bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Xuanfei Formula inhibited RSV infection by normalizing the SREBP2-mediated cholesterol synthesis process
Authors: Qin Huan , Luo Jin , Zhao Nan , Lou Wange , Chen Peng , Wang Huihao , Pan Zishu , Xiong Xiaoli 
Published: May 2024

Background and aimsRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children and the elderly, often progressing to pneumonia and severe sequelae. However, there are currently no feasible and cost-effective interventions with proven efficacy for children, making medications with anti-RSV activity urgently needed. Traditional Chinese medicine has shown promising therapeutic efficacy in alleviating viral infection symptoms. Therefore, we aimed to develop effective strategies for RSV treatment based on traditional Chinese medicine.Methods and resultsThe infection status was assessed in BALB/c mice with or without Xuanfei Formula (XFF) treatment over a one-week period using H&amp;E staining, cytokine assays and RSV titer testing after RSV challenge. Remarkably, on the first day of XFF intervention, both the pro-inflammation cytokine levels in the serum and RSV-N gene copies in the lung of mice were plummeted, compared to the RSV-infected group. This implied that XFF might possess the immune-independent anti-RSV capability. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we employed transcriptome analysis followed by k-means analysis. The reversal effects of XFF against RSV primarily focused on the processes of innate and adaptive immunity. Additionally, we found that XFF administration corrected the disordered fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism processes during RSV infection. Lipidomics profiling indicated consistent cholesterol abundance with transcriptional changes but not fatty acids. Cholesterol synthesis-related genes mRNA levels and cholesterol synthesis intermediates detection supported XFF’s repression upon cholesterol biosynthesis. Aberrantly increased cholesterol production has been reported as necessary for RSV infection. To mimic that, we observed lovastatin treatment inhibited RSV replication and pro-inflammation cytokine expression in vitro. Transcription factor prediction of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in cholesterol synthesis implicated SREBP2. Through network pharmacology, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol were identified as the effective active ingredients within the XFF, with the help of further molecular docking and mass spectrum detection. In vitro experiments demonstrated β-sitosterol and stigmasterol reinforced the bonding between SREBP cleavage-activation protein (SCAP) and insulin-induced gene proteins (INSIGs) to inhibit SREBP2 cleavage maturation and consequent RSV infection.ConclusionXuanfei Formula (XFF) exhibits excellent anti-RSV efficacy by inhibiting SREBP2-mediated cholesterol synthesis to reduce RSV replication and ameliorate inflammation in the lung of infected mice.
Cardiac arrhythmia and epilepsy genetic variants in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Aschner Amir , Keller Anne , Williams Andrew , Whitney Robyn , Cunningham Kris , Hamilton Robert M. , Pollanen Michael , Donner Elizabeth 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionSudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading epilepsy-related cause of death, affecting approximately 1 per 1,000 individuals with epilepsy per year. Genetic variants that affect autonomic function, such as genes associated with cardiac arrhythmias, may predispose people with epilepsy to greater risk of both sudden cardiac death and SUDEP. Advances in next generation sequencing allow for the exploration of gene variants as potential biomarkers.MethodsGenetic testing for the presence of cardiac arrhythmia and epilepsy gene variants was performed via genetic panels in 39 cases of SUDEP identified via autopsy by the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Variants were summarized by in-silico evidence for pathogenicity from 4 algorithms (SIFT, PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, Mutation Taster) and allele frequencies in the general population (GnomAD). A maximum credible population allele frequency of 0.00004 was calculated based on epilepsy prevalence and SUDEP incidence to assess whether a variant was compatible with a pathogenic interpretation.ResultsMedian age at the time of death was 33.3 years (range: 2, 60). Fifty-nine percent (n=23) were male. Gene panels detected 62 unique variants in 45 genes: 19 on the arrhythmia panel and 26 on the epilepsy panel. At least one variant was identified in 28 (72%) of decedents. Missense mutations comprised 57 (92%) of the observed variants. At least three in silico models predicted 12 (46%) cardiac arrhythmia panel missense variants and 20 (65%) epilepsy panel missense variants were pathogenic. Population allele frequencies were &lt;0.00004 for 11 (42%) of the cardiac variants and 10 (32%) of the epilepsy variants. Together, these metrics identified 13 SUDEP variants of interest.DiscussionNearly three-quarters of decedents in this SUDEP cohort carried variants in comprehensive epilepsy or cardiac arrhythmia gene panels, with more than a third having variants in both panels. The proportion of decedents with cardiac variants aligns with recent studies of the disproportionate cardiac burden the epilepsy community faces compared to the general population and suggests a possible cardiac contribution to epilepsy mortality. These results identified 13 priority targets for future functional studies of these genes potential role in sudden death and demonstrates the necessity for further exploration of potential genetic contributions to SUDEP.
The most fundamental and popular literature on functional near-infrared spectroscopy: a bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most cited articles
Authors: Li Jiyang , Li Yang , Huang Maomao , Li Dan , Wan Tenggang , Sun Fuhua , Zeng Qiu , Xu Fangyuan , Wang Jianxiong 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundFunctional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has developed rapidly in recent years, and there are more and more studies on fNIRS. At present, there is no bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most cited articles on fNIRS research.ObjectiveTo identify the top 100 most cited articles on fNIRS and analyze those most fundamental and popular articles through bibliometric research methods.MethodsThe literature on fNIRS of web of science from 1990 to 2023 was searched and the top 100 most cited articles were identified by citations. Use the bibliometrix package in R studio and VOSviewer for data analysis and plotting to obtain the output characteristics and citation status of these 100 most cited articles, and analyze research trends in this field through keywords.ResultsA total of 9,424 articles were retrieved from web of science since 1990. The average citation number of the 100 articles was 457.4 (range from 260 to 1,366). Neuroimage published the most articles (n = 31). Villringer, A. from Leipzig University had the largest number of top 100 papers. Harvard University (n = 22) conducted most cited articles. The United States, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom had most cited articles, respectively. The most common keywords were near-infrared spectroscopy, activation, cerebral-blood-flow, brain, newborn-infants, oxygenation, cortex, fMRI, spectroscopy. The fund sources mostly came from National Institutes of Health Unitd States (NIH) and United States Department of Health Human Services (n = 28).ConclusionNeuroimage was the most popular journal. The top countries, institutions, and authors were the United States, Harvard University, and Villringer, A., respectively. Researchers and institutions from North America and Europe contributed the most. Near-infrared spectroscopy, activation, cerebral-blood-flow, brain, newborn-infants, oxygenation, cortex, fmri, spectroscopy, stimulation, blood-flow, light-propagation, infants, tissue comprise the future research directions and potential topic hotspots for fNIRS.
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation improves Long COVID symptoms in a female cohort: a pilot study
Authors: Zheng Zhong Sheng , Simonian Ninette , Wang Jing , Rosario Emily R. 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundLong COVID, also known as Post-COVID-19 syndrome, is characterized by multisystemic symptoms that persists for weeks to years beyond acute infection. It disproportionately affects women and those with pre-existing anxiety/depression, conditions more prevalent in females. The vagus nerve, with its extensive innervation and regulation of critical bodily functions, has become a focal point for therapeutic interventions. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (t-VNS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive treatment for COVID-19 conditions.MethodsThis pilot study assessed the efficacy of t-VNS in 24 female Long COVID patients (45.8 ± 11.7 years old; 20.2 ± 7.1 months since infection), who underwent a 10-day t-VNS intervention at home (30 min/session, twice a day). Cognition was considered the primary outcome, with anxiety, depression, sleep, fatigue, and smell as secondary outcomes. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up.ResultsSignificant improvements were observed in various cognitive functions, anxiety, depression, and sleep at post-intervention, with benefits remaining or progressing at 1-month follow-up. Improvements in fatigue were delayed, reaching statistical significance at 1-month follow-up compared to baseline. No significant changes were noted in olfactory performance.ConclusionThis pilot study provides preliminary evidence supporting the potential of t-VNS as a therapeutic intervention for female Long COVID patients. The encouraging results justify further rigorous investigation through larger, randomized controlled trials to confirm the efficacy of t-VNS, assess its generalizability to male cohorts, and explore biological markers to inform personalized treatment approaches. Our findings support the allocation of resources to conduct such trials and advance the understanding of t-VNS as a potential treatment for Long COVID.
Predictive value of PD-L1 and TMB for short-term efficacy prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer and construction of prediction models
Authors: Shi Shuling , Wang Yingyi , Wu Jingjing , Zha Boya , Li Peihong , Liu Yukun , Yang Yuchuan , Kong Jinglin , Gao Shibo , Cui Haiyang , Huangfu Linkuan , Sun Xiaocong , Li Zhikai , Liang Tiansong , Zheng Yingjuan , Yang Daoke 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between programmed death ligand 1(PD-L1), tumor mutation burden (TMB) and the short-term efficacy and clinical characteristics of anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor combination chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. The efficacy of the prediction model was evaluated.MethodsA total of 220 NSCLC patients receiving first-line treatment with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor combined with chemotherapy were retrospectively collected. The primary endpoint was short-term efficacy ORR. The correlation between short-term efficacy, PD-L1, TMB, and clinical characteristics using χ2 test or t-test was evaluated. Screen the independent prognostic factors using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and construct a nomogram prediction model using the “rms” package in R software. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate the independent Prognostic factors and the prediction model. Using decision curve analysis (DCA) to verify the superiority of the prediction model.ResultsThe mean values of PD-L1, TMB, neutrophils, lymphocytes, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and albumin were the highest in the ORR group, PD-L1 expression and TMB correlated with epidermal growth factor receptor expression. Multivariate analyses showed that PD-L1, TMB, and neutrophil were independent prognostic factors for ORR. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of the ROC constructed based on these three indicators were 0.7104, 0.7139, and 0.7131, respectively. The AUC value under the ROC of the nomogram model was 0.813. The DCA of the model showed that all three indicators used together to build the prediction model of the net return were higher than those of the single indicator prediction model.ConclusionPD-L1, TMB, and neutrophils are independent prognostic factors for short-term efficacy. The nomogram prediction model constructed using these three indicators can further improve predictive efficacy of ICIs in patients with NSCLC.
Cacao consumption improves passive avoidance memory impairment in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease: the role of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and oxidative stress
Authors: Basir Hamid Shokati , Mirazi Naser , Komaki Alireza , Hosseini Abdolkarim 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes progressive loss of cognitive function and synaptic plasticity, which is the most common form of dementia. The present study was designed to scrutinize the effects of cacao on passive avoidance memory function and to identify the roles of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and oxidative stress in an AD rat model induced by unilateral intracerebroventricular (UICV) injection of amyloid-beta (Aβ).Methods: Oral administration of cacao (500 mg/kg/ day) was given for 2 consecutive months. A memory retention test was conducted 24 h after passive avoidance training was completed. Subsequently, the amplitude of population spike (PS) and slope of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were assessed at hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in perforant pathway–dentate gyrus (PP-DG) synapses. Moreover, total thiol group (TTG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were evaluated in the plasma. Furthermore, compact Aβ plaques were detected in the hippocampal DG by performing Congo red staining.Results: As a result of AD induction, passive avoidance memory was impaired; also, reduced fEPSP slopes, PS amplitudes, and content of TTG, and increase in MDA levels in the rats were observed. In contrast, cacao treatment ameliorated passive avoidance memory impairment, improved hippocampal LTP impairment, modulated oxidative–antioxidative status, and delayed Aβ plaques production in AD rats.Disscussion: Conclusively, cacao alleviates Aβ-induced cognitive deficit, probably by the amelioration of hippocampal LTP impairment, modulation of oxidative–antioxidative status, and inhibition of Aβ plaque accumulation
Empowerment and social inclusion through Para sports: a qualitative study on women with physical impairments in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhumaid Majed M. , Adnan Yuhanis , Said Mohamed A. , Alobaid Maryam A. , Khoo Selina 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundParticipation in sports represents a potent means of empowerment and social inclusion. Nevertheless, women with physical impairments encounter specific challenges in accessing Para sports. The main aim of this study is to present the experiential participation and achievements in sports of women with physical impairments in Saudi Arabia.MethodsTwenty women athletes with physical impairments who engaged in competitive Para sports in Saudi Arabia were interviewed. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed to extract themes elucidating the experiences of women athletes with physical impairments in Para sports.ResultsFour dimensions were identified: (i) Exploring participation in sports; (ii) The positive impact of participation in sports; (iii) obstacles in participation in sport; and (iv) hopes and aspirations to improve participation in Para sports.ConclusionIn Saudi Arabia, participation in Para sports functions as a powerful tool for empowering and socially integrating women with physical impairments. However, these women encounter challenges in accessing sports. Achieving empowerment in Para sports necessitates the establishment of an inclusive ecosystem that celebrates diversity and equality. Collaborative efforts from governments, sports organizations, communities, and individuals are indispensable in creating an environment where women with impairments can flourish in sports.
Screened realities: a Grounded Theory exploration of gaming disorder dynamics among Iranian male adolescents
Authors: Mazaherizadeh Ali , Taherifar Zahra , Farahani Hojjatollah , Hussain Zaheer 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe increasing prevalence of gaming Disorder (GD) among adolescents has become a global concern. Despite the rising number of studies investigating GD, the cultural and socio-economic factors influencing GD with a qualitative approach are scarce. This study aims to explore the underlying factors, processes, and consequences of GD among Iranian male adolescents and contextual factors related to GD within Iran's unique socio-cultural and psychological tapestry.MethodsThe study used a qualitative design based on the Grounded Theory Method (GTM). The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 male adolescents aged 15-18 who Dignasoed according to DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the GTM approach, which involves open, axial, and selective coding.ResultsThe study revealed nine main themes and a core category: (1) interaction seeking, (2) encounter and familiarize with games, (3) games attraction, (4) Socialization, (5) game careerism, (6) dexterity, (7) lack and compensation, (8) physical harm, territorial-cultural barrier, (9) second life, and ''life crafting'' as the core category.DiscussionThe study's findings provide valuable insights into the cultural and socio-economic factors influencing GD among Iranian male adolescents. For example, Iran's economic conditions make adolescents choose gaming as their job and try to earn money in this way, which makes them more dependent on gaming. On the other hand, communities related to games play an essential role in the identity development of adolescents with GD.
Postpartum depression and risk factors among working women one year after delivery in Beijing, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Jian , Zhang Min 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) is the most common mental illness affecting women after childbirth, and working mothers may be faced with unique challenges. This study aimed to examine the depression status among working postpartum women in 1 year of childbirth and explore the relationship between occupational factors and PPD in urban Beijing, China.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 554 postpartum women was conducted among ten community health service centers in six urban districts of Beijing, China. Sociodemographic, occupational, childbirth and postpartum information were collected. Depression status was obtained using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) was assessed in relation to occupational characteristics, and influencing factors were analyzed through logistic regression.ResultsOf the postpartum women, 29.42% met the criteria for depression. PPD prevalence was significantly higher among women employed in commercial enterprises (39.81%). The analysis of influencing factors showed that age, family or personal monthly income, maternity leave, feeding methods, and postpartum care affected the psychological health of occupational women after childbirth.ConclusionPPD prevalence is notably elevated among women employed in commercial enterprises, and specific risk factors contribute to its occurrence. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these risk factors and prevent PPD in this population.
Psychometric properties and cultural adaptation of the Polish Version of the Gay Affirmative Practice Scale
Authors: Karniej Piotr , Dissen Anthony , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Santolalla-Arnedo Iván , Sufrate-Sorzano Teresa , Garrote-Camara Maria Elena , Czapla Michał 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people often face unique medical disparities, including obstacles to accessing adequate and respectful care. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties(internal consistency, reliability, and factor structure) of the Polish-language version of the Gay Affirmative Practice Scale (GAP-PL).MaterialThe study was conducted over a 6-month period in 2023, from February to June, involving 329 medical students and professionals who evaluated the GAP-PL.MethodsBefore testing the psychometric properties of the original Gay Affirmative Practice Scale (GAP), it was translated and adapted from the original English language version into the Polish language. Authors then tested the psychometric properties of the tool on a sample of 329 participants. The internal coherence of the questionnaire was tested with the analysis of verifying factors (Confirmatory Factor Analysis). Cronbach alpha and the discriminatory power index were used as internal consistency measures.ResultsThere were more female than male participants (55.32%). More than 53% of the participants were heterosexual, and the average age of the respondents was ~30 years. The internal consistency of the Polish-language version and its domains was strong with the overall Cronbach's alpha ranges for each subscale domains ranging between 0.936 and 0.949. The McDonald's omega coefficient was 0.963.ConclusionThe GAP-PL has excellent properties of factorial validity and can be used in research and clinical practice in Polish-speaking populations.
Influence of physical exercise on negative emotions in college students: chain mediating role of sleep quality and self-rated health
Authors: Mu Fan-zheng , Liu Jun , Lou Hu , Zhu Wei-dong , Wang Zhen-cheng , Li Bo 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundNegative emotions in college students are a significant factor affecting mental health, with suicide behaviors caused by negative emotions showing an annual increasing trend. Existing studies suggest that physical exercise is essential to alleviate negative feelings, yet the intrinsic mechanisms by which it affects negative emotions have not been fully revealed.ObjectiveNegative emotions in college students represent a significant issue affecting mental health. This study investigates the relationship between physical exercise and negative emotions among college students, incorporating sleep quality and self-rated health (SRH) as mediators to analyze the pathway mechanism of how physical exercise affects students’ negative emotions.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was utilized, employing online questionnaires for investigation. The scales included the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 (PARS-3), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), resulting in the collection of 30,475 valid questionnaires, with a validity rate of 91%. Chain mediation tests and Bootstrap methods were applied for effect analysis.ResultsThe proportions of university students engaged in low, medium, and high levels of physical exercise were 77.6, 13.1, and 9.3%, respectively. The proportions of students experiencing “very severe” levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were 4.5, 10.9, and 3.6%, respectively. Physical exercise was significantly positively correlated with self-rated health (r = 0.194, p &lt; 0.01), significantly negatively correlated with sleep quality (r = −0.035, p &lt; 0.01), and significantly negatively correlated with stress, anxiety, and depression (r = −0.03, p &lt; 0.01; r = −0.058, p &lt; 0.01; r = −0.055, p &lt; 0.01). Sleep quality was significantly negatively correlated with self-rated health (r = −0.242, p &lt; 0.01). Mediation effect testing indicated that sleep quality and self-rated health partially mediated the relationship between physical exercise and negative emotions, with total effect, total direct effect, and total indirect effect values of −1.702, −0.426, and − 1.277, respectively.ConclusionCollege students primarily engage in low-intensity physical activity. Sleep quality and self-rated health mediate the impact of physical exercise on students’ negative emotions. A certain level of physical activity can directly affect students’ emotional states and indirectly influence their negative emotions via sleep and self-rated health. Regular engagement in physical activities primarily positively impacts emotional states by enhancing mood stability and overall emotional resilience.