A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis of the Current Status and Trends of Forensic Mixed Stain Research.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the context and hotspot changes of forensic mixed stain research through bibliometric approach. METHODS: The literature of forensic mixed stain included in the core collection of Web of Science database from 2011 to 2022 were collected as the study object, and the annual publication number, countrie (region), institution, journal, keywords, etc. were bibliometrically and visually analyzed using the R-based Bibliometrix 1.1.6 package and VOSviewer 1.6.18 software. RESULTS: A total of 732 articles on forensic mixed stain were included from 2011 to 2022, with the annual number of articles published and the annual citation frequency showing a steady increase year by year. Among the 59 countries (regions) with the most published articles, the United States ranked first with 246 articles, followed by China with 153 articles. The literature came from 104 journals, and the total number of articles published in the top 10 journals was 633. FORENSIC SCI INT GENET ranked first with 307 articles. Visual analysis using VOSviewer software showed that keywords could be divided into four research clusters, namely the genetic marker development group (blue), the mixed stain typing analysis theory group (red), the sequencing analysis group (yellow), and the case sample research group (green). It can be divided into four development stages in terms of different time periods: early development (2011-2013), middle development (2014-2016), rapid development (2017-2020) and latest development (2021-2022). CONCLUSIONS: The number of publications by domestic and foreign scholars in the study of mixed stain in forensic science is showing a relatively stable trend. Machine learning, next generation sequencing and other research have been the hottest topics that have attracted the most attention in recent years, which is expected to further develop the theory of mixed stain typing and sequencing analysis in forensic mixed stain research.

Effects of exergaming on cognitive functions and loneliness of older adults with cognitive frailty.

OBJECTIVES: Cognitive frailty combines physical frailty and cognitive impairment in the absence of dementia. The prompt detection of cognitive frailty and early implementation of preventive interventions may reduce the incidence of dementia. However, intervention studies of exergaming in older adults with cognitive frailty are scant. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of exergaming on cognitive functions and loneliness among older adults with cognitive frailty. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental design. METHODS: Participants were recruited from four community settings. The experimental group participated in two 40-min group exergaming sessions weekly for eight weeks; the control group received usual care. The outcome measures were the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Chinese Version of the Loneliness Scale. Analyses of covariance were conducted to analyze whether exergaming influenced participants' cognitive functions and loneliness. In addition, the effect size of the posttest of the experimental group relative to its baseline value was calculated to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. RESULT: 69 older adults with cognitive frailty were included, and 35 and 34 were assigned to the experimental and control groups, respectively. The exergaming effectively improved the cognitive function of older adults with cognitive frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Exergaming interventions can effectively improve the cognitive functions of older adults with cognitive frailty but do not positively affect loneliness. We provide evidence to healthcare workers to apply exergaming interventions for older adults with cognitive frailty to improve cognitive function.

Test-Retest Reliability and Random Measurement Error of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire in Older Adults With Subjective Memory Complaints.

To examine the psychometric properties of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) in older adults with subjective memory complaints. The three MMQ subscale (Satisfaction, Ability, and Strategy) was administered twice, with a 3-month interval. The test-retest reliability was examined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The random measurement error was examined by calculating the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC95). The test-retest reliabilities of the three MMQ subscales were generally acceptable. The SEM of the three MMQ subscales was higher than the acceptable criterion of 10%. Despite the influence of random measurement error, the change scores of the three MMQ subscales may represent true changes if they are larger than the MDC95 of 13.2 (Satisfaction), 18.4 (Ability), and 16.9 (Strategy). The MMQ appears to be a reliable measure for use in research settings, but may not yet be suitable for clinical use.

Z-DNA/RNA Binding Protein 1 Senses Mitochondrial DNA to Induce Receptor-Interacting Protein Kinase-3/Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like-Driven Necroptosis in Developmental Sevoflurane Neurotoxicity.

Developmental sevoflurane exposure leads to widespread neuronal cell death known as sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity (SIN). Receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL)-driven necroptosis plays an important role in cell fate. Previous research has shown that inhibition of RIPK1 activity alone did not attenuate SIN. Since RIPK3/MLKL signaling could also be activated by Z-DNA/RNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1), the present study was designed to investigate whether ZBP1-mediated and RIPK3/MLKL-driven necroptosis is involved in SIN through in vitro and in vivo experiments. We found that sevoflurane priming triggers neuronal cell death and LDH release in a time-dependent manner. The expression levels of RIPK1, RIPK3, ZBP1 and membrane phosphorylated MLKL were also dramatically enhanced in SIN. Intriguingly, knockdown of RIPK3, but not RIPK1, abolished MLKL-mediated neuronal necroptosis in SIN. Additionally, inhibition of RIPK3-mediated necroptosis with GSK'872, rather than inhibition of apoptosis with zVAD, significantly ameliorated SIN. Further investigation showed that sevoflurane treatment causes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release into the cytosol. Accordingly, ZBP1 senses cytosolic mtDNA and consequently activates RIPK3/MLKL signaling. This conclusion was reinforced by the evidence that knockdown of ZBP1 or depleting mtDNA with ethidium bromide remarkably improved SIN. Finally, the administration of the RIPK3 inhibitor GSK'872 relieved sevoflurane-induced spatial and emotional disorders without influence on locomotor activity. Altogether, these results illustrate that ZBP1 senses cytosolic mtDNA to induce RIPK3/MLKL-driven necroptosis in SIN. Elucidating the role of necroptosis in SIN will provide new insights into understanding the mechanism of anesthetic exposure in the developing brain.

Exploring emergency physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour towards Choosing Wisely in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: In 2012, the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation launched the Choosing Wisely campaign to reduce unnecessary care. However, it is unclear how much emergency physicians in Taiwan understand about Choosing Wisely. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of emergency physicians in Taiwan regarding Choosing Wisely and its related factors; the intention was to identify the baseline knowledge on the basis of which to promote Choosing Wisely in Taiwan. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including emergency physicians in Taiwan as research subjects who answered online questionnaires. A 42-item questionnaire was designed according to the Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviour model (KAB). The questionnaire linkages were delivered to emergency physicians through social media (eg., Line, Facebook) and received assistance from different hospital directors. A total of 162 valid questionnaires were collected. Data analyses include t-test, analysis of variance, chi-square test, Pearson's correlation, and multivariate linear regression model. RESULTS: The study determined that although only 38.9% of emergency physicians had heard of Choosing Wisely, the mean correct rate of knowledge score among emergency physicians was 70.1%. Attitude and the behaviour related to Choosing Wisely were positively associated, which means that the more positive the attitude towards Choosing Wisely is, the more positive the behaviour towards Choosing Wisely is. In multiple linear regression analyses, having served as a supervisor, belonging to divisions of health insurance service, and having heard of Choosing Wisely (P < 0.05) positively affect the knowledge of Choosing Wisely, but age presented a negative association. CONCLUSION: This study found that physicians' knowledge does not influence their attitudes and behaviours, which may be related to barriers of practicing Choosing Wisely activities. To effectively promote Choosing Wisely campaign, it is recommended to focus on the significant factors associated with emergency physicians' perceptions regarding knowledge, attitude, and behavior of Choosing Wisely. Based on these factors, appropriate practice guidelines for Choosing Wisely can be formulated and promoted.

The small molecule chemical compound cinobufotalin attenuates resistance to DDP by inducing ENKUR expression to suppress MYH9-mediated c-Myc deubiquitination in lung adenocarcinoma.

The small molecule chemical compound cinobufotalin (CB) is reported to be a potential antitumour drug that increases cisplatin (DDP) sensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In this study, we first found that CB decreased DDP resistance, migration and invasion in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Mechanistic studies showed that CB induced ENKUR expression by suppressing PI3K/AKT signalling to downregulate c-Jun, a negative transcription factor of ENKUR. Furthermore, ENKUR was shown to function as a tumour suppressor by binding to ß-catenin to decrease c-Jun expression, thus suppressing MYH9 transcription. Interestingly, MYH9 is a binding protein of ENKUR. The Enkurin domain of ENKUR binds to MYH9, and the Myosin_tail of MYH9 binds to ENKUR. Downregulation of MYH9 reduced the recruitment of the deubiquitinase USP7, leading to increased c-Myc ubiquitination and degradation, decreased c-Myc nuclear translocation, and inactivation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signalling, thus attenuating DDP resistance. Our data demonstrated that CB is a promising antitumour drug and may be a candidate chemotherapeutic drug for LUAD patients.

Analysis of Genetic Polymorphism and Population Genetic Structure of 57 Autosomal InDel Loci in Beichuan Qiang Population.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the genetic information of 57 autosomal InDel loci (A-InDels) included in AGCU InDel 60 fluorescence detection kit in the Beichuan Qiang population of Sichuan Province and evaluate its application value in forensic medicine. METHODS: A total of 200 unrelated healthy individuals from Beichuan Qiang population of Sichuan Province were typing detected by AGCU InDel 60 fluorescence detection kit. Allele frequencies and population genetic parameters of the 57 A-InDels were statistically analyzed and compared with the available data of 26 populations. RESULTS: After Bonferroni correction, there was no linkage disequilibrium between the 57 A-InDels, and all loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Except for rs66595817 and rs72085595, the minor allele frequencies of 55 A-InDels were above 0.3. PIC ranged from 0.298 3 to 0.375 0, CDP was 1-2.974 8×10-24, CPEduo was 0.999 062 660, and CPEtrio was 0.999 999 999. The calculation of the genetic distance showed that Beichuan Qiang population had the closest genetic distances with Beijing Han and South China Han populations, but far away from African populations. CONCLUSIONS: The 57 A-InDels in AGCU InDel 60 fluorescence detection kit have a good genetic polymorphism in Beichuan Qiang population of Sichuan Province, which can be used as effective supplemental for individual identification and paternity identification in forensic medicine.

Construction and evaluation of multidomain attention training to improve alertness attention, sustained attention, and visual-spatial attention in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to analyze the effects of multidomain attention training on alertness, sustained attention, and visual-spatial attention in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). DESIGN: The design used in this study was a two-arm, parallel group, double-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The participants of the study were seventy-eight older adults with MCI (mean age: 79.5 ± 7.9 years) from retirement centers and community housing for the elderly. INTERVENTION: The participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (multidomain attention training, n = 39) or an active control group (n = 39). Both groups underwent training sessions for 45 minutes three times per week for 6 weeks (18 sessions in total). MEASURES: The main efficacy indicator was alertness (Trail Making Test Part B), sustained attention (Digit Vigilance Test), and visual-spatial attention (Trail Making Test Part A). The secondary outcome indicators were other cognitive functions (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] and Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] subscales). Measurements were obtained at pretest, posttest, and 3 and 6 months after training. RESULTS: The results were analyzed by a generalized estimating equation (GEE), which indicated that attention outcomes (alertness, sustained attention, and visual-spatial attention) of the experimental group did not improve after training. However, the experimental group displayed a significant improvement in the attention, memory, and orientation of MMSE and MoCA subscales over a period of 6 months and also showed superior results compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Multidomain attention training demonstrated improved alertness and visual-spatial attention for posttest after 6 months. We also outline potential future advances in attention training for improving attention in older adults with MCI.

The Construction and Evaluation of Executive Attention Training to Improve Selective Attention, Focused Attention, and Divided Attention for Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the immediate and long-term effects of executive attention training on selective attention, focused attention, and divided attention in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: A double-blind, multisite randomized controlled trial at five sites. Seventy participants (mean age: 78.19 ± 7.22 years) were assigned to an experimental group (executive attention training, n = 35) or an active control group (n = 35). The training duration was the same for both groups (45 minutes per session, 3 times per week, 18 sessions in total). Primary outcome measure was selective attention (Digit Span Task). Secondary outcome measures included focused attention (Stroop Color Word Test) and divided attention (Trail-Making Test Part B). Data were collected at pretest, post-test, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: In GEE analysis, findings indicated a significant improvement in selective attention at post-test, whereas divided attention showed significant reducing omission error at 3-month follow-up. There was no significant effect of group in focused attention associated with the executive attention training compared with active control group. CONCLUSION: The executive attention training significantly improved selective attention and divided attention performance. Future studies should identify transfer effects of attention training, and that can employ early screening to provide integrated attention training, and decrease its relevant risks on competency in performing daily activities, such as falling and driving.

[Project to Increase the Percentage of Nursing Staffs Passing Clinical Ladder-3 Certification in the Intensive Care Unit].

BACKGROUND & PROBLEMS: Clinical ladder (CL)-3 nurses should have both an ability to integrate the clinical information of critically ill patients and to carry out the administrative work of the intensive care unit. However, in our unit, only 15.3% of nurses hold CL-3 certification, which is much lower than the hospital average of 23.1%. Thus, we initiated a project to raise this percentage in our unit. An analysis in January 2016 showed that the main obstacles to obtaining CL-3 certification in our unit were inability to write case reports, inadequate in-service education, and a lack of certified educators. PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to increase the number of CL-3-certified nurses in our intensive care unit. RESOLUTION: The resolution included holding courses on case report writing, briefings, and oral presentation techniques; assigning a preceptor to make nursing staff assignments; encouraging nurses to participate in the clinical nursing preceptor education training camp; and conducting practice tests using a multiple assessment tool. RESULTS: After implementation of this project, the percentage of unit nurses who had passed CL-3 increased to 39.0%. CONCLUSIONS: This project not only allowed our fellow nurses to share in the joy of clinical ladder advancement but also improved the atmosphere in the unit by encouraging self-development. This project helped stimulate professional growth among our staff and improved the quality of clinical care.

Development and effectiveness of virtual interactive working memory training for older people with mild cognitive impairment: a single-blind randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: memory training is a potential intervention for retaining memory and reducing dementia risk in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). OBJECTIVE: this study examined the effect of virtual interactive working memory training (VIMT) in older adults with MCI. DESIGN: single-blind, two-arm parallel-group, randomised controlled design. SETTING: retirement homes, institutions, and communities. SUBJECTS: a total of 66 older adults with MCI were recruited (mean age: 78.5 ± 7.6 years). METHODS: participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (VIMT, n = 33) or active control group (n = 33). The VIMT program used the CogniPlus (includes four training modules). Both groups attended 45 min sessions 3 times per week, a total of 36 sessions. The primary outcome was working memory; secondary outcomes were immediate memory, delayed memory, subjective memory complaints and global cognitive function. All variables were measured at pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: between group, the effect of working memory adjusted mean difference by 1.75 (95% CI: 0.56 to 2.94; P < 0.01) at post-test. The results were analysed by a generalised estimating equation, which indicated that VIMT group significantly improved working memory at post-test (P = 0.01) relative to the active control group. CONCLUSIONS: the applied VIMT program can enable older adults with MCI to maintain their working memory and reduce the rate of cognitive deterioration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (no.: NCT02462135).

Comparison of the Effects and Inhibitory Pathways of the Constituents from Gynostemma pentaphyllum against LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response.

Saponins, the primary phytochemicals contributing to the health properties of G. pentaphyllum were frequently studied. However, compounds responsible for its bioactivities were still poorly understood. The saponin-rich fraction (GPMS), 3- O-[2G-( E)-Coumaroyl-3G- O-ß-d-glucosyl-3R- O-ß-d-glucosylrutinoside] (KCGG), gypenoside XLVI and gypenoside L were obtained by purification of G. pentaphyllum. The compounds were examined and compared with GPMS for their inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. GPMS and KCGG differed in their inhibitory capacities against pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. GPMS exhibited strong inhibition on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA expression but weak inhibition on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß mRNA expression. KCGG was better at inhibiting iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression. GPMS showed similar inhibitory potency on mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, as evidenced by their regulatory effects on LPS-induced P65 phosphorylation, NF-κB nuclear translocation, IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, IκKα/ß phosphorylation, c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation, P38 phosphorylation, and COX-2 expression. KCGG was more powerful in inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, suggesting that KCGG might be used in the management of inflammatory-associated diseases in which NF-κB played pivotal roles. Furthermore, KCGG might be mainly responsible for the predominant effects of GPMS.

Memory-focused interventions for people with cognitive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

BACKGROUND: A better understanding of people with cognitive disorders improves performance on memory tasks through memory-focused interventions are needed. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of memoryfocused interventions on cognitive disorders through a meta-analysis. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: The online electronic databases PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Ovid-Medline, CINHAL, PsycINFO, Ageline, and Embase (up to May 2017) were used in this study. No language restriction was applied to the search. REVIEW METHODS: Objective memory (learning and memory function, immediate recall, delayed recall, and recognition) was the primary indicator and subjective memory performance, global cognitive function, and depression were the secondary indicators. The Hedges' g of change, subgroup analyses, and meta-regression were analyzed on the basis of the characteristics of people with cognitive disorders. RESULTS: A total of 27 studies (2177 participants, mean age=75.80) reporting RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated a medium-to-large effect of memory-focused interventions on learning and memory function (Hedges' g=0.62) and subjective memory performance (Hedges' g=0.67), a small-to-medium effect on delayed recall and depression, and a small effect on immediate recall and global cognitive function (all p<0.05) compared with the control. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression indicated that the effects on learning and memory function were more profound in the format of memory training, individual training, shorter treatment duration, and more than eight treatment sessions, and the effect size indicated the MMSE score was the most crucial indicator (ß=-0.06, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This is first comprehensive meta-analysis of special memory domains in people with cognitive disorders. The results revealed that memory-focused interventions effectively improved memory-related performance in people with cognitive disorders. An appropriately designed intervention can effectively improve memory function, reduce disability progression, and improve mood state in people with cognitive disorders. Additional randomized controlled trials including measures of recognition, global cognitive function, and depression should be conducted and analyzed.

The effect of cognitive-based training for the healthy older people: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: From the perspective of disease prevention, the enhancement of cognitive function among the healthy older people has become an important issue in many countries lately. This study aim to investigate the effect of cognitive-based training on the overall cognitive function, memory, attention, executive function, and visual-spatial ability of the healthy older people. METHODS: Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL of selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and previous systematic reviews were searched for eligible studies. The population focused on this study were healthy older people who participated in randomized controlled trials that investigated the effectiveness of cognitive-based training. The outcomes including change in overall cognitive function, memory, attention, executive function, and visual-spatial ability. RESULTS: We collected a total of 31 RCTs, the results showed that cognitive-based training has a moderate effect on overall cognitive function (g = 0.419; 95%CI = 0.205-0.634) and executive function (g = 0.420; 95%CI = 0.239-0.602), and a small effect on the memory (g = 0.354; 95%CI = 0.244-0.465), attention (g = 0.218; 95%CI = 0.125-0.311), and visual-spatial ability (g = 0.183;95%CI = 0.015-0.352) in healthy older people. Subgroup analysis indicated the intervention characteristics of ≧3 times each week (p = 0.042), ≧8 total training weeks (p = 0.003) and ≧24 total training sessions (p = 0.040) yields a greater effect size. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive-based training is effective for the healthy older people. This improvement can represent a clinically important benefit, provide information about the use of cognitive-based training in healthy older people, and help the healthy older people obtain the greatest possible benefit in health promotion and disease prevention.

[Change of Atmospheric Pollution Diffusion Conditions in Beijing in Recent 35 Years].

In this paper, the monthly average of NCEP(National Center for Environmental Prediction)reanalysis data (2.5°×2.5°),the sounding data, and conventional observation data in Beijing (54511 station) were used to analyze the atmospheric pollution diffusion conditions in Beijing in recent 35 years. The main conclusions were:in 1980~2015, the whole layer was warmer. After 1990, the temperature inversion phenomenon was obvious, and the whole air was stable. The cold air's less effect on the lower layer, lower frequency of great north wind speed and surface layer's convergence led to the rising of pollution concentration. The location of sink motion at the high level was lower and that of the ascending motion at the low level was higher. This led to the constriction of the ascending motion below the boundary layer, worsening the pollution diffusion condition. In 1980~1989, the atmospheric capacity index was steady, while in 1990-1999,it fluctuated obviously and after 2000,it declined. In general, the atmospheric capacity presented a gentle decline. In spring and winter of 1980-1989, as well as spring and summer of 1990-2015, the atmospheric capacity was better. After 2000, the atmospheric capacity was decreasing compared to the last 20 years no matter in which season, and the difference of atmospheric capacity in seasons diminished. The boundary layer was higher in spring and summer, and lower in fall and winter in recent 35 years.

Comparing the Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predictive Values of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini-Mental State Examination When Screening People for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Chinese Population.

BACKGROUND: The study compared the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic value of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in screening for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used, and 142 participants were screened for MCI and mild dementia by using the MoCA and MMSE. The receiver operating characteristic curves and the cutoff scores with the largest area under the curve (AUC) were determined and compared to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic value (positive predictive value [PPV] and negative predictive value [NPV]). RESULTS: The optimal MoCA cutoff scores for MCI and dementia were 24 and 20, respectively. According to these scores, the sensitivities were 0.88 and 0.79, the specificities were 0.74 and 0.80, the AUCs were 0.91 and 0.87, the PPVs were 0.93 and 0.74, and the NPVs were 0.74 and 0.87, respectively. The optimal cutoff MMSE scores for MCI and dementia were 27 and 24, respectively. Hence, the sensitivities were 0.88 and 0.84, the specificities were 0.70 and 0.86, the AUCs were 0.88 and 0.89, the PPVs were 0.94 and 0.80, and the NPVs were 0.81 and 0.88, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the Chinese population, the MoCA is more efficient in screening for MCI than for dementia, whereas the MMSE is more efficient in screening for dementia than for MCI. The MoCA and MMSE can be used by clinical staffs for quick and accurate cognitive impairment screening, thus facilitating early and appropriate clinical intervention and treatment.

The effect of a researcher designated music intervention on hospitalised psychiatric patients with different levels of anxiety.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a music intervention on hospitalised psychiatric patients with different levels of anxiety. BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, psychiatric inpatients and nurses routinely suffer from anxiety. A music intervention may possibly be useful, but knowledge as to how useful and how effective it is in patients with different levels of anxiety is limited. DESIGN: The study design was a three-group, repeated-measures experimental study. METHODS: Subjects were 22 psychiatric patients who were divided into three groups based on their level of anxiety. They listened to 20 minutes of music each day for 10 days and were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory before and after the music intervention and at a one-week follow-up; an electroencephalogram and finger temperature were monitored before and during the music intervention. RESULTS: Anxiety levels of all three groups showed a significant difference (p = 0·0339) after the intervention. The difference alpha and beta electroencephalogram percentages for all three groups showed a significant difference (p = 0·04; p = 0·01). The finger temperature showed a non-significant difference (p = 0·41). CONCLUSIONS: A music intervention can effectively alleviate the anxiety of hospitalised psychiatric patients who suffer from all levels of anxiety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The study recommends a practice in alleviating anxiety. Effective lower-cost interventions to reduce anxiety in psychiatric inpatient settings would be of interest to nurses and benefit patients.

The reliability, validity, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the Chinese version of the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to translate the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale into Chinese and to evaluate the psychometric properties (reliability and validity) and the diagnostic properties (sensitivity, specificity and predictive values) of the Chinese version of the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale. BACKGROUND: The accurate detection of early dementia requires screening tools with favourable cross-cultural linguistic and appropriate sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values, particularly for Chinese-speaking populations. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. METHODS: Overall, 130 participants suspected to have cognitive impairment were enrolled in the study. A test-retest for determining reliability was scheduled four weeks after the initial test. Content validity was determined by five experts, whereas construct validity was established by using contrasted group technique. The participants' clinical diagnoses were used as the standard in calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. RESULTS: The study revealed that the Chinese version of the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale exhibited a test-retest reliability of 0.90, an internal consistency reliability of 0.71, an inter-rater reliability (kappa value) of 0.88 and a content validity index of 0.97. Both the patients and healthy contrast group exhibited significant differences in their cognitive ability. The optimal cut-off points for the Chinese version of the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale in the test for mild cognitive impairment and dementia were 24 and 22, respectively; moreover, for these two conditions, the sensitivities of the scale were 0.79 and 0.76, the specificities were 0.91 and 0.81, the areas under the curve were 0.85 and 0.78, the positive predictive values were 0.99 and 0.83 and the negative predictive values were 0.96 and 0.91 respectively. CONCLUSION: The Chinese version of the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale exhibited sound reliability, validity, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This scale can help clinical staff members to quickly and accurately diagnose cognitive impairment and provide appropriate treatment as early as possible.

Molecular characterization, tissue distribution and expression analysis of TRIM25 in Gallus gallus domesticus.

TRIM25, a member of the tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) family of proteins, plays an important role in cell proliferation, protein modification, and the RIG-I-mediated antiviral signaling pathway. However, relatively few studies have investigated the molecular characterization, tissue distribution, and potential function of TRIM25 in chickens. In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNA of chicken TRIM25 that is composed of 2706 bp. Sequence analyses revealed that TRIM25 contains a 1902-bp open-reading frame that probably encodes a 633-amino acid protein. Multiple comparisons with deduced amino acid sequences revealed that the RING finger and B30.2 domains of chicken TRIM25 share a high sequence similarity with human and murine TRIM25, indicating that these domains are critical for the function of chicken TRIM25. qPCR assays revealed that TRIM25 is highly expressed in the spleen, thymus and lungs in chickens. Furthermore, we observed that TRIM25 expression was significantly upregulated both in vitro and in vivo following infection with Newcastle disease virus. TRIM25 expression was also significantly upregulated in chicken embryo fibroblasts upon stimulation with poly(I:C) or poly(dA:dT). Taken together, these findings suggest that TRIM25 plays an important role in antiviral signaling pathways in chickens.

Photosynthetic and cellular toxicity of cadmium in Chlorella vulgaris.

The toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) on the green alga Chlorella vulgaris were investigated by following the response to Cd of various toxicity endpoints (cell growth, cell size, photochemical efficiency of PSII in the light or Φ(PSII), maximal photochemical efficiency or Fv/Fm, chlorophyll a fluorescence, esterase activity, and cell viability). These toxicity endpoints were studied in laboratory batch cultures of C. vulgaris over a long-term 96-h exposure to different Cd concentrations using flow cytometry and pulse amplitude modulated fluorometry. The sequence of sensitivity of these toxicity endpoints was: cell yield >> Φ(PSII) ≈ esterase activity > Fv/Fm > chlorophyll a fluorescence ≈ cell viability. It is shown that cell apoptosis or cell death only accounted for a minor part of the reduction in cell yield even at very high algistatic free Cd²âº concentrations, and other mechanisms such as blocked cell divisions are major contributors to cell yield inhibition. Furthermore, cadmium may affect both the electron donors and acceptors of the electron transport chain at high free Cd²âº concentration. Finally, the resistance of cells to cell death was size-dependent; medium-sized cells had the highest toxicity threshold. The present study brings new insights into the toxicity mechanisms of Cd in C. vulgaris and provides a detailed comparison of the sensitivity of various Cd toxicity endpoints.