measurements on MRI. No differences were found between male and female group associated with OPLL in C2–C7 VBQ scores. Cervical OPLL were found to have smaller VBQ score at C6, C7 compared with C1–C5. Our findings provide new insight for bone density assessment in cervical OPLL patient.

Meiotic and developmental competence of growing pig oocytes derived from small antral follicles is enhanced in culture medium containing FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 (FLI medium)

BackgroundOocytes of large animal species isolated from small ovarian follicles (< 2 mm) are less competent to support early embryonic development after in vitro maturation and fertilization than their counterparts isolated from medium-sized and preovulatory follicles. This study aimed to assess the effect of a new maturation medium containing FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 (FLI medium) on the meiotic and developmental competence of pig cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) derived from the small and medium-sized follicles.MethodsThe growing oocytes were isolated from 1 to 2 (small follicle; SF) and the fully-grown ones from 3 to 6 (large follicle; LF) mm follicles and matured in a control M199 medium with gonadotropins and EGF and the FLI medium enriched by the triplet of growth factors. The matured oocytes were parthenogenetically activated and cultured to the blastocyst stage. Chromatin configuration before and during the culture and MAP kinase activity were assessed in the oocytes. Finally, the expression of cumulus cell genes previously identified as markers of oocyte quality was assessed.ResultsThe maturation and blastocyst rates of oocytes gained from LF were significantly higher than that from SF in the control medium. In contrast, similar proportions of oocytes from LF and SF completed meiosis and developed to blastocysts when cultured in FLI. Most of the oocytes freshly isolated from SF possessed germinal vesicles with fine filaments of chromatin (GV0) or chromatin surrounding the nucleolus (GVI; 30%); the oocytes from LF were mainly in GVI (or GVII) exhibiting a few small lumps of chromatin beneath the nuclear membrane. When cultured in the FLI medium for 16 h, an acceleration of the course of maturation in oocytes both from SF and LF compared to the control medium was observed and a remarkable synchrony in the course of chromatin remodeling was noticed in oocytes from SF and LF.ConclusionsThis work demonstrates that the enrichment of culture medium by FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 can enhance the meiotic and developmental competence of not only fully-grown, but also growing pig oocytes and significantly thus expanding the number of oocytes available for various assisted reproductive technology applications.

Fully automatic quantitation of eight different metabolites in coffee using 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and the PULCON methodology

AbstractBackgroundCoffee contains a plethora of constituents with some of them being especially important either due to their physiological effects or as quality markers. As quantitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR) has been established as a fast and reliable analytical tool its application was evaluated for the simultaneous quantitation of lactic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, caffeine, caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) isomers, N‐methylpyridinium, trigonelline, and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in aqueous extracts of roasted Coffea arabica samples.ResultsSimultaneous quantitative determination was achieved by an automated analysis based on the PULCON methodology (pulse length‐based concentration determination). The method was validated regarding linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ). Recovery rates were between 76% (CQA) and 116% (HMF), and precision was between 1.7% (caffeine) and 10.3% (HMF). The LOD varied between 0.06 g/kg (HMF) and 1.35 g/kg (caffeine and CQA), with the LOQ being between 0.22 g/kg (HMF) and 4.87 g/kg (CQA). To verify the results of the 1H‐NMR method, caffeine, trigonelline, HMF, 3‐CQA, 4‐CQA, and 5‐CQA were additionally quantitated by HPLC‐DAD and the results were compared. The described 1H‐NMR method was additionally applied to coffee samples that contained different coffee defects. Results showed only slight changes in the concentrations of the analytes by adding defective beans to defect‐free coffee.DiscussionThe developed 1H‐NMR approach was proven to be fast (30 min), reliable, and precise. Thus, it is well suited to analyze several coffee constituents of interest in a large number of samples in, for example, quality control.

Biogenic Amines as A Quality Marker in Beef and Chicken Products

Biogenic Amines as A Quality Marker in Beef and Chicken Products

Multiple Sclerosis, Fatigue, Expanded Disability Status Scale: A Cross-Sectional Exploration of Sleep Efficiency and Quantitative Sleep Parameters.

Poor sleep quality and sleep disorders are more prevalent in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in the general population. Poor sleep has been correlated with worse MS outcomes. Sleep efficiency (SE) is one of the most sensitive markers of sleep quality. There is very little written about SE and other polysomnography (PSG) parameters and MS measures. This is a retrospective review of 280 consecutive individuals with MS evaluated by PSGs and other standardized MS measures over 13 years at a comprehensive MS center. In addition, the cohort was assessed with 2 fatigue scales, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale. A comparison of means test (independent t test) and a correlation coefficient (r) were used. The PSG measures of SE and Total Sleep Time were significantly different between a group of individuals with MS with a disease duration of more than 5 years vs a group of individuals with MS with a disease duration less than or equal to 5 years. Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea was 63%, higher than reported in the literature while the prevalence of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea was 33.4%, which was lower than reported. Longer disease duration and worse disability correlate with sleep quality as measured by SE.

Evaluation of a commercial proAKAP4 kit for the assessment of fresh and frozen-thawed feline spermatozoa.

ProAKAP4 is gaining increasing attention as a potential marker of semen quality in many species, but while there is a commercial kit for assessing proAKAP4 in the domestic cat, there are no publications about its use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the commercial proAKAP4 kit - Cat 4MID® Kit (SPQI - 4BioDx, Lille, France) for the assessment of feline semen. Semen was collected from 54 male cats by urethral catheterization. After a basic semen evaluation (subjective motility, CASA, viability, morphology), proAKAP4 levels in each sample were assessed using the Cat 4MID® Kit according to the manufacturer's protocol or with some modifications related to incubation time, sample storage conditions and number of spermatozoa used. Finally, the Spearman correlation of proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters was calculated. The most reliable results (acceptable intraassay coefficient of variation) were obtained with an optimized protocol of overnight incubation and isolation of proAKAP4 protein from 1 × 106 spermatozoa stored at -80°C. For fresh semen, there were no significant correlations between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters, despite a strong correlation between motility parameters and sperm viability and morphology. A predominant effect of other sperm parameters and highly variable performance of lysis buffer question the usefulness of Cat 4MID® Kit for the assessment of feline semen. For frozen-thawed semen, there was a moderate, negative correlation between proAKAP4 concentration and two CASA parameters, VAP and VSL. As there were no correlations between proAKAP4 concentration in fresh semen and motility parameters in cryopreserved samples, proAKAP4 cannot be used as freezability marker in cats. More studies are needed to establish potential correlation with long-lasting motility.

The Direct Effects of Climate Change on Tench (Tinca tinca) Sperm Quality under a Real Heatwave Event Scenario.

Global aquaculture growth will most probably face specific conditions derived from climate change. In fact, the most severe impacts of these changes will be suffered by aquatic populations in restrictive circumstances, such as current aquaculture locations, which represent a perfect model to study global warming effects. Although the impact of temperature on fish reproduction has been characterized in many aspects, this study was focused on recreating more realistic models of global warming, particularly considering heatwave phenomena, in order to decipher its effects on male gametes (spermatozoa). For this purpose, thermal stress via a heatwave simulation (mimicking a natural occurring heatwave, from 24 to 30 °C) was induced in adult tench (Tinca tinca) males and compared with a control group (55.02 ± 16.44 g of average body wet weight). The impact of the thermal stress induced by this climate change event was assessed using cellular and molecular approaches. After the heatwave recreation, a multiparametric analysis of sperm quality, including some traditional parameters (such as sperm motility) and new ones (focus on redox balance and sperm quality biomarkers), was performed. Although sperm concentration and the volume produced were not affected, the results showed a significant deleterious effect on motility parameters (e.g., reduced progressive motility and total motility during the first minute post-activation). Furthermore, the sperm produced under the thermal stress induced by this heatwave simulation exhibited an increased ROS content in spermatic cells, confirming the negative effect that this thermal stress model (heatwave recreation) might have had on sperm quality. More importantly, the expression of some known sperm quality and fertilization markers was decreased in males exposed to thermal stress. This present study not only unveils the potential effects of climate change in contemporary and future fish farming populations (and their underlying mechanisms) but also provides insights on how to mitigate and/or avoid thermal stress due to heatwave events.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based strategy for systematic profiling of chemical components and associated quantitative analysis of quality markers in Qi-Wei-Tong-Bi oral liquid.

Qi-Wei-Tong-Bi oral liquid (QWTB), a famous Chinese medicine preparation composed of seven crude drugs has a good therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis and is widely used in China.However, its chemical composition and quality control have not been comprehensively and systematically investigated. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was employed for its chemical profiling. As a result, 100 components were chemically characterized. Additionally, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry method was developed to simultaneously quantify nine bioactive components (hyperoside, ononin, quercetin, sinomenine, magnoflorine, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, monotropein, and cyclo-(Pro-Tyr)) in multiple-reaction monitoring mode. After successful validation in terms of linearity, precision, repeatability, and recovery, the assay method was applied for the determination of 10 batches of QWTB. The results showed that QWTB was enriched in sinomenine and magnoflorine with the highest amount up to hundreds or even thousands of µg/mL, while quercetin, ononin, cyclo-(Pro-Tyr), and hyperoside were much lower with the lowest content below 10µg/mL. This study work would help to reveal the chemical profiling and provide a valuable and reliable approach for quality evaluation and even pharmacodynamic material basis studies of QWTB.

No Effect of Serum Electrolyte Levels on Electroconvulsive Therapy Seizure Quality Parameters.

Seizure quality is considered to be associated with treatment outcomes of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A wide range of treatment parameters and patient characteristics are known to influence seizure quality. However, conflicting results exist for the role of serum electrolyte levels and seizure quality. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 454 patients and a total of 2119 individual acute ECT sessions irrespective of diagnosis where a clinical evaluation of serum levels of sodium, potassium, and calcium took place routinely up to 2 days before the ECT session. To assess the impact of serum electrolyte levels on seizure quality parameters, we used mixed-effects linear regression analysis with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Serum sodium, potassium, and calcium levels were not associated with seizure quality markers after correcting the significance level for multiple testing. Younger age was consistently associated with higher postictal suppression, interhemispheric coherence, midictal amplitude, and peak heart rate. Lower dose was consistently associated with longer electroencephalogram and motor seizure duration. Our results suggest that there is no clinically relevant effect of serum electrolyte levels on seizure quality, at least within clinically commonly observed ranges of serum electrolyte concentrations.

Assessment of Intuitive Eating and Mindful Eating among Higher Education Students: A Systematic Review.

The role of mindful eating (ME) and intuitive eating (IE) in improving eating behavior, diet quality, and health is an area of increasing interest. The objective of this review was to identify the instruments used to assess ME and IE among higher education students and outcomes related to these dimensions. This review was carried out according to the PRISMA statement, through systematic searches in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria selected for higher education students, levels of ME and/or IE reported, and observational and clinical studies. The exclusion criteria selected against reviews, qualitative studies, and case studies. Quality was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. A total of 516 initial records were identified, from which 75 were included. Cross-sectional studies were the most common research design (86.7%). Most studies were conducted with samples that were predominantly female (90.7%), White (76.0%), aged 18 to 22 years (88.4%), with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (83.0%), and in the United States (61.3%). The Intuitive Eating Scale (IES), the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), and their different versions were the most used instruments. The outcomes most studies included were eating behavior and disorders (77.3%), anthropometric assessments (47.8%), mental health (42.0%), and body image (40.6%). Regarding the quality of studies, 34.7% of studies were assigned a positive, 1.3% a negative, and 64.0% a neutral rate. IES and MEQ were the most used instruments. RCT and cohort studies are scarce, and future research with a higher level of quality is needed, especially on the topics of food consumption, diet quality, and biochemical markers.

HPLC Fingerprint Analysis of Cibotii rhizoma from Different Regions and Identification of Common Peaks by LC-MS.

To establish the fingerprint of Cibotii rhizoma using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and evaluate the quality of Cibotii rhizoma from different regions using chemometrics to identify the potential quality markers, thirteen batches of Cibotii rhizoma samples were analyzed. the similarity evaluation system of TCM chromatographic fingerprint similarity evaluation was used to confirm common peaks. The SPSS 27 software was used for hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and SIMCA 14.1 software was used for principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Moreover, a batch of Cibotii rhizoma was selected for LC-MS analysis and speculated on 15 common components. HPLC fingerprint were established, 15 common peaks were matched, two chromatographic peaks were identified using standard substances (protocatechuic acid and protocatechuic aldehyde), and 13 common components were inferred through liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS). The 13 batches of the samples showed good similarities (>0.910). The results of HCA, PCA and OPLS-DA showed that 13 batches of samples were divided into three groups, and different markers were selected. The method is simple, rapid and reproducible, and can provide a reference for the overall quality evaluation of Cibotii rhizoma.

A collaborative approach to develop indicators for quality of care for ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in networks without coronary intervention: A position paper.

Data about performance measures (PM) in patients with ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in low- and middle-income countries is really scarce. One of the reasons is the lack of appropriate measures for these scenarios where coronary intervention is not the standard treatment. This study aimed to develop a set of PM and quality markers for patients with STEMI in these countries. Two investigators systematically reviewed existing guidelines and scientific literature to identify potential PM by referring to documents searched through PubMed from 2010 through 2019, using terms "Myocardial Infarction", "STEMI", "quality indicator", and "performance measure". A modified Delphi technique, involving multidisciplinary panel interview, was used. A 15-member multidisciplinary expert panel individually rated each potential indicator on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) during three rounds. All indicators that received a median score ≥4.5, in final round without significant disagreement were included as PM. Through the consensus-building process, 84 potential indicators were found, of which 10 were proposed as performance measures and 2 as quality metrics, as follows: Pre-Hospital Electrocardiogram; Patients with reperfusion therapy; Pre-hospital Reperfusion; Ischemic time less than 120 minutes; System delay time less than 90 minutes; In-hospital Mortality; Complete in-hospital Treatment; Complete in-hospital Treatment in patients with Heart Failure; 30 day-Re-admissions; 30 day-mortality; Patients with in-hospital stress test performed; and, Patients included in rehabilitation programs. This document provides the official set of PM of attention in ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction of the Cuban Society of Cardiology and Cuban National Group of Cardiology.

Epigenetic-related transcriptional reprogramming elucidated by identification and validation of a novel reference gene combination for RT-qPCR studies in porcine oocytes of contrasting quality

BackgroundReliable RT-qPCR results are dependent on appropriate normalisation. Oocyte maturation studies can be challenging in this respect, as the stage of development can distinctively affect reference gene transcript abundance. The aim of this study was to validate the use of reference genes in oocyte in vitro maturation RT-qPCR studies, and thereafter, examine the abundance of transcripts supporting histone modification during oocyte and early embryo development in oocytes of contrasting quality.Methods and resultsTotal RNA from oocytes from prepubertal gilts and sows was extracted either directly succeeding follicle aspiration or after 44 h in vitro maturation, followed by RT-qPCR. The stability of YWHAG, HPRT1, ACTB, GAPDH, HMBS and PFKP, was analysed by NormFinder and further cross-validated by assessing results generated following application of different combinations of potential reference genes for normalisation of the RT-qPCR data. Combining ACTB and PFKP generated high stability according to NormFinder and concordant results. Applying this normalisation, gilt derived oocytes displayed significantly higher abundance than oocytes from sows of almost all the epigenetic-related transcripts studied (HDAC2, SIRT1, SALL4, KDM1A, KDM1B, KDM5A), both before and after maturation.ConclusionsThis study identified the combined use of ACTB and PFKP as the optimal normalisation for porcine oocyte RT-qPCR data. In oocytes collected from prepubertal gilts, transcription did not appear to be silenced at the time of aspiration, and accumulation of transcripts supporting histone modification facilitating proper fertilization and further embryo development seemed delayed. The results imply the epigenetic-related transcripts may have potential as markers of oocyte quality.

Insights into Q-markers of honey-fried licorice in treating spleen deficiency based on substance and energy metabolism regulation

BackgroundHoney-fried Licorice (HFL) is a dosage form of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome processed with honey, which has been recorded to exhibit better efficacy in tonifying the spleen compared to the raw product. In contrast, different processing methods of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome exhibit different efficacies and applications, but their current quality control index components remain consistent. PurposeBased on the discovery and research strategy of traditional Chinese medicine decoction piece quality marker (Q-marker), this study aimed to conduct a multidimensional integration of constituents absorbed into the body and metabolomics based on the tonifying spleen and stomach effects of HFL to effectively identify the Q-marker of HFL. MethodsIn this study, a spleen deficiency rat model was established using the "exhausted swimming + poor diet" method to investigate the pharmacodynamics of tonifying the spleen and stomach by HFL. The constituents absorbed into blood was conducted using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, correlation analysis between metabolomics and constituents absorbed into blood recognized the Q-Marker of HFL. ResultsThe pharmacodynamic data demonstrated that HFL exhibited a significant regulatory effect on the disordered levels of PP, trypsin, chymase, PL, α-Glu, MTL, GAS, VIP, IL-2, IFN-γ, and IgA in the spleen deficiency model. Furthermore, HFL was found to improve the pathological changes in the spleen and intestine in the spleen deficiency model, highlighting its significant "tonifying spleen and stomach" effect. In the serum containing HFL, a total of 17 constituents were identified as being absorbed into the blood. Among these, 11 were prototypical components, while 6 were metabolites. Metabolomics data revealed that 9 differentially expressed metabolic markers were observed. Furthermore, the analysis of endogenous metabolic markers indicated that 10 components exhibited significant correlations with these biomarkers. ConclusionThe effect of "tonifying spleen and stomach" of HFL is closely related to the regulation of the material and energy metabolism pathway. The Q-Marker of HFL is glycyrrhizic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid as the main control standards and liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, isolicorice flavonol, licorice chalcone C and Formononetin were used as auxiliary standards.

Sibling comparisons, sibling relationship quality, and perceived sport competence in young athletes

Siblings are overlooked, yet potentially meaningful social agents in youth sport. To better understand the role of siblings in youth sport, we examined the association between sibling sport-referenced comparisons, relationship qualities, and perceived sport competence. The tendency to make sibling comparisons was expected to be positively related to sport competence perceptions and this association was further expected to be moderated by markers of sibling relationship quality. Participants were 47 sport-involved sibling dyads that included older siblings (25 female, 22 male, Mage = 10.94 ± 1.49 yrs) who were predominately first-born children (83%) and their younger siblings (23 female, 24 male participants, Mage = 8.45 ± 1.01 yrs) who were mostly second-born children (79%). Participants completed established assessments of comparison tendency, sibling relationship qualities, and sport competence perceptions. Analyses revealed a three-way interaction between birth position (younger or older sibling), tendency to compare, and sibling warmth predicting sport competence (p < .05). Younger siblings with a greater tendency to make sibling comparisons and higher warmth perceptions reported higher sport competence perceptions. The findings suggest that sibling-based comparisons and relational warmth may be salient for younger siblings in gauging their competence, whereas older siblings utilize alternative sources of competence information.

Trapping and on‐column hydrolysis strategy coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for new ginsenosides identification and quantification

AbstractMalonyl ginsenosides (mRs) are physiologically active constituents of Asian and American ginseng (P. quinquefolius). They are also important quality markers for the herbs from the Panax genus. Their contents are relevant to several essential quality characteristics of ginseng, for example, the original species, the growing age, the planting areas, the cultivation methods, and the processing conditions. However, when extracted from the herb, an mR is very unstable to lose the malonyl group. This property hampers the structural and quantitative determination of an mR. Herein, We report a trapping and on‐column hydrolysis coupled with a high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) method. With this method, 19 mRs have been identified from Panax ginseng roots. The isomers of some mRs with identical MS/MS characteristics have been differentiated. The quantities of these mRs have also been determined without references using this method. The quantitative results can be traced to the quantity of certified neutral ginsenoside reference materials. The method has been well‐validated. In addition, unique low‐abundance acetyl ginsenoside Rg1 and malonyl pseudoginsenoside F11 were identified from P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius, respectively.

Decoding the influence of semen collection processes on goat sperm quality from a perspective of seminal plasma proteomics

This study aims to assess the impact of semen collection methods on goat semen quality and seminal plasma (SP) proteomes. Semen was collected by artificial vagina (AV) or electro-ejaculator (EE) and semen parameters were evaluated. Tandem mass tag coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to screen SP differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between EE and AV. PRM was used to confirm the reliability of the data. In contrast to EE, a lower volume, higher progressive motility and concentration were observed in AV. No differences were found in total motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and ROS production between EE and AV. In total, 1692 proteins were identified in SP, including 210 DAPs. Among them, 120 and 90 proteins were down-regulated and up-regulated in AV compared to EE, respectively. The GO annotation showed that DAPs are mainly localized in the membrane, involved in deference responses to bacterium, RNA processing, and related to oxidoreductase activity. KEGG demonstrated tight associations of DAPs with specific amino acids, carbon metabolism, citrate cycle, and propanoate metabolism. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the effects of semen collection on goat semen quality and explores the potential action mechanism based on the modification of SP proteomes. Significance of the studyThe quality of fresh semen directly influences the results of artificial insemination and semen cryopreservation in livestock. This study represents the first attempt to evaluate the impact of semen collection methods including electroejaculation and artificial vagina on sperm quality and seminal plasma proteomes in goat. The results of this study demonstrated that semen collection methods directly impacted the quality of goat semen. Then, the proteomic strategy was used to explore the potential action mechanism of semen collection methods on sperm. Some differentially abundant proteins that potentially influence semen quality were identified. Furthermore, this study suggests the possibility of utilizing specific proteins as predictive markers for goat semen quality.