bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traditional clinical symptoms and signs: Kampo pattern diagnosis in modern gastrointestinal disease
Authors: Zedler Paul , Büntzel Judith , Kuchta Kenny , Yamaoka Denichiro , Sato Nanoha , Watanabe Kenji , Cameron Silke 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionIn traditional Japanese Kampo medicine, a profound anamnesis is completed by clinical examination. The resulting clinical image forms the basis of the patient’s diagnosis pattern, including the recent mental, physical, and social contexts. Kampo questionnaires support pattern diagnosis and bridge traditional and Western medicine diagnoses.Aims of the studyTraditional Kampo therapy is tailored to a specific body constitution, while Western medicine treatment is tailored to a specific disease. The aims of this study were to analyze whether traditional Kampo diagnosis is applicable to German patients and whether specific symptom patterns are characteristic for defined diseases.Material and methodsThis study validates for the first time a Kampo questionnaire adapted for German patients. The analysis focuses on patients with gastrointestinal diseases, the main field for Kampo medicines.ResultsIn total, we prospectively included 251 participants; of those, 58 were cancer patients (23.1%), 35 had Crohn’s disease (13.9%), 18 had ulcerative colitis (7.2%), 17 had irritable bowel syndrome (6.8%), and 103 had other abdominal diseases (41%), as well as 20 German controls (8%). The patient population consisted of 144 female (57.4%) and 107 male (42.6%) participants. The median age was 65 years. The disease duration (average: 211 months) varied from 1 month (cancer patient) to 540 months (patient with Crohn’s disease). The scores for questions on the state of mind were significantly higher in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—in comparison to the tumor and control groups. This was reflected in questions about abdominal discomfort, appetite, fecal habits, and cold sensation. Accordingly, symptoms of Qi (i.e., vital energy) deficiency were mostly observed in patients with chronic diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Defined symptom combinations did not reflect conventional Western diagnosis.ConclusionOur study results show that symptom patterns are independent of the underlying disease. They rather depict the individual patient within an individual time frame. Traditional Kampo questionnaires were found to be valid for the analysis of a patients’ body constitution (sho) and serve as a guide for Kampo treatment. We propose that individual pattern diagnosis should be taken into account to help treatment individualization.
Formononetin triggers ferroptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells by regulating the mTORC1/SREBP1/SCD1 pathway
Authors: Xie Dong , Jiang Yulang , Wang Huan , Zhu Lingyi , Huang Shuangqin , Liu Sheng , Zhang Weihong , Li Tian 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant type of breast cancer, and its prognosis is still the worst. It is necessary to constantly explore the pathogenesis and effective therapeutic targets of TNBC. Formononetin is an active ingredient with anti-tumor effects that we screened earlier. The main purpose of this study is to elucidate mechanism of the inhibitory effect of Formononetin on TNBC.MethodsWe conducted experiments through both in vivo and in vitro methodologies. The in vivo experiments utilized a nude mice xenotransplantation model, while the in vitro investigations employed two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468. Concurrently, ferroptosis associated proteins, lipid peroxide levels, and proteins related to the rapamycin complex 1 were analyzed in both experimental settings.ResultsIn our study, Formononetin exhibits significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation of triple TNBC, both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, it elicits an increase in lipid peroxide levels, downregulates the expression of ferroptosis-associated proteins GPX4 and xCT, and induces ferroptosis in breast cancer cells. Concurrently, Formononetin impedes the formation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and suppresses the expression of downstream Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1(SREBP1). The utilization of breast cancer cells with SREBP1 overexpression or knockout demonstrates that Formononetin induces ferroptosis by modulating the mTORC1-SREBP1 signaling axis.DiscussionIn conclusion, this study provides evidence that Formononetin exerts an anti-proliferative effect on triple-negative breast cancer by inducing ferroptosis. Moreover, the mTORC1-SREBP1 signal axis is identified as the primary mechanism through which formononetin exerts its therapeutic effects. These findings suggest that formononetin holds promise as a potential targeted drug for clinical treatment of TNBC.
High-throughput phenotyping reveals multiple drought responses of wild and cultivated Phaseolinae beans
Authors: Verheyen Jon , Dhondt Stijn , Abbeloos Rafael , Eeckhout Joris , Janssens Steven , Leyns Frederik , Scheldeman Xavier , Storme Veronique , Vandelook Filip 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionAlthough drought resistance of a plant may be achieved through morphological, structural, physiological, cellular, and molecular adaptations, most studies remain limited to quantifying the effect of drought on biomass.MethodsUsing a highthroughput phenotypic imaging system, we evaluated the drought resistance of 151 bean accessions (Phaseolinae; Fabaceae) in an explorative approach, by quantifying five different traits simultaneously: biomass, water use efficiency (WUE), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content (NDVI), and root/shoot ratio. Since crop wild relatives are important resources for breeding programs, we analyzed both wild and cultivated accessions, most of which have never been evaluated for drought resistance before. ResultsWe demonstrate that the five traits are affected very differently by drought in the studied accessions, with significant correlations existing only between the biomass and WUE indicators (r=0.39), and between the RWC and NDVI indicators (r=0.40). When grouping accessions by subgenus or by species, large intraspecific and withinsubgenus variation was found. For this reason, we performed a cluster analysis, which grouped the accessions into five distinct clusters with similar response profiles. We also correlated the drought resistance for each accession to local climate variables at their original collection sites. The biomass, WUE, and RWC indicators were significantly correlated to annual precipitation (r=0.40, r=0.20, r=0.22, respectively), confirming that accessions from arid environments are generally more drought resistant.DiscussionOur results demonstrate that the drought resistance of Phaseolinae beans is a multifaceted characteristic and cannot be simply quantified through biomass. Furthermore, the broader knowledge of the drought resistance of the accessions studied here may prove an invaluable resource for future crop production.
Antimicrobial stewardship situation analysis in selected hospitals in Zambia: findings and implications from a national survey
Authors: Chizimu Joseph Yamweka , Mudenda Steward , Yamba Kaunda , Lukwesa Chileshe , Chanda Raphael , Nakazwe Ruth , Simunyola Bwalya , Shawa Misheck , Kalungia Aubrey Chichonyi , Chanda Duncan , Chola Uchizi , Mateele Tebuho , Thapa Jeewan , Kapolowe Kenneth , Mazaba Mazyanga Lucy , Mpundu Mirfin , Masaninga Freddie , Azam Khalid , Nakajima Chie , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Bakyaita Nathan Nsubuga , Wesangula Evelyn , Matu Martin , Chilengi Roma 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAntimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are critical in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Zambia, there is little information regarding the capacity of hospitals to establish and implement AMS programs. The objective of this study was to conduct a baseline assessment of WHO core elements for an AMS program implementation in eight hospitals in Zambia.Materials and methodsWe conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study from September 2023 to December 2023 using a self-scoring Periodic National and Healthcare Facility Assessment Tool from the World Health Organization (WHO) policy guidance on integrated AMS activities in human health. Eight public hospitals were surveyed across the five provinces of Zambia. Data was analyzed using the WHO self-scoring tool and thematic analysis.ResultsOverall, 62.5% (6/8) of the facilities scored low (below 60%) in implementing AMS programs. Most facilities had challenges with reporting AMS feedback within the hospital (average score = 46%), Drugs and Therapeutics Committee (DTC) functionality (average score = 49%), AMS actions (average score = 50%), education and training (average score = 54%), and leadership commitment to AMS activities (average score = 56%). The overall score for all AMS core elements was average (56%). All the hospitals (100%) did not have an allocated budget for AMS programs. Finally, there were neither antibiograms to guide antimicrobial utilization nor AMS-trained staff in more than 50% of the hospitals surveyed.ConclusionThis study found low AMS implementation in these public hospitals, especially where DTCs were non-functional. The identified challenges and gaps require urgent attention for sustainable multidisciplinary AMS programs.
The association between hobby engagement and depressive symptoms among Chinese middle-aged and older adults: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Authors: Lu Qiong , Hu Peijing , Lian Cheng , Chen Xinglin 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIt has been demonstrated that receptive cultural engagement, such as visits to theaters and museums, can reduce depression in older adults. However, the association between hobby engagement and lower rates of depressive symptoms (DS) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between hobby engagement and depressive symptoms.MethodsThe data for this prospective cross-sectional study were collected from participants in the China Longitudinal Study of Health and Retirement (CHARLS) wave 2020. To assess DS, a score of 10 or more on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale was used to indicate depression. Hobby engagement was gaged by trained staff through the administration of a battery of standardized questions. Logistic regression and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using the propensity score analyses were employed to investigate the relationship between hobby engagement and DS.ResultsA total of 16,057 participants were included, with a mean age of 62.4 ± 9.2 years. Of these, 7,699 were male and 8,358 were female. The proportion of individuals exhibiting depressive symptoms was 31.57% (1,286 out of 4,073) among those with hobby engagement, while it was 39.67% (4,754 out of 11,984) among those without hobby engagement. After adjusting for covariates, the odds ratio was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.82–0.97, p = 0.0109). Propensity-score analyses also supported these findings, with the odds ratio being 0.91 (95% CI: 0.84–0.99, p = 0.0204). The finding was consistent with multiple sensitivity analyses.ConclusionOur study found hobby engagement was associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptoms in Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Our findings need to be confirmed in future studies.
Acceptance and commitment therapy group protocol for caregivers of anxious youth: an open trial pilot study
Authors: Raftery-Helmer Jacquelyn N. , Hart Ashley S. , Levitt Madeline R. , Hodge Steven M. , Coyne Lisa W. , Moore Phoebe S. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionAnxiety disorders are common, distressing, and impairing for children and families. Cognitive-behavioral interventions targeting the role of family interactions in child anxiety treatment may be limited by lack of attention to antecedents to parental control; specifically, internal parent factors such as experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion. This pilot study evaluates the preliminary efficacy of a group-delivered caregiver treatment program, ACT for Parents of Anxious Children (ACT-PAC) that targets parental experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, and child internalizing symptoms.MethodsTwenty-three youth ages 7–17 years with a primary anxiety disorder diagnosis and their primary caregiver participated in six one-hour, weekly group treatment sessions. Parents and children reported on child symptomatology and parents reported on parent symptomatology and quality of life at two assessment points: within one week before ACT-PAC treatment and within one week after treatment. Parents self-reported on parental internal processes specifically targeted by ACT (e.g., cognitive fusion) weekly during the 6-week treatment.ResultsResults support the feasibility and acceptability of ACT-PAC and indicate reductions in parents' cognitive fusion and child internalizing symptoms.
Effects of oral liquiritigenin inoculation on gut microbiota and gene expression in intestinal and extraintestinal tissues of mice
Authors: Suo Zhaotaize , Yu Ying , Shi Fangyun , Tian Jijing , Hao Zhihui , Zhang Jingren , Zou Jun 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionLiquiritigenin (LQ), a natural flavonoid found in traditional Chinese medicine and often administered orally, holds potential to affect both the gut and its microbiota, that potentially mediating or influencing its biological and pharmacological effects. However, the effects of LQ on gut microbiota composition and intestinal function remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the impact of LQ on gut microbiota and gene expression in both intestinal and extraintestinal tissues.MethodsWe orally inoculated six-week-old SPF C57BL/6 mice with either LQ (a concentration of 4 mg/ml diluted in dimethylsulfoxide, (DMSO)) or DMSO, and administered daily for a duration of 2 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, all mice were euthanized. Fresh fecal samples, as well as samples from the intestine, lung, and liver, were collected for subsequent microbiota analysis, RNA-seq, or histochemical and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.ResultsFindings show that LQ alters gut microbiota composition, enhancing microbial correlations in the colon but causing some dysbiosis, evidenced by increased pathobionts, decreased beneficial bifidobacteria, and reduced microbiota diversity. Gene expression analysis reveals LQ upregulates mucosal immune response genes and antiinfection genes in both the intestine and lung, with histology confirming increased Paneth cells and antimicrobial peptides in the intestine. Additionally, LQ affects tissue-specific gene expression, triggering hypersensitivity genes in the colon, downregulating metabolic genes in the small intestine, and reducing cell motility and adhesion genes in the lung.DiscussionThese results suggest LQ’s potential to modulate common mucosal immunity but also highlight possible risks of gut dysbiosis and hypersensitivity, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Our study, while informative about the effects of LQ on gut health, lacks direct evidence on whether changes in gut microbiota and gene expression caused by LQ impact inflammatory diseases or are causally linked. Future research should investigate this through fecal microbiota transplantation to explore the causal relationships and LQ’s potential effects on immune responses and disease outcomes in relevant models.
Relationship between the contact load and time-loss injuries in rugby union
Authors: Iwasaki Yusuke , Someya Yuki , Nagao Masashi , Nozu Shojiro , Shiota Yuki , Takazawa Yuji 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveQuantifying and managing the matches and training loads of players is important for injury prevention. As rugby union is a full-contact sport and frequent contact injuries occur, it might also be important to quantify and manage players’ contact loads. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between contact load and injury incidence in elite rugby union players.MethodsForty-eight elite rugby union players (27.0 ± 3.5 years) in Japan were monitored during one season (8 months). The contact load, an index of training load, was evaluated as collision count and collision load measured using a global positioning system device, and then calculated using the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) based on the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA). The association between the EWMA-ACWR of contact load and injury incidence was analyzed using generalized estimating equations.ResultsOf the 58 injuries during one season, 70.7% were contact injuries. Collision counts and collision load calculated by EWMA-ACWR were associated with the risk of injury (p &lt; 0.01 both), with the odds ratios were 4.20 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.74–10.11] and 4.44 (95% CI: 1.95–10.13), respectively.ConclusionContact load calculated using EWMA-ACWR was associated with injury in elite rugby union players.
Synergistic Effect of Metronidazole and Chlorhexidine against Porphyromonas gingivalis Growth: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Lorenzi Claudia , Lio Fabrizio , Mazzetti Vincenzo , Carosi Paolo , Lamelza Stefano , Pistoia Enrico Salvatore , Pica Francesca , Gaziano Roberta 
Published: September 2024

Aim: To evaluate the potential synergistic activity of metronidazole (MTZ) and chlorhexidine (CHX) against Porphyromonas. gingivalis (P. gingivalis) growth. Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility tests of P. gingivalis to MTZ and CHX were performed on in vitro serial 2-fold dilutions of MTZ (from 1 mg/mL to 0.015 mg/mL) and CHX (from 1 mg/mL to 0.03 mg/mL) in thioglycollate medium broth in a 96-well plate. The turbidity of each sample was analyzed by absorbance spectrophotometry at 450 nm wavelengths by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader. The MIC50 (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) were assessed. To investigate the potential synergism between MTZ and CHX, bacterial cells were treated with MTZ or CHX, as described above, either alone or in combination. Results: The MIC50 of MTZ was 0.03 mg/mL while that of CHX ranged from 0.12 to 0.06 mg/mL. MTZ and CHX exerted a significant inhibitory effect on P. gingivalis growth in a dose-dependent manner. MTZ at a low and ineffective concentration of 0.015 mg/mL, associated with a suboptimal concentration of CHX (0.03 mg/mL), exhibited a significant synergistic inhibitory effect on bacterial growth (50% inhibition vs. control) (p < 0.001), and the effect was more remarkable with 0.06 mg/mL CHX (75% inhibition vs. control). Conclusions: CHX and MTZ showed a significant synergistic effect against P. gingivalis growth. A non-effective concentration of MTZ (0.015 mg/mL) combined with suboptimal concentrations of CHX (0.03 mg/mL and 0.06 mg/mL) were related to a 50% growth in the inhibition and 99.99% death of P. gingivalis, respectively. The applicability of the clinical use of these concentrations should be tested in randomized controlled trials.
Novel Food-Based Enrichment Increases Captive Cownose Stingray (Rhinoptera bonasus) Engagement with Enrichment Item
Authors: Harris Mia C. Y. , Frazier Heidi , Mayall Sean , Frey Alexandra D. , Boyle Sarah A. 
Published: September 2024

Environmental enrichment can provide captive animals with stimuli that increase physical and mental activity. We investigated the extent to which a novel enrichment item, defined as enrichment that individuals have never experienced prior to the study, engages captive cownose stingrays (Rhinoptera bonasus). We hypothesized that stingray interactions with the enrichment item are associated with the novelty of the enrichment item (i.e., time since presentation of the enrichment item, number of weeks exposed to the enrichment), the presence of food, and the number of human visitors at the stingray exhibit. The novelty of the enrichment item and the presence of food were most strongly associated with stingray interactions with the enrichment item. Although stingrays engaged with the enrichment throughout a 5-week period, interactions decreased as the amount of time the enrichment item remained in the water increased during a 60 min period and interactions decreased as the weeks progressed. Furthermore, stingrays had increased interactions when food was present inside the enrichment item. The number of human visitors had a weaker association with stingray interactions with the enrichment item, but during the food-based trials, there were increased interactions with the enrichment when more visitors were present. Our findings suggest that variation in enrichment routines (to maintain novelty) and variation in an enrichment item’s use of food may help continue engagement with enrichment items.
Estudo da detecção de traços de composto modelo por espectroscopia SERRS e SERS utilizando nanopartículas de prata e ouro
Authors: Oliveira Arthur Antoniassi Ota de , Koenig Leandro , Batista Aline Domingues , Santana Henrique de 
Published: September 2024

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as melhores condições de amostragem para detecção de traços de composto modelo por meio da técnica Raman, através do emprego de soluções coloidais de prata e ouro. Os espectros de absorção UV-Vis demostraram que o coloide de prata não apresentou perda de propriedades óticas quando diluído em solução aquosa, embora foi verificado um alargamento nas bandas observadas nos espectros após a diluição em solução contendo 0,1 mol L-1 de KCl. Foram realizados experimentos de espectroscopia Raman com o cristal violeta (CV) em diferentes concentrações e soluções, diluído nos coloides de prata. Foi observado que a excitação do espectro Raman próximo à transição eletrônica permitida da molécula causou o efeito Raman ressonante (RR), intensificando o sinal Raman mesmo em baixas concentrações da molécula, que se somou ao efeito SERS ocasionado pelas nanopartículas. Este efeito conjugado foi denominado de Espectroscopia Raman ressonante intensificação por superfície (SERRS). A detecção de traço do CV com o colóide de prata, por SERRS, foi favorecida na presença de KCl, demostrando que a relação entre a intensidade dos espectros Raman e a concentração de CV seguiu um modelo linear, proporcionando uma descrição simplificada da sensibilidade da curva. Entretanto, o coloide de ouro não apresentou mesmo comportamento, porém, viabiliza a detecção de traços do CV a baixas concentrações pelo efeito SERS. Esses experimentos demonstraram a estabilidade do coloide de prata em diferentes diluições e a eficácia da técnica SERRS para a intensificação do sinal Raman em baixas concentrações de CV.
AKTIVITAS ANTIRADIASI KRIM EKSTRAK METANOL BUNGA GUMITIR (TAGETES ERECTA)
Authors: Ekayanti Ni Wayan Sri , Wijaya Putu Austin Widyasari 
Published: September 2024

Radiasi sinar matahari yang tinggi dapat mengaktifkan Reactive Oxygen Species yang berdampak buruk pada kesehatan tubuh dan dapat mempercepat terjadinya proses photoaging. Upaya pencegahan dapat dilakukan dengan penggunaan tabir surya berbahan dasar alami. Bunga gumitir sebagai produk lokal diketahui memiliki aktivitas antioksidan yang memiliki kandungan flavonoid, fenolik dan karotenoid. Kebaruan dalam penelitian ini adalah aktivitas antiradiasi krim ekstrak bunga gumitir dengan konsentrasi yang berbeda. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk menganalisis aktivitas antiradiasi krim ekstrak metanol bunga gumitir. Metode yang digunakan adalah eksperimental dengan rancangan acak kelompok yang terdiri dari 5 kelompok perlakuan dengan konsentrasi ekstrak yang berbeda (0, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%). Sampel diuji dengan metode in vitro dengan spektrofotometer UV-Vis, tiap 5 nm dari panjang gelombang 292,5– 372,5 nm. Hasil menunjukkan krim ekstrak metanol bunga gumitir 40% pada konsentrasi 1000 ppm memiliki nilai SPF dengan kategori perlindungan maksimal. Krim ekstrak bunga gumitir dengan konsentrasi 30% dan 40% memiliki kategori fast tanning terhadap UVB dan total block terhadap UVA. Kesimpulan penelitian ini menunjukkan krim ekstrak metanol bunga gumitir memiliki aktivitas antiradiasi.