bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic potential of Xihuang Pill in colorectal cancer: Metabolomic and microbiome-driven approaches
Authors: Zhang Chen , Sui Conglu , Ma Xiaona , Ma Chongyang , Sun Xinhui , Zhai Changming , Cao Peng , Zhang Yue , Cheng Jinjun , Li Tong , Sai Jiayang 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe Xihuang Pill (XHP), a venerated traditional Chinese medicine, has demonstrated significant anti-cancer capabilities. Despite its proven efficacy, the scarcity of comprehensive pharmacological studies limits the widespread application of XHP. This research endeavor seeks to demystify the therapeutic underpinnings of XHP, particularly in the realm of colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy.MethodsIn this study, mice harboring CT26 tumors were divided into four groups, each administered with either XHP monotherapy, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), or a combination of both. The tumor growth trajectory was closely monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of these anti-neoplastic interventions. Advanced techniques, including 16S-rDNA gene sequencing and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), were harnessed to scrutinize the gut microbiota and serum metabolite profiles. Immunohistochemical assays were employed to gauge the expression levels of CD4, CD8, and Foxp3, thereby providing insights into the dynamics of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes within the tumor microenvironment.ResultsOur findings indicate that XHP effectively suppresses the initiation and progression of colorectal tumors. The combinatorial therapy of XHP with 5-FU exhibited an enhanced inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Metabolic profiling revealed that XHP induced notable metabolic shifts, particularly impacting pathways such as steroid hormone synthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, purine biosynthesis, and renin secretion. Notably, 17α-ethinyl estradiol and α-ergocryptine were identified as serum metabolites with the most substantial increase following XHP administration. Analysis of the gut microbiome suggested that XHP promoted the expansion of specific bacterial taxa, including Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Clostridiales, Desulfovibrionaceae, and Anaerotignum_sp., while suppressing the proliferation of others such as Ligilactobacilus, Lactobacillus_taiwanensis, and Candidatus_saccharimonas. Immunohistochemical staining indicated an upregulation of CD4 and CD8 post-XHP treatment.ConclusionThis study delineates a potential mechanism by which XHP inhibits CRC tumorigenesis through modulating the gut microbiota, serum metabolites, and reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment in a murine CRC model. These findings contribute to a more profound understanding and potentially broaden the clinical utility of XHP in oncology.
Safety and effectiveness of Salvia miltiorrhiza and ligustrazine injection for acute cerebral infarction in Chinese population: a PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Zhuoya , Zhang Hu , Zhao Fen , Li Ke , Dong Nanhai , Sang Wenwen 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundSalvia miltiorrhiza and ligustrazine injection (SML) is a type of traditional Chinese medicine injection, which has been considered a promising adjunctive therapy treatment for acute cerebral infarction (ACI). Although there have been positive reports on the treatment of SML, there is still controversy over its exact efficacy and safety in ACI patients. In this study, a systematic review was conducted on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SML for the treatment of ACI to evaluate its clinical efficacy and safety.MethodFrom the establishment of the database until May 2023, all randomized controlled trials related to SML and ACI were collected from the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, PubMed, CSJD, Wanfang database, CBM and CNKI. This systematic review and meta-analysis were strictly conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The reported outcomes including overall response (ORR), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), hemorrheology indexes, activity of daily living (ADL) and adverse events were in detail investigated.ResultsAn analysis was conducted on the relevant data of 3869 ACI patients from 38 trials. The results indicated that the combination of conventional treatment and SML can significantly improve the ORR of patients (RR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.20–1.27, P &lt; 0.00001), neurological status (NIHSS, MD = −4.35, 95% CI = −5.15–3.54, P &lt; 0.00001) and ADL (Barthel Index score, MD = 10.27, 95% CI = 7.75–12.79, P &lt; 0.00001) compared with regular treatment alone. After the combined therapy, the hemorheology of ACI patients also significantly improved (P &lt; 0.05). There is no significant difference in the frequency of adverse events between the two groups (RR = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.91–2.46, P = 0.11).ConclusionThe evidence from the meta-analysis suggested that the combination of conventional therapy and SML is safer and more effective than conventional therapy alone in treating ACI. However, due to the limitations of this analysis, such as regional bias and publication bias, the above conclusions need to be further verified by prospective, high-quality and multicenter clinical trials.
Nitazoxanide mitigates methotrexate hepatotoxicity in rats: role in inhibiting apoptosis and regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Mahmoud Nevertyty Mohamed , Elshazly Shimaa M. , El-shaarawy Fatma , Zaitone Sawsan A. , Aldahish Afaf A. , Ahmed Gehan A. , Fawzy Manal S. , Aloyouni Sheka Yagub , Abed Sally Y. , Saeedi Tahani , El-Sayed Shaimaa S. 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesHepatotoxicity is a severe outcome of methotrexate (MTX) therapy, limiting its clinical use and contributing to its related morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of nitazoxanide (NTZ), an antiprotozoal drug, against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity and whether endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-modulation underlies the expected beneficial effects of NTZ.MethodsThirty-six rats were allocated to six groups, one control group and five MTX groups, where induction of hepatotoxicity was achieved via injecting MTX (20 mg/kg). Groups were assigned as MTX-vehicle, NTZ-100, and NTZ-200 groups (at 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, gavage, respectively), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) group (500 mg/kg), and 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) group (150 mg/kg, i.p). Liver function enzymes in serum, hepatic oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, and ER-stress biomarkers were assessed. A histopathological examination was performed.ResultsTreatment with NTZ lessened the serum liver enzymes, reduced malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation product), enhanced antioxidant capacity, attenuated proinflammatory cytokines, and suppressed apoptosis. The protective effect of NTZ was dose-dependent, and the findings observed with the high-dose NTZ were similar to those obtained with the ER-stress inhibitor (4-PBA).ConclusionNTZ exerted a hepatoprotective effect in MTX-challenged rats that is mediated via modulation of ER stress and inhibiting apoptosis.
Research on the recommendation strategy of dual-channel manufacturers for hybrid e-commerce platforms
Authors: Wang Yang 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionIn the context of hybrid e-commerce platforms with reselling mode and agency mode, this study considers the issue of channel management by manufacturers through recommendation strategies.MethodsFor three dual-channel structures composed of e-commerce platforms, manufacturers, and third-party retailers, game models were constructed for manufacturer’s non-recommendation, differentiated recommendation, and indiscriminate recommendation scenarios to investigate the optimal recommendation strategy for manufacturers.Conclusion(1) For different dual-channel structures, compared to scenarios without recommendations, it is not always profitable for manufacturers to adopt a recommendation strategy as recommended parties may not necessarily gain higher profits from recommendations. (2) The optimal recommendation strategy for manufacturers is influenced by channel structure, commission rates, and relative scale in the recommended market. Recommending direct sales channels is the preferred choice for manufacturers with a higher relative scale in the recommended market prompting them to recommend all channels to consumers. (3) Numerical simulations reveal that retail prices, total market demand, and supply chain profits are positively correlated with relative scale within the recommended market. Additionally, any recommendation strategy can increase demand for recommended parties as well as overall supply chain profit levels.
Language switching is modulated by emotion priming: evidence from behavioral and event-related potentials study
Authors: Wang Yun , Liu Xinfang , Liu Dianzhi , Zhu Chuanlin 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionBilinguals often switch between different languages to effectively communicate their ideas. The variation in the increase in reaction times and error rates is termed as the language switch cost. Generally, bilingual language-switching costs demonstrate asymmetry, with a greater cost associated with transitioning from the weaker L2 to the dominant L1 than in the reverse scenario. Recent studies have demonstrated that language switching can be modulated under certain conditions. However, the effect of emotion on language-switching performance is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of emotions on bilingual language switching and how this impact manifests across different time windows.MethodsThis study explored the influence of emotion on language switching between Chinese (L1) and English (L2) using a dual task involving emotion priming and word-picture matching, with concurrent measurement of event-related potentials.ResultsThe behavioral results indicated that a happy mood improved the accuracy and efficiency of L1 switching, while a fearful mood enhanced the efficiency of L2 switching. Electrophysiological data revealed significant interactions among emotion, language, and task in the P1, N2, and N400 stages. Specifically, a happy mood was associated with an increased P1 amplitude during L1 switching, larger N2 amplitudes during L1 repetition, L1 switching, and L2 repetition, as well as greater N400 amplitudes during L1 repetition, L1 switching, and L2 repetition, along with a larger N600 during L2 repetition. Conversely, a fearful mood exhibited a significantly larger N400 during L2 switching and a larger N600 during L2 switching.DiscussionThe study findings suggest that positive emotions were beneficial for L1 switching in the early stages of visual attention allocation, conflict processing, and lexical-semantic processing. In contrast, negative emotions exhibited a more significant advantage for L2 switching in lexical-semantic processing and deeper levels of semantic processing. This study provides the first electrophysiological evidence for the impact of emotion priming on language-switching performance.
The association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and health-related quality of life in Chinese adolescents: the mediating roles of emotional intelligence and perceived stress
Authors: Li Qianyuan , Li Li , Li Chuchu , Wang Huilin 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionChinese adolescents are facing tremendous academic pressure and challenges brought about by changes in the social environment, which pose a serious threat to their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This cross-sectional survey uses convenience and snowball sampling to explore the relationship between adolescents’ HRQOL and their participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).MethodsThis study subjects include 440 adolescents aged 12 to 18, from four youth training centers and three schools in the central regions of Hunan, Hubei, and Henan provinces, chosen as representative samples for this study. We used AMOS v.26 to construct a structural equation model for data analysis and hypothesis testing.ResultsThe results indicated that active participation in MVPA helps reduce adolescents’ perceived stress and enhances their emotional intelligence and HRQOL levels. Specifically, MVPA weakens adolescents’ perceived stress through the mediating role of emotional intelligence (coefficient = −0.148, p &lt; 0.001), and perceived stress also mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and HRQOL (coefficient = 0.165, p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, the positive impact of MVPA on HRQOL is mediated by emotional intelligence and perceived stress (coefficient = 0.363, p &lt; 0.001). The explanatory power of this study is R2 = 0.50.ConclusionThe study results indicate that MVPA has a positive impact on the HRQOL levels of Chinese adolescents. Physical activity, especially moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise, should be considered a strategic approach to maintaining HRQOL among adolescents. Society, schools, and families should create an environment conducive to physical exercise to support adolescents in engaging in physical activities and developing a healthy lifestyle.
Racial disparities and socioeconomic factors associated with post-acute rehabilitation facility utilization among Nevadans with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and extremity fractures: insights of age-friendly and dementia-friendly state planning in U.S.
Authors: Oh Sung Soo , Yoo Ji Won , Chaudhry Stefan , Jeong Connor , Bae Deanna , Mohanadasan Sumegha , Frimer Leora , Kim Yonsu , Shen Jay J. 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundFalls and extremity fractures often occur in people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD). In post-fracture care, these patients are cared for either at rehabilitation facilities or their homes. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic limited the utilization of rehabilitation facilities. In areas with provider shortages, this trend poses a risk of disability and caregiver burdens, particularly in racial minorities who under-utilize rehabilitation facilities.ObjectiveTo assess racial disparities in post-acute care (PAC) at rehabilitation facilities among people living with ADRD and extremity fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe summarized the PAC locations by (1) rehabilitation facilities (skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation facilities) and (2) homes (homes with self-care and homes with services) for each study year. We observed the yearly percentage trends in PAC at rehabilitation facilities over the total post-acute discharge period. We assessed demographics (age, sex, and race), clinical comorbidities (fracture sites), utilization factors (pay source and hospital location), and COVID-19 pandemic status (pre−/post-pandemic years). We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the association between these factors and PAC in the rehabilitation facilities.ResultsThe proportion of individuals receiving PAC declined in rehabilitation facilities, whereas the proportion of individuals receiving PAC at home with services continuously increased. Being Hispanic, presence of cerebrovascular disorder (CVD), use of Medicaid services, and the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with lower probabilities of utilizing rehabilitation facilities.ConclusionAmong the individuals with ADRD and extremity fractures, the proportion of those who underutilized rehabilitation facilities was higher in Hispanics compared with other races. Caregiving for Hispanics, presence of CVD, and use of Medicaid services were associated with the risk of disability and caregiver burden, due to shifting trends from rehabilitation facilities to homes with services. Geriatric workforce education should be prioritized to enhance the competencies of healthcare providers serving these individuals to relieve caregiver burdens in areas with provider shortage.
Blockade of connexin43-containing hemichannel attenuates the LPS-induced inflammatory response in human dental pulp cells by inhibiting the extracellular flux of ATP and HMGB1
Authors: Hu Peiling , Long Ping , Li Ruotong , Lan Xiaorong , He Yuanpei , Li Guangwen , Li Shiting 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionTissue repair can be promoted by moderate inflammation but suppressed by excessive levels. Therefore, control of excessive inflammation following removal of infection plays a critical role in promotion of pulpal repair. Connexin 43 (Cx43) forms hemichannels (HCs) or gap channels (GJs) to facilitate the delivery of small molecules between cells to regulate both inflammation and repair. Understanding the role of Cx43 in dental pulp may help develop a potential strategy to attenuate the inflammation and promote the formation of reparative dentin in deep caries.MethodsWe firstly investigated the expression profile of Cx43 in infected human third molars by histological analysis; then, we detected channel activity of Cx43 and the effect of mediating release of small molecules in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) by molecular biology methods. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and the unpaired t-test. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05.ResultsAnalysis showed that the expression of Cx43 was upregulated in human third molars as the degree of infection increased, and Cx43 was not only expressed in odontoblast layer, but also detected in cell-rich zone and pulp proper. LPS activated Cx43 HCs in hDPCs while inhibiting GJs; blockade of Cx43 HCs attenuated LPS-induced inflammation. Furthermore, LPS promoted the extracellular release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) within hDPCs, thus exacerbating LPS-induced inflammation. The blockade of Cx43 HCs inhibited the extracellular release of ATP and HMGB1 within hDPCs.ConclusionCollectively, our finding suggested that Cx43 plays a key role in infection and inflammation in dental pulp. LPS activates Cx43 HCs to mediate the extracellular release of ATP and HMGB1 to exacerbate LPS-induced inflammation of hDPCs.
Presence in time: watching live and recorded sports in VR increases spatial, interpersonal, and temporal presence
Authors: Frewen Paul , Vincent Andrew 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionLittle research has explored the experience of viewing sporting events in three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR), whether at the time the sporting events are happening or at a later date.Materials and MethodsParticipants (n = 148) were university students who watched brief segments of a 360° live stream of collegiate volleyball and basketball games, either live, at the time the games were happening, or approximately 1 week later. Participants watched segments of gameplay both while wearing and not wearing a 3D-VR headset, and provided spatial, interpersonal, and temporal presence ratings immediately afterward, as well as ratings of satisfaction with each viewing format.ResultsViewing the games in 3D-VR, as compared to watching the games on a standard two-dimensional (2D) tablet computer, was associated with greater spatial, interpersonal, and temporal presence, and watching games live was associated with greater temporal presence. Although no differences were seen in overall satisfaction between the 3D-VR and standard 2D-tablet viewing formats, the more participants experienced a sense of presence while watching the games, the more they were satisfied with their sports viewing experience.DiscussionSports spectatorship in 3D-VR is associated with a heightening of the feeling of spatial presence (“being there”), interpersonal (i.e., social) presence (“being together”), and temporal presence (“this is happening now”), regardless of whether the games that one is watching are actually occurring in the present, or are instead camera recordings that were captured sometime in the past. Researching the experience of temporal presence in response to recordings of other kinds of public (e.g., music concert) and private events (e.g., family memory) is recommended.
A novel approach for contactless heart rate monitoring from pet facial videos
Authors: Hu Renjie , Gao Yu , Peng Guoying , Yang Hongyu , Zhang Jiajin 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionMonitoring the heart rate (HR) of pets is challenging when contact with a conscious pet is inconvenient, difficult, injurious, distressing, or dangerous for veterinarians or pet owners. However, few established, simple, and non-invasive techniques for HR measurement in pets exist.MethodsTo address this gap, we propose a novel, contactless approach for HR monitoring in pet dogs and cats, utilizing facial videos and imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG). This method involves recording a video of the pet’s face and extracting the iPPG signal from the video data, offering a simple, non-invasive, and stress-free alternative to conventional HR monitoring techniques. We validated the accuracy of the proposed method by comparing it to electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings in a controlled laboratory setting.ResultsExperimental results indicated that the average absolute errors between the reference ECG monitor and iPPG estimates were 2.94 beats per minute (BPM) for dogs and 3.33 BPM for cats under natural light, and 2.94 BPM for dogs and 2.33 BPM for cats under artificial light. These findings confirm the reliability and accuracy of our iPPG-based method for HR measurement in pets.DiscussionThis approach can be applied to resting animals for real-time monitoring of their health and welfare status, which is of significant interest to both veterinarians and families seeking to improve care for their pets.
Weizmannia coagulans BC99 Enhances Intestinal Barrier Function by Modulating Butyrate Formation to Alleviate Acute Alcohol Intoxication in Rats
Authors: Li Cheng , Zhai Shirui , Duan Mengyao , Cao Li , Zhang Jie , Wang Yao , Wu Ying , Gu Shaobin 
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Probiotics have great potential in improving acute alcohol intoxication. The aim of this study was to investigate the mitigating effect and mechanism of action of Weizmannia coagulans BC99 on acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) in SD rats. Methods: BC99 was divided into different doses administered by gavage to rats, and a rat model of acute alcohol intoxication was established by multiple gavages of excess alcohol. Results: Our study demonstrated that W. coagulans BC99 intervention significantly prolonged the latency period of intoxication; significantly attenuated alcohol-induced lipid elevation, liver injury, hepatic inflammation, and intestinal barrier damage; and lowered plasma endotoxin (LPS) levels in rats. In addition, W. coagulans BC99 could effectively restore the balance of intestinal flora, increase the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31, Parabacteroides, and Ralstonia, and thus increase the content of intestinal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyric acid. Moreover, we demonstrated through sodium butyrate validation experiments that butyrate could attenuate intestinal barrier damage and reduce the diffusion of LPS, thereby reducing liver inflammation. Conclusions: In conclusion, W. coagulans BC99 ameliorates acute alcohol intoxication in rats by increasing the abundance of butyrate-producing genera and thereby increasing butyrate abundance to alleviate intestinal barrier injury.