bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post-harvest processing methods have critical roles on the contents of active metabolites and pharmacological effects of Astragali Radix
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Jiang Shengnan , Sun Tingting , Zhi Wenbing , Ding Kairu , Qiao Ziyao , Zhang Hong , Li Ye , Liu Yang 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundProcessing methods of traditional Chinese medicinal materials are critical in influencing the active metabolites and pharmacological effects. The fresh processing method effectively prevents the loss and degradation of metabolites, common in traditional drying and softening processes, while also reducing production costs. Astragali Radix (AR), a leguminous botanical drug, is widely utilized in clinical practice and functional foods. Therefore, optimizing its the post-harvest processing method is crucial for enhancing production and application.MethodsAR samples were processed using different methods with varying moisture content, including unpretreated samples and those subjected to kneading and sweating treatments. These samples were evaluated for physical appearance and active metabolite content. The entropy weight method, combined with the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), was employed to optimize the fresh processing method. A comparative study between freshly processed AR (AR-F) and traditionally processed AR (AR-T) assessed active metabolites, pharmacological effects and mechanisms.ResultsThe appearance and active metabolites content of AR samples were affected by moisture content, kneading, and sweating treatments. After these treatments, the content of polysaccharides and calycosin-7-O-glucoside increased compared to unpretreated samples at the same moisture level. Entropy weight-TOPSIS analysis showed that the sample with 35% moisture, 100 kneading cycles, and 12 h of sweating had the highest score. Comparative studies revealed that AR-F had significantly higher content of total polysaccharides, total flavonoids, and calycosin-7-O-glucoside compared to AR-T, along with an increased flavonoid glycoside/aglycone ratio. However, no significant differences were observed in the total saponins and their metabolites. Pharmacological studies demonstrated that total flavonoids in AR-F exhibited superior macrophage RAW264.7 activation, compared to AR-T. Furthermore, we confirmed that the enhanced immunomodulatory capacity of AR-F was linked to its ability to stimulate the release of TNF, SRC, ER-α, AKT, HSP90, and Caspase-3 in RAW264.7 cells.ConclusionOur study optimized the fresh processing method of AR, and conducted a systematic comparative analysis between fresh and traditional processing samples, providing a basis for post-harvest processing in the AR production areas.
Molecular basis of resistance to leaf spot disease in oil palm
Authors: Wibowo Cahyo S. , Susilo Ricki , Ernawan Reza , Apriyanto Ardha , Alshaharni Mohammed O. , Smith Graham R. , Gatehouse Angharad M. R. , Edwards Martin G. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionLeaf spot disease caused by the fungal pathogen Curvularia oryzae is one of the most common diseases found in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) nurseries in South East Asia, and is most prevalent at the seedling stage. Severe infections result in localized necrotic regions of leaves that rapidly spread within nurseries leading to poor quality seedlings and high economic losses.MethodsTo understand the molecular mechanisms of this plant-pathogen interaction, RNA-Seq was used to elucidate the transcriptomes of three oil palm genotypes with contrasting pathogen responses (G10 and G12, resistant and G14, susceptible) following infection with C. oryzae spores. Transcriptomes were obtained from Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing of mRNA at four different time points (day 0, before treatment; day 1, 7, and 21 post treatment).Results and discussionAnalysis of differentially expressed gene (DEG) profiles in these three genotypes provided an overview of the genes involved in the plant defence. Genes involved in disease resistance, phytohormone biosynthesis, gene regulation (transcription factors), and those encoding proteins associated with cell wall hardening were identified and likely contribute to the resistance of oil palm to C. oryzae. Such genes represent good candidates for targets to enhance oil palm productivity and resilience through molecular breeding approaches.
“Do I need to reinvent myself?” Stigmatization of sport-related identities of Chinese students
Authors: Chen Jiangxi , Ni Weiguang 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesWhile many studies have shown that student-athletes are a stigmatized group and topics related to them have received increasing attention, few studies have focused on the current situation of Chinese sports students (tiyu sheng) with the same dual identity as student-athletes. Thus, this study aims to understand and recognize the negative perceptions that students with sports identities experience in the Chinese educational and cultural context and the impact of these perceptions on them.MethodsThis qualitative study used an interpretive description methodology to collect data through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted by the researcher with 11 sports students, 4 regular students, 3 teachers, and 2 parents. Then, the interview data was analyzed using reflective thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes were eventually extracted: (1) The onset and development of stigma, (2) Stigma factors in the spotlight, and (3) the Response to stigmatization by sports students.ConclusionFindings indicated that sports students are subjected to various stigmas under the negative filters of society. The stigmas suffered by sports students vary across school years and levels, and their perceptions of stigmas may also change over time and in different environments. In addition, being subjected to stereotype threat and self-stigma may have hurt some participants. The study’s results also provide evidence that the Internet plays a vital role in exacerbating the development of stigmatization among sports students, which needs to be determined by further research. These findings will contribute to subsequent research on the de-stigmatization of sports students.
Evaluating semantic control with transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Ambrosini Ettore , Benavides-Varela Silvia , Visalli Antonino , Viviani Giada , Montefinese Maria 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThis meta-analysis investigates the role of specific brain regions in semantic control processes using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). According to the Controlled Semantic Cognition framework, control processes help manage the contextually appropriate retrieval of semantic information by activating a distributed neural network, including the inferior frontal gyrus, the posterior middle temporal gyrus, and inferior parietal lobule. Lesions in these areas can lead to difficulties in manipulating weakly activated or competing semantic information. Researchers have used TMS to simulate such deficits in healthy individuals.MethodBy synthesizing results from TMS studies that targeted these regions, we aimed to evaluate whether neurostimulation over these areas can effectively impair participants’ performance under high semantic control demands.ResultsResults from different meta-analytical approaches consistently showed no significant effects of TMS, especially after correcting for publication bias. Nevertheless, variability in experimental methodologies was evident.ConclusionThese findings raise questions about the effectiveness of TMS in simulating deficits in semantic control and highlight the need for methodological improvements in future studies to enhance reliability and interpretability.
Mental health and attitudes toward suicide amongst individuals with gender dysphoria in Iran
Authors: Assareh Maryam , Rashedi Vahid , Eftekhar Ardebili Mehrdad , Salehian Razieh , Shalbafan Mohammadreza 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionGender dysphoria (GD) is associated with profound mental health challenges, including heightened suicide risk. This study aimed to explore the mental health status and attitudes toward suicide among individuals with GD in Iran.MethodsA comprehensive assessment was conducted using three validated tools: the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) to gauge emotional distress and psychological well-being, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to evaluate the severity of depressive symptoms, and the Predicament Questionnaire (PQ) to measure attitudes toward suicide in the context of social crises.ResultsAmong the 78 participants, 43 (55.1%) were identified as experiencing significant mental health issues, while 21 (26.9%) were found to suffer from severe depression. The average PQ score was 57.92, which aligns with findings from similar populations in previous studies, highlighting a concerning trend in suicide-related attitudes. Further statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between psychological distress (GHQ-28 scores) and attitudes toward suicide (PQ scores), as well as between depressive symptoms (BDI-II scores) and suicide-related attitudes.ConclusionsThese findings indicate a pervasive prevalence of psychological disorders, particularly depression, within this group, and underscore the strong association between depressive states and suicidal ideation. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and comprehensive healthcare policies tailored to the specific needs of individuals with GD in Iran. Given the substantial mental health burden observed, particularly the risk of suicide, this research highlights the critical importance of integrating mental health care into broader support systems for this population.
Association between polypharmacy and the long-term prescription of hypnotics in Japan: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Komatsu Munehiro , Takeshima Masahiro , Yoshizawa Kazuhisa , Ogasawara Masaya , Kudo Mizuki , Miyakoshi Eru , Itoh Yu , Shibata Nana , Ayabe Naoko , Mishima Kazuo 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionHypnotic polypharmacy and its long-term prescriptions constitute the inappropriate use of hypnotics. However, the relationship between hypnotic polypharmacy and prolonged prescriptions remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the association between hypnotic polypharmacy and the duration of hypnotic prescriptions.MethodsThis retrospective, cross-sectional study utilized a large dataset from the Japan Medical Data Center. The study population included adults who had been prescribed hypnotics between April 2020 and March 2021, with a focus on those receiving hypnotics in March 2021. Hypnotic polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent prescription of two or more hypnotics in March 2021. The duration of hypnotic prescriptions was measured by calculating the number of months between April 2019 and March 2021 during which hypnotics were prescribed. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between hypnotic polypharmacy and long-term hypnotic prescriptions, adjusting for relevant covariates.ResultsWe included 112,256 patients (mean age: 49.5 years, females: 47.1%). Among them, 67.9% received hypnotic monotherapy, and 32.1% received hypnotic polypharmacy. Compared with adults who were prescribed hypnotics for 1 month, the association with polypharmacy was stronger in those who were prescribed hypnotics for ≥4 months as the duration of the prescription increased (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.27, p=0.006 for 4–6 months; aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.23–1.49, p&lt;0.001 for 7–9 months; aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.43–1.73, p&lt;0.001 for 10–12 months; and aOR 3.24, 95% CI 2.99–3.52 for 13–24 months).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a significant association between hypnotic polypharmacy and long-term prescriptions of hypnotics. Initiating insomnia treatment with hypnotic monotherapy may reduce the likelihood of long-term prescriptions, and limiting the duration of hypnotic prescriptions could potentially prevent polypharmacy.
Association between psychiatric symptoms with multiple peripheral blood sample test: a 10-year retrospective study
Authors: Qiu Jianqing , Yu Cheng , Kuang Yalan , Hu Yao , Zhu Ting , Qin Ke , Zhang Wei 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPsychiatric illness is thought to be a brain somatic crosstalk disorder. However, the existing phenomenology-based Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic framework overlooks various dimensions other than symptoms. In this study, we investigated the associations between peripheral blood test indexes with various symptom levels of major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia (SCZ) to explore the availability of peripheral blood test indexes.MethodsWe extracted cases diagnosed with MDD, BD, and SCZ at West China Hospital from 2009 to 2021, translated their main complaints into Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) symptom severity scores using nature language processing (NLP), and collected their detailed psychiatric symptoms and peripheral blood test results. Then, generalized linear models were performed between seven types of peripheral blood test values with their transformed RDoC scores and detailed symptom information adjusted for age, gender, smoking, and alcohol history.ResultsSeveral inflammatory-related indexes were strongly associated with the negative valence system (NVS) domain (basophil percentage adjusted β = 0.275, lymphocyte percentage adjusted β = 0.271, monocyte percentage adjusted β = 0.223, neutrophil percentage adjusted β = −0.310, neutrophil count adjusted β = −0.301, glucose adjusted β = −0.287, leukocyte count adjusted β = −0.244, NLR adjusted β = −0.229, and total protein adjusted β = −0.170), the positive valence system (PVS) domain (monocyte percentage adjusted β = 0.228, basophil count adjusted β = 0.176, and glutamyl transpeptidase adjusted β = 0.171), and a wide range of mood, reward, and psychomotor symptoms. In addition, glucose, urea, urate, cystatin C, and albumin showed considerable associations with multiple symptoms. In addition, based on the direction of associations and the similarity of symptoms in terms of RDoC thinking, it is suggested that “positive” mood symptoms like mania and irritability and “negative” mood symptoms like depression and anxiety might be on a continuum considering their opposite relationships with similar blood indexes.LimitationsThe cross-sectional design, limited symptoms record, and high proportion of missing values in some other peripheral blood indexes limited our findings.ConclusionThe proportion of high inflammatory indexes in SCZ was relatively high, but in terms of mean values, SCZ, BD, and MDD did not differ significantly. Inflammatory response showed a strong correlation with NVS, PVS, and a range of psychiatric symptoms especially mood symptoms, psychomotor symptoms, and cognitive abilities.
Phytochemicals in the treatment of patients with depression: a systemic review
Authors: Picheta Natalia , Piekarz Julia , Daniłowska Karolina , Mazur Karol , Piecewicz - Szczęsna Halina , Smoleń Agata 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundDepression is a complex mental disease whose incidence increases every year; 300 million people worldwide currently suffer from it. Women are more likely to suffer from depression, twice the rate as men. It is one of the few illnesses that can lead to suicide, which makes it very dangerous – currently, 700,000 people die from suicide and it is the 4th most common cause of death in people aged 15-29. The treatment strategies for depression is a big challenge for physicians, pharmacists, scientists and classic remedies cause many side effects. Therefore, natural phytotherapy with herbs can prove to be a good solution. Phytotherapy is a popular treatment method used for centuries in Chinese medicine or Ayurveda.Materials and methodsThe study conducted a comprehensive database search PubMed, ClinicalKey and MedNar covered the years 2015 - 2024 to provide the most up-to-date data. 13 randomized controlled trials and 1 meta – analysis were included in the systematic review.ResultsMany plants show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cognitive enhancing effects, which are particularly important in depression. In the treatment of depression, plants such as Crocus sativus L. stigma, Lavandula angustifolia, Hypericum perforatum L. and Curcuma longa L. have proven to be effective. They show good effectiveness in human studies and alleviate the symptoms of depression. Herbal products can support classical pharmacotherapy, but this requires further research. Non-commercial clinical trials in the future should provide answers to research questions: at what stage of treatment of patients with MDD will the use of phytochemicals be most appropriate in terms of therapy efficacy and safety for the patient.ConclusionsCrocus sativus L. stigma, Lavandula angustifolia, Hypericum perforatum L. and Curcuma longa L. in modern medicine can help improve the well-being of patients with depression. The use of herbs as an intervention was associated with a decrease in the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines and an overall improvement in the mood of patients. Further research should be undertaken into combining both therapies in order to improve patients’ quality of life and reduce treatment costs.
Associations between ethylene oxide exposure and chronic bronchitis: results from the NHANES 2013–2018
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Hui , Bi Xiaoqing , Zhao Guowei 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionEthylene oxide (EtO) is a reactive gas commonly used in the production of various chemical compounds. Research has linked EtO exposure to respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. However, its potential effects on chronic bronchitis (CB) remain unclear, highlighting the need for further study to understand its role in respiratory health.MethodsOur study investigated data from 5,044 NHANES participants between 2013 and 2018 across three 2-year survey cycles. The relationship between HbEtO and CB was examined using weighted logistic regression, with HbEtO quartiles analyzed to assess the trend. A smoothed curve was fitted to verify the relationship between HbEtO and CB. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of our results, while subgroup analyses explored potential effect modifiers of the HbEtO-CB association.ResultsCompared with patients without CB, patients with CB had elevated HbEtO levels. Specifically, natural Log2HbEtO levels were linked to a greater prevalence of CB in a fully adjusted model (OR = 1.243, 95% CI: 1.143–1.352). Analysis of Log2HbEtO quartiles showed a significant trend in Q4 compared with Q1 (p for trend &lt; 0.001). The fitted smoothed curve indicated a U-shaped nonlinear association, with saturation and threshold analysis revealing an inflection point at Log2HbEtO = 4.87. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, and subgroup analyses identified consistent associations across various groups.ConclusionOur study found a significant association between EtO exposure and the occurrence of CB. Given the health risks linked to EtO exposure, implementing effective control measures is essential. Such actions could help lower CB prevalence and enhance respiratory health in vulnerable populations.
Burden of melanoma in China and its provinces from 1990 to 2021: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Yu Lingling , Yan Fanshu , Qi Jinlei , Wang Lijun , Zhou Maigeng , Yin Peng 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe incidence of melanoma in China has been increasing over the past few decades. This study aimed to investigate the burden of melanoma at both national and subnational level in China, where the population is rapidly aging.MethodsThe annual melanoma data from 1990 to 2021 was collected from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 China subnational study. Number of cases and age-standardized rates were estimated for incidence, mortality, prevalence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of melanoma by age and sex at subnational level with 33 province-level administrative units. Joinpoint regression model was used to evaluate the trends in disease burdens attributable to melanoma across time. A decomposition method was used to attribute changes in total deaths and DALYs to three explanatory components: population growth, population aging, and change of age-specific rates.ResultsOver the past 30 years, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of melanoma in China has shown an upward trend. The ASIR of melanoma in 2021 was 0.7 per 100,000 (95%UI 0.4–0.9), representing an increase of 89.2% (95% UI: 14.7–157.9%) from 1990. Among younger adults aged &lt;60 years, melanoma was more common in men, whereas among older adults who were aged &gt;60 years, it was more common in women. The ASIR was higher in the coastal provinces in 2021 and the age-standardized rates (ASR) of DALYs was generally higher in the western provinces. Total numbers of death and DALYs of melanoma increased over the study period, mainly driven by population aging in China.ConclusionChina has experienced a substantial increase in the burden of melanoma from 1990 to 2021. It is beneficial to develop more targeted strategies for older adults populations, especially for women, to reduce the melanoma burden throughout China, particularly in some coastal and western provinces.
Heightened cholesterol 25-hydroxylase expression in aged lung during Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Thomas David G. , Yang Jianjun , Cho Soo Jung , Stout-Delgado Heather 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAlveolar macrophages (AM) are critical effectors of the immune response and are essential for host responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Changes in lipid metabolism in AM can alter cellular function and biology. Impaired metabolism can contribute to excessive lipid accumulation and pro-inflammatory signaling. Our current study was designed to examine the role of cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (Ch25h), a redox enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of cholesterol to 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC), in modulating AM responses in the aged lung during S. pneumoniae infection.MethodsTo observe the impact of aging on Ch25h expression in AM during infection, in vitro and in vivo murine models of S. pneumoniae were used.ResultsAt baseline and in response to infection, cholesterol metabolism significantly altered in aged AM, which corresponded with increased lipid droplet formation. In vitro, treatment of aged macrophages with Ch25 h-specific siRNA improved S. pneumoniae clearance and enhanced phagocytic receptor expression. In vivo siRNA targeting significantly reduced Ch25h expression in aged lungs and improved clinical parameters during S. pneumoniae infection. Reduction of Ch25h was associated with changes in phagocytosis and antibacterial signaling, correlated with changes in cholesterol metabolism, and increased S. pneumoniae clearance.DiscussionThe results of our current study demonstrate that Ch25h plays an essential role in modulating aged AM responses to S. pneumoniae.