Combined Insights from Leachate Structure and Microstructure Characteristics for Eating Quality of Convenience Rice Processed by Super-Heated and Pressurized Steam Technologies

Convenience rice has become widely popular due to its easy availability for cooking. This study investigated the starch structure and composition of leachate and the microstructure of reheated convenience rice using novel processing technologies: super-heated steaming(SHS), auto-electric cooking(AEC), and pressurized-steam cooking(PSC). Additionally, the effect of two different target water contents(58% and 63%) was also evaluated. The PSC_63% sample had the highest total solids and amylopectin amount in the leachate. The amylopectin amount in the leachate differed significantly based on the targeted water content. Morphological characterization revealed that the swelling of starch and the coated layer on the surface of rice grains were most pronounced in the PSC_63% sample due to the pressure processing. The textural hardness of the AEC_58% sample was much higher than that of the other samples. The PSC_63% sample had the highest textural adhesiveness value, which can be attributed to the highest amylopectin amount in the leachate. Sensory characterization showed that the PSC_63% sample had the highest glossiness, whiteness, moistness, and overall acceptability. The principal component analysis score plots presented substantial differences in the leachate and textural and sensory characteristics of reheated convenience rice among the different processing technologies.

Diet fortification for mild and moderate picky eating in typically developed children:Opinion review of Middle East consensus

BACKGROUND Picky eating is a commonly observed behavior among children globally,negatively impacting their physical and mental growth.Although common characteristics distinguish peaky eaters,including food selectivity,food neophobia,and food avoidance,there is no clear definition to assess this behavior.Due to the unavailability of data regarding picky eating,it wasn’t easy to estimate its prevalence.AIM To develop a regional protocol to help healthcare professionals identify and manage mild and moderate picky eating cases.METHODS A virtual roundtable discussion was held in April 2021 to gather the opinions of seven pediatricians and two pediatric dietitians from eight Middle Eastern countries who had great experience in the management of picky eating.The discussion covered different topics,including clearly defining mild and moderate picky eating,identifying the role of diet fortification in these cases,and the possibility of developing a systematic approach to diet fortification.RESULTS The panel identified picky eating as consuming an inadequate amount and variety of foods by rejecting familiar and unfamiliar food.Most of the time,moderate picky eating cases had micronutrient deficiencies with over-or undernutrition;the mild cases only showed inadequate food consumption and/or poor diet quality.Paying attention to the organic red flags like growth faltering and development delay and behavioral red flags,including food fixation and anticipatory gagging,will help healthcare professionals evaluate the picky eaters and the caregivers to care for their children.Although dietary supplementation and commercial food fortification play an important role in picky eating,they were no benefit in the Middle East.CONCLUSION The panel agreed that food fortification through a food-first approach and oral nutritional supplements would be the best for Middle Eastern children.These recommendations would facilitate identifying and managing picky-eating children in the Middle East.

Based on non-targeted metabolomics for differential components screening of Rosae Chinensis Flos and Rosae Rugosae Flos and their quality evaluation

Background:Rosa chinensis Jacq.and Rosa rugosa Thunb.are not only of ornamental value,but also edible flowers and the flower buds have been listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as traditional medicines.The two plants have some differences in efficacy,but the flower buds are easily confused for similar traits.In addition,large-scale cultivation of ornamental rose flowers may lead to a decrease in the effective components of medicinal roses.Therefore,it is necessary to study the chemical composition and make quality evaluation of Rosae Chinensis Flos(Yueji)and Rosae Rugosae Flos(Meigui).Methods:In this study,40 batches of samples including Meigui and Yueji from different regions in China were collected to establish high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprints.Then,the fingerprints data was analyzed using principal component analysis,hierarchical cluster analysis,and partial least squares discriminant analysis analysis chemometrics to obtain information on intergroup differences,and non-targeted metabolomic techniques were applied to identify and compare chemical compositions of samples which were chosen from groups with large differences.Differential compounds were screened by orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis and S-plot,and finally multi-component quantification was performed to comprehensively evaluate the quality of Yueji and Meigui.Results:The similarity between the fingerprints of 40 batches roses and the reference print R was 0.73 to 0.93,indicating that there were similarities and differences between the samples.Through principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis of fingerprints data,the samples from different origins and varieties were intuitively divided into four groups.Partial least-squares discriminant analysis analysis showed that Meigui and Yueji cluster into two categories and the model was reliable.A total of 89 compounds were identified by high resolution mass spectrometry,mainly were flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides,as well as phenolic acids.Eight differential components were screened out by orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis and S-plot analysis.Quantitative analyses of the eight compounds,including gallic acid,ellagic acid,hyperoside,isoquercitrin,etc.,showed that Yueji was generally richer in phenolic acids and flavonoids than Meigui,and the quality of Yueji from Shandong and Hebei was better.It is worth noting that Xinjiang rose is rich in various components,which is worth focusing on more in-depth research.Conclusion:In this study,the fingerprints of Meigui and Yueji were established.The chemical components information of roses was further improved based on non-targeted metabolomics and mass spectrometry technology.At the same time,eight differential components of Meigui and Yueji were screened out and quantitatively analyzed.The research results provided a scientific basis for the quality control and rational development and utilization of Rosae Chinensis Flos and Rosae Rugosae Flos,and also laid a foundation for the study of their pharmacodynamic material basis.

Genetic Improvement of Japonica Rice Variety Wuyujing 3 for Stripe Disease Resistance and Eating Quality by Pyramiding Stv-b^i and Wx-mq

Japonica rice variety Kanto 194 as the donor of resistance gene Stv-b^i and Iow-amylose content gene Wx-mq was used to improve the resistance and eating quality of Wuyujing 3 by the breeding strategy of backcross. In continuous backcross and selfcross generations, the related molecular markers with Stvobi and Wx-mq genes were utilized for genotypic detection by associated with resistance identification of rice stripe disease and agronomic traits selection. Finally, 10 improved lines with homozygous genotype Stv-b^i Stv-b^iWx-mqWx-mq were obtained from BC3F4 generation. The results of comparative analysis indicated that most characters of these lines were consistent with those of recipient parent Wuyujing 3, except for the improved resistance, appearance and eating quality. By evaluation of the comprehensive performance of them, two excellent lines K01 and K04 were selected for further experiments.

Characterization of eating quality and starch properties of two Wx alleles japonica rice cultivars under different nitrogen treatments

To understand the effect of nitrogen(N) fertilizer on rice(Oryza sativa L.) eating and cooking quality(ECQ). Here, we investigated the ECQ attributes, physicochemical foundation of ECQ, and amylopectin fine structure of two Waxy(Wx) alleles japonica rice cultivars Nanjing 9108(NJ9108) and Huaidao 5(HD5) under four N rates(0, 150, 300, and 450 kg ha^-1). Sensory and pasting properties of the two cultivars varied depending on N rates. Compared with the control(0 kg ha^-1), the overall eating quality and sensory value were significantly decreased under the N rates of 300 and 450 kg ha^-1. Further, conventional descriptive analysis showed that the stickiness and retrogradation of cooked rice were significantly decreased. These results indicated that application of N fertilizer seems to affect the texture of cooked rice, causing it to be less sticky, lowering its retrogradation, and consequently reducing its palatability. Results from rapid visco analyzer(RVA) revealed that the peak and breakdown viscosities significantly decreased, while the setback viscosity and peak time increased under the N rates of 300 and 450 kg ha^-1. However, no significant difference was observed when the N rate was 150 kg ha^-1, indicating that less N fertilization can maintain rice ECQ. As the N rate increasing, protein content increased, whereas apparent amylose content, starch content, and gel consistency almost unchanged. Interestingly, compared with the control, under N treatments, the percentage of short amylopectin branches in NJ9108 was decreased, but increased in HD5, as controlled by amylopectin synthesis-related genes. Notably, SSI and BEIIb were down-regulated in NJ9108, whereas BEIIb was up-regulated in HD5. Thus, the palatability of both rice cultivars was significantly decreased under excessive N fertilization as a consequence of reduced stickiness and retrogradation of the cooked rice, which might have resulted from an elevated protein content and altered amylopectin fine structure. In addition, amylopectin synthesis appeared to be affected by N fertilizer and the genotype of the rice cultivar.

Relationship Between Variation in Activities of Key Enzymes Related to Starch Synthesis During Grain Filling Period and Quality of Eating and Cooking in Rice

Four japonica rice varieties with significant differences in quality of eating and cooking were used in the experiment. The varieties showed differences in amylose and amylopectin contents at different grain filling stages, which were attributed to the accumulative speed of starch at different grain filling stages. During grain filling period, the varieties had no difference in the time when the activities of ADPglocose pyrophosphorylase （AGPP） and soluble starch synthesis （SSS） reached a maximum, but had difference in the time when the activity of starch branching enzyme （SBE） reached a maximum, in which the inferior quality varieties were earlier than the high quality ones, and high quality varieties still kept high enzyme activities at the late stage of grain filling. The correlation and correlative degree between AGPP, SSS, SBE and amylose content, amylopectin content, taste meter value, and RVA properties varied with the different stages of grain filling. The correlation between SSS activity and taste meter value was not significant during the whole period of grain filling, but the activities of AGPP and SBE had significant or highly significant correlation with taste meter value. It was helpful for improving quality of eating and cooking of japonica rice to use the materials with low enzyme activity at the early stage of grain filling or high enzyme activity at the late stage as parents.

Effects of the potassium application rate on lipid synthesis and eating quality of two rice cultivars

Lipid content has an important effect on rice eating quality,but the effects of fertilizer application rate on the lipid synthesis and eating quality of rice are not well understood.Potassium(K)has a strong influence on rice quality and the requirement for K fertilizer in rice is greater than for nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)fertilizers.To investigate the effects of K fertilizer on the lipid synthesis and eating quality of rice,we used Nanjing 9108(NJ9108,japonica)and IR72(indica)rice as experimental materials and four K levels:K0(0 kg ha^(-1)),K1(90 kg ha^(-1)),K2(135 kg ha^(-1))and K3(180 kg ha^(-1)).The results showed that the lipid content,free fatty acid(FFA)content,unsaturated fatty acid(UFA)content,malonyl-CoA(MCA)content,phosphatidic acid(PA)content,lipid synthesis-related enzyme activities and eating quality first increased and then decreased with increasing K in both cultivars.The maximum values were obtained under K2.However,the saturated fatty acid(SFA)content showed the opposite trend.No significant differences were found in pyruvate(PYR)content among the K treatments.The protein and oxaloacetic acid(OAA)contents and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPCase)activity of NJ9108 first decreased and then increased with increasing K,and the minimum values were obtained under K2;while IR72 showed the opposite trend and the maximum values were obtained under K1.Overall,increasing K optimized the fatty acid components and increased the lipid content and eating quality of rice by enhancing lipid synthesis-related enzyme activities and regulating substrate competition for lipid and protein synthesis.The optimal K application rate for lipid synthesis,eating quality and grain yield was 135 kg ha^(-1)for both cultivars.

Eating quality of cooked rice determination using Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy

The goal of this research was to study the relationship between the eating quality of cooked rice and near infrared spectra measured by a Fourier Transform near infrared(FT-NIR)Spee-trometer.Samples of milled:parboiled rioe,white rioe,new Jasmine rice(harvested in 2012)and aged Jasmine rice(harvested in 2006 or during the period 2007-2011)were used in this study.The eating quality of the cooked rioe,ie,adhesiveness,hardness,dryness,whiteness and aroma,were evaluated by trained sensory panelists.FT-NIR spectroscopy models for predicting the eating quality of cooked rioe were established using the partial least squares regression.Among the eating quality,the stickiness model indicated its highest prediction ability(ie,R2a=0.71;.RMSEP=0.65;Bias=0.00;RPD=1.87)and SEP/SD of 2.In addition,it was clear that the water content did not affect the eating quality of cooked rice,rather the main chemical com-ponent implicated was starch.

Clinical characteristics and changes in living quality of patients with radiation encephalopathy induced by radiation therapy for treating nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND： Radiation encephalopathy （RE） caused by radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma severely influences patients＇ quality of life （QOL）. The factors, which influence such patients＇ QOL, have not been confirmed. OBJECTIVE： To observe the clinical and imageological characteristics of patients with radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-induced RE and the changes in QOL, and analyze QOL influencing factors. DESIGN： Retrospective case analysis. SETTING： Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. PARTICIPANTS： Eighty-nine inpatients or outpatients with RE induced by radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma admitted to Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from March 1994 to August 2004 were involved in this experiment. They all met the diagnosis criteria of RE from MERRITT＇S neurology （10th edition）. Thirty-three involved patients were randomly chosen as RE group. Another 34 concurrent inpatients or outpatients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who received radiation therapy but without RE were chosen as control group. Informed consents of detected items were obtained from all the involved subjects. METHODS： （1） Patients were evaluated when they were followed up. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire abbreviated version （WHOQOL-BREF） was used for on-the-spot evaluation. High points of WHOQOL-BREF indicated better QOL. The Late Effects on Normal Tissues - Subjective, Objective, Management and Analytic （LENT-SOMA） scale for evaluating radiation injury was used to evaluate headache and neurologic disorder of patients with RE induced by radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The evaluation was graded into 5 degrees. High degrees indicted severer clinical symptoms. （2） Disease latency （i.e. time interval from symptoms and body signs appearing or radiation therapy ending to onset）, initial symptoms, common symptoms, imageological characteristics, QOL and other related factors of patients were recorded. （3） Statistical management was carried out with SPSS 10.0 software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： QOL and clinical characteristics of patients with RE induced by radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma as well as QOL influencing factors. RESULTS： All the involved subjects participated in the final analysis. （1） Disease latency of patients with RE ranged from 0 to 24 years, and 95% confidence interval was 0 to 15 years. There were significant differences in amount of invaded cases between 6 months after one radiation therapy and 6 months after two or more radiation therapies （ x^2=36.76, P 〈 0.01）. （2） The common initial symptom of patients with RE was glossopharyngeal paralysis （33 cases, 37%）. （3） The first 3 common symptoms of patients with RE were glossopharyngeal paralysis （52 cases, 58%）, limb inertia and sensory disorder （25 cases, 28%） and headache （25 cases, 28%）.（4）Imageology of patients with RE was characterized by long TI and T2 signal shadow on magnetic resonance. （5）Total scores of health, of daily life and of social relationship, measured with WHOQOL-BREF, of patients in RE group were significantly lower than those in the control group, respectively [ （2.06 ± 0.86） points vs. （2.59 ± 0.66） points; （2.45 ± 0.75 ） points vs. （2.91 ± 0.75 ） points; （51.67±15.24） points vs. （59.22±13.03） points, P 〈 0.05]. Patients undergoing two or more radiation therapies were inferior to those undergoing one radiation therapy in total scores of health, and of daily life, scores of physiology, and of psychology （P 〈 0.05）. （6）Glossopharyngeal paralysis was negatively correlated with scores of psychology, total scores of daily life and of health in WHOQOL-BREF （P 〈 0.05）; Head was negatively correlated with scores of psychology in WHOQOL-BREF （P 〈 0.05）; Neurologic deficit was negatively correlated with scores of psychology, and total scores of health in WHOQOL-BREF （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： （1）The latency of RE of patients undergoing two or more radiation therapies is remarkably shortened, and QOL is decreased, but there is no difference in QOL between two genders. （2） Brain edema is common in imageology of RE after radiation therapy. The first 3 ones of initial symptoms and common symptoms both are glossopharyngeal paralysis, neurologic deficit and headache, which greatly negatively influence QOL of patients.

Relationship between the eating quality and the physico-chemical properties of high grain quality rice in China

Relationship between eating quality(EQ)andphysico-chemical properties of 78 high grainquality rice varieties,45 indica and 33 japoni-ca,were studied in 1995.The samples werecollected from different rice growing regions in20 provinces.The physico-chemical proper-ties,including grain length(GL),length towidth ratio(L/W),chalky grain rate(CG),chalkiness(CH),translucency(TR),gela-tinization temperature(GT,measured by alka-li spreading value),gel consistency(CA2),amylase content(AC),and protein content(PC)were measured according to the standard

Identification of QTLs for Cooking and Eating Quality of Rice Grain

The BIL （backcross inbred line） population derived from the cross between Koshihikari （good eating and cooking quality, japonica） and Kasalath （poor quality, indica） was used to analyze the QTLs for amylose content （AC）, gelatinization temperature （GT）, gel consistency （GC） and protein content （PC）. Eight main-effect QTLs including 2 for AC, 3 for GT, 2 for GC and 1 for PC were identified, Moreover, 27 epistatic QTL pairs including 7 for AC, 5 for GT, 4 for GC and 11 for PC were also detected while for AC and GT, one main-effect QTL with a major gene was detected, respectively. Therefore, the main-effect QTL might be more responsible for the current variation than the epistetic QTL. The result indicated that the main-effect QTL is the primary genetic basis for those traits. However, for PC, the epistatic QTL explained a much greater portion of the total variation than main-effect QTL, suggesting that epistatic loci are the primary genetic basis for such trait. In the experiment, chromosome segment substitution lines （CSSLs） were used to confirm reliabilities of the main effect QTLs detected in BIL population. Of the 8 main-effect QTLs for 4 traits in BIL analysis, 6 were confirmed end 2 remained unconfirmed by CSSLs analysis.

Physicochemical Properties and Eating Quality of Lamp Meat of Dazu Black Goats

The routine nutrients, mineral content, amino acid content and fatty acid content as well as the physicochemical properties and the heavy metal and pesticide residues of Iongissimus dorsi muscles in confined Dazu black goats at the age of 6 months were determined. The results showed that the lamb meat of Dazu black goats was dch in nutrients, fresh, tender, palatable and fine in texture as well as non-hazardous in quality. Thus, the meat of Dazu black goat is a kind of healthy and nutritious food with rich nutrients, and it has better prospects of exploitation and utilization in the food industry.

Effect of heating methods on drying quality of small-diameter birch lumbers

Following a normal low temperature drying schedule, the small-diameter Birch lumbers （ 1 000mm× 45mm ×30mm） were dried with consecution-heats or intermittent-heating, visual drying defects （bow, crook, twist, check along grain and end check） were measured, and then statistical analyses were performed. It was found that the drying quality of small-diameter Birch lumbers could be improved with intermittent-heating, but the intermittent time should be prolonged. Prolonging intermittent time helped to weaken or even avoid wood distortion and drying checks. It wash＇ t helpful in avoiding crook. The drying quality of small-diameter Birch lumbers with all kinds of drying methods reached the second class of the Chinese National Standard. The drying quality reached the first class of the Chinese National Standard with the intermittent-heating in the area of visual wood defects.

Effect of Eating out on Quality and Quantity of Sleep among Japanese in Their 20s

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of eating out or skipping meals on the quality or quantity of sleep in young Japanese adults. We analyzed 584 eligible subjects (283 men and 301 women) aged 20 - 29 years. Information on diet and individual lifestyle characteristics, including sleep quality, which was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Japanese version (PSQI-J), were obtained by participants completing an online questionnaire. Kendall’s tau coefficient was used to measure the ordinal association between diet and sleep quality. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to evaluate differences in sleep quality by frequency of eating out and frequency of skipping meals. The results revealed a significant difference in sleep duration and PSQI-J score between people who eat out >2 times a week (“high restaurants group”) and those who do not (“low restaurants group”). Furthermore, whereas the mean sleep duration in the “high restaurants group” was 6.59 hours, the mean sleep duration in the “low restaurants group” was 6.90 hours (p = 0.007). The PSQI-J score was significantly higher in the “high restaurants group” than in the “low restaurants group” (4.91 versus 4.37, p = 0.006). Significant differences were also evident in the test’s component scores: C2, C3, and C7. No significant difference was found in sleep duration and PSQI-J score between the groups in terms of frequency of skipping meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Our results suggested that excessive intake by eating out more than twice a week may lead to short sleep duration and high PSQI-J score.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and quality control lie at the heart of subarachnoid hemorrhage

The dramatic increase in intracranial pressure after subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure and a reduction in cerebral blood flow.Mitochondria are directly affected by direct factors such as ischemia,hypoxia,excitotoxicity,and toxicity of free hemoglobin and its degradation products,which trigger mitochondrial dysfunction.Dysfunctional mitochondria release large amounts of reactive oxygen species,inflammatory mediators,and apoptotic proteins that activate apoptotic pathways,further damaging cells.In response to this array of damage,cells have adopted multiple mitochondrial quality control mechanisms through evolution,including mitochondrial protein quality control,mitochondrial dynamics,mitophagy,mitochondrial biogenesis,and intercellular mitochondrial transfer,to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis under pathological conditions.Specific interventions targeting mitochondrial quality control mechanisms have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for subarachnoid hemorrhage.This review provides an overview of recent research advances in mitochondrial pathophysiological processes after subarachnoid hemorrhage,particularly mitochondrial quality control mechanisms.It also presents potential therapeutic strategies to target mitochondrial quality control in subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Genome wide association analysis identifies candidate genes for fruit quality and yield in Actinidia eriantha

Quality and yield are the primary concerns in kiwifruit breeding,but research on the genetic mechanisms of fruit size,shape,and ascorbic acid(ASA)content is currently very limited,which restricts the development of kiwifruit molecular breeding.In this study,we obtained a total of 8.88 million highly reliable single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)markers from 140 individuals from the natural hybrid offspring of Actinidia eriantha cv.‘White’using whole genome resequencing technology.A genome-wide association study was conducted on eight key agronomic traits,including single fruit weight,fruit shape,ASA content,and the number of inflorescences per branch.A total of 59 genetic loci containing potential functional genes were located,and candidate genes related to single fruit weight,fruit length,ASA content,number of inflorescences per branch and other traits were identified within the candidate interval,such as AeWUSCHEL,AeCDK1(cell cycle dependent kinase),AeAO1(ascorbic oxidase)and AeCO1(CONSTANS-like 4).After constructing an RNAi vector for AeAO1 and injecting it into the fruit of cv.‘Midao 31’to interfere with the expression of the AeAO1 gene,the results showed that the activity of ascorbic oxidase in the fruit of‘Midao 31’significantly decreased,while the content of ASA significantly increased.This study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of variation in A.eriantha fruit traits,which may benefit molecular marker-assisted breeding efforts.

Sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients:Impact of a structured nursing intervention program

BACKGROUND Poor sleep quality is common among hemodialysis patients and can significantly impact their well-being.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured nursing intervention program in improving sleep quality in middleaged and elderly hemodialysis patients.AIM To evaluate the impact of nursing intervention on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients.METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital,the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University,in 2023.This study included 105 middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients aged≥45 years who underwent maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 mo,utilizing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)to identify poor sleepers.Those identified underwent a 12-wk nursing intervention program focusing on education,relaxation techniques,and counseling.Post-intervention,sleep quality was reassessed using the PSQI.RESULTS The study found that 68.6%of hemodialysis patients were poor sleepers.Following the 12-wk nursing intervention program,there was a significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score from 8.9±3.2 to 5.1±2.7(P<0.001),indicating improved sleep quality.This demonstrated the effectiveness of the structured nursing intervention in enhancing sleep quality for middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.CONCLUSION The structured nursing intervention program focusing on sleep hygiene education,relaxation techniques,and counseling effectively improved sleep quality among middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.The significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score post-intervention indicates the positive impact of tailored nursing interventions in addressing poor sleep quality in this patient population.These findings emphasize the importance of implementing targeted nursing interventions to enhance the quality of life for hemodialysis patients by addressing the prevalent issue of poor sleep quality.

Investigation of the quality of life,mental status in patients with gynecological cancer and its influencing factors

BACKGROUND Having a gynecological tumor or undergoing treatment can be a traumatic experience for women,as it affects their self-image and sexual relationships and can lead to psychological reactions.Psychological adjustment following cancer occurrence remains a key issue among the survivors.AIM To examine the current status of quality of life(QoL),anxiety,and depression in patients with gynecological cancer and to analyze the factors associated with it.METHODS Data for 160 patients with gynecological malignancies treated at Shanxi Bethune Hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were collected and analyzed retrospectively.Patients’QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Questionnaire.Their emotional status was evaluated using the Self-Rating Anxiety/Depression Scale.The associated factors of anxiety and depression were analyzed.RESULTS The overall QoL score of the patients 6 months after surgery was 76.39±3.63 points.This included low levels of social and emotional function and severe fatigue and pain.The scores for physiological,functional,emotional,social,and family well-being exhibited an upward trend following surgery compared with those before surgery.One month after surgery,some patients experienced anxiety and depression,with an incidence of 18.75%and 18.13%,respectively.Logistic analysis revealed that good sleep was a protective factor against anxiety and depression in patients with gynecological tumors,whereas physical pain was a risk factor.CONCLUSION Patients with gynecological malignancies often experience anxiety and depression.By analyzing the factors that affect patients’QoL,effective nursing measures can be administered.

Current status of magnetic resonance imaging radiomics in hepatocellular carcinoma:A quantitative review with Radiomics Quality Score

BACKGROUND Radiomics is a promising tool that may increase the value of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)for different tasks related to the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,its implementation in clinical practice is still far,with many issues related to the methodological quality of radiomic studies.AIM To systematically review the current status of MRI radiomic studies concerning HCC using the Radiomics Quality Score(RQS).METHODS A systematic literature search of PubMed,Google Scholar,and Web of Science databases was performed to identify original articles focusing on the use of MRI radiomics for HCC management published between 2017 and 2023.The methodological quality of radiomic studies was assessed using the RQS tool.Spearman’s correlation(ρ)analysis was performed to explore if RQS was correlated with journal metrics and characteristics of the studies.The level of statistical significance was set at P<0.05.RESULTS One hundred and twenty-seven articles were included,of which 43 focused on HCC prognosis,39 on prediction of pathological findings,16 on prediction of the expression of molecular markers outcomes,18 had a diagnostic purpose,and 11 had multiple purposes.The mean RQS was 8±6.22,and the corresponding percentage was 24.15%±15.25%(ranging from 0.0% to 58.33%).RQS was positively correlated with journal impact factor(IF;ρ=0.36,P=2.98×10^(-5)),5-years IF(ρ=0.33,P=1.56×10^(-4)),number of patients included in the study(ρ=0.51,P<9.37×10^(-10))and number of radiomics features extracted in the study(ρ=0.59,P<4.59×10^(-13)),and time of publication(ρ=-0.23,P<0.0072).CONCLUSION Although MRI radiomics in HCC represents a promising tool to develop adequate personalized treatment as a noninvasive approach in HCC patients,our study revealed that studies in this field still lack the quality required to allow its introduction into clinical practice.

Dynamic changes of rumen microbiota and serum metabolome revealed increases in meat quality and growth performances of sheep fed bio‑fermented rice straw

Background Providing high-quality roughage is crucial for improvement of ruminant production because it is an essential component of their feed.Our previous study showed that feeding bio-fermented rice straw(BF)improved the feed intake and weight gain of sheep.However,it remains unclear why feeding BF to sheep increased their feed intake and weight gain.Therefore,the purposes of this research were to investigate how the rumen micro-biota and serum metabolome are dynamically changing after feeding BF,as well as how their changes influence the feed intake,digestibility,nutrient transport,meat quality and growth performances of sheep.Twelve growing Hu sheep were allocated into 3 groups:alfalfa hay fed group(AH:positive control),rice straw fed group(RS:negative control)and BF fed group(BF:treatment).Samples of rumen content,blood,rumen epithelium,muscle,feed offered and refusals were collected for the subsequent analysis.Results Feeding BF changed the microbial community and rumen fermentation,particularly increasing(P<0.05)relative abundance of Prevotella and propionate production,and decreasing(P<0.05)enteric methane yield.The histomorphology(height,width,area and thickness)of rumen papillae and gene expression for carbohydrate trans-port(MCT1),tight junction(claudin-1,claudin-4),and cell proliferation(CDK4,Cyclin A2,Cyclin E1)were improved(P<0.05)in sheep fed BF.Additionally,serum metabolome was also dynamically changed,which led to up-regulating(P<0.05)the primary bile acid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in sheep fed BF.As a result,the higher(P<0.05)feed intake,digestibility,growth rate,feed efficiency,meat quality and mono-unsaturated fatty acid concentration in muscle,and the lower(P<0.05)feed cost per kg of live weight were achieved by feeding BF.Conclusions Feeding BF improved the growth performances and meat quality of sheep and reduced their feed cost.Therefore,bio-fermentation of rice straw could be an innovative way for improving ruminant production with mini-mizing production costs.