Supplementary effect of whey components on the monascin productivity of Monascus sp.

BACKGROUND: Monascus sp. has been used in fermented foods for centuries. It can synthesize yellow, red, and orange pigments as secondary metabolites. Here, we focused on yellow pigment monascin, responsible for anti-inflammation and antidiabetic effects, and investigated whether whey could be a suitable substrate with or without rice powder for monascin production using M. purpureus AHU 9085, M. pilosus NBRC 4520 and M. ruber NBRC 32318. RESULTS: The growth and monascin production of the three Monascus strains were dependent on three liquid media consisting of whey and/or rice. All strains showed the best growth in a rice and whey mixed medium, in which M. ruber NBRC 32318 exhibited the highest total monascin production. Subsequent investigation of the effects of whey components indicated that a mineral cocktail in whey was particularly effective in stimulating the monascin production efficiency of M. ruber NBRC 32318. However, this recipe exhibited less stimulation, or even inhibition, for M. pilosus NBRC 4520 and M. purpureus AHU 9085, respectively. In terms of total monascin production, rice with whey provided the highest amount due to growth promotion along with relatively high production efficiency. CONCLUSION: The effect of whey on growth and monascin production was strongly dependent on the Monascus strains. Even a mineral cocktail in whey could regulate monascin productivity in a strain-specific manner. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism behind the diverse responses by the minerals in the production of monascin from Monascus. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

ANXA2 as a novel substrate of FBXW7 promoting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via ERK phosphorylation.

Our recent study suggests that FBXW7 loss of function plays a critical function in esophageal cancer. However, the mechanism of FBXW7 in promoting esophageal cancer is still unclear. Here, we explored the interaction protein of FBXW7 by screening of GST-pulldown and LC-MS/MS analysis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and identified ANXA2 as a potential target of FBXW7. FBXW7 loss of function could restore the expression of ANXA2 and promote the malignant biological characteristics of ESCC cells in vitro. Up-regulation of ANXA2 enhances the ERK pathway in ESCC. Furthermore, the 23rd tyrosine residue of ANXA2, phosphorylated by SRC, was regarded as playing important roles in the FBXW7-related degradation system. In clinical samples, we found that ANXA2 had high expression in ESCC tissues. High ANXA2 was associated with poor tumor staging. More importantly, we designed a combination regimen including SCH779284, a clinical ERK inhibitor against the phosphorylation of EKR and siRNA targeting ANXA2 by intratumor injection, and it produced potent inhibitory effects on the growth of xenograft tumors in vivo. In conclusion, this study provided evidence that FBXW7 loss of function could promote esophageal cancer through ANXA2 overexpression, and this novel regulation pathway may be used as an efficient target for ESCC treatment.

Study of the Physical Environment of Waiting Areas and Its Effects on Patient Satisfaction, Experience, Perceived Waiting Time, and Behavior in China.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the physical environment in the outpatient waiting area and its effects on overall satisfaction, experience, perceived waiting time, and behavior. BACKGROUND: Waiting can be a frustrating experience for patients. Previous studies on waiting areas in hospitals have been rooted mainly in the Western cultural context, and research focusing on the impact of the physical environment on the waiting experience with the denser patient concentration in China is important. METHODS: Physical environment measurements, observations, and questionnaire surveys were employed. RESULTS: The actual lighting intensity and sound level did not meet the national standards. Sound level and satisfaction with the size of the waiting area, signage system, and visual art on the wall were significant predictors (R2 = .463, p = .000) for overall satisfaction. Experiences related to the size of the waiting area, seating, signage system, and restrooms were significant predictors (R2 = .373, p = .000) of overall waiting experience. The experience related to the acoustic environment (ß = -.184, p = .006) had a significant relationship with perceived waiting time. The increase in participants' behaviors of looking out of a window and the decrease in looking at other people, looking around, dozing, and looking at a wall might result from a substantial increase in lighting and the availability of a nature view from the window. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of the physical setting of waiting areas may positively impact patient satisfaction, waiting experience, perceived waiting time, and behavior, which has implications for patient-centered design.

Impacts of Nursing Unit Design on Visibility and Proximity and Its Influences on Communication, Privacy, and Efficiency.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the role of visibility and proximity on nurse communication patterns, perception of privacy, and efficiency in double-corridor nursing units. BACKGROUND: Nurses are extremely important for the quality of healthcare. The literature suggests that visibility and proximity have a substantial impact on the delivery of care and staff experience. However, few studies have empirically examined nursing units in China. METHOD: Questionnaire surveys, observations, and simulations of medication administration tasks were employed. RESULTS: Visibility and proximity influenced communication patterns, perceptions of privacy, and efficiency. The type of wall in the medication room could impact nurses' perception of privacy and efficiency. A partial glass wall in the medication room could achieve balance between privacy and visibility. A medication room that is adjacent to and is easily accessed from the nurse station (NS) could provide efficient communication and efficient work. The partition type between the NS and the doctor's office and the layout of the medication room could impact communication patterns. The relative position of the NS, medication room, and disposal room could influence the flow of medication administration tasks, and a geographically contiguous spatial layout could enhance work efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: The findings contribute to the body of knowledge on the impact of visibility and proximity on nurses' communication patterns, perception of privacy, and efficiency. Recommendations to improve the design of double-corridor nursing units are also provided.

An Empirical Examination of Nursing Units in China Based on Nurse Experience.

OBJECTIVES:: To create opportunities to increase nursing staff's satisfaction and operational efficiency and eventually improve nurses' experiences through better design in unit layout. BACKGROUND:: The majority of research performed on nursing units in China only focused on the spatial design itself, and few studies examined the nursing unit empirically based on nurses' experience. Nursing units need to be designed with understanding nurses' behavior and experience in China. METHOD:: A mixed-method approach was conducted in four double-corridor nursing units in China. Observation and interview data were collected to explore how physical environments for managing administrative duties, medications, and caring patient were used in nursing units. RESULTS:: The most frequent activities were communication, medication, and patient-care activities. The places in which nurses spent the most of theirs working times were the nurse station (NS), patient room, workstation on wheels (WoW), and medication room. The important clinical work spaces were the patient room, NS, WoW, medication room, doctor's office, disposal room, examining room, and back corridor. The important traffic linkages were between NS and medication room, patient room and WoW, and medication room and patient room. CONCLUSIONS:: This article revealed the frequency of nurse activities; how they spent their time; how they use the clinical spaces; identified important clinical spaces, linkages, and driver of inefficiency in nursing work and nursing unit design; and finally generated recommendations for double-corridor nursing unit design in China which can be used by medical planner, hospital administrator.