bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive suppression of the human nucleus accumbens (NAc) with transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) modulates the reward network: a pilot study
Authors: Peng Xiaolong , Connolly Dillon J. , Sutton Falon , Robinson John , Baker-Vogel Brenna , Short Edward B. , Badran Bashar W. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a key node of the brain reward circuit driving reward-related behavior. Dysregulation of NAc has been demonstrated to contribute to pathological markers of addiction in substance use disorder (SUD) making it a potential therapeutic target for brain stimulation. Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is an emerging non-invasive brain stimulation approach that can modulate deep brain regions with a high spatial resolution. However, there is currently no evidence showing how the brain activity of NAc and brain functional connectivity within the reward network neuromodulated by tFUS on the NAc.MethodsIn this pilot study, we carried out a single-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the underlying mechanism of tFUS neuromodulating the reward network through NAc in ten healthy adults. Specifically, the experiment consists of a 20-min concurrent tFUS/fMRI scan and two 24-min resting-state fMRI before and after the tFUS session.ResultsFirstly, our results demonstrated the feasibility and safety of 20-min tFUS on NAc. Additionally, our findings demonstrated that bilateral NAc was inhibited during tFUS on the left NAc compared to sham. Lastly, increased functional connectivity between the NAc and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was observed after tFUS on the left NAc, but no changes for the sham group.ConclusionDelivering tFUS to the NAc can modulate brain activations and functional connectivity within the reward network. These preliminary findings suggest that tFUS could be potentially a promising neuromodulation tool for the direct and non-invasive management of the NAc and shed new light on the treatment for SUD and other brain diseases that involve reward processing.
Characterization of the neural circuitry of the auditory thalamic reticular nucleus and its potential role in salicylate-induced tinnitus
Authors: Dai Qian , Qu Tong , Shen Guoming , Wang Haitao 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionSubjective tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external acoustic source, is often subsequent to noise-induced hearing loss or ototoxic medications. The condition is believed to result from neuroplastic alterations in the auditory centers, characterized by heightened spontaneous neural activities and increased synchrony due to an imbalance between excitation and inhibition. However, the role of the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), a structure composed exclusively of GABAergic neurons involved in thalamocortical oscillations, in the pathogenesis of tinnitus remains largely unexplored.MethodsWe induced tinnitus in mice using sodium salicylate and assessed tinnitus-like behaviors using the Gap Pre-Pulse Inhibition of the Acoustic Startle (GPIAS) paradigm. We utilized combined viral tracing techniques to identify the neural circuitry involved and employed immunofluorescence and confocal imaging to determine cell types and activated neurons.ResultsSalicylate-treated mice exhibited tinnitus-like behaviors. Our tracing clearly delineated the inputs and outputs of the auditory-specific TRN. We discovered that chemogenetic activation of the auditory TRN significantly reduced the salicylate-evoked rise in c-Fos expression in the auditory cortex.DiscussionThis finding posits the TRN as a potential modulatory target for tinnitus treatment. Furthermore, the mapped sensory inputs to the auditory TRN suggest possibilities for employing optogenetic or sensory stimulations to manipulate thalamocortical activities. The precise mapping of the auditory TRN-mediated neural pathways offers a promising avenue for designing targeted interventions to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
The neuroimmune pathway of high-altitude adaptation: influence of erythrocytes on attention networks through inflammation and the autonomic nervous system
Authors: Wang Nian-Nian , Yu Si-Fang , Dang Peng , Su Rui , Li Hao , Ma Hai-Lin , Liu Ming , Zhang De-Long 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionMany studies have shown that the functional adaptation of immigrants to high-altitude is closely related to oxygen transport, inflammatory response and autonomic nervous system. However, it remains unclear how human attention changes in response to hypoxia-induced neurophysiological activity during high-altitude exposure.MethodsIn the present study, we analyzed the relationship between hypoxic-induced neurophysiological responses and attention networks in 116 immigrants (3,680 m) using an attention network test to simultaneously record electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram in combination with specific routine blood markers.ResultsOur analysis revealed that red blood cells exert an indirect influence on the three attention networks, mediated through inflammatory processes and heart rate variability.DiscussionThe present study provides experimental evidence for the role of a neuroimmune pathway in determining human attention performance at high- altitude. Our findings have implications for understanding the complex interactions between physiological and neurocognitive processes in immigrants adapting to hypoxic environments.
The effect of electromyographic feedback functional electrical stimulation on the plantar pressure in stroke patients with foot drop
Authors: Li Xiaoting , Li Hanting , Liu Yu , Liang Weidi , Zhang Lixin , Zhou Fenghua , Zhang Zhiqiang , Yuan Xiangnan 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to observe, using Footscan analysis, the effect of electromyographic feedback functional electrical stimulation (FES) on the changes in the plantar pressure of drop foot patients.MethodsThis case–control study enrolled 34 stroke patients with foot drop. There were 17 cases received FES for 20 min per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks (the FES group) and the other 17 cases only received basic rehabilitations (the control group). Before and after 4 weeks, the walking speed, spatiotemporal parameters and plantar pressure were measured.ResultsAfter 4 weeks treatments, Both the FES and control groups had increased walking speed and single stance phase percentage, decreased step length symmetry index (SI), double stance phase percentage and start time of the heel after 4 weeks (p &lt; 0.05). The increase in walking speed and decrease in step length SI in the FES group were more significant than the control group after 4 weeks (p &lt; 0.05). The FES group had an increased initial contact phase, decreased SI of the maximal force (Max F) and impulse in the medial heel after 4 weeks (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe advantages of FES were: the improvement of gait speed, step length SI, and the enhancement of propulsion force were more significant. The initial contact phase was closer to the normal range, which implies that the control of ankle dorsiflexion was improved. The plantar dynamic parameters between the two sides of the foot were more balanced than the control group. FES is more effective than basic rehabilitations for stroke patients with foot drop based on current spatiotemporal parameters and plantar pressure results.
Progress and hotspot of diet or exercise therapy in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Shi Xinyu , Xiong Yalan , Song Hualing , Rong Fen , Tang Nan , Zhu Leping , Li Shenyu , Wang Jianying , Zhang Lei , You Shengfu , Ji Guang , Liu Baocheng , Wu Na 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe primary treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is modifying lifestyle through dietary or exercise interventions. In recent decades, it has received increasing attention. However, the lack of bibliometric analysis has posed a challenge for researchers seeking to understand the overall trends in this field.MethodsAs of February 3rd, 2024, 876 articles on treating NAFLD through diet or exercise therapy from 2013 to 2023 had been retrieved. Two software tools, VOSviewer and CiteSpace, were utilized to analyze the growth of publications, countries, institutions, authors, journals, citations, and keywords. Additionally, the keywords with strong citation burstiness were identified to determine the changes and future trends of research hotspots in this field.ResultsChina had the highest number of articles, followed by the United States and South Korea. Yonsei University and Nutrients were the institutions and journals with the most significant contributions. Professor Younossi Zobair M, from the United States, is the most prolific author in this field. Through analyzing the keywords, three research hotspots were identified: research on the pathogenesis of NAFLD, research on the treatment modalities of NAFLD, and research on the risk factors and diagnosis methods of NAFLD. In recent years, the research emphasis in this field has changed, suggesting that future research will focus on two frontier keywords: “oxidative stress” and “aerobic capacity.”ConclusionIn the past eleven years, the attention in this field was still rising, and the authors, journals, countries and so on had formed a considerable cooperative relationship. There were also many highly influential and productive researchers in this field. It is speculated that new research will continue around “aerobic exercise” and “oxidative stress” in the future.
Comparison of nutritional, bioactive potential and antioxidant properties of Saba senegalensis fruit pulps from five regions of Burkina Faso
Authors: Tiendrebeogo Salamata , Compaoré Clarisse Sidbewendé , Barry Raymond Poussian , Oboulbiga Edwige Bahanla , Hama Dicko Mamoudou 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe fruit of Saba senegalensis plays an important role in household nutrition. It is an important source of sweet carbohydrates, minerals, vitamin C, provitamin A and has many biological properties. It is also of economical importance and employment for rural populations, through the processing of fruit. Unfortunately, the lack of exhaustive data on the composition and properties of the fruit and its derivatives limits processing and marketing. The species is widespread in different climatic zones.MethodsTherefore, its composition and biological properties may vary, offering a variety of processing products to meet the specific nutritional needs. This study aimed to characterize the bioactive potential and antioxidant properties of fruit pulps of S. senegalensis in order to increase its value-added processing. Pulp samples of fruits were sampled from five regions of Burkina Faso, namely the Cascades, Sud-Ouest, Boucle du Mouhoun, Nord and Centre-Sud regions.Results and DiscussionQualitative analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and steroids, anthocyanins and tannins. Quantitative analyses showed a significant variation in phenolics, tannins, lycopene, vitamin C, β-carotene and antioxidant activity among samples. However, this variation was not region-dependent. Indeed, some fruits from same region showed both the highest and lowest values for the assessed parameters. Fruits from regions of Centre-Sud and Sud-Ouest and displayed the highest and lowest levels of total phenolics (877.48 and 1142.33 mg GAE/100 g) and tannins (42.38 and 55.64 mg TAE/100 g), respectively. The high potential of S. senegalensis fruits pulp in nutritional and bioactive compounds, and antioxidant properties recorded in this study suggests that they can be used as a dietary supplement or in the formulation of energy foods and nutraceutical containing foods.
The agreement of low lean mass with obesity using different definitions and its correlation with hyperuricemia
Authors: Xiao Huan , Hu Longxiangfeng , Xie Mengyu , Du Yunfei , Liao Dan 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe agreement on the identification of sarcopenic obesity remains elusive, and its association with hyperuricemia remains unestablished. This study sought to evaluate the agreement of low lean mass (LLM) with obesity and its correlation with hyperuricemia.MethodsA total of 25,252 study participants, comprising 4,597 individuals with hyperuricemia, were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning the years 1999–2006 and 2011–2018. LLM with obesity was characterized by the coexistence of LLM, determined by the ratio of appendicular lean mass to body mass index (BMI), and three categories of obesity including BMI, body fat percentage (BF%), and waist circumference (WC). We employed Cohen’s kappa to evaluate the agreement among the different diagnostic criteria and implemented survey multiple logistic regression and stratified analyses to explicate the connection between LLM with obesity and the risk of hyperuricemia.ResultsWhen defining obesity using BF%, BMI, and WC, the prevalence of LLM with obesity varied from 6.6 to 10.1%, with moderate-to-strong agreement. In the fully adjusted model, individuals with LLM or any of the three types of obesity exhibited notably elevated odds of developing hyperuricemia. Likewise, participants with LLM and obesity had 2.70 (LLM + BMI), 2.44 (LLM + BF%), and 3.12 (LLM + WC) times the risk of hyperuricemia, respectively, compared with healthy individuals. The association between LLM with obesity and hyperuricemia remained stable and significant across different age and sex subgroups.ConclusionWhen employing the three definitions of obesity, the incidence of LLM with obesity was not high, and the diagnostic agreement was relatively good. The participants with LLM and obesity exhibited an increased risk of hyperuricemia.
Potential antidepressant effects of Traditional Chinese botanical drug formula Chaihu-Shugan-San and its active ingredients
Authors: Guo Ziyi , Long Tianjian , Yao Jianping , Li Yamin , Xiao Lu , Chen Min 
Published: April 2024

Background: Depression is a severe mental disorder that poses a significant threat to both the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals. Currently, there are various methods for treating depression, including traditional Chinese herbal formulations like Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS), which have shown effective antidepressant effects in both clinical and animal research.Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of evidence related to CSS, considering both preclinical and clinical studies, to uncover its potential multi-level, multi-pathway, and multi-target mechanisms for treating depression and identify its active ingredients.Methods: A thorough search was conducted in electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Wanfang, using keywords such as “Chaihu Shugan” and “depression” to retrieve relevant literature on CSS and its active ingredients. The review process adhered to the PRISMA guidelines.Results: This review consolidates the mechanisms underlying antidepressant effects of CSS and its active ingredients. It emphasizes its involvement in the regulation of monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems, synaptic plasticity, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, among other aspects.Conclusion: CSS exerts a pivotal role in treating depression through various pathways, including the monoaminergic neurotransmitter system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, synaptic plasticity, inflammation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and the brain-gut axis. This review facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the current state of CSS research, fostering an in-depth exploration of the etiological mechanisms of depression and the potential discovery of novel antidepressant drugs.
In vitro and split-faced placebo-controlled in vivo study on the skin rejuvenating effects of cream loaded with bioactive extract of Indigofera argentea Burm.f
Authors: Arshad Tahreem , Shoaib Khan Haji Muhammad , Khan Kashif-ur-Rehman , Al-Roujayee Abdulaziz S. , Mohany Mohamed , Ahmad Maqsood , Maryam Sana , Akram Muhammad Bilal , Shaukat Hasnain , Khursheed Umair , Aboul-Soud Mourad A. M. 
Published: April 2024

The bioactive extracts of traditional medicinal plants are rich in polyphenols and help to rejuvenate skin. The study was designed to assess the skin rejuvenating effects of a stable cream enriched with 4% I. argentea (IaMe) extract. The quantity of polyphenols by spectrophotometric methods was TPC, 101.55 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content; 77.14 ± 0.13 mg QE/g, while HPLC-PDA revealed gallic acid; 4.91, chlorogenic acid 48.12, p-coumaric acid 0.43, and rutin 14.23 μg/g. The significant results of biological activities were observed as DPPH; 81.81% ± 0.05%, tyrosinase; 72% ± 0.23% compared to ascorbic acid (92.43% ± 0.03%), and kojic acid (78.80% ± 0.19%) respectively. Moreover, the promising sun protection effects Sun protection factor of extract (20.53) and formulation (10.59) were observed. The active cream formulation (w/o emulsion) was developed with liquid paraffin, beeswax, IaMe extract, and ABIL EM 90, which was stable for 90 days as shown by various stability parameters. The rheological results demonstrated the active formulation’s non-Newtonian and pseudo-plastic characteristics and nearly spherical globules by SEM. The IaMe loaded cream was further investigated on human trial subjects for skin rejuvenating effects and visualized in 3D skin images. Herein, the results were significant compared to placebo. IaMe formulation causes a substantial drop in skin melanin from −1.70% (2 weeks) to −10.8% (12 weeks). Furthermore, it showed a significant increase in skin moisture and elasticity index from 7.7% to 39.15% and 2%–30%, respectively. According to the findings, Indigofera argentea extract has promising bioactivities and skin rejuvenating properties, rationalizing the traditional use and encouraging its exploitation for effective and economical cosmeceuticals.
Self-employed and stressed out? The impact of stress and stress management on entrepreneurs’ mental health and performance
Authors: Kiefl Sophia , Fischer Sophie , Schmitt Jan 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionEntrepreneurs play a central role in economic and social stability, yet the start-up rate in Germany has declined in recent years, possibly due to the stress associated with entrepreneurial endeavors. Stressors such as financial uncertainty and time pressure are prevalent among entrepreneurs and negatively affect their psychological well-being. However, research on stress management strategies among self-employed individuals remains limited.MethodsThis pilot study conducted a quantitative analysis with 117 self-employed participants in Germany. The study focused on typical entrepreneurial work demands and selected stress coping mechanisms.ResultsThe analysis revealed a significant correlation between quantitative demands and mental exhaustion. Furthermore, a high positive correlation between presenteeism and workload suggests that presenteeism may partially explain the variance in workload. These findings underscore how high job demands can lead to self-endangering behaviors that are detrimental to mental health.DiscussionAlthough no significant moderating effect of proactive coping on the relationship between job demands and mental exhaustion was observed, significant negative correlations between proactive coping and both job demands and mental exhaustion suggest a potential protective role of proactive coping against work-related stress. This study highlights the importance of understanding stress coping strategies among self-employed individuals and their impact on entrepreneurial success and mental well-being. Further research in this area is warranted to develop effective interventions to support the well-being and productivity of self-employed individuals in Germany.
On the complex relationship between resilience and hair cortisol levels in adolescence despite parental physical abuse: a fourth wave of resilience research
Authors: Kassis Wassilis , Aksoy Dilan , Favre Céline Anne , Arnold Julia , Gaugler Stefan , Grafinger Katharina Elisabeth , Artz Sibylle , Magnuson Doug 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionTo understand the family’s role in adolescents’ mental health development and the connection to neurodevelopmental disorders related to experienced parental physical abuse, we first explored resilience pathways longitudinally and secondly, connected the identified patterns to adolescents’ hair cortisol levels that are rooted in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis as the main stress response system and connected brain structure alterations.MethodsWe analyzed longitudinal online questionnaire data for three consecutive high school years (from seventh to ninth grade) and four survey waves from a representative sample of n = 1609 high school students in Switzerland on violence–resilience pathways. Furthermore, we collected students’ hair samples from a subsample of n = 229 at survey wave 4. About 30% of the participating adolescents had been physically abused by their parents. Out of the overall sample, we drew a subsample of adolescents with parental abuse experiences (survey wave 1 n = 509; survey wave 2 n = 506; survey wave 3 n = 561; survey wave 4 n = 560).ResultsDespite the odds, about 20–30% of adolescents who have experienced parental physical abuse escaped the family violence cycle and can be called resilient. By applying a person-oriented analytical approach via latent class and transition analysis, we longitudinally identified and compared four distinct violence–resilience patterns. We identified violence resilience as a multidimensional latent construct, which includes hedonic and eudaimonic protective and risk indicators. Because resilience should not solely be operationalized based on the lack of psychopathology, our latent construct included both feeling good (hedonic indicators such as high levels of self-esteem and low levels of depression/anxiety and dissociation) and doing well (eudaimonic indicators such as high levels of self-determination and self-efficacy as well as low levels of aggression toward peers).DiscussionThe present study confirmed that higher cortisol levels significantly relate to the comorbid pattern (internalizing and externalizing symptoms), and further confirmed the presence of lasting alterations in brain structures. In this way, we corroborated the insight that when studying the resilience pathways and trajectories of abused adolescents, biological markers such as hair cortisol significantly enhance and deepen the understanding of the longitudinal mechanisms of psychological markers (e.g., self-determination, self-esteem, self-efficacy) that are commonly applied in questionnaires.