LIFE: International Journal of Health and Life-Sciences

MILK YIELD, MILK COMPOSITION AND BLOOD METABOLITE PROFILES IN DAIRY COWS SUPPLEMENTED WITH VITAMIN D ENRICHED YEAST

Patipan Hnokaew — 2024-01-31

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D enriched yeast supplementation on milk performance, vitamin D content in milk, and blood metabolite profiles. Six crossbred Holstein Friesian cows were randomly allocated to treatment by using a 3 x 3 Double Latin square design, including a control group (T1), 5 g live yeast supplementation (T2), and 5 g vitamin D enriched yeast supplementation (160,000 IU/head/day; T3). Milk and blood samples were collected on days 28 of each trail period, for analyzing milk composition, vitamin D content in milk, and blood metabolite profiles. The result showed that the vitamin D enriched yeast supplementation group had 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 concentration in blood significantly higher than other comparable groups (64.27 compared to 47.39 and 49.31 ng/ml, respectively; P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between treatments for milk yield or ECM yield and milk composition but the vitamin D enriched yeast supplementation group had significantly higher vitamin D content in milk than the T1 and T2 groups (690.83 compared to 562.83 and 529.48 ng/1000mL, respectively; P < 0.01). As a result, supplementing vitamin D enriched yeast with dairy cow diets cloud improve vitamin D content in milk.

EXPLORING ANIMAL MOVEMENT BEHAVIOR WITH SWITCHING STATE SPACE MODELS

Emma Liu — 2024-03-18

Understanding animal movement is pivotal in addressing population dynamics. Bayesian statistical techniques have been concentrated in literature to study intricate animal movement, by adapting their analytically manageable likelihoods. With the utilization of Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), the study examines animal tracking data of one elk and highlights step lengths and turning angles across two states. Data is obtained from the work of Morales et al. (2004), titled "Extracting more out of relocation data: building movement models as mixtures of random walks." Collected using tracking systems, the data indicates elk position (longitude and latitude), and the animal’s proximity to water sources along its movement paths. To effectively analyze step length and turning angles on HMMs, Gamma and Von Mises distributions and employed respectively. Results indicate a difference in step length between states 1 and 2, with longer steps observed in state 2 than in state 1. In turning angles, state 1 showcases a uniform distribution, signifying undirected movement in comparison to State 2 which showcases directed movement. The study concludes that movement in state 1 is indicative of foraging, while state 2 signifies traveling between habitat patches and wandering movements, and that the elk grazes closer to water and forages away from water.

THE THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT OF PEPITEM INCREASES THE PROTEIN EXPRESSION OF SIRT1 IN A MOUSE MODEL OF EXPERIMENTAL AUTOIMMUNE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS (EAE) AS A MODEL FOR HUMAN MS

Mohammed Alassiri — 2024-02-29

Objective: To investigate the effect of the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of the immunopeptide PEPITEM on the protein expression of SIRT1 in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as a model for human MS.

Methods: Using C57BL/6 female mice, we dosed the PEPITEM in the EAE model via intraperitoneal injections either prophylactically or therapeutically. The disease was induced using MOG35-55 and complete Freund's adjuvants augmented with pertussis toxin. The EAE score was recorded daily until the end of the experiment (21 days). A Western blot analysis was performed on the brain lysate to measure the protein concentration of SIRT1.

Results: The therapeutic treatment with PEPITEM increased the protein expressions of SIRT1 on the EAE mice whereas the prophylactic injections did not affect the protein expression of SIRT1.

Conclusion: Collectively, the therapeutic treatment with PEPITEM suggesting anti-inflammatory effect of PEPITEM on the brain damage in EAE mice which offers a novel and safe strategy for drug therapy in MS, opening new avenues for research and treatment.

THE IMMUNOTHERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF IL-22 VERSUS PRAZIQUANTEL TREATMENT AGAINST S.MANSONI –INDUCED LIVER FIBROSIS IN MICE

Rehab E. El-Hennamy — 2024-02-29

Background/Aim:
Praziquantel (PZQ), the primary medication for schistosomiasis treatment, exhibits a potential resistance by the parasite. Therefore, the development of a new effective treatment is obligated. Interleukin-22 (IL-22) has been reported to have a hepatoprotective effect. The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of IL-22 treatment versus PZQ against S. mansoni - induced liver fibrosis in mice.

Materials and Methods:

Forty male albino mice were divided into control, infected, IL-22 (0.36 µg/kg), and PZQ (a single dose of 600 mg/kg) groups. PZQ was administered alone or in combination with IL-22. Inflammatory indicators [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-22, and immunoglobulin E (IgE)], hepatic expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), β-catenin, and miR let-7a gene expressions, and liver granuloma index (GI) were estimated.

Results:
The present result revealed a significant (P <0.05) reduction in liver GI and the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, after the treatment with IL-22. Moreover, the treatment enhanced significantly (P <0.05) let-7a miRNA and STAT3 gene expressions as well as downregulated (P <0.05) β-catenin mRNA, which in turn could reduce fibrosis resulting from S. mansoni infection. On the other hand, PZQ treatment alone or in combination with IL-22 reduced significantly (P <0.05) proinflammatory cytokines and IgE but failed to decrease GI or β-catenin gene expression, which might cause a negative impact on liver fibrosis.

Conclusion:
IL-22 could be a potential immunotherapeutic agent for S.mansoni-induced liver fibrosis, compared to PZQ, through activating STAT3 and let-7a downstream signalling pathways and inhibiting β-catenin pathway.

THE IMPACT OF SMOKING ON MALE REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE LEVELS AND INFERTILITY IN JEDDAH

Nourah S. Abosaber — 2024-02-29

Tobacco use is overgrowing in all Arab countries and is one of the greatest threats to current and future global health. The negative effect of tobacco use on sperm quality has been examined in numerous studies. In Saudi Arabia, especially in Jeddah, this systematic research aims to investigate the impact of smoking on the hormonal profile in 75 men between the ages of 19 and 60 years who were randomly selected between smokers, infertile and nonsmokers from patients visiting King Abdulaziz University Medical Services Center and Health plus fertility & woman’s health center in Jeddah, SA. Chemiluminescent immunoassay technology was used to analyze data. Overall findings demonstrated no significant influence of smoking on testosterone, FSH, LH and prolactin levels in Saudi men.

INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF CIGARETTE SMOKING ON THE NKX3.1 AND TMPRSS2 GENES ASSOCIATED WITH MALE FERTILITY

Haneen Hamed Alsulami — 2024-02-29

Cigarette's smoking has a wide negative impact on human health, and it's have been related to many serious issues like cancer, heart disease, respiratory system, and number of health problems. Also, smoking can affect fertility in men by affecting the sperm on several levels. Our research will investigate the genetic risk factors in male by focusing on NKX3.1 and TMPRSS2 genes related to male fertility and investigate the correlation between the gene’s polymorphisms of three groups (smokers, non-smokers, and infertile men). The NKX3.1 or NK3 homeobox 1 located on chromosome 8 is the first known prostate epithelium-specific marker it is an androgen regulated transcriptional and tumor suppressor gene this gene encodes for a homeobox-containing transcription factor and the transcription factor involved in development of the testes and prostate. there are not enough research data about NKX3.1 single nucleotide’s DNA variations and interaction with cigarettes smoking. The TMPRSS2 gene or transmembrane serine protease 2 is located on chromosome 21 is an endothelial cell surface gene encodes a protein that belongs to the serine protease family. TMPRSS2 is expressed in prostate epithelial cells and is needed for normal prostate function. It’s also expressed across the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract, such as in intestinal epithelial cells and across the respiratory tract. This gives TMPRSS2 gene an advantage to study or investigate gene expression influenced by lifestyle habits such as cigarettes smoke. Most of today research is confined to respiratory and cardiovascular system affected by cigarettes smoke but this research will investigate the relation between cigarettes smoking and fertility problems in men by selecting two fertility related genes (NKX3.1 and TMPRSS2) and analyzing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) From 75 blood samples collected from 25 smokers ,25 control and 25 infertile\sub-fertile men. To amplify the regions of interest within the applied gene from extracted DNA, a polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) will be used, and ELISA technique to measure serum hormones level (Testosterone and prolactin and Estrogen). We expect this research to provide new information from a new aspect about the effect of cigarettes smoking on those genes and their relation to male infertility.

NEUROTROPHINS, TRK-RECEPTORS AND CALCIUM BINDING PROTEIN LOCALIZATION IN MECHANOSENSORY SYSTEMS AND RETINA OF NOTHOBRANCHIUS GUENTHERI

Caterina Porcino — 2024-02-29

Neurotrophins are growth factors playing a crucial role in the survival, differentiation, development, and plasticity of neurons. They exert their effects by binding to specific receptors (Trks) in the central and peripheral nervous systems, including sensory organs. Calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) are also present in these systems. They are involved in essential physiological functions related to calcium ions, such as nerve impulse transmission, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and transmission. Further, CaBPs are supposed to be involved in neuron protection. Neurotrophins and CaBPs perform their roles in various vertebrates, including fish. Nonetheless, based on existing knowledge, there is no record of the presence of neurotrophins in the sensory organs of Nothobranchius guentheri. Due to its relatively short lifespan, N. guentheri has emerged as a valuable model for aging studies, holding significant relevance in the field of translational medicine. As a teleost, its sensory systems share several morphological and functional similarities with mammals, including humans. However, unlike mammals, fish sensory organs keep the regeneration capability. In light of this, the present research sought to identify the neurotrophin-receptor systems and calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) in the mechanosensory organs and retina of N. guentheri. Utilizing immunoperoxidase, single, and double immunofluorescence methods, the investigation unveiled the localization of neurotrophins and CaBPs in the inner ear, neuromasts of the lateral line system, and retinal cells of N. guentheri. This newfound information indicates the influence of these proteins on the biology of N. guentheri, reinforcing its suitability as a model for aging studies. The implications of these findings could significantly contribute to research on age-related neurodegeneration within the realm of translational medicine.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH-RISK GAMING DISORDER INDIVIDUALS WITH VARIED TIME PERSPECTIVES

Haidi Shan — 2024-02-29

Previous research has demonstrated that past-negative, present-hedonistic, and present-fatalistic time perspectives are risk factors for addiction, while a future time perspective serves as a protective factor. However, the influence of time perspectives on gaming disorder and the psychological differences among individuals with different time perspectives remain unclear. A total of 210 high-risk gaming disorder individuals and 121 low-risk controls were recruited from a university student population. Participants completed the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire (MGQ), and Monetary Choice Questionnaire (MCQ). Cluster analysis was performed using the five subscales of ZTPI (past-positive, past-negative, present-hedonistic, present-fatalistic, and future) as clustering indicators to group the high-risk gaming disorder individuals. Network analysis was employed to compare the differences in network structure and connection strength among different cluster groups. Based on the cluster analysis, the high-risk gaming disorder individuals were divided into two groups. Compared to the control group, Cluster 1 showed higher scores in present-hedonistic dimension, and lower scores in the past-positive and future dimensions. Cluster 2 exhibited higher scores in past-negative, past-positive, present-hedonistic, and present-fatalistic dimensions. Cluster 1 scored significantly lower than Cluster 2 in all five dimensions. In terms of psychological differences, Cluster 2 showed significantly higher scores in gaming's social motives, immersion motives, and gaming-induced improper behavior compared to Cluster 1. Network comparison analysis revealed that Cluster 1 had significantly higher network structure strength than Cluster 2, with significantly stronger connections between past-positive and future dimensions. Distinct differences exist among high-risk gaming disorder individuals with different time perspectives regarding immersion in gaming, social motives, and gaming-induced improper behavior. Interventions and directions for different categories of high-risk gaming disorder individuals should be more targeted, particularly focusing on reinforcing positive past experiences and empowering future orientations.

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF MENTAL BOUNDARIES: STRESS PERCEPTION IN THICK VS. THIN BOUNDARIES

Vaishali Choudhary — 2024-02-29

This study investigates the influence of mental boundaries, a personality dimension rooted in early psychological concepts, on the perceived stress levels of college students. Mental boundaries have been recognized as a barrier protecting against traumatic events (Harrison & Singer, 2014) and offer an intriguing avenue to explore differences in stress perception based on boundary thickness. The aim of this research is to assess the effect of thick and thin mental boundaries on perceived stress among undergraduate college students. A sample of 150 students was surveyed, using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) developed by Sheldon Cohen and the BQ-sh by David Rawlings. Results indicate that perceived stress was significantly higher among 3^rd year students. Gender differences were observed, with female students exhibiting thinner mental boundaries compared to their male counterparts. Students with higher scores on PSS were found to correlate with specific BQ-sh Sub-scales, including the need for order, sensitivity, and trust, while displaying lower scores on childlikeness and perceived competence. In conclusion, this study empirically establishes the impact of mental boundaries as a personality dimension on college student’s stress perception. Furthermore, it advocates for a renewed focus on mental boundaries within research as a personality dimension.

THE ADAPTATION EXPERIENCE OF NEWLY RESIDENT ELDERLY PEOPLE IN NURSING INSTITUTIONS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Youyou Fan — 2024-02-29

Objective: This study aimed to understand the experience and feelings of the newly admitted elderly in nursing institutions in the process of adaptation, in order to provide a reference for promoting the adaptation of the newly admitted elderly to life in institutions.

Method: The phenomenological research method in qualitative research was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 12 newly admitted elderly residents in three elderly care institutions in Zhengzhou, Xinzheng and Luoyang in Henan Province from November 2022 to July 2023 using the purposive sampling method, and the data were collated and analyzed by Colaizzi analysis.

Outcomes: After data analysis, three themes were extracted: positive experience (including: Diet and daily life are guaranteed; Basic medical needs are met; Entertainment activities are abundant), negative emotion and experience(including: The sadness of leaving home; Complex interpersonal relationships; Worry about the state of the economy）, and the need for adaptation（including: Improve emotional and social support; Strengthen organizational management; Insufficient interaction）

Findings: We found that the elderly had positive and negative living experiences in the early stage of living in nursing institutions. Some of the needs of the elderly are not met, and they also face adjustment problems such as emotional support, lack of social support, heavy psychological burden, difficulty in integrating into institutional life, and establishing new interpersonal relationships.

Future scope: In the follow-up research, we can start from improving the elderly's self-cognition, enhancing social support, and promoting the interaction between the elderly and their peers, family members and caregivers, to formulate personalized intervention strategies to solve the problem of maladjustment in the early stage of the elderly living in nursing institutions and improve the quality of life.

EXPERIENCES OF SOCIAL ISOLATION AMONG ELDERLY WITH DISABILITIES IN CHINA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Yanxiao Zhang — 2024-02-29

Social isolation is considered to be an important indicator of public health, which is closely related to health outcomes such as readmission rate, co-morbidity, mortality, depression, cognitive decline and quality of life of disabled elderly people. However, not enough is known about the experiences of social isolation in older persons with disabilities.This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of social isolation in disabled older adults. Disabled people over 60 years old were purposively sampled to participate in a semi-structured interview steered by a topic guide to collect data. Interviews were audio recorded, and analysed using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis. Demographic and clinical data of the subjects were investigated by questionnaire before the semi- structured interview. Disabled elderly were recruited in Shamen Community Health Service Centre, Henan Province, China. One-on-one face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants in the central office. 12 disabled seniors participated in semi- structured interviews. Six themes were extracted from data. These themes were as follows: (1) Self-factors that produce social isolation;(2)Family factors that produce social isolation;(3)Environmental factors that produce social isolation;(4)The inner experience of social isolation;(5)Social support strategies to prevent social isolation;(6)Positive psychological adjustment to disability. The experiences of social isolation of disabled elderly people are influenced by many factors. Improving this situation requires helping them to understand the dangers of social isolation, improve self-efficacy, develop new attitudes of social connection, and build strong, supportive and sustainable social connections with other older adults.

A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE EXPERIENCE OF SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS AMONG OLDER PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC DISEASES IN THE COMMUNITY

Mengfan He — 2024-02-29

Social isolation and loneliness are major problems for older adults. Increasing evidence suggests that perceived social isolation or loneliness is associated with severe consequences for physical and mental health of older people with Chronic Diseases. This study aimed to investigate the experience of social isolation and loneliness among older adults with Chronic Diseases. This research was a descriptive qualitative study based on semi-structured face-to-face interviews. This study purposively selected community-dwelling older people with Chronic Diseases in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, to explore older people's experiences of social isolation and loneliness, the reasons why social isolation and loneliness occurs and the help they wish to receive. The qualitative content analysis was performed in order to summarize and extract themes from the interview texts. A total of 16 interviews were completed. Three themes were identified: 1) Inner emotions; 2)Reasons for social isolation and loneliness; 3)Desired assistance. It was found that social isolation and loneliness among older people with Chronic Diseases was not optimistic. Factors result in the social isolation and loneliness of older persons are manifold. Multidimensional intervention strategies should be adopted to alleviate the social isolation and loneliness of older people at the individual, family, community and social levels.

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS MODERATES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-ESTEEM AND CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION: EVIDENCE FROM AN ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY

Yiqin Lin — 2024-02-29

There remain inconsistent findings regarding the impact of self-esteem on conspicuous consumption in social psychology and consumer research. The present study explained this issue and revealed that the relationship between self-esteem and conspicuous consumption is moderated by socioeconomic status (SES). Specifically, the relationship between self-esteem and conspicuous consumption is negative when SES is low, while it is positive when SES is high. These findings were verified through a Go/NoGo association task (GNAT) combined with event-related potential (ERP), which capture individuals’ automatic attitudes towards conspicuous products. The present study contributes crucial insights into the mechanisms of how self-esteem interacts with SES to influence individuals’ conspicuous consumption from an implicit perspective. Furthermore, it offers substantial practical implications for the effective management of consumer marketing strategies across diverse socioeconomic contexts.

DOES REVERSE CAUSALITY EXPLAIN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIET AND DEPRESSION？—POSSIBLY RELATED TO DIET'S SUBJECTIVE BEHAVIOR

Xingyi Jin — 2024-03-15

Depression can result in changes in eating behavior and decrease the quality of eating. It has been shown that maternal depression during pregnancy can result in malnutrition, which can have adverse effects on the pregnancy and the offspring. There is currently no clear association between depression and diet; (2) Methods: Five hundred and forty-nine pregnant women recruited from Danyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Jiangsu Province participated in this study and were administered the Intuitive Eating Scale-2(IES-2), Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale (EPDS), Pregnancy Stress Scale (PPS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Dietary Guidelines Adherence Index for Pregnant Women during Pregnancy (CDGCI-PW). The nutritional software collected dietary records for three consecutive days in mid-pregnancy to calculate dietary intake and nutrients that support energy production. The mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS 24.0 macro PROCESS; (3) Results: The relationship between depressive symptoms during pregnancy and diet quality was moderated primarily by two aspects of eating behavior, “Reliance on Hunger and Satiety Cues” (RHS) and “Body-Food Choice Congruence” (BFC). Depressive symptoms (EPDS scores) showed a negative correlation with RHS, BFC, and RHS, and BFC showed a positive correlation with diet quality, yielding a significant specific indirect effect. the multiple mediation model explained 14.7% of the variance in the diet quality; (4) Conclusions: Individual awareness of depression may influence the causal association between nutrition and depression. This study highlights the important role of eating behaviors during pregnancy in the relationship between depressive symptoms (EPDS scores) and diet quality and provides preliminary evidence for feasible ways pregnant women with depressive symptoms can improve diet quality, promote maternal and child health, and reduce depression.